"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."
WAW Wednesday: "Kenny's Boots are Moving"
Friends,
Kenny is in the U.S. and he's made several visits with much more to come! As we've been sharing stories about how God shows us His glory through The Word at Work, I asked him to write down a beautiful example of what happens when we slow down and listen for God's leading ...
Dearly beloved in Christ,
A few months or so I got an email from Sheelagh at Paoli Presbyterian asking if we at TWAW could use a [wheelchair] ramp in Belize. Without stopping to think I said, "Yes!", simply because I have seen several places here that special needs persons have difficulty accessing. A few weeks before the container with the said ramp would arrive I happened to run into a young lady that I knew who was soliciting donations for material to build an access ramp so that her child could gain access to her class room. She hoped that TWAW could assist her. We had previously assisted her with a wheel chair - that's when I realized I knew this young woman, and that she was a teacher at one of our partner schools.
This young woman, a mother and teacher, was incredibly discouraged. Little did she know that by approaching me that day, in God's perfect timing, that we could provide the ramp! So, I looked at her and said, "Little sister, please don’t go soliciting any more. God has provided for you a ramp We have one on its way by sea right now; as soon as it arrives Chepito and I will come and install it."
The day we installed that ramp God was providing even more. You see, a ramp has a ratio for incline for proper installation, and when I measured the ramp it was half the distance that was needed. My heart sank. Then I said to Chepito and my son Glen, "I pray that the land where the school sits is exactly 2 feet higher than where the ramp ends." Guess what? It was -- we had exactly what was needed with the exception of some dirt to even out the approach to the ramp!!
(In the first photo you see the young girl's wheelchair -- and the height needed to cover access to the school via the ramp -- imagine the aching backs!)
(In the next photo -- Kenny and Chepito had plenty of help at the school installing the ramp!)
So, what's so special about this? Well for us believers in Christ there is no coincidences. The body of Christ in the USA was gathering items to send to Belize and as they went about they took the time to hear what God was saying and they were obedient -- even when they didn't quite understand.
In Belize, I have learned to slow down and wait and listen. I must say, I was just reading a book that talk about slowing down. If our partner had not listened and I had not stopped to listen, then this mom would have gone on that day in the blistering heat trying to solicit funding or material for the ramp she so desperately needed.
God is always at work, always speaking. Let us take time to hear, and by doing so you may be an answer to someone prayer. You will be a testimony to the power of God and a channel of his blessing -- a testimony of his great love. May our faith be more than just talk may it also be our action.
Thanks,
Kenny
PS...Chepito went back out to the school and recorded this brief thanks from the young woman in this story ... please take a moment to watch.
God answered prayers for a ramp! from The Word at Work on Vimeo.
Kenny and I made the trek from Midland TX, (photos below) through Lubbock (we saw Dallan and the Day's as well as visited Loads of Love at WPC) and back to Amarillo. It was great to see our friends.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates of Kenny's epic road trip -- we expect more pix and videos through mid-November!
Please pray that God will answer our prayers for financial resources along the way!
We're so grateful for your partnership.
Blessings,
Mollie
#wearethewordatwork
EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!
Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!
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