Patty’s Miracle

As I've said and others have repeated all through this mission trip, God has a plan and He goes before us. Let me tell you the latest story...
     In the weeks prior to our mission trip we had a number of cancellations. Originally we had 4 people coming on this mission trip and the 3 had to cancel. Patty Adams was the only participant. This meant that we had only one "ministry suitcase" to pack all the things needed for the Sosnovo Orphanage and the Sosnovo Day Center. It's hard to serve over 60 kids with one small bag! We had ordered and prepared enough supplies to fill 4 suitcases. 

     Patty had attempted to ship 3 large boxes to Russia, but that didn't work out. So, 2 days prior to her leaving, we decided to let God take control (like He wasn’t already!) and work out the details. Patty came went to the airport and took 5 bags! Yes, 5 bags when we knew we were only allowed 2 per passenger! The airline charged us $310, to take them on the flight, but at least they were on the plane! Arrival in Russia is another problem with customs and everything else. They only allow 50kg per person (110 lbs.), and she probably had over 275 lbs of ministry supplies! I thought, Oh Lord, how are you going to do this! It will cost 1 Euro for every pound we are over! Lord, give us grace!
     Patty arrived at the airport and I was there along with Dasha (the new SAC hire) and my son Sergey. We saw Patty waiting to go through customs and she signaled that 1 bag did not come through. Dasha and Sergey made their way past the entry point to help Patty. I decided to stay back as it is sometimes better to let the Russians talk to the Russians and keep the "American" out of it. I watched from the lobby. Patty was being brought to the weighing scale by one customs agent. I thought, "Oh no, here it comes". Another customs agent directed Patty to fill out the forms for the missing bag! All of the sudden I saw the agent about to weigh the bags wave his hand and motion, go ahead! In the next moment I saw Sergey following the porter carrying the bags out into the lobby towards the bus! It was Patty’s Miracle! They didn't stop us or make us pay a fine! The missing bag coming on a flight the next day was the diversion allowing the other bags to pass! So easy, but only God could have done it!
     I had also saved back things leftover supplies from our ministry week at Orphanage #24. With that and all the bags that made it, we had more than what we needed!
     I think I shared with you how this situation was going to be like the story of 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread. God multiplied it and provided for our needs abundantly! The day before we left for Sosnovo, we added a translator, a volunteer, and another apartment to stay in!  We had 7 going to Sosnovo to make up our team! God provided for this too!
     Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the logistics that it's easy for us to forget that God can provide all our needs if we ask. Thanks for praying for us and asking Him to provide for our needs! Your answered prayers were demonstrated that week!    — John M. Neese