David reeked of alcohol day and night. Dale tried to escape his opioid addiction. And Jenna struggled with guilt after making the decision to end her pregnancy.
These stories and more are featured in “Greater Than,” a book put out by Open Arms Church of Bradford and Port Allegany and published by Good Catch Publishing. The book will be released Sept. 30 during services at both church locations.
“Our church has produced a book of true stories of lives that have found hope, freedom, healing, love, peace, joy and are heading in a new direction with new results,” said Pastor Mike McAvoy. “We believe God made people for more, a life that is greater than we could begin to imagine. But we also know that most people, whether successful or totally broken by life are living in something far less than who God made them to be and what He made them for.”
The book features the stories of seven local men and women who have had their lives changed by God. Church leaders have a goal to send the publication to every house in McKean County within the next two years.
“We are sharing these stories to bring hope to those who are feeling overcome by life and to cast a vision of a better life,” McAvoy said. “Many people have realized that this world is greater than they are, full of factors and powers beyond their control. But we have good news; there is someone greater than this world. He has answers and directions on how to enter into that greatness.”
He said that God put this project on the church leaders’ hearts for those who are hurting, empty, disillusioned and in despair.
“We believe this is God reaching out to you to let you know He is there and there is hope and help,” McAvoy said.
There will be a corresponding “Greater Than” series of messages at churches through the month of October, starting Oct. 7.
Sunday services at Open Arms Bradford at 1289 East Main St., about a mile north of Walmart in Foster Township, are held at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while Open Arms Port Allegany’s services are held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 105 Smith Ave.
