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Evelyn
sighed as she trudged up the stairs to her new "home" in |
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"Why
did I ever come here?" Evelyn wondered. "It's so depressing. The
neighborhood is filled with crime and violence. No one cares." |
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But deep
inside, Evelyn knew why she was there. God had called her to the area to make
a difference and reach people for Christ. Sometimes, though, she thought she
was wasting her time. |
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As she
reached her doorway, she spied a young boy watching her. "Hello,"
he said. "My name is Tommy." |
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At first,
Evelyn thought about ignoring him, but something made her stop. She opened
her door. "Would you like something to drink, Tommy?" she asked. |
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Tommy
nodded. He seemed shy at first, as if unsure how to respond to kindness.
Soon, however, he was chatting openly about his life. He was only 5 years old.
His father left the family, and his five brothers and sisters were sent to an
orphanage. His mother, once happy and kind, was now depressed and angry. |
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Suddenly,
Tommy stood to leave. "I'll go now," he said. And he was gone. |
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Sitting in
her quiet apartment, Evelyn sensed God's presence. She now knew why she was
called to that dreary apartment. It was for children-like Tommy. |
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Soon
Evelyn made plans for a children's meeting in her home. When the day of the
first meeting arrived, she was worried. "What if no one comes?" she
wondered. "What if they don't like me?" |
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She
needn't have worried. Soon several children arrived. They were dirty and wore
tattered clothes. But they were eager to learn. As Evelyn talked about Jesus,
a hush settled over the room. |
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During
prayer time, Evelyn was surprised when Tommy suddenly blurted out,
"Jesus, I want new shoes. Mine are all broken, and the rain gets in
them." |
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A few
minutes later, the meeting was over. The children headed home. But Evelyn couldn't
forget Tommy's request. |
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A few days
later, Evelyn looked outside her window. Although the weather was cold and
damp, she spied Tommy playing in the mud and grass. His shoes were torn.
"O Lord, please answer Tommy's request," she prayed. |
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When the
day of the second children's meeting came, Evelyn was delighted. Many of the
children had brought their friends. The crowd had grown-but Tommy wasn't
there. |
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Evelyn
looked for him during the singing. She watched for him during the Bible stories.
But he never came. "Maybe he is upset about not having shoes," she
fretted. "Maybe he doesn't think God can answer prayer." |
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Her
thoughts were interrupted with a bang as Tommy burst into the room and
slammed the door. A big smile spread across his face as he pointed to his
feet. |
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"What
did I tell you?" he cried. "Look what Jesus gave me."
Excitedly he marched around the room so everyone could see his new brown
shoes. Jesus had answered his prayer. |
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After that
experience, Tommy never doubted that he was loved. He knew that whatever he
faced in life, Jesus would be with him. After all, Jesus cared enough to give
him shoes and send a missionary to tell him about His love. |
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(Note:
This story was supplied by Gary Davidson, a missionary to |
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From: http://4kids.ag.org/ |