The Power of a Story....

Everyone has a story. Some make for a better lifetime movie than other's but everyone has one. This past Sunday we had one of the most powerful illustrations of God's grace that I have ever seen. We used "cardboard testimonies" to tell of God's mercy. One by one we walked story after story out on to the stage. Each story had a before side and an after side on their piece of cardboard. Each person started with the "before" side of the card. It described in a few words or a short sentence who they used to be. Then they flipped the card to the "after", the part that describes who they now are in Christ. Here are a few of the cardboard testimonies from Sunday:

• Broken Marriage, Broken Heart - Restored Bride of Christ
• I was ashamed of the Gospel - Now a missionary to my college campus
• Tried to kill myself with a gun - Redeemed and made new in Christ
• My brother died 2 months ago - I'll see him in heaven because I was saved at his funeral

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as we were moved by the stories of God's grace, compassion and restoration. Each of you have a story. What would be on the front and back of your "cardboard"? I'd love to see a few people leave a comment with what their board would say.

My cardboard would say:

• Alcoholic, bitter, angry at the world - Filled with Joy and encouraging others