I am up early this morning, reflecting on the events of the last several days. Joyce and I are in Tyler, TX for three days of book events. We have had several wonderful days of travel and events already.
It began on Saturday as we arrived in Pensacola, FL and were blessed to spend time with some great friends. We were able to share the joy of the Payne family as they welcomed their newest member - Jaxson - into their lives. God has placed Jaxson into a loving and caring home. He has parents who love the Lord and will love him. He has grandparents and others who will shower him with affection and support. He is a blessed newborn. I am reminded that there are so many children who are not so blessed.
On Sunday we were at an incredible church - First Methodist of Pensacola. They are doing a remarkable job of reaching people in downtown Pensacola. They have a wonderful children's ministry, led by Lisa. She has become a real encouragement to us. It is awesome to see how she is motivating families to reach out and help others - especially children.
Later that day, we were privileged to minister at First Baptist Church in Milton, FL. Elaine and others had done such a great job in preparing for our visit. We were completely unaware that they had recognized the day as - Orphan Sunday. We had a great time and made some wonderful new friends. We were able to meet Dr. Musselwhite, who is a leader with the Florida Baptist State Convention's Children's Homes. It is incredible to see God directing us again and again into conversations with those who are already working with orphans and underprivileged children.
Yesterday we were in Mexia, TX at a book signing. The store owner Katrina and her mother Melva were so kind and thoughtful. The Lord, once again, brought in individuals already involved in meeting the needs of children through adoptions, reading programs, church children's ministries, and orphanages.
Yesterday was also the day that Brett, who is now working with us, headed to Kenya for several days of travel with the leaders of Project 82. This ministry is reaching many, many orphans in Kenya and is supported by Mt. Bethel UMC of Atlanta and Biltmore Baptist Church of Asheville along with many others. We are working to develop a cooperative ministry effort with Project 82 and TWR(Trans World Radio), Biltmore and others, that will result in the distribution of our soon to be released book, "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" to thousands of children in Kenya. Pray for safety for the group traveling in Kenya, and wisdom as they spend time together.
God is unmistakably directing us to become more actively involved in ministry to orphans and disadvantaged children. The list of indivduals, Christian leaders, ministries, adoptive parents, and churches that the Lord has brought us into contact with in the last few days, weeks, and months, who have a heart to meet these enormous needs, is too long to recount.
The thread of His leading is clear. Our commitment to follow His leading is firm. We are excited to see what God will accomplish as we move forward.
My mind keeps going back to Ephesians 3, where Paul explains that even though we are not worthy or capable, God has determined to use us to accomplish things of eternal consequence. The apostle ends his discussion of this mystery of Grace by reminding us that - "He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine". Let's see what He does!
