Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SNOOZE (07/20/17)
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TITLE: Persistent Prayer | Previous Challenge Entry
By linda simpson
07/27/17 -
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Singing softly to himself he turned the corner and noticed a figure sitting huddled in a nearby shop doorway, trembling, trying to keep warm. It was a sunny morning but the icy wind made it feel like 0 degrees Centigrade.
Peter, thankful for his warm beanie and gloves, approached cautiously.
“Hi! Can I help you?”
The dishevelled hair moved and revealed huge scared eyes in a drawn
face. She shook her head.
“There's a cafe just down the road would you like a hot chocolate?”
That provoked more interest.
As she relaxed a bit Peter, estimating her age to be about 17, noticed she was clutching a doll very tightly.
Peter squatted down 'Who have you got there?”
Holding the doll even tighter she replied "Mary".
“My name's Peter” he volunteered “what's yours?"
“Tina” came the answer as she pulled her hair across to hide her face.
“Well Tina don't you think Mary would feel better if she was in a warmer place? Let's go and get that hot chocolate. Don't worry I will keep you safe.”
Very slowly Tina got to her feet, picked up her back pack, keeping a strong grip on Mary.
Peter rose to his feet – he was ready for a warm drink himself.
Suddenly, Tina took off at full flight down the street.
“Peter, Peter, Peter wake up we are home!” He became aware of someone tugging at his arm. Struggling out of his dream Peter had mixed emotions. Relieved in a way it was a dream but sad he hadn't helped 'Tina'. Shaking himself, he began to focus on what was happening around him. It was time to get everyone off the bus.
The Youth Group got their bags ready to meet family after attending camp for a week. Chattering and laughing about various happenings, mixed with exclamations about how God had moved in lives during their time away, made for a great homecoming. Peter as one of the leaders helped oversee the group as they found their families. He smiled at the warm atmosphere, but remembered his dream about Tina.
Peter was keenly aware that in this regional city there were many young people sleeping in parks, under bridges and other various places. He longed to be able to give them support and accommodation but on a modest wage as a storeman in a vehicle spare parts shop his income would not permit it and he was still living at home with his retired mother and father. So Peter had been praying earnestly believing that one day God would answer.
About four months after the camp Peter received a call from Pastor Willingham to visit him that afternoon. Most intrigued Peter entered the office, eager to know more.
“Peter, I am aware you have a heart for the homeless” he stated warmly.
“That's right Pastor”
“You've been praying for a solution I understand?”
'Yes I have.”
“Well it appears God has provided an answer. A local business man, who prefers to remain anonymous, has asked if we would manage a large house he owns. He wants it to be used as accommodation for homeless young people. How do you feel about that?”
Peter couldn't believe his ears. He was stunned. He finally managed to exclaim “Praise the Lord!”
Pastor Willingham continued.
“I would like you to take charge of this project with guidance from our church oversight of course”.
Peter could hardly contain himself and with his infectious enthusiasm soon had many helpers. Finally after 3 months of planning and hard work it was ready for the first residents to move into the 'Lighthouse'. A married couple from church Jim and Beth had agreed to live in and be support workers as well.
There were adjustments and difficulties as the two teenage boys and girls settled in but on the whole everyone was pleased at the progress made and the improvement in their behaviour. They were learning new skills helping with housework and doing cooking, as well as enjoying times playing games and learning about Jesus and the Bible.
A couple of months later, Peter arrived after work to find a new resident sitting at the table with Jim and Beth.
She was sitting with her back to him but he recognized the doll.
Beth started the introduction
“Peter, I'd like you to meet...”
Peter interrupted “Yes I know it's Tina!
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Red Ink: there were places that could have used more commas. This would have made it a bit easier to read.