Much-Awaited Child

To Sabbath School teachers: This story is for Sabbath, January 20.

By Andrew McChesney

M

ore than anything, a man and his wife wanted to have a child in India.

They went to many doctors for help. But no child was born.

“We can’t go to the doctor anymore,” the man told his wife. “He said he can’t help.”

But he had an idea. “Let’s just pray for God to give us a child,” he said.

The man and his wife prayed and prayed. But no child was born.

A year passed. Two years passed. Twelve long years passed, and no child was born.

Friends grew worried. Some tried to give advice to the man and his wife. Others teased them for not having a child.

But the man and his wife kept praying. They knelt on their knees at 3 o’clock every morning and told God about their desire for a child. They spoke to God as if they were sharing a heavy burden with a friend.

“Dear God, we are being ridiculed,” the man said. “People are laughing at us. We need a child.”

“Please help us,” the woman said.

Then the man’s brother and his wife had an idea.

“We already have two children,” the brother said.

“We would be happy to have a third child and give the child to you,” his wife said.

The idea was a big surprise to the man and his wife. They were so happy that they cried. They thanked God for giving them such a wonderful brother and his wife.

Nine months later, little Moses was born. The man and his wife grinned from ear to ear when they saw the baby for the first time in the hospital. The wife had never been happier in her life.

But then her happiness doubled. Thatsame day, she learned that she was pregnant with a baby of her own. “Finally, God has heard our prayers!” she said. “God has given us not one child but two!”

The man also was very happy. He was so happy that he couldn’t sleep all that night.

Nine months later, little Daniel was born.

Today, the man and his wife are father and mother to not one but two little boys. Moses and Daniel have brought much joy into the home. The boys are growing up together. The boys have gone through sicknesses and good health together. Most importantly, the boys are learning about the God who hears prayers together.

Part of this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help construct a high school on the campus of the Seventh-day Adventist school where Moses and Daniel are attending kindergarten in Aurangabad, India. Thank you for planning a generous Thirteenth Sabbath Offering.