Tevi- the 17 year old orphan boy

Melissa and I are surrounded by a world that is hurting. It is hurting in so many ways. We are constantly in contact with people who must have a need met in their life. It is impossible to meet them all, even though the desire is there. Occasionally I find myself thinking that the developed world's ways of life are the answer, but that doesn't last long.

Abraham and Tevi

Today I had a great reminder of how very big and real our God is. His every move is completely calculated and perfect. This story started a month ago when Abraham began coaching soccer. Part of the time he works as a Togo Palms staff, and the other time he volunteers. A boy on the soccer field named Tevi heard about God's perfect plan and gave his broken life to Jesus. I talked to Tevi this afternoon on the basketball court and this is the story he told me.

Tevi is the youngest of many. Both of his parents died before he was old enough to meet them. He was dropped off at an orphanage in Benin that was funded by a French organization. The directors of the orphanage asked Tevi's living relatives if he could be adopted. The relatives refused, so the orphanage directors sent him to live with them. He got tossed around from family to family. Over the last two years, no family members have been able to pay for his schooling. He is in 9th grade and is doing everything he can to get back in school next year. The boy works for gardeners when they have work for him.

I asked myself if his life would not have been so much better had he been adopted by a French family? Would he not have the education and family he is trying so hard to attain? Then I was reminded that God is Sovereign and Tevi moved to Aneho for a reason.

Please pray for the young guy. He is supposed to come to my house in the morning to recite John 3:1-21. I have promised him a French Bible. He is such a smart kid and I can't wait to see what God has in store for him next.