You’re probably wondering what this title even means. Sit tight and let me explain. First let me give you some insight on where this comes from and how it tied into my time here in Black Mountain North Carolina.
“When Rev. Robert Perry Smith approached what was then the Asheville Presbytery about starting an orphanage in Western North Carolina, he was asked how he proposed to pay for such a venture. That’s when Hazel Johnson—only a child herself—gave Smith the first donation for the ministry—13 Indian head pennies. From that small foundation, the children’s home has grown into a thriving ministry providing care and support for countless children.”
It was such a small foundation that was and has multiplied. Just like it talks about it in Luke 13 verse 18 -19 the parable of the mustard seed and yeast.
Being here has been a blessing, I have gained a whole new spiritual family, I have met people that I’ve gotten to disciple, I have been impacted through other peoples stories and journeys and most of all I have had a strong community. This is all great but man I struggled. With this trip being domestic I had low hopes. I questioned if God would even move the same here like He did in South Africa? I questioned how volunteering at a thrift store or cafe was ministry? It took me a while to give in.
Hazel Johnson gave 13 pennies to the ministry without even knowing what was going to happen, a mustard seed so small became something so big. My hope of doing kingdom work was so low but God still moved! What was low became high, big and powerful.
Starting relationships with people starts with a small foundation and little trust but as time goes on that relationship begins to grow. While volunteering at this cafe, I encountered this lady named Liz. Something about her just made me draw near to her and I began to start a conversation with her which later became to setting up a day to meet up and joy drive her Porsche 911. As I began to give into the relationship I began to see this friendship unfold. She invited me into her life and her journey. Liz is a 75 year old women who has no blood family or relatives, for so long she felt alone. No matter how many times she tried it just seemed like no one wanted to stick around but I LOVED HER. Again I had low hopes for this friendship but I planted that small mustard seed of faith and I have seen it grow into such a beautiful family tree. Ms Liz went on to gaining a whole new spiritual family from a small conversation. God can use something so small and make it big.
Just like the 13 pennies, God multiplied it and now that ministry still lives and is thriving. Giving children a safe home, food, and unconditional love. Getting to work alongside this ministry has given me a whole new perspective on how God works. From a small donation to providing jobs, and a home. Black Mountain Home for Children is an organization that even with a small donation makes a huge impact on children’s lives. It took a small amount of faith for me to build the nerve and courage to come to North Carolina but God still did it and here I am. I have jumped into dumpsters, unloaded and loaded trucks with furniture, pulled weeds for hours, and learned how to make a latte. Believe it or not but doing that small gesture in volunteering has made this organization raise in profits, and has raised more awareness for people to serve in their communities. The same God that moved in South Africa is the same God that is moving here. Our nation needs us a Christ followers, whether it means to help that 75 year old women to load her groceries into the car (even in a pandemic) you will shine the Love of Jesus through that.
As my time here in North Carolina is coming to an end I know that this will not be my last time here as He has opened doors for me to be a part of this community in Fall of 2021. With that being said I am excited to announce that from know till Dec I will be preparing to be launching overseas in January for 6 months!! I will update you all soon on that journey!!! For now join in me in prayer for Black mountain home for children and Thirteen Pennies Café as they continue to help provide their community and children for they are a huge blessing to their lives.
Visit https://www.blackmountainhome.org/ to learn more about this amazing organization.
Love, Jo
