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The Divine Adventures of a Yahweh Sisterhood: Day 1 and Day 2
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The Divine Adventures of a Yahweh Sisterhood: Day 1 and Day 2
Written by Christian Speaker/Writer Barbara Gobbs www.barbaragobbs.com
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Cor. 1:3-4 (NIV)
Up early on Monday and out the door, I was welcomed by rain and Cheryle’s sweet smile. There was no hint of anxiety only excitement over this cross country journey that was about to begin. So far I was not thinking, “What was I thinking!”
As we headed for the interstate Cheryle explained our plan. We would head to Little Rock and take I-40 into Arizona. Everything in between was dependent on how the Spirit led. Then I got her orientation speech about the facets of her ministry, a) exhortation and evangelism: talking and sharing with others, b) ministry: helping someone in need and c) prayer. Actually, this is just a summary of her activities. Simply fascinating!
Then she wondered how I felt about the trip and she shared the questions her family had about her traveling with someone she knew but how well? I want her family to rest assured that I’ve not caused any harm to Cheryle and let’s assure the husbands, yes we are getting along!
Our first landmark was Albany. While headed in that direction we noticed a zoo. Zoos are good places to find people so we stopped. Correction, zoos are usually good places to find people. But a small zoo on a school day – well, did we misinterpret something?
No, because we hadn’t spotted the first critter before Cheryle’s “appointment” showed up. She struck up an immediate conversation with the first person we encountered. She skillfully asked a few questions and from her response ascertained that this woman had an issue she was concerned over.
Within moments, this precious woman let us in on her private pain; one Cheryle was very familiar with, the loss of a son. Exhortation began. Afterwards we walked the grounds; I am sure each silently saying a prayer for this woman and her needs, glad to have made her acquaintance. Somewhere near the monkeys we ran into Mr. G.
Okay that is not his real name, but that’s okay. We chatted with this gentleman for a spell. He was a very nice man, not totally sure about his relationship with God, but we left him with encouragement to continue in faith and seek a church to practice it. After leaving the zoo and additional driving to Albany, we located a campground, ate dinner, worked for a while and turned in. What a glorious day one!
Day two, we awoke to cool crisp air. Cheryle had been up for more than an hour before me. I slept until after 8:30 – this missionary stuff can really tire you out! After dressing, some private quiet time and devotional time together, we packed up and headed out. Our objective: unsure!
Now before we left I ran into a sweet older woman in the bath house. She and four others were in town for a funeral. She was excited to hear about our purpose-filled journey and gladly accepted my offer to pray for her family and friends during this time. She wished us Godspeed and safety. My heart was blessed.
Meanwhile back at camp, it was time to do a Willie. After all, Willie Nelson did sing, “On the road again!” We headed toward Birmingham. At some point before hitting our destination we veered off the path to check out Horsehoe Bend National Military Park. It was a divine appointment waiting to happen. As we drove to the designated lookout spots, we spotted Jimmy, who had spotted turtles in the river. A good place to start a conversation.
What a joy it was to chat with Jimmy! Little did we know that Jimmy had more of a story that we realized during the beginning of our conversation. After discussing his faith and his interest in Creek Indian culture, he announced to us that he had a blood disorder that eventually was going to take his life. Probably in the next few years. Jimmy is only in his early 50’s. Now there is more to Jimmy’s story but what an honor God afforded Cheryle and I to share with Jimmy, encourage him in Christ and end our visit by laying hands on him and praying for God to intervene, provide strength and comfort. Speechless.
After passing Birmingham, we decided to do the hotel thing for one night. But alas there was no room at the inn. However, the sweet little, heavily accented desk clerk directed us to a nearby campground. We called for reservations and the park manger agreed to wait for us, even though it was after her closing time. God just keeps reinforcing that divine appointments come in all forms and at all times.
The lady we spoke with had 2 five year old twins with her and had 4 older children as well. She looked perfectly happy. Yet while performing our registration, she confessed that her husband had passed away 3 months ago. It was another opportunity to encourage a hurting soul in faith and Christian love.
Three out of four encounters in two days proves that there are hurting people out there. Furthermore, you don’t have to go far to find them. Spend today seeking the tired, the lost and the hurting to encourage just as God has encouraged you!
Traveling on!
Barbara
www.barbaragobbs.com
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