The Toymaker

Proverbs 22:29

"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." I sit washed in tears & surrounded by love. 600 hand designed wooden toys parade around me jostling for their turn to travel the world. They weren’t dropped off down the chimney, weren’t made by a team of elves or led by Rudolf; no these little gems were made by one man intent on blessing children all over the world through the hands of missionaries. Tirelessly bent over his workbench carving truck after truck, adding wheels that turn, a window & varnish wrapping each in plastic with a salvation message tucked inside. And then there are the beautiful barrettes for the girls! Wood tones beaming lustrously.

I’ve never met Steve in person, but I speak on the phone with him. Long conversations focused on our love for the Lord, the missionaries and all they sacrifice to bring the ‘one’ to Christ. I was blessed to be introduced to his generosity through another missionary. Steve’s heart is just pure. He asks for no title; just an opportunity to share his gift of woodwork with children. He will stand before kings.