Small World

"What is your baby-sitter's name?" I asked my granddaughter, to which the almost-5-year-old replied, "Rebecca." They have a sitter three days a week while our son, a youth pastor, is getting his master's degree in Biblical Languages at the university. I've been curious about how the helper is doing with the new baby since our daughter-in-law has gone back to work.

Last night at mid-week church service, I was surprised when Tammy said, "I want you to meet Rebecca, our baby-sitter." I had forgotten they said she worked in children's ministry there. Next Tammy said, "She's from New Orleans and knew some of the same people you knew!"

Turns out the people she was referring to were the ones tragically killed in an accident a couple of years ago. We were in shock when we read on the internet the newspaper report of the tragedy. The family was from our small hometown in Mississippi and had attended church with us for several years, even being in our home in a small-group meeting. The older couple, along with their special-needs son and their son-in-law, lost their lives when an 18-wheeler crossed the median and hit them head on.

The son-in-law had been Rebecca's pastor in New Orleans! We remembered him as the handsome young bridegroom of the beautiful daughter of these friends at their wedding years ago. Since then, they had become leaders of a large church and had several children. How remarkable that we met someone with this connection on our visit to Houston!

During the service, time was given for a missionary to speak about his work in Honduras. He gave a heart-rending account of the poverty-stricken conditions and the youth for whom he is providing a school, a home, and hope for the future.

"They have no money, scarce food and no where to live," we were told. "They have never even brushed their teeth." But this outreach is not only giving them an education, but bringing them the good news of the gospel. The missionary asked prayer for the endeavor, and prayer for a health condition he has as well.

My husband was especially touched, and after service we met the missionary and talked with him, finding out his name and making a contribution to the ministry. He even gave us his e-mail address, so we can correspond and keep abreast of the work. One more way to make a difference! Who knew that our trip to Houston would stretch all the way to Central America!