Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

The following is a true story sent to me by one of my Fresh Manna readers. I am reprinting it by request. I thought it would bless you.

My younger sister Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago (followed by a lumpectomy and radiation). Than at age 52, she found out that the cancer had returned so she had a double mastectomy. Nancy and I have a lovely amazing cousin named Donna who is in her middle 60s. She is one of the very finest, wisest, and most loving people we’ve ever known. She and her husband Wesley have an orphanage in the jungles of Ecuador raising abandoned boys from the streets of Quito. When she heard about my sister Nancy’s condition, she sent her this note.

Hi Nancy, I was thinking of you and feeling deeply for you this a.m. and I decided to
tell you a story.

Upon returning to Ecuador from the States early this month, as we approached
our residence, we found 32 bags of chicken poop that was placed by the
gate. Believe it or not…it was a gift. It was some of the nicest chicken poop
I have found since living here. It was well aged so it didn’t have that
terrible stink and didn’t attract many flies. How nice.

Why in the world would this be a nice gift? Well, we have lots of mandarin orange trees. Our trees were not doing very well, and some were even dying. The oranges were small and not very tasty. Wesley was talking to some friends about
this, and they said chicken poop was the ‘answer’. These bags don’t usually come for free…not sure how much they cost, but probably over a dollar a bag…so what a nice gift that these thoughtful people had for us when we returned!

Wesley placed the chicken poop around all the orange trees, but I thought we would not see any changes until next crop. Well, not true! Even though the oranges were already on the trees ripening, they suddenly became bigger and better in just three weeks. The branches are now heavy with fruit.

Why was I thinking about this and you at the same time? Please don’t take it personally except for the following:

When I think about what has happened to one of my most favorite people in the world…I feel like you were dealt some chicken poop. As the outcome of the oranges became something beautiful, I pray the outcome of your trial becomes something better and greater than you could ever imagine. Trials are so difficult to endure, but Jesus our Savior, Creator, and never failing friend truly does make all things come out for good. Not only for us, but He also
demonstrates His faithfulness to the many around us who may observe our trials. I pray the Lord will continue to heal you, keep you pain free, and help you adjust to these changes. Your family is also in my prayers and close to my heart.

Isn’t that just great??? I just laughed my head off, thinking of the Lord needing to spread chicken poop around my feet to make me more fruitful! But I think Donna has it exactly right. Our loving Father never allows difficulties to come, unless he uses them for our good. I could sure use more of this kind of fruit, couldn’t you? So bring on the chicken poop!!!

James 5:11 (NKJV) “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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