Every time a letter arrives from our Compassion child in Tanzania, he begs us to come visit him and his family. Each time Donn and I shake our heads, seeing only the obstacles. Last month after Prayer for Greenville at Fresh Grounds, I found myself telling Nancy, a woman I knew to be a retired missionary, about this boy begging us to visit him in Tanzania.
She smiled and said, “You could go with me.”
Surely my jaw dropped and I stared at her. “You go to Tanzania?”
“Every two years. I was a missionary there for a long time.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. If I had ever known Nancy had served in Tanzania, it hadn’t registered. She told me she was going to Tanzania in November but would be going again in two years if I couldn’t be ready that soon. We talked about the cost and length of the plane flights, etc.
What was God doing?
The next week at prayer for Downtown Ministries, I mentioned this situation to those gathered, reiterating the possible challenges in-country even if I went to Tanzania with Nancy. Someone said, “Compassion used to arrange in-country visits for folks who want to visit their child. I don’t know if they still do.”
This was new information that raised my hopes again. A few days later, I spoke to a Compassion tour organizer who assured me this service is still available and clarified the options and a rough estimate of the costs. I hung up with the knowledge that, while the trip would be expensive, a visit with Erik was possible. Since Compassion requires eight weeks notice, accompanying Nancy this year was definitely out, but the next trip was definitely a possibility.
I find it hard to believe that all of this is just a “coincidence,” that the one person to whom I mentioned Erik’s desire, goes to Tanzania every other year and would be delighted to have me accompany her. (She says I could stay with her at the seminary where she served.) It’s also worth noting that someone at the FG prayer meeting knew that Compassion used to provide this service, leading me to discover they still do.
My heart has been so moved for months that this boy, whose family probably has next to nothing, longs to have us visit them. In spite of our original reaction, I’m beginning to believe God placed that desire in his heart and wants to fulfill it.
Believe it or not, I am essentially a homebody—perfectly happy to never set foot outside the United States. But once again, I make of my body a living sacrifice for Jesus’ sake and the sake of this child. If God wants me to go to Tanzania, He will continue to open every door and fulfill the desire of this young man’s heart. Please pray with us for God’s provision, health and strength for the journey.
Father, you know the desire of Erik’s heart. If that desire is in line with yours, would you fulfill that desire and cause our plans to succeed. Amen.
