About a year and a half or so ago, our
friends Matt and Jenny had approached us to discuss what part we might have in
the ongoing care of the orphans at Rancho Ebenezer, more specifically, to
consider being mentor parents living at the Ranch. Although they were correct in knowing our
heart is for the orphan and the thought of working alongside these dear friends
and caring for the children there was exciting and inviting to us, we knew that
it was not the path we were to take. In
addition, in the back of my mind, I also pondered whether or not we could
really sell or give away everything we have and move to Honduras, far away from
everything we’ve ever known. The thought
unsettled me! Little did we know then …
Fast forward to seven months ago … at the beginning of this adoption
process, we knew that we were taking a huge leap of faith and that we needed to
rely on God to pave the way for us to accomplish this task. We likened it
to the crossing of the Jordan River when the waters would not stop flowing
until the priests actually stepped their feet into the river. Once they
showed that they trusted what they were being told to do, God did what He said
He would and he stopped the flow of the river so that the people could cross on
dry land. When we started this process, we took the first steps
entrusting that the LORD would provide for us in the same way. We
determined to act in faith!
We knew we were going to need some help to complete this
adoption without succumbing to severe debt
or even financial ruin but after multiple requests for support, endless
fundraising and contribution requests over the last three years for the mission
trips to Honduras, we were certain that we would be hard-pressed for financial
partners.
But in our hearts, we
knew if we had to sell or give away everything we have and become financially
broken so that we could adopt and care for these two boys who stole our hearts
at first glance … we would do it.
We set a goal for “helping” funds … at less than half of the
total initially projected cost of the adoption fees and expenses for two
children.
We made a plan … for various additional ways that we could earn
and raise money towards our adoption fund.
And we prayed …
Well, we just can’t tell you how overwhelmed we are by what’s
been happening over the last few months!!
God is with us … He is walking us through this adoption. He is providing far beyond what we even
believed in our hearts was possible.
Even though we set a goal … we did not truly believe we would reach the
goal. Shame on US!! After everything that God has done for us in
the past, I am terribly ashamed to admit that the doubts were there. I am brought to the realization of my
hypocrisy when I think of the Israelites failing to see the Power and Glory of
the LORD each and every time He provided for them through miraculous
acts!! I am just like them! Despite my faith, I know that I limit
what I believe God is capable of or willing to do.
We
want you to know that we are beyond what our mere words can say. To whisper small prayers within our own
hearts … not certain that we should even ask … especially with many other
families nail-biting through the same process we are, yearning and anticipating
the union of family with child, … especially with all the hurt and pain and
needs of so many in this world … sometimes, we are ashamed to ask … but to
discover that what matters to us matters to God is overwhelming, emotionally
crushing and spiritually penetrating!
We
started out willing to do God’s Will and then proceeded to try to figure out
how WE were going to make this all happen.
And now we’re so close … it’s nearly time to get on a plane and make two
little boys “orphans no more”. And looking back on these past months, we’ve
done our part but it really is so little … in comparison it is evident that we
really haven’t done anything!! We’re
just the ones who get to witness and be incredibly blessed by the unfolding of
God’s glory through the lives of our fellow believers, family members, friends,
co-workers … and even complete strangers.
We
never expected that SO MANY would truly care about what we are doing and so
willingly want to become a part of making it a reality. We have now surpassed the goal we originally
set for “helping” funds we were hoping to raise but doubted we would even come
close to. Funds are still coming in and
we are just so excited and so relieved!
Ephesians 3:20-21
(msg) God can do anything, you know—far more than you
could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not
by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently
within us.
Deuteronomy 3:24
(nlt) O
Sovereign Lord, You have only begun to show Your greatness and the strength of
Your hand to me, Your servant.
Thank-you! Two simple little words … we wish there was
more to them … but to ALL of you who have come alongside us during this
process, partnering with us, praying for us, encouraging us and motivating us …
we thank
you!!
We will not soon forget
how you allowed the beautiful Glory of God to be revealed to us through you!!
-
From the
Prendergast Family
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