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 Unique Ministries

    READING IN THE PARK

    I am a retired florist, but I still love working and being as active as I can. It helps me feel purpose to "give back" to others. I began asking the Lord what my retirement years should look like--how I could continue to honor Him with my gifts and talents. My church has "adopted" a local school in our community that we serve in many ways: furnishing backpacks, handing out food, supplying coats for the winter. One thing that interested me was reading with children who are behind at school and don't have parents heavily involved in their lives. We call it "Reading in the Park" and I love it. To see children, as they begin to understand and develop a love of reading, is so rewarding. Investing in them so I can ultimately tell them about the good news of Jesus. Loving on them so they can see the love of Christ, all for His glory. All it takes is a couple of hours every Friday to show these children that they are loved, not only by me, but by their Creator. This is what my retirement years look like. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

    December 27, 2016
  • 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

Browse all categories

Adoption/Foster Care 38
Children 162
Church Activities 60
Financial Help 18
Food 42
Homeless 35
Hospital 46
Labor 172
Loss Of Loved One 41
Loving Your Neighbor 67
Mentoring 50
Mission Work 52
Other 14
Overcoming Obstacles 124
Prayer 58
Prison Ministry 12
Recovery 47
Senior Citizens 22
Special Needs 48
Unique Ministries 174
Verbalizing the Gospel 78
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