Stories - Page 38 of 82 - 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?

Church Activities Labor Unique Ministries Verbalizing the Gospel
THE MOBILE SANCTUARY

I wanted to be the pastor of a church, but I ended up being an Uber and Lyft driver. Yet I wouldn’t change a thing. I now truly believe I’m just pastoring a very different kind of church and this is exactly where God wants me. I always dreamed of having my own church plant and I prepared for it. As an undergraduate student, I majored in the Bible with a minor in Christian Education. I then went on to get a Master’s degree in Biblical studies. But when I graduated, my dreams did not materialize. The church plant didn’t work out. To make ends meet, I started driving for Uber and Lyft. I could have felt sorry for myself, but felt God was calling me to love every single person that got in my car. So I just tried to display the goodness of God to my riders. Every day, I felt challenged to plant seeds for the Lord with each rider. When I pick up someone, I start with general conversation. As we talk, I can feel the Holy Spirit giving me something to ask that person. And usually, the floodgates open. There are a lot of broken people in the world, and so many just need a safe place to talk. I’ve given rides to alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, atheists, sick people, people with broken marriages, you name it. I’ve bought people meals to help them feel loved, cleaned them up after they passed out and had hour-long discussions after we reach their destination. I try to really listen to them… Read More

November 9, 2020
Children Loss Of Loved One Senior Citizens Unique Ministries
ANGEL WINGS OF LOVE

I lost my baby girl when she was just three days old. I think about her every day and I have for 44 years. When it happened, there weren't a lot of people I could reach out to, and hospitals weren't really equipped to help you deal with the grief and how to say goodbye. I relied on my Christian faith to get me through those very difficult days. Unfortunately, this kind of heartbreak happens a lot more frequently than people realize. So about six years ago, I wanted to do something for parents that were experiencing this pain. To help them in any small way to make parting with their baby just a little less painful. So I started taking donated wedding dresses, cutting them up and making gowns for infants that pass away prematurely or right after birth. It's something beautiful to put on the child for his or her burial. I did it for a friend that lost a child. And then another. There were a number of friends that heard about what I was doing, word started to spread and a couple friends joined me. People began donating their wedding dresses to us, and we made quite a few of these infant gowns. We packaged them in a nice box and included a crochet blanket, a hat, booties and a vest for baby boys. We also put a Mommy and Me bracelet set in each box along with a scripture verse and prayer card. We formed relationships with hospitals and funeral homes, and gave them a supply so they would… Read More

November 2, 2020
Labor Unique Ministries Verbalizing the Gospel
NATION’S BOUTIQUE

I was at the funeral for a two-year-old child of a dear friend. The child's father preached an amazing eulogy, and said 93% of Christians never share their faith. I was so moved. That's when I prayed and asked God to show me a way to make an impact for His Kingdom. I felt God leading me to start a line of women's clothing that I designed, manufactured and sold out of my home. I wanted these clothes to be different and meaningful, so I put a label in these clothes with a message that had resonated with me for several years: "He will never leave you or forsake you." The clothing line started to really take off and it became too consuming; it was hard to find a balance between my personal and business life. So I ended up taking a break. After a while, I kept getting nudged by God to return but to do it differently. I could see His hands in opening up an opportunity for me to find a small warehouse where I sold the women's clothing items and accessories, and eventually a retail store called Nation's Boutique. The word Nation's comes from Matthew 28:11 where Jesus says for us to make disciples of all nations. Placing God's Word in each of our clothes is our way of doing this. The theme in our store is "Do Beautiful." I want women to know they are beautiful and made in His image. Women sometimes think it's the clothes that make them beautiful. But it's your inner… Read More

October 27, 2020
Homeless Labor Unique Ministries
THE STREETS OF HOPE

For several years, I battled an eating disorder that consumed my days. I was dieting or binging, and always hating who I was. One day, I promised a friend that I would come and serve the homeless with her, since I've always had a desire to help the homeless. Instead of going with her, I went to the beach, crying and feeling sorry for myself. I texted her to let her know I could not make it because of how sad I was. She replied, “Come down here and shine the light that God has placed inside you.” I consented. On the way down, I hated who I was and believed I had nothing to offer to anyone on those streets. However, when I arrived, everything shifted. I loved being there. I had a moment when I decided to dedicate my time there every week. After a few months, I felt God telling me to use my gift of cutting hair to bless those on the streets. So we built a haircutting ministry that services the homeless each month. We also started hosting events where we would have people using their gifts in cooking, chiropractic, massages, and much more to bless the homeless. Then I felt Him say bless the children, so we began a birthday ministry for the kids on the streets to celebrate them. We let them know that they are seen and loved, even when their parents could not afford to celebrate. Last year, I was voted as President of the organization to one day build… Read More

October 19, 2020
Labor Mission Work Special Needs Unique Ministries
GRACE CERAMICS

I’ve been hand throwing pottery for nine years, beginning in high school. It has always come naturally to me and is a meditative, sweet time for me to quietly sit and talk to God. Being behind the pottery wheel, throwing clay, is one of my favorite steps in the entire process of making a mug or bowl. I love watching the dramatic change it goes through in just a few minutes. I’m reminded of Isaiah 64:8, which says, “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Just as God molds us into His people, He can transform our lives, passions, and jobs into something for His glory. So is the case for Grace Ceramics. I was selling my pottery at farmer’s markets, breweries, and coffee shops. However, instead of just profiting off my ceramics, I wanted my business to have a larger purpose. So I teamed up with a friend who was preparing to go on a mission trip around the world but needed financial help. I made dozens of beautiful, unique mugs with the world engraved on them. For every piece of pottery that I sold, 50% of the proceeds went toward my friend’s mission fund. I was able to raise almost $500 for her! Months later, another friend was raising money for a mission trip. I did the same thing and helped her reach her financial goal. It’s incredible using a talent of mine to support others! Each mug, bowl, and planter that I… Read More

October 14, 2020
Church Activities
SERVING ANY WAY I CAN

I am a transplant patient. So there are many days I feel weak or tired. This could give me a great excuse not to do much, but God has been too good for me to sit still! I absolutely love my church and I dedicate so much of my time to helping wherever there is a need. You might call me a “Jill Of All Trades.” There is so much to be done to spread the love of God! I help organize rummage sales, give tours of the daycare, greet visitors to our church, pray with people at the altar and cook for church dinners. I love to volunteer because God has placed it on my heart to serve. Every ministry I am a part of yields fruit because God is in it. I do not want to be in the spotlight; rather I want God to be glorified through me. I wasn’t always a good person. I come from the world of drugs and alcohol. I was very much a part of the “party scene.” But God delivered me out of a dark place. I give Him all the glory and honor. I try to show as many people as possible the hope that I have found in Jesus. Sometimes when I give a tour of the church daycare, I feel the urge to pray with people. The presence of the Lord can sweep in and touch anyone, anywhere at any time. I thank God that He has used me in many ways to help bring people into the… Read More

October 5, 2020

Browse all categories

Adoption/Foster Care 38

Church Activities 60

Financial Help 18

Loss Of Loved One 38

Loving Your Neighbor 67

Mission Work 52

Overcoming Obstacles 116

Prison Ministry 12

Senior Citizens 22

Special Needs 47

Unique Ministries 166

Verbalizing the Gospel 76

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