Sometimes God opens a door in a way we never could have planned.
Recently, the Angel Paws team had a visit scheduled with the cheer team at Bridgeland High School. Around 75 students were gathered and ready to spend time with the therapy dogs, excited for the comfort and joy that only a furry friend can bring.
That morning, as Debbie Benningfield prayed over the visit, she sensed a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit to offer prayer for the students. Knowing that prayer in a public school setting can be sensitive, she reached out to the coach ahead of time and asked if that would be possible. The coach responded that it would be okay, as long as the students were asked first.
About 30 minutes into the visit, one of the students, Riley, was sitting on the floor petting the dogs when she suddenly fell backward and began having a seizure. The staff responded immediately, moving quickly to protect her and care for her. Another staff member guided the rest of the students into a nearby room.
As the Angel Paws team walked the dogs into the room where the students had gathered, the coach asked Debbie if she would pray for the girls.
So right there, in the middle of a classroom, they prayed.
They prayed for Riley. They prayed for the students. They prayed for the coaches and staff. In a moment filled with fear and uncertainty, God provided comfort, peace, and the opportunity to point others to Him.
This is the heart of Angel Paws
Yes, therapy dogs bring smiles. They help calm anxious hearts. They offer comfort through a gentle presence. But again and again, God uses this ministry to bring something even deeper: hope, compassion, and reminders of His nearness.
As Angel Paws moves toward becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the ministry is preparing for growth. There are already more requests than the team can currently meet, and the hope is that this next step will allow Angel Paws to serve even more schools, hospitals, churches, organizations, and families in need of comfort and encouragement.
The ministry is also deeply grateful for the continued support of Champion Forest Baptist Church. From the beginning, Champion Forest saw the good this ministry could do in the community and beyond, and that support has helped Angel Paws bring comfort, hope, and the love of Jesus to so many.
God is still opening doors. And sometimes, those doors open through gentle paws, willing hearts, and a prayer offered at just the right moment.