...and pray for each other...
James 5:16
Today, on my walk I met Veronica. I discovered that she had come from the Congo, Africa four years ago.
I had noticed her about half an hour earlier across the track but now as I veered off to head down the new, still unfinished trail, I met her as she was heading back up. As we smiled and exchanged "Hi's" I wanted to engage her in a conversation since I hadn't seen her here before. Although her English was halting, French being her first language, we communicated through sign language and a few English words. I was embarrassed by my lack of knowledge of our second language here in Canada.
Veronica indicated that she would like to continue walking with me and so she turned around and we went down the declining pathway together trying to carry on a conversation which would often end in a giggle.
By asking a few questions I discovered that she was living with her daughter nearby and that she had six children but only two were in Canada. I understood that her eldest child was 35 and her youngest 16. What the circumstances were that brought her here I don't know. I prayed that I would be an encouragement to her. Sensing that she might have deep struggles I asked her if she knew who Jesus was. Laying her hand on her heart she said, "Yes, Jesus here". I did the same. It was thrilling. Although she couldn't understand me very well she nodded with a sweet little giggle when I added, "Jesus loves you and Jesus loves me"
When we were heading back up I decided to take a different route towards home but she motioned that she would go that way too. At the corner where I intended to turn off, I turned to her to say good bye adding "God bless you, Veronica". She replied, "Thank you...God bless you". Then she looked into my eyes and asked if I would pray for her. So right there at the intersection I took her hand and she put her other hand on my arm and I committed her into our heavenly Father's care - His protection, His provision for her and her family, and for His peace.
There are few things that bless and uplift me more than to be able to pray with someone. (I also am uplifted and blessed when someone prays for me.) So when Veronica asked me for prayer, I was privileged and blessed.
I thank God for the opportunity He gave me this afternoon. If you read this, please join me in praying for Veronica. God knows her situation and He is the One, the Source from whom all blessings flow in beautiful and unfathomable ways.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James1:17
