Homeward Bound

Have you ever watched the movie "Homeward Bound" -- with the two dogs and one cat who undertake an incredible journey looking for their vacationing masters? Especially the American Bulldog pup Sassy grabs your heart! He's a free-wheeling, freedom loving dog!                                                                         Sassy reminds me of a friend whom I first met on a prison-visit almost 2 years ago. This young man could win your heart in a minute. He had done some 'heavy crime' as a juvenile -- but the prison system certainly humbled him. Even in my association with him he endured weeks 'in the box'. Our prayers and our efforts were focussed on getting him out of prison before the authorities deported him ...  My friend at the American Presbyterian church closest to the prison & I took courage in our faith and in the words of our Lord that God cares for the prisoner and for the down-trodden. Our young friend also rediscovered the faith of his poor parents in this prison environment and became a very compassionate person!   -- Well, last evening the miracle happened! Without prior notice to the inmate or to family or friends this young man was released! -- I had just seen him on Monday & mailed him another batch of stamps so he could write home!     He was out!       Halleluiah!       Our phone calls to family & to my friend Rev. Bob in the US criss-crossed! What a wonderful feeling! -- We can't even imagine the joy in this 21 year old who spent 6 Christmases in prison! The words of the prophet Isaiah,  also used by our Lord Jesus as he began his ministry, came to mind: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Lk.4 and Isaiah)    Now, finally, this young man is 'Homeward Bound' too!    Another new Christian friend will take him under his wing for a while to get him settled in a home and to help find work -- as the US doesn't have the equivalent of a John Howard Society.       We are so grateful that God is so very true to His Word. Thanks be to God!        Take time to pray for your care and for your salvation too.  Be patient. God is listening!