Have you ever read something that really lifted your spirits and renewed your faith?  I think that we all have, and this page is dedicated to sharing those stories and experiences.  If you have a story that you would like to share, please mail it to Sarah, the IVCF webmaster, at sarah.p.grant@maine.edu.  Please also send the titles and authors of books, movies, websites, or anything else that has strengthened your faith.  Thanks.  Enjoy!

    You might have a hard time avoiding reminders of the Almighty on the highway these days.  Billboards bearing "messages from God" have appeared in 40 states since last year.
    The arch one-liners were commissioned anonymously and conceived by Charlie Robb, former creative director for the Smith Agency in Fort Lauderdale.  Although some have criticized the signs as being too flippant, Robb said, "There's no downside to what we're selling here."  Some sample messages, each signed simply "God":

 10 little Christians came to church all the time.  One fell out with the Pastor, and then there were 9.
 9 little Christians stayed up late.  One overslept on Sunday and then there were 8.
 8 little Christians on their way to heaven.  One took a low road and then there were 7.
 7 little Christians, chirping like chicks.  One didn't like the music, and then there were 6.
 6 little Christians seemed very much alive.  One got travelitis and then there were 5.
 5 little Christians pulling for heaven's shore.  One stopped to rest awhile and then there were 4.
 4 little Christians, each busy as a bee.  One got his feelings hurt and then there were 3.
 3 little Christians couldn't decide what to do.  One couldn't have his own way and then there were 2.
 2 little Christians-- the story is almost done.  One of them grew weary and then there was one.
 1 little Christian can't do much, 'tis true.  But I brought a friend last Sunday and then there were 2.
 2 little Christians, each won one more.  Now don't you see- you add them up-- 2+2=4.
 4 little Christians worked early and late.  Each of them brought 1.  Now there were 8.
 8 little Christians, if they double as before-- in just 7 Sundays we'd have 1,024.

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true.  You belong either to the BUILDING or the WRECKING crew.

-originally from the Narragansett Churchman, taken from the "Cross Connection," North Kingstown First Baptist Church's monthly newsletter

 "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep. . . . you are richer than 75 percent of the world." 

 "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere. . . . you are among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy."

 "If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful. . . . you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not."

-originally by Father Stanley Samuel Harakas, "The National Herald," taken from "The Annunciator," The Greek Orthodox Parish Church of the Annunciation monthly newsletter