Devotions with Nell Ritchey

“…I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” I Cor. 9:22

There is a young woman I’ll call Rosemary, who lives with no transportation in a dismal trailer house in a lonely area. Taking food to her weekly, I began to develop a relationship with her and her daughter, Emilee. We have come to genuinely love each other, and I look forward to their weekly hugs (even knowing I once received a head lice hug from Emilee).

Soon I felt comfortable enough to invite Rosemary to church and offer the whole family a ride. Her response was, “Oh, thank you, honey, but my husband and I are pagans.” Leaving her house that day, I began to pray, “Lord, please send someone to minister to her.” God’s response was immediate: “I sent you.” Oh my goodness! I wasn’t expecting that!
I have a granddaughter about Emilee’s age, and the day came when Rory accompanied me to deliver lunches. Rosemary and Emilee were thrilled to meet her, and Rosemary said, “We’ll have to arrange a playdate.” To be honest, I did not react with enthusiasm. As I drove away, again the Lord was insistent: “Why NOT a playdate?” So, with Rory’s parents’ permission, the playdate is on.

On Father’s Day, I decided to treat Rosemary’s family to a surprise of fresh donuts, and Jared asked if he could go along to meet these people he’d been hearing about. Rosemary’s husband answered the door, and with astonishment he and Jared greeted each other by name and with hearty handshakes. It turns out they have a connection in an entirely different setting! God is clearly surrounding this darling family with love and prayer.

There may be somebody in your sphere of influence like Rosemary; somebody the world has written off and Christians avoid. But God loves them! He wants them in his forever family!

How much effort is one soul worth? A little bit more…
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Nell