2008 Faith@Work Testimonies

Let us know what God is doing in your life. Send us a testimony of how God has used this webpage in your own walk and we'll share it with the Faith@Work community. Send in your testimonies to kwarin@comcast.net.

July Newsletter:

I was really excited and motivated after listening to Glena.  I loved the tracts that were left on our table.  I first prayed about what God would have me do where I am "planted".  I then took the "Ape" tract and a couple of the little candies on my table and left them on the receptionist's desk at my office when I returned from the luncheon.  This young lady is not a believer, but she is definitely a seeker.  She has been focusing on Buddhism and other "religions".  I share with when I can and she knows that I am a Christian.  I then prayed about other ways to reach out to her.  I know that she enjoys reading and is greatly influenced by what she reads.  Next step, give her some seeker-friendly books.  Seed planted - now time to start watering!
 

Often when I first arrive at the Faith @ Work luncheons I feel a bit intimidated. It could be that I don’t feel dressed as nice as others, or I don’t know many people to visit with, or I just feel a little out of place. But once I’m seated and chatting with the other ladies at the table I relax and realize that all of us are experiencing the same issues, dilemmas, and problems. Everyone is so open and warm that it makes it easy to share with them. My table companions always offer words of encouragement and I find, by the end of the hour, we have all lifted each other up no matter what baggage we have dragged to the luncheon with us! I feel so blessed by Faith @ Work. Thank you!
 

July Newsletter

Today’s speaker was Diane Cunningham, a life purpose coach. The message was about doing what God wants you to do, finding your calling and your passion. One of the table discussions was the question: “Are you doing what you are passionate about?” Lucky me, I got to go first. I told the ladies at my table I do not feel like I have found my purpose yet. I have no idea what I should be doing. I like to do so many different things and I don’t know where I am supposed to go. I like to talk for example. I have asked God to show me many times but I still feel like I miss the signs.
Well, in all the months I have been going, I have never won a door prize. Today I was at the lucky table and 5 of us won! My gift, was a beautiful candle holder with little ceramic purses dangling from the top. I got chills when I saw it because I have always told my friend that I want to design Christian purses. I think there is a market for them but I have no idea how or where to start. I was chosen to receive that gift on this day. Talk about a sign you can’t miss! And to think I started the day burning my forehead with the curling iron!
--Venus

"A co-worker of mine has been struggling with his job and many in the office contribute to his feelings of inadequacy.  I took an opportunity to speak with him about his frustrations and help him evaluate what was "true".  He said our conversation uplifted him, showed him that he was believing things that were not true, motivated rather than discouraged him.  I told him I was just "the messenger" and shared that God is the One who provided the comfort. (He is not a believer, so I take every opportunity to show him glimpses of Him.)  Thanks to Diane for the motivation to get out there and coach!!
--Anonymous

June Newsletter

My friend and first-time guest at the luncheon last month turned to all of us at her table when the speaker had finished sharing and said, “My mother has been telling me for years that I need to get God in my life. I was raised as nothing!  I have no relationship to God!"

She told us how her mother had converted to Christianity from Islam, but she herself had no ties to any religion.   She was fascinated by Brandi's story and especially by her challenge to get right with God.  So I encouraged her to ask the Lord into her life right then and there, and she did!  She seems excited about what she has done and I’ve already purchased her a Bible and hope to disciple her this summer!
--Angie

“Brandi's testimony was very moving.  I think we could all relate to being "control freaks" in one way or another.  It was a good reminder to me to be open to change, real change to my character, and having peace that the changes made by God will actually be good for me.  I am claiming her Scripture references and ready to start letting go of some of my control issues (or at least loosening my grip)!”
--Sherry

 

May Newsletter

"I go through periods in my job where I make human mistakes.  Every time it happens, I immediately start to think, "Who am I kidding?  I am too old for this job.  This job has gotten too difficult for me."  Last week was one of those weeks.  However, the morning before the luncheon, I received a wonderful e-mail from a "difficult client" who happens to be a doctor.  She said she was not easily impressed, but I "impressed her, was a Class A employee, and my employer was lucky to have someone like me working for him."  The timing was totally God.  I still beat myself up when I make mistakes, but after listening to Sarah today, I am claiming those Promises, like she said, "minute by minute believing them."  Her message was very comforting.  Remembering God's promises and His truth really does set us free from self persecution and doubt."

"What really hit home with me in Sarah's talk is the false belief  'I am what I am, I cannot change, I am hopeless'.  So many times this has been one of my beliefs.  Sarah mentioned a great verse that is one that I need to hang onto daily at this time in my life 2 Corthinthians 5:17 "So whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold , new things have come."  With God all things are possible, we can be changed and made brand-new with Christ as our Savior!"

 

April Newsletter

“Mary has come to a place in her life where Christ is a part of her everyday life.   For me, hearing her story, made me really miss being in some kind of a study.  This has me praying about that.”

“What I liked about the message was that it called me to account. Mary was funny in her delivery but her message to me was profound. She talked about surrender to God. Trusting fully in Him, and just continually giving Him the glory. When I heard how much her work nearly did her in I knew that God was working to get her attention. But it was when she surrendered it to the Lord and just trusted Him that He directed her to His purpose for her. I had tears in my eyes and she really had my attention. I felt like the Lord was speaking right at me. It was a message I really needed to hear. I think for women in business we often want to be in control of all outcomes and situations but as Christians we are to depend FULLY upon Him, to lean upon Him and not upon our own understanding. That message was loud and clear to me.”

Dian Fawver has recently volunteered to take on the role of table hostess coordinator for the Faith@Work luncheons.  Here she shares her story of how she discovered the role she was meant to fill!

“I can't remember when I first visited Faith@Work – I do remember being invited by a friend who said ‘Dian you need to come to Faith@Work - you can really build your business.’  Needless to say I was very excited -what better place than a group of over 100 women, all of whom must need nutrition and quality skin care products.  WOW - this was the big opportunity.
 
I came, bringing all my "stuff". I set it out on the display table and barely listened to the people I met. I was busy thinking of ways to bring up my business and products.  I quickly turned each conversation to "my business".  I gave out samples and literature.  Looking back, I think some people were uncomfortable  getting samples of something they hadn’t even asked for. I did this for a few months - often leaving the luncheons discouraged. I was shocked that not everyone was interested in what I was doing.  I was talking to a friend after one of the luncheons and she said ‘You know, it makes me uncomfortable when people go on and on about their business or products. It leaves a bad impression.’  I left thinking, ‘OK - I'm not going back - this is not working.’  I did not go back for a long time. 
 
One day Elaine Breen called and asked if I would be a table hostess.  I agreed, invited a friend and went.  I was thinking, ‘OK, I'm not bringing any of my "stuff".  I'm not sure I want to do this but I will.’  I was praying and I heard as plain as day ‘Dian this is a place to help others, listen to them, love them, spend time with them and stop talking about yourself or your business.  If you do this for me and do it with a good attitude and the right heart, I will take care of the rest.’  I thought, ‘OK, Lord, I'll give it a try.’  I went as a table hostess - and it was like I had never been there before!  I listened to the ladies and the speaker.  I got some business cards from the ladies at my table and called some, sent e-mails to others and started listening to their stories.  It was amazing!  I look back now and think, “WOW”!  I was in the right place for the wrong reason. Givers gain and takers loose.  
 
'I am grateful to Elaine for calling me and to another friend for the short conversation I had with her. It really opened my mind to hear the Lord.  I'm looking forward to my new journey with Faith@Work and excited to see what the Lord has planned!'

 

March Newsletter

Journaling

"Maura’s challenge to us to start journaling our times and talks with God has caught on like wildfire in my small group.  First, my husband and I decided to start being more purposeful in our devotional times, and have been doing them together every morning.  Then, our Bible Study small group (5 couples) agreed to try journaling daily as we start a new study.  Now there are ten of us trying journaling for the first time, and loving it!!!  We can’t wait to see how God will speak to us through this practice."

"One of the things I love about the F@W luncheons are the wonderful speakers! How blessed I've been from their words of encouragement and conviction from the word of God that they've shared. Feb. was no different. Maura shared with us from her personal journal, in her time with God. I was reminded how important spending daily time with the Lord was. She shared how she had gone through a time of change in her job and feeling unsettled there. I have been feeling similiar thoughts of what God wants me to do for Him, and feeling unsettled. After hearing Maura share her story, I was convicted of the fact that I had left out a crucial ingredient in hearing from God. I had stopped having my daily quiet time with Him and reading His Word. Maura suggested beginning with a Daily Word book. I picked up one of the In Touch magazines she left for us that day and read one of the entries the next morning.  It talked about how listening to God is essential to walking with God. It said every word, every verse in the Bible is written for us! It is how God speaks to us personally. I plan to begin again, reading the Bible, waiting for Him to speak to me, and writing down what He teaches me."

 

February Newsletter

Newcomers’ Responses

“I attended for the first time in December and can't wait to be a part of this group. It is just what I have been looking for as a professional working woman.”

“I really enjoyed the message at last month’s luncheon and the new book, which I have not had an opportunity to read yet but hope to.  My friend and first time visitor enjoyed the luncheon as well.  She met a friend there who was there for the first time and they had a chance to catch up!” 

Thanks to the Prayer Team!!!

I had put in a prayer request a few months back asking for prayer about my relationship with my mother.  My mom who lives out of state has really had nothing to do with me or my family for several years and every time I would call her it would be a terrible conversation and I would feel like I was going to have a panic attack when I tried to talk to her. 

Well, I called her on Christmas Day and we had the longest conversation we've had in at least 2 ½ years.  She actually spoke pleasantly, she didn't say anything mean and it was really an answer to prayer that we could actually have a normal conversation.  I just felt like God totally answered my prayers and the prayers of the Faith@Work prayer warriors, so I wanted to thank you so much and please pass this on to them as well. 

 

January Newsletter

"I was very touched by Sylvia's challenge this month.  Amidst all the busyness and commitments of the season, we sometimes forget to do the simple things.  My husband and I talked about it, and found a way to serve. We bought 4 big bags of oranges the weekend before Christmas and delivered them to a park where they feed the homeless every Saturday.  Seeing the need was very humbling.  We have so much that we take for granted.  Thank you Sylvia, for reminding us to look beyond ourselves."

"It was really inspiring to have Sylvia speak last time about shepherds and all.  I ended up making cinnamon rolls and crescent rolls and dropping them off at my old work place on Christmas Eve.  It turned out to be great because some of my coworkers wanted to say goodbye again, and I'm hoping that the relationships I have built there will continue to lead them toward Jesus."

Wonderful luncheon (this month). I had the most unique experience at my table. None of the women worked outside the home. One was a work from home mom who published an absolutely beautiful wedding guide. She was there with her mom who helps her. Another woman was there with her daughter who attends UNM. Two other women were housewives with one's husband currently deployed to Iraq as Army National Guard. I couldn't believe it. I've not ever hostessed a table of other women, like myself, who all either work from home or are housewives. It was such a blessing and encouragment to me. Such humble, loving, courageous women! I was so honored and blessed by that experience!!!