Wonderful Words, Harriet!
Thanks for sharing.

I have a story to share, from my Dad (who was a pastor--clearly the family business LOL)

My dad was a pastor and lived/worked starting a youth ministry and church in a small town. He dreamed of a church in the vacant lot on the main boulevard, yet way out on the outskirts of town. He envisioned a colonial red brick sanctuary with a white steeple/spire--classic looking church.

The vacant property was owned by a Jewish woman, who expressed her hatred of Christians (she earned her income in the liquor store business. Stores were prohibited by town statute to be anywhere near a church.)

My dad knew her secretary, who was a Christian. She called my dad one day and said, "If you want to ask to buy the property, try today."

So my dad jumped in his car and drove an hour to where the woman lived. On the way, he prayed for the words to say. He said, "If you get me in the door to talk to her I'll talk to her about you."

When he arrived, the secretary let him in the house.

For an hour, my dad presented why the church would be an asset to the community, to the boulevard which would grow up and become a part of the city rather than the outskirts etc.

She was resolute. Immovable. Not interested at all.

My dad got up to leave, thinking he had exhausted his appeal. As he approached the door, he heard a voice in his head nudge him, "I thought you said you would tell her about me if I got you in the door."

He pulled up and turned around, taking his New Testament from his jacket pocket.

"Before I go, I want to share about a countryman of yours." He opened to John 3 and began reading, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews...."

When he finished reading the entire chapter, she said, "Young man sit down. I can see you're a man with a good cause. I am going to sell you that property."

The property was valued at $40,000 in 1938. She said, "How much can you afford?"

"$10000.00 with $3000 down"

"Sold."

Her family tried to talk her out of it. But they didn't. She remained firm.

They bought the property and built the church. My Dad is long since dead (55 years) and the main street grew up around the church. A major freeway was constructed next to it and the exit off the freeway faces the church as they come off and are stopped at the light. People are reminded of God every time they stop at the light.

Here is a photo of the church my Dad started and designed.
http://images.citysearch.net/assets/imgdb/4a/c9/dd/35/71/cf/c0/83/f7/2a/7/59/40/7c/e1/e4/4/2/3/2/8114232.JPG

All due to God intervening miraculously. Not for a thing he did. He couldn't talk her into it, but God did.

I haven't been back for many years. I don't live near there anymore.

But the ministry goes on...

So many things have gone amiss through this move, but for everything that has gone wrong, there is another thing that has been practically miraculous.

A constant reminder that God works all things together for good--to those who love God and are called according to his purpose!

I am grateful how the Lord has sustained me through these years of challenges. I particularly rejoice in Joseph's story of dreams coming true.

I feel ours are coming true. I am glad for those of you who have shared how your dreams are coming true.

Blessings,
ChapLynne