An Angel Heart for Easten
Psalm 68:19|| 19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.
This is the first of a three-part series that shows the hand of God over everything. The Engstroms knew and felt God’s love, but it didn’t mean everything would turn out their way. They knew there wasn’t a guarantee that they would be able to keep Easten, but no matter what, God would still be good.
They share this story as a way to honor and to glorify God.Their journey showed them that we are not in control; only He is. We never know how our story will end; we need the living water to sustain us during the good times and the bad times. It’s a relationship with Jesus that gives us hope to move us forward even in the face of uncertainty and struggles. There is so much to be thankful for, and part ONE is just the beginning. . .
David Scheetz, Jr.'s Story
Matthew 4:18-22 || 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
David’s life has been filled with pain from a childhood filled with abuse, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and emptiness from chasing the things of the world while trying to fill a hole. However, while David was chasing the world, God was chasing after David’s heart, and David felt His presence on the water. On one particular fishing trip, David asked God what He wanted David to do, and David heard God say that it was time to leave fishing and go home, so David left it all behind. David’s history of pain is now turned into a future of refining, and David’s goal is to help others to see that no matter how broken, Jesus can put the pieces back together again. David wants to help others who feel like there is no hope to find healing in Jesus.
Jen B.'s Follow-up Story
Proverbs 3:5-6 || 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
In this inspiring follow-up story, professional organizer from Sustainable Living, Jen B., shares about how her obedience has allowed her to witness God's faithfulness within the work she is doing. As an encouragement to those who may be questioning their role in God's plan, Jen shares her belief that stepping out in obedience allows God to work through us for His greater good. Jen’s story shows the ways in which God uses us at just the right moments. This story demonstrates the importance of reflecting on God's work within and through us, and continuing to grow in our faith, and it shows that He is never done writing our stories. With a foundation in Proverbs 3:5-6, Jen emphasizes the assurance that when we willingly follow God, He unfolds His perfect plan, guiding us in every circumstance.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: GARY SHAW (https://vimeo.com/gloryside)
Jen B.'s First Story
Jen describes how God had been preparing her throughout her life for this new way of helping people. She had always been an organizer and she loved teaching. She felt God moving her into a new chapter where she could combine both of these gifts. Building relationships through helping people get their spaces organized has opened doors for talking about her faith with others, and each new opportunity to clear out the clutter is a way for people to hear what God has for them.
Philippians 4:13 || I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me .
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
Cherish B.'s Story
Hebrews 4:12 || 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Cherish B.’s story is a testament to the power of Jesus’s redeeming grace. Cherish's early life in a loving, traditional Christian home took a turn as she found herself rebelling and falling into a lifestyle of sin. Through heartache, loss, and personal struggles, God transformed Cherish who shares about battling addiction, rediscovering her faith, and finding a deep and personal connection with Jesus Christ. Cherish's story is one of mercy and hope reminding us that God’s goodness is life-changing. Cherish shares about finding her spot at the foot of the cross and knowing that she intends to remain there covered by God’s grace through Jesus.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: GREG ALBRECHT
Josh W.'s Story
Matthew 18:20 || 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
Learn Josh W.’s testimony of a journey marked by struggles, loss, and a desperate search for peace. From a childhood shaped by faith to facing a maze of challenges, Josh candidly shares his path through personal conflicts and a heart-wrenching battle with despair. At the edge of his darkest moment, a pivotal cry for help leads him to a transformative encounter with God's grace. Rebuilding from the ruins, Josh discovers strength and restoration, finding solace in faith, family, and a newfound purpose. Josh’s narrative is a testament to God's steadfast presence, His miraculous intervention, and the boundless hope found in His goodness.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: GREG ALBRECHT
Ricky R.'s Story
James 4:7 || 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ricky comes from a faith-filled background, as his grandfather was a minister, and he, himself, wanted to become a minister. When Ricky experienced great loss, his life began to spiral in the wrong direction, and he did not use the right tools to fight against the pull of the world. He found himself desperate one night when the Lord used a secular radio station to play a Christian song, which changed everything. Ricky was running into the arms of Christ once again. As he was learning to trust and to believe, Ricky had many people praying for him, and he experienced a miracle. Since that miracle, Ricky made a vow to the Lord to live his life telling others about God’s goodness, and he strives to demonstrate love in everything he does.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: GREG ALBRECHT
Stephanie L.'s Story
Isaiah 26:3 || 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Stephanie, her husband, and her four children were on a family vacation when her youngest daughter became ill. This unexpected news gave them a couple of choices: they could “focus on the fear of the unknown, or they could focus on Christ and his blessed hope that he was working all things together for good.” Stephanie explains that their choice was, and still is, a daily battle that does not come naturally all of the time. Stephanie knows God’s goodness does not waver with feelings, so she makes the choice each day to continue to trust his goodness as He points her back to Him and restores her peace.
Thank you to the 3:15 Project and StoryDrive for sharing Stephanie L.'s story with Vine and Branches Stories.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: 3:15PROJECT & STORYDRIVE (TODD MIECHIELS)
Julie Ann A.'s Story
John 11:25-26 || 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? "
Julie Ann explains that she always felt God's presence in her life. She acknowledges that God's hand has carried her, led her, comforted her, and guided her every step of the way. Despite one of the worst tragedies that she could ever imagine, Julie Ann has seen God's goodness surrounding her and lifting her up. She emphasizes that we are not alone, and without God she knows that she would not experience the joy she has had in her life, even through the darkest times. The love of Christ is the greatest thing, and Julie Ann knows she can make it through ANYTHING because He lives!
Thank you to the 3:15 Project and StoryDrive for sharing Julie Ann's story with Vine and Branches Stories.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: 3:15PROJECT & STORYDRIVE (TODD MIECHIELS)
Ginger J.'s Story
Psalm 119:105 || 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Ginger J. explains that when she and her husband began having children, they felt the need to "expose" their children to God. She says that God didn't think exposing was enough; she explains that "God put his foot in the door, and He didn't take it out." Ginger's faith journey has been one day at a time, and she says that God has called her to be "broken bread and wine." He has been making Ginger into His image so that when she stands before her father in heaven, she is going to be like Him. While following the Lord has not meant that life has been perfect for Ginger, she knows that with God, she does not have to fear evil because "mercy holds her left hand, and grace holds her right hand."
Thank you to the 3:15 Project and StoryDrive for sharing Ginger's story with Vine and Branches Stories.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: 3:15PROJECT & STORYDRIVE (TODD MIECHIELS)
Clark B.'s Story
Hebrews 13:1-2 || 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers: for thereby some entertained angels unaware.
Clark B. is being used by the Lord in many ways as he serves in the church and the community teaching about topics such as Bible history, the book of Isaiah, end-times, the book of Revelation, and various School of Ministry topics. In addition, Clark and his wife work together to do some Biblical counseling (along with many other ways in which they serve faithfully). In his story, Clark talks about having had an intellectual knowledge of the Bible and Christ having grown up learning the stories, but God used a long commute combined with a Holy Spirit encounter he had on a business trip to help Clark’s intellectual knowledge become solidified in his heart as Clark felt Jesus pulling him into a relationship and revealing Himself, showing Clark, once and for all, that all of the intellectual knowledge and love He has for Clark is, in fact, real and true.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
Isaac B.'s Vine and Branches Story
1 Peter 4:10 || Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
This story comes out as Isaac is going off to college today! This is Isaac's story of how he came to work with Vine and Branches Stories and the impact that this work has had on him. He talks about some of his challenges as well as some of his big take-aways throughout his experience. Isaac learned a lot about himself and his interests, but he also taught a lot as he was observed setting up, taking down, interacting with people who were sharing, asking follow-up questions, and editing hours upon hours of footage. God blessed Vine and Branches with Isaac's gift and enthusiasm for learning about people and telling their stories. Vine and Branches Stories wishes Isaac the best as he goes to school to continue learning.
Krysta B.'s Story
2 Timothy 1:7-8 || 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord . . .
Krysta’s story begins with a childhood filled with chaos and uncertainty. Krysta knew she needed to get out, but she was not sure how. She found a safe place in the arms of Jesus while attending a church retreat called Breakaway, and through seeking Him, He provided her with people who would lift her up and surround her with a new hope and love and allow her to see what a life filled with the joy of the Lord could be. Krysta saw God continue to move in her life after that weekend. She eventually felt God telling her it was time to share her story, and because of her obedience, He orchestrated everything allowing her to do so. This video captures just a small part of Krysta’s story where it is evident that God was with her through everything she has faced in her life, and she tells her story as a way to thank God for His unending goodness, but you will definitely want to read the rest of her story in her book, Hope in Her.
VIDEO CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
EDITING CREDIT: STACEY PINZ
Nadia J.'s Story
Isaiah 41:10 || Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Nadia shares her story about her breast cancer diagnosis. At first, she felt abandoned and alone. However, as she began her treatment journey to healing, she realized that God was with her and providing her with messages of love and hope through special messages, scripture, family, friends, and her faith community. Nadia now knows that no matter what challenges she may face, God will be there holding her and providing her with everything she needs to endure.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
Joey F.'s Story
John 6:44 || No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Joey F.’s story paints the picture of God wrapping His loving arms around Joey during one of the darkest times in his life. Joey explains that as he looks back on this time, he can see God’s goodness surrounding him and lifting him up throughout every step of the way. Joey was facing hardship, but he did not have to go through it alone. This has given Joey a new perspective, and he now looks at life differently; if anything hard comes along, he views it as summer school: “What didn’t I learn the last time? Trust Him more.”
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
Pastor Laurie H.'s Story
Hebrews 8:12 || For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 || 16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.
View Pastor Laurie's story about her faith journey and how she learned that while she was saved, she had to start living like she believed she was loved and whole. When she finally started living like she is valued and saved and trusting in that, it caused her to obey and see her life in a completely different way. She surrendered to her old life, and she built a life upon the rock of Jesus's firm foundation of redeeming love. She emphasizes that it is impossible to live on the fence because that is Satan's fence. Laurie has made it her goal to wholeheartedly pursue the Lord and work on never disappointing Him like she did in her old life again.
VIDEO CREDIT: ZAC FITZSIMMONS
EDITING CREDIT: ISAAC BENGTSON
Stephanie's and Ford's Story
Sin is sin, and God forgives us and loves us in spite of our sin. God said, "If you honor this commitment, and if you do this, I will bless it." Stephanie and Ford felt God wanting a relationship with them while also helping them work on their marriage. In time, their obedience brought them to a place where they have been able to flourish. In spite of the fact that Satan wants us to fail, God makes a way through every difficulty. God answered every time they faced something, and He was there with them walking with them. Stephanie and Ford are on a path seeking the Lord in all circumstances, and trusting in His Word to guide them daily.
Mark 10: 27 || Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Luke 18:27 || Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Psalm 119:105 || Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: ZACH KITZMAN
Melissa K.'s Story
Hebrews 6:19 || We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.
Through her journey, Milissa has had moments of weakness, but she says that with help and prayers, God gives her peace, strength, and hope. Milissa chooses to view every day as a gift. Melissa says that when we go through life's hills and valleys, we should not be doing it alone. We must choose to be known and to share our journeys with those around us. We never know how much it can bless ourselves and others.
VIDEO/EDITING CREDIT: JOE SCHWARTZ
