You may all remember this question, “Mama, what can we do?”
Josie-Tatum was only a few weeks from six-years-old when she asked. She had just learned that there were 147 million orphans in the world who still needed families. Her compassion and spiritual sensitivity would not allow her to be unchanged. Several months of her diligent prayers passed before the LORD opened the door for her to go meet the needs of orphans.
The LORD blessed abundantly through the gifts of the body of Christ making it possible for the two of us to go to South Africa. It was there God’s work exceeded our imagination and prayers. Not only were we able to spend time in a home for orphans, help paint and remodel, love and hug the fatherless, God began a new work in Shayandima, South Africa. Josie-Tatum’s heart for orphans sent the affirmation the missionaries there were asking for. They felt God calling to build a home for orphans on the mission base.
This would be the site for The Lighthouse, a home for orphans. We had the privilege of breaking ground and asking God’s blessings as Brad and Hazel Palmer sought to follow His leading to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the fatherless.
Imagine how my heart fluttered when I learned there would be a trip back to Shayandima in May when the Lighthouse would be dedicated, ready for the orphans to move in. May. I can’t go to Africa in May. I can’t leave work. I can't leave the boys.
But, Josie-Tatum could go.
After seeking the LORD’s face in prayer, Josie-Tatum knew the LORD would want her to go, even without her mama. The child who has always been the most attached to me has determined to go be a part of the dedication of the LIGHTHOUSE, and Whitney has volunteered to join her.
Not only will Josie-Tatum and Whitney be going, their cousin Joshua is joining them, too. He joined Josie-Tatum and me in 2011. He was the favorite of all the children. They would gather around him when he walked outside. They would ask me where he was when they came to see me. Joshua, aka Moose, will be a part of the dedication of the Lighthouse. He will then leave with a team to go to Mozambique, where they will build a church/school building in a rural village. Josie-Tatum and Whitney will stay behind to spend time with the orphans and help with their day-to-day needs.
My heart sings as I consider the work the LORD is doing in the lives of Josie-Tatum, Whitney, and Joshua. Josie-Tatum has seen the hand of God at work in mighty ways in her short ten years of life. It thrills me to think of what God has in store for her, and I am honored to be a part of her journey with Jesus.
Please join us in prayer as we hold the three of them up to the Father. Ask that He make the crooked paths straight. Pray His abundant blessings spiritually and financially.
The cost of the trip for the 3 of them will be approximately $10,000. We are not praying for $10,000, however. We are praying for more! Each time we have gone to South Africa, God has sent more than we needed for our expenses. We have always left the US with additional funds to pour into the orphans ministry at Shayandima.
So, join us in prayer that Jesus will once again feed the thousands with five loaves and two fish. When the immediate needs are taken care of, there will be baskets of left-overs. Watch with us as He performs a work only He can do.
If you feel Him leading you to support financially, you can do so in one of two ways. Click the Why South Africa tab and scroll to the bottom for the paypal link. For a tax deductible gift, you may mail a check to The Servant’s House Ministries, P.O. Box 365, Blackshear, GA 31516. Include a note with the gift, indicating it is for Josie-Tatum, Whitney, and Joshua.
So, if you read the Open Door, Parts 1 and 2, you know the LORD began calling Ellie to be a Christian singer when she grew up and raise money for Josie-Tatum to go on mission trips. When I told her she didn't have to wait until she grew up to start, that she could have a concert to benefit missions I didn't know what God was doing.
God gives the BEST surprises!
So, check back in over the next several days for the details. Ellie--Live in Concert!
She will be fulfilling the dream the LORD put in her heart. She will be singing about Jesus, to Jesus, and for Jesus. And, she prays that those who come will give generously to His work, enabling her sister(s) to serve HIM!
Join us as we watch:
The Miracle of More!!!!
