A Father’s Prayer

Written by Steven Momen.

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22

Becoming a literature evangelist involves stepping out in faith. Sometimes people can be concerned about how successful they will be at canvassing and whether they will be able to provide financially for their families. This story from literature evangelist Steven Momen in Papua New Guinea is a heart-warming reminder that God is the ultimate provider.

Three of Steven’s children were students at an Adventist primary school in the city. At the beginning of the year, the school administration announced to the parents that they needed to purchase new school
uniforms for their children.

Although Steven had paid for his children’s fees, he couldn’t afford to buy the new uniforms as well. The school administration gave him a grace period of two weeks, in which his children were allowed to attend classes in their old uniforms. After the grace period was up, he would need to buy the new uniforms.

“We were actually issued notices from the administration that the uniform suppliers would be at the school ground serving parents during those two weeks and that failure to purchase the new uniforms would result in the children being suspended,” recalled Steven. “That greatly troubled me because I was struggling financially at that time.”

On the last day of the two-week period (Friday), Steven received an unexpected call from an unknown number. His son had called him on a borrowed phone and informed him excitedly that the new school
uniforms were already at the school yard. He urged his father to come to the school.

Steven could hear his son giggling with joy and he assured him that he would meet his son and his two daughters at the school. But as soon as he hung up, he fell backwards on the bed and wept bitterly. He had prayed for God’s divine intervention for three weeks.

He had asked God to supply his needs.

“I felt like I couldn’t pray or make any more requests,” he said. “I couldn’t express myself anymore.”

With a heavy heart, he stood up, rinsed his face, and began walking to the school. And although he felt discouraged, he silently continued to pray for a miracle. As Steven walked towards the gate, his children saw him and ran towards him with smiles on their faces. He continued to hold back his emotion and smiled along with them, surrendering this situation to God.

When Steven and his children approached the uniform stall, the woman manning the stall was ready for them.

“Are these your children?” she asked.

“Yes,” Steven replied.

“What are their uniform sizes, please?”

In a low voice, Steven explained that he didn’t have the money to pay for new uniforms and that he only wanted to look at the prices. She ignored his protests, handed him a piece of paper, and again urged him
to write down his children’s sizes.

“I felt like jumping for joy when she handed me three sets of new uniforms and said they were free,” said Steven. “It was truly a direct miracle from God.”

He shook her hand in appreciation and thanked her repeatedly. He then led his kids to a quiet place under a tree where they offered a thank-you prayer to God.

“Think of how faithful our God is,” said Steven. “When we make His business our problem, God will make our problem His business. Nothing is too big for God to do.”