“Present Your Requests to God” by Reva Lachica Moore (written in 2013)
Since Kaitlyn was just two months old, Grandpa would cradle her in his arms and take her outside every few days and show her things: the wind chime, the flowers, the leaves, even the huge TV dish.
This started the little child’s fascination with things and nature. She likes to watch: a squirrel jump up and down a tree, a butterfly move from flower to flower, a sparrow look for food. Her eyes would sparkle and her lips would curve into a smile. Her questioning eyes would wonder what is making the leaves move. What are making the chirping sounds?
One afternoon the sun had disappeared and rain clouds had started to gather. The 15-month-old standing by the glass patio door saw the first big raindrops make wet circles on the cement. Then, a loud thunder clap caused her to shudder. She ran to the other side of the room.
She watched the rain pour from the gutter. She looked at Grandpa as if wanting an explanation. Grandpa took her to the garage where they both watched the rain. Grandpa took her little hand and held it out so she could feel the raindrops. She liked it! And so, whenever it rains, Grandpa would take out the umbrella, and the two would walk in the rain.
Grandpa is always buying toys for his little granddaughter. One day he bought her a small pink watering can. In the afternoons, the two would fill up their watering cans and water the flowers. A week later, Grandpa came home again with yet another small watering can. Now, Kaitlyn has two, which she alternately use when they water the plants.
Yesterday, Kaitlyn wanted to go outside to water the flowers. But she will have to wait because Grandpa was going to the store. At 20 months, little Kaitlyn couldn’t articulate what she wanted but quite determined to get her wish. She disappeared and came back, not with one but with two watering cans. She ran to Grandpa and muttered in her baby words, holding both watering cans up high.
I grabbed my camera for it was a sight to see. After the little girl pleaded, she lowered her watering cans and waited for an answer. But Grandpa did not answer. She then raised both arms again holding both cans up and with pleading eyes begged some more.
What parent or grandparent will not grant such a request? Soon Grandpa scooped her up and the two went outside; the little one screaming in excitement.
Kaitlyn seemed to think that one watering can was not enough to convince Grandpa to take her outside, so she took two. She also knew that only Grandpa would take the time to take her outside to water the flowers; she went to him and not to Grandma. She made her appeal and waited, determined not to take a “No” for an answer.
This picture made me think of how we should present our requests to God whatever it may be. It is natural for us to worry and tell others about our problems. However, there is only One who is able to grant our requests. Go to God and present your request to Him with utmost sincerity and unshakable determination! Your heart’s desire may be just a simple request for yourself or a loved one. Or it may be one you’d consider so significant and impossible that only a miracle could make it happen.
Your request may be for the healing of a sick loved one. Maybe it’s for other personal reasons. It may be something of spiritual nature such as: forgiveness of sins, or asking God to be in total control of your life. Whatever it is, God is waiting and ready to scoop you up in His loving arms.
Philippians 4:6….Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The end of the year is here and I pray that you would continue to support Adopt a Minister International in your year-end giving and beyond. Any amount, big or small will help God’s workers. Lately, all I could send the adopted ministers is $20 or $30 each month. And how could they support their families? I lament to God always about this. I wish I have been blessed with extra provisions, for I’ll surely give it all for His unemployed theology workers who are in dire need.
This is the 24th year of Adopt a Minister…there have been thousands under this ministry. Hundreds are now employed by local missions after a dozen years or so of waiting. We still continue to help around 350 new Theo graduates with monthly stipend. Our 5 SDA colleges and university produce new theology graduates each semester, and they apply to AMI.
Baptism-wise, we have an average of 40,000 baptisms each year (some years there are over 50,000 baptisms) so there are close to a million precious souls who had accepted Jesus in the Philippines in the 24 years of this ministry. Feels good to have a little part in this. God be praised for His loving kindness.
Like Kaitlyn, the adopted ministers are presenting their requests to God so they may continue to receive financial blessings from AMI through our sponsors’ help. They are praying that they can continue to support their families and also get to celebrate this Christmas season with them. They are very humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve God in His vineyard and thank all of you, our sponsors, for making it possible through your generosity.
Please send your tax-deductible love gift to, Adopt a Minister International:
Mailing address:
Adopt a Minister International c/o Reva Moore
18027 Glen Park Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Website: https://www.a-a-m.org
Email: revawall@bellsouth.net
Telephone #: 225 664 8174
Matthew 9:37-38 – 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
In His service,
Reva, JR and Mary Grace