Word of the Week: Astounding

Each week members have been adding to our church prayer list the names of friends they are inviting for our October 8 celebration. I had missed Tuesday prayer the last few weeks for travel. This week we had about 35 different names, and that didn’t include a few others. We prayed together for all of them by name. I also learned that a number of people are coming to Christianity Explored to learn more about Jesus, and get their questions answered. I felt a sense of wonder and awe. I had a moment of divine wonder - and I use it in a double meaning. I felt wonder in God, but also, I wondered, “God, are you up to something big here?  Are you getting ready to astound and amaze us?”

That same day, another moment of astonishment came. My pastor friends from Malawi sent me a picture of a brand new well. This was in the home village of one of my friends. Recently this village had a rash of funerals and hospitalizations from water borne illness - typhoid fever. Some weeks ago, I had breakfast with a high school friend I hadn’t seen in 20 years. My friend and I hadn’t stayed close, but reconnected through Facebook. He is a Christ follower and wants to make a difference. I shared with him the stories from Malawi. He said to me that day, “Put me down for a well.” The cost of one well is $7500 US. I initially urged him to first come and see the things I saw, that perhaps the Lord might use him to get others involved. When the water crisis hit in the village, my friend transferred funds which, in very short order, turned into clean water for these dear people in the village. The name of Jesus is honored!  I’m astonished at God’s ordering of our lives that he might be glorified.

To Him be the glory forever,

Don