Today Pastor Margaret Michael & Grayson Willis will be sharing an outline by Jennifer Heeren from crosswalk.com on 10 reasons to share your testimony. We will also be adding our thoughts and scripture to go with each point.

1. Your Story is unique (even if you don’t think so)
2. God’s word tells us to share our hope as a believer
3. People love to hear stories- both believers and unbelievers
4. It Removes fear and gives courage
5. Unbelievers will have a hard time disputing what you say is your story
6. It creates transparency within the church
7. You become a resource for others
8. You keep your initial salvation testimony alive in your mind
9. You deliver more testimonies as God continues His work in you
10. It Glorifies God

Leslie was born in Fulks Run, Virginia and was raised in Broadway, Virginia. Leslie has not lived in the same place more than four years since she turned 18.She has traveled to England multiple times, Mexico multiple time and she also spent six weeks in Colombia. In addition to her travels Leslie lived in New Jersey for a few years before moving back to the Shenandoah Valley. Leslie joins us on Front Porch Talks today to share her testimony.

We will be praying together specifically for five key areas.

FOCUS 1, Pray for one another (I Timothy 2:1): Who is hurting around you? Who is in need of hope and redemption? Who has a physical need? A financial need? A spiritual need? What we’re fighting: Sickness, discouragement, hopelessness.

FOCUS 2, Pray for peace (Philippians 4:7): We are living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty. Many are attacked and some paralyzed by fear and anxiety. Peace does not come from our circumstances, but from our God who is our peace. Where is an area you are needing to experience peace? Where are you currently seeking peace from other sources than In Christ? Where is disruption and the Lord is inviting you to speak prayers of peace? Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. How can you embody His peace during these days? What we’re fighting: Anxiety, worry, timidity.

FOCUS 3, Pray for courage (Joshua 1:9): Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather obedience in spite of fear. The source of our strength and courage is not found in ourselves, but in Christ. Where is God asking you to trust and walk in obedience in spite of your fear? Where is it that you are walking in obedience but not yet seeing God’s answer, His provision, or His next step? What we’re fighting: self-focus, disobedience, doubt.

FOCUS 4, Pray for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10): We don’t seek unity for the sake of unity but unity in Christ (as we make Christ the focus, he can bring unity). Is there anywhere you see disunity in your life? In your family? In your community? What is it today that you are seeking instead of God? In place of God? What we’re fighting: discord, pettiness, negative talk.

FOCUS 5, Pray for our church (Acts 1:8): Pray for us to be faithful in living out of mission: Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. Pray for us to be obedient even in times of uncertainty. Pray for unity in the body as we seek the Lord and trust in Him to lead us. Pray for our leadership and volunteers. What we’re fighting: weakness, irrelevance, ineffectiveness.

Malisa was adopted at 28 days old into a Christian family. They lived in Pennsylvania for two years and Ohio for six years before moving to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where she has lived ever since. Malisa joins us on Front Porch Talks today to share her testimony.

Amanda was born in Puerto Rico. When she was three her family to Illinois near her grandparents. Amanda grew up as a pastors kids and her family also lived in Colorado and Washington State. Before Amanda started her freshman year of high school her family moved to the Shenandoah Valley when her dad joined the pastoral staff at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene. She has lived in the valley ever since. Amanda currently serves as the director of worship ministries for the Spanish congregation at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene and joins us on Front Porch Talks today to share her testimony.