As we step from the van in Phokera, we are immediately greeted by a few of our kids there. All smiling and ready to carry things for us.

I looked up to see Sammy running from the truck towards us, holding his tie up in the air. Following closely behind were three, little, mischievous boys, all trying to grab his tie.

Their joyful interaction made me think about how blessed we are to get to be a part of this ministry that the Lord has called us to.

The kids are finishing up their school year, and getting excited for a break. I am too. It feels like we’ve been schooling straight without breaks for a few years now, and we all need one.

The Bible college has also finished! It is so crazy to think about. We have gotten so used to having these pastors around that I know we will all miss them.

There have been some exhausting days, but the Lord has been blessing me in little ways. Sometimes those little things mean so much!

Eric had these nightstands built for me for my birthday last year. I didn’t have enough handles for the drawers, so Eric planned on picking more up when he went to town. Eric checked every time he went to the city for them. After almost a year, I had given up hope of them ever getting them again. But look what he brought back the other week! I was so excited when I opened the bag and saw them!

The other week I was looking through pictures of flowers and thought how much I wished I could get hydrangeas and geraniums here. Guess what Eric brought back right before Mother’s Day? Wow! These little blessings mean so much. How much God cares for us and sometimes gives us these sweet little things to show us! I’m not sure if they’ll make it once the hot season hits, but I’m sure going to try!

In Phokera, it has been encouraging to see a few of our faithful kids come forward for salvation. One young lady I have been praying for came forward a few weeks ago. She has always been a sweetheart, but I can already see a change in her. She has a desire to help with the children’s ministry there.

Abigail has a little friend in Phokera who greets us with the biggest smile each week…though for some reason, they all think they can’t smile for pictures.

She is mute, but so sweet! Even though she can’t talk, we think she can hear. This last week she brought Abigail a gift – locusts! Abigail has come SO far! Last year she was screaming about the locusts, this year holding them. She has despised bugs since she was little! She wouldn’t eat at a picnic table once because she saw an ant. But now she’s holding bugs better than me!

The weather has been much cooler, which has been nice. Tonight the low is supposed to be 60°. It was about 100° on Friday, so a huge drop. I was actually freezing on Sunday morning and thinking we might actually want some soup this year! Yay! I love and miss soup.

I want to say thank you so much for your prayers for us. I don’t feel like I can always share everything, but I can feel your prayers. There have been moments when there has been so much going on, when I’ve felt pressed on every side and this verse comes to mind …”We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Corinthians 4:8

Though I cannot say I have gone through half of what Paul had gone through, or even what some of you have gone through. I don’t feel overwhelmed or in despair even with everything going on around me, or even with being pressed above measure in every direction. I know that it is partly due to your prayers that we can have the peace of God during these times. Thank you!

There is so much to write about, but I can’t seem to organize my thoughts enough to put them into words. Every time I begin to write, someone starts talking to me.

Talking hasn’t been much easier lately either. (I say this somewhat jokingly). The other week I told one of the guards that the weather was beautiful…well, at least that’s what I was trying to say. Instead I ended up saying the tree is beautiful because the words are very similar. That poor guard! I tend to make all my mistakes with that one! He most likely thinks I’m nuts!

The other week I was determined to write, but my adorable little friend (a regular visitor), hid behind the wicker chair and began calling out in Chichewa, “Amayi! Where’s Pulo? Where’s Pulo?” Finding little Promise was definitely more important!

So after at least a month of different little things like that, I hardly know where to begin or how to get everyone caught up.

I feel like I’ve had very little quiet time lately for writing, but actually I still have some – it’s just being used to write lesson plans for the Sunday School teachers we’re working with. We are so blessed in America! If you need Sunday School material, we have many to choose from. But here, there is nothing that I know of. So I am working my way through the Bible, preparing lessons…and keeping Brother Shadrick busy with translation work. I am so grateful for his help as it’s a very large project.

Another burden I have is to give the children a desire to read God’s Word for themselves. Bibles may be hard to get, but we usually have plenty of John and Romans. We are working to put together reading plan sheets with questions for kids. Whoever is interested will get a John and Romans with weekly questions to fill in.

These two projects have been taking up most of my “free time” (is there such a thing as a homeschooling mom?).

We held baptisms in Phokera a couple weeks ago and now they are officially a church! Everyone was very excited…and it felt like everyone wanted pictures with me that day. I was quite exhausted by that time, but how could I say no?

When we arrived home, one of the ladies knelt down to hand something to Brother Shadrick. A little while later, Lydia knelt down to hand him something. Everyone laughed and he called her a real Malawian. How different that is then American culture! Could you imagine the uproar if a man in America expected women to greet him or hand him stuff only when kneeling?

The other difference is that the girls here carry everything – not the boys. The other week someone set some bags down and motioned for the girls to get them while saying, “Here you go, strong girls!” My girls were just shocked! Thankfully, they were rescued by their strong brothers, who quickly grabbed them.

Easter Sunday, through your gifts, we were able to provide meals for both the church here in Tengani and the church in Phokera. We were not able to attend either meal as we were preparing for the second services, but have heard that it was a blessing to many.

Tomorrow the church in Phokera will be holding “regular” services, meeting in the morning instead of in the afternoon like before. It will be a mad rush!

Services here are from 7-9:30 AM, and services in Phokera begin at 10. We will have very little time between the two churches. I am trying to make sure that I don’t forget anything! Just when I thought I had everything, I remembered that I hadn’t packed pictures for my S.S. teachers here or in Phokera, nor my lesson.

Surprisingly, amidst all the craziness, the Lord gives strength and peace. Oh, there are moments when I crave quietness, but what mom doesn’t?

God is good! And I am thankful that He has called us to this ministry. It is really nothing about us. I think the Lord called us to a slower growing mission field previously just so that we wouldn’t get prideful. Everything here is only because the Lord is doing a work, and we get to play a small part in it.

If you remember, pray for us tomorrow for strength and clarity of mind!

We are still here, and all is well! There are many struggling with malaria right now, but God has protected us so far.

The church here in our village is being reorganized and we are slowly working toward turning it over to national leadership.

I haven’t been teaching at this children’s ministry as I’ve been trying to get others involved as much as possible. It is a little sad because I love teaching so much, but it has been a blessing to see a younger generation stepping up to serve the Lord. It’s encouraging also to see how they are growing as teachers.

This past Sunday held special blessings, which I know are answers to your prayers as well. I had shared a few months ago of a young girl who had been practicing witchcraft, but had made a profession of faith. This Sunday she came forward during prayer request time, asking us to pray for her as she struggled with an angry spirit. When we questioned her, she said she hasn’t practiced witchcraft since she had trusted Christ! Not only is the Lord working in her life to make her give up witchcraft, but He is also giving her a desire to work on other areas. It is so encouraging to see her growing!

During prayer time, we also had a girl about 12 years old say she needed to be saved. She has been very faithful to services. To see her come forward was a special blessing.

The church plant in Phokera is always a highlight of my week. Not only am I able to teach the children, but I especially look forward to “visiting” with the ladies there. There is a special sweetness about them.

Often people will look at pictures and comment how much people must love us, but usually it feels more like a love that the Jews had for Jesus – He was interesting to them, and many people were just there for what He could do for them. I am reminded of that often as that is how I feel.

If I came here to be loved, I would have left a long time ago. The mission field can be very lonely. I came because I love HIM. But I do greatly enjoy these ladies and look forward each week to our weekly limited conversations. I can’t wait for the day when we can fully fellowship one with another!

Please don’t feel bad for me, though! Between homeschooling, family, and ministry, there’s not much time to feel lonely.

I have been able to help in the medical ministry almost daily this week, which I love doing. It is kind of funny to me though since I always felt faint at the sight of blood before. I feel like the Lord has given me extra grace and strength in this area, so much so that it doesn’t bother me anymore, because it opens doors to share the Gospel. I also enjoy being able to help people, it gives me an opportunity to practice my Chichewa, and forces me away from my routine… otherwise I’d probably never leave the house because I have so much to do. So it is a welcome interruption.

I haven’t had a translator to help me there for some time now, and while I’ve been able to pass out tracts and John and Romans to each person, it has bothered me to not be able to witness. I decided that I would prepare my Chichewa Bible and try. I can say a little and I can read verses.

About a week ago, late one night, I began looking up different phrases that I wanted to say, and marking my Bible. But I never felt fully ready to try it.

There was one lady in particular who I wanted to witness to, and I knew that my time with her was running out as her daughter’s wound is almost healed.

Wednesday I decided that I just needed to do it. I began praying for the Lord to give me opportunities. When I was called for a patient, I considered waiting as it wasn’t the lady I was thinking about talking with.

I fought with the decision the entire time I was bandaging her daughter’s foot. After I finished, I told her I would like to talk with her for a little while. I’m sure she was wondering how we were going to talk with my limited Chichewa!

I pulled out my New Testament and talked a little, but I got so nervous that I forgot almost everything I planned to say and just read verse after verse.

I walked back to the house feeling so defeated! I had failed and didn’t say enough. I felt like I must have looked silly just speed reading through those verses!

God immediately showed me my pride and brought this verse to my mind,

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

It was as if He said to me, “MY Word is powerful – not yours. I don’t need your words for someone to get saved. Mine are all that are needed.”

I asked Him to forgive me. It’s funny how we put so much importance on our words and presentation, when it has nothing to do with us!

I still wanted to be ready so yesterday, instead of counting on my poor memory, I wrote down a few extra things I wanted to share, and asked Him to give me the Words HE wanted me to say, as I feel like Moses – I am slow of speech, but I know God made my tongue. The Lord gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel twice today. I almost chose not to out of nervousness, but both times I decided to follow the Lord’s leading. The first was with the lady I had originally wanted to, the second was with a man. I’m sure he especially could tell I was nervous as my hand was shaking so much.

Again, I feel like I cannot offer much, but God promises that His Word will not return void…it’s not about me! How thankful I am that it’s not about me!

As I walked back, I thought about how often I took for granted the wonderful opportunity to witness in my own language, and how sometimes I didn’t witness as I should when I could so easily do it.

I’ll close with these sweet pictures of some of my favorite people. Last week we were able to take kids to Blantyre, just for a fun day out. They weren’t sure it would be worth the long drive, but changed their minds when they found some traditional dresses and shirts. Abigail was the only one unable to find a dress (she found something else she liked though). They were so excited! I sure do love these guys!

Saturday we sat outside the gate on benches waiting as some of the men swept off the back of the truck. Then they loaded the benches into the back. Most of us sit on the benches, but a few people stand at the front near the cab.

The plan was to go to the new encampment village that we have been visiting. I decided against bringing my children’s materials because we walked a lot of paths last time and didn’t have a large group of kids meeting with us.

When we arrived, we were told that they were having a scheduled village meeting so we wouldn’t be able to stay as long. The chief would call everyone early to meet under his meeting place.

Eric came up beside me and asked, “Did you bring your teaching materials? You and Shadrick are going to lead a children’s lesson while we do an adult lesson.”

Every time I decide not to bring it, I need it!

I told him no, but I’m crazy and interesting enough that I could make it. I’m sure there are rumors in all the nearby villages about the crazy white lady and her Bible stories.

We began our lesson with a song , then taught them Genesis 1:1. I then shared with them the story of Adam and Eve, and how sin entered the world. I pretended like a snake talked to me from the tree, and ran behind the tree to hide. I always have so much fun teaching the kids!

The Lord blessed me with what to say, though I’m sure there were things I could have said better. I feel like my mind has been so foggy lately that I forget things more. But I know that He can give me clarity as I follow Him.

Later as I was showing Eric the pictures, he whispered, “Don’t you love your life?”

I love being a missionary wife! Yes, it can be lonely – some days more than others – but God always encourages me as I obey Him. There is so much purpose in serving the Lord!

There’s always something interesting happening too. As we were walking back to the truck last week, I walked right through a patch of army ants. Wow! I thought they would eat me alive right there! Everyone helped knock the mad things off me, not before they took a few bites, though. I love the fellowship with the Phokera ladies so I just stood beside the truck with the ladies…but the ants seemed to follow me and kept swarming me. One of the ladies had enough of watching me suffer, marched to where the men had taken the ladder, and carried it back. She propped it up against the truck and told me to get in. After she went through all that, I just obeyed. She didn’t know that I was lingering not because of the ladder, but because I just wanted to be with them. I always look forward to seeing the ladies there.

The kids have had fun lately going on bug hunts. They learned how to catch a bug called a kalooloo. They poured water down holes and the things came out, clicking angrily. Some people eat them.

They didn’t try those, but they did try termites. Even Eric and I tried them. They were like sunflower seeds – as long as you don’t think about it.

One of the most exciting things that has happened, though, is the birth of Pastor Nelson and Chrissy’s baby girl, Jane.

We have been enjoying any second we can hold her. They asked Abigail if she wanted her tied to her back. Abigail was so excited and probably walked around like that for at least an hour, and she still wasn’t ready to give us a turn with her!

I have recently been turning over more responsibilities in this church ministry to those helping here. It has been exciting to see them grow in the Lord and in their teaching ability. I thought I’d be a little sad to turn it over as I love teaching so much, but the Lord continues to give me more teaching opportunities so that I don’t feel too bad. I pray that these teachers will get a burden for the young ones they are teaching. The older generation is already set in their ways, but God can do something wonderful with this next generation.

December 1st marks 1 year that we have been in Malawi! I want to say it’s crazy – but it feels like we’ve just always been here. The Lord has allowed me to live such a full life, that sometimes it feels like I’ve lived several lives…some just memories.

Each time the Lord has brought changes in my life, He has impressed upon my heart a verse for that season.

When we went to Ukraine my mind was prone to discouragement, loneliness, and negativity. The verse He gave me was Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” He taught me to praise Him no matter what; to dwell on the blessings around me.

When He called us back to the States, my heart was breaking. He stirred my heart with Esther 4:14: “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

In the margin of my Bible I wrote, “Who knows whether we have come to America for such a time as this?”

I had been praying for my siblings, and the Lord gave us many opportunities to witness to them. Especially with the recent passing of my brother, I am so grateful for that time!

The Lord also allowed my husband to lead a young man to Christ…who is now our pastor! Truly what a blessing!

As we prepared to go to Malawi, the Lord gently guided me to II Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Continually He has reminded me of this sweet promise!

As my strength failed – His grace has been sufficient.

As I struggle with words, both in English and in a new language – His grace has been sufficient.

As I lost loved ones – His grace has been sufficient.

In every area He has called me to, He’s always worked through my weaknesses.

Sometimes I get frustrated at my own inabilities, but then I am reminded, it is only then that He may be seen instead of me.

Anything good you see, it’s only Him. May He receive all the glory in my life!

We have now met at the church property in Phokera 4 Sundays! It has been exciting to see the changes each week.

That first Sunday, Shadrick and I were dropped off at the old meeting place, and our old group of kids began to gather. Together we walked to the new property. I was so excited that many of the kids came to the new location. We have continued to see some come, but I’m missing some faces. That first Sunday, the adults met under a little tree and the kids met under the big tree.

That week, the people in Phokera worked together and put up a temporary shelter to meet under. We have had three services under it now. The children start there, then we move to the big tree.

This past week they put up temporary walls to help with shade and protection from rain. They will meet here until bricks are made and the new building is built.

We are continuing to evangelize in Phokera. One of those times we met with a family that had a new baby. The girls were so excited to hold the tiny baby! While they held her, I was able to witness to the family and the others who had gathered around. Many make professions and pray here – I don’t keep track of the numbers. I try to just faithfully witness, and I know that the Lord knows their hearts. I was excited to see this mother at the Bible study on Sunday though.

Eric and the boys went to a different area that week. While they were there, a group of kids gathered. Pastor Nelson wanted to witness to a particular lady, but he was afraid that the group of kids might make it difficult. He turned to Sammy and asked him to preach to the kids. Sammy was so excited! So with his Bible marked and Joseph, Pastor Nelson’s son, translating for him, that’s what he did! Sammy later shared that he had specifically prayed that morning asking for a chance to witness. He was excited about how quickly the Lord answered his prayer!

We weren’t able to go out one weekend as the mumps is going around, and poor Sammy got it. He is through it now. Thankfully, it was mild and no one else has gotten it yet…or if they did, they didn’t have any fevers or swollen cheeks.

If they haven’t gotten it, it’s only a matter of time as I had several children request prayer for it. They call it tonsillitis though. I’m always amazed how they continue on doing their normal things no matter what they have! I am not particularly scared of germs, but I am American in my philosophy that if you’re sick, stay home! Don’t spread it to everyone else. But that’s just not the way here.

The Lord occasionally brings His command to “take no thought…” to my mind. As missionaries often we have to “take no thought” about what we’re eating and drinking. We have to “take no thought” of tomorrow. There are sicknesses, snakes…and hospitals are far. I have moments where the worst case scenario pops into my mind. I know we’d have to travel 3 1/2 hours to the hospital, and that they might not even be able to help. Satan likes to bring that to mind occasionally. But the Lord says, “Take no thought! Trust me!” So, I pray, leave it in the Lord’s hands, and take no thought.

This past week we went back to the area where Sammy preached to the kids and adults who gathered. Again, a large group greeted us. This week Brother Shadrick and I did a children’s lesson.

A group of ladies also gathered and were very interested in talking with me. I had given each a tract and a John and Romans. I feel like I am very slow at the language, but I am able to greet them and share that God loves them, gave His Son to die on the cross for their sins, and a couple small talk things. I think this gave them the impression that I am able to talk more than I can! They began talking so much! One in particular I think was saying something about us being friends and wanting me to give her my hat.

I told her no, I only have one hat, but we can be friends. This got them going! They wanted a picture with me, so I said after we prayed.

After prayer I was surrounded by a group of ladies and kids. The ladies tried whacking the kids away with sticks, and also grabbing any part of me that they could for the picture. For one lady, that piece was my hair! First she held it up in the air. Later I saw that it ended up on a ladies head to look like she had blonde hair. I was definitely cracking up! And I was relieved when Moreen rescued me and pulled me towards the truck!

Between homeschooling and ministry, I have been working on finishing sheet music from my CD, A Friend Like No Other. The Lord has allowed me to finish two songs and one piano hymn arrangement. Those are now available on the website.

Bible college has finished for the hot season, and while we thought that things would settle down, it seems like we have been even busier.

My schedule hasn’t changed too much, but Eric has been busy preparing the land for the church in Phokera, as well as setting things in order here at this church.

Last week the men cleared the new church property. Then on Saturday, the kids and I stayed under the big meeting tree with the kids who had gathered. We did a little lesson and played a few games, and encouraged them to come to services for the kids’ class.

We are currently still meeting at the chief’s tree, but we will be meeting at the new property soon, Lord willing. I am excited, but there is some sadness as well. I just recently realized that I may not see many of the kids I am teaching in Phokera now when we move. It’s maybe only a 10 minute walk, but for a 4 year old coming by them self…I have a face of a little one coming to mind now. She always has the biggest smile, and comes with a toddler (almost as big as her) on her back. I get attached to each one!

The kids in Phokera were rascals this last time, though! I brought a different puppet with me. He is a Bible character with a beard. I call him Moses. One girl said that because she came late, she didn’t really get to see him and asked if I could bring him out again.

Well, that turned out to be the worst decision I could have made! Within a matter of seconds I was surrounded by about 30-50 kids all grabbing at him, pulling his hair and beard, trying to pull of his shoes. Holding him as high as I could, while trying to hold his shoes, I tried to muster out a cry for help to Eric, who was standing a ways off. Then I looked at Brother Shadrick, who quickly came and grabbed poor Moses. I’m not sure if I actually managed to call out any cries for help, so I’m glad they were paying enough attention to see my desperate need for help! I think I had a hard time calling out between laughing at how humorous the situation was and trying to tell the kids no.

I absolutely love working with the kids, but a safe place and privacy is greatly needed too. Recently we’ve had a few times when I have felt like that has been invaded. Our property is walled off and guarded, but kids frequently are welcomed to come play. We’ve had a few come recently who are more curious. One day in particular I was exhausted. I was out in the yard playing with some of the little ones when a couple newer girls came. They stood very in “my space” and just stared at me…no matter where I was or what I was doing. I decided to go inside and play piano. The girls proceeded to come up on the porch and look in windows. Sometimes it can be a little tiring, and you feel like you’re at a zoo – and you’re the animal! But God always gives grace!

Temperatures are rising and have been 110°-115°. We are having heat warnings here. Sometimes the air feels like the warmth from a blow dryer. It has made my fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Again, God gives grace, and doesn’t give us more than we can bear. Between the days of extreme heat, we will get cooler days – in the 90°s to low 100°s. That feels cool after the hot days! The Lord has also blessed us with air conditioners in the house. We have been turning them on in the evenings to cool things down so even if the electricity goes off, it’s a little more bearable and helps us get some sleep.

The water hasn’t been working so it’s been washing by hand again. But there are blessings even in that! I am thankful that we have a hose and I don’t have to go carry buckets of water home. I also have someone who helps me with laundry on Fridays. The water should be repaired soon, but it will probably be a regular inconvenience.

Other blessings of the hot season are:

Water wars!

Mangoes!

“Will you come back and tell the rest of our family and neighbors the Gospel?” James and Aliza (the couple that gave me the bird) asked us. So one Saturday we walked back to their house where they eagerly waited for us. Slowly some of those they had invited arrived and Eric shared the Gospel with them.

James and Aliza have been faithfully attending the Phokera Bible study since trusting Christ as their Savior. Repeatedly they say that they have never heard this before. At one time they shared, “All we knew was to go to church and pray!” Everything is new and wonderful to them. How exciting it is to see things from the eyes of a new believer!

We have been treating burn wounds on a little girl named Iada. Her brother, Samson, almost always comes with her, and you can tell, is very protective of her. They live in a village further away which I hope we can eventually go to, but for now, I invited them to come to our children’s church on Sunday. They have come a couple Sundays now and Samson made a profession of faith! He recently asked for a Bible. We had been given some boxes of New Testaments. What a blessing it was to be able to give this young man a Bible! I’m praying that he continues to come and grow in the Lord.

My teeth have continued bothering me, causing me to make several trips to the city. Just when I think it’s all fixed, something else happens! We do not enjoy these trips as the travel up the mountain is very exhausting. But we were excited to find slushies at one of the stores in town!

I was thinking that it would be a while before I would need to make another trip…and the next trip would be just for fun. BUT God had other plans.

This week another filling fell out and was very painful. I wasn’t going to be able to put this one off for weeks. We called and they had an opening for the next day. I was not excited, and almost felt depressed and exhausted the rest of the day. Pastor Nelson, Chrissy (his wife), Sammy, and I would go.

Since we were not planning on doing much, we did not have to leave as early.  I was able to get school done and eat something, which I think helps prevent headaches as we go up the mountain.  

Up we went.  Once you start ascending the mountain, the road is not as wide.  On one side is the mountainside; on the other is a drop off. There are no railings, and only enough space for two cars – yet cars still pass on the mountain!  We have seen vehicles that have gone off the side and were caught on the side of the mountain by trees.  

I was just thinking how bad it would be to break down on that road when our van came to a stop. What was wrong? We weren’t quite sure. One of the vans filled with people we had passed earlier drove past us. One man mockingly yelled out, “What’s wrong, white person?”

After a few minutes, Pastor Nelson started the engine again.  It worked!  We were on the road again!  We didn’t get too far before it slowed to a stop again.  At least this time we were on a wider road without the mountain drop off.

There were a few kids sitting around where our van stopped.  As they stared at as, we waved and I told Sammy to hand them some tracts.  One of the kids excitedly ran back down to his house to give it to his mother.

The top of the two houses were barely visible behind a mound, but we could here the mom start yelling in Chichewa things like,

“Tell them your hungry!  Tell them to give you money!  Say this to them,” then she switched to English and said, “GIVE ME MONEY!”

We were dying laughing at the car.  Sammy said, “I’m tempted to yell back, ‘I’m hungry too!’”

Mrs. Chrissy found that hilarious.

A moment later, the mom came up over the other side yelling at us (because her kids wouldn’t).  Mrs. Chrissy told her, “We’re hungry too!”

The woman looked shocked for a moment and said, “I’ll give you water.  You give me money!”

Mrs. Chrissy replied, “You don’t feed your visitors?”

The woman, still a little shocked responded, “Water only.”

They went on for a while, and Sammy and I tried to contain our laughter.

A small crowd continued to gather, or at least stop by to see what all the commotion was about; and we were able to pass out more tracts. An elderly lady was one of the last to come. When Sammy handed her a tract, she said, “No. I want you to teach me.” Sammy told her Mrs. Chrissy would. Mrs. Chrissy was able to explain a little and give her other tracts, but then we were able to get the van started again. Because I was already running late for my appointment, we weren’t able to stay much longer. How I wish we could have sat and clearly presented the Gospel to her! I am reminded, it’s not about me! God does not need me to speak. He is capable of using His Word, found in the tracts, without me to work on her heart and bring her to salvation. I pray that through the little time we had with her and the Word of God that is on the tracts and John/Romans we gave her, she will come to know the Lord as her Savior.

As we continued on I told Pastor Nelson, “Maybe God had us come just for them…but God didn’t need to break my tooth and the vehicle to get me to go. I’m not a Jonah!” We all chuckled…but then Sammy reminded me of how much I dislike this trip and probably wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t have to. The Lord knows and has a purpose – even in my tooth pain. Sometimes God has to break us to use us. Thankfully, I think everything is fixed now and hopefully this time, it will be a while before I have to go. Maybe the next trip will just be because we want to go.