Bread for Children
This is one of my favorite pictures of my husband. He loves being involved in this ministry in the mountains. When he had back surgery a few years ago, his first question for the doctor when he woke up was, "Can I go on the mountain trip six weeks from now?"
Right now, he is in the states waiting to hear if he needs surgery again. One opinion says no, and we are waiting for the second opinion––hoping it is the same. I'm sure Chuck is already planning to be on the trip a few weeks from now––Lord willing.
Each December, we wonder how God is going to supply all we need for the many ministries we do at Christmas time. He never fails to supply for exactly what He wants done. Chuck told me about a discussion he had with a group of our supporters on the night of his birthday. They arranged a surprise birthday party at a restaurant and of course, gave Chuck the floor to speak. Everyone joked that he finally didn't have to share his time with me––there was no chance I could steal his thunder that night from thousands of miles away.
Then he told me of one question he was asked by the group. "How is your support?" His answer, "We're fine." This is one reason he needs me by his side:-) He is a man of few words when he speaks. I am the opposite. He never elaborates––I go on and on. Yes, we do compliment each other. We joke that we can't even remember not being married.
We are fine. God does meet our needs. We are blessed. But there are always needs for the ministry. If we don't inform about our ministry needs, how will God supply? One of the hardest things as missionaries is to tell of our needs, especially when so many today have needs also. But God's work can't go on if we aren't His voice for the work He wants done.
When our property paperwork costs mounted up, we didn't have the funds we needed. God supplied every need. This month, the month of December, it is always a matter of prayer for all we need for the Christmas ministry. Yes, Chuck and Peggy are fine, we have a roof over our heads, we have food in the cupboards, but many around us don't. Some don't even have shoes. We take hundreds of sandals to the mountains––typical ones that the people here wear. We take food, and medical supplies. We even take vets and vaccines for their animals. Gifts for the children and bread are the highlights of the trip. To see a child light up with the same smile when they receive bread as when they receive a babydoll or truck––it brings tears to your eyes. We also give to those around us in our village and over the mountain behind our house and our two churches. And the best gift we share––Jesus. How do we do all of this on our monthly support, we don't––but God supplies for this need.
The apostle Paul detached himself from nonessential things to concentrate on eternal things. Philippians 4:12 says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every and any situation, whether well feed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV) We are fine, whether abased or abound, because we know God provides for us and the ministry. We even have those nonessential things that Paul didn't. But, when we do need more support, God touches hearts. When we abound, we do even more ministry––more eternal things. That's why we are content––because God knows and supplies our needs!
Chuck had it right––we are fine––in plenty or in want.
Chuck had it right––we are fine––in plenty or in want.