PRAYER WORKS!

My daughter-in-law Debbie, whose birthday is tomorrow, has been in the Democratic Republic of Congo two and a half weeks, attempting to bring back their newly adopted infant daughter Anaya. She left Oct. 7 and was to return Oct. 30, but now a government passport mistake could force a delay. I would like to ask that all who receive this WEEKLY MESSAGE pray for her. You can use this prayer if you wish: "Dear Lord, please help Debbie and baby Anaya come to America as soon as possible. Keep them safe and healthy. Your will be done, Lord Jesus, Amen."

I will give an update next week. Three plus weeks is a long time to wait in this chaotic African nation. Many of the adoptive parents with her have been complaining, but Debbie has decided to use this time to observe and write about the Congolese way of life, so she one day will be able to describe to Anaya a little of what her homeland was like. Public photos there are illegal, so she can use only words to describe what she sees.

Due to ongoing war, there are over 5 million orphans in the Congo. There is great poverty, but still a spirit of joy and hope among the Congolese that's especially evident in their Christian worship. Accompanied by drums, a plastic whistle and a chorus, the people sing to God with their whole hearts. Despite the squalor and lack of necessities, they are kind towards each other, especially the children, and have learned to face each day with determination.

The oppressive heat and lack of creature comforts are overlooked. As they have for centuries, people walk everywhere and carry most things in baskets on their heads. Those who run the orphanages must depend on the goodness of fellow citizens to donate food, beds and clothing. They must face the daily challenges of having a hundred or more children to feed without any government support, and they make this their life's work. Time is much slower there. Something that would take a half hour in the states may take all day in the Congo.

Debbie met a government official in worship Sunday who promised to help her get the papers she needs to return home on time. We can only hope and pray he can and will do what he said. But however long it takes, Debbie will help Anaya and the rest of us know that God answers prayer.

If today you experience struggle or delay, pray rather than complain. Pray for yourself and for those around you. Trust and believe that God is watching over you. May God continue to bless us with patience towards all those annoying little things that may have an eternal purpose for us and those we love.

"Dear Lord, help Debbie and Anaya return home quickly, amen!"