Stories - Page 73 of 83 - 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?

Labor Overcoming Obstacles Prison Ministry
BEING OPEN TO HIS WILL

You never know where God will lead you on life's journey, but if you're open to His will, it can be quite a ride. I was in the pharmaceutical industry while also serving in the Army reserves for 32 years. When I was retiring from the reserves, a friend invited me to be part of a four-day event at the Kairos prison ministry. I had never been to a prison or an event like that, and I was incredibly moved. So impacted that I got involved teaching a Bible study twice a week at a correctional facility, and a few years later was asked to be on the Board of Shepherd's Fold. This ministry serves the Lord by providing food, shelter, clothing, guidance and love to men and women seeking to change their criminal behavior following their release from prison. It is a six-month transitional ministry with a separate men's and women's facility. We train them to be productive citizens. We help change their thinking and teach them that real freedom comes only by believing and following Jesus Christ. We show them God has a purpose for each of their lives. I got so involved that they asked me to be the executive director. It is incredible to see how God moves here and transforms lives. We have over 100 people in our program. Nationally, the recidivism rate among former inmates is anywhere from 35% to 65%. For our graduates, it is less than 1%. I'm blessed to be part of this each day, and see… Read More

September 5, 2017
Overcoming Obstacles Recovery Unique Ministries
RESCUING GIRLS FROM THE STREETS

When I was 12, I was raped by three teenage boys. It shook me to my core. I felt scarred, was blamed for it, reacted with rebellious behavior and began running away from home, repeatedly. At 15, I was on the streets and miserable. A man I knew said he "loved" me, and offered me a home. He was nice; he knew I needed food and shelter. It turns out there were four other girls living there. He said we each had to bring in a certain amount of money daily to support our family. He was our husband, daddy or boyfriend based on where we were. I soon discovered I was caught in a sex trafficking ring. He made me sell drugs at first, but soon the drug money was not enough to make my "quota." I had to do what I could to survive and he began to prostitute me. Then, I began using those drugs I had been selling. I was bought, sold, traded and given away to other pimps a number of times. I was caught in this ugly, sick web for 12 years. In 1997, I was released from jail once again, but for the first time, I didn't call my pimp. I called a friend who gave me shelter. And I started to "fix" myself. I went back to school and got a job as a waitress. Even though there were bumps in my road to recovery, I started to make something of myself. I met a lady who wanted to help girls get off the streets by bringing… Read More

August 30, 2017
Church Activities
NOT SITTING AND SOAKING

I don't think we, as Christians, were called to "sit and soak" at church, so I explored ways to get involved on Sundays. After seeing all the needs, I started volunteering with the baptism team. On the first Sunday of each month, we get to church early to set up everything for the baptisms: the tables, the signs and the special bags that we hand everyone getting baptized. Those bags include the clothes to wear during the baptism, towels and toiletries. We gather everyone who will be baptized and give them instructions. We even get the privilege of praying with them beforehand. The team is made up of a great group of people that help make the day special for those getting baptized. I originally served as a member of the team, but realized I wanted to help lead the group because of how amazing an experience this was. I love getting to connect with people from all walks of life, and being able to help at church. To get to be a part of this special day in their lives is truly wonderful.

August 23, 2017
Labor Mentoring Overcoming Obstacles
GLORIFYING JESUS IN TRYING TIMES

I've had some traumatic experiences in my life. But I know God allowed me to go through these to help me grow and use them for His Glory. As an educator, I now use these trials to encourage my students. God blessed me with a sister and we were each other's source of strength as young children. Our life was not conventional; some may even say it was hard; however, I believe some of those life lessons taught me how to be a survivor. As a young adult, my sister was killed in a car wreck. It was a devastating loss. Then in 2010, my friend and I were out for a run at 5:00 am. We had been training for a half marathon for 10 months. A car came over the hill and struck us both. Tragically, my friend was killed. I was flipped in the air and came crashing down on the windshield. I sustained 25 breaks and underwent 8 surgeries. Doctors said I'd never walk and they talked about amputating both my legs, but I objected. I knew immediately that God had chosen me to glorify Him through this horrendous experience. I didn't know how, but I was determined to show everyone that He was real and He was still doing miracles. I was in the hospital for two months and in intense rehab for another ten months. Through this time, I never complained. I wanted my kids and friends to see that what I'd been telling them about Jesus was true. I needed to practice what I'd been preaching. Through the Lord's grace,… Read More

August 16, 2017
Prayer Recovery Unique Ministries
STARTING A MINISTRY IN A BAR

I was a picture of good health until May 2001. We were vacationing at the beach when I got a call from my doctor, telling me I had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The news brought me to my knees. I was scared and shaken, wondering how this could be. Me? I took a walk alone on the beach, crying out to God. And on that long walk, I met God like I never had before. In my fear and through my cries, I got a message that this was not the end. He told me I would be alright, but He wanted me to use this to glorify Him in a very specific way, one that was clearly spelled out to me. He wanted me to start a ministry called Operation Jesus. Being in the police force, I had no ministry experience or any idea on how to get this off the ground. But His message had been so strong that I was only supposed to be His vessel. I started by inviting my fellow officers and some city employees to a mid-week gathering where we would have a guest speaker share his or her testimony. We'd also sing some praise songs and have some time for prayer. They started inviting their friends and the ministry grew. We started in an extra room in a church but God's message clearly told me I was to move it to a bar. Yes, a bar. That sure took some of my fellow officers by surprise. But we found a tavern where the owner was open to the idea. We'd move chairs and tables around, and… Read More

August 9, 2017
Senior Citizens Special Needs Unique Ministries
MUSIC TO CALM THEIR FEARS

Jesus instructed us to use our talents for His glory, and that is what I try to do with my music. I play a variety of musical instruments including the violin, fiddle and guitar, and even some unique instruments such as the Irish bouzouki and bodhran. Music is an integral part of my life and has been since I was a little girl. I wanted to spread the word about God's love in a way that tapped into my passion and talent. So I started a music ministry at the local hospital every Sunday morning. I begin by playing some traditional Christian hymns on the violin. This is soothing and seems to draw people in. Then, I head up to the Alzheimer's unit. I play some more hymns, read from a passage of scripture and then end by playing some religious songs that so many of us know from memory. Songs like "This Little Light of Mine" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." It is amazing to see the joy on the faces of these Alzheimer's patients when I play these songs and hymns. A few of them may not remember their own names but they are singing along to these songs and know every lyric. It makes them smile and has a very calming effect. Many see their physical body deteriorating, but this may remind them that there is an eternal hope. It's a blessing to bring that special hour to them each week.

August 2, 2017

Browse all categories

Adoption/Foster Care 38

Church Activities 60

Financial Help 18

Loss Of Loved One 40

Loving Your Neighbor 67

Mission Work 52

Overcoming Obstacles 119

Prison Ministry 12

Senior Citizens 22

Special Needs 47

Unique Ministries 171

Verbalizing the Gospel 77

Submit a Story

Listen To Our Podcast

Support The Christian Heart

Sign Up For Our Inspiring Newsletter