Sharing God’s Treasure – Appalachia Day 3, Part 2
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).
