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Read an excerpt at www.scribd.com by clicking this link
Creativity for Christians™:
How to Tell Your Story and Stories of Overcoming from the Members of One Special Church by Sheilah Vance with Rev. Felicia
Howard. September 2010. From The Elevator Group Faith imprint. $15.95. ISBN: 978-0-9820384-2-0. We are made overcomers by the blood of the lamb
and the word of our testimony. (Rev. 12:11.) Everyone has a story to tell. Learn how to tell yours. Creativity for Christians
is designed to be used by individuals or churches as a transformative and bonding experience. The first half of Creativity
for Christians is a writing workshop, teaching the reader how to write her personal testimony and story of overcoming through
a series of writing exercises and writing advice. The second half of the book contains stories written by members of the authors
church who participated in the workshops. Their personal stories of overcoming all types of situations will strengthen and
encourage readers by showing them what God can do. The reader will also see that sharing stories, even if only with their
fellow parishioners in a church wide or church group project, will bring them closer together and strengthen them as a church.
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| Creativity for Christians authors at Book Launch, Bethel AME Church, Ardmore, PA |
Contributing Authors: Ernest L. Asbury, Jr., Yvonne D. White, Bernard
“Scooter” Jackson, Nicole White, Bernadine L. Clark Benjamin, Sylvia Thornton, J. Donald Jackson, Jr., Carmen
Cary, Harry White, Bea White, Lois Savin, and Joe Raines
Praise for Creativity for Christians
"The
innovative publication of this insightful reflective study presenting personal reflections opens the realm of self-expression
for a whole new category of writers. It sets the stage for individuals to discover creative facets of their history, personality
and story-telling capacity. The unlocking of this important avenue of spirituality gives new dimension and depth of possibility
of expression that might otherwise remain hidden and untapped. [The authors] have created a most helpful tool for self expression.
This publication embraces the story telling history and tradition of African American people. What a wonderful creative tool
for expression and preservation of the story and personal legacy. "--The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal District, AME Church
"Creativity for Christians" is a must read for all AMEs and other Christians who love the Lord and have a testimony
to tell. Sheilah Vance the author starts the book with her own personal testimony about how God brought her through
a very rough time in her life and marriage. She follows with step by step instructions on how to write your own testimony.
Finally she includes several testimonies from members of her own church that attended her writing seminar. I have been
so amazed by this book that I plan to personally attend one of her writing seminars.--Rev. Dr. Charles H. Lett, Sr., Presiding
Elder, West Mainline District, Philadelphia Annual Conference
Dear Elevator Group: I picked up your book, Creativity for Christians,
at the Book Expo of America and read it on the plane home. You are all incredible people! Not
only have you put together valid and valued advice to help a person put their story together, but in a way that is honest,
down to earth and not "preachy." However, in this process, you've shown me something
that I myself should have done a long time ago -- tell my story. This is something I've shied away from for many reasons
and, yes, embarassment is a strong excuse to hide behind. As I read the book, I saw myself mirrored
in the pages of so many of the experiences, and even found myself crying while surrounded by people because of the power behind
the faith that you all shared. Your group not only has faith...you LIVE it! you all are an inspiration, and I
hope you all great success in getting your message out. Sincerely, Janice
Grove
 Sheilah Vance was raised in Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal (AME) Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and is currently a member. She is an award-winning author, practicing attorney,
and President and CEO of The Elevator Group and its Elevator Group Faith imprint. She is the author of the novels Chasing
the 400 and Land Mines, and its companion journal, Journaling Through the Land Mines. Her books have
won awards for African American, multicultural, and women s fiction, and self-help. Vance has a J.D. from Georgetown University
Law Center and a B.A. in Communications from Howard University.
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