No Coincidence

In 2012, my husband and I were invited to a surprise birthday party for one of our friends. We did not know the hostess, and she did not know us.

Eight years later, I was summoned to speak at the final Sabbath day celebration program of our denomination’s Ten Days of Prayer initiative.

One feature of the program that I used was promises, interspersed with music, testimonies, and prayer. The congregation was instructed to write subheadings for the promises with corresponding scriptures.

They were to exchange their list with that from an unfamiliar congregant. I descended the platform and gave my original handwritten copy to a guest.

I asked her to meet me at the end of the service.

After the postservice ritual of greeting each attendee at the door, I realized my recipient had not participated. In fact, she was nowhere to be found. In bewilderment, I explained my disappointment to the Women’s Ministries director, who had asked me to be the day’s speaker. She replied, “She said to tell you she could not wait because her husband had an appointment.” I was dejected. The Women’s Ministries director then added, “She is my friend. Do you remember when you attended my surprise birthday party? She was the hostess. She says she will give you a call.” I felt so much better. The next morning my cell phone rang. A woman introduced herself and explained how God had worked on her behalf. “In the service yesterday,” she said, “I was inadvertently overlooked by the ushers who distributed the pens and writing pads.

And I had none of my own. What a terrible feeling! So I really needed those promises that you gave me.” Over the next weeks, I received another call from her, stating she had made several copies of my promises and mailed them to her friends. Her contacts informed her that they were so blessed and were, in turn, making copies and sending them to their friends and families. I directed her to a website where she and her friends could have unlimited access to God’s promises.

What a life-changing experience! Today we continue to be on the battlefield. She is now my prayer partner and a godly support. Our God is all knowing.

Pauline A. Dwyer-Kerr