Gloria is one of the few homeowners we are working with here in Colorado Springs. So far, I’ve met with Gloria two times, and spoke to her over the phone twice. She’s a sweetheart to say the least. Somehow she’s able to pinpoint what’s on my mind or heart and speak life into it; often times I’ve found that this is something that characterizes a prayer warrior. And a prayer warrior she is. 

Our initial meeting at her home left me wondering what we would be able to accomplish. Although she had many needs, many of them were perhaps out of reach for student group abilities or weren’t realistic for the summer. But through our conversation about herself and Next Step, she just kept telling me that God is going to answer her prayers and that He told her someone was coming to help her out. “Riiight”, my carnal mind thought. During our latest meeting with the construction manager, she even shared how the Lord told her she was getting a couple new windows… although the staff and I were unsure about logistically making that a reality. Of course, as we left – “I’m gonna get new windows, the Lord told me” said Gloria. “Riiight” I thought…

The following week I poked in to see how the crews and projects were doing. The leaders and students placed at Gloria’s home were rock stars and were able to do more than we ever imagined.  To my astonishment, Gloria received new windows, a remodeled bathroom, and much much more than we initially discussed. Call me Thomas.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”   – Matthew 7:7-11

“Lord, thank you for Gloria and her heart for prayer. Thank you for revealing Your Kingdom in this moment of simple asking and orchestrating things far beyond we ever know or imagine. Amen”