PUBLISHER’S NOTE e Per of Yr Story Filled with incredible stories of God’s faithfulness and the truth of His Word, Victorious Living brings proof that God is alive and working in the lives of His children today. No matter what you have faced in your life, no matter what you’ve done, no matter where you are at this moment, the following stories will inspire you with the truth that God is able to pull you out of any pit and set your feet on a path of victory. He is just that good. And His love for you is just that great. At the beginning of the year, my pastor, David Uth, presented a series of messages called MOVE. He taught the importance of growing in our faith by connecting with other believers, studying the Word of God, and then sharing our faith with others. I looked around the massive worship center of First Baptist Orlando (FBO) and thought about all the amazing God-stories that must be sitting in those seats, just waiting to be told. I asked our pastoral staff if I could help my church family share their God-stories. They loved the idea and graciously connected me with stories, provided photography, and supported this issue financially. FBO has also provided thousands of copies for our congregation to read and distribute throughout the Orlando community. Victorious Living is a wonderful tool to share the hope and love of Christ in a nonthreatening yet powerful way. I can’t thank Pastors David, Danny, and Matthew enough for their support of this project, as well as Edie, Tim, and Dee for their valuable help with photography. When I started this magazine in 2011, all I knew was that the Lord wanted me to start telling stories, so I did. In 2013, He opened a door for Victorious Living to be distributed in the prison system. (Visit kojministries.org to learn how God turned a simple visit with an incarcerated friend into an ever-growing prison outreach.) This publication now impacts thousands of incarcerated men and women on a daily basis. Our ministry team stands in humble amazement as we watch God do what only He can do. He sends Victorious Living into places where no man can go. It is truly a light in the darkness. Maybe after you’ve finished reading, you’ll consider supporting this incredible outreach of hope and freedom. The magazine is fueled by the truth of Revelation 12:11. It says, “They have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” Two things defeat our enemy, Satan: the precious blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for us over 2,000 years ago, and our testimonies of faith. Our stories are powerful weapons. Let me rephrase that: Your story of God’s love and faithfulness is a powerful weapon. Have you ever thought about that? Many people think they don’t have a story worth telling, or they think their story shouldn’t be told. But that’s exactly what Satan wants them to believe. He knows there is nothing he can do about the blood of Christ, so he tries to steal your story, to make you feel your life story is insignificant or irrelevant and that you should keep it to yourself. Let me tell you something. There is nothing insignificant in your life! And there is nothing you have experienced that someone else hasn’t either already experienced or is experiencing right now. We need each other’s stories. Someone needs your story today, just as you need the stories you are about to read. Maybe it’s time you share yours. You’ll find freedom in the process. I trust you will be blessed by the following life testimonies of my friends at First Baptist Orlando. Any trial or temptation you can imagine is about to told—freely and authentically. Stories of losing loved ones, of being bullied, of overcoming sexual abuse, drug addiction, low self-esteem, prejudice, mistreatment, poverty, homosexuality, and the deadly emotions of anger, guilt, loneliness, fear, and shame. They’re all about to be shared. And yes, by church folk! May you be inspired and challenged… Kristi Publisher Kristi Overton Johnson’s passion is to equip and encourage people to live victoriously in every season of life. Learn more at kojministries.org. Your story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison. Maybe it’s time you shared it. Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. PSALM 66:16 6 kojministries.org Issue 3 2017 photo courtesy of The Daily Reflecto Photography by Spencer Shultzr {
20478AS
To see the actual publication please follow the link above