Friday, September 14, 2012

Behind the pistol.

There are sometimes places and situations in life that we never expect to find ourselves. That is just the way life is sometimes. Even if we make all of the right moves, even if we make all the right plans, all the right choices- there will be times of trials. And while those times are scary, difficult, and not at all what we'd hoped for- I find comfort in the fact that knowing no matter what the circumstance- or no matter what the outcome- the Lord is there to hold us through it.

Many of you may or may not have heard that yesterday our family was robbed at gun point on the way home from the bank yesterday just a few blocks from Village of Hope. Todd, Addisyn, Kaden, Carson, Havyn and I had gone out that afternoon to run some errands. Just normal, everyday stuff- stopping by the market for fruit and running into the bank to exchange some money for projects being done throughout the week. About 4 minutes after leaving the bank and a few minutes from Village of Hope, in a busy area with cars and people everywhere- we were suddenly surrounded and trapped in by two cars as two males with a gun jumped out and began screaming and pointing the gun at our heads.

As I have replayed those moments over and over in my head like the scenes from a bad movie- more than ever before I am certain about one thing- how fragile our lives are and our need for the Jesus.

 A lots of things go through your mind when you have a gun pointed at your head. The screams of your children from the back seat, the pleading of your husband next to you and the angry words coming from the one holding the gun... and yet somehow, over all of the noise of this world- I could still hear my shepherds voice reminding me that He was there. Oh how faithful our God is. And through that reminder, I was able to take my focus off he gun and look instead into the eyes of the man holding it.

 In that moment, instead of feeling fear- I felt an even greater passion to share Jesus with this lost world.

Because in this mans eyes, I saw a soul who was lost, hurt, and desperate. Desperate for safety, desperate for love, desperate for peace- and the money that he took will never bring that to him. The only place he will ever find what he was longing for is in the arms of the one who loves Him no matter what crime he committed.

We spent a lot of time praying as a family that night. Praying that daddy would be able to let go of the guilt of not being able to protect his family and the Lords money, praying that our children would have those images erased from their little minds and praying for these men to somehow find the Lord.

 Sometime later that night as we were counting our losses and going over the list of valuables that was taken, Addisyn reminded me that inside of my purse that was taken was a bible...

and I couldn't help but to call that a gain.



Would you please join us in praying for these men?

Lord, thank you for who you are and for what you have already done for us regardless of who we are and what mistakes we have made.  Lord I pray for these men who stole from you and I ask your forgiveness upon them. I ask Lord for them to somehow come to know who you are.  Lord forgive me for the times in my life when I have missed an opportunity to share you with a stranger, with a neighbor, a family member or a friend- for that may have made all the difference. Forgive me for the times I have failed to be bold and live my life in such a way that people couldn't help but to long to know you more. Forgive me Lord for looking the other way when I see someone in need of you. Lord may you use our lives and everything we have to bring you glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


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29 comments:

Dardi said...

Thank you for boldly allowing Jesus to take center stage...it's so easy to get swept away in an ugly moment & forget that He is still there. I am so thankful for your safety, & even more thankful for your testimony. Praying blessings & healing over your family. Love you!

Anonymous said...

this brought tears! praise God for His faithful watch and protection over us! i am thankful you were all left unharmed. i am in prayer with you sister!

Mrs. Michelle said...

Speechless. I can just imagine what your eyes said to that man without you even opening your mouth, can't help but believe he say compassion for the first time in his life.

Laurel said...

I will continue to lift you all up to the Lord, that He will restore your peace, your joy, and your finances. I know that He will continue to provide for your every need.

Love & Hugs!

Laurel :)

Blessed said...

So glad you are fine. Please remind your husband that the money was God's, not yours and not your donors, and He knew this would happen, so He is responsible for where it goes, not you all. It is never worth getting hurt over money! And am totally praying as you have asked. NOTHING is outside of redemption.

Melissa said...

Thanking God that you are okay! Our lives are a vapor, and we never know when or how the vapor will dissipate. But I am SO glad that God protected you from harm, and will be praying for the situation, especially for the little ones who I know were so terrified.

Owlhaven said...

Today have been reading fb posts from folks going to this year's T4A conference, and just now remembered the time we spent chatting with friends in our adjoining hotel rooms. Precious time. God was with us there, just as He is with you now--I know you know that! SO glad you are safe. Praying continued protection for your family and peace that passes understanding.

Hugs,
Mary

Deidre said...

Praising God that He protected you in this. Praying for the men who chose to target you guys and that He would bring them salvation. These men had no idea that the consequence of their actions would be prayers lifted up for their salvation!

Praying for you guys that God's promises will continue to bring peace and erase any fear. Thank you so much for serving Jesus and following Him to the people of Guatemala.

Gloria said...

Your faith shines so beautifully even in this. Praising Him for your safety. Praying for your family and the guys. Oh if only we would share Him at every given opportunity how different would our world be!

Julie said...

I am shaking reading this. I have followed your amazing family and your ministry for years now. Thank you Jesus for protecting you and your family through this trial. I will be praying for all of you as you deal with this trauma. Your testimony of being able to think of this man's eternal future even while he was holding a gun to you is amazing.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness!! I admire y'all so much for the attitude you all have about one of the most horrible things I can think of. What's crazy is last night I couldn't fall asleep and was praying and y'all popped into my head. As I was praying for y'all the same scenario played in my mind that really happened, being robbed at gunpoint in a car. At the time I pushed it out of my mind, trying not to think about a fantasy so bizarre, and prayed for y'all's safety. I was sitting at lunch today when I found out that God showed my exactly what y'all were going through so that I could pray. I tell you this to encourage you that God's ALWAYS watching out for us. He even will keep a 14 year old up late at night just to speak a direct prayer request for a shaken up family. All I can say is glory to God, praise the Lamb for His provision, thank You Jesus! I love all of you and will continue to pray.
Mattie Patterson

Kara said...

Praying with you from afar.

Kara said...

Praying with you from afar.

Anonymous said...

Blog hopped to get here..tears flowing I praise God for those like you who faithfully serve our Mighty God

Anonymous said...

Amy - new reader here! Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story - totally spoke to my heart today. Know that you and your family are being prayed for in Oklahoma.

Amanda said...

We are happy to keep lifting you up in prayer, please let your supporters know of anything you need. God will bring his glory to this even bigger than you could imagine.

Charisa said...

Love you guys! Just plain love you! Keep shining in the midst of darkness! I read a quote one time that said when you really see evil that it makes the Son shine all that brighter..sounds like what you are experiencing..and are shining just like Him!! <3

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you guys!!!

Rebecca said...

Wow Amy... There are no adequate words to tell you how thankful we are to you and for you. Praise God for His hand of protection. Many many prayers...
Love,
Rebecca

Beth said...

Beautiful post! Beautiful words from a beautiful soul!

We Are Family said...

I'm so sorry! I am in awe of your selfless love. Prayers.

The Wielands said...

Several years back on a Campus Life ski trip, there was a fiesty drunk man at a hotel who was leaning over the kids on a balcony, right as the Gospel was to be presented. We made all the kids go directly to their rooms for safety, and had to cancel for the night. We were all very upset that this happened, but Traever reminded me that this allowed us all an opportunity to pray for this man; maybe a man who had never been prayed for before. Praying for these two men and their families, as well as you all.

{darlene} @ fieldstonehill said...

Lord, I cry out for these men. Pull them toward that Bible!! Let them open it, while you open their hearts and their minds. Show them your Love, and the Peace and Freedom you offer. Show them the Riches you have in store for them.
Amen.

Jen said...

Amy,

We are praying for the God's grace to cover the guilt Todd feels, for the children's minds to be renewed and transformed so that any fear is removed completely except for their fear of the Lord, and for rest and peace for you and the whole family. We will also join you in praying for these men to come to know Christ. And, that the Lord would continue to provide for all of your needs as you serve Him there.

Love and prayers,

Jen

FullPlateMom said...

Praying for this man, you and your children. May you find comfort, all of you.

Karin said...

God's Word will not return void. I pray that man will remember looking into your eyes...and the compassion of Jesus that he saw there...and pick up that Bible and find what he is looking for. Thank you for telling your story, and how God was so faithful to you in the midst of it. I find that SO encouraging to hear testimony of God's faithfulness!! HUGS!!!

Sophie said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Amy, but so grateful that no one was hurt. Praying for your families safety and for Jesus to touch this man's heart

Anonymous said...

Your story is full of such deep love for Jesus and each one He has created. I am so thankful that you are all safe and praying for you guys. You still are teaching me so much where to put your focus on.....what really counts for eternity. Thanks for being such an amazing example of being sold-out for Christ!!!!!

Andrea Hill said...

Oh my sweatheart, how did I miss out on this. I can only imagine especially for all the little ones, watching their mommy and daddy..Yes, Lord, I will join you all in prayer for you and these men that don't know God. I love you so much Amy. I just don't know what to say right now.