PRAISING GOD

A few weeks ago we were PRAISING GOD for a contract on our house. It was in the process of selling so we could go to Kenya to serve widows and orphans. We were SOOO excited to know that phase of "waiting" was done and we could move into the next phase of preparing to actually leave for long term ministry with our "African family!" We sang, shouted, rejoiced that we were moving forward... until, the contract fell through. Unpredicted, unexpected, out of nowhere, we hear the hard news... ugh, the buyer was not able to get financing...ugh!

So, now, I'm deliberately fighting disappointment. I refuse to think God forgot about us. I am standing in faith, believing He has a better plan. I am PRAISING GOD, not for what He does, but because HE IS WORTHY - all the time, no matter what.

Taleah, praising God on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya - our "someday" home.

Please, PRAISE HIM WITH US.

Mumbai Miracle

It's Memorial Box Monday at Linny's blog (aplacecalled simplicity.blogspot.com). This is a great time to remind us of God's faithfulness in the midst of life's trials. As we continue to prepare for overseas missions to serve orphans and widows, I'm remembering how the Lord provided so many years ago...

I was traveling to India - the country Mark Twain called, " the land of wonder." A place of elaborate palaces and extreme poverty, India's individuality seemingly absorbs foreign influence without changing...

Yet, we, three Bible school students and our class adviser, were going to minister for a month in the southern regions. Our invitation to Coimbatore came from an Indian classmate. His family ran a Bible school, orphanage, and church. They asked us to share testimonies, preach the Word, pray with the sick and love on orphaned children. They also asked us to bring some medical supplies donated by a stateside organization. The medical supplies, packed in large duffel bags, arrived by mail about a week before our departure and included some interesting directions...

"This medical gear might not make it through customs in India. You will be charged undetermined fees for bringing them in country, if they let them in at all. Chances are they could be confiscated and sold on the black market. Please do your best to get these bags to the ministry."

The letter also contained a list of the supplies: syringes, antibiotics, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes... valuable stuff indeed, especially in the developing areas of India. We wondered how much a "fee" would cost to clear customs... not to mention the responsibility we felt to get the supplies into the right hands! Prayer led us as we continued to prepare ourselves for the work that lay ahead.

Finally, after hours in the air, we landed in Mumbai International Airport. We retrieved our baggage and stood in wonder at all the people in various skin shades, donned in brilliant colors. A faint smell of curry permeated the air. We wandered to the customs counters to find lines winding around like snakes. (the lengthy lines at amusement parks or Walmart on a Saturday don't even compare!) There had to be a hundreds of people waiting in front of us. OOOhhh, we were tired, hungry, thirsty, sitting on duffel bags of medical supplies, praying that God would show us what to do and how to do it!

Suddenly, a nutmeg-colored man with a beaming white tooth smile and turban-covered head approached us.

"Greeee-thingg my frrrends," he bowed slightly and extended his hand which our class advisor grasped and shook vigorously.

"Dis your first tiii-me in mi con-tree?" sounded more like a statement than a question.

Now we all shook our heads, YES, vigorously.

"Please come. Follow me," he gestured to an empty desk near the front of the line.

We looked at each other and shrugged. Okay. Even if we might loose our place in line, we all felt good about following him. He called an inspection officer over to stamp our passports as he lifted the bags over the desk...

We were on the other side of customs with ALL our bags and not a penny spent!
( a HUGE miracle considering the lines, our baggage wasn't inspected, not to mention the threat of "fees.")

Our turbaned friend gave us a friendly wave and another toothy smile. We moved out the doors onto the chaotic streets of Mumbai - streets teaming with ancient culture that seemed to carry us into it's rhythm. We meet our contact and shared our airport experience. He was not surprised, explaining that without the Lord's amazing grace, he would be in a Hindu jail. Evidently, God is changing India for His glory.

And, what about us here in the USA? Are we "absorbed by our culture?" Or, do we pray, step out in faith even when it could cost us (with no promise that it's gonna work out okay) and experience God? It's your choice...

A Tradegy...

The news currently highlighted a tragedy in the adoption world. Many of you have read about the little boy sent back to Russia unaided because the woman who was adopting him could not handle his behavior. We call this a tragedy for many reasons.

First, that a little boy's life is so filled with trauma - from being placed in an orphanage... to being rejected again...imagine being so young and put on an international flight with just a note pinned on you saying your damaged goods...

Second, that the perspective mom didn't know there was help available for her. Resources are numerous to help parent kids with RAD issues. Interventions to assist the child could be accessed. Why did this mom feel there was no way out of her situation...

Third, adoption, once again, has been cast into unfavorable light. Contrary to isolated incidences, adoption can be a beautiful journey.

The are millions of children and families have been brought together through successful, legal and safe adoptive practices. These children have found parents who will love them unconditionally, helping them heal and guide them into their God formed destinies.

To anyone considering adoption, please do not be misled by the unethical practices of a few. There are countless children waiting to become part of a family and many credible agencies who can help make the miracle of adoption begin.

God turns tragedy into triumph. Our prayer is for that little boy to know his Heavenly Father's unfailing faithfulness, that the perspective mom receive counsel to walk in redemption, and that adoption is seen for what it really is - a joining of hands and hearts to form forever families.

Please contact CARE if you need to find resources, trainings or classes that address adoption related issues.