The Chicken Story

My story this week is about a friend of mine named RuthLynn. I met her when my church in Kingston went out in street ministry one evening. She was selling her soup on the roadside and I struck up a conversation  with her about her soup recipe. RuthLynn knew the Lord but had been out of church for years. I invited her to church but she didn’t come for weeks.  I called her every Saturday evening, though,  and one Saturday she said, “Yes, I will be there tomorrow. “

That was five years ago and we’ve been friends and worshipping together ever since. RuthLynn is a housekeeper and works long hours each day for little pay. RuthLynn and her children raise chickens and sell the eggs to supplement the household income. Last April, when I visited Jamaica, a couple from my Life Group donated some money to RuthLynn’s chicken business. When I saw her last week I asked her if she had a lot more chickens now after purchasing new ones with the donation. She then told me that without the donation from my American friends she would have lost her chicken business entirely.  She explained,”Thieves come in the night and steal the chickens. Also the cats and dogs have eaten several  as they are hungry too.” Her husband has been out of work for months as the unemployment rate here is very high. I flashed to the news I had heard the previous evening reporting one million people, out of a total island population of 2.8 million, live in poverty.

I don’t think the couple from my Life Group will ever visit Kingston, however,  I envision the day when they meet RuthLynn in heaven and God says to them.”Well done my good and faithful servants, she fed her family and was able to keep the small business alive because of you!” 

Never underestimate the power of a gift you give on God’s behalf……...for He will use it in a mighty way for His people.