God speaks… does He speak to you? We often want Him to, but do we listen to Him? This is an example of God speaking in the most unusual way… through grace and hope.
I sat in anticipation of the worship service. Jon Bauer, a fellow Albertan and established singer and songwriter would be performing for our church today.
The worship service began. It was glorious. And it was exciting. As well as amazing.
Then Jon Bauer began to talk about Compassion Canada, a Christian child sponsorship program for children in need.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but my spirit immediately closed.
“No God. I am not adopting a foster child today.”
I sat and listened to Jon Bauer talk about his personal experience with the child sponsorship program.
“No God. I went to the Sarah McLachlan concert and didn’t adopt a child then. I am not doing it today.”
Jon invited us to have a moment of silence and encouraged us to ask God if we are to adopt a child today.
“No God. You understand, we’re just getting on our feet again, we can’t afford this.”
Then Jon went on to ask us to be attentive to what God is saying to us, “God speaks in many ways. Be open to how he’s speaking to you.”
With that, Jon said he would like to introduce the Compassion Canada video:
“Grace Finds Hope”
My friends, you wouldn’t imagine how I felt in that moment. My oldest daughter is named Grace and my other daughter is named Hope. I was stunned, humbled, and in awe of how loudly God spoke to me.
“Yes God, I will adopt a foster child today.”
And we did.
God speaks to us in all sorts of ways. I was hesitant to publish this story because I haven’t previously shared my girls’ names on my blog. However, the lamp shouldn’t be hidden under a bowl nor should miracles be concealed. I hope that by sharing this story about God’s hand in my life, that it may encourage even just one person to explore how God can be present in their life as well.
God bless you.
- For more information on Compassion Canada, please visit HERE.
- To watch the video Grace Finds Hope, please visit HERE.
- To explore Jon Bauer’s music, please visit HERE.
SHARE WITH OTHERS
Hi Jennifer! Congratulations! I hope you will enjoy learning and supporting your foster child. You will give him/her such support, both in finance and prayer! My husband and I also are fostering a child in Africa. Every time I get that pledge bill, I wonder if we should continue. (As you know, my husband has been unemployed for over a year. )
I always decide to do it. And how about God speaking to you in such a convicting way? He planned that for a long time, knowing he’d grab your heart. What a moment!
Keep us all informed about your experiences!
Have a great weekend :)
Ceil
A beautiful post Jennifer, thanks for sharing it with us.
My only experience with child sponsorship started when l was at University, when l was at my poorest. Living only on the government study allowance, for some reason l chose that time to sponsor a child. I know it was something l always wanted to do, but even now l’m surprised l choose to do it then.
I sponsored Felmer from when he was around 12 months old, until he was 15. It was an amazing experience, one that l will never forget. Felmer was from the Philippines, so of course l’m pretty worried about him at the moment. Unfortunately because the sponsorship has finished, there’s no way of checking up on him.
Thank you Chrisy. Our little girl is from Columbia. She is already very much a part of our family. My oldest daughter likes to check the temperature in Columbia every day.
I can imagine your concern for Felmer. I think it’s lovely that you sponsored him for so long.
Thanks Ceil! God certainly spoke to me and I am so glad He did. What a moment!
I’ll make sure to keep you posted about our experiences with our foster child.
Wishing you a lovely weekend too.
This is awesome! Congrats! And good for you for following the tug at your heart. It sounds like a great organization and I’m happy that you were able to hear this message.
:) congrats! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, my gosh…I didn’t expect to finish with tears.
What a beautiful thing. Congratulations…you’re amazing. =)
Thanks Tammy. I’m so pleased to have this foster child in our lives. It was an amazing moment.
Thanks Z! We’re very excited to get to know this new person in our lives.
It was an amazing moment. I can’t wait to get to know this child who God has placed in our lives. So exciting!
I can only imagine how powerful that moment must have been for you. Your daughters names are beautiful, you are beautiful, and what you shared here today, what you are doing for that child, is beautiful… my eyes and my heart are both open.
OMG! Congratulations, Jennifer! That is amazing and thanks for sharing! She is so cute :) xoxo
We sponsor a Compassion child, too! He’s now 14 and in Ethopia. Love this story, but I especially I love how you opened your heart to God’s gentle invitation and obeyed. What a blessing!
So happy you opened yourself up to receiving the message. Love your daughters’ names, too.
I love their names too… suits them perfectly. It was an amazing message and an unbelievable moment.
He is amazing and so good. Thank you for visiting. God bless you too.