Stories - Page 49 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?

Children Labor Special Needs
THE GREATEST GIFT TO MY CHILDREN

If you would have told me ten years ago this is what my life would be, I would never have believed you. As a mother of five with two special needs children, I have experienced the joys and heart breaks motherhood brings. I've had my ups and downs, my supermom moments, and the times I would consider a failure. Through it all, I have learned to depend completely on the Lord day by day to fulfill the ministry He has called me to in this season of motherhood. I have always wanted to be in ministry, specifically ministering to youth. As I watched my husband, who works as a full-time pastor, I often wondered when my chance would come. But years ago, the Lord put a strong revelation in my heart that I am doing the most important ministry that I will ever have in raising my children. I am committed to bringing up followers of Christ who are going to impact this world for the Kingdom of God. Jesus had 12 disciples, I have five! If I can raise our children to be strong lovers of Jesus, it will be the greatest contribution I can make to the Great Commission. My ministry with my children isn't a glamorous one. There are some days that I don't think I can kiss another boo boo, listen to another pointless scream or endure another temper tantrum. But having a dependence on the Lord in everything I do carries me through those challenging moments. By the grace of God, I can fulfill my ministry in washing… Read More

June 10, 2019
Labor Verbalizing the Gospel
LISTENING TO THE LORD’S VOICE

As a Walmart employee for 26 years, I have been following the calling of the Lord to serve people whom He puts in my path. He has led me to minister a word from the Lord or pray for a countless number of people over the years. The Lord warned me from the beginning, 'Not everyone will receive you but there will be many that will because of your soft spoken voice.' One day, the Lord told me to speak to Jeff, a young man about 21, who was a cart pusher. I was nervous and told the Lord, 'but I don't know him.' After the Lord continued to press upon me to do this, I finally submitted and told the Lord that I would, but that it needed to be in private without a lot of people around. Later that day, when I went into the break room, Jeff was there alone. I first asked him how he was doing. Then I proceeded to tell him: "God told me to tell you how much He loves you, that He has a plan for your life, and that you won't always be alone." He responded in amazement: "Are you psychic?" "No, I'm a Christian and the Holy Spirit lives in me. He told me to tell you these things." "Nobody has ever said that to me before." A few weeks later, I ran into Jeff again. He was excited and told me: "My life has not been the same since you spoke to me. I have a cross and a bible. My parents even… Read More

June 4, 2019
Labor Mission Work Other
MEDICAL HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED

I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field but seeing severe poverty changed my life. Like most young people, I didn't realize how good I had it; I took a lot of things in life for granted. Then, in 2016, I was accepted into a Medical Practicum program conducted by my university, where they send a team of medical professionals and volunteers into a remote region of Nicaragua. This kind of aide is much needed, as these remote regions lack the medical resources to care for their villagers. Our team made the long trip to Nicaragua. In less than a month, we traveled to three different villages, providing dental care, pain medication, and basic family medicine to the indigenous locals. We interacted with them, attended their church services, and saw firsthand the severity of their poverty. Upon living in the same conditions, which the locals inhabited everyday, my outlook on life changed forever. A new passion grew in me to help and serve others as much as I can. Once I returned home--and after a nice long hot shower--I decided to change my career to Nurse Practitioner, so that I can work one-on-one with patients and do all I can to help them. I returned to Nicaragua, and it only deepened my desire to help those who need it the most. The Bible says, "Share with the Lord's people who are in need." I live in the United States where I have access to clean, running water and modern facilities that provide medical care. But I know for certain that… Read More

May 28, 2019
Hospital Mentoring Prayer Recovery
FACING THE STORMS OF LIFE

We all face storms---some we see brewing months before they hit, and others blindside us when the massive waves strike. On Sunday, March 11, 2018, our storm made landfall as my husband, Chris, developed gall stone-induced pancreatitis and was admitted to the hospital. Chris's pancreatitis worsened faster than any of us realized when imaging results showed he had "acute, infectious, hemorrhagic, necrotizing pancreatitis." This new diagnosis led to an urgent transfer to the Medical Intensive Care Unit where he was put into a medically-induced coma. As doctors began the intubation procedure, Chris aspirated on his own vomit. His lungs rapidly filled with fluid, causing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. We watched helplessly as his oxygen levels hovered around 40%, and he had less than a 10% chance of surviving the day. Early the next morning, Chris's attending physician told me Chris was sicker than the previous day, and he warned me that I would likely need to turn off life support and let him pass peacefully. But Chris's body refused to quit. Then, the next squall hit. On March 21, Chris went into cardiac arrest. I watched as his medical team performed chest compressions for the longest six minutes of my life before his heart began to beat again. Over the past 394 days in this hospital, we have experienced organ failure, paralysis, infections and setback after setback. Yet through it all, I've found one thing to be true: who and where I'm rooted in the storm determines my ability to peacefully weather each challenge, while finding hope along the way. During this storm, without… Read More

May 21, 2019
Labor Prison Ministry Unique Ministries
HELPING TRANSITION OUT OF PRISON

Have you ever had a desire to help an organization but didn't know what you could do? That was my situation when I became aware of the Angels Charge Ministry, a faith-based non-profit helping women coming out of prisons or detention centers to transition successfully back into society. I started by simply providing the women with transportation, as many of the women did not have cars or licenses after leaving prison. I would drive them to work or appointments. After some time, God also opened my eyes to the overall needs of the ministry. I noticed those leading the nonprofit were so busy serving the women and helping them overcome challenges that they simply did not have time to do any of the back-office work that has to be done. And, those are things I know well since I used to be the executive director of an art museum. So I started writing grants and doing fundraising while working behind the scenes. The grant writing and fundraising helps us build assets, so we can open more transitional houses for more women. By the end of the summer, we will open our third home and will be serving fourteen to fifteen women. While God is using me behind-the-scenes, I am still able to see the difference my work is making in the lives of these women. I've seen them grow in faith, learn skills, and get their children back. I see how God is using us to help these women get back on their feet. He is using us to remind these… Read More

May 13, 2019
Loving Your Neighbor Overcoming Obstacles Unique Ministries
THE SIGN GUY

A year ago, I was extremely depressed. I was without a job and feeling totally worthless. It seemed I had lost everything that I loved. I was thinking seriously about suicide. But as I was driving home one day, I had this strong feeling inside, telling me to stand at a certain intersection with a sign that read "You Are Loved". I thought, "Really? You want me to do what?" But I felt like this was God talking to me, so I decided to be obedient. I made a sign and stood on that corner. Every day for a week. After that week, God changed my heart and I didn't long for death. By holding this sign, I received healing. And I was amazed at the response to the sign. People would honk with approval; they'd yell encouragement to me. One day, a lady got out of her car and said her son had committed suicide. She had prayed that if God didn't send her some type of message that He cared for her, she too was going to end her life. And then she saw me with this sign. I feel I'm bringing some encouragement to people that may be going through a rough time. There are a lot of people filled with anxiety and depression. Seeing an encouraging sign may give them the little bit of hope they need. So now, I'm out at different intersections about three times a week for several hours. I call it the #YouAreLoved movement. Someone heard what I was doing, and started holding up signs in another… Read More

April 30, 2019

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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