God's Appointments

Sherri and I had the privilege along with others, to go on prayer walks through West Salem.  We asked God, along with the Sports Camp prayer team, for divine appointments.  God answered!  Two times we visited an apartment complex where there were many children that we bonded with.  Some of the families were unbelievers and some were believers.  On our second trip we met a mom, "S", who has four children.  She is going through a lot and we asked for prayer for her before, during and after camp.  She is a Christian, and also a single mom, who has recently had a car accident, has a tough job, and has a messy separation with her ex.  She has to drive various rental cars while trying to purchase a replacement and seeing doctors for physical injuries.  When we met her she stammered that she had doubts God would heal her.  She knew God had good plans for her life but she couldn't wrap her mind around it in all her suffering.  She hadn't gone to church for some time.  We invited her to connect with us after checking in her kids each morning.  She and I finally did connect over coffee.  We visited for about 45 minutes at the check-in area.  She grew up without Christ and had attended two different churches in her adulthood.  She was unsure where she was headed next.  I replied that the times that are the craziest are the most productive gospel times I've known.  I invited her to come to our church that Sunday.

She didn't attend, but there were two great outcomes to this week.  One was that her oldest child received Christ!  His blue hair was a joy to witness walking out of the group as one of those who responded to the gospel message!  The other great outcome was that "S" and I became Facebook friends, and as soon as Sports Camp was over, she posted on her status, "my eldest son received Jesus, it is a great day."  Her Christian friends were amazed in the comments.  "S" wrote back, "I can't wait to come back to church this Sunday!" Her posts for a few weeks after this were filled with peace that God was giving her strength to persevere and gratitude for her children and for her blessings.  I have a Facebook friend in common with "S", another believer, who commented on her testimony that it was exactly what she needed to hear, too!  The blessing of God passes on!

In one sense I was sad to see her reconnect elsewhere, but that is her tribe and I am simply thankful that her family is drawn back into God's fold even if it means I won't necessarily cross paths with her again.

It brings tears to my eyes to think about the reach of His light into our city that Sports Camp was able to bring at such a dark moment in a family's life.  I am certain the prayers for divine appointments opened a door for His glory in this family.

--Michele Painter