| Everybody enjoys a good story It is in the telling and listening to a good story that we relate to "One Another" Each and everyone of us has a story to tell Each of us has an unique story It tells who we are From where we came And to where we travel It illuminates all of our interactions and relationships along the way For those who are followers of Jesus Your unique story is actually part of a larger common story God's Story Telling your story moves it from simply being a human story to being part of a Divine Story At one Another Ministry we believe that through telling our faith story others are built up, edified and encouraged We encourage you to share your story to the glory of God and the building up of "One Another" Please send us your story that it might encourage others We will edit your story to ensure your confidentiality, but we will not edit your content We will post your story to our 'Others' Stories page for the blessing of others Confidentiality We at One Another Ministry take the issue of Confidentiality very seriously We make you this solemn pledge We will not disclose your last name, street address or email address or use them in any way If you require further confidentiality please indicate so when you contact us |
Please Read Our featured Stories of Encouragement Below Two poems from Dear Friends For more Stories Click on the "Others' Stories Link |
| My Song Life had failed to love me; I thought it should. Sin closed the blinds on the windows of my heart. The theft of my innocence birthed anger And the pain of disillusionment and fear. My thirsty soul drank in isolated showers Of Joy and Honesty and Peace, All too quickly swallowed by Parched plains of aloneness. They sinned against me. Therefore I sin in return. Where is Love? Searching but never finding— What is Love? Asking, and not waiting to hear the answer; Moving on to the next excitement. My sin is always before me. Grasping, manipulative, shallow and proud. Can you know me and love me as I am? I don’t love me; therefore I run, Refusing your care, Denying your acceptance. All the while my silent cry is – Say it again. Tell me once more. The unspoken cries of a broken heart Are always met by the Truth. Truth sang, quietly yet firmly. “You are perfect in my eyes because my own son has given his life for your guilt.” Truth sang “Come as you are” – and I came Truth sang “Drink” – and I drank new life Truth sang “Eat” – and I was nourished. Truth sang “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Life has failed to love me as I think it should, But God’s love for me is perfect. His acceptance gives me reality; His reality fuels my courage; His courage upholds my honesty; His honesty reveals my failures; His perfection inspires my worship, and I sing: Because I am loved perfectly and fully by God I can love you. Gail, British Columbia, Canada |
| A Stranger Amoung Us A few years ago I remember a young man entering our church. He was not like the usual attendees. He was tall, gangly, and, quite frankly, stood out like a sore thumb. He had recently moved to our city and was very much alone. His father had asked us to watch over him. The young man had grown up in a church and felt at home and comfortable when he was in church. He had a mental illness, he was different. I have often wondered how this young man felt. I know how I felt and I know what I saw. I have to keep asking myself...What would Jesus have done? A Stranger A young man walked into the church. Those present stopped and stared. ...Who was this fellow? ...Why did they care? Was it his jeans Which were tattered and torn That made him stand out And look so forlorn? Or was it his hair Tossed and uncombed That made them all wonder, Where was his home? Was it the way his hand shook As he sat and ate his pie? Or the way he moved so abruptly And so quickly walked by? Did he belong here? Should they say "hi"? Should they say "Welcome"? Just give it a try? This was God's house And God loves everyone. Here was a lesson... Even this man was His son. Jesus would have stopped And given him some time, Shared the spirit of love Seen through the grime. Recognized the man And not the appearance. Welcomed him in, Shown some forbearance. And so they approached Made him feel welcome, Touched the heart Of someone very lonesome. God looked down and smiled! Cheryl, British Columbia, Canada |