Thank you for giving me this gift of my story. Showing me I can make a difference! The Story Lives. Yes, the story lives in me. Your book has shown me that I have a story to tell about how I met Jesus and how he rescued me from my darkness. Now I have the tools to be able to tell my story of redemption and easily share it with others so they will understand the true nature of Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Friend, our Comforter. Our stories are real and will tell the good news of Jesus better than any formula of how to "witness."
Nyra H.
What a freeing revelation it was to read Henriet's book, The Story Lives. I had never thought before about my life being a story that others would "read."
I love how Henriet clearly brings out that 'my story' with all its gritty, rough parts can be absolutely beautiful when placed in the hands of a loving Heavenly Father.
Every chapter of Henriet's book shows how God handcrafts our lives. And if I am willing to be open and share 'my story' He can and will use every event (especially the hard stuff, the stuff I wish never happened) to impact others for Christ.
Thank you Henriet for changing my life, making me grow and shoving me (yes, shoving) toward a closer relationship with Jesus! YOU ROCK!
Lynn P.
When my friend and boss, Julie, first told me about the group to discuss The Story Lives, she mentioned how happy she was because she had always envisioned Lucky Jack's Latte to be used for ministry and small groups. I told her I would be more than happy to work to cover her shift so she could participate as I had no intention of being a part...But she said she wanted ME to be part of it and she would cover for me!!
"'I had no intention" seems to be a recurring 'theme' in my life that gets frequently quashed. I learned it from my mother, whose first words out of her mouth almost always reverberate with "NO." And as much as I hate that, I often find myself doing it! God knows how much I hate the word "NO" and so He, in His infinite wisdom sets me up in situations where "no" is easy but "yes" is right. And this little study group is absolutetly the best example of that.
Were it not for this book and group, I would not have gotten the (very timely) reminder of how important our individual stories are to the whole body working and functioning well in this broken world. After some challenging incidents, I had retreated a bit from life and most especially from the people with whom I had spent the last 7-8 years, and wanted nothing more than to retract my story—sort of like taking my ball and going home. But God would not allow it... I needed this and there was sure no way in H-E-Double Hockey Sticks that I was going to seek this out on my own! So, today, I sit here grateful (though not entirely healed—that might come later) for God's wonderful sense of humor. And for you... and your faithfulness to write a book and lead a group and be a friend!
Signe
It seems missional living is the hot topic in Christian writing these days, with book after book flooding the market espousing "How to" or "Why to" Henriet's book stands out from the others I've read in that Henriet was missional long before it was the next big thing. This mindset and lifestyle permeate her book. Her years as a practitioner help inform a highly practical, highly accessible description of both the Biblical imperative and the real-life implications of living on mission.
Henriet roots her words in Scripture, drawing from the stories of Jesus and the apostles. She also pulls in examples of people she's known who have made the choice to take their faith outside the four walls of the church building and make an impact on their communities.
As a pastor whose main responsibility is to equip the church to live on mission, I could see myself recommending this book to those I lead. Not only does it cover the basic of missional living, it also addresses topics I haven't seen raised in other books on the subject. For instance, early on Henriet discusses the importance of being just salty enough -- not so covert about ones faith that action is devoid of a connection to Jesus while at the same time not being so over-the-top and in-your-face about Christ that Christianity becomes unpalatable to others.
While I read this book in a day, I could see a small group using it for a multi-week discussion starter or a leader utilizing it in mentoring."
Beth Armstrong
Pastor of Leadership & Community Development
Opportunity Christian Fellowship
Spokane Valley, WA
Henriët has shown us easy ways to reach out to one’s community and by example teach people to love one's neighbor as they love themselves. With the world in conflict, the need to teach how to care for each other is of utmost importance. It is the answer to the violence that seems to be growing in the world. Her book will help one find creative ways to get involved with community.
Raymond Vath, MD
I found it thought provoking, Henriët’s personal story extremely interesting and the personal stories very inspiring. Whatever one’s political leanings are there is something to be gained and learned from this book. I highly recommend it. It left me feeling full of joy after reading it!
Nancy W.
I love how this book unpacks how to live out my faith in real ways. It gives proof that God cares deeply about my uniqueness, my story, and how I can use it to find my purpose. Thanks to the author for dispelling notions that God only operates in the confines of church. Rather, she reminds us that our original example—Jesus—lived out God’s wishes in the world.
Deb K.
Henriët’s book encapsulates “the story behind the story” that each person’s life offers. There is so much that we as individuals can do to plant seeds and change lives, one story at a time. Thank you, Henriët, for memorializing what it means to be missional, and to emulate living a life that will make a lasting difference for decades to come.
Deanna R.
Henriët captures the heart of missional leadership through her combination of story, biblical support and visionary thinking. Her process begins with observing the challenge to become a missional leader as she continues to bring the clarion call for developing a life of meaning through aligning with God’s original design.
Henriët’s book ends with a call to, “Go and tell,” the very strategy Jesus used when he called his followers to,“Go and make disciples.” We must follow the call to,“Go and tell.” In our 21st century postmodern, global culture, use of story is an excellent vehicle for accomplishing our mission!
Tamara J. Buchan
Pastor and author
“Identity Crisis”
Santa Rosa, California
As a Christian, trying to find my way in my life, this book is giving me great guidance. I am not alone. I have purpose and value. I love Henriët’s direct and honest approach. Real. Solid. Authentic.
Susan N.
If you’ve been wondering how to participate in missions without being a full-time missionary or going on a short-term missions trip, then this book is for you. Join Henriët Schapelhouman as she authentically adds to the missional living conversation through her own personal story and the story of others. As a business professional, I found great relief in knowing that I’m not alone in struggling to find a place to use my gifts within most local church models. I also found inspiration to encourage and equip other Christians to live missionally in their everyday lives wherever they roam. The Story Lives is a personal and practical narrative of Christ’s command to go make disciples everywhere in the context of daily life.
Laura M.
