When God is ready to re-build, He will always provide a Nehemiah. Let God use you in His service. And then "Don't Forget to Get Your Lessons!"

When my boss told me we would be going to Martinsville, IN, to share our training program I pondered her decision (to say the least.) I committed it to my calendar and went on with tending the events that presently required my attention. As congregational recruiter and trainer for a faith based mentoring organization, there is always much to do.

As the day approached for our little journey to the home of the KKK's foundation in Indiana, I was mindful to devote special time in prayer. I wanted to see what God was up to! Being no stranger to God, I knew if I inquired, and diligently sought Him, I would be rewarded. As my mind drifted effortlessly to the face of the young black girl who had been murdered in Martinsville some 30 years ago, I was mindful that we ought to pray without ceasing. My heart ached as I remembered she was only there in Martinsville working. Her job was going door-to-door seeking to obtain subscriptions for dictionaries or magazines, I believe. She was working her way through college. She never made it out of Martinsville alive. She was murdered, her instrument of death: a screwdriver! Only recently, had her killer been given over and brought to the gate of justice before dying in the process. He never stood trial. He was "big" enough to kill, yet not strong enough to stand and answer for it! So these were pressing agendas on my mind, heart and spirit as the evening approached for my travel.

The evening before we were to visit Martinsville, my boss informed me she would be unable to accompany me! No problem, I called a pastor friend of mine and asked if he could ride with me~ the answer was an emphatic NO, and he was not at all pleased that I was being asked to go, and alone, none-the-less! Ever resourceful, I was not to be denied a "posse" rolling up through the home of the Klan! I enlisted the company of one of my volunteers, he was to meet me at the office, and we'd ride down together.

The morning I was scheduled to conduct training in Martinsville, the Holy Spirit bid me "Come" into His presence. I labored in prayer that morning, and was ministered to richly by the Holy Spirit. I was reminded that when Nehemiah set out to re-build the wall, the enemies came out against him. Sanballat and Tobiah came first, they mocked and laughed at the thought of Nehemiah re-building the wall. Then, even within the camp, Nehemiah was met with opposition-for even Judah (Praise) said it couldn't be done! Can you imagine how it feels when the one who should be praising turns on you, and what God has given you to do? I can. Your mind screams "Judah, you should be praising!" All of this was being ministered to me by the Holy Spirit. I got a glimpse of what God was up to, and my part in it. God was doing a NEW THING.

I couldn't wait to get to Martinsville that day. I wanted to go early, I didn't want to wait until evening! I wasn't surprised when 5:00 p.m. came and my volunteer was not present to accompany me. It was to be me and the Holy Spirit on business for my Father.

I grabbed my display board, my training materials, and my directions and set out for Martinsville, IN. It didn't surprise me that darkness fell almost immediately and the rain started to fall in torrents. I passed accidents all along the stretch, but it did not come nigh me! This was a night for caution, and many of those on the road were not employing it. I made note, through the pouring rain, that even the trees were burdened down the closer I got to evenings destination. The very ground seemed to be crying out. And I heard the pain, as I peered out through the safety of my car window. The trees, a whole stretch of them, leaned in unison toward the open road. I wondered what secrets they held.

My plan, even though I was prayed up and aware that I was on assignment, was to go in-do what I needed to do-and come out! I didn't want to have to ask for directions or any such thing. God's plan however, was that I would ask directions every few blocks or so! It was in the plan of God that I not arrive on time. God was giving my trainees time to reflect and look at themselves, and their history. I would later learn from one of the trainees that though he listened intently to my training session, his mind kept wondering "how must she feel, a woman, alone, at night, in unfamiliar territory and black-in Martinsville)

When I finally arrived, 30 minutes late, they were all standing at the front door. I saw utter relief on each of their faces. I apologized for being tardy, declined any refreshment and began my training session.

Training now complete, I head for my car. To my surprise, I realized my car was not going to even attempt to start! Now what?
One of the participants from training came to my rescue. He attempted to jump my car, however, it wouldn't take a jump! As he and I stood in the cold rain contemplating what to do next; he suggested I get in his truck, ride home with him to get his wife, so that he could park the truck and get their car, and then they would drive me back to Indianapolis. "Are you out of your mind!" was the first thought that sought to gain prominence across my consciousness. But it was instantly brought to my remembrance, that I was about my Father's business, and He would never send me anyplace that He couldn't keep me. I got in the truck, rode for what must have been the longest ride of my life, back, way back into Martinsville. As I had the river pointed out to me on this 'scenic' trip I did warfare within myself with the notion that I might have to fight ending up there! I still had a fresh picture of Martinsville of old as my only reference.

We finally got to his house, and sure enough, he got his wife (to put me at ease) jumped from the truck to the rental family car, and proceeded to bring me back home. After I felt it wise to do so, I hung up from talking to my sister (I had my cell phone, and had called her in Indy the moment I realized my car was not gonna start in Martinsville) and I began to try to get to know my Guardian Angels. Turns out they like the Marvelettes, B.B. King, and James Brown! I challenged them on this, but they assured me it was a fact. They brought me all the way to my door and refused to take gas money. They made phone calls on my behalf and arranged to have my car looked at for me.

The following day, as I was preparing to return to Martinsville to take care of my car, I received a phone call advising me that my car was being taken care of and that it would be delivered to me.
Many thoughts and emotions surfaced during this experience. Yet the predominate one being "God is doing a new thing" We have to release God to do the healing and re-building that is needed.

Sometimes, we choose to hold onto the familiar, even though it is painful, rather than allow God to re-build. I challenge you-the very next time God whispers in your ear "I want to do a new thing," LET HIM. There are so very many levels of lessons to be learned from this one experience--I won't give them all away. I'll let you get your own!

Don't Forget to Get Your Lessons!