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A Test of Faith (the rest of the story)
by Steve Stoner
 Last month I told the story of a man who faced a test of faith. But I left the end of the story untold and many of you have called or e-mailed wanting to know what the man decided to do. Here, as Paul Harvey used to say, is the "Rest of the Story."
First a brief recap. A man had been unemployed for a long time causing the depletion of his financial reserves including his 401k. The part-time jobs he was able to get helped but simply did not provide the resources needed for his family. Throughout this time he and his wife and children prayed together, attended church together and continued serving when and where they could. He was contacted by a recruiter about a job that he eventually got that paid better and had better benefits than his previous job plus he really liked the work he was hired to do. Things had gone from really bad to really good. He was relieved that his family would finally be able to put their lives back together again. But following a very successful meeting with a key company client, he was invited by his Senior Vice President and his Regional Manager to join them at a local gentlemen's club which, as it was stated, was an "unofficial" company tradition. The final word was "You are a team player, aren't you?" We left the story with two questions, "what do you think he did?" and "what would you do?"
Click here to read the "rest of the story."
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A Symphony of Saints
by Joe Carroll  The curtain rises. There is newness in the air. The symphony will soon begin. The orchestra is huge, more than the eye can see. The members, from different races, are immaculately dressed in woolen white. Not a blemish can be seen. Most peculiar though, are the instruments. Every instrument is different; each one distinct and...most startling of all, every instrument is flawed. Some instruments are damaged; others are broken or disfigured. As each member begins to play, the sound is awful. The notes are noisy and the chords chaos. Each one plays independent and ignores the other. Mistrust, contempt and arrogance fill the air. Discord and disharmony prevail.
Then He arrives. The Conductor appears front and center, where everyone knows He belongs. Self ceases. The "me" in everyone melts. Like a magnet, every eye attaches to Him. The only sound that can be heard is myriads and myriads of hearts beating with excitement; beating with life. The Conductor raises His hands. As eyes affix on the scars on His hands, the instruments change. They are still damaged, but they become bright and bloody red. The Conductor's baton resembles a sword. With one stroke of the Conductor's hands, every member genuflects to the Conductor and commences playing their instrument with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. The sound is sensational...celestial. Yet it is more than that. Aromas and flames fill the air. The instruments are still damaged, but they are on fire. As they burn, they are not consumed. As the music plays, the aroma fills the air. The smoke becomes glorious and I can no longer see the members of the orchestra. The only one on stage that is still visible is the Conductor. As He turns to the audience, it was an audience of ONE. He died with sinners...His celebration will be with saints |
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A Surprising Benefit - A BLE Testimony
featuring BLE Small Group Member Diane Bolding
 When I started at Touchstone Communities in October 2008, I was told by a co-worker of a benefit that was offered to all employees. When I heard what it was I was sure I heard it wrong. I was told there was a Bible Study Group that met every other week during lunch. I was a bit confused and had to ask if she was serious. I had never heard of anything like it. I had worked in the construction industry for about 20 years and a discussion about faith was not only unheard of, but frowned upon.
I began attending the Bible Study my second week of employment. Our group meets in a conference room and although everyone is welcome there are only a handful of participants. Our small group has gained a few more but we have grown within ourselves more with each day. It was a great way to meet fellow employees, and what an experience to be able to share the Lord with your Supervisor!
I did not come from a home that read the Bible; it was just a beautiful book that collected dust. At church it was read to us. I have so much to learn about the word of God and how He has given it to us to learn how to have a right relationship with Him. It is so amazing to be able to go to work and discuss what you have learned and to share prayer with others.
Our first study was on how God wants us to live in the workplace. I really loved that this was a study solely based on Scriptures; it taught me that the Bible is not a history book, it is a current event (living) book. What was written thousands of years ago applies to us to this very day and will continue to apply. Our second study was of Paul and his letter to the Philippians. What an encouragement he is to me. What a strong Godly man, choosing to be joyful no matter the circumstances and never stepping down from his role God gave him to spread the Gospel. I am sure he did not realize that even today we would be learning about our Lord through his words.
BLE has been a blessing to me in so many ways, not only is it teaching me about God's Word but it has also introduced me to Steve, who has helped me with many personal struggles in my life. I am truly blessed to be a part of a company, Touchstone Communities, that is not silent about its beliefs and morals and offers such a spiritual opportunity.
To read more stories of God's work through the BLE ministry, click here.
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