Every year on February 14th I am reminded of how big our God is. I will never forget our first Valentine's Day celebration as a married couple. We had only been married for 3 months and were serving as missionaries with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Kona, HI. We had no money... just a few quarters that had to be saved for laundry. We had been praying and asking God for money so we could go out to dinner on Valentine's Day. As newlyweds, we didn't want to spend our Valentine's dinner with the team at the base. We wanted to celebrate somewhere special, but had no resources to do this. I thought that we might receive a gift from a friend or family member in the mail, but God had much bigger plans.
On the Sunday before Valentine's Day, we were worshipping at our church service. In the middle of one song, the lady who was sitting in front of us turned around and stared at us. I will never forget the words that came from her mouth.
"God just told me to give you money so you can go out to dinner for Valentine's Day!" Then she opened her purse and handed us $40. Some people may argue that God is not real or that He does not perform miracles today, but I choose to differ. MY GOD IS REAL AND HE CARES ABOUT HIS CHILDREN! He cared about our Valentine's Day celebration! He answered our prayers in a very specific way. And we had an amazing dinner at The Chart House restaurant in Kona (with a waitress that we knew from YWAM)... on God!
This photo was taken that morning (Feb 14, 1995). Jennie Justine & I made a Valentine's Day breakfast for our hubbies at the YWAM base. We were the only married couples in the school and are still dear friends. I wanted to share this memory on our adoption website since we are now trusting God for some big bucks... $30,000 to be specific. This time it's much more than dinner, it's an orphaned baby in Korea in need of a family. I can't wait to see how God provides for this one!
Sidenote...the Justines (who still serve with YWAM) are currently adopting a little girl from Ethiopia and just received a $5,000 grant! We can't wait to introduce our girls to each other one day!
The Vision
God spoke this vision regarding our adoption journey to Barbara Lange on March 26, 2010...
"Jenni,
I have made the decision to speak our boldly when God speaks to me. Last night as I was washing the dishes I received this "vision" of you. I hesitate to use the word "vision," but what I saw was a slide of your life. As I watched the show in my mind I began to cry because I was so touched by what I saw. You and I have shared many tears these last couple of years, both sorrow and joy. The attachment is what I saw.
FRAME 1
Jenni sitting at the South Coast Community Church reception desk with the photo album of her courtship and engagement to Mike.
FRAME 2
Jenni performing the gospel message in mime at New Harvest Community Church, showing her heart for the lost and oppressed. Jenni performing the gospel in mime on missions trips everywhere she is able to go. Her Father rejoicing at her obedience and passion.
FRAME 3
The anguished look of a woman desperately wanting to have children. Unsuccessful fertility treatements.
FRAME 4
God watching over His daughter, His heart breaking as tears flow down her cheeks. He whispers in her ear, "My child, I know how broken you feel, but I have a great plan and purpose for your life. This anguish, this heartbreak, this pain will subside. Joy is on its' way. I needed you to suffer in this way because of My plan is for you. You are going to be an advocate for international adoptions. You are going to spread my gospel this way.
FRAME 5
The births of Jordan and Aidan! At last a MOM!
FRAME 6
Having experienced the heartbreak of infertility, Jenni's passion for adoption grows.
FRAME 7
Jenni's passion for missions and adoption begin to fuse.
FRAME 8
The Ramseys start the adoption process for a daughter.
FRAME 9
Jenni goes to Washington DC and connects with adoption leaders. Relationships follow, teamwork begins. Jenni begins a new chapter in her life in the intl. adoption network.
FRAME 10
The slow adoption process is agonizing to the Ramseys.
FRAME 11
Jenni leads a missions team to El Salvador and learns sad news about El Salvador adoptions and specifically their own plans. Heartbroken again, but resolved to press on.
FRAME 12
More networking with intl. adoptions, hope for their daughter and another trip to El Salvador. Jordan goes to El Salvador. The orphans are overwhelmed and ecstatic that Jenni returns. Jenni and Jordan build "forever friendships and family" in El Salvador. Jenni's passion increases.
FRAME 13
Jenni prepares for third trip to El Salvador in one year. Amazing things happen.
FRAME 14 - THE FINAL FRAME...
Mike and Jenni, standing now, older, graying hair, surrounded by their sons and their wives, their daughters and their husbands and their grandchildren. Below them are thousands of children joyously celebrating Jenni's life. Her passion to follow her Father's call and purpose on her life is fulfilled. These thousands of children represent all of the orphans, adoptions and ripple affect of her life's work.
A work that could not be accomplished without the pain, suffering and brokeness she endured trying to become a mom.
Well done, my good and faithful servant."
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