This is one in a series of writings telling of the factors God worked together as told us by Paul in Romans 8: 18-28 building the story of my life.
The Arkansas Tent Meeting will be called ATM below:
Mom received an invitation from someone she used to know
Our drive to the ATM would be an hundred miles or so.
She presented it to Dad and Sid and they decided we would go.
The ten of us climbed into our two seat econoline
Picnic benches in the back with a mattress on the floor
The males wore shirts, females dresses I'd made from the same goods.
To help round up the children when we stopped for gas or food.
Females wore curlers in our hair to be well groomed when we arrived.
When we stopped to do our grooming, we were in for a surprise;
Humidity in Arkansas caused all our curls to die.
Knowing our Lord understood, we gladly went inside.
The one up front ask our family to come, testify and sing
Amongst folks all strange to us the children did their thing.
I said they had a favorite Bible person; it was about Noah they would sing.
Afterward Noah introduced himself, he was the man in charge of everything.
God met our every need, though travel worn when called upon
Brother Noah made the children's day when they had sung their song.
When we put God in charge no one will outdo Him
He showed that to our children down at the ATM.
A man walked in alone when we took our seats.
I saw light shine upon him and told Sid we had to meet.
As services continued I prayed, "What shall I ask of him, Lord?"
My reply: "Don't ask. Tell him I sent you to do him good."
When ATM was over he followed us and for a week shared our home and food.
A missionary to Haiti, Brother Styrone had quite a list.
We were happy for the help that we could give.
He preached impromptu revival and folks came from all around.
Our Lord moved mightily at our little campground.
A manufacturer donated sinks and toilets and shipped them to his site.
Many folks attending revival found giving a delight.
When listening to our Lord we don't know what He might
Say He wants us to do as he did to me that night.
Back at the ATM there is one more tale to tell.
The evening we arrived Momma didn't feel too well.
As we prayed, newcomers came to join us in my parents' cell.
When I looked up, she cried out, I know you by your veil.
Then she went on to tell about their trouble on the way,
And how when she was praying she had heard Him say;
"You are not late, but arriving in My time.
To deliver the message I'll give you to a child of Mine."
In spite of all my efforts He had my hair just right.
Cascading to point me out to her on that night.
Those words of encouragement linger with me still.
And strengthen me along the path in our Father's will.
Leola Boyd © 25 October 2011
picture from morgueFile
pictures and graphics Leola Boyd
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