“I can’t believe it! What did I do to deserve all this?” Betty sat stunned beside a large array of beautifully wrapped gifts for her soon-to-arrive baby girl. I and the other career missionary ladies had worked to make this day special for Betty. Around 60 well-wishers gathered around our picnic tables to share corn-on-the-cob and potato salad on a perfectly beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Throughout our weeks in training, we were urged to reach out into the community and find someone who could benefit spiritually, emotionally, physically or relationally from the time we could invest in them in discipleship. When we found this single mom who was soon to deliver her second baby girl, we all agreed that this would be our summer investment.

The blessings multiplied on our weekly visits. We pooled our resources to help her get groceries to supplement her limited food stamps. Now we enjoyed the party time as we shared Bible promises, baby-care advice and some of the material necessities to welcome this new arrival in just a few weeks.

I am looking forward to spending time with Betty and her little family and sharing some Bible truths with her and her eight-year-old when things settle down with new baby sister. When we launch to Thailand, Betty will already have a community of friends to fill the gap.

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