I took my little circus to the prayer room on that Sunday night many years ago. I had a seven year old, a four year old, and an infant. We were brand new to First Apostolic Church. I was nervous about establishing our family in the flow of church life, but at that moment I was more concerned about keeping my boys calm enough to utter a few words of pre-service prayer. I heard a voice fervently praying nearby. It startled me when the lady on her knees called my oldest son's name out in prayer. It was my son's new teacher. She prayed that Avery would feel comfortable in his new classroom, and quickly make new friends. She asked the Lord to keep His hand of protection on him, and bless his life. I was amazed. This teacher had known my son for less than a week, and she was fervently calling his name out before the king of kings. I listened in astonishment as she continued to pray for each child in her classroom. She prayed for healing upon them, situations in their families, and their success as a student. She continued to call the names of her high school students as well. She asked for special blessings upon each of them, as well as particular needs they had in their lives. Next, came each of her piano students. She asked that the Lord would use their talents for His glory. Tears streamed down my face as I heard her love for her students in the depths of her prayers.
My son has since graduated. In fact, all four of my children have been the recipients of Sis. Karen Kirby's prayers and teaching. She has taught each of them to read, write their names, and even quote their prepositions. All of Sis. Kirby's students know that, "You get what you get, and don't pitch a fit!" More importantly she has taught all of them the power of servanthood.
Not in her school lessons,
not in her words,
but in her actions.
I received a text from Sis. Kirby last Wednesday. She was encouraging ME, reminding me that by God's stripes my daughter was going to receive a needed healing. Reminding me
God has a plan for Isabella's life,
but my job was to trust and obey.
Not our will, but His.
My friend, Sis. Karen Kirby,
has stood in the gap for many of our children.
Now it is our turn to stand in the gap for her.
Join me tomorrow as Sis. Kirby undergoes surgery.
For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
