The Little Places

Slowly, but surely the day for our return to Peru is coming.  Less than a month - wow!  As I look back on these past few months, there is something particular that stands out in my mind and in my heart.
Written on the pages of my mind's Memory Book are memories of "The Little Places."  Little places where people are faithfully serving the Lord and reaching their community.  Little, out-of-the-way places that we missionaries pray over and long to reach for Christ.  Little places that don't seem to have any light for Christ at all - in America.
In December, we were in New England.  There are so many places there without a church that preaches the Gospel!  We drove through the quaint little village of Woodstock, VT.  On the west end of town, almost the first thing that meets the eye is the building that is for a Jewish Congregation.   After that, you will see the Christian Science building, the Congregational building, and the list goes on.  Maybe I just didn't see it, but I wondered, "Is there an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church here?"  I wished I could spread myself out and be in more than one place at a time!
Recently, we were in California.  We had a blessed time there.  The Lord allowed us to see the Redwood Trees.  How beautiful our Saviour's Creation is!  As we drove along, we drove through many "Little Places."  One place in particular stuck in my mind and heart.  As we drove into Orick, CA, I noticed that the sign said, "Population 650."  There really isn't much in Orick.  No Walmart, no McDonald's - I don't think there was even a Dollar General!  But what left the greatest impression on my heart was....No Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.  Tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought about those 650 people.  Where do they get to go to hear that Jesus loves them and died for them?  Don't they deserve a chance to hear the Gospel?  Don't they deserve a church of their own?  Again I wished I could spread myself and my family out - you know, kind of split us in halves or quarters - just to stay and give those people a chance to hear "Jesus Saves."
We went to the Zoo today.  While we were there, we got to experience a "Gem Dig."  It was great fun, and we came home with all kinds of treasures.  The funny thing is, we don't know enough about gems to know whether something we have is valuable or not!  The Lord reminded me how the "Little Places" are like those stones.  "The Little Places" are precious to the Creator.  He knows the value of each "Little Place" far better than we do!
So while I am praying for the little, out-of-the-way, unimportant places in the country God has called us to, I feel the Holy Spirit pricking my heart to pray for the the little, out-of-the-way, unimportant places in the country God has called us from.  Won't you join me in praying for the people who live in "The Little Places" - in America and on the mission field?