Wow- yesterday God blessed Jos with a most refreshingdownpour.After a good bible study meeting with all the City Ministries ladies- my friends and I were driving home and saw big storm clouds! It was awesome! Then when we got home the downpour began!!! Wow it reminded me of a good Kansas thunderstorm- complete with wind, cracks of loud thunder, and plenty of rain. I loved running outside and dancing in the rain. Why? Cause I have not enjoyed rain since Oct- because its been dry season here.The surprise of the whole thing is – no one was expecting rain till May when rainy season begins. Crazy. Loved the surprise!!!The refreshing rain reminded me of a verse- last night I looked it up. My dad’s favorite verse- Isaiah 55:10-11
“ As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word, I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it.”
So thankful for a taste of home- 6 time zones away from home =0)
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
OK so I have heard this verse many times- but I actually experienced it in a very real way- back in Nov- the week before Thanksgiving. I know old news but didn’t want to miss telling you all.
So my friend Holly and I – both living on the same compound got together to pray together one night. With the new ministry God had led us too, we really felt like poor prayer warriors- but in desperate need of His power. God did something really special during the few months she was here. Many times He brought us to our knees- asking him for wisdom and direction. One night during an intense prayer session- I remember being on my knees-and from the bottom of my heart asked God, “Father would you allow me to lead one soul to you this week?” I usually don’t pray this but at this time in my ministry here, that was my hearts cry.
A few days later, the girls ministry coordinater, Nicky, asked me if I would come with her to interview a new girl that came to our care center. When we got there we met a sweet 9 year old girl named Margerite.Nicky and I listened to her story and wrote it down. Like many of our girls she suffered from involvement in the secret cult. Nicky asked this girl if she had ever asked Jesus into her life. The girl quickly responded,No. For some reason at this time Nicky had to leave, and the other Uncles that usually pray with the new kids were no where to be found. So it was just me and the Dad and the little girl in the room. I will never forget what the dad told me. He said that he had been trying to make an appointment for Margerite to see a Pastor so she could get saved but it had just never worked out. I couldn’t believe it. The Dad told me his testimony- but he didn’t think he could share the gospel to his daughter. I asked Margerite if she knew what Jesus did for her- and shared the whole gospel with her. She listened so intently. When I was finished- I asked her if she understood. She nodded. In my mind I am thinking now what? Where is Nicky? Where is everybody else? So I looked at her and asked would you like to pray right now and ask Jesus into your life. She quickly responded, “ Yes!” Wow. I couldn’t believe it. So we got on our knees. She didn’t know what to say so I prayed and she repeated after me. What a beautiful sound to hear her sweet voice call out to Jesus.
Later that day- I remembered my prayer just a few days earlier. Wow!!!! God answered my prayer quick. I could hardly believe it!!! I have to tell you this girl is something special. Walking out she was like- Aunty whats your name? Another one of my favorite comments of hers was, Aunty- your eyes are Blue!!! She couldn’t believe it! She had never seen blue eyes before!
I was so excited about her getting saved- but wanted to check with the Aunties that take care of her to hear what Margerite said about it all. They told me that she shared that she got saved at Gidan Bege wth me.
But what really warmed my heart was later in the week- hearing her singing, ”Oh Wonderful wonderful day- when He washed my sins away.” What a Joy to think God allowed me to be with her that day!!
This girl has learned Bible verses, songs, and has told me that she doesn’t have bad dreams anymore. She was the cutest Angel Gabriel for our village Christmas play- reciting her line perfectly! One of my friends taught her how to say girlfriend so she could surprise me with one of my signature words. I loved it when she greeted with me with a “Hey Girlfriend!” with a cute Nigerian accent.
Margerite is a beautiful reminder to me that God answers prayer!!
John 14:13
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Ok so to all of you out there that read this blog- so sorry I am a loser blogger missionary. But- I am recovering from this- and will try to do better =0) Maybe I should take a survey of how many blogs a month the champion missionary blogs =0) Just being crazy. I am sorry I have been lame at taking opportunities to give you a look into my life here. Its been one crazy 8 months here in Nigeria Africa!!! I loved the comment I got from a Nigerian staff member at the care center I work at. Noticing my Nigerian dress, he was quite impressed and told me all I needed was some black paint and I would be Nigerian =0)Made me laugh.
Hey just have a random quote from a calendar my mom sent me in a package-
“ Take Time to Laugh- It is the music of the soul.”
I don’t know whether you were moved by that =0) but I will take this time to post my address so that if you too would want to send a package to one of the fastest post offices in the world ( 4 weeks time is the average) you will have the right info.
