by David Shannon
Benjamin Caillouet has been nurtured by his parents to care for others. He has seen their example and heard their prayers. So at the time Nick and Amy Fowler needed funds to finish the facility for outreach and Bible study in Belem, Benjamin gave. This facility is a crucial step in their work, but it comes with expense. Benjamin Caillouet walked up to Nick and handed him a ziplock bag containing a quarter, a dime, and fifteen pennies. Also was the sacrificial gift of Lightning McQueen stickers. This generous gift would become seed multiplying itself over 16,000 times.
The following Sunday evening Nick Fowler read about the power of God to multiply children's gifts, "One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?... in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them... as much as they wanted. They were filled... and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten ( John 6:8-13)." Nicked prayed that God would multiply Benjamin's gift to $4,000. God's people began to do God's work. Emma and Emerson Haley came up and gave Nick part of their allowance. Adam and Luke Partin rolled all the money in their piggy banks and delivered it to Nick and Amy at the Pickler's house. Daniel Hines wrote a note saying he was moved and is considering becoming a missionary. He also included 13 dollars, the money that was in his wallet. The 55 cents and stickers were multiplying at an amazing rate. Some individuals and families made huge sacrifices. The night was amazing. When Nick and Amy walked to their car that night and realized what God had just done through His people they began to pray. Upon their return to Belem, Nick sat down with his partner, Brian, and told Him what God had done, Brian immediately began praying. After praying, he immediately called Melissa, his wife, to share the great news of God's provisions.
God is just as powerful today as He was when he fed 5,000 beginning with a little boys sacrifice. He gave us a glimpse of it through Benjamin's sacrifice becoming over $8,000 in order for Brazilians to be fed God's word. The Fowlers were so excited and appreciative that Nick Skyped us Sunday night to say thank you. To God be The Glory!
And by the way, Happy Birthday Benjamin (2/8)!