Submit Your Story

    Pastor Mike Kinsman once told us, "I know of too many buried treasures! There are so many wonderful stories of God's touch that people did not write down before they died. I don't want people to leave this earth without sharing the events where God was at work in their lives." 

     Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance some almost-forgotten incident of God's presence and help during challenges you have faced in the past. Pray for heightened senses to "see" God's work in your daily life. God's touch may be a small incident, or a nudge to go in a new direction. You may want to share a decisive moment and the life-change that resulted.

     God is trustworthy. We can believe His Promises! And let's take time to share our stories!

Write down your story of 250 - 500 words and email it to me: helen.ourstories@gmail.com

Writers Guidelines

OUR STORIES, GOD'S GLORY feature true, real life experiences of ordinary people who have experienced the touch of God on their life. The stories are meant to bolster the faith of other believers, cause unbelievers to stop and pause, and to encourage each reader.

Jesus used stories to teach people. Stories are timeless and universal. Stories of faith transcend every culture and cross barriers of age, race, and gender.

Submission Requirements:

Story length 250 – 500 words.
Write your story only in first-person, from your own point of view.
The story must be original, and one you hold rights to.
English only, please.
Do not send fiction, sermons, letters, confessionals, expository essays, academic papers, testimonials, or eulogies.
You may submit multiple stories, but only one story at a time.
Include your first and last name, address, e-mail address, and phone number with each story.
Any story that contains inappropriate or degrading language will not be accepted.
Font:  Use 12-point, Times New Roman
Word Count: Write the word count at the top of your manuscript.
We do not respond to queries or provide editorial feedback.
Include a short paragraph about yourself at the end of your story.
If you story is selected to be included in another edition of this series of books, or if it would be sent out on the internet via our blog or featured on OREGON FAITH REPORT (www.oregonfaithreport.com), you will be notified by e-mail.

Suggestions for Powerful Storytelling:

Hook readers at the beginning by writing a strong lead that grabs their attention and keeps them reading to the end.
Use description and dialogue to draw the reader into the story.
Paint descriptive word pictures to help the reader to experience joy, sadness, danger, and to see the characters, and hear their dialogue.
Write from your heart; make your story come alive in the hearts of the readers.

Punctuation/Editing:

Capitalize all names of God - nouns and pronouns.
Use only ONE space after a period or other punctuation at the end of a sentence before beginning the next sentence.
Identify any scripture passages and also the Bible version used.
Read and reread your manuscript before submission.
Use the Spell-Check function, but don’t rely on it alone.
Read your story out loud. Then eliminate words that don’t move the story forward.
Write your story so that it flows smoothly. 
Read the stories posted online to get a feel for our need.
Use strong verbs. Eliminate as many “ing” and “was” (to be verbs) words as possible.
Stories must have a clear, strong “take away” value.
Stories must point to the workings of our Almighty God.
Include a short paragraph about yourself at the end of the story.