Stories

Dana Phillips reminds herself that she can count on God for anything: a beautiful reminder as we focus on the Prodigal Son this week: I can count on Him to love me, even when I am not loveable.  Like you, I like things my way, and when events or circumstances happen my first reaction can be to bristle and blame others for my unhappiness. Not too long ago, I said some unkind things to someone I really love. I said them because I was hurt, because I was offended and... Read More

Sydney Patrick gets real about her struggle with alcohol and the realization that God wants more for her. This is her story: Instant gratification comes at the cost of your joy… Ephesians 5:17-18 says, "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." To a college student, this just sounds like another rule to follow from a book... Read More

Carleen Alderman has been on staff since 2000. She shares how tangible proof of unconditional love has made an impact on her personally: I experienced the Walk to Emmaus in October 1988 when I was in my mid-forties. Before that time I had always been a believing Christian. Our family was members of a small Presbyterian Church in a town of 3,000 people. We were in church every time the doors were open. It was not a choice that I made whether to attend youth group or not when I was in... Read More

15-year-old Alex Mrak learned that Kids Eat Free is about more than feeding kids. Read his story: Last week I went to Kids Eat Free at a Budget Suites. I knew we were giving food and toys to kids that get free school lunch but that's about it. The sign outside said daily, weekly or longer rates. This is their home. I saw kids playing near the parking lot waiting for the lunch truck. We brought sidewalk chalk, bubbles and slap bracelets. A lot of kids came... Read More

Lee Greer, Chairman of the Leaderboard, shares how he's seen God use change to grow our church: A red rose is one of God's wondrous creations. I have a red rose bush outside my kitchen window. I planted it for my wife, for Mother's Day, shortly after we moved into our house 16 years ago, right around the time we joined Trietsch. This rose bush has been a source of great joy, some consternation and a little pride. While I gave it to my wife as a... Read More

Denise Robinson shares how VBS was a reliable, welcoming place in the constantly changing life of an Army brat. Please consider volunteering with VBS to make a memorable experience for our kids! I am an Army brat.  I wear it as a badge of honor.  Did you know that "Army brat" actually has an official definition?  It is "a child of a career soldier, especially one who has lived in various places as a result of military transfers."  What did... Read More

Story by Alyssa Robinson : I meet with people often to help share their stories. Recently it was suggested to me to interview a woman named Carrie Simpson. All I knew about Carrie is she's a cancer survivor. We met at a coffee shop and she quickly laid out the timeline of her life. It was obvious that this wasn't the first time she's shared her journey. Here is the timeline of turmoil she walked me through with a smile on her face: 1988 - House burnt down day after... Read More