Here is what Thisizmystory has been up to for the last few months. In October of 2009 we got to pack up and go to Kauai, Hawaii to film Bethany Hamilton’s story. It was awesome! Photos on facebook.

First of all let me just tell you how beautiful God’s creation is there. Everywhere we looked there was an amazing masterpiece that the Lord created for us to enjoy. And although we were busy filming there, we did get some time to escape and see some beautiful beaches with great snorkeling, get some surfing time in, and go on a hike up the Na Pali coast with breath-taking views.

But let me back up a bit. This whole trip couldn’t have happened without God putting it together and having some very willing hearts to go above and beyond what we could have ever asked. Noah and Becky Hamilton, who are Bethany’s brother and sister-in-law, were absolutely amazing! They truly became some great friends in the time that we were there, and we are so thankful that they opened up there home and friendship to us, without them it wouldn’t have been the same. Not to mention that they really helped open the door to getting Bethany to share her story with us. We feel so blessed to have met them. Bethany is the sweetest most down to earth person you can imagine.

Everything went great with the filming and her story as you may know is incredible. Bethany’s story is on the website now. Watch it now.

Fast forward a few months… on December 6th, 2009 at 5:40 a.m. our little girl Hope Noelle Durham entered the world and has completely changed our lives and has truly been an amazing blessing and joy to us. She is our little mascot for thisizmystory and even has her own pink thisizmystory t-shirt custom made by our friend and our newest staff member Annabell Amos. Who is currently working as our “Event Coordinator” and is such a great help and addition to our team. We also want to introduce Trevor Ward, who is our “Creative Director”. Trevor does all of our filming and editing and truly is one of the reasons that this ministry is happening right now and is a great friend.

Another few months forward brings us to March, where we just got back from Phoenix, AZ. We were at Sun Valley Community Church speaking and filming students stories. This was one of our first major events and we had the opportunity to speak to over 300 youth! We saw 3 make a first time commitment to follow Christ, 13 re-dedicated their lives to the Lord and 54 students shared their story on video and 17 more are signed up to share in the next few weeks to come! It was a great weekend and was so much fun. Some of the students stories were so powerful, we found ourselves in tears many times. It is so great to see what God has done in these young peoples lives.

These are just a few things that the ministry has been up to in the last few months and there are so many more exciting things to come! When we had the vision for this ministry we would never have expected that we would be filming the caliber of athletes that we have gotten to. And we can’t wait to see where else God plans on taking Thisizmystory. We are just holding on for the ride and being open and available for Him to continue to do great things. Thanks for reading and pass it on to a friend.

Normally every Sunday we walk into church and walk out…right? Well, I was reminded of that blessing this past Sunday at Craig Rehab Center. We did a Chapel Service for the patients at the Center where most of them are recovering in a wheelchair.

Craig Rehab is a center that specializes in brain and spinal cord injuries, of which most of them are severe cases.  For thirty plus years, Emily’s dad (Gary Copeland) has been ministering with Pastor Chuck Lewis at Craig Rehab.  Every first Sunday of the month the Rehab center allows  Pastor Chuck to do a chapel service.  Chuck himself has recovered from two separate spinal cord injuries, one from being hit by a drunk driver.  God uses his testimony of how He healed him to minister to those who are going through the same or similar injuries.

This Sunday, Pastor Chuck was out of town and asked us to do the chapel service in his place.  It is absolutely the most heart touching thing to be a part of.  It is an incredible reminder of what we often times take for granted…life as we know it.  I am so encouraged by the faith that many of them still hold to, that no matter what, they are trusting in the Lord.

Several stories were shared and I ask if you could pray for their healing.  A family of 6 got struck by lightening, the four children are doing better now, but the mom is in critical condition.  The father unfortunately did not survive.

David, was actually riding his bycicle one week ago and collided with another cyclist.  He ended up with a c3 and c4 spinal injury leaving him paralized.  He was named after King David from the Bible.  His faith was inspiring.

And Carol was interested in sharing her story on video for all of you to see and be encouraged by.

We went to minister, but I seriously feel like I have been ministered to instead. Hope you’ll be blessed.  Thanks for reading.

I’m sitting here at the kitchen table racking my brain with what to say in our first blog. It’s exciting! We hope you have been encouraged by the stories and will pass them along.

There are so many people to thank who helped make it possible, but I want to thank God first and foremost. With everything that has been preparing me in life, I feel like this is what it’s been for. God is taking everything from Bible College, to meeting and marrying my best friend, to youth pasturing, to working at Nautique and He has prepared us for this ministry to reach lost people for Christ. At times I have felt overwhelmed and even unsure, but in those times God has been so faithful. Now, we thank everyone who believes in “This Iz My Story.” Your support is so needed and appreciated!

THE LAUNCH

We were at the Wakeboard World Championships in Orlando, FL for the first “live” day of ministry. It was so awesome to have a booth that the Tour donated for use to set up our display. Thanks to everyone who came by and hung out in the booth. We had such a fun time and the feedback has been incredible.

The most memorable moment for me was when Reed Hansen’s mom came to the booth to watch Reed’s wakeskate story. As his video played and brought her to tears, I felt God assuring me that He is and will use these stories to touch peoples’ lives.

I was also touched by the three people who came into the booth to share their stories. It was our hopes that someone would share but when it actually happened, it kind of through me off a little bit…I wasn’t really prepared…Emily was out of the booth at the time, so who was going to “man” the booth while I interviewed these stories. Not to worry though, because Shaun Murray’s dad, Lloyd saved the day and manned the booth for us. Thanks Lloyd!

These three young people got the picture of what this is all about. They wanted their story documented and shared too. The young girl, Kimberly was so excited to get her story and post it up for all of her friends to see. Unashamed and bold is what I thought about these three.

Tommy Strickland’s Story

Kimberly Sapp’s Story

Brian Wynn’s Story

COMING SOON

We will be launching new videos and posting updates frequently, so stay connected through this blog and facebook.

Eric “Gator Ludgert’s Story is coming in two weeks!!! I think we all shed some tears filming Eric’s story. You’ll be blessed and touched.

On the horizon, we are scheduling in a date to produce Bethany Hamilton’s story. You can get to know her in advance at www.bethanyhamilton.com

EVENTS
You tell us. Who’s ready to do a TIMS event and get a group excited about sharing the story of how they came to know Christ?

For His Glory…

We’ll start filling this up with news and events very soon. Check back soon!