There are two things you are supposed to avoid discussing when in a group- religion and politics. I’m pretty sure they aren’t supposed to be discussed on a lifestyle blog, either. We have stayed away from both topics here, but today I want to write about something that happened to us last winter that involved a prayer answered and a testimonial. Jordan and I were part of a group that answered a woman’s prayers. Please continue to read because it is a wonderful story.
When we were in Lusaka, Zambia last winter helping to build a school for a church, the minister told us there was a woman in his congregation who needed help. She was divorced and a retired teacher. She was HIV positive, and two of her three adult children were living at home with her. One was in school (post-graduate), and the other was employed. The woman had been praying for a can of paint so she could paint her walls. She was living so close to poverty that she couldn’t even afford one can of paint.
We decided that there were enough of us on the build that we should go check it out. When we arrived at her home, each of us was blown away by the conditions the family was living in.
Over 20 of her windows needed to be replaced, the toilet was leaking, the faucet on the tub was always running, the ceiling was caving in, and the walls were horrible. This lady needed a whole lot more than a can of paint. She needed our group’s help.
Mr. Right, who is the leader/organizer of these working vacations that we do, put a few of the group on the build, and they worked all day for several days to get her house back in shape. The woman and her children helped every step of the way, and they were all so appreciative of what a few determined people were able to accomplish in such a short time.
The woman told the group that she had been praying for help, and we were the answer to her prayers. That gives me chills every time I think about it. To think that our little group of 20 people who are of many religions and beliefs (Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, Atheist, Quaker, and Jewish) and from several states and countries came together to be the answer to her prayers.
The lady was so overwhelmed and thankful for what had happened in her home that she gave a testimonial in her church that following Sunday to tell them how her prayers had been answered. I don’t have any “after” shots to share with you, but her home was so much better. It just really gives me pause to think that we answered her prayers. It proves that small acts can make a difference, and one person or a small group can make a difference in someone’s life through God’s hands.
I am not telling you this story so that our group will look like heroes. I have thought so much about her and her family since we returned home. We here in Blogland obsess over things like perfection and trends, and change, and seasons when there are so many people in this world and even in our communities that live in deplorable conditions. Keeping things in perspective is often hard to do, and but life gets crazy. I think about the people around the world that we have helped and remember how thankful they were to receive just the basics. Whenever your lives get crazy, try putting things in perspective, and you will feel a whole lot better.
Just read your blog this morning. Reading of your experience in Lusaka was a wonderful way to start my day. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, we all need to re-direct our thought processes and place hands on a life that really NEEDS
our help, our prayers, our understanding. Thank you for sharing this experience.
What a beautiful story….I have always admired what your family does each year for people in need across the globe. Yes, I agree, it is all about perspective. Thanks for sharing this with us. You and the team were her angels on earth.
Thank you, Shirley.
I loved that testimonial. Thanks so much for sharing it with us today.
What a beautiful story! I love how your family has the ability to help people in need around the world. Thank you for sharing this story! 😉
I always love hearing the stories of the big impact you and your group makes around the world. I am a big believer in “Paying it Forward” and this is a wonderful example of that basic principle. You made a friend that day, by helping her solve a huge problem. Good for you. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you, dear friend.
Whenever I am disheartened by the state of my house (out of date decorating, not the condition of it), a story like this comes along and puts everything back in perspective. Who cares that my furniture is 20 years old when these people were living in horrendous conditions?
Silly me. Thanks for the uplift.
Pam,so true.
What a great story. There is always someone somewhere that has is worse. Glad you could help the family out.
So thankful that you shared this today. Praying that God uses me as well.
What a wonderful testimonial! You are completely right about keeping things in perspective. Ours is often skewed and we’re not even aware of it.
Isn’t it wonderful and humbling to be part of God’s work in different ways?
Yes, Richella, because now that lady has her own dream home.
Such a good reminder as I look at my “to-do” list of first world problems. Thanks for sharing!
Love your sentence “we can make someone a big difference through God’s hand. I so yotally agree! Thanks for sharing
What an awesome post! It brought tears to my eyes and it is so true how we should keep things in perspective. I love hearing testimonies of God answering prayers. Thanks so much for sharing!!