Memorial Box Monday--The Faith of a Child

Many of you know and will remember that Josie-Tatum and I went to South Africa last summer on an awesome mission adventure. You can read a portion of how the LORD called us to the mission here. If you are further intrigued, you can read one of the LORD's many miraculous provisions for us here.


We've been praying and seeking God's guidance about returning to South Africa next summer. Please join us in prayer. But, as we've been praying and talking, I have been reminded of the many miracles I watched God perform during our journey last year.

This story describes how God can use the faith and obedience of a child.


After we had committed to going to Africa, we knew we needed money...and lots of it...$6,000 to be exact. As we saw God providing I told Josie-Tatum that I felt God has spoken to me. In the story of the fishes and the loaves, when God used the child's gift, do you remember that there were left-overs? Twelve baskets of left-overs? So, I told Josie-Tatum we were going to pray for more than $6,000, and we would use the extra money to help the orphans.

God always does more than we ask or imagine when we step out in faith.

God sent, through many friends and family, over $8,000.

We were able to sponsor two children for a year, and we, along with our church family, continue to care for these two precious children. We were also able to give money for clothes and other needs for children in a home for orphans. We took school supplies with us and toys.

The one thing, though, that Josie-Tatum wanted to take and asked if she could take was Bibles. One day, she and I went to Wal-Mart and purchased every children's Bible and Bible story book on the shelves.

When we arrived in South Africa, we were blessed to help children with their school work in the school on the mission base.


We joined the missionaries in feeding orphans.


We painted an orphange, distributed clothes to the needy, and distributed food to widows. While we were there, our hearts were touched when we met three orphans whose lives were to be forever changes through the work God had allowed us to join.

These three children, Faith, Solomon, and Shandukani were to be moving onto the mission base and living in a home with Auntie Andrea. Her love for them was evident as she prepared their school lunches and talked of them. The staff on the mission base was busy prepraing a place for the children to sleep.

Josie-Tatum remembered her Bible story books and wanted to give one to Auntie Andrea. We couldn't find her, but saw Mrs. Hazel. We told Mrs. Hazel that Josie-Tatum had a Bible story book she wanted to give Auntie Andrea, so she could read stories to Faith, Solomon, and Shandukani.

And, you know what she said.

"Auntie Andrea told me last week that she wished she had a children's Bible to share with the children when they move here."

I felt Holy Ghost chills over my body.

How's that for our Awesome, Awe-Inspiring, Jehovah-Jireh?

He will provide.

He will provide for you.

And, he may just do it through a child.

So, tonight as I shared with Josie-Tatum this story I wanted us to never forget, and how I wanted to include it in our Memorial Box, I asked, "What should we put in our Memorial Box to help us remember?"

And, Stan said, "I have an idea."

He went to the closet and pulled out a small New Testament, the first one he had ever been given.

And, now its home is in our Memorial Box, so we can remember how God provided His word for three precious orphans in South Africa.

If you'd like to know more about Memorial Box Monday, check out Linny's blog:
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com


And, I konw I've not posted much this summer. My plans, though, include lots of photos and updates this week..


And, possibly some exciting news before the end of the week!