IAn Unexpected Package

In her memoir, Living Faith, missionary doctor Helen Roseveare tells a miraculous story from her time in the Congo. A young mother in labor had died overnight, leaving behind a premature baby and a toddler. Without an incubator or electricity, they needed a way to keep the baby warm, but as they were filling their last hot water bottle, the old rubber burst. Helen felt helpless. They kept the baby as close to the fire as they could until the sun rose, but they doubted they could get it through a full night the same way.

That afternoon, during their regular prayer time with the orphanage children, Helen shared the situation. She told them about the baby and the broken water bottle, and admitted that she feared the baby wouldn’t make it through the night. As the children bowed their heads, one little girl named Ruth prayed a prayer that stunned everyone: “Please, God, send us a hot water bottle. It’ll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby’ll be dead; so please send it this afternoon. And, while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl, so she’ll know You really love her?”

Helen was speechless. She tried to smile, but in her heart, she was so doubtful that she struggled to even say “Amen” along with everyone. It was such a bold and specific prayer. She had been in Africa for four years, and had never once received a care package from home. And even if someone had sent one, why would they include a hot water bottle? She lived on the equator! It would take months for anything to arrive, and by then, the baby would be long gone.

Later that afternoon, as Helen was teaching at the nurses’ training school, she was interrupted by a message: a large package had just arrived at her home. She sent for the children so they could open it together, and inside were bandages, food, and clothes. But then, at the very bottom, she saw a brand-new rubber water bottle and a beautiful doll. The package had been sent five months earlier by her former Girl Crusaders’ Union class in England. 

This amazing story brings to mind Isaiah 65:24: “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”