God Winks and Open Doors
I call those little moments when something unexpected happens God Winks. It's like God saying, “Here—I did this for you.” Lately, I’ve experienced a series of God Winks that have deeply blessed my heart.
I’m nearly finished earning my Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Honestly, I’m walking the tightrope between burnout and wondering if I can afford more school. On a whim, I decided to double up on a few classes so I could graduate sooner. My counselor made it happen, and now I’ll finish in early May instead of late June.
God Wink #1: If I hadn’t changed my schedule, I would still be in school—and unable to consider what came next.
A few weeks later, my church announced a short-term mission trip to South Africa. I’ve thought about going on missions before (one trip to Indonesia was canceled due to the pandemic). While I love to travel, South Africa wasn’t on my top-ten bucket list. Still, I was curious and wanted to attend an informational meeting—but both were scheduled during my time out of town visiting family and friends.
God Wink #2: My best friend/sister and her husband returned a day early from their trip, so I got home in time to attend the final meeting.
My late husband Jim and I never had children of our own, but we helped raise my nephews, fostered kids, and have lots of “adopted” children and grandchildren. I’ve always been involved in children’s ministry at church.
God Wink #3: At the meeting, we learned one of the mission sites would be an orphanage. I knew right then—I had to go.
I moved to Las Vegas to be closer to my elderly mother. She lives independently, but her health isn’t great. I wanted to be sure one of my siblings could be nearby while I was away. One brother would be working on the North Slope in Alaska. Another travels a lot. I wasn’t sure it would work out.
God Wink #4: My middle brother said, “Just go—we’ll figure it out.” Because of their love for me and our mom, my brothers are generously using their leave time and flying thousands of miles so I can go on this trip.
There were only two weeks between the informational meeting and the sign-up deadline. With just two days to spare—and after much prayer—I signed up.
Retirement and part-time work mean my budget is tight. The cost of the trip was more than I could manage comfortably. So, stepping out in faith and way outside my comfort zone, I asked for help.
God Wink #5: My friends and family responded with such generosity. I am now fully funded—airfare, room, board, everything. God is so good.
Some would call all this coincidence. I call it divine orchestration. I believe God has something special waiting in South Africa—for those we’ll serve, and for me too.
Please join me in prayer for this mission. For those already serving, for the children we’ll meet, and for our team as we prepare to go.
Acts 1:8 tells us we will be Jesus’ witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Like Isaiah, when God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” I’m saying, “Here am I. Send me.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity to serve You beyond my comfort zone.
I praise You for calling me to the remotest parts of the earth
and for allowing me to see Your hand at work in my life.
Please bless each person on our team—keep us healthy and ready to serve.
Prepare the hearts of those in Gqeberha, and prepare our hearts with love, joy, and the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
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