Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Vision (08/03/06)
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TITLE: Harbor of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elissa Mitchell
08/08/06 -
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Five years before, she had arrived at the islands with her twin brother, John, to fulfill their vision of starting a missionary work among the people of Puerto Rico. Now rowing away from the coastline, she could think of nothing but the lonely wooden cross, in some remote valley where the remains of her brother were buried along with the destroyed vision.
Now alone, she started her journey back to Britain. How desolate the island seemed, despite the clear blue water, and the lush foliage. She turned away as bitterness corroded the edges of her heart like acid. Twenty-four years old, and already she looked the age of forty. She peered down at her once soft smooth hands, now dappled from the hours she spent working under the boiling tropical sun.
Looking back at the ruins caused her heart to shiver with fear. Would she ever be free of the recurring nightmares of the devastating hurricane? When would the mention of the Great Hurricane cease to fill her with terror? Would the terrifying fear of wind and rain ever subside? When would seeing others delirious with joy at being reunited without loss or harm not constrict her heart, still aching with deep pain from the loss of her brother? Suddenly she was washed in a sea of great bitterness.
“Lord, I’ll never come back to this island ever again. It's robbed me of everything that was dear to me.”
The rowboat reached the ship bound for Britain. Will there be healing for such hurt and pain? She could only cry out to Jesus and hope. Healing had to come if she were to live whole and complete again.
Reaching up to grab hold of the rope ladder dangling from the awaiting ship, she heard noises above the splashing of the waves lapping against the bow. From the beach she could hear the sound of crying voices.
“A peaceful journey!” The voices rang out across the distance.
Those who had come to know the Lord and those who had helped share the gospel stood waving in a group. Notification of departure had come so suddenly that she had been unable to say goodbye.
Their voices were raised in sweet benediction: “God be with you, till’ we meet again …”
Their words released the waters of bitterness that had flooded her soul, and the hurt began to drain as her tears cascaded down her cheeks in a steady stream.
The healing had begun. She handed over her life into the hands of a gracious God, who alone could help her to understand the mysteries of suffering and pain.
As the ship set sail carrying her away from the coral reefs, beaches, and palm trees. God revealed a vision before her eyes. A vision that someday, God only knew when, she would come back to her island home and her people.
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Caribbean Islands (1780, October 10-12)
The “Great Hurricane of 1780” was the most deadly Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, killing 20,000 to 30,000 people. The storm hit Barbados first, taking more than 4,000 lives, and then took 6,000 more from Saint Lucia. Martinique lost 9,000 residents. The storm also hit Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saint Eustatius, and Puerto Rico, where 9,000 more perished.
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I agree with the others, this begs to be continued.