Number 64

He is number 64.

His family is desperate, they need help.

He needs a coat, shoes, clothes, diapers, high chair, and the list goes on.

I kept forgetting to sign up at the bank at the adopt a child program they have set up for Christmas.

Finally, it came to me while I was still at the drive up window.

"I would like to adopt a child."

"What gender would you like?"

"Age?"

"What do you need most?" is my reply.

The teller hands me a sheet of paper with a list of number 64's needs. I look it over. Should I get started now? It is a nasty day ...

I head for a store that carries what little 64 needs. I handle each garment with care, looking for comfort as well as warmth.

I head to another store. Number 64 is heavier on my mind. A momma pushes her shopping cart past me. A tiny one about 64's age is sleeping in the seat of the cart, his body draped over the back of the seat with his head propped up by a box in her basket. Is that number 64 I wonder? No, probably not. I study him just the same. Curls frame is sleeping face. Cheeks are rosy, chapped by the wind. He looks like a cherub.

I am falling in love with number 64 and I don't even know his name.

But I imagine him.

I bring the parcels home and begin to wrap them for him. I pray as I wrap.

I write a note and place it in the package.
"I promise to pray for you, little 64, every day this year. I will pray for your family too. Many happy blessings!"

My husband and I embrace for morning prayer. I ask him to add number 64 to our list. He lists him when he prays for each of our children by name. Number 64 comes last. He calls him little one. He prays for blessings on his life. It is a sweet time. I pray for number 64's salvation.

A few days ago I received a letter in the mail from a missionary in Sri Lanka. They found children who needed prayer warriors. I adopted one. Her name is Jumana. I was praying for her this morning. I just noticed this morning that there is a number on the back of her beautiful picture. You guessed it! Her number is 64.

So I will be praying for two children this year. One is in Sri Lanka, a little girl, age (? 10 maybe), and a little boy from my county, age 1, who wears size 5 shoes, and 18 month size clothing. Both are number 64.

How did the Lord work all this out? His ways are amazing! I believe He just loves to thrill us with these little things that are really quite big!

Merry Christmas!
Cheri

"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left."
Matthew 19:13-15

ps. Pictured is my little friend Teagan. He is not #64, but he is close to his age and he is a sweetheart! Don't you think?