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As I look back on the vision God gave
me for Step By Step Worldwide Ministries and the Step By Step Children's
Orphanage, it is plain to see that the Lord is building the house. Over
the last seven years, God has been building me, transforming me, and preparing
me, to conform to His image, that I would be ready to carry out His will and
purpose for my life in Ghana. Not unlike the photos above, my life is under
construction, some things added, many things taken away. J I am not who I used
to be, but am becoming more like the man of God He designed me and is shaping
me to be, an acceptable dwelling place for His Spirit.
God is continually preparing us all for
habitation, His abiding presence in our lives, that we might be an acceptable
dwelling place for Him. And only God can build this house.
These side-by-side photos are also evidence
that a building is being erected for the purpose of habitation. It is easily
observed that the building is being transformed and prepared for the children
who will inhabit this dwelling as their home and refuge. Soon, the sounds of
children's voices will be resonating from the rooms, orphanage house, and
courtyard. Just the sounds alone, without discernible words, will
proclaim that God truly cares about them and loves them with an everlasting
love.
John 14:2-3 says, “…I go to prepare a
place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and
receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you will be also”.
My heart so earnestly awaits the
arrival of the first children to Step By Step Children’s Orphanage. My Pastor
and teacher, Dr. Gary H. Cote, once said to me, “When you accept that first
child into your arms, your life will change forever.” When He said that to me I
knew my call was true, for as his words crossed my ears, instead of angst and
hesitation, I was filled with joy and anticipation.
We should never forget that as we see
the sticks and bricks of this orphanage project take shape, that God is doing an
even greater work in us. We are the house. Our wonderful Father is building His
temple and great care and exactness is being undertaken to prepare us, refine
us, and transform us. Come Father. Inhabit your dwelling place. We await your
presence.
