“So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.” – Genesis 12:4

In 1927, 15-year-old Lois Secrist promised God she’d become a missionary. But she married Galon Prater, a farmhand who became a heavy drinker, when she was twenty-three. Years later, Galon did become a Christian just before his death in 1988 at age 80. After Galon’s death, Lois’s childhood desire of becoming a missionary returned. At first she resisted. At age 76, she felt her opportunity to serve as a missionary had slipped away. “I said, ‘Lord, I’m too old to go now. I can’t do this,'” Lois admitted. But this great grandmother was determined to follow the Lord’s calling.

So after several more years, at age 87 Lois Prater became the unlikely builder of an orphanage in the Philippines. It has become a lifeline to 35 children whose lives previously consisted of begging in the streets. Lois has built the orphanage without taking out a loan, relying instead on individual financial support from across the United States. Because of her age, she is not supported by any church denomination and depends solely on private donations. When asked if that makes her nervous, Lois replies: “I serve a mighty God. He’s in control. I feel I’m not talented enough to do any of this. But God enables me. My responsibility is to do what I can.”

What has the Lord called you to do? Today in prayer, give Him this day and do all that you can do for Christ.

“I have never met a soul who has set out to satisfy the Lord and has not been satisfied himself.” – Watchman Nee

God’s Word: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS pkennedy@devotional.com