Stories - Page 91 of 93 - The Christian Heart

How Everyday People Live Out Their Christian Faith

Illustrating how men and women display their love for Jesus in their day-to-day lives.
Little things that may have an eternal impact. Might these stories motivate you to use your talents?

Adoption/Foster Care Children
ADOPTING ONE OF GOD’S CHILDREN

The Lord has placed orphans on my heart since I was a little girl. I remember worrying about children my age who didn't have families to love them or food to fill their stomachs. It bothered me, and the compassion towards orphans and people from low income families has continued to grow in my heart in astounding ways. My husband, Matt, has been passionate about orphan care since our first year of marriage. God worked powerfully in the church we attended that year by leading ordinary sinners like us to take care of orphans, widows, and underprivileged people of all ages. The hurt on their faces and the hopelessness they faced was like something we had never seen or experienced before. That stuck. We won't forget it, nor do we want to forget it. Jesus calls us to take care of orphans, widows, and the poor. It is hard to know what that looks like sometimes when most people are busy working full time, raising kids, balancing activities, and trying to keep heads above water. But we only live on this Earth once, and there are so many people out there who need God's love. All of these facts and feelings led us to our decision to adopt a baby. We felt like the Lord was shouting from the rooftops when He answered our prayers of what to do about beginning a family. It was more than obvious to us that He was directing us down this path, and there was no turning back, and we are so very thankful for… Read More

December 19, 2016
Children Mentoring
BUILDING THEIR SELF ESTEEM

I volunteer for a youth development program that helps girls of all backgrounds build self esteem, learn how to encourage others, combat bullying, and make healthy choices---all while training to run a 5K. As a pediatric ICU nurse, I'm around kids who can't go outside and play games or practice for a 5K. Being involved in this program allows me to be a part of young girls' lives as they learn and grow as a team, build lasting friendships and work with each other to achieve the day's goals. At the end of the season, the girls aren't the same as when they started. They're good friends and better equipped to deal with "ups and downs" of life. They see themselves and others in a more positive light. And as an added bonus, they're healthier too! Getting to be a part of this growth, watching them form friendships, and listening to them build each other up is such a blessing. I thank God for this program and pray for these girls daily.

December 12, 2016
Special Needs
GOLFING WITH MY FRIEND

I love to play golf. I've played the game for 30+ years. I even play in a number of charity events, because it's a way for me to give back since I've been blessed in my life. So earlier this year when my friend Bob had a stroke that affected his vision and was unable to drive, I told him I would come by, pick him up and we'd go play. We'd been playing together for several months before he had his stroke. He was reluctant to go because he didn't think he could play well due to his sight. But I thought he needed to get back out there to help his recovery and well-being. Besides, I enjoyed playing with him. So, we went to play and I would help him line up his shots since he couldn't see the ball to his left. He did just great! I think it helped him get better, and we've gone several times since then. It has given me a chance to help somebody I've always enjoyed being around, and who has taught me a lot about serving Christ every day.

November 29, 2016
Prison Ministry
REACHING OUT TO MEN IN PRISON

In 2002, I went to a ministry fair at my church and stopped by a table marked "Prison Ministry". It sounded a little intimidating but intriguing, so I accompanied a group of church members the next week to a prison. Rick, our leader, gave a message; then we sat and simply talked to the guys. I was touched by how much this meant to these men, to see people who had not given up on them. It really moved me. After going a couple times, I wondered why they didn't have any live music. Rick said: "We don't have anyone that can play any instruments!" I told him I could play the guitar so I was nominated to be the worship leader. I have found my calling. I lead everyone in two or three songs each week, and talk a little bit between songs. I try to offer them hope. You really get to form a bond with the guys there. I've been going for 14 years now, sometimes a couple times a week. Some guys may never get out of prison, but some are freer than we are because they have a relationship with Jesus. I don't have a lot of money and I'm not talented in a lot of things, but this is something I can do. And shouldn't we all be giving what we can?

November 21, 2016
Children Labor Special Needs
HELPING THOSE CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

It is intriguing how the Lord will use one person or event to change the course of our lives. A year and a half ago, I heard Joni Erickson Tada speak at church. After listening to her, my daughter and I volunteered as camp counselors at the Joni and Friends Family Retreat. I was so moved that I now volunteer in our church's ministry that serves people and families who are touched by disability. But I also learned about a ministry called Unless U, which serves adults with developmental disabilities and their families through continuing education and by promoting life skills, social skills, and independence. The Lord led me to begin volunteering at Unless U in June and I love it. I help students with various activities such as reading, writing, math, and social skills. Each week, I am blessed by the amazing students at Unless U. Through them, I have learned so much about God because I see His image reflected in these students. As I work with them, I continue to see His compassion, kindness, and mercy in the way they treat one another and others. Their beautiful, simple faith has taught me much about my own lack of faith. All in all, I have the privilege to see a glimpse of God's glory displayed in the hearts, attitudes, and interactions of my friends at Unless U. It is beautiful to see.

November 14, 2016
Children Mentoring
BEING THERE FOR THESE BOYS

Together, we volunteer with a boy's 8th grade class at an inner city school. We've been going there every other week for three years. We know the value of a male in a young man's life. And so many of these young men don't have fathers that are very active. If you don't have an interested dad, then there will always be something missing. It's important for them to have role models that might be different than what they see in their everyday world. We invest in these kids. We care about each one individually and take time to hear whatever they want to talk about. So many kids today don't have people they can trust. We as a society are not great at keeping our commitments. So we committed to stay with these boys until they graduate high school. If we honor that commitment, maybe it will show them something different that can make an impact for the rest of their lives. Jesus taught us that we are supposed to be connected to people. We are to love and to help people. Be givers, not just takers. So we give where we can. We all need to extend ourselves. The time we spend with these boys is very small in the grand scheme. It's not a hardship on us. In fact, it's one huge blessing in our lives.

November 7, 2016

Browse all categories

Adoption/Foster Care 39

Church Activities 62

Financial Help 18

Loss Of Loved One 51

Loving Your Neighbor 78

Mission Work 53

Overcoming Obstacles 142

Prison Ministry 13

Senior Citizens 24

Special Needs 50

Unique Ministries 186

Verbalizing the Gospel 84

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