Show me your ways,  Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 NIV.

Spring arrived late this year in Kentucky. It’s been unseasonably cold and has rained for weeks. My Daddy used to say, “Rain makes grain.” As a child, I’d roll my eyes when he said these words. It seems I’ve matured  little as I’ve grumbled about the cold wet days.

As I walked next to the wheat field this morning, the truth of Daddy’s words filled my vision. The lush green landscape was stunning and I lifted a prayer of thanks and asked for forgiveness for my complaints.

Oh, how I wish my friends who live in Niger could see our wheat field. The landscape in Niger is extremely dry most of the year. It reminds me of the song “Always  Enough.”  In a dry an weary land, Lord, you are the rain…”  It still amazes me that God would take me from the red-clay paths of rural Kentucky to the dusty trails of Africa. Who would have imagined the little girl who ran barefoot in the shadow of Pilot Knob, would have the chance to travel to such a far-away place? And now I am planning my seventh visit to Africa. This is a miracle only God could produce.

As I studied the wheat kernels, my thoughts rambled to the seeds I’ve sown. Last night the kids at church were full or energy, and I was skeptical that anything I said was heard. But then two of the students quoted scripture from memory and I felt encouraged. Sometimes I doubt the seeds I sow on Wednesday nights or in Africa will take root among the thorns and thistles, but that’s where God comes in. Just like my Dad, the farmer, it’s my job to sow the seeds in hope, and trust God to provide the living water that will produce a harvest.

There is no doubt in my mind that I am the most pitiful person to be on the mission field at home or in Africa. But I’ve come to understand that it is because I am so weak and helpless, God’s power shines through. I’ve been studying Jennifer Kennedy Dean’s books about prayer and she teaches “prayer is opening our lives to God, acknowledging our total dependence on Him.” That’s why I am asking you to be a part of my mission team by praying for us. I can’t share the travel dates or the location of where we’ll be going in Africa due to security issues. Please let me know if you would like to be a part of our private Facebook group.

Prayer transforms an inadequate missionary into something powerful, and makes an impossible mission, possible. Prayer will ensure the seeds we sow will reap a harvest. I am so thankful for those of you who are already praying. Thank you!