3 Points to Ponder
- God can use the most ordinary circumstances to orchestrate extraordinary outcomes. Think about a time this is true in your story and reflect on it. What can you learn from your past to apply to today?
- The willingness to deviate from preconceived notions allows for unique connections to flourish. Where do you need to be more open in your life?
- Discernment is part of the trusting process. This comes with time and observable confirmation. When looking for God’s will, how much of a role do time and observable confirmations play in your decisions?
2 Quotes to Share
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
“Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.” – Albert Einstein
1 Story of Impact
On September 2, 2025, an email pops on the screen with the unassuming subject line: “Connection.” Little did I know, that simple message from Beth Dierking, someone whom Many Hands was prayerfully considering for ministry, held the key to an incredible partnership – one that unfolded in unexpected ways.
It began with something as simple as a bicycle for sale on Facebook Marketplace. A.T. Holder, fresh from pioneering an anti-sex trafficking ministry in Belize and embarking on a sabbatical RV journey across the US with his family, happened to be the buyer. Their path, guided by a desire to decompress and discern God’s next steps, led them to Howell Station Campground, just outside Pella. During the bicycle exchange between Beth and A.T., a shared history in Cambodian ministry emerged, unexpectedly linking them to Many Hands. What followed were Zoom calls, a pivotal month in Abaco for the Holders to experience our work firsthand, and then a journey to Haiti with me for A.T. to witness the profound love and impact of our 15-year commitment to that region. The path became undeniably clear: Abaco was their next chapter, a three-year commitment born from a seemingly random online transaction. This story serves as a powerful reminder for us as “People for Impact”: we rarely see the intricate story God is crafting behind the scenes. Let us never lose sight of the grander narrative unfolding, even when invisible to us. Embrace the truth of Romans 8:28, trusting that God is working all things for good. When we remain open to a plan beyond our own, we unlock the potential for extraordinary, divinely orchestrated connections.
Above: The Holder Family
