Leading Me By The Hand

 

 

On my first mission trip to Ghana in 2007, I remember a significant and symbolic moment, when on the very night God called me here, His Holy Spirit did something I did not see. During a worship service, in a small church in Goaso, and just as I had finished delivering a message on God’s love, a fellow team member, Jerry Demaris, took my hand and led me to the back of the church. He led me to a make-shift nursery on the floor in the corner, where laid out upon woven straw mats, more than a dozen babies and toddlers were all sound asleep, . When we arrived, Jerry said to me, “These are yours” and he left me alone with them, returning alone to the front of the church.
I got down on the floor with them, laid hands on each one and prayed blessings upon them. Then I just lingered. I felt the warmth of the life in them; I felt the beat of their hearts as I moved among them. As I drew close, a Presence came over me I could not describe and I just wept. I loved them and believed what Jerry said, “These are yours” but I did not fully understand.

But now I do understand. The entire night was brimming with symbolism. It wasn’t Jerry that led me to the children that night. It was the Holy Spirit. And when the Voice spoke, “These are yours” it was symbolic of things to come, God’s promise to me that would unfold in the future.
Now seven years later, He is preparing to lead me to the children. The time is almost here for Him to fulfill His word in me. I anticipate with excitement what God my Father has waiting.

As I venture into the mission field, He will again have my hand, and He will again lead me to the children. Then, hand in hand, the children He gives me will be brought home to Step By Step Children’s Orphanage where they will receive A Home, A Hope, and A Future, just as He promised. God’s plan is perfect. God’s promises are Yes and Amen. His love is everlasting!

Blessings to you all,

John Michael (Papa John)

www.stepbysteporphanage.org