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~