Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop one day. "Would you be interested in a call to a white congregation in a neighborhood that is becoming Hispanic? I think you're just the kind of pastor they need in these days of transition." (excerpt from the story "Light in the Life of Eternity") Following Shakespeare's philosophy that "brevity is the soul of wit," this anthology offers readers 53 succinct, insightful stories based on scripture passages. Each narrative faithfully updates the biblical theme in a modern setting from everyday life that everyone can relate to. Many feature surprise endings that will rivet the attention while strengthening believers' faith. The brief stories in this well-rounded collection make excellent starting points or centerpieces for a sermon, and they're also ideal for uplifting devotional reading. The contributors to 53 Stories for Preaching represent pastors and ordinary Christians from many denominations across North America. The 16 storytellers include: Constance Berg Dallas A. Brauninger Charles W. Byrd B. Kathleen Fannin Susan K. Hedahl Richard A. Jensen James E. Sargent Betty Lynn Schwab Robert Beringer Steve Burt Cynthia E. Cowen Peter C. Garrison Sandra Herrmann Paul Lintern Henry Scholberg John E. Sumwalt