“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17

 Have you ever had an experience that was almost magical, that you knew beyond a doubt that your Heavenly Father sent you a completely unexpected gift?  I had such a special day last week!

Our church had invited a native missionary pastor, his wife and son for the weekend to hear about their ministry in Tanzania.  Since I am on the missions’ team, it fell to me to hostess them for three days at my house.  I was excited to hear about the new medical clinic being built and was busily putting a team together to take a short mission trip in August.  The weekend was a whirlwind of activity, sharing the family with other mission team members, a church potluck on Sunday and more activities on Monday.  By Monday night, I was looking forward to putting them on the bus the next morning, going to my Bible study, then home to collapse on the sofa!  But God had other plans!

When I arrived home Monday night after leading a grief group, the missionary was distressed to discover that the bus to Chicago they were to take would not stop in Indiana.  They would have to travel to the big city of Chicago, then back to Elkhart that evening!  After calling the bus company and explaining the predicament, I asked them if it were possible to stop on the way and drop them off.  It was only two hours from my house to Elkhart!  The bus official said, “Lady, the screen says, leave Toledo at 10:40 am, arrive Elkhart 8:50 pm.”  No amount of explaining or arguing made a bit of difference, he was adamant!

After a time of questioning and not receiving straight answers, I realized God was changing the plans!  It occurred to me that I could drive them myself!  It would take 2 hours, we could enjoy the Amish country, have lunch at a quaint restaurant and look around the shops.   The hostess at the next church could pick them up at that location since she only lived 15 minutes away!  I even thought to call a good friend who was happy to accompany us!  Thank you God for that awesome plan!

The Lord gave us a beautiful sunny day, a delightful temperature and not a cloud in the sky.  The missionary family had little experience with horses since there are very few in their country.   The Amish buggies were a fascination and yes, they wanted to ride in the horse and carriage!  My African friends were dressed in matching clothing and looked like an African king and queen.  As we clip-clopped down the main street in an open white carriage, they enjoyed waving at passers-by.  The pastor said, “This is the most fun I’ve had since coming to America!”  Their son got to ride up with the driver and briefly hold the reins!  It was his first time in America.  My friend and I took so much pleasure watching the joy on their faces!  What a charming picture to put in our memory bank to be taken out and enjoyed for years to come!

After a delicious lunch in an Amish restaurant, we rested on the front porch.  Promptly at three o’clock, a sweet-faced 85 year old lady pulled up in her car to take them to the next destination.  She hardly had room in her trunk because of the boxes of Bible studies and tracts she distributed!  I knew they were in good hands!  We said our good-byes and they went their way!

Going home, my friend and I were overwhelmed with what God had done that day.  He had changed our plans and given us a memorable day with special friends.   We could only praise Him!  The Lord loves to give good gifts to His children and He orders their way!  He gave an unexpected treasure to some of His tired servants.  Every good and perfect gift comes from God.  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way,” Psalm 37:23.

Your friend, Jean