Bruce Boyer, former Chamber of Commerce CEO and president and Kernersville YMCA director, encourages others to strengthen their faith through everyday devotional stories in his newly released book, “Stories of Faith from Everyday Life,” which will be available on Monday, January 26 during a book signing at the YMCA from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
“The purpose of my book is to show examples of how God works in our everyday lives,” Boyer remarked.
Boyer has always been a devout Christian of the Lutheran denomination, but he explained that he had chosen to put it in the shadows in order to concentrate on his career. It wasn’t until his son took a trip to South America and while on a hike was lost in the Amazon rainforest for six days.
“It changed our lives forever,” he said.
Boyer explained that after his son, Dave, was rescued, he chose to be more intentional with sharing his faith with others.
“I started writing these stories about eight years ago with a goal of helping people that had a faith, but that were not very intentional,” he stated. “I would write one short story a week and email it. There are about 100 people who get my emails each week.”
Upon retiring in 2013, Boyer began working diligently bringing together stories that he had written to write his devotional book.
“The devotionals in the book are either stories from years ago that I thought were the better ones or fresh stories,” he said.
The stories include a personal question for the reader to ponder, a scriptural reference, and a concluding prayer, as well as a scriptural verse illustrating a key point from his story.
Boyer included additional scripture references at the back of his book.
“Each chapter has a topic, so if you are someone struggling with fear or are looking for strength, you can find a story to help you,” he said.
As Boyer set out to write his book, he wanted to create something that was easy for any lay person to understand.
“It’s not a deep Bible study that people glaze over. It includes situations, verses and stories that are easy to identify with,” he explained.
Kernersville Mayor Dawn Morgan made reference to Boyer’s writing by saying, “Bruce Boyer’s writings inspire Christians who desire to discover the peace and joy in everyday moments. I highly recommend this book as a devotional. Reading it is an opportunity to help take a breath from the demands of everyday life and consider the Glory of God as shown through acts of kindness and grace in our community.”
Boyer also sought help from his Pastor Rick Meyer, who is also an author.
“He told me that each story should have a question to internalize for the reader,” he said, noting that doing so personalizes the story for each person.
As far as his devotions, Boyer said he first sees something that he believes would make a good story and then finds a supporting verse.
Boyer explained that some of the devotions stem from local community members’ personal stories, including Jenny Fulton, of Miss Jenny’s Pickles, and Analise Arnold, a local musician and three time winner of Kernersville Idol.
“Miss Jenny’s business started after she heard a sermon series at Fountain of Life (Lutheran Church) and it was my canoe up on the alter during the series,” he said. “It encouraged her to get out of her own comfort zone and start her own business.”
Boyer explained that one of his stories was inspired by a picture he took of Arnold’s mother smiling at her while she was singing during the Chamber’s annual Music at Twilight series.
“Just as we bring a smile to God’s face, (Arnold’s) singing brought a smile to her mom’s face,” he said.
Boyer added that during the book signing, they will be serving Miss Jenny’s pickles and Arnold will be singing.
Along with stories from the community, Boyer said local photographer Gene Stafford took the photograph on the cover of the book. The photograph is of Boyer’s home church, Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, located on Hopkins Road in Kernersville.
Boyer explained that he dedicated the book to one of his early mentors, known as The Old Gray Goose (Robert Gray), who was one of his camp counselors at Camp Kenan when he was younger.
“The Old Gray Goose was a tireless servant and wonderful Christian role model,” he wrote in his acknowledgements. Boyer noted that he chose a career in the YMCA largely because of Gray’s example.
Boyer said he plans to surprise Gray with his book.
“He doesn’t know I have written the book. I plan to go with my bother, Brad, to visit him and surprise him with the book,” he said.
Of all the stories in his book, Boyer said his favorite two are those of his son.
“The two stories on Dave are my favorite because it was a life changing event for the entire family,” he explained.
Boyer hopes his book is an inspiration for others to be more intentional with their faith.
“All we can do is plant a seed and nudge people and encourage them. It is God that does the saving,” he remarked.
For more information about “Stories of Faith From Everyday Life,” visit www.ChristianFaithStories.com where you can find additional stories and a link to Kindle and Amazon.com to purchase his book.
Boyer’s books will be available at the Kernersville YMCA on Monday, Jan. 26, during his book signing from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
