That was good to hear, because when I do these things I think I have in mind a Gospel version of A Prairie Home Companion, Mr. Keilor's wonderful radio show.

I sing. I tell stories.

The song and stories can work together to lead us to a Gospel experience.

I like to refinish old furniture, so I was doing some "junking" on Pennsylvania Avenue a couple of years ago. I got into a conversation with a man who did odd jobs around an antique shop.

As I always did, I let it drop that I am a minister. That's when he let me know he had a story to tell.

I said "yes" -- although, in fact, I had not heard about it. It just seamed he expected me to know.

"I lost my nine-year-old daughter in that fire," he said. "I lost her and everything I had."

A few days after the fire, he said he returned to the apartment. He sat down in the midst of the burned-out rubble. Overwhelmed by grief, he called out to God.

When he did, he said, the power of God filled the space around him. He said it was like a million volts of electricity. It felt like a power that could shake the world -- but it surrounded him with love.

And he heard a voice that said simply, "Do not grieve -- your daughter is well."

"I heard the voice as clear as day," he said. And then all was quiet, and calm, and the assurance of God's promise filled his heart.

After that, the sorrow was still great, but he could go on living.

I am doing a study of religious experience. Will you share your with me? -- your conversion experience -- a "near-death" experience -- an awareness of God's presence in your life. It doesn't have to be spectacular. (God can work quietly.) Thanks for your help.