Two weeks ago, I posted this Instagram.
Coming from Asia and Africa these last 7 months, I was definitely not “clothes” ready. I spent one of my off-days in the beautiful city of Mendoza but BOY, was it cold!
I used the hashtags: “Winter is Coming,” the popular quote from Game of Thrones if you’re unfamiliar with the term. “BurrrrrItsColdInHere” and well, if you don’t know this one, you should go back to the 90’s and watch Bring It On! Lastly, I joked around and said “PlzSendMeAJAcket.”
About 10 minutes after I posted my Instagram, I received a text from a supporter back home asking if I really needed someone to send me a jacket. Pride immediately overwhelmed me. I thought to myself, “I can’t take a hand out… I have plenty of jackets at home. Not only that, this would mean I have to rely on someone else for my needs. I’m supposed to be the one meeting others needs around the world!” My friend gently reminded me that The Body of Christ needs to be taking care of our missionaries.
Reluctantly, I admitted that I needed help. He lightened up the conversation by asking, “If I shipped you an A&M jacket, would you wear it?” My response: “At this point… absolutely. I’d wear a jacket with Aggie and Sooner symbols all over it!” THAT’S how cold I was.
We tried to look up shipping prices but it didn’t seem plausible so he thought it would be easier to send me money to buy a jacket. Before he did, he also asked me if I knew anybody else on my team that was need in winter clothes. It took me about three days to finally getting around to asking the squad but the need was greater than I expected. 14 squadmates needed a warmer jacket/wool socks/pants/closed toed shoes. To be honest, I was scared to bring this up to my friend. I didn’t want him to feel pressured but I also know he asked for the need and that was what I was delivering.
10 minutes later, a Venmo was sent for $750.00 for winter clothes. I was stunned. Shocked. The generosity. I couldn’t. His response? “Y’all have made a lot of sacrifices to leave behind family and friends and go all over the world to share the Gospel. It’s the least I can do for you… showing financial support along your journey. God is good and God provides extravagantly. For all y’all have already sacrificed, you shouldn’t have to be cold too!”
I started delivering the news to some of my squadmates. Tears started trickling down one of my friends face when I told her the blessing. She told me that she’s been praying for a jacket to be provided for weeks. Wow. I was speechless and so in awe of Him.
Praise You, God, for being a crazy good Father.
Praise You that you’re continually breaking down my independence and pride.
Praise You for having such faithful followers.
Praise You that You’re the ultimate provider.
Praise You that You meet our needs, even when we don’t want to admit them.
Praise You that You stir the hearts of Your children to be generous.
Praise You for literally using a silly Instagram hashtag to answer a lot of prayers.
I love you a lot, Father.
