Remember my blog describing the seemingly random list of clues that God brought to our group in Appalachia? It included zebra stripes and pink polka dots ... (of course it did ... we had a 6, 7, 8, and 9 year old little girl on our team)! Well, after we left Leia, we passed a really cute shop (Uptown Market & Lil Peeps Boutique). It was slightly dark inside like they were closed, but we paused to look in the window. They had such cute stuff. Kris, the girls and I were oohing and aahing in wonderment. To top it all off, the place was covered-up in pink polka dots and zebra striped items.
We went to the front door determined to go in and meet our next appointment for the day. On the front door hung a sign that said, "Called away. Will return soon" (or something like that). We all looked at each other. The girls were disappointed that we couldn't go in to look at all that pink stuff!! I must admit; I was surprised that the door was locked, because we had found nearly all of God's treasure that day; and this store was obviously part of the plan. So, why was it closed? Why wasn't anyone inside?
As we speculated what might have happened to the shop owner (or worker), I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go ahead and pray for whoever left the note on the door. I gather the team, and we prayed for God to be with the person who left the note on the door. We prayed for that person to have God's peace and know God's love. Just as we finished praying and turned back toward the street, a car zoomed up to the curb, and out popped the store owner (Amy). "I'm here!" she said excitedly! "Oh great! We are actually here to see you!" I said.
Amy, with a somewhat confused but still interested look on her face, opened the shop and welcomed us in. The girls began to tell her about our incredible treasure hunt and how God had led us to find her that afternoon. When we asked if she had any prayer concerns, the floodgates opened. You could hear the release and relief as she poured out all that she was carrying with her that day:
Her baby was sick. So, she had gone home that afternoon to check on him.
She was waiting to hear from a potential employer about a new job opportunity to help make ends-meet for her family. She was supposed to hear something on the job that afternoon.
Her grandmother was in hospice and losing a battle with cancer. She was expecting to hear from her family any minute on her grandmother's condition that day, and she had a feeling that her grandmother was going to pass away that afternoon.
To top it all off, it was her birthday!
In a word, she was overwhelmed; and she welcomed our prayers. Our 9 year old stepped out in boldness and led the prayer for Amy. After the prayer, we were all in tears as God overwhelmed us again with his powerful love. The girls lightened the mood by leading us in a round of Happy Birthday!
We visited with Amy a while more as we shared all that God had been doing with our group that week. We shopped in her darling store and blessed her with some purchases. Best of all, we parted friends in Christ.
Well, that's it! That's the end of our Prayer Walk/Treasure Hunt! Or, is it? ...
After meeting with Amy, we headed back to the mission lodging for dinner and evening debrief; but this story is far from over. Stay tuned for Experiencing God's Treasure - Healing Power, Appalachia Day 4.
Bring on the Holidays! What a special time of year to be thankful for our many blessings and to remember the One who saved us! I’ll never forget belting out my favorite carol (O Holy Night!) as a child. That song was a gift from God stirring my soul even as a young girl (and it still does). Now, I’m even more in awe of that night divine, because after living in sin and error pining for many years; I now know how it feels to live in freedom and forgiveness through Faith in Jesus. My spirit feels its worthin Him, and I praise God for the thrill of hope that comes from rejoicing in Him!
The world is still filled with sin, error, pining, and the feeling of worthlessness for far too many. I am so very blessed to pray and work for a new and glorious morn. I often marvel at how God uses the broken and restored (like you and me) to grow hope throughout the world. That’s what Adventures in Missions(AIM) is all about! And, I’m so happy to be a part of His plans through AIM.
At AIM, we believe that by giving people the opportunity to hold orphans, pray for the sick, help the blind, and meet basic needs, lives will be transformed and disciples will be made. This year has been truly amazing, and I would love to share just a few of my God-stories with you! Please check out my blogs (God Speaks Through LaRon’s Cat Call … Really!?, “Kevin, NEVER STOP SIGNING,” Finding Treasure in the Word – Appalachia Day 1, Finding Treasure in the Bathroom – Appalachia Day 2, Sharing God’s Treasure – Appalachia Day 3, Part 1) at http://sondrawallace-foster.myadventures.org.
Despite the national news, the economy, and our personal circumstances, God is still God. He is still healing, teaching, providing, saving, and restoring by His power every day! It is clear to me that AIM participants and staff are vehicles God is using to bring His Kingdom to people all over the world.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement in 2011. I would be honored if you would partner prayerfully, financially, and/or interactively with me in my AIM ministry for 2012. It’s the perfect time of year to make a tax deductable donation to support the advancement of His Kingdom! To learn more about AIM in 2011 and how to make your contribution to this appeal, please read the Making Marvelous Missions Possible and Making Marvelous Missions Personal sections below! Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers for 2012.
In Love for Him and You,
Sondra Wallace-Foster
Adventures in Missions, Adult/Family Mobilization Representative
Making Marvelous Missions Possible Pray -
* Please pray for safety, strength, and abundant love to surround AIM leaders and individuals serving around the globe this winter.
* Please pray for me to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit as I enter the busy time of our Mobilization year.
* Please pray that Lily, Chad, and I continue to be molded by our Heavenly Father, and that His provision will overwhelm our family! Disciple –
Visit the AIM website at: http://www.adventures.org/chooseto learn more about our programs and trips, and to continue your own discipleship journey. Provide -
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AIM requires me to raise funds to subsidize my salary and offset the cost of my mission field service. Please allow the Lord to direct your decision in making either a monthly contribution toward my ministry or a one-time donation to AIM. Either way, your contribution is tax-deductible (& greatly appreciated)!
HOW TO DONATE - please give online at: http://adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=staff. Please type “Sondra Wallace-Foster” into the Staff Member field to credit your donation to my ministry at AIM.
Making Marvelous Missions Personal
Personal ministry is what Adventures in Missions (AIM) is all about. In recent months, I’ve served, prayed with, and ministered to hundreds of people. I’ve had the honor of serving people who are exploring and obeying God’s call to missions, seeking His provision, experiencing God in a grand new way, overcoming personal strife, and struggling through tragedy. This year has been amazing! I would love to share just a few of my personal God-stories with you through my blog at: http://sondrawallace-foster.myadventures.org.
Blog Post Titles:
God Speaks Through LaRon’s Cat Call … Really!?
Kevin, NEVER STOP SINGING!
Finding Treasure in the Word – Appalachia Day 1
Finding Treasure in the Bathroom – Appalachia Day 2
Sharing God’s Treasure – Appalachia Day 3, Part 1 (Part 2 & 3 to come)
This Spring/Summer, following the string of tornados that ripped through the Southeast, I had the honor of mobilizing more than 200 short-term missionaries to Alabama for disaster relief. Check-out the Alabama trip blog to learn more about how God spoke, moved, and spread hope to a devastated area through His people: http://alabama.myadventures.org/.
In April 2011, AIM celebrated sending our 90,000th missionary. The celebration was a great time to look back at what the Lord has done from the very first AIM missionary to the teams currently on the field all over the world!
Recently, AIM eye-witnesses and leadership were instrumental in shedding light into the darkness in Carrefour, Haiti - forcing the investigation and closure of a highly corrupt orphanage. AIM is still working to retrieve over 50 missing children. Read more here: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/closing-orphanage-rescuing-abused-missing-orphans.html.
In October 2011, AIM hosted missionaries from around the world for Epoch 2011 to honor those in missions who are persistently challenging and creatively solving the problems our world faces in areas such as discipleship, poverty, water advocacy, HIV/AIDS, sex trafficking, homelessness, church planting, and more. Awards totaling $50,000 were given to individuals who are restoring places, creating projects, and touching the lives of people, while intentionally honoring the role of Jesus Christ in their work. To learn more, check out: http://epoch2011.com/finalists.php.
God called, and the Kenya Initiative answered. Read about this amazing group of AIM missionaries working to help Kenya’s Internally Displaced People become stable, partnering, self-sustaining communities whose members are: empowered to enact positive change; equipped to create industry; and engaged in Christ-centered relationships here: http://kenya.theworldrace.org/?category=All_Articles.
God is still healing people everyday!
This is just a small sampling. Whether in the United States or abroad, AIM continues ministry through 11 different programs; mobilizing The Called of all ages to assist, champion, pray-for, teach, disciple and love like Jesus!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND YOUR SUPPORT!
So, we get out of the truck and follow God in search of the clues to His treasure.
He'd already revealed the family we were looking for, but we didn't want to follow them directly into the courthouse. So, we started looking for some of the other clues on our list with the intention of doubling back to talk with the family as they came out.
We were all a little inexperienced with the treasure hunt ministry (except Lily ), but wouldn't you know it God was ready to WOW us again!
The first door we opened was to Leia's Wrap Cafe. We opened the door, and I saw a young lady in the back of the shop wearing what I thought was a black t-shirt. Black t-shirt was one of my prayer/treasure clues. As she approached, I realized it was a brown t-shirt. So, being the hyper-detailed person that I am, I immediately thought to myself, "that's not her." We said hello, and Leia politely told us that she was about to close the shop for the day. She invited us to come back soon for a wrap or homemade ice-cream, and we agreed that we would have to do that. We didn't really plunge ahead to witness to Leia or even pray for her at this point. We just thanked her and moved on ... but wait ... there's more.
We crossed the street and turned the corner in the tiny town of Dandridge, TN. The next thing we noticed was a pharmacy/general store type business. We thought we'd go inside to look for clues, but we didn't have to go that far. Earlier, during our prayer time, the Holy Spirit had prompted Kris to look for cups and vases. Peering into the storefront window, our jaws dropped again. The entire window was filled with shelves of glassware ... specifically, cups and vases galore! Inside, we explained who we were and what we were doing. We asked how we could pray for the ladies behind the counter. Cory began to tell us about Peggy, Tonya and herself. We prayed for Peggy who was recovering from back surgery and her coworkers; Tonya whose daughter Ashley was preparing to go away to college; and for Cory to find a church home/family. Leaving the store, Kris's oldest daughter looks at me and says, "Wow, this really works! God really sent us to pray for them!"
On our way back up the street, we saw our family ("Mom, Dad, and their child entering the courthouse") coming down the courthouse steps. We were joyful and excited as we approached them and told them the story of how God had brought us to this moment with them. We asked them if we could pray with them and for them. They were a little surprised, but willing to take a moment in prayer right there on the sidewalk with us. We prayed for Julia (the little girl), her parents, and their 4 other children. When we were finished, Julia's Mom thanked us for talking and praying with them. In that moment, I could see the seed of hope blossom in her eyes.
Next, we went into the courthouse for a restroom stop. On our way out, the Holy Spirit brought Leia strongly back to my mind, and I was sure that God wanted us to return to her shop and spend more time with her regardless if her shirt was brown, black, or purple! So, across the street we went.
Leia looked a little surprised to see us again, but she listened as I explained what we were doing that day in Dandridge, and she opened up when we asked if there was anything we could pray for with her. Like both Kris and I, Leia was a divorced mother. She was struggling with co-parenting and concerns for her son. Have you ever wondered what Christians mean when they say God can use the painful experiences of your past for good? In that moment of divine connection on Leia's doorstep, I had no doubt; God used my experience and the pain of my past to love Leia (a stranger to me just minutes before). Yes ... His love brought us together, His love gave us the boldness to approach Leia, and His love moved us to tears, hugs, and prayer for his guidance, peace, and protection that afternoon.
Working at a missions organization, I have the frequent pleasure of hearing God-stories from the office and field. I have the blessing of daily reminders of God's power, provision, and grace; and I am humbled that He allows me to partner with Him each day. Still, the world is a hard place with many trials and distractions; and the enemy comes to kill and destroy. Our prayer walk/treasure hunt in Dandridge, TN was a concentrated encounter of God's "Wow!" that sustains me in times of earthly/fleshy pain and doubt.
It was such an amazing experience that I have one more story I must share with you (please stay tuned for Sharing God's Treasure - Appalachia Day 3, Part 3).
On the morning of Day 3, we set-out for some good old-fashioned physical labor. Our project was to do yard work at the parsonage of our lodging/ministry partner. Our mini-group (2 Moms & 3 young girls) was joined by two teen-aged participants from the AIM Youth Team that was also serving in Appalachia that week.
The parsonage was located on a beautiful, steep-sloped, heavily-wooded lake lot. To say the lot was "overgrown," and we needed "more hands on-deck" would be serious understatements. Despite the intensity of the July heat and the enormity of the task, we quickly got underway. We put the girls to work on weed-pulling with Kris (the other Mom) taking on the heavy brush removal and supervision. The teenagers tackled the lawn-mower and clippers, and I grabbed the weed-eater. After multiple nicks from flying gravel along the driveway and a nice little cut that sent blood flowing down my calf, my spirit was still not dampened. But, by Noon, we were all physically exhausted, and the heavy-labor was just too involved for our girls. So, we stopped for lunch with the intention of switching to a different afternoon ministry.
After lunch, Kris and I were talking about afternoon ministry options. I brought up several different choices, but I felt the Lord nudging me to a prayer walk in Dandridge. Dandridge was the nearest town to our lodging, but we had not previously served in this area. My knee was swollen and painful (an old injury/surgery flaring up). I had it propped up with ice, and walking anywhere was the farthest thing from my own desire. Honestly, at this point in the day/week, we were all physically exhausted. But, Kris thought for a moment and in a rather positive tone said, "Sure, we could do a prayer walk." So, we rounded up the girl, piled in the truck, and headed for Dandridge.
The girls were eager to know what we would do next. During the ride to Dandridge, I began to explain the basics of a prayer walk. Immediately, Lily (my 7 yr. old) started chiming in and chattering on excitedly about doing a "Treasure Hunt." She was in a word relentless. The "Treasure Hunt" is a prayer/outreach ministry that Lily had experienced during a mission trip she had attended in June. She was so excited about how God spoke and used her and her teammates on her last "Treasure Hunt" that she wanted to share her God-stories with her new friends on this team.
I had not previously led a "Treasure Hunt." So, I was a little apprehensive about leading it the first time with a group unfamiliar with this form of outreach. Lily, on the other hand, was fired-up in her enthusiasm! Lily's God-story was helping to grow the girls’ interest in outreach! Kris was interested in learning more as well. So, Lily and I explained what we knew...
The "Treasure Hunt" comes from the book - The Ultimate Treasure Hunt by Kevin Dedmon. This outreach starts (as all should) in prayer. After asking God to silence the voices of the world, the devil, and our own flesh, we pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal clues to God's treasure. Clues are literally tidbits of information that God impresses upon our hearts/minds during prayer.
Sitting in the truck, I opened our group with prayer and after a few minutes of silent prayer, I closed our prayer in Jesus’ name. As we began to write down the "clues," a little bit of that pesky doubt crept into my mind. Why? Well, with a 6, 7, 8, and 9 year old girl in our midst ... here is the bulk of our list: black/brown t-shirt, cups & vases, pearls and a tight-curly granny hair-do, zebra stripes, pink polka dots, and a Mom and Dad and their child walking into the courthouse. Yep, those are our "clues!"
We were parked across the street from the courthouse. So, I thought to myself that the courthouse clue could have been something our youngest participant had seen as we pulled up. (Hello "doubt," my unwelcome negative companion.) I proceeded to write down all of the clues as the girls said them. Then, I recapped by reading the list outloud to our group. By this point, with little girl giggling, questions, and comments on each list item, a few minutes had elapsed since the list had actually been written down.
As soon as I read the very specific clue of "a Mom and Dad and their child walking into the courthouse," the girls in the backseat excitedly broke in with a chorus of "there's a Mom and Dad and little girl walking into the courthouse!" I had been looking across the truck at Kris, and she was looking out the window behind me. Simultaneously with the girls’ exhortation, Kris's jaw dropped, and her eyes got that "deer in the headlights" look. I slowly turned and looked over my shoulder. There they were ... just then ... starting up the courthouse steps! Now, the girls were really excited! Sometimes, God just likes to WOW us! Seriously, "WOW!"
The girls squealed and bounced with excitement. "What do we do now!?" they asked. What a great question! ... Now, we get out of the truck and walk in obedience!
Stay Tuned for Day 3, Part 2 ... More of God's "WOW!" to come!
I'm a very blessed woman. I've found God's Treasure in so many different ways and places throughout my life.
He called me His child through a Methodist Pastor in a small chapel at Camp Glisson.
He showed me His majesty atop several mountains in Colorado.
He demonstrated His power on a Helicopter ride above Kilauea volcano in Hawaii.
He taught me about true love through my earthly mother and daughter.
He revealed His sovereignty while I was prostrate on my hallway floor in my home.
He spoke Grace through a public library encounter with Dr. Les Carter's book "Grace and Divorce."
He revealed himself as my soul’s lover through scripture and the book "Captivating," by Stasi Eldredge.
He teaches and strengthens me through the Bible and multiple gifted teachers of the Word.
I could go on and on. God has spoken to me, loved me, led me and taught me in so many different ways and in different locations. So, it shouldn't be surprising that God spoke to me and used me to teach the girls (age 6, 7, 8, and 9) in a men's bathroom in Appalachia. Yes, you heard right ... the men's bathroom.
Day 2 Highlights:
For those of you who know me pretty well, you may remember that I'm somewhat of a germaphobe. I won't even share a drink with my own husband! Enough said ... let's move on.
While serving with our mini-group (4 girls and 2 moms) at a senior center in Appalachia, I became aware that Lily and I were not actively engaged in service or ministry. We had already been in the center for a while and had interacted with several seniors. However, by this time, there weren't too many people remaining; and our other AIM participants were engaged with those present. Just then, God prompted me to gather Lily and offer our help to the Center Director for any project that might need our assistance. Upon making the offer, the Director paused and thought for a long minute. Then, she asked us to wait as she consulted with another staff member. When she returned, she hesitantly (almost apologetically) asked if we would mind cleaning the bathrooms. Big Gulp! Bigger Smile (to cover the fear). After all, my daughter was watching! "Absolutely," I responded. "We can do that!"
The Director's appreciation for our willingness to serve was evident as she led us to the Janitor's closet for supplies. She explained that the Janitor had been away for two weeks! We quickly gathered supplies and got started. As the center began to clear out for the afternoon, the rest of our mini-group joined in the cleaning project. Not surprisingly (with our group being mostly very young girls), there was more than a little surprise regarding the type of project we had tackled - particularly when they learned we would be cleaning both the women's and the men’s room. In an effort to avoid an overly graphic description of this project, let's just say it was more than a little stretching for all of us. There was a good bit of girly-grumbling. At one point, I even considered abandoning the task altogether.
Just then, God prompted me to lead and teach. Instantly, my mind was filled with the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ[a]who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 NKJV. The other Mom and I explained to the girls that there are many things in life that we simply cannot do in our own strength. Only Jesus can give us the strength to do things we wouldn’t dream of tackling on our own. We taught them that scripture is powerful for many reasons. In this case (any many others in life), God's Word is a promise that we can cling to. In times of trouble, struggle, pain, discomfort, exhaustion, fear, etc., knowing and reciting God's Promise is a powerful lifeline to strength we would not otherwise imagine or possess. We recited Philippians 4:13 several times as we successfully finished cleaning.
We ALL left the bathroom that day knowing that God's Word is true, powerful, and relevant for today! Praise God, we found His Treasure in the Bathroom!
Stay Tuned for Sharing God’s Treasure! - Appalachia Day 3
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24
It's embarrassing and frustrating, but sometimes I still struggle to trust God even though I have seen his awesomeness and faithfulness. Why does this happen? I think it's partly because our ways are not his ways, and we just cannot figure it all out. So, when I have questions or prayers that go unanswered, I (too often) bury my confusion deep within the locked chest in my soul where it breeds doubt. I'm so grateful for God's grace and willingness to help with our doubt. I'm consistently amazed by the true treasure of walking with Him as I throw open that locked chest and release my unbelief to Him!
Releasing the Doubt ... Finding the Treasure
Recently, I was on a mission trip in Appalachia. It was a great week serving with my 7 year old daughter Lily. Each day built upon the day before and grew more impactful along the way. We had the opportunity to learn, teach, and serve alongside another Mom and her two young daughters plus another participant's child. So, our mini-group (within a group of 40+) consisted of two Mothers, a 6, 7, 8, and 9 year-old girl each day. By Wednesday afternoon (the last day of the trip), it was clear that the week's theme was stretching the adults and teachable moments for the girls - reaching a Mind Blowing display of God's Treasure on our final day!
Day 1 Highlights
During my morning prayer time, God reminded me that, "'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25:40. Then, he prompted me to re-examine Mary and Martha's story ... "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” "Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42.
That day, our group had plans to serve in the home of a blind couple (Debbie and Mark) in the morning followed by some time at the Boys and Girls Club in the afternoon. Of course, the girls were excited about the prospect of serving that afternoon byplaying with kids, but God had different plans. We spent the entire day pretty much being with and listening to our new friends Debbie and Mark. For a not-so-patient, list-making planner/doer like myself, the pace of the day (with a three hour trip helping guide Mark through WalMart and a three hour Braille-Uno game for the girls), was a vast change of pace to say the least.
We did complete some "doing" service tasks - cleaning their bathroom, mopping their floor, mailing packages at the post-office, but most of the day was spent listening and just being the love of Christ. Just being with Debbie and Mark, learning from them, listening to them meant the world to them (and to us). Driving home that afternoon, I realized the deeper treasure God had given me. By speaking to my heart in prayer and through His Word, God had prepared me for the day, planted a seed that grew into appreciation of that day's specific experiences, and removed any doubt regarding his presence in our group. Day 1 ... What a treasure!
Day 2 Highlights ... Finding Treasure in the Bathroom (yes, I said in the bathroom)
... Stay Tuned!
On June 4th, 2011 while prayer walking in Atlanta; I felt the Lord's leading to approach a mountain of a man leaning against a light pole in Woodruff Park. I introduced myself and asked his name. His name was Kevin, and he had a warm and welcoming smile. But, his eyes were sunken and glassy with the pain of someone who had cried many tears. Relational ministry often begins by simply asking for and listening to someone's story. So, I asked Kevin how he'd been doing lately. His eyes immediately filled with giant tears. He shook his head in shame and disbelief at the story that had become his life. Then, he spoke some serious truth for our time ... "we are all just one paycheck away from sleeping on the street." With family members who have lost jobs and homes, and personal loss of financial stability, I knew very well what he was talking about. My heart immediately connected with Kevin's, and I asked him to share his story.
Just four days prior to our meeting, Kevin had been released from the hospital to find that his rental home had been foreclosed, and he had been evicted. Weak and weary from heart surgery, Kevin was in an instant homeless. Kevin had just enough money to store what was left of his belongings, but he did not have enough for a new apartment or rental home. I asked him about family, and there was none to speak of that could help him. His only family option had turned a very cold shoulder to him when he had reached out for even temporary assistance. So, for four nights, Kevin had been sleeping on the street and walking to work several blocks away. As this was Saturday, he had walked to the park to pass the time. He professed God's goodness in that he had been given a lunch by another church group just moments before our meeting, and he was now talking with me about hope and the Lord's provision for our needs.
After we shared from our lives a bit more and prayed together, Kevin told me that he was a part-time singer and church musician, and he had an opportunity to make some significant extra money by singing at a wedding that night. Kevin went on to explain that he needed a white suit for the gig ... a white suit that he didn't have ... a white suit that he had priced at a nearby clothing store ... a white suit that was quite expensive. I was cautiously skeptical about the legitimacy of this part of Kevin's story. Regardless, I didn't have any money with me in the park, and I knew our group didn't have the amount of money he needed. I asked if he had tried to reach out to the wedding party that wanted to hire him for the gig and let them know his situation. Having been a Bride, I knew that music plans are very important to the wedding. If the hiring party knew he needed some extra help, they might be willing to give him that help in order to get him to the church on time (so to speak). Kevin hadn't thought of sharing his burden, and he agreed that he would call and check. Now, it was time to reconvene with my other group members. So, Kevin and I prayed again for God's provision, and I gave Kevin a big hug. BUT, that's not the end of this divine story! God's plans were WAY better!
After leaving Kevin, I was still burdened with his story. I felt God's urging to help Kevin in a more tangible way. I consulted with one of our Group Leaders for the day. Unfortunately, there was truly not enough money available for purchasing the suit. We left the park to purchase more food to be given away for lunch to the homeless in the park. Then, God had another divine appointment in mind for my lunch date with Rhonda (more to come in a future blog). But, shortly after lunch, I learned of God's plan of hope and provision for Kevin!
After lunch with Rhonda, I was returning through the park to meet up with the other group members again when I heard my name begin shouted across the lawn! It was Kevin, and he was moving toward me at a hurried pace. I turned and walked toward him seeing that he was filled with joy and smiles! "What's up Kevin?" "Wow, you look happy," I said. Kevin was overflowing with hope and joy! He had called the wedding party that wanted to hire him. He had shared his burden with them, and he had great news! If he could get enough money for Marta, they would pick him up in the suburbs and get him a suit! Now, he was just $2.00 away from earning close to $300.00 that night! $300.00 closer to getting off the streets! This was a HUGE answer to prayer! "$2.00 is definitely doable Kevin. Give me a minute to ask around, and I'll be back," I said.
Moments later, when I returned to Kevin with the $2.00 for Marta, his eyes were filled with tears again. This time, they were tears of joy. Kevin was overflowing with gratitude. Then, he asked, "do you want to hear me sing something!?" Ummmmm ... "yes, of course," I said. Kevin began to sing, and his deep baritone voice was in a word ... heavenly! Now, my eyes were filled with tears as I gave Kevin one final word of affirmation. "Kevin, God is rejoicing over you and your faith today. He has blessed you with your voice so that you can bless others. Kevin, NEVER STOP SINGING!"
On June 4th, 2011 in our morning prayer/"ask the Lord" session, I felt God tell me and the other missionaries who were about to depart for Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta to "Be Bold" in sharing our faith, because he is a "Bold, Not Timid God." Most importantly, I felt him telling me that he was indeed "with us." This bold ... not timid message was confirmed by our Project Leader. So, I felt confident in God's message and promise as I set out to do personal ministry with homeless people in Woodruff Park.
When I entered the park that morning, I really didn't know who to approach or how to approach them. There were many homeless men and women in the park, and there were other passers-by scurrying past the park with their day's itinerary before them and their "I don't see 'em" blinders firmly in place. But, I waslooking for a God ordained appointment. "What does that even look like," I thought to myself!? As I walked the perimeter of the park, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to specifically direct my movement and reveal the person he was calling for me to minister to that day. I prayed for God's words to be my words and for his promises to flow through me to those around me. The second I finished praying for a sign, I heard a very standard male cat call from the man I had just walked past.
In an instant, I thought, "oh buddy, if my husband was here... and, I'll just ignore that and keep walking" - right!? A step or two later, I hear God's message resound in my head, "Be Bold, Not Timid. I Am with you." Oh ... and, "you asked for a sign!" So, I turned around and opened the door to more than an hour long ministry and prayer session with LeRon - a gang/prison tattooed, drug-dealer, ex-con, thug newly in Atlanta from the West Coast. God really knows what he's doing! From seemingly very different worlds, LaRon and I had an instant rapport.
He shared his view of knowing Jesus, and I shared how knowing about Jesus and walking in relationship with Him are actually quite different. He shared how life in his world is about survival, and I shared how life in relationship with God is about abundant provision, protection, peace, joy, and hope. He shared how drugs and alcohol were a way of life for someone in his circumstances, and I shared how worried and sad I had felt every time the phone rang with more bad news of my formerly (praise God!) drug-addicted sister.
LaRon told me he knew why we were having this talk, and he admitted feeling God call to him in recent weeks - even prompting him to leave his former life behind as he started anew in Atlanta. Only God knows LaRon's future, but I believe as I shared the love and hope of a real relationship with Jesus, God used me to water the seed he had already planted in LaRon's heart. Although this divine appointment started with a lewd cat call, this encounter reminded me of when "Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17.
Jesus Christ came for all of us sinners fully understanding our condition and our circumstances. Regardless of whether you are more like LaRon, more like me, or a bit more like Christ himself, Jesus desires a closer relationship with you. "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." 1 Chronicles 16:10
In Love for Him & You, Sondra Wallace-Foster
p.s. more to come on my divine appointments in Atlanta with Kevin, Rhonda, and Marcus in future blogs.
If you're interested in supporting my ministry with Adventures in Missions, you can make your tax deductable donation at: http://adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=staff , please put "Sondra Wallace-Foster" in the Staff Member field.
Jerusalem/Gainesville, GA has been my immediate focus for some time now, but it is time to move on to Judea and Samaria, i.e.... Atlanta, GA (in June) and Appalachia (Rogersville/Morristown, TN) in July. Please pray with me as God continues to prepare me and my family for missions. I know his plans are always better than mine, and I am excited to see how God will use me to spread his hope, love, and amazing grace!
I was born in Pottstown, PA in 1973. I lived in several states and traveled to many more throughout my journey. I have an ABJ degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Colorado. After making a conscious decision to leave corporate America, I've spent the last 10 years working for non-profit organizations. I have an amazing daughter, a husband who loves me, and a strong group of friends. But, all of these life details pale in comparison to my God story!
The adventure began at age 13 when I encountered Christ and invited him to be my personal savior. Since that time, I've spent portions of my life in obedience and even larger portions of my life as a prodigal daughter. After years of listening to my own flesh, the world, and the lies of the enemy, I was completely broken and spilled out before the Lord. In my lowest of low moments, I cried out to the name above all names, "God, PLEASE ... I want my life back!" In that moment, I heard God clearly respond that my life was not, in fact, my life - but rather His! Whoa! He hadn't forgotten me; he hadn't forsaken me; and he hadn't abandoned me. That was me! I had forgotten that my life was actually His - bought and paid for by his Son Jesus Christ!
Since that day in 2004, God has been lovingly repairing my brokenness and re-forming my life into something more beautiful, joyful, and purposeful for his Kingdom and glory. God is so good, and without fail his plans are so much better than my own! I am thrilled to serve Him and others each day through my current position of administration and ministry in AIM's Adult/Family Admissions Department. I still wrestle with God from time to time, but I know with everything that I am that resistance is truly futile. Praise God!
), but wouldn't you know it God was ready to WOW us again!