Have you ever been involved in some of God’s miracles? I certainly have. On
this trip there have been many of them- some big, many small. Through each
of them God has revealed Himself in mighty and powerful ways. Here are 5 that
I’d like to share with you. Four of them happened in consecutive days, and the
first happened about a week and a half ago.
Miracle # 1- 700
Donations have increased so that now instead of the 660 people that were receiving food at the Feeding Center, 700 people can be fed at lunch. This increase of 40 people is amazing. 40 more people who were once turned away are now welcomed to a hot warm meal…awesome.
Miracle #2- Day 1 Kadist and Alayu-
Kadist and Alayu are a married couple who manage the guest house we where
we have been staying. As strong Christians, they both have experienced the joy
and pain that comes with following Christ. Kadist has been sick for over 15
years with an intestinal problem. The pain is evident, as it inhibits her
movement and often restricts her to bed. Doctors are expensive and ineffective here in
Ethiopia. The necessary surgery is out of the question as the concerns of
infection are too great a risk. But God is the great physician. A missionary
from Virginia decided to support Kadist and in one fell swoop, plane tickets,
money and visas were quickly given (This is truly amazing as it usually takes at
least 6 months to get a visa) and soon she’ll be having surgery. I wish I could
convey the awe and O MY GOODNESS, NO WAY! Of this story…Praise God! But I’ve got
more to tell you, so let’s move on.
Miracle #3- 3 more kids and an anonymous call
A family staying with us has 7 kids and felt called by God to adopt 3 more.
Yes. Process that thought. 10 Kids…that’s a lot. Now Carolyn, the mom, believed
that God would take care of all expenses. Kiel (the father) is a painter and
was skeptical that they would be able to make ends meet. But God provides.
Late one evening an organization they belong to called. Someone
made an anonymous $20,000 donation! It was so cool to be there! O man, if you
know me…you know I get all excited. Ok, now- take that image, multiply it by 10
and that was Carolyn. Ha! I felt right at home and it was amazing! Praise God!
Miracle #4- 40 more agree “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.”
The great commission was not something to ignore, but something to fulfill.
As Christians we have a responsibility to share the Gospel and its fruit with
all those around us. At the feeding center this past Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 I
was blessed with the opportunity to witness about 40 people accept Christ as
their personal Lord and Savior. What an amazingly humbling experience. It was
incredible to see the Holy Spirit work and all the glory is for Christ alone. I
can’t wait to talk to them in Heaven.
Miracle #5- The cost
Phone calls can bring happiness, and also great sorrow. In the morning
Carolyn and Kiel received a phone call that their child Ethan just suffered a
Grand Mal Seizure. His seizure lasted for 5 minutes and its cause is not known.
But thanks to God, it appears that little damage was done…at least that’s what
the results show so far. Keep Ethan and the family in your prayers.
The miracle is to have joy through it all (James 1:2), to rely on and experience God’s strength,
and to delve into a deeper intimacy with Christ. We all have been continuing to
persevere with God’s help and therefore, I’ve put this as a miracle.
Serving God here has been a roller coaster of a ride and you never really know
what is going to happen. But don’t worry, God is in control. I hope you’re
encouraged by this post. Keep your eyes open for the miracles God is doing your
life everyday. How great it is to be a servant of Christ.
Joe ( Katie and Josh)
