I recently reread a poem written by a missionary to Peru back in the 1930's and onward. I want to share it with you:

Somebody Prayed

by Louise Jeter Walker

Somebody prayed and my burden was lighter,

Somebody prayed and my path became clear,

Clouds rolled away and the sunshine was brighter,

Jesus, my wonderful Savior was near.

Prayer hands outstretched over ocean and mountain,

Helped me press onward when I was afraid;

Thirsty souls drank at the life-giving fountain,

Somebody, somewhere had earnestly prayed.

Faith flickering low in my pain-tortured body,

Jesus, the mighty Physician, was there,

Healing me, bringing me joy in His presence,

Answering somebody's unfailing prayer.

Gems for the Master afar I may gather,

Trophies at last at His feet to be laid.

"Well done!" He'll say, but I think I shall answer:

"It's only Your grace, Lord. Somebody prayed."

I was smitten by the truth of this poem once again and overwhelmed by thankfulness for all of you who faithfully and sacrificially support me through your resources and your prayer. I am awed by the amazing work that God does through the body of Christ to work in unity for His glory. I have repeated so many times that if it weren't for your prayers, your supplications, your uplifting me in prayer, I would not be able to continue. Because I am weak. I am fragile. I am scared. I am merely a willing servant. It is by God's grace alone that I continue serving here and I wouldn't change it for anything. I have grown and changed so much in my time here, that I feel I have been as much or more blessed through my trials here as I try to be a blessing to others.

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, I want to share what I am most thankful for. And it is you, the body of Christ, my fellow brothers and sisters. I honestly and earnestly echo Paul's words to the Philippians in Philippians 1:3-5,

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

#Growth #peru #missions #provision #poetry