Many of you have prayed for Terri and John these past two years. It is so neat to see God’s answers to prayer and His provision for His children. We love Terri so much, but God’s love goes beyond description. Terri now has a great job with a Christian employer and Christian co-workers. Some of you know that our work environment is one of the most important aspects of a job. This job came about when a good friend heard businessmen discussing the great need of helping men and women who have had some difficulties in life but really want to follow God. Our friend asked, “Are you ready to put your money where your mouth is?” Within a week or two, Terri had a job and her employer happily says she often does the work of two people in the office. Susan and I know Terri is a good worker. She is honest and smart. How grateful we are that someone gave her a chance.
For the past few months we have been praying for a place for Terri and John to live. It seems like this is the next step to take, but do you know how expensive it is to rent a house or apartment? We all searched to no avail. Friends kept their eyes open, but it really looked impossible. At one point, Terri had someone offer to help financially, but there were several complications which caused it not to work out. After this fell through, I heard Terri say, “Well, I’m going to quit worrying about it and just let God take care of things.” My faithless heart thought, “Well, I guess Terri and John will live with us a few more years…” But perhaps God was teaching His daughter to come to the important position of really trusting Him for everything. “If He has been with me this far, will He not stay with me? If He gave me a job, will He not give me a place to live? If He helps me conquer addiction, will He not help me live victoriously in every area of life?”
Within a week or two of Terri’s bold statement of faith, a brother brought a church bulletin advertising a house owned by the church that had just come available for rent. We immediately called and set up a visit. It was perfect! We all knew it was God’s answer. I don’t think we could have drawn better plans for a house, and the rent is exactly what Terri can afford. And to show He thinks of everything, there is a clause in the contract that says the church will take care of all yard work!
The final thing I’ll say about Terri is that in this journey she knows it is about more than her. She knows her responsibility to her family. She also knows there are many who struggle with addiction who need to experience God’s love and power. Just a week ago she helped a high school student come clean with his parents about what was going on in his life. A few weeks ago, I noticed a new face in our home watching a movie. When I met this young lady, I saw a beautiful child of God fighting the devil’s drug temptations. Terri had told her friend to call if she ever needed company in the fight. When her friend called, Terri was there… true to her word. Our family has an incredible friend.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:5-7 & 13)