One dark night the doctor had worked hard to help a mother in labour; but in spite of all that could be done, she died. The mother left behind a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. It would be difficult to keep the baby alive, as there was no incubator or electricity. There was also no special feeding facilities for the premature baby and although they were living on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box that was there, for such babies, and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell the doctor that in filling the bottle, it had burst (as rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "

And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways." All right," the doctor said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."

The following noon, the doctor routinely went to have prayers with many of the orphanage children who chose to gather with him. He spoke about the tiny baby and the need for prayer. He explained the problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and also mentioning that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. The doctor also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died. During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with her usual blunt conciseness. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon." While the doctor gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, Ruth also added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"

The doctor was perplexed, could he honestly say, "Amen"? He wasn’t sure he believed that God could do this. Oh, yes, he knew that God can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending him a parcel from home. And he had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send him a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? He lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while he was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at his front door.

There, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. The orphanage children had already gathered there in the excitement. So together they pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. The paper was folded, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. The doctor lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as he gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as the doctor put his hand in again, he felt the ... could it really be? He grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. The doctor cried. For he had not asked God to send it; he had not truly believed that He could.

Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at the doctor, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months... in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon." Isaiah 65:24 says, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

This April we are celebrating Easter. We do it every year. We are told, it was then, that Jesus Christ gave all of Himself willingly for us, because He alone is the fulfillment of every need we have. Our city, state and nation - even to the ends of the world - are challenged more today than ever. This is true in almost all of our living memories.

So how great is God to you personally?

Is the Easter story an “urban legend” to you, or is it an enduring reality of your faith, hopes and prayers?

I want to be like that African child, Ruth, in the story. Yes, please God confirm in my heart now the reality of Jesus resurrection. My Saviour and my God! God be praised.

Rev. Johnny Rhoad

Oahe Presbyterian Women Support the Mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

This year we sent 72 sheets to hospitals overseas--20 more than we did last year.  We also sent 264 caps (100 of which were on the Christmas tree at the Capitol) for the tiny infants in Africa.  Last year we sent 565 baby caps, a lot due to the diligence of Wanda Wall.

A LITTLE HISTORY OF UNITED STATES PRESBYTERIANISM 

Contributed by John Rhoad, Jr.

Though the oldest Presbyterian Churches in the US are First Presbyterian Church of Southampton & First Presbyterian Church of Southfield, both in Long Island, New York; (from the 1640’s) this past month, March 2009, marks the 303rd Anniversary of the First Presbytery formed in what would become the USA, 70 years later.

The first Presbytery meeting was moderated by Francis Makemie (b. North Ireland) from the Accomack County, Virginia.

Also in attendance were the following ministers: Jedidiah Andrews who served from 1698, 1st Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia;. John Wilson, who pastored a Delaware congregation;. Nathaniel Taylor, who ministered a Scots Kirk in Patuxent, Maryland; and. Samuel Davis, a minister in Lewes, Delaware from 1690.

Also 3 ministers brought from Scotland & Ireland the previous year, in 1705, by Rev. Francis Makemie, were in attendance; George McNish & John Hampton who ministered in Maryland and John Boyd who was ordained at the 2nd Presbytery meeting in Dec. 1706 to serve a congregation in Freehold, New Jersey.

So what happened at the 1st Presbytery meeting? No one knows today, as the papers and records are long lost! 

Psalm 23 

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship! 

I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! 

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! 

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name sake = That's Purpose! 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing! 

I will fear no evil = That's Protection! 

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness! 

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline! 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope! 

Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration! 

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance! 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing ! 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security! 

Forever = That's Eternity! 

Even though you can't see Him,  GOD is there for you

OAHE and ONIDA MEET FOR POTLUCK AND FELLOWSHIP

*Please click on photos to view enlargements*

The congregations and friends of OPC and Onida met in Onida for a potluck meal and mission program on Sunday, March 15^th   Twenty individuals from Pierre joined about fifty from Onida for an excellent meal and opportunity for fellowship.

A powerpoint program on the mission trip to the Bolivar Peninsula was presented with Rolly as moderator and was followed by several questions from the attendees.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Lenten Soup suppers.  The meals and services have been well attended and it was a pleasure to serve everyone our wonderful soups.  What good cooks we have – Marcia & Ellen each made special potato soups for one of the meals while others made chili, wild rice, chicken noodle or vegetable soup. 

We had plenty for everyone both nights and some came back for seconds and thirds.  The homemade and store bought breads were awesome too.  Many hands make light work and we had people ready and willing to set-up, greet, guide, prepare, serve, and clean up. 

What a joy it is to just know people will do what needs to be done and do it well. 

Thanks again to everyone who pitched in and thank you for coming and welcoming our guests.

Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back

It is hard to believe but another Relay for Life is just around the  corner.  Save the date, July 24th, at Steamboat Park.  We will just have one team this year.  If you have ideas for fundraisers we can get  started anytime.   We would love to have everyone participate in  whatever way they would like.  We need a team name too ideas are GREATLY appreciated. 

 I will be a chair person or a co-chair or just  an advisor if someone else would like to take the lead.  Contact Candy  Sowers at 224-9233 (w) or 224-9693 (h) or send an e-mail to  sdcandy@gmail.com if you have any ideas or would like to volunteer or  help in any way.  I hope we have another great year (without a storm!).

Easter Thought:

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer? 
If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I am a Comforter?  
If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am a forgiver? 
If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, how would you know that I can make you whole? 
If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure? 
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, how would you know that I
If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for?
---Love, Jesus              

[A special thanks to Bob Leach for sending this to me!]