The Ministry that never ends

Taryn, Miles, Cameron and I set out to supply our necessities while we have access, before we head to Swaziland. Taryn and I figured we’d help Miles out by getting his random needs while he went to the internet. So with Miles list and credit card in hand Taryn and I set out to get re-stocked before we head to another bush in Africa (=

We got some warmer clothes (there’s actually a winter in Africa) and began to head to get some other items. We stopped at a pharmacy and got a few of the things on Miles list. We talked with the cashier briefly and then headed to a grocery store to finish getting some things. Inside the store I grab Miles list out of my pocket and began searching for the perfect ceramic coffee mug that he needed.2 minutes later I realize his credit card had fallen out of my pocket with the list. I go retract my steps and began looking on the floor and then I began asking the cashiers at the store. Then I started asking the managers and then I went to the information desk and asked if a card had been turned in. All of the people after hearing me say, “I lost a credit card”, said cancel it immediately, stop it now.

Taryn runs back to the pharmacy thinking I might have left it at the counter. Meanwhile as I have searched all over the store and as I was talking with the employees at the store, I’m silently praying to God. Praying that whoever finds it will turn it in, praying that He would give me eyes to see where it was dropped, and praying that the person would not use it.

I realize I have to find Miles immediately to tell him to cancel it. We go to find Miles and find him quickly, I tell him apologetically how sorry I am and that he should cancel the card now. I continue to pray just for God to be at work. He immediately tries to call and is so calm and tranquil about the whole situation.

(Redeeming Roses Ministry in Malaysia- homeless women off the streets in Kuala Lumpor)

I realize an item I purchased from the pharmacy is leaking so I go back there while Miles and Taryn finish getting some necessities. The lady at the pharmacy tells me that an employee from the grocery store had just informed her that someone had turned the card that I had lost in. I was so confused yet so happy that I ran back to the grocery store. I ran up to the woman at the information desk and asked if someone had turned in the card, she said, “You are so lucky, this never happens.” And I quickly replied, “I prayed, it was all God.” She smiled. I grabbed the card and had beat Miles and Taryn to the grocery store, I ran up to him and told him that someone had turned it in. He just smiled and hung up the phone. We began finishing the shopping, and I felt God put the woman at the information desk on my heart. I begin praying for her and God puts on my heart where there is an opportunity for Him to be praised and glorified I should never be ashamed or embarrassed.

(Homeless ministry in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpor)

I go back and begin talking to Martha at the information desk. I simply share with her how much God was at work in the situation, and how it was all of Him being at work. I recognized that the area we are in is dangerous and I realized that it was a very unusual occurrence, but I also know that my God is in the business of unusual occurrences and with Him I am never surprised by how He works. She began to tell me about her husband that died 10 years ago and the sadness and loneliness that came with it was evident as she talked.

At the end of the conversation, I asked her if I could pray for her, and she quickly said yes. I don’t think I will ever see Martha again but I don’t doubt God is at work in her heart and is beckoning for her to draw near to Him.

(Taryn and I in Singapore- eating REAL food)

I am so thankful God is alive, and never misses an opportunity to be praised. I pray that my perception would change and that I would never miss an opportunity for Him to be praised. Nothing should ever surprise me with how he truly is at work in every situation.