Help Wanted: Fathers « The Middle Mom Blog

Our church (The Summit Church) has experienced an incredible down-pouring of the Holy Spirit over the past 3 weeks. It began three weeks ago tomorrow when our service was interrupted by someone who needed to come to the microphone and speak. That service lasted 3 hours with 5 people (in street clothes) being baptized on the spot. What followed has been nothing short of a miracle. Our church body has met for prayer every night since then (except Saturdays) for at least 3 hours each time. It has been an incredible time of revival: confession, salvation, redemption, captives set free, praise, provision-financial, jobs, cars, etc. (see more at thesummitchurch.org)

Jeff and I have been a couple of times together, but mainly have been taking turns (since there is no nursery). Last night was my turn. Every service seems to have a theme as the night progresses and last night was no exception. It became apparent that most of the testimonies of the night revolved around the lack of fathers in people's lives. Mid-way through the service a pastor from another church came to the mike and shared that he had been in our service two weeks ago and felt impressed to come last night. After he got there he had this incredible nudge from the Spirit to go and pick up a friend-so he did. He introduced his friend who then began to tell his story. He'd had a rough life, father died when he was 2, trouble seemed to follow him and he ended up spending 15 years in jail. While he was incarcerated, he became a Christian and began ministering to hundreds of prisoners. He was released 6 months ago and began trying to transition back into society. He was hired by a business that after 3 weeks went bankrupt and never paid him- then he was hired by a Christian businessman who wouldn't pay him and told him he was just lucky he'd been hired. He then was hired as a cashier. Yesterday, that business told him he'd been released because 2 weeks ago $61 was missing from the register and 'naturally' they blamed him. He was broken and wept as he told us that he had not stolen anything since he'd been released. He was so hurt and hopeless. It was a beautiful sight as men swarmed around him-each praying aloud in a melodic chorus of sweet sacrifice ascending to heaven. Our pastor (as has been the case many nights) put a basket on the stage for folks to give to this dear brother. By the end of the evening the basket was overflowing with cash and checks….and today we learned that $3500. had been given!

Today, I had a speaking engagement at our county's foster parent conference. Right before I spoke, our state's Youth Advisory Board (older teens who are in foster care) held a panel discussion. It was such a blessing to hear them. And yet, one common thread ran through all they had to say…they needed to belong, to be understood, to have a family. Two of the boys had been in foster care for 16 years. 16 years. One of them said he'd been placed for adoption, but it had disrupted. When asked if he'd like to be adopted- he said "Yes! I want a family. I was thinking about that the other day…about my wedding. Who would there be to invite?"

I am SO burdened for the over 500 kids in Arkansas who are in need of a forever family. Not just in need…but in crisis. They deserve to have permanence whether they are 9 or 19. And I long for people to hear the need, answer the call, and open their hearts and homes to a child. I long for a miracle and you know what…I choose to believe in a heavenly Father who is the master of miracles.

Help wanted: Fathers-perfection not needed, availability key, white collar/blue collar/no collar, start immediately, job security eternal.