Psalm 27 : 12-Continued Story of Fearless Trust in God

    Psalm 27:12
"Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence".

     Ben knew exactly who was on the other end of the phone...Julio, his "best friend".  He panicked and asked, "Who is this"?.  There was a pause between Ben and Julio.  "Hernandez will get what he wants.  I'll see you tomorrow.  That's my warning, my friend", Julio warned, then hung up.  Ben scurried in his mind frantically, thinking how they could have found them.  They changed their identities, their vehicle, their phones.  Still, in the back of his mind this whole trip, Ben knew the outcome.  What he couldn't figure out is how they found out.  His mind turned with paranoia, thinking someone they had met in town was working for Hernandez.  He knew Hernandez had people everywhere.  He also knew that even his best friend, Julio, would turn on him for Hernandez.

     Drew, Manuel, Kyle and Sheila were still out, and that worried Ben.  He knew he couldn't call or text any of them to warn them.  They were definitely under Hernandez' surveillance.  He didn't even know if he could safely go out and find them.  He prayed.  God, what do I do now?.  He knew he had to risk his life for his friends, but he didn't know what good it would do if he was harmed and thus, the others might be harmed.  God was silent on this one.  He let Ben decide which was best, so that Ben would truly trust Him fearlessly.  Ben paced the floor and continued to pour his heart out to Jesus.  He grabbed his Bible and turned back to Psalm 27 and read down to verse 12.  Then he prayed that verse and asked God to deliver him and his friends.  He also asked God what he could do next.  Just then he heard the door opened.  Uh oh, he thought.  He looked and gasped with relief when he saw his group of friends come back from sightseeing.  They saw the look on his face and asked what was wrong.  They sat down and he told them.

     Worry crept upon their faces as he told them about Julio's call and the warning.  Ben wasn't sure how long they could stay or who to trust in town.  They all wondered what the next step would be.  Pastor Manuel didn't have an answer either.  God was still silent.  Ben wondered why He was so silent.  The Pastor spoke up.  "Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wing. ~Selah".  That's all he said at the time.  Drew looked at him.  "In Psalms"?, Drew ask.  "Psalm 61:4", is all he answered.  Sheila realized then, that they could always rely on God's Word, even in the worst distress.  That comforted her a little, but she still was terrified of what might happen.  Drew spoke up, "'He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary'.  Isaiah 40:29-31."   Kyle spoke up.  "We can get through this".  So they planned their next step.

     They weren't sure who to trust.  Was anyone in town trustworthy?  They carefully went out into town the next morning for coffee and breakfast, carefully looking over everyone in town.  Paranoia crept into their minds.  Do they trust the Bartholomews?  Do they trust the pastor of the small town church?  Mr. Bartholomew came up to them as they sat down for breakfast.  He looked at them intently, asking them for their orders.  They briefly spoke to him.  Mr. Bartholomew asked how they liked the church service.  Sheila answered for them and told him it was great.  He went and got their orders and they quietly prayed.  The news came up again and fear flashed on their faces.  Mr. Bartholomew darted a look their way.  He seemed very suspicious to Ben and Pastor Manuel.  They ate, paid, left and went to talk to Pastor Charles.

     He seemed honest enough and true to the Gospel.  They felt comfortable with him.  They went into the church and entered his office, and sitting there with the pastor was Rick Hickory, the pastor's head deacon.  They abruptly stopped what they were discussing when Pastor Manuel and the rest walked in.  It seemed as though Pastor Charles choked his words when he told them to please come in.  "We have to talk Pastor", Pastor Manuel spoke.  "Privately...please".  He looked over toward Rick.  

     

Fearless Trust In God-Part 11

This story continues with Psalm 27:11

"Teach me Your way, O Lord,

And lead me in a level path

because of my foes."

     The day started out great.  It was the best sleep anyone had gotten in awhile, and Sheila had not one nightmare.  Everything seemed to be going better for all of them, as far as coping with the situation.  They were still in hiding.  They were still either thought dead, or kidnapped, and they still couldn't contact anyone...not yet.  They had their morning coffee and devotions in Manuel and Sheila's room.  Pastor Manuel opened up Psalm 27, and read verse 11.  "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes".  Ben had an uneasy feeling after reading that verse.  He really didn't understand why he had the feeling either.  He started thinking about Hernandez and how he and his men could find anyone, at any time, in any place.  Ben thought to himself, "But what if they thought we were dead"?  That didn't help because he knew the answer, and it wasn't a good answer.  He kept his thoughts to himself, but was on guard for his friends' sake.

     They all thought this verse over.  They all wanted to know God's way.  They prayed for one another and their families.  They prayed for the people of the church the Bartholomews attended.  They got ready for Sunday School and church.  They met the Bartholomews in front of Wilderness Baptist Church.  It was a small church of about 60 people.  They met Pastor Charles Winslow and his wife, Patty.  They had 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, ages ranging from 27 down to 12.  They shook hands with many people, who were very nice.  They also met a deacon and his family, Rick and Nancy Hickory, with their 3 children, a boy and 2 girls, ages 25 down to 16.  The Sunday School was led by Rick and his wife, for the ages of 13 and up.  Mrs. Kelly Parker had the small children in her Sunday School class.  There were 5 children there.  

     Rick talked about David in the Bible and all the struggles he went through and the temptations that overcame him.  He talked about how he was "a man after God's own heart", despite the fact that he committed adultery, lied and murdered, to get what he wanted.  Ben knew the meaning of that.  He killed, lied, stole, and did things that was unpleasing to God, and yet now, he was a man after God's own heart.  He felt a peace come over him.  Ben was searching for God's direction, and he wondered if they were to get out of this situation alive.  He had betrayed Hernandez and he knew the consequences of that, if he were caught.  Drew sat by Sheila and were holding hands.  Drew loved her, and wondered if Sheila loved him as much.  She did.  He wanted to know God's way also, and was terrified of the possible outcome of the trial they were in.  Pastor Manuel prayed silently for things to go well for them.  For them to go home safely.  Kyle listened and wondered about the tribulations they have faced and were going to face.  After the lesson, a man named Joe prayed.  Then they went into the church service.

     The church service started with prayer and songs.  It lifted everyone's spirits to sing praises to Jesus.  The sermon Pastor Charles spoke on was James 1:2-4.  How we need to have joy in our troubles.  He went on to say that God allows trials in our lives to bring us closer to Him, and that the various trials we do endure will strengthen our walk with Jesus.  He referred to two references in the Bible: Psalm 27:11 and Jeremiah 29:11-13.  He pointed out that we needed to be taught the way to go, and that God has His plan for our lives.  None of them knew how to be joyful through all of this.  Not even Pastor Manuel.  They all struggled that day, but they knew they had to and could endure this trial, but, it was difficult.  After the service they all gathered for fellowship for a few minutes.  They were invited to lunch, but declined.  They didn't want to get too close...not yet.  They needed to decide what to do next.

     All but Ben went out sightseeing just to relax and get their minds off of their situation.  Ben kept to himself and went back to his hotel room.  He got his bible out and sat and prayed.  He was gripped with guilt of all the crimes he had done.  Why now?  He didn't know.  He knew in his heart that all that he had done was forgiven by Jesus and he didn't have to hold onto his past mistakes, but he still felt overwhelmed, considering he was responsible for his new friends' kidnapping.  He still couldn't believe that Jesus could love even him so much.  He cried and read through the Scriptures.  He knew the truth, that Jesus gave up His life for all sinners.  That was comforting to Ben.  He was interrupted and stunned by a familiar phone call.  He panicked and didn't know what to do.  He decided to answer it...it was one of Hernandez' goons.  "Hello?".  The goon answered with a warning.  He spoke in a thick Spanish accent.  He said, "Hey my friend, we know where you are now.  You and the others are as good as dead"...

I'm finally back writing again and hope to finish this story soon.  Stay tuned and find out what will happen to them, now that they have been found out.  The question is who gave them up?  Was it one of the towns people?  We will see...

      

     

             

Number 10 in My Story

     Part 10---Fearless Trust in God

     Sheila had finally woken up at around noon.  She felt sluggish and saddened by the fact that no one back home knew she was alive.  They all went down to Turn The Page and went in the back for some coffee and brunch, after saying hello to Mrs. Bartholomew.  Mr. Bartholomew was a bit cheerier today.  He still had gruffness in his voice, but at least he smiled.  "Good afternoon.  How are you young people today?", Mr. Bartholomew asked.  They all greeted him back with "good" and "fine", and asked the same.  Mr. Bartholomew told them he was having a great day and asked them what they wanted.  Sheila tried to hide the fact that she felt alone because of the thought that no one back home knew she still existed.  Drew cocked his head towards her, with a questioning look.  Sheila ate quietly, then excused herself to the bookstore.  She loved old books and went browsing in the antique books.  Drew let her go, without a word.  The others didn't notice at first.  Pastor Manuel looked at Drew, then toward Sheila, and kept silent.  Drew and Manuel didn't know what was bothering her, but they knew she needed time alone...to think.  Sheila looked at all the books in awe.  As she was looking, she got tears in her eyes.  She remembered Psalm 27:10, "For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up".  There was no abandonment issue as far as her parents leaving her, but they had no clue where she was and it seemed they gave up hope of her being alive...and it hurt.  But then she thought of Drew and how, because of drugs, his parents did abandoned him.

     She saw Mrs. Bartholomew coming up to her and she smiled at her.  "Hey, Mrs. Bartholomew, these books are amazing!"  She tried to hide her tears, but Mrs. Bartholomew saw right through Sheila.  "Can I help you with something?  Anything...at all?", she asked Sheila.  Sheila tried to hide her feelings, but it wasn't working.  "What is the oldest book in your collection?", Sheila asked.  She carefully looked through her books and found the oldest she had.  "Here it is.  1599 Geneva Bible", Mrs. Bartholomew showed Sheila.  Sheila looked astonished at her and opened it carefully and turned to Psalm 27.  Mrs. Bartholomew noticed and smiled.  "The Psalms are my favorite.  My husband and I read them together every night before going to sleep", Mrs. Bartholomew shared with Sheila, hoping to open her up and talk about what was bothering her. "Is this the original?", Sheila asked.  The lady nodded.  Sheila's eyes widened and she smiled.  "I've been studying Psalm 27 for some time", Sheila admitted.  Sheila read Psalm 27 from that Bible.  She was amazed at verse 10.  In this verse it said, "Though my father and mother should forsake me, yet the Lord will gather me up".  Sheila was comforted to know that the Bible was indeed timeless, and God has not changed.  "Thank you, Mrs. Bartholomew".  Sheila couldn't very well confide in Mrs. Bartholomew about what was really going on, but she knew that the lady would listen.  And it was good to know that she was a Christian.  Mrs. Bartholomew spoke again.  "We go to the little Baptist church right there on the corner", as she pointed down the street on the west side of her shop.  "Come join us Sunday", she invited.  Sheila smiled.  "We will, thank you".

     Sheila went back to the coffee shop.  The guys were just about ready to look around the bookstore, when Sheila arrived at the table.  Drew asked, "Are you OK?"  Sheila smiled.  "I'm better", she told him.  Sheila shared with her friends of Mrs. Bartholomew's faith.  Then she looked at Drew with compassion and asked him, "How do you go on, knowing that your parents have abandoned you?"  Drew was surprised at the question.  He thought for a minute, and remembered Psalm 27:10 also.  He quoted it to her, then asked, "What is this all about?  You haven't been abandoned".  She told them what she shared with Mrs. Bartholomew.  Drew had not thought about the abandonment in a couple of years, but he was all of a sudden saddened.  They drove to the motel and talked about it.  Drew wondered about the fact that his parents didn't care enough about him to stop doing drugs.  When he was younger he wondered also and his aunt counselled him.  The pastor asked him, "Have you forgiven them Drew"?  He didn't know for sure.  But Drew also didn't understand why Sheila felt abandoned, even though she explained.  Anger welled up in him, that Sheila or Kyle had never seen in him.  "How can you feel abandoned, when your parents took care of you?  They haven't left you"?!, he shouted.  He then realized what he was doing and began to sob.

     The pastor and Sheila held on to him, as Kyle and Ben watched with compassion.  "I'm sorry Sheila!  Why would anyone choose something, other than God, over their children?  Aunt Rita and I have talked about this, but I really still feel very angry.  I don't know what to do"!, Drew admitted.  Pastor Manuel shared with all of them about forgiveness at that time.  Sheila also mentioned that she wanted to stay until Sunday, and go to church with the Bartholomews.  They all agreed.  Drew realized he needed to let go of what his parents had done and forgive them.  Pastor Manuel went straight to the source.  "The cross".  He told them all that had happened leading up to being nailed to the cross.  The bloody beatings, the accusations, the spitting and the mocking.  And what did Jesus do?  He forgave them.  They all laid hands on Drew and prayed.  Drew cried like he had not cried since he was little.  He struggled with it and continued sobbing.  Sheila wept too because her situation was not like his, but she felt like he feels and empathized with him.

     Drew stopped sobbing and praying.  He got up and paced around the room, as they all carefully watched him.  "OK, Lord!  You think I should forgive a person or people who treat me like I'm nothing?  Fine!  But I can't do it without You!  Please help me to forgive"!, Drew cried out.  Everyone was looking at Drew, concerned.  They waited for his sobbing to stop.  A few minutes later, Drew stopped crying, looked up to Heaven and thanked God.  He smiled at all of them and they hugged him.  It was such a great relief to know that he could forgive and feel the release of pain, through His Lord.  They had to sit down and make a plan.  It was Saturday.  Tomorrow they were going to visit the Baptist church with the Bartholomews, then they had to decide what to do next.  The news was buzzing loudly around town about the missing kids.  They discussed whether to stay in the happy hollow until they could fix the situation, or run again.  They were all tired of running, and they all wanted to call home.  That night, everyone slept soundly, knowing Jesus was taking care of them and showing them the way.

Part 11 will be coming soon.  Thank you for your patience.  I am writing when I am able, though not as often as I'd like.  God bless.  

  

     

     

PART 9---FEARLESS TRUST IN GOD

Based on Psalm 27

     They drove to another small town, to another small and homey motel.  They were all getting tired of running and were very discouraged.  It was 1p.m. and they hadn't eaten lunch yet.  They had to wait a couple of hours to check in at the motel, so they went to get a bite to eat and sight-see a little, for a little bit of relaxation.  They went to a sandwich and ice cream shop for lunch and a little dessert.  The town looked like something out of the Old West.  There were few cars parked on the street and even less people on the sidewalks.  They ate their meal and went looking in the bookstore next door.  Turn The Page was the name of the store.  They had antique collectible books to new and modern books.  You could take books in and sell them to the store.  The lady was very nice, a Mrs. Bartholomew.  She was about 50 years old and very soft-spoken.  Kyle thought she must have been a librarian at one time, because of the hushed voice she had.  "How may I be of service to you?", she practically whispered.  Sheila answered, "Thank you.  We're just browsing".  There were books, still in rather good condition from the 19th century.  They were all amazed to carefully browse through them.  "If you have any questions, just ask", Mrs. Bartholomew told them softly.

     In the back of the bookstore, there was a coffee shop, and Mr. Bartholomew ran that part of the store.  Sheila, Drew, Kyle, Ben and Pastor Manuel got a table and ordered their favorite coffees.  This coffee shop had exquisite service.  Instead of standing in line, Mr. Bartholomew and his waitress, Kelly came to the tables and took their orders.  "What would you like to drink today?", Mr. Bartholomew asked in a pleasant but gruff and booming voice.  He was a total opposite of his wife, though, both were very friendly.  "Are you new to the area?", Mr. Bartholomew asked.  "We're just passing through", Pastor Manuel answered.  "Oh!  Travelers!  Wonderful!  Welcome to our neighborhood!", Mr. Bartholomew greeted them.  They were kind of uncomfortable because he came over and wanted to talk.  They didn't want to give him too much information, but they also didn't want to seem rude.  They all ordered something to drink and Mr. Bartholomew, in his booming voice, want to chat with them.  "Where are you from?", he asked.  They all said, "California".  He told them all about the town and how long him and his wife lived there, and how long they had the store, then asked, "How long will you be staying in this fine town?"  They had no idea, so Drew came up with an answer.  "We're all taking a road trip through Canada.  We're all friends who had vacation time.  We have three weeks to travel, so we're only staying the night", Drew lied.  They all were conversing with him, then he had a few more customers to tend to.

     They left and continued down the street, looking at all the different shops.  It seemed as though people were staring at them, and their suspicion arose.  They were hiding and felt like everyone knew it.  At 3p.m. they went to the motel and checked in.  There was a big screen TV in the lounge, across from the front desk, that had on the international news.  They froze at what they saw.  All of their pictures were plastered on the screen.  Though they changed their appearances to some extent, they still had panic inside.  Drew remembered Psalm 27:9, and prayed that verse to himself.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation".    Drew asked Pastor Manuel, "What do we do?"  Manuel had no answers, except to trust God.  They again got rooms and grouped up as usual.  The rooms were like the old country look.  They had all kinds of toiletries and towels and supplies at arms length.  They had a coffee pot, microwave and refrigerator.  Two beds in each room.  They again gathered in Manuel and Sheila's room for devotions and prayer time.  "Father, grant us safety, that we might further Your gospel", Pastor Manuel prayed.  They continued in Psalms, chapter 27.  Verse 9 came up, and Drew smiled.  He was relieved to know that God was listening.

     They discussed the Bible passages and discussed how to work out their plans to stay away for awhile, but they soon had to return.  Manuel called his wife a day ago and the kids and her were worried.  Drew thought his Aunt Rita would be beside herself by now.  Kyle didn't know how his dad would handle this, with losing his wife, now Kyle, his son missing.  They grieved together.  Ben also grieved for his family, even his dad, and especially his Christian mother.  He had hoped that when this was all over, he might have the chance to bring Christ into his dad's life.  The faith in all of them grew each day, and they knew that without this trial in their lives, it wouldn't have been possible to have this much faith.  Pastor Manuel even knew that his faith was very weak until he met Drew.  They talked for two hours.  It was now around 6p.m.  They turned on the news and found that the story was still being told, and all of them had a little bit of fear.  The newscaster for CNN now claimed that they all, including Sheila, who they still think is dead, were kidnapped by the same people, but didn't know the connection with the pastor and the rest.  Drew, Kyle and Manuel were still presumed alive and the FBI were looking for some kind of connection with all of these victims, to find them soon.  The Puerto Rican police were investigating this as well and questioned Pastor Manuel's family.  They were terrified they would end up telling the truth, just out of fear.  Thankfully, the police left their home with no idea.

     Sheila was afraid, but not terrified like she had been, and that was thanks to the rest of her friends, especially Pastor Manuel and Drew.  She didn't know if she could have survived without them...and Jesus.  She might not have.  They all took a walk around the town after dinner.  There was snow of about 6 inches, but they didn't care.  It was cold, but crisp, and they enjoyed the scenery.  Nothing could be better than this, they thought...except to be with their families again.  They went to Pastor Manuel and Sheila's room again for a bit.  Pastor Manuel, Drew and Ben had all thought to stay a couple of more days here.  It was pleasant at this motel, the town was nice and the people were very friendly.  They still weren't certain why they all got stares from people, but Pastor Manuel pointed out to them that it just might be they were curious about tourists in their small town, and nothing more.  They all sighed in relief at that.  They watched a little TV together, before going to sleep for the night.  Sheila missed her parents and had another nightmare during the night.  She woke up screaming, which she hadn't done in a few days.  Drew, Kyle and Ben heard her, and of course, Pastor Manuel got up to console her.  It was around 1a.m. and Drew was knocking at Sheila's door.

     Pastor Manuel went to the door and let them in.  There were several people who peeped out their doors, not very happy.  Sheila was crying out for her parents.  It had been over 3 months since she had seen them, and now Sheila was presumed dead.  She told them she had to call her parents.  Ben wasn't sure.  He knew Hernandez, and if he found out, they would all be dead.  Pastor Manuel knew that as well and discouraged it, but they also saw how upset Sheila was.  No one knew what to do, including Sheila.  "They have to know!", Sheila pleaded.  The rest of the group looked at one another with concern.  Drew looked at Pastor Manuel, then took Sheila's hand and reassured her.  They went inside the room, while the other motel guests calmed down and went back into their rooms.  "Sheila, we have to be brave and hold out on telling anyone right now.  When your parents find out you're alive, and all this is over, we will all celebrate!", Drew calmed her.  She shook in his arms and sobbed.  They all stayed up with her that night until 5:30a.m., when she fell asleep.  Drew wondered how they would get out of this.  He wondered how they would finally let the authorities know, without retaliation from Hernandez and his gang.  They needed to be put to justice, but how?  No one had the answer.

     *I will continue with Part 10 soon.  My blogging and writing life has been cut back a lot due to health issues.  I will, from time to time, catch you up on how things are going.  Hopefully Part 10 will be done this coming week.  God bless you all!

Sabrina

       

     

     

Part 8-Fearless Trust in God

*Note: My writing has dwindled a lot with life's up and downs and busyness.  I will try my best to be more consistent with my blog.  Take care and God bless!


This story is based on Psalm 27

     They arrived at the Canadian border with their fake passports and IDs.  They all were a little nervous about all that was going on.  They were nervous about crossing the border, but even more so, that they would get caught by Hernandez' men.  They waited in line for an hour, which seemed like an eternity.  A big burly, bald man was standing at the border crossing.  "Where do you come from?", the man asked.  They told him California.  Ben made sure they had fake licence plates when they traveled.  "Where are you headed?", the man asked again.  They told him Ontario.  He let them through, saying, "Have a nice visit."  They all let out a deep breath of relief.  They felt bad for lying, but didn't want any suspicion by anyone.  They continued to drive north, and didn't have a clue where they were going.  Sheila slept in the back, behind the front passenger seat.  Pastor Manuel drove, with Kyle next to him.  Ben and Drew were behind them.  None of them have ever been to Canada.  This was a new adventure for them all.   Kyle had no idea what to tell his dad about being gone.  He left a note for him, saying, Dad, went to a friend's house for awhile.  Don't know when I'll be back.  He didn't know what his dad would do.  He was going to miss so much school that he might not graduate.  But that didn't bother him at this time, considering the other option...death.  Drew thought about his Aunt Rita, and Pastor Manuel thought of his family as well.  Ben was glad to be away from everything bad that he had done.  He was content.  Sheila continued to sleep.  Drew was worried that she was emotionally weakened by all that had happened to her.  She was vulnerable.  She hadn't been the same Sheila he had met.  She was afraid and paranoid of every little thing that came up.

     They came to this little cafe about ten miles or so from the border.  They didn't know what town they were in, but they stopped to eat.  Drew nudged Sheila as gently as possible.  "Time to eat", Drew told her.  "Are we in Canada yet?", she asked.  He told her yes.  A sigh of relief came over her.  Drew and Sheila walked, with their arms wrapped around each other.  The place was called Moose Eatery.  Strange name, they thought.  It was a real nice atmosphere and the waitresses were very welcoming.  This time they waited to be seated, but they waited no time at all.  A woman name Fern was their waitress.  "Hi there!  My name is Fern.  What would you like to drink?", she asked.  They all ordered the same drinks as they did previously.  "OK, coming right up!", Fern told them.  The cook was Fern's husband, Rick.  He didn't seem too friendly.  He just grunted a lot.  Fern was in the back with him, telling him to straighten up and be nice.  Rick grunted louder.  They all got a chuckle out of their entertainment.  They all tried moose burgers just to see what they were like.  They had fries, onion rings and cole slaw, between them.  Sheila, Drew and Pastor Manuel liked the moose meat.  Not so much for Ben and Kyle, but they swallowed it down anyway.  Two Mounty Policemen drove up, and Drew got very suspicious.  They all looked at the police.  The two policemen came in.  "Hi Bill!  Hello Carl!  How's business?", Fern asked.  "A little slow today, thank heavens," Bill said.  They looked around.  All tables were full and there were to other waitresses working them.  Officers Bill and Carl gave their order to Fern.  Drew got even more scared.

     The two policemen welcomed them to town with no suspicion, so Drew and the others were relieved.  They all said their good days and good byes and Drew and the others went to find a place to stay.  They all had the same room arrangements and they gathered in Pastor Manuel and Sheila's room at a nearby motel.  Pastor Manuel prayed and read Psalm 27:8, "When You said, 'Seek My face', my heart said to You, 'Your face I shall seek.'"  They all knew what that meant, but the pastor reassured them that day.  They were all scared, including Pastor Manuel, but they knew.  They knew they had to seek God's face in every situation they came upon.  Sheila was getting stronger physically, but mentally she still struggled.  Spiritually, she was gaining strength, which surprised them all.  She read aloud to them James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  It was difficult for her but the Lord was giving her the strength and faith that she never thought she would ever have.  They got some rest, and for the first time, none of them had nightmares.

     Were they free and clear now?  It was morning and they went to have their continental breakfast.  There were eggs, ham, bacon, pancakes, french toast and waffles, with real butter and syrup.  There was milk, coffee and orange juice.  They also had out some cereal and different muffins and fruit.  Their meal was delicious and the coffee woke them up.  It was 7 a.m. when they ate.  No one could call their families, so no one knew where they were.  Were their search parties out for them?  Should they call?  They were unsure.  Pastor Manuel's family knew they were going to hide out in Canada, but no one else had any clue to where they went.  They all kept seeking Jesus' face in all their troubles.  Then, they saw the midday news, later that day.  By now, the search for Sheila made international news.  And today it came to an abrupt end.  They were now considering it a recovery effort.  And then there was the news of the rest of them.  They panicked because they did not want the recognition.  They left the hotel and gathered together for another plan.  They not only needed to change their names, but their entire identity, hair and eye color and such.  They had to move fast for fear of being noticed.  Then amidst their panic, they all started laughing, realizing that all they needed to do was seek God's face and not worry.  They still had no time on their hands and had to move quickly, but their panic subsided as they went on their way.

     They went to this out-of-the-way hair salon in a smaller town than where they had left.  They got hair cuts and their hair dyed.  Sheila had long blonde hair to begin with and got it cut very short for the very first time in her life.  She also had her hair dyed red.  Her eyes went from green to blue, later on, and they all got various colors of contact lenses.  Drew had light brown hair and got it a different style with a darker tone of brown.  Pastor Manuel had his head shaved and Kyle got a military cut with a little darker brown than Drew...almost black.  They went to an unsavory place in the neighborhood to get new ID's made.  This made Sheila a little nervous, but they got out with no one suspecting a thing.  Sheila had all kinds of questions for Pastor Manuel about all the deception they were doing.  She knew lying and deceit were wrong, and she wanted to be a good Christian.  Pastor Manuel told her the account of Rahab lying to the authorities about the spies that were sent by Joshua in Joshua chapter 2.  He told her they had no other choice to survive and that God would use them in a great way.  But they had to hide for awhile under assumed identities for their safety.  Sheila didn't know what to make of all of this but trusted Pastor Manuel.  Later that day, they managed to buy another car to hide even more.  Ben always had a plan in getting financed for these situations.  It was a used 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser, priced at $20,000.  Ben paid cash and the guy just stared at the money kind of suspicious, but gladly took it.  This, again was way too easy, they all thought, and maybe it was...

Stay tuned for Part 9, next time.  

     



       

     

Part 7 of Fearless Trust in God

Based on Psalm 27

     Hernandez' men were looking for Julio, Ricardo and Ben.  None of them answered their cells.  By the time they found Julio and Ricardo cuffed to Sheila's bed, the three escapees were 30 minutes ahead of them.  Sheila was hungry and dehydrated, so they cautiously stopped for eat and drink at a gas station.  Ben and Sheila were grateful to be out of that hell.  They were especially grateful to Jesus for redeeming them.  Ben got gas and they drove north.  They were heading for the Canadian border and they did not know how long they would have to be in Canada.  They had to drive 400 miles.  Hernandez had his men looking for them.  They had GPS' in each of the vehicles and tried to track them down that way.  Ben didn't know how far they'd get before Hernandez' men would catch up.  They were out near the mountains again.  They had to go back into town and get rid of the vehicle and find another mode of transportation.  Did they lose the goons by coming out this far?  Was it safe to go back?  Drew thought of Kyle.  He could borrow his friend's truck for awhile.  He didn't want his friend involved in this mess, but they needed new wheels.  They didn't have much time before Hernandez' men found them with a GPS detector.  Drew called Kyle quickly.

     Drew got off the phone with Kyle and ten minutes later, Kyle drove up.  They abandoned Hernandez' vehicle and just drove wherever the wind blew them.  The men got to Hernandez' car that had been abandoned, about an hour later, and Hernandez was very angry.  They saw the second set of tire tracks, but once the road began, they didn't know which way the other vehicle went.  They didn't even have an idea of what make the vehicle was.  Kyle drove to the next state.  They got hotel rooms under assumed names.  Ben made sure they would all have fake IDs.  They checked in at the Holiday Inn Express as Ken Driscoll (Kyle), Benito Alvarado (Ben), David Cisco (Drew), Mario Suarez (Manuel), and Shelly Wilson (Sheila).  Sheila didn't want to be alone and felt uncomfortable sharing a room with Drew, so Pastor Manuel  stayed in her room.  Kyle, Drew and Ben shared a room.  They all ate at the restaurant nearby, they watched a movie, then they slept, waking up at 6a.m. the next morning to get to the next state.  It was a long drive for them.  Sheila was in tears, worried they'd be found out and killed.  She cried out, "Hear me Lord.  Please answer my prayers to get us out of here."  Drew quoted Psalm 27:7 to her.  "Here Oh Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me".  They sang a song of praise as they drove down the road and Sheila wiped her tears.

     Sheila was still terrified, so Pastor Manuel comforted her with the Word of God.  He told her that God is with all of them and that nothing happens without God allowing it.  That gave little comfort to Sheila though.  She thought to herself, then why do bad things happen at all?  She was afraid to ask that question out loud.  She took the Bible and read through Psalms.  She thought about how David was in such turmoil, from what sins he had done, and the turmoil from his enemies.  She wondered where he got all that faith to praise God in spite of his trials.  Pastor Manuel looked at Sheila with a questioning look.  "You look like you have something to ask".  Sheila shook her head and kept reading.  "OK, when you're ready, we'll be here for you," the pastor told her.  "Thanks", she responded.  All but Sheila shared the driving.  Drew was at the wheel now.  They drove and watched closely for Hernandez' men.  Ben knew where they were, but now, Hernandez' men had no clue where they were...thankfully.  "We're about 10 minutes from a place to eat," Drew announced.  Thankfully, Kyle's truck had a big back seat.  Kyle was sitting shotgun next to Drew and Manuel, Ben and Sheila were in the back.  They had about 200 more miles to go to get to the Canadian border.  Too far for anyone's comfort.  Drew and the rest all kept to the speed limits, not to attract attention to the police or anyone.  Drew continued while Pastor Manuel chatted with Sheila and Ben.  Kyle was elated that his best friend and his new friends were all Christians.  He had also been praying for Sheila when praying for Drew.  He knew for sure that God was faithful.

     Kyle was thinking about what Drew quoted earlier and remembered that night at church when Drew came for the first time.  It looked as though Drew was really listening to the pastor that night, but he also knew that Drew was skeptical.  When Drew told Kyle that he memorized Psalm 27, Kyle was surprised.  He never knew he was that interested that he memorized 14 verses in Psalms.  They pulled up to this old diner, Mama's Family Diner.  A real home cooked meal they all thought.  They got out cautiously looking for their enemies.  They went in and got to sit anywhere they wanted.  This place was drabby, but at least it was clean.  Drew ordered Dr. Pepper.  Sheila ordered the same.  Pastor Manuel and Kyle ordered coke and Ben ordered water.  They waited 5 minutes for the drinks and another 10 minutes for the waitress to take the order.  There were 3 tables full.  It didn't look very busy but they still were slow in serving.  Ben was uncomfortable waiting so long and tried to hurry them up.  "Hi!  My name is Kelly.  I'll be your waitress.  What would you like to order?," the waitress announced.  Sheila ordered a cheese burger with sweet potato fries.  Ben ordered a BLT with cole slaw and fries.  Kyle ordered a roast beef sandwhich with chips.  Pastor Manuel ordered a chef's salad and split-pea soup, and Drew ordered the chef's special, Chili and Southern cornbread.  they ate, left the tip, gave their thanks to the waitress and took off for the next state.

     About 2 hours later they pulled up to a Best Western, under their assumed names.  Again, the pastor and Sheila shared a room.  Shelia had nightmares of her captivity and how they treated her.  She woke up screaming 3 times.  She was still weak from the bad treatment she endured.  She finally slept about 3 good hours and they all got up again at 6 a.m.  They were again on their way.  They had their continental breakfast and took off for the border.  Pastor Manuel prayed out loud before they left.  Sheila felt more at ease, even after those nightmares.  Each time she woke up, the pastor prayed with her.  Peace surrounded her this day.  "We're almost home free," sheila exclaimed.  They all said their "amens".  Ben had questions too about his new found faith.  As he drove, the pastor and him talked.  Sheila listened intently.  Ben asked the pastor how God could forgive a murderer.  How God could love someone who had done so many wrongs.  The pastor explained that any confessed sin is forgivable, that Jesus has wiped all sin away with His shed blood.  Ben was still feeling guilty and the pastor explained there was no reason to anymore, that his sins were covered.  Ben had killed 5 people in his life.  He was suppose to kill Drew, Sheila and the pastor the night they left.  He didn't share that bit of information with them...just yet.  He had to find the right time.  Ben thought about Psalm 27:7 also, and wanted God to answer all of his questions.  God would, in His time.

Next time, Part 8 will continue their journey to a new country.  Stay tuned for more of Fearless Trust in God...

Thanks for being patient and waiting for each portion of my story.

God bless you all!

     

   


        

        

Part 6 of Fearless Trust in God

Based on Psalm 27

     Drew and Manuel thought right.  The exchange was too good to be true.  It was 11 p.m. and they were at the old antique building.  Hernandez was waiting...impatiently.  His goons were all armed and ready for anything.  Drew was scared again.  Pastor Manuel was a little uneasy as well, but they both prayed...for a miracle.  Hernandez was rapping his fingers on his right hand, on the table.  His gun was next to his left hand.  Poppi and Fernando were behind Drew and Pastor Manuel pointing their guns at the both of them.  "Who is this?", Hernandez asked, referring to Manuel.  "He's a friend," Drew answered, scared as all get out.  "Didn't I tell you to go alone?", Hernandez asked impatiently.  "Yes sir," Drew answered.  He heard Sheila in the back and she screamed.  It startled both Drew and the pastor.  Hernandez began to laugh.  All his men began to laugh also.  Then he looked angrily in Drew's eyes and asked him.  "How much do you love your precious Sheila?"  Drew swallowed hard and responded with, "With all my heart."  Hernandez just stared at him with a puzzled look.  Drew had no idea what would happen next.  "Then why would you put her and yourself, and your 'friend', in such grave danger?", Hernandez questioned.  "I...I...don't...know," he said with his head down.  "Sit down, friend.  Go on...sit!", Hernandez demanded.

     Drew sat and couldn't make sense of Hernandez' actions.  Neither could Pastor Manuel.  "You sit too," Hernandez told the pastor.  Pastor Manuel cautiously sat to the right of Drew.  They looked at each other, then both looked at Hernandez.  Hernandez just smiled.  They sat in silence for about five minutes.  Drew became more and more anxious as the clock on the wall ticked incessantly.  Hernandez laughed again, and asked, "Are you scared?"  Drew answered, "Yes".  "You should be very scared indeed," Hernandez told them.  "Now tell me who you are and what do you have to do with this young man?", Hernandez asked Pastor Manuel.  "I am Manuel Lopez, nephew of the late Samuel Lopez," Pastor Lopez responded.  Hernandez had that puzzled angry look again.  Hernandez asked sharply, "And am I suppose to know him?"   The pastor answered him, "You may have heard of him.  He was a drug dealer.  I took over after he was killed."  He looked at the pastor and said, "Never heard of him."  Pastor Manuel was not only surprised but relieved.  That meant none of these goons knew the truth...that he was now a pastor.  "Where's the money my friend?," Hernandez asked Pastor Manuel.  He handed over the case.  Hernandez counted the money.  It was all there.  Hernandez smiled.  "OK."  His goons grabbed both of them and handcuffed them and took them to where Sheila was.  "Now I will decide what to do with the three of you.  I'm not sure I want this much blood on my hands all at once," Hernandez said.

     They threw Drew and the pastor into Sheila's room.  She was handcuffed to a small bed.  There were no windows and barely enough light to see.  The room smelled dirty, like a mixture of mold and sweat.  The stench was almost unbearable.  The only saving grace was Drew seeing Sheila.  They hugged and tears flowed from Sheila's eyes.  All she could say over and over was "I'm sorry."  Drew didn't understand.  All three were cuffed to the same bed.  Drew held Sheila as she sobbed.  Drew knew.  He knew they wouldn't be killed.  But both the pastor and Sheila thought differently.  Drew counted on Psalm 27 to get him through, and remembered Psalm 27:6.  "And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord."  Drew wondered how God would save them, but he knew God would.  Drew told Sheila about his "change" and the pastor also shared his testimony with her also.  Sheila then confessed to Drew what she was into.  Sheila had gotten into some trouble with some drug dealers.  She was buying and selling coke.  She never let a soul know.  When she started going with Drew, she wanted out, but couldn't escape.  Drew cried for a moment, then smiled and forgave her.  He told her it would be alright.  She didn't understand Christianity, but wanted to know more.  That elated Drew and Pastor Manuel.  

     They were given a little bit of food and just one glass of water, then the lights went out.  Drew and the pastor were to sleep on the hard, cold, concrete floor.  None of them could sleep that night.  The food they ate was just crumbs of what Hernandez and his men ate that night, and the water was dirty.  There were mice and roaches in the small room and they only let Sheila shower twice a week.  Her hair was tangled and in disarray, her clothes torn and dirty.  Drew about came unglued at seeing her this way, but held his composure for her sake.  Drew gave Sheila his Bible to read.  She started on the Psalms.  She cried as she read.  When she finally got to chapter 27, she broke down completely.  The guard at the door heard her read all of Psalm 27 aloud.  He was interested in what she read.  The guard remembered hearing that passage before, but couldn't remember where.  It was about 3:30 a.m. and the guard came into the room.  This startled the three of them.  The guard held his gun at them and grabbed Drew's Bible out of Sheila's hand.  He put his right index finger up to his mouth, telling them to be quiet.  He read Psalm 27 with tears in his eyes.  There was puzzlement mixed with hope in their three sets of eyes.  "My name is Ben.  My mother is a Christian.  I never understood her belief, until now," the guard announced.  Drew shared the Gospel with Ben and Sheila, still letting Ben believe that Pastor Manuel was a drug dealer.  Ben was 23.  He went to college but couldn't find a job in his field.  He studied education and there were so many cuts in the last several years that he couldn't find a job, so he got hooked up with this "family".  His father was a gang member in the area and got him hooked up.  His mother was divorced from his father and then became a Christian soon after.  She prayed for Ben ever since.

     Ben asked questions and so did Sheila.  They were still uncertain, but they did realize Drew was the real deal.  The pastor went along posing as a drug dealer and asked questions too.  Neither Drew or Pastor Manuel knew if this guy Ben was legit or not in being interested in Jesus.  He might turn on them all at any time.  Drew was a believer now for only a few days but shared the Gospel like he believed for years.  Pastor Manuel was impressed.  Ben heard Sheila's story how she tried to get out of the drug scene and was wanting a way out too.  Here was his chance, but would he be killed?  The other guards got suspicious and checked on Ben.  A guard by the name of Julio came in and asked if Ben was OK.  Ben answered, "There was some trouble here but I took care of it.  They won't act up again.  I'll be out in a moment, go on!", Ben ordered.  Julio and Ben were best friends since joining the "family".  Julio was 22, a high school dropout.  Julio was cautious around Ben, not trusting his motives at all.  Julio waited at the door.  "We'll talk later," Ben told them.  He came out of the dank room acting all tough.  Julio raised his eyebrow at Ben.  Ben shooed him away.  "I've got this.  No problem," Ben assured Julio.  Julio was suspicious, but couldn't pin down what to be suspicious about.  Julio and another guy by the name of Ricardo, kept an eye on Ben all night.  Ben was uncomfortable with the two guys watching him.  He had no idea what to do next.

     Sheila was crying uncontrollably and Drew didn't know how to help.  She was trembling and it wasn't just from the cold.  Drew tried so hard to calm her down.  Ben heard her wail, as did the other two guys.  Ben went in to "take care of them".  Julio and Ricardo didn't think much of it.  They just thought that Ben was going in there because the girl was throwing a fit.  But they watched Ben as he went in.  Ben went in to see if he could help.  He was thinking of a plan for all of them to escape.  He wanted out of the business.  He wanted Sheila, Drew and Manuel safe, and...he wanted to know more about this Jesus.  He played the game well.  "Quit your crying or I'll...", Ben pretended to threaten.  He went in like he was going to kill someone.  "What I really want to know is more about your Jesus", he whispered to them.  Sheila stopped crying.  All three of them smiled at Ben.  Sheila was still unsure, but was happy that maybe Ben was on their side.  Drew told him more about Jesus and they opened the Bible and read.  Ben was amazed, as was Sheila.  Ben and Sheila asked several questions about God, Jesus, the Bible, and salvation.  They were both a little skeptical, but saw something in Drew.  Sheila now knew about Pastor Manuel, but Ben didn't.  Sheila and Ben both, felt a tug at their hearts and they both began to weep.  Julio and Ricardo were out of hearing range, thank goodness.  10 minutes later, Ben and Sheila both gave their lives to Jesus and Ben had a plan to get them out.

     Ben quietly looked out the door.  No one was around.  His gun was in his belt and ready to be used.  He motioned for them to be quiet and left the room.  He ran down the hall yelling at Julio and Ricardo to help him.  "What happened?", Julio asked startled.  At the same time, Ricardo asked the same thing.  "Hey you two!  Where have you been?  I've got a big problem with the three prisoners!  Come!  Quick!", Ben spouted off.  They scrambled in the direction of the room.  They came to the door.  "Quick!  Julio!  Go in first!", Ben shouted.  Ricardo was motioned to go in after Julio.  On the shout of Ben telling the other two to go in, Drew and Pastor Manuel were suppose to stage a fight, and they went at it.  "Hey you two!  Knock it off!", Julio yelled.  Ricardo and Julio were trying to pull the two men apart when Drew, Manuel, and Ben, attacked the two men.  By the time they realized what was happening, Ben and the pastor gagged them, and Drew handcuffed them to the bed.  They still had to get past the others, but there was a door which no one guarded, so they went out that door and got away.  They all got into one of the vehicles and Ben drove them away.  They sang and gave praise to Jesus, but they also knew that those who were in the building would soon figure out the plan, and come after them.

Stay tuned next time for Part 7