Answers to prayer

My last blog entry was several weeks ago. I mentioned that I was praying for direction and opportunity to hold Christmas worship services at one or more of the Reservations. I didn't want to write an answer to those prayers too soon, and maybe anticipate something that might change, so I waited until now. So, what is happening?

We seem to be finding favor with one reservation in particular. We have been reaching out to three over the past 4 1/2 years. One has been staunchly resisting outside Christian influence, even though their reservation is in the greatest need. No change as yet.
On another reservation, about 30 minutes away, has had a "warm/cold" relationship with us in the past. I heard rumors that too many white people had been crashing their Christmas party in prior years. Did that mean us? We had done pancake breakfasts for the community, and brought archery and atlatl programs for the youth. They seemed to appreciate us and welcome us as one of their community, but we didn't receive any response to our gentle email inquiry. So, we didn't push it, and didn't go.
The last reservation is the one closest to home. They seem to keep the doors open for us. Last weekend, we went on a science field trip with a group from the Native school. It was a great opportunity to serve, encourage, and build relationships. This week, we have spent many days at the school helping prepare for their Bands Christmas Party. We baked cookies, gingerbread houses, and cakes. Tomorrow, Friday, we will be going with the school again on another field trip; and on Saturday, we will attend the Christmas Party.

Will we have a Christmas service on a reservation? Are things working out like we had hoped? Well, things rarely work out like I anticipate. I know some people think that they can tell God what to do and expect Him to obey, but I do not follow that line of thinking. I tell God what I think and what I would hope for, and then I "show up" ready for anything that God might choose to do. That would include the things that I asked for, and submitting to His will for the ultimate answer.
That rather squares well with the lesson I learn from Luke chapter one. The virgin Mary had her plans and her wish list, too. God's answer was to send and angel with a totally different plan. Mary's answer was amazing, considering she was a young woman of perhaps 17 years of age. She listened to the angel, and then said, "Let it be unto me as you have said." She instantly surrendered to God's will.
So, with God's help, we will go on the field trip tomorrow and see what God might want to do in us and through us. We will go to the Christmas party on Saturday, and try to be ready to respond to what ever the Holy Spirit wants to do there. I woke up this morning at 0400 hours with a Christmas sermon running through my dreams and into my awake. Maybe I will be asked to share something at the Christmas party? Maybe the Holy Spirit will say, "Wait", and let the sermon brew for a year. such is walking by faith, and surrendering to His will in Salmon Arm. Thanks for your prayers. God is right on time with His agenda.
Oh yeah, and have a blessed Christmas time with your families and church families, too!!!