Storyline Winter 2019

More documents

Info

y Heather Wile "Your story matters because you matter to God and to us. " SHARE YOUR STORY I love story and the power of story to change lives. There’s something even more powerful about a story based on true events and real people. There’s greater emotional connection with a true story. On a recent vacation with my husband, we checked into a hotel in Anaheim late enough that the night manager was on duty to receive us. You know how Norman Rockwell used to represent people with such interesting character, not just on their faces and expressions but so many details depicted through his paintings? Well, this older, rounded-shouldered man was just one of those kinds of “characters” that Rockwell would have loved to depict. Meeting him piqued my interest … What was his story? A stout, barreled-chested fellow, missing more than a couple teeth, and jet black hair (no judgement, but he was definitely in his 70’s) … I would guess because of his dark olive skin that his ethnicity was Mediterranean – Italian or Greek. Though the aging process had obviously taken a toll on his body, he was sharply dressed in a tailored grey pin-striped suit, crisp white shirt, and snappy red silk tie. What was his story? Where was he from? What were the details, the events, the relationships that led to the sum total of the gentleman standing in front of me? We each have a story … a story that answers these questions and more. Our stories may begin from our earliest memories – or maybe you tell your story from the day you were born. Perhaps your story has great significance to you because of your lineage and family history. God knows your story from the beginning of eternity … He knew and loved you before you were born. He knew the struggles you would face; He knew the family you’d be born into, the parent(s) that would raise you, the school choices and friend choices you would make, the other choices you’ve made along the way. He knew and gave you your gifts, your passions, your temperament. He has always been there even if you didn’t know it. The part of your story we love to write about, hear about, and share about here at FAC is where God intersects with your life. What was your life like before you knew He loved you? What people or events did He use to draw you to Himself? Are you experiencing abundant life since you met Jesus? What are your struggles and how do you keep pressing forward and holding on to Christ? Without a doubt it’s these stories that continue to spur us on, encourage us, and strengthen our faith as people just like you tell your stories of the goodness and faithfulness of God. When we tell our stories we truly do help each other be “overcomers.” Your story matters … It matters to others who are struggling and need to know they’re not alone in their journey. It matters because your story brings hope! It matters because we are responsible for one another. Our very first edition of <strong>Storyline</strong> was published April 2012 and since then hundreds of stories have been told. Thanks to so many of you who have been vulnerable and bravely testified. We are richer for it. • 20
y Lisa LeBlanc Have you ever wanted something so badly that you thought your heart would break if you didn’t get it? My 5-year-old daughter did. 1996. We were living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My husband and I had recently separated. I was trying to balance a broken marriage, two little girls, a dayhome, and more stress than I had ever experienced. I was shopping at Superstore with my girls. Brittany was 5, Adrianna was 6 months. While I was grabbing diapers, Brittany saw the pink shoes. Canvas, Mary Jane-style runners. Adorable. Only $12, but it was $12 more than I had to spend that week. I was trying to be the good Christian mommy by encouraging my daughters to pray. While it broke my heart a little to say, “I’m sorry, we can’t 21 buy those today,” I added, “But you can ask Jesus for them.” Yikes! Did I just promise her that Jesus would give her the shoes?? What if I just set God up to fail and my daughter’s faith to crumble? “Really?” God challenged. “I can make the universe but I can’t come up with a pair of shoes? And by the way, Brittany’s faith is way stronger than yours right now, so maybe you should just stand back and watch Me go!” Flashback to December, 1994. Brittany was 2 months shy of 4 years old. One last check-in during bath time to make sure we had her Christmas list covered. Along with a Barney stuffie and a few other things, she added, “And I want a baby sister.” “Um, sweetie, we’ve talked about this. You know you grew in Richelle’s tummy before you were born and we adopted you and that’s how we became a family. You know Mommy’s tummy doesn’t work to make babies.”
Page 1 and 2: Year in Review magazine Winter 2019
Page 3 and 4: Issue 04 Flashback to FAC Internati
Page 5 and 6: Total Raised: $24,676 Raised $4,625
Page 7 and 8: Des’ lasts thoughts in our time t
Page 9 and 10: We had the chance to share the gosp
Page 11 and 12: - Adam DeMont After hitting my rock
Page 13 and 14: Life Change By Andres Bentancur Iwa
Page 15 and 16: But I felt like I was missing somet
Page 17 and 18: "And now what are you waiting for?
Page 19: OUR HOPE ... … is that the storie
Page 23 and 24: Ingredients • 1/4 cup butter •

Storyline Winter 2019

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?