All Good News

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of

farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their

crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life.

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to

ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he

walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed

most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends.

When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and

starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven

year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with

excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red

umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he

realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had

brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to

answer.

-- Author Unknown