The Missionary doctor, Helen Roseveare in her book ‘Living Faith’, describes a real life story that happened in the African country of Congo:

“Our hospital was in the jungle. Once we were nursing an African woman in the labour room. Even though she gave birth to a child, she passed away. We nursed the infant with great care. Her crying 2 years old, who was her first child, was comforted greatly by us.

Even though it was an equatorial region, we experienced extreme cold in the night and extreme heat during the day. Since it was a place where there was no electricity, we used ‘hot water bag’ to warm the children in the night. But one day it ruptured. There was no way. A lonely wild.

It was now time for prayer in the orphanage, which was adjacent to the Mission Hospital. Doctor Helen described to them about the need for a hot water bag and about the pitiable situation of the infant and about the 2-year-old. Ruth, a 10-year-old child prayed like this:

“Lord, please give a hot water bag for our beloved child. And we need it now. This is because, in the absence of this, the infant would find it difficult… the baby would die: Today afternoon, we need this hot water bag. (Please, God, send us the water bottle, It’ll be no good tomorrow, God, the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.)  And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl, the 2 year old, so she’ll know You really love her.”

The doctor was dazed! How can an Amen be said? For years they have not received any parcel: Even if a parcel is sent, it will take months to reach here…In this undeveloped country of Congo these things cannot be obtained.

That day afternoon a car came. “Madam, there is a parcel…”

After receiving the parcel, she brought forth the children from the orphanage…” We will open this parcel together.” Helen said. 

They opened the parcel with great excitement. After coming here this is the first time a parcel is received from a foreign land. It is 4 years since I came here from England. Some thoughts went through here mind.

There were many things for use in the hospital; bandages for the lepers: They took them out one by one.

“Look! There is a hot water bag.” … Helen said with excitement. Helen’s eyes were in tears. A gift which no one would send over to a very hot place!!! A gift dispatched 5 months before, by the Sunday school children from her home church in England! The Sunday school leader by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has mailed this gift…

Helen carefully looked at Ruth. Her face was illuminating with happiness… Ruth rushed forward crying out, “If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too! Subsequently they took out the things one by one. “There is the dolly”, shouted Ruth… Ruth (the 10-year-old orphan) taking the dolly in her hands, told Helen…” Mommy, I too will come. I want to tell her that the Lord loves her…”

Ruth, who is praying to God on behalf of the children, “Give it today” and 5 months before that, a Sunday school team on the other side of the world, is packing and dispatching the things which Ruth asked… Our heavenly Father, who knows all things earlier, and is making necessary arrangements for them!

Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24”.

- Don’t be weary in prayer…Pray in faith… with the simplicity of that of a child…

Lord, give us the faith and simplicity in prayer by which the 10-year-old Ruth prayed…Amen.