Today during our first team meeting, the individuals going on the Uganda trip this summer went around the room and introduced themselves. Three people who went last year and are excited to continue building relationships with their sponsored children. Several people who very clearly felt God leading them to Uganda. Two people new to the whole church and Jesus and Bible thing. Some people coming from a place of brokenness. Adoptive mommas and mommas of high schoolers and mommas of preschoolers and one daddy. Two high schoolers and one middle schooler.
One by one we told our stories. How did such a diverse group come to this place of “just go?” I already feel the fingers of God in our trip. I’ve been praying for another key person for the trip and I ran into him in church this morning at a time and place where I am usually not. I then was telling a friend about him on the way to the meeting and I passed him on the street. Hmmm…I don’t believe in coincidences.
God is a God of answered prayer. Today I was blown away yet again. I prayed for a nurse. God provided a nurse who is also a midwife. I prayed for a photographer. God provided a photographer who is also a momma of 6, 2 adopted through the agency that we’re using for India. And since last summer when I was there, I’ve been praying for someone who knows handcrafts. The kids are starting to learn handcrafts in Adacar, and I really felt a need for someone from our team who could understand what they were learning and encourage them in their pursuit.
We went around the circle, introducing ourselves, what led us to the trip, what we hoped to learn/be a part of on the trip, and we got to the last person. Right now, our sole man on the trip. Former air traffic controller, experience in construction, and wait. What? Pottery. The arts.
No. Freaking. Way.
I almost starting laughing like an idiot. Sometimes God makes me giddy! Of COURSE God didn’t forget. Of COURSE He answered that prayer. Cuz let’s be honest. I’m not creative enough to think of that prayer request on my own. He was the one who planted that prayer in my heart to begin with. I think He delights in blowing my mind.
So we have a nurse, a photographer, and someone who knows handcrafts. My prayer checklist, check check check. And then there’s the rest of the team, and I am beyond excited to watch as God uses each person for His glory.
I’m praying what Andy Stanley asked us to pray: “Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the Name of Your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:30).
