Jessica is 9 years old. Her mother died of breast cancer a year and a half ago. Her father is an alcoholic. Her family does not want her. She is the youngest resident of the Baptist Childrens Home.

She is precious and smart. As she shared her story with me, my heart collapsed. She was very matter of fact about it all. When asked how things were for her now, her eyes traveled a great distance as she sought the right words. Clearly, she did not want to seem ungrateful, but her circumstances are not easy. She longs to have a daddy that loves her, and a family that embraces her.

Her reply indicated that things were okay... just okay.


A phone call interrupted the morning preparations in the Awe Star office. Rachel answered, then came and relayed the need for assistance at the Childrens Home. It seems the scheduled speaker had to cancel at the last minute.

Today was the day we were to celebrate Danielle's last day with us. The Lord was moving her on to other things. I did not want to miss this. As we discussed filling the void at the Home, it became clear that both could be accomplished.

We accepted the privilege of sharing there. Rachel, Lauren and I celebrated Danielle's ministry with Awe Star, then headed off to our engagement.

We were greeted by several young men. They were very young (10-13) and friendly. They shared very openly about their lives. J.B. was excited about going fishing later in the day. He walked me to the window and showed me the fishing pond down the way. He shared what kinds of fish the pond was stocked with.

The residents assembled and it was time to share BJ's testimony, our journey, and our connection and ministry at Awe Star. The students ages 9 to 18 sat and listened to an unbelievable story.

At times it seemed the pain of the story reminded them to clearly of their own plight. A few checked out mentally, though they remained quiet and respectful.

At the conclusion, we had the privilege of sharing personally with those who wanted to talk. I met several amazing young people, and heard about their desperate circumstances. I was moved beyond words as I listened.

Then young Jessica stepped up shyly and waited her turn to share with me. We sat down as she began to open her heart. In the course of the next few minutes she spoke of a journey that was wrought with pain and rejection on a level no child should ever have to endure, but she had. She was sweet and loving, and as she talked it became clear she wanted something.

She had sat and listened to BJ's story intently. The Lord had stirred her heart and opened her eyes to a Truth she had not seen before. She wanted a relationship with Jesus. She wanted to live her life for Him. She wanted that kind of love in her life. Jessica and I prayed and she was ushered into the assembly of angels celebrating her decision.

Please pray for her, she has a long road ahead and I fear it will get harder. She needs to be discipled. Pray for the staff of the home that they will lift her up, encourage her, and love her in the ways she needs.

I spoke with one of the board members of the home who found out she had made this decision. I was told this never happens. Speakers who come in seldom have impact or opportunity with these young people. Their hearts are hard, their circumstances difficult, their road long.

This is about a Divine Appointment for Jessica. None of the peripheral issues of this story matter. What matters is the heart of a young abandoned 9 year old was drawn to the Savior by the Holy Spirit, and she wanted what she sensed.

Praise God for His Marvelous light and provision!

dad