» sample story

I hope you are filled with us as much anticipation as we are. It won't be long before we'll be having our Grand Opening service! And, this is why we are contacting you. Our Grand Opening will be full of all kinds of excitement, but one of the most important things we can do that day is give our guests a glimpse of who we really are as a church. We have a huge vision to complete a book project that would take the testimonies of different families, individuals, men, women, youth and children and share them with all who are willing to read it. The book will be thematic with our core values weaving through the personal stories of how being a part of DSC has changed and strengthened lives.
And, that is where you come in. We know you have an awesome story to share about how DSC has impacted your life. It would be our honor if you would take some time to submit a short chapter (around 600 words – about 4 paragraphs) revolving around this question…

What does Desert Springs Church mean to you? (Life lessons – what have I learned, how my daily life has changed being a part DSC?)
Some examples could include:

I learned to leave something better than I found it because…
By encountering a relationship with Christ in my life at DSC, this happened…
My church family at DSC reached out to me in this specific way…
 
Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, you have a story that needs to be told. So, take some time in the next few days to pray and ask God what is your part of this project. As you start to focus on a particular story or thoughts, start to write them down in a simple written format. Then, when you finish that format, email it to us. Form there, we have a team that will help us work through spelling, grammar and creative content. Our goal is to help make your words read the best they possibly can.

Of course with any written project, there has to be a deadline, right? And, we have one for you. We would love to have your short chapter by Monday, October 15. Now, if you complete it in the next few days or week, please send it as soon as you are ready. Once we receive it, we will filter through our copy and creative edit team preparing it for our final transcript. The goal is to have a finished product in the hands of every DSC family and guest the morning of our official Grand Opening. Doesn’t that sound exciting? You have a story and we know there is someone who will be encouraged when they read it.

As you start on your short chapter journey, here are a few things that will help you in your preparation.

1. Please write and email your short chapter using the Microsoft Word software for Windows or Macintosh. When you email it to us, please make sure it is sent in a .doc format. For instance, you may title it whatever you like, just make sure we have see it formatted like this example:

 

MarkRempelstory.doc

Just attach it then with a short note that includes your name and word count.

2. Please keep it to right around 600 words. If you are coming up short, we can help. Send what you have and we have several authors there to help. If you come up way long, try to trim it up by focusing on what you feel is the main message.

3. Please write it in a “first person” format. For instance…

Rather than –

When Mark Rempel walked into Desert Springs Church for the first time…

Try it with a more personal touch-

When I walked into Desert Springs Church for the first time…

4. Write in your style. Rather than trying to write your short chapter like you think Pastor Brad would write it, pen your words with a style that is your own. Just be you. That is what will make this book unique and an exciting read.

5. Send your short chapter to:

Finally, we have an example story that will give you some ideas and is similar to the length we are looking for.

Thanks for giving us and those who read this book a chance to hear your story…

Becky Davis - Executive Editor
Mark Rempel - Executive Editor