Angels in Disguise

Picture this…

A 30-something woman with three young children is weaving down the busy street towards the local market. Two of the children are gripping her hands as they naturally dodge motorbikes, cars, potholes and rubbish. Their light coloured hair and skin is in stark contrast with those around them and they cant help but attract attention. The baby is strapped to her back in an odd-looking carrier, creating more smiles along the roadside which he happily returns.

Bustling along, she accidentally bumps a white van with the baby carrier on her back. Focused on her destination, she doesn’t stop. Bumps are normal here. The van catches up to her and a man calls out… another foreigner. She realises he’s not “local” and expects he’s either upset by the bump or needs help with directions.

“Are you a missionary?” he asks. Uncomfortable with the term, but recognising that this is what most people would call her, she replies “Yes”.

At his signal, the van stops and a whole load of foreign men spill out onto the road stopping traffic. Horns honk as they introduce themselves. “We’re from Texas”. “Texas” she smiles unintentionally copying the broad Southern accent. “I’m Australian”.

It feels like a crowd is gathering around. A woman carrying her begging bowl comes close, hopeful. Their translators press closer, curious. The men give the children lollypops while the leader of the group continues asking questions while fossicking in his bag for something. He presently presses money into her hand.

“God told me to give you this. It’s from Him not me.” Tears prick her eyes as they circle around to pray for her. The children look up at the bowed heads, wondering and a little embarrassed.

The crowd soon moves on, with thanks and blessings. She peeks at the money and is surprised to find a $100 note. The men would never know that the money wasn’t urgently needed as she is far better off than most around her (even though they were looking a bit grubby).

It is the reminder that God is mindful of them… of her… that waters her thirsty soul as she continues onto the market with a prayer of thanks.