10 Amazing Grace Whatever pain or shame you carry, you can give it to God today. In that moment of surrender, He will step in and make all things new. Jay Strack 12 The Sweet Spot It’s a fact of life: we cannot control our own lives and live in surrender to Christ at the same time. Relax, let go of the controls, and find your sweet spot beside the One with the perfect plan. Kristi Overton Johnson 13 No More Lies Step out from under Satan’s lies and into the light of truth: You are irreplaceable to God. He created you in His image for a reason. Kimberly Chassion 15 Foundation of Love A new bride testifies to the transformative and redemptive work of Christ in her husband. Ashley 17 Nothing Insignificant Every child of God is gifted for Kingdom work. Whether your talent puts you in the spotlight or behind the scenes, rest assured that it’s significant. Bob Whitcomb 22 Dare to Dream No home, no job, few friends, and fewer prospects. Thiago came to the States on faith and soon found that God’s resources far exceeded his dreams. Thiago Egydio 24 No More Lonely Places Drugs, alcohol, and wild parties were a large part of this international student’s life… until God moved in and filled all the empty places. Cleber Cordeiro 25 Free to Love Taking a lesson from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, we’re reminded of the great love God showed for us when He set us free to choose to love. Erin 28 Rescued Say yes to Jesus today. Give Him permission to rescue you from the hand and the land of the enemy. Linda Cubbedge 29 Healer of Hearts Following the tragic death of his son, Thomas had to learn that only God can heal a broken heart. Thomas Gilmore 30 Willing Through the life of her brother, Sharon Hodges witnessed the transformation Christ can make in a surrendered life. Sharon Hodges 31 Healed Once and For All Angela Harris knows the only thing that can fully change and heal a person’s heart is Jesus. When He is the foundation, hearts are healed once and for all. Angela Harris 32 A Legacy of Prayer: Speak into the Atmosphere Prayer is the powerhouse of the Christian life. When we are in tune with God, we can speak boldly and confidently with the Creator of the universe. Yvane I. Carty 33 Destination Happiness Devastated by the loss of her fiancé, Lynda learned the beauty of trust, the purpose for wilderness journeys, and the infinite love of her Savior. Lynda Stein 34 Endless Love Courtney stepped out of her comfort zone and found the love that she always knew was hers from the Father. Courtney Caggiano 36 No Longer a Bystander Are you looking for the “perfect church” while criticizing the one you’re at? You’ll be amazed at what God’s doing when you step up and get involved. Lenora Plummer REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES | REAL HOPE ISSUE 3, AUGUST 2017 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4 Publisher & Executive Director | Kristi Overton Johnson Editor | Rachel F. Overton, Wordscapes Executive Assistant | Kimberly Chassion Accounting Manager | Gizzella Guba Director of Prison Correspondence | Linda Cubbedge Creative Director | Amy Zackowski, Whispering Dog Design Inc. Partnership Support | info@kojministries.org Contributing Writers Adam, Ashley, Michael Beuke, Courtney Caggiano, Yvane I. Carty, Kimberly Chassion, Cleber Cordeiro, Linda Cubbedge, Erin, Thiago Egydio, James F., Thomas Gilmore, James H., Angela Harris, Sharon Hodges, Kristi Overton Johnson, Jason Lancaster, Sisaundra Lewis, Lenora Plummer, Lynda Stein, Jay Strack, David Uth, Bob Whitcomb Cover Photography | Timothy Smith of Honor Photography Photography Edz Antoine/EDZ The Artist Photography, Bill Doster, Paula Hollis/Vigee Photo Artistry, Jessie Holloway Photography, D. Huey Photography, Dee Lancaster/Dear Dee Photography, Todd McLennan, NBC The Voice, Spencer Shultz, Student Leadership University, Timothy Smith/Honor Photography. Faithful Distributors Special thanks to Bill Coleman and Tina Brown for distributing Victorious Living in local areas in Florida and North Carolina Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Scripture marked MSG is taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Scripture marked NIV is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, public domain. HOW TO REACH VICTORIOUS LIVING Receive a Personal Copy • See this issue’s back cover • Visit kojministries.org • Call 352-478-2098 • Write to Victorious Living PO Box 120951 Clermont, FL 34712-0951 • Bulk copies available, call 352-478-2098 Submissions • Submit your story online at kojministries.org • Due to Internet restrictions, inmate submissions should be mailed to: Victorious Living Outreach PO 328 • Starke, FL 32091 ALL Inmate Correspondence • Mail correspondence to Victorious Living Correspondence Outreach PO Box 328 Starke, FL 32091 VICTORIOUS LIVING MISSION The mission of Victorious Living is to minister to the brokenhearted and to declare freedom for the captives through testimonials of God’s grace, love, and power in the lives of everyday people. Please consider supporting this incredible outreach of hope and freedom. kojministries.org Issue 3 2017 5
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