For Melody and Victor McKinney, many questions went through their minds when Melody went into labor and delivered a baby boy at 31 weeks into the pregnancy. Two and half years later, the McKinney's can look back and see clearly that all things do work together for good. They have experienced their love for God grow and feel His love for them. Melody has watched her little boy grow and is amazed at all the prayers that were prayed and answered. Caleb is a beautiful boy with an amazing story to tell. For now, his parents tell the good that has come from a loving God that has a purpose.

Melody has taken her experience and is using it for God's glory by starting the "Wrapped in a Blanket, Covered in Prayer" ministry. Her prayer ministry reaches a family on many levels. As each blanket is made, the maker of that blanket prays over that blanket and the needs of the child who will receive the blanket. When the blanket is delivered, it meets a need to comfort and warm the child, in turn providing comfort and warmth to the parents of that child.

When Caleb received his first blanket, Melody says, "Holding that blanket overwhelmed me. I knew people were praying for Caleb, but holding that blanket made those prayers real… I could touch and feel it. Just knowing that the blanket was made specifically for a family in need and my child was prayed for was an incredible experience." Caleb received a second blanket from a girl's soccer team. Melody wrote in her journal that once we are on our feet, we will have a prayer blanket ministry. Her desire became reality in November, 2006. When Melody's friends asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she told them she wanted enough blankets made for the Ronald McDonald House in Macon. The first set of blankets was delivered in November 2006. Another 13 blankets were delivered in December 2006. When Melody takes the next set of thirteen at the end of April, she will have delivered blankets four times. Melody's goal for this ministry in 2007 is to deliver 13 blankets every two months. It is exciting to know that by the end of 2007, 78 families will be "wrapped in a blanket, covered in prayer."

Who can help? Melody says anyone can help in this ministry. You can make the blankets at home and email Melody to let her know you have a blanket ready and she will collect the blankets. She knows that blankets have gone to one family in South Carolina, two families in Florida, and another family in Virginia. Currently , a small group gets together and makes blankets. You can contact Melody and find out when they will be meeting again, or you can get your own group together and then get the blankets to Melody. Email Melody at Bubmel@cox.net.

God can use the most practical things to reach a family for Him and to answer prayers. When a simple act of kindness is covered in prayer, it can be life-changing and powerful.