Calvary Blog
Marlo’s “It’s a Free Gift” God Story
This story should encourage you as you look forward to giving your Bible in a red box away.
We'd love to hear and spread your story to encourage others to share their faith. Email your "It's a Free Gift" outreach story here:
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I am new to Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, a transplant from a nearby church.
After a couple of weeks of attendance here, the “It’s a Free Gift” Bibles were handed out at weekend services. I found myself excited about the opportunity. Although I’m not a “closet” Christian, I am not a “shout-it-on-the-mountain” frequent talker about my faith. Also, for some time, I have been struggling with my faith. So when I got the “It’s a Free Gift” Bible, I really thought about keeping it for myself hoping I would find what has been missing in my walk with Christ. I held on to it for a week trying to figure out if I should keep it or give it away.
Since I made the switch to Calvary, some of my friends have asked me about it. One in particular, a Hindu lady, asked to join me a few weeks ago. She came and enjoyed the service. But later that day, she was in a car accident. It wasn’t serious, but she was shaken up, nonetheless.
She asked me if she could come to church with me again. I was surprised and glad that she asked. I realized that the “It’s a Free Gift” Bible was meant for her. Her eyes lit up when I gave it to her.
We attended church together the following Sunday. We sang praises and listened to Pastor Bob. At the end of the service when Pastor Bob invited people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, she looked at me and asked if I would join her in going up front! Without hesitation, we walked up together.
It is just amazing how the Lord worked both in her and in me. In the past few days we have become closer then ever. She has opened up about challenges she is facing, and, although I am not perfect, I feel that God has put me in the perfect place to help her.
I am excited about what is next for her in her new walk with the Lord. I am excited about what the Lord has in store for me, too. What I didn’t realize was that I, too, was given the gift of renewed hope, peace and joy.