I know it sounds crazy but a miracle started at Dairy Queen.
I’m visiting family for one final time before we launch at the beginning of July and decided to have lunch with my cousin-in-law Kelly. With a large variety of places, we settled our minds on Dairy Queen (this is apparently the best one in 100 miles).
God had plans that began that day. By chance we ran into an old friend of Kelly’s, Erica and her dad Tony. While I said hello to more family, Kelly told Erica and Tony a little about World Race. And they were filled with questions!
We talked for a few minutes and Tony said, “You need to talk to my brother Tim. He spent time in Papua New Guinea with his wife as missionaries and would be interested in what you’re doing.” And Tony pulled out his phone and called his brother.
While I was still answering questions from Erica, Tony chatted with Tim. I was invited to visit Tim that afternoon at his place of work…a church.
All in all it was really a short meeting. I told Tim about WR and I’m not sure what else. It seemed like a common enough experience, but Tim invited me to speak on Sunday. With my current commitment to say “Yes” to God, I said yes. And knowing that I speak best with small groups, I offered to speak with any of their small groups that evening (Wednesday).
I spoke to their youth group, adult group, and praise and worship group that evening, telling about the purpose of WR and answering any questions they had. But this miracle really happened today. Sunday.
My mom joined me for this and I don’t really remember what I shared. What I remember was that she was crying while I talked. A lot. It was a small moment when I realized how much she believes in me and what God is doing in me. But that isn’t the miracle.
At the end of the service they prayed over me, commissioning me to go. They took a love offering. These people, who met me that morning, had God pressing on their hearts. They listened intently to His voice and were desperately faithful to His call. A people who had previously offered the most to missionaries at $350 gave over $3,500!!!!!!!
God showed up in a dramatic way, taking my fundraising past my second deadline, past the halfway mark. He had his face shining brightly and beautifully. I can’t seem to find words that appropriately share what’s rolling around inside me.
Maybe the best would be in song, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!” Maybe in words, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Maybe the best I can do is simply raise my face to the sun (Son) and smile with my tear stained face.
P.S. Thank you Westside Congregation Methodist Church! God is moving in amazing ways in you and thank you for listening to His voice today. You’ve affirmed in me His calling to take this journey.
