Update on Mom and Dad for Miracle Monday

I was really touched by the story my dad told about his recent ministry experience and felt that it was a good story to post as a true miracle this fine Monday.

For the sake of those who read here who do not know my whole story, I'll give just a little back-ground. My parents left in January of this year to minister in South Asia for 2 years as part of a program for retirees through our denomination's international missions organization. My dad has, for many years, ministered in prisons and has done a bit of globe trotting doing disaster relief work. In other words, when I really stop and think aobut it, it is not surprising that the Lord would call them to this task.

Side Note: Forgive me if any of this is confusing. I am omitting all names of people and places as I cannot give specifics of their location or anything for their safety.

My dad recently posted a story on their own website that really touched me and confirmed for me why they are where they are.

As I said, my dad has ministered in prisons for years here in the states. First through a large para-church prison ministry organization. And most recently just in a prison located locally near where they lived. So, it made sense to him that the Lord would want him to continue that ministry no matter where in the world he was and he believed that Holy Spirit had put such a desire in his heart.

He began to explore possibilities and found that Hindus and Muslims were effectively ministering in prisons where he is. But no doors were opened to him.

Then, he got word from the states that a Christian brother had been imprisoned near him and he was asked to make a "pastoral visit" if possible. He did so and I'm certain that he was a huge comfort and encouragement to this man who could only sit there and wonder, "Why has this happened?"

On one of these visits he took with him a local pastor who he thought might be able to aid in the man's release. This did not work out, but in the course of the prison visit, the local pastor found that he was long time friends with the Assistant Superindendent of the prison, who is also a Chrisitian. They had a nice reunion and they were told that they could come any time to lead in Christian worship and pass out literature.

The man my dad had originally visited in the prison has been released and is back in the U.S., but we have seen the answer to his "Why". My dad and his pastor friend recently led worship in that prison, freely preached the gospel and passed out Bibles and tracts. They also have opportunities openning up to them in other prisons nearby, including what he has heard to be the largest prison in their country.

God truly works miracles. And when difficult times come for us, we never can tell what may happen as a result or how others may be blessed because of our faith.

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good fo those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

If you think about them, please pray for them and pray specifically for this area of ministry for my dad.

Also as a side note, there have been some localized bombs being detinated in their area over the weekend. Please be in prayer for their safety as well.

For other Miracle Monday stories or to share your own, visit Beth at A Mom's Life.