Song

“Our God is Faithful”

The power, the force, the mighty volume produced by the children singing and praising was enough to send chills racing across my body.  A sixteen year old in the back row giggled and turned toward her friends to call out – the chorus of 100+ voices that followed in response is possibly the most glorious sound I’ve appreciated so far.

We followed with “He Reigns” as a storm brewed outside the window.  An ironic and powerful reminder of how intricately the Lord orchestrates the details.  Our theme was God Protects; our lesson was the story of Jesus calming the storm.  It never did rain hard.  Just a mist to remind us- He does indeed reign.

At the end of the day I walked with my special friend (child I sponsor) to her home.  She stayed by my side nervously chewing her newly painted fingernails the whole way.  We entered her property and her mother came out and sat on the bench.  Vile, our discipleship team escort guided us through the proper sequence of events.  She led us into the house and the ladies (mother, Vile, Annette and I) sat side sit on the floor.  Josh sat on the couch behind us.  Again, the powerful force of a song of worship and praise began.  A single voice singing to the Lord was joined by Vile.  I heard the words Jesu and Jehovah.  I closed my eyes and the room was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  We sat in complete humility.  Breathing in and breathing out slowly.  Now it’s my turn to speak.  How do I respond to such a beautiful moment?  Gently I tell this beautiful and God-fearing woman how honored I am to be in this moment with her and her children.  Her face is soft as she looks down, not too unlike the mannerism I’ve experienced with her daughter this week.  

She allowed us to take a picture of her and her family in front of their home.  And I asked if I could hug her.  She smiled and immediately came towards me.  Her arms collapsed around my body and she held me in a strong embrace.  And she continued to hold me.  Whispering God Bless You.  The world stood still.  Again I closed my eyes.  Gratitude, blessing, humility…  she held my hand with two of hers.  We separated; just our fingers are touching now.  I turn back to look for her with my eyes.  Even when I can’t see her, our heart connection remains.  

This relationship created through sponsorship is not just between my special friend and me.  I have met her family:  her brothers, her sisters, and her mother.  I have seen where they live and I’ve glimpsed their lives.  This is not just about an automatic deposit and an occasional letter.  This is brothers and sisters coming together by the power of our merciful Lord.  He is at work bringing hearts together.  He knows this is just what I need. 

Our God is faithful.