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09/15/2003 Entry: "In The Spirit"

"But me--who am I, and who are these my people, that we should presume to be giving something to you? Everything comes from you; all we're doing is giving back what we've been given from your generous hand." 1 Chr 29:14, The Message

I went on a mission trip Sundy morning.

A gentleman, Grant, was in the church when I arrived at 9:20 or so, and Hank came to me and said, "Will you go on a mission trip." I immediately said yes, although deep down I just wanted to stay at the church.

Hank introduced me to Grant, who had come looking for apparently $12.00 worth of diapers and Enfalac for his children, who would be taken from CFS if he did not supply these for their needs. he had a loose handshake; not caring about who I was more than what I was offering. We went to the store across the street (conviently open early Sunday) and got the supplies. He was in a hurry, and seemed not looking forward to the walk to Sherbrook and Ellice ahead of him. Without thinking, I offered to walk with him. Sure enough, we started walking, caught a bus somewhere along the way, and got to his place finally much earlier than he expected.

He showed me his home, doomed to be condemned in a month or two for sure. He showed me pictures of his adorable children, and showed me his laundry. He showed me a picture of his brother and his new Semi truck he had purchased, and then the newspaper clippings of a horrible accident involving a young man of 24 years old and a semi truck explosion near Portage La Prairie.

He showed me his laundry he hadn't done, and said he was going to look for work (the initial reason he showed up at the church) so he can get money to do the laundry. I gave him $5.00, and he reluctantly took it. He was in the army once, and did not believe in easy money. I told him, "Volunteer at Siloam Mission. You know were that is? Tell John that James sent you." He did.

We left his place, and he went west while I headed back to church. Before I left, I said, "Could I pray for you?" He wanted me to very much so. This is what I prayed:

"Dear Father. Thank you for being so close and accessible to us. Thank you for arranging situations so you can achieve your perfect will in our lives. I ask that you would be with Gary through the stress, and relieve him of it. Let us know that you are our God, and we are your people, desiring to be closer to you, not because we're better than everyone, but because often we are in need of you most. I pray I see Grant again soon. In Jesus name, I pray. AMEN."

It brought a tear and a smile from the both of us. We looked at each other a moment, shook hands (a very firm handshake), and didn't want to leave. But we did.

I shook all over all day. I felt like I was full of energy. Full of The Spirit.