Sunday, January 2, 2011

BELIEVE WITH ME!

BELIEVE WITH ME!

When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I remember going into a convenience store with my mother and asking for a balloon. The particular balloon I asked for was the kind that blows-up really big, with the rubber-band attached so you can "punch" the balloon. It was pink with a yellow rubber-band. I remember looking at my mother and asking if she could buy it for me. I remember tears in her eyes as she explained to me that she could not afford it. This wasn't like most of us, when we tell our children that we don't have money, and what we really mean is we don't have money "for that". She REALLY didn't have enough money. After walking back home, my mother got me ready for bed. As always, she made sure I said my prayers. That night, in addition to my normal requests, I asked God to give me a punching balloon. Such a silly prayer. Why would God be interested in giving a balloon to a little boy.

The next morning, my mother bundled me up before we headed out. Just as she had always done, she checked the gas meeter to make sure we were within our meager budget. As we made our way around the trailer, I noticed something hanging on the meeter. It was a large pink punching balloon with a yellow rubber-band. My mother began to cry, as I jumped for joy. To this day, my mother has no idea where that balloon came from, well I guess she's figured it out by now. God heard the silly prayers of a little boy... and answered that prayer.

Years have gone by since that day, but I still believe that God answers prayers. Today, I ask you to join with me in prayer. Not for something as trivial as a balloon, but for something that our church needs. We are in desperate need of a van. I've learned over the years to pray specifically. So, when you pray, I ask you to be specific. We're not just praying for any van. We are praying for a white 15 passenger van with low miles and in good condition. This van will be used to pick up people that have no means to go to church. It has to be dependable. It will also be used for LONG youth trips, so it needs to have a CD player. Furthermore, when you pray, do NOT pray that we find a good deal on a van. We are praying that God lays it upon some one to donate the van. "Ye have not because ye ask not."

Over 30 years ago God gave me a balloon, for no reason at all, except for the fact that He loves me. I believe that God will supply this van so that His kingdom can prosper... BELIEVE WITH ME!