It was like adding a surprise family member. After looking through the packets of children and praying, we made a final decision. We have now added David Llaveta Chambi to our lives and prayers! This little 5-year-old boy in Bolivia is loved by God, and now we get to be a part of that love. Maybe, just maybe, we will meet him in the near future. That would be something.
Sometimes it's intimidating to make a 12+ year commitment. But, after 5 children, I ain't scared, lol. God is the One who truly cares for me and my family. If you've ever experienced God's help in your time of need, you know what I mean.
I wanted to share a few pictures with you, all worth more than a thousand words (click on a photo to enlarge). God has really blessed my family with comfort and provision these past couple of months. Even when everything around is shifting and changing, He never does. His care never ends.
This Sunday we’re going to sing "Come Thou Fount." It is such a sweet song for the heart that knows God’s help in time of need. In one of the lines we sing, “Here I raise my Ebenezer.” What is an Ebenezer if not a Scrooge, right?
Well, Ebenezer means “stone of help.” It comes from 1 Samuel 7, where God gave victory to Israel over the Philistines. He even restored cities back to Israel that were previously taken captive. That stone commemorated God’s help. Every time they walked by it, every time a little boy asked why this huge stone was placed between Mizpah and Shen, they could tell the story of when God came to the rescue after His people prayed and humbled themselves.
We all need those “stones of remembrance” in our own lives to remind us of God’s faithfulness to help us in times of need. Maybe it’s an actual physical object, looking back on pictures, or reading an encouraging card from a difficult season in your life. Whatever it may be, we do well to remember His faithfulness in order to gain strength for today and the days ahead.
I love you, church family.
Pastor Jack