We had a good time but had to leave early to go pick up some other kids who were coming over to draw with Dennis after lunch. It was a fun afternoon spent with young ladies who rarely ever have the chance to do anything for themselves.
It was around 6:30 and I was almost done cooking dinner when we got a phone call. It was Brian, Sulma's little brother. "Is Sulma there with you guys?"
It was one of those moments when the brain has to take a few seconds to compute, quickly followed by an increase in heart rate. I explained that we had seen Sulma at the school earlier, but she did not come home with us. Brian said that they were worried because she should have been home already.
Dennis jumped in the Bronco and drove down to Sulma's school but no one was there. As he was out driving around Sulma's older brother Melvin called. He told me that they had checked with an older sister who lived by the school but she had not seen Sulma. The family had a motorcycle and one of the other brothers was out looking like Dennis was. We all just decided to keep looking and waiting.
I will be very honest here. It was all I could do not to cry. My only thought was that our Sulma had not accepted Jesus as her Savior. I thought, "There is a really good chance that I might not ever see Sulma again." Human trafficking is a big problem in Belize and the danger is very real. But, even though I had this thought I knew that I was not a helpless person. You are never helpless when you have the ear of God. I prayed and prayed. I just prayed until the phone rang again and Melvin said that Sulma had arrived at the junction. Thank you God!
Dennis and I have been talking with Sulma about who Jesus is and what He did. She always listens very closely but has told us that she is not ready to trust. Sulma goes to a Christian school and some in her family are Christ followers. But still she is reluctant. We have done our part, now the Holy Spirit is left to work as we pray for our girl.
This incident has given me the realization of the importance of sharing our faith. God made it very clear that this life is fleeting and we must speak while we can. We have been given the gift of heaven. Why would we not share it with others when that is exactly what our purpose is? The world has twisted things around to make Christians look foolish and naive. But, I don't listen to the world I listen to God. I encourage my fellow Christ Followers to be bold in your words. Don't let others make you feel inadequate or silly. Your voice can be the only thing that determines if a person will be seeing you a hundred years from now. Open your mouths and speak life.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart please God, not the world.
Love you guys!
P.S. There was a time when I would have apologized for being "preachy", but not any more. There is too much at stake.
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