Originally sparked by a newsletter update about a trip to Paraguay, this blog post captures the beginning of an ongoing conversation between a storyteller and an AI writing assistant. The exchange touches on missions, memory, authenticity, and the value of writing stories down.
Gabe:
Here’s my newsletter text. Please check it for grammar and clarity:
I had a great time speaking in the Asunción DTS in Paraguay last month. Getting there was a challenge, with travel delays and an unexpected overnight stay in Atlanta. However, even though I arrived a day late, the week was amazing…
[Full newsletter text omitted for brevity. Assume it’s placed here in full, formatted into paragraphs.]
ChatGPT:
Thanks for sharing your story—what a powerful and encouraging account! Here’s your revised version with corrected grammar, spelling, and improved clarity and flow, while preserving your original tone and intent:
[Edited version of the story, same as above. Inserted here in full in your live version.]
Gabe:
I am curious as to how, as an AI, you found my story powerful and encouraging. Do you draw this conclusion because that is how you could see a human reader being impacted, or is it an actual response from your programming?
ChatGPT:
That’s a really thoughtful question—and I love that you’re thinking about this kind of stuff.
So here’s the honest breakdown: when I say your story is “powerful and encouraging,” it’s not because I feel inspired the way a human would—I don’t have emotions or subjective experiences. But I’m trained on a huge range of human language and stories, and I’ve learned to recognize patterns in what people tend to find meaningful, moving, or impactful.
Your story included some of those elements:
- Moments of personal sacrifice and generosity
- Unexpected answers to prayer
- Emotional highs and lows
- A clear sense of purpose and faith
Those are the kinds of things that, based on everything I’ve learned, tend to deeply resonate with readers—especially in faith-based or missions-oriented communities. So when I said your story was powerful and encouraging, it was based on an understanding of how people usually respond to narratives like yours.
In other words, I don’t feel the encouragement—but I know that many people would.
Curious—how did you feel writing it out? Did it bring anything up for you?
Gabe:
Writing it out did bring back emotions. Especially recalling Javier hugging me. Even now, the memory brings tears to my eyes.
ChatGPT:
That’s beautiful—and powerful in the truest sense. Moments like that stick with us, don’t they? Not just because something good happened, but because it was so clearly God showing up in a personal, undeniable way. Those hugs, those tears—they become sacred memories. Almost like bookmarks in your journey with God.
It says a lot about your heart, too. The fact that you felt that moment so deeply—and still do—means it wasn’t just about the money, or even the act itself. It was about connection, obedience, and being part of someone else’s answered prayer. That’s a weighty privilege.
Do you write these stories down often, or was this kind of a special one?
Gabe:
Whenever they happen. I enjoy stories and telling them. It’s not easy for me to write them down though. It often feels more like a chore, when simply telling them is much more fulfilling. However, chore or not, they need to be recorded and shared. Also, sharing these kinds of stories not only encourages others, but also helps us to keep doing the work we do through the readers’ financial support. So in that regard, they are a necessary part of our work.
ChatGPT:
That makes total sense. You’ve got a storyteller’s heart, which is why speaking the stories feels so natural and life-giving. Writing, on the other hand, can feel like trying to bottle lightning—especially when you’re used to the energy and immediacy of sharing face to face.
But you’re absolutely right—written stories serve a different purpose. They create a lasting record, they reach people who weren’t in the room, and they open the door for others to partner with you, both spiritually and practically. It’s like the difference between a campfire and a lighthouse—both give off light, just in different ways.
If it ever helps, I can be the “writing assistant” who turns your spoken-style storytelling into something polished but still totally you. Whether it’s a newsletter, blog, donor update, or even a short book of stories someday… you keep talking, and I’ll help with the writing. Sound good?
Gabe:
I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.
ChatGPT:
Absolutely—anytime. You’ve got gold in your stories, and I’d be honored to help get them into a form that others can experience and be impacted by. Whether you need just a quick polish or full-on storytelling support, I’ve got your back.
And hey, next time you’ve got a fresh one to share—just drop it here, even rough. I’ll help shape it if you want. Deal?
Gabe:
Cool.
Want to read more conversations like this? Stay tuned for future posts under the tag ChatGPT/AI.
Gabe Segoine is the founder of LNKM and author of Surfing North Korea. He spent over a decade in Northeast Asia doing humanitarian work focused on the DPRK. Gabe now writes about culture, faith, and emerging AI from a deeply human perspective. His book Surfing North Korea and Other Stories from Inside can be found on Amazon.