TELL YOUR STORY

[Ryan May]

Taking a page from a book by Bill Hybels called Walk Across the Room, we challenged everyone to write out their testimony in 100 words or less. To hear an example from the message delivered on 11.08.09, click here. Or simply get on with it below! Look forward to hearing YOUR STORY!

[Keith Riddle]

Here is mine and Jenifer's combined story. We combined our 100 words to 200 for the both of us.

Keith and Jenifer’s Testimony

K: I grew up in church and studied the theory of religion.

J: I grew up with very little church.

K: I knew right from wrong and toed the line – as far as anyone knew.

J: I did whatever I wanted or needed to do to be accepted.

K: I was good at hiding my tracks and convincing people I was a good Christian.

J: I flaunted my lifestyle and believed in very little.

K: I got tired of hiding and quit pretending.

BOTH: So we hooked up. And God got to work.

K: I was as low as I’d ever been.

J: And I’d start started seeing glimpses of another world.

K: This was NOT Missionary dating…..

J: Until *I* drug *him* to church.

K: And God worked on us.

J: But it was just the beginning.

K: He used a new church

J: and a book

K: and even getting rid of STUFF – physical THINGS

J: and all of that was good.

K: but that’s not where He reached us.

J: Nope. He pulled us both into the web of His love.

K: Just one random night.

J: Nothing special, just a visit from God.

K: Sounds hokey and charismatic.

J: But I was there. It happened.

K: And now we love people with wild abandon.

J: Love Jesus.

K: Love people.

BOTH: It’s that simple.

[Ryan May]

Well said... very creative!

[Patricia Gordon]

I had always believed in God but hated him and told him so daily.

I thought him to be unfair.

He was good to everyone else but not me as far as my pain could see.

I had a dream that changed my life forever.

I didn't see his face but saw his hands and he opened a book of my life
and I didn't even see what was in the book- I knew though that he was
showing me how he was fair and good to me and loved me.

I woke up already crying, God's fair afterall.

[Ryan May]

Thanks for sharing, Trisha! So glad to have you at The Net!!

[Patricia Gordon]

I am truly glad to be at this church. :)

[Bettye Jo Wells]

Jesus and the church have been in my life for as long as I can remember; I was raised in a very traditional Missionary Baptist home. I accepted Christ as my savior at age 6 and was baptized into the faith. Over the years I’ve had times where I’ve lived for myself, followed my goals and desires. Other times I’ve surrendered to the Lord and followed His direction. But while I’ve been inconsistent, He’s been consistent. He has never left me and always welcomes me back with open arms. His love, acceptance and companionship are like no other.

[Ryan May]

Amen, sister!!

[Jessica Goldberg]

Cutter, self mutilator, suicidal. Searching for something, and never finding it. Finally when I was 16 I found Jesus standing on the path I following and instead of walking around him like I had so many times before I followed him. Do I still struggle? Yes of course. However I never hurt myself and I have since learned to love myself and see myself the way that Jesus sees me.


Jessi

[Jessica Goldberg]

I *was*

[Ryan May]

Love your courage, Jessica. You are a gift to The Net!

[Jessica Goldberg]

Thanks Ryan, Pairing that down to less than 100 words was tough, but what a great exercise. Thankyou for making me giggle like a fiend with the evangelism video!

[Jenifer Riddle]

Trish and Jessi - love the stories.