StoryHarvest

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Everyone has a story, and each one is different. From birth onward we individually encounter a mix of people, circumstances and challenges that make our stories unique. Your story takes on even greater significance when it involves God. Discover the difference God made in the lives of these people.

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I'm Soaring - You know the song, “A Whole New World,” from Disney’s Aladdin? That’s what marriage is like. My heart is beating against my chest, my breathing is shallow and nervous, and then I step off the ledge and soar.

Unexpected Tears - A group of us inhaled one last deep breath of fresh air before entering another moldy home. Dinner time was approaching, my energy was vanishing, and the last thing I wanted to do was haul out loads of grungy items.

Something Beautiful - I’ve changed my name because I want to keep my privacy. And I didn’t post a picture of myself because I don’t want anyone to recognize me. You see, many years ago I made a choice that I’ll always regret.

Faking It - Wake up. Sing songs. Dress up. Dress down. Dirt. Twigs. Water. As a camper, I dreamed of the day I could work at summer camp. In college, I finally received the letter naming me general staff. I never imagined that working at camp would turn into a spiritual battle.

It's All About the Heart - Paquito Vazquez was 35 when the American doctors came. A leading businessman in his mountain village, he hosted the missionary team and guided many patients their way.

Playing Clubhouse - A while back a friend asked me to describe God’s love. It caught me off guard. I muttered something and our conversation moved on. But I’ve kept thinking about the question.

Two Autographs - Autographs are notoriously hard to read, and unless signed with permanent ink Sharpies, they fade away faster than the memory of the signing. But, sometimes…

God Was There - I was raised in an alcoholic home and it made perfect sense to me to take the same path of denial and abuse. At thirteen, I'd already learned too much about life, the hard way.

Bloom Where You Are - At three months of age, I was already a missionary. My family lived in the bush in Nigeria. And at four years old, I clearly remember...

God Whispered My Name - Asleep in my California seaside apartment, I suddenly heard my name, "Ron," in a clear, distinct whisper. Immediately I awoke and checked the small apartment and balcony, but there was no one there.

Time to Think - Have you ever been sick? Swine flu, pneumonia, strep throat, mono, ear infections you name it. There are any number of diseases that can readily affect a teenager these days. Those diseases, however, are no match for pancreatitis.

Losing Control - I recently lost my mother to cancer, and since then I feel the most comfortable when I rely solely on myself to control my life. All through winter and spring quarters of my junior year at college I tried to nail down my summer plans.

Comeback Kid - For me basketball was life. I didn’t know anything else and like most kids living in my neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, I used it as an outlet from the things going on in my community. Playing college basketball was my ticket out of the slums and into a better life for my family.

Small Group Awakening - I can't imagine where would I be if it were not for my small group. I remember one of my first visits. An acquaintance of mine, Rebecca, was brand new to Orlando and wanted to connect with some folks to praise God and fellowship.

The Gift of Ciara - Ciara was our first child, born during the lazy days of summer when hopes were high and dreams weaved themselves into the fabric of our lives. As first-time parents, we folded and refolded...

My Illness - I worked as a student missionary in the small town of Kolobrzeg, Poland, teaching English. I had decided to serve in Poland because I like cold weather and I didn’t like the idea of spending a year in an undeveloped country like some place in Africa.

Our Miraculous Journey - Living with Autism has been the biggest blessing in my life. I didn't think that several years ago when experiencing many struggles and challenges. But God was at work in our lives.

He Still Leads - I had been wondering if God still guides us today, and if he does, how would I know? On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, my stepmother, Mim, died at age 91. I loved her. She was a positive, fun, vibrant lady who had been a very important support in my life after my Mom had died when I was 20.

Citizen of Darkness - I began to pray, "Dear Father, do You really want me? Are You trying to save me? It seems that You're speaking to me. I will come, I will come home."

My Search for Hope - My life growing up was pretty difficult. My mother was hooked on heroin and my dad used methamphetamine. He abandoned us when my sister was born. I was 2 years old.

God's Strange Request - Music ministry is not just something I do when I'm sitting at the piano or when I'm standing and singing. It's my entire life. I don't get up on stage or do anything unless I've talked to God first.

Quitting My Job - Quitting my job was the best thing I ever did. After twelve years of weaving in out of my walk with Christ, I stood still and allowed Him in to do His work.

Singing In the Night - Sylvia and her family had gone to town that evening, so I had plenty of time to myself, plenty of time to become discouraged. All I didn't need right then were a bunch of church people disturbing my misery.

God's Guidance - The day after I graduated from high school, I moved from a small town in Montana to Seattle, Washington. I was looking forward to this move hoping that it would get me out of a party scene.

Unexpected Delays - Growing up with six people in my family never allowed for what I considered a "family vacation." Sure, my brothers, parents and I would fly from our home in Anchorage, Alaska down to...

I Want a Sister - I’m told that when I was small I really wanted a little sister. Sometimes I would talk about it casually with my parents, and other times I would come to my parents crying, saying how much I wanted one, but every single night I prayed to God and asked him to grant my request.

They Do Come Home - Having run away from home at the age of 13, Bubba found refuge in the streets of Baltimore, MD. He dropped out of high school and remained estranged from his mother and three younger sisters who were experiencing trauma of a different kind.

Finding God's Way - “Mom, I want to be an actor!” Her response, which I’ll never forget, “Son, all I ask is that you be the best you can be.”

Wacky Songs - I write kid songs, but not the Vacation Bible School sort. No, my songs cover such important spiritual ground as “Sylvia Sue Had to Go Poo” and “Someone Ate my Pizza.” Rather than abhorring the world, my songs wonder what would happen if two fat women ate the world.

True Support - About a year ago, I proposed to my girlfriend Lauren and we began making plans to be married in the summer. Because we were not physically together, I was on the telephone a lot during the first couple months...

Let it Rain - I could not take it anymore. I did not understand why on earth God had decided to send me to a miniscule island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to teach for an entire year. I felt like I had made a huge mistake.

Once Upon a Theft - A recent Sunday morning found me aghast. Someone stole all my beauty, a patio full of hanging baskets. At first, I felt great sadness—and a bit of fear.

Chief of Sinners - I was a happy child. Most kids are because they don’t know what’s going on yet. I had a normal childhood up until I was about 10 years old.

On the Front Step - Horror struck me as the blood began to pour down my hand. I tried to hold the flesh together. I raced to our trailer house. I desperately needed my mom. At the trailer I tried to hide the evidence of my disobedience. I wiped the blood down the full length of the pink and white trailer.

Taking off the Mask - I remember my dating years as a twentysomething. It was a time when the motto "image is everything" dictated my actions.

A Camper's Prayer - The rain was pouring down as the Pathfinders climbed into the vehicles that Friday afternoon for their weekend camping trip. “It’s typical Oregon weather,” I thought to myself as the last Pathfinder climbed into the vehicle and closed the door.

My Divine Hug - It was my sophomore year at a Christian high school, and the end of a week of spiritual emphasis. I don’t remember the name of the speaker or the theme for the week. Enough time has passed now that I don’t recall exactly what made me decide to remain in the auditorium that particular day.

The Ride - As we pushed forward we noticed to our right a magnificent sight. Three lean horses were galloping along side of us. A challenging 50 miles of road lay before us and 10 miles were already to our backs.

Ninja Prayer - For the past two years I’ve been part of a worship small group. In that group, our leaders like to challenge us. One challenge in particular was to do something the leader liked to call the “Ninja Prayer” where you see an opportunity to pray for someone and you go for it!

My Journey With Jairus - I thought I knew Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue who pled with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. I remember hearing his story as a child on Bible story tapes, studying it in Bible classes at college and seminary.

God's Bigger Plan - When I started playing the guitar, my motivation could best be summed up a short, but embarrassing mantra: "Chicks dig musicians." I sat for days on end learning to play a song that I hoped would impress at...

Losing My Argument - We try desperately to listen to God and follow his commands, yet we often fight against his plans for us when we think we know what is best.

Feeling Alive - For years I had wanted to leave the town I had grown up in and see the world. I wanted to meet new people, make a difference, and shake the world for God!

Letting Go - We were just coming back from a birthday party. My little brother, Bryson, merely three years old, and I almost six, were coming out of the car in the front of our house. My brother's balloon, which was suppose to be tied securely around his wrist, went up into the sky, gone forever.

Rebellion to Joy - In the space of a few short months, tears changed our sweet life to salty. Arson destroyed the saw mill and dad almost lost his leg in an accident. It took years to heal. Financial reverses followed and we were now officially "poor."

Something Changed - Little did I realize that all my life God was preparing me for moments when I have no words to speak. Moments when the words of a song seem to come down straight from Heaven, out though my mouth, and into the ears and hearts of those who listen.

My Accident - “I’m so glad it’s finally the weekend!” I said to myself as I loaded my 4runner on a beautiful Friday afternoon. It had been a long week and I was excited to finally head home to see my family and boyfriend. Before I started my journey from La Grande, OR to Walla Walla, Wash., I said a quick prayer asking for a safe trip.

On Top of the Blues - Looking eastward the Blue Mountains rise above wheat fields surrounding our city. More lofty than their altitude is my memory of a Divine encounter on the summit. From here I looked down into this valley, once the lowest valley of my life.

The Arrogant Scientist - We can deny God and make fun of those who believe in Him—but what's our response when He confronts us personally?

Hope and Healing - I was 16 years old when I knew that I was supposed to be a nurse. During the summers that I was 18 and 19, I had the opportunity to work with patients who were mentally ill or developmentally challenged.

The God I Never Knew - As I grew older, I also grew more rebellious and felt estranged from the God I never knew. I did those things that are common to a young man who has no anchor.

Aunt Bessie's Dream - I was born in Klawock , Alaska in 1938, and the name "What Staw" was given me. (What Staw--The Raven that takes the long way around.) I grew up in the little fishing village of Craig, which is about seven miles south of my place of birth.

Saving Grace - The young ex-marine sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands, heart heavy with discouragement.

Say Something - What is it with me and parking lots? I don't know why, but God seems to find me there. I ask myself, why not on the freeway, when we're at top speed and everything is a blur? Is there some value to being at standstill? Maybe

Choosing a Legacy - It never occurred to me that my Mom, as strong as she was, would leave this world so suddenly. After fighting a battle she couldn't win, her second round of chemo took her life when she was 46.

It Is Well With My Soul - I was devastated beyond belief in 1996 with the loss of both my brother and my father. Instead of blaming God for the deaths of my dear brother and devoted father, I chose to praise Him for the gift of my life.

How I Found Jesus - In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, my whole world came crashing down. I had nothing else to say—I just felt like being alone for the rest of the day.

The Harvest - Music has always been an important part of my life. Unfortunately, when I was a teenager, the Enemy used music to seduce me and drag me away from God.

He Heard My Cry - Our family had just finished dinner one evening and was still seated at the table when the phone rang. It was a phone call that would change our lives forever.

Boot Camp Prayer - I didn't want to be in charge. I didn't want to be the leader for these other people. I didn't want to have responsibilities outside of just keeping my nose clean. But I could hardly say no.

My Second Chance - I was a drug dealer and a thief. But like the apostle Paul, I had a Damascus Road experience. No, it wasn’t a blinding light but rather a tiny bedroom that expanded into a huge basketball stadium in a moment.

Carried by God - My story is hard to tell at times and I tell it now with the prayer that it will touch someone in a special way and give even one person hope to go on.

Waiting to Serve - As a young teenager I dreamed of serving as a missionary. Specifically, I wanted to spend a year as a student missionary at an orphanage.

My Significant Journey - When I planned a year-long trip to Europe with my ski friend Ilana, it was purely for fun and pleasure. We had invitations to visit across Europe in the parental homes of her relatives and other ski friends living back in British Columbia.

Living My Dream - When I was in high school I loved to play basketball. In Alaska there isn’t much else to do. I wasn’t much of a church kind of guy, but my best friend who I loved to play basketball with always went to church.

Breaking Old Habits - When Tye asked me to marry him I got really excited about planning the wedding that I had always dreamed of. The first three months of wedding planning went fairly smooth, but I quickly learned that I didn’t have enough time to be a student 24/7 and plan my dream wedding, so I began to get worried.

The Empty Room - I was stuck in bed feeling physically miserable and emotionally devastated knowing it would be six long months before we'd see our love ones (and McDonald's) again.

Just Some Crumbs - When I was a junior in high school, I went through a minor case of depression. It started when I dropped out of my super-tough International Baccalaureate school. With three to six hours of homework a night. . .

Rolling Backwards - As a little kid, I was fascinated by stories of how God intervened in people’s lives. I wanted to see God’s hand in my life...

You Are My Son - What a year it had been! I had changed jobs, and as a result was catapulted into a season of anxiety and depression. I was excited about...

The Unexpected Ship - That day Dorothy took Grant to the park close to their home. Priest Point Park is located along the lower Olympic Peninsula coastline, just outside Olympia, and has one full mile of saltwater shoreline.

Unexpected Blessing - My friend Lidija and I had purchased some well-deserved ice cream after work one day and as we were sitting by the river, chatting up a storm, we were suddenly interrupted by a homeless woman who staggered over to our picnic table. She swung one hip out, threw one hand on our table, and stuck the other out, palm up. “Can I have a dollar?” she slurred.

Highway Thoughts - “Dad, why are you pulling over?” I asked, as our blue SUV came to a stop on the side of the highway. “The radiator’s overheated,” he replied.

Lost Keys - I looked in the car window at my two teenage daughters. The oldest, just days from her 16th birthday slouched in the front seat. Her head was cradled between the window and the head rest of my 1971 Ford Torino. The younger, age 13, sprawled in the back seat. Both appeared to be sound asleep.

The Fluffy Challenge - “He’ll die! I just know he’ll die!” The tear-filled exclamation came from an older woman who had been brought in by ambulance during the night. Her medical situation had required surgery, and now she was on Nurse Brenda’s care list.

One Dollar Fix - Arnel was seventeen, courteous, handsome, and pleasant to talk with; but he had an anger problem. It had become obvious on several occasions.

Grandma's Prayers - Have you ever said anything that you knew weren’t your own words? I was just remembering the day my grandma died, the one who raised me as a teenager.

New Ambition - During my year as a student missionary I sat grading papers in my favorite coffee spot in Prague. Easily distracted, I couldn't help but notice the adorable little girl with the dazzling grin dancing across the room.

No Longer Afraid - My mother was introduced to a new church when I was about seven or eight years old. My siblings and I started attending with my mother and I remember absolutely loving it. My mother eventually stopped going after about a year.

Healing Music - My family uses music to touch people's hearts and lives for Jesus. We recently made a CD that has expanded our ministry reach. Many people tell us they listen to it over and over again and that they really like the instrumental and vocal combination.

Why Am I Here? - I found God on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It was one of the most difficult, exciting, adventurous, and confusing times in my life.

Walking in the Dark - I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. When I was only about 7 or 8 years old my parents and I went for a walk around our neighborhood.

Under the Waves - The day was January 4, 2009, and I was 19 years old and working as a student missionary on the small island of Yap, Micronesia. School was going to start the next day, and a group of us decided to hit...

An Ironman's Prayer - As I swam through the semi-transparent lake water I could see below me the faint shadow of a submerged scuba diver. I waved at the diver, who waved back and gave me a “thumbs up.”

Pain in the Eye - I was old enough to remember it happening, but not old enough to remember how old I was. I was out in the woods blazing a trail with my mom when I got whipped across the face...

Ten Thousand Angels - A number of years ago I was renting a house that required a lot of money for the cleaning deposit. But my children and I had gotten all settled in and we were happy enough. We were very pleased to know that our neighbors were nice people and we could trust them.

Almost Kidnapped - I was five years old, carefree and innocent. I lived in Kansas at the time. My father was the pastor of a small church and life was good. I could not have predicted the unusual event that was about to occur in my calm little world.

Random Acts of Prayer - They call it a treasure hunt. A few people get together and look for, well... treasure. But, instead of tramping through tropical jungles looking for that large “X” on the ground, they look for people, people to pray for.

The Real Gold - I felt like a golden spun leaf basking in the crisp fall sun. God had blessed me with so many new beginnings; married life with my husband of three months, the first quarter of my junior year in college, and sprouting the week-old life growing within me.

Desert Flower - On a beautiful spring morning, March 26, 2007, a perfect little angel, Lilyan Rose, was born. Unfortunately, her home was a dangerous and unstable environment.

Can God Use Me? - “Don’t give up! Keep pushing!” As I look into the eyes of this innocent woman, I know right away that I am far from home.

I'm With You - Eleven years ago when I was ten years old my oldest brother Kris was having an after-banquet party at our house. I loved this because I thought high school kids were so cool. But something I didn’t like was the ability my brother Kasey had to annoy me.

Hugs for Jamaica - Having never been on a mission trip I wasn’t prepared for the impact of tiny children! My son’s acrobat team from Walla Walla Valley Academy, along with a group of parents, went to the island of Jamaica in March 2011.

Putting God First - I was unemployed for several months. As a result, our bills were falling behind. We were surviving on my husband's salary with bills created from a dual salaried household. It was very tough.

I Need Light - Everyday I wake up to that annoying whine of my alarm, press it as many times as I can without being late to take part in my morning routine… rush into my clothes, do regular get ready things, and then jump in my car and rush off to school.

God Touched Me - As I was running one day I noticed a harsh pain in my left hip. I rested for a few weeks hoped that things would get better, however, they remained the same and every time I attempted to walk I would have severe pain.

Forgiveness - I am a native Eskimo who was born in raised in rural Alaska. Dillingham is where my roots lie; a place where every native boy knows the smell of the salty sea, surrounded by mountains from the land of 10,000 smokes scattered all around the Aleutian chain and Cook Inlet.

The Wrong Way - I left the church when I was an adolescent. I was already on my way out, and my mom's death from cancer when I was 14 sped up the process. I was tremendously angry at God.

What a Gift - I first met her at church. My family had just moved to Milton Freewater, Oregon and we were looking for a church that would be a good place to worship God. She was always nice to everyone when they walked in the door.

Everything's OK - Turning onto the country road that sunny morning, I hadn't given much thought to the motorcyclists in front of me — until they gunned their engines and disappeared over the next hill.

September Prayer - I was raised in a Christian home-always knowing the bible stories and about Jesus. Recently the Lord reminded me again that I need to surrender all to Him.

My Journey Out - I write music; always have. Since I was four years old and teaching my sisters the lyrics to my first hit, "sister came and popped a wheelie," I've been writing and arranging songs here and there and everywhere.

Something Better - I made a discovery was when I was 17, while living with a friend in Carmel, CA. We had both dropped out of school and were intent on making it big in the music industry.

Subtle Wonder - I can’t think of an exact moment where I can say, “That was the moment I decided to follow Jesus.” Like many my story is plain and simple, but plain and simple doesn’t mean it’s not profound.

Where Is God? - We were standing in the kitchen of our New York City apartment one evening when I was about eleven years old. I was clueless. I had no idea how much money was at stake if I chose to prepare for the traditional Jewish ceremony of becoming a man.

Unexpected Joy - It was undoubtedly the most miserable day of the trip. We had flown into Venice early the morning before to be greeted by the sun for the first time since we began our travels around Europe.

My Extreme Makeover - One of my earliest memories is waking up to my mother's screams. I would slip into the room and see my mom all bloody with my step-dad standing over her ready to continue beating her.

Mama - We started arguing and we said the things you say when you're real upset. It really turned from bad to worse when she finally blurted out those dreadful words a mother never hopes to hear.

The Lost Money Clip - I was twelve, and my family and some of our relatives were getting ready to head down to Trinity Lake in California to go house boating. Before we left, my great uncle Ron lost a money clip with $600 cash, and I let my mom know I was praying about it.

Search Me, O God - Before I met God my life was miserable. God was discussed and talked about a great deal yet, while in the midst of a Christian community I had never become acquainted with Him on a personal level, I had never chosen to make Him my personal Saviour and Lord.

Through It All - My name is Robert K. Hogan Jr. I was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco, California, a month before my actual due date.

Giving Up Cigarettes - On the outside I was looking pretty good. A nice family with three boys and doing well at work. But on the inside I had some serious problems.

People are Grass - In 2008 I went be a student missionary on the Pacific Island Palau to teach 6th grade. The first month of school was very difficult for me.

Where He Leads - As I walked down the road, I heard a lady scream "Help!" from the woods. I stopped stone still, shocked.

What If? - Spring break 2010 was a great vacationing season. While others ventured to warmer climates, our small group of youth leaders decided to venture to the less-than-ideal climate of northern Minnesota, to provide a week of prayer for Maplewood Academy.

Cambridge Discovery - The summer after my freshman year in high school, I had the unique opportunity of attending a summer school program at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.

For Such a Time - The story of Esther was always intriguing to me--one of the Bible’s biggest female “stars,” placed in a story of political unrest and secrecy, following God’s plan to a heroic conclusion.

Faith Through Prayer - “I don’t believe in God. It goes against everything I teach. I can’t prove why there is, why there would be, or how there could be one."

Make Me Whole Again - My story began with a broken heart and shattered dreams...feeling disappointed and alone...needing to find a way through the pain and out of a very dark place.

I'm Still Alive - I was on my way to Fort Worth from San Antonio, where I had stayed with friends for a few days. Every day that I'd been gone my baby girl had asked my husband, "Where's Mommy?"

What God is Like - One might say I was born into the picture perfect Christian family. I was born and raised in a small town that consists mainly of Christians.

A Deeper Compassion - The day after Christmas in 2004 I found it hard to pull myself away from the TV. No, I wasn’t involved in a movie or a football game. With tears in my eyes I was watching the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami that had hit the costal city of Banda Aceh.

Something's Wrong - As an athlete, I’ve had to endure my share of weightlifting and sprinting programs that are less than pleasurable to my body. I understood the idea, but I didn’t know how to apply it to my life.

I had to Leave - The events of that day are as fresh in my mind as though it were yesterday. It was December 9, 1991, and I was 14 years old when I left my mother's house.

In God's Arms - While on a school trip to Seattle, with my little sister, our principal told us to call our mom. While on the phone I could hear mom breaking down in tears telling us that dad did not wake up that morning.

My Amazing Report - When I was 14 I was diagnosed with scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. Typically doctors find this condition in children around 8 or 9, however since I found out later than usual, my condition was fairly advanced.

Facebook Encounter - It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was procrastinating (as usual) when I heard the sound of a new Facebook chat from one of my classmates.

God Changed Me - I am a 17 year-old living in eastern Washington. My community is very Christian oriented, which explains why I’ve been surrounded by God and the Bible ever since I was a little kid.

Swimming for God - I am a swimmer. I started to swim on a swim team when I was in third grade. I loved to swim on a team from the very beginning. But I always ran into some obstacles when it came time to swim in the competitions.

The Refiner's Fire - It was October of the year 2007. We had just read a chapter on patience in Gavin Anthony’s book, "The Refiner’s Fire." My husband, a newly diagnosed cancer patient, said to me, “I resonate with Gavin. . .

Angel in Mexico City - My early childhood was centered on traveling. My dad had an itchy foot to travel as much as possible. When I was two, my family bought a sailboat and sailed around the Caribbean for six months.

Journey to Motherhood - For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mom. When I was little, I used to play with dolls--dressing them up, swaddling them in blankets, and rocking them—just like I imagined I would do with a real baby someday.

Losing Mindy - It was a crisp, clear sunny afternoon in Walla Walla, Washington. My family was enjoying being around our house one summer afternoon after church. My father was in Turkey for a business trip. My oldest sister Mindy was in Wenatchee for the summer.

You Are Loved - I was sitting at my computer one day wondering where I could volunteer for the next six months, but frustratingly no doors were opening.

The Least of These - It was one of those decisions: Should I stop or not? Should I get involved or stay out of it? On this particular day I chose to stop—to get involved—and it made a difference in my life….

In the Beginning.... - It was a neat day in July 1967. I had just returned from Hawaii where I often went. Tanned and driving a new Lincoln, I decided to stop at my favorite "watering hole," The Golden Horn Bar and Restaurant.

True Heroes - This clearly was one of the worst disasters I have ever witnessed. As Vice President of Communications for Medical Teams International, I went to Haiti to help with initial communications needs.

His Timing is Perfect - My diagnosis of systemic lupus some years ago has led me on a most incredible journey. One such chapter began when my home sold quicker than anticipated.

God's Guiding Hand - Many things in our everyday lives are taken for granted, but occasionally we're stopped in our tracks. Suddenly, we again realize there is a loving God who watches over us!

Path to Self-Discovery - I knew we were in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at good old Mount LeConte. I knew we were there to avenge our defeat from two summers before when promises to be home by 7:00 had forced us to turn back.

Searching For God - I was desperately searching for God. "With all the different religions in this world, which one was God's church?"

Someone Was There - You could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. All eyes were on the stage where Ken was standing. All ears were listening to his every word.

Finding the Answer - I cried from the bottom of my soul, "Jesus take me back to the Father." This wasn't experimentation, it was conviction. I wasn't tasting Christianity any more, I was banking on it.

Down a Dangerous Road - "Hey Matt, want to get high?" My older friend, Brian, the next-door neighbor whom I had always idolized, held open the passenger door of his first car—a dented but serviceable old Ford. I hesitated only a second before jumping in.

My Search for Truth - The answers to life's great questions eluded me. Here's how the "God-shaped hole" in my prodigal heart came to be filled.

May I Wash Your Feet? - He had been hanging around the camp meeting tent all week—listening to my sermons from just inside the canopy, filling his notebook pages with more words than I had spoken...

Miracles Still Happen - On September 24, 2005, Brett was riding his motorcycle somewhere between Collegedale and Knoxville, TN when he came around a bend. For some reason unknown to us, he lost control of his bike and flew off the road.

Marcia's Story - I grew up in a loving Christian home. We went to church every week. I loved the pastor, he was my Dad. If something was happening at church, we were there.

Miracle Lady - I have been a Registered Nurse for 34 years and have had a most lucrative career doing just about everything there is to do in nursing. I started in Emergency Rooms, went into Mental Health for 15 years, then worked with geriatric patients.

Chinese Angel - China! I was anxious to stretch my legs and move my feet after the 24-hour flight from America. But my sense of adventure was stifled by the quiet countryside village where I would stay for five months.

Chain of Miracles - It was a peaceful Friday afternoon. Vases of flowers and cards filled with loving messages covered the polished table. The painful panic was just beginning to recede as Branka shakily walked across her tasteful, well-ordered living room.

How I Found Jesus - My brother Paul, who is now deceased, was an integral part of my spiritual journey. When we were 3 and 4 years of age, respectively, my mother married a man with an Orthodox Jewish background.

Alive and Healing - Several years ago, on New Year's Day, I was in the hospital, recovering from an emergency appendectomy. I had abdominal pain the whole week between Christmas and New Year's, not too bad, (I kept working) but bad...

Voice In the Silence - When I was a little girl, my world was small. We didn't really go to church much, I had friends in the neighborhood and school wasn't far away. I lived a fairly normal life, so I thought.

Pride is Ugly - God's ways aren't always easy. Sometimes they even hurt a lot. But they are always best, and they are filled with blessings.

According to Peter - I grew up in a Buddhist home with Buddhist parents, grandparents, friends and relatives. Although religion was never a big part of my life it was my heritage.

Forgiveness in the Family - It didn't seem important that none of us were sure what we were forgiving. The only thing that mattered was that we had been made whole by the love of God.

Sweet Sixteen - Sweet sixteen. Is there really any sweetness about it when you're struggling with family, torn between friends and trying to live God's way? Well, in my life I had a little bit of everything including heartache, joy and love.

Falling From the Skies - Ever since I can remember, God has been a part of my life. As a child He was talked about in our home and prayed to each night. I attended church every Saturday, which was our Sabbath.

Beyond Despair - September 30, 2006, was a special day for Hope Bencho. It was the day she was baptized. Now, for most Christians, that would be special enough and all would be rejoicing at her decision to follow the Lord and Bible truth.

Finding Freedom - With midnight approaching on September 20, 1972, four young friends lounged around the well-worn living room of a house near the campus of the University of Cincinnati.

Sister Act - My sister and I have always struggled to appreciate each other's inner beauty. Now we are adults, and God has blessed us with some grace along the way.

The Evangelist - The church is packed as I find a seat in the crowd. We have gathered to hear the evangelist speak. Tonight, we've been told, is a special night because he's going to tell his conversion story.

God's Four Leaf Clover - Just then as we were walking, my eye saw a clover that looked a little different. I bent down and picked it and showed my Poppy, "Look, a four leaf clover!"

My Summer Discovery - "Hey guys, you want to watch me test it out?" asked Duane. Our friend, Duane, kept us guys guessing for quite some time about what he was making.

My Hero - My big brother Dan is my hero. That might sound unusual, considering that I'm in my forties. But it started back when we were kids...

Hearing God's Voice - I was baptized on August 14, 1993 after Dale Leamon's Christian meetings. We went there for evening meetings, and he and other Americans from his team taught us.

Prayers Answered - Little did my husband and I know while sitting in the waiting room that he would only have two years to live if he didn't get surgery.

The Hope Card - I had been dreading April 11. It was on this date the previous year that Dan, my brother, died of stage-four inoperable stomach cancer.

C.S. On My Resume - In April when I was diagnosed with a very aggressive, stage 4, non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer called mantle cell, I said, "I never wanted to have 'cancer survivor' on my résumé but now I desperately do."

Gone in Twenty Minutes - With all the bright sunshine and blue skies, the day just seemed too perfect and picturesque to include any real danger.

Joel's Dream - Four years ago Joel Vasquez had a dream. He wasn't much of a night dreamer and this one woke him straight up out of bed so that he woke his wife, Trinidad, from a very sound sleep.

It's All About Him - In His gentle way God told me, "It's not about you." For the next half hour, He impressed upon me that it's all about showing people the heart of Jesus.

Finding Gain Through Pain - When I was five years old I watched my father storm out of the house with cursing and swearing, breaking furniture and vowing never to return. With my father leaving, and my mother before me in anguish and tears, that day was seared in my mind.

A Walking Miracle - On March 24, 1999 I had freak accident in which my own car ran over me. I had picked up my neighbor to go work at the Community Service in Canyonville, Oregon.

The Dream - When I was a little girl around 8 years old I had a very special, vivid dream that brought me closer to God. It was a gorgeous dream of Heaven and I was there to witness it!

Never Too Old - In 1999 I left a job I had been with for many years, and essentially let go of everything in my life that represented security. I just turned it all over to God it really was too scary to do anything else.

Prayer Heals Dead Woman - Pawatama lived in the village of Buppalpudi and was the only person in her Hindu family who accepted Christ. When she became a Christian she received a new name, Awamma.

How God Used Cockroaches - Marilyn Atteberry had a problem. She had never had a problem like this before. She was so embarrassed and frustrated. She had awful cockroaches in her house!