Today was a testimony to persistence and dependence on the Holy Spirit in asking, seeking and knocking. Several weeks ago arrangements had been made for concerts at two juvenile facilities in the Montgomery, AL area. The contacts at both places were very receptive and we were excited. The excitement turned to disappointment when the events were canceled by a state supervisor which had charge over both facilities. After that, contact was made with a chaplain who seemed positive about helping us get into two facilities in Birmingham. However, when we left Oklahoma City 12 days ago we had been unable to confirm any venues. For two days before we arrived in Alabama, James tried to reach our contact, but was unsuccessful. While the kids were having their swim time last night James prayed and said, “Lord, show me what we’re supposed to do in the morning. If we can bless somebody I want to know who.” [ASKING] He then opened the phone book to the yellow pages and found a small ad for the Brantwood Childrens Home in Montgomery. [SEEKING] Even though it was 8:30 at night he called and told the woman who answered who he was and what our group was about. She responded positively but said he would have to talk to the Director of Youth Services and to call back this morning after 9:00. [KNOCKING] Well, about 8:30 James called and the director happened to be in the office early. Again James explained who we were and what we were about–even offered references from some of the earlier places we’d visited. [KEEPING ON KNOCKING] The director said that wasn’t necessary and that he needed to check with his staff and he would call back. A little after 9:00 he did call back and the door was opened for us to come at 10:30. It was a small group–20 or so–, but we are confident someone there (whether children or staff) needed what we had to offer–encouragement in the Lord. So we made our way to the beautiful campus up the steep, winding road on the side of a hill, unloaded our equipment and sang and STOMPED our way into the hearts of those who listened. Because all of the youth we sang for were between the ages of 11 & 15, James asked our bus driver, Bro. Don (who just happens to be the Bus Minister at First Southern Baptist Church) to speak to the kids and do what he loves most–sharing Christ with children. It was a sweet time.
The surprise came when the Executive Director said she was a drummer and when James gave her the paddles she began playing the PVC pipes like a pro. She expressed great appreciation and encouragement to our kids to continue in the ministry we have. When she asked James how he found out about them, tears filled her eyes as he told her about his prayer that God would show him who to call, and how he opened the yellow pages and found their name. All agreed that this was a Divine appointment.
2 Chronicles 29:36 …and all the people rejoiced over how God had prepared the people, for it had come about suddenly.
Now our journey takes us back to Forrest City, AR where we’ll have our annual Secret Saint reveal this evening. When we left on our trip, student, sponsor and child was given the name of their Secret Saint. For 12 days we’ve been observing positive character qualities in each other and tonight we will reveal our Secret Saints and the character quality we saw in them. It will be an encouraging and affirming time.
It’s hard to believe another choir trip is almost behind us. We look forward to being home and sharing with our church family all the wonderful things God has done during OPERATION FREEDOM 2010. Look what God has done!
Daily devotion for Wed 6-9
Dear friends,