Often times we don’t understand why things work out the way they do and somethings we will never be able to figure out, but I am always thankful for the small glimpses that God gives us into how He is working.
Every week when I walked with students to the school after meeting for Bible Adventure (BA), I was greeted by a teacher, Mrs. Byers*, who always had a word of encouragement for the children and for our BA staff. She shared with me that she prayed for every child in the school, knowing that many of them faced challenges and struggled with multiple issues. Mrs. Byers shared that she prayed specifically for the children who attended BA; that the Lord would work in each of their hearts.
One day, as we returned to the school, Adrian*, who was in my walking group shared with me that he was being bullied and that the teachers were aware. He asked me to pray for him and told me that he also asked Mrs. Byers to pray for him.
I spoke to Mrs. Byers later that same day and she shared with me that she was praying for Adrian, not only because he was being bullied but for him to learn of God’s great love for him and to come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
A few weeks later, Mrs. Byers suddenly passed away. The entire community was devastated by the news of her passing and the sadness that followed was almost paralyzing as many searched for answers. At Bible Adventure, during the next few weeks, we were able to share with the children that Mrs. Byers loved Jesus and that her prayer was for them to love Jesus just like she loved Him.
Although Adrian didn’t understand why Mrs. Byers was with Jesus and not at school anymore, he began to find comfort in scriptures that were shared. After hearing the salvation message shared in Bible Adventure, Adrian raised his hand to pray to begin a relationship with Jesus. Since that day, he has been reading his Bible and learning more about Jesus. Today, Adrian invites his friends to Bible Adventure so they, too, can learn about Jesus.
Months after Mrs. Byers left this earth for her heavenly home, God is still answering her prayers. 1 John 5:15 “And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
*names changed
