GIRL WITH THE RED CASE

Several months ago, I set my heart on securing a sponsorship to a Christian Writers Conference in the USA. Certain that God would answer my prayers, imagine my surprise when the email came informing me that I hadn’t been selected.
Although I didn’t allow myself to get discouraged, I promptly put any ideas of attending an American Christian Writers Conference on the backburner.
Twelve weeks later I received an email from the moderator of the online writers group I belong to. Shirl said: “So . . . you still praying about attending a Christian Writers Conference in America? If not, why not?”

Shirl went on to inform me that she’d received an out-of-the-blue offer from a multi-published writer and speaker the previous evening, offering to pay all her travelling and tutorial expenses if she wanted to attend one of two conferences. She told me that prior to this incredible offer she had prayed furiously for a month or two but had actually stopped praying―much like me.

I was so excited for her.

Her email continued: “So get back on your knees girl! I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ALONE!!!”
Of the two conferences her benefactor offered, the first was way too soon―a mere three weeks away. Her obvious choice therefore was to attend the Florida Christian Writers Conference in March 2010.
Later that evening I shared Shirl’s good fortune with my husband. Without a second thought, Noel responded, “Why don’t you go with her? You can use my bonus.”

Just three months earlier, I had felt my dream of attending a conference slip away, never for a minute thinking that God would provide in a totally different way. And, not only did He provide the funding, but He provided a travel buddy for me―someone I could plan with, share with, and get excited with.
When God closes one door, it truly means that He has something far better in store for us. Had I been successful in my first sponsorship bid, I would have had to do it all alone. Daunting! But God knew that three months later Shirl would be offered a sponsorship. He also knew she’d be praying for someone to go with her.

Not only did He answer my prayers on 16th May this year, He answered more than one of Shirl’s too.

Now we have so much to pray about in preparation for the conference. Together we’re experiencing so many answers to those prayers, but more on that later from the girl with the red case . . .