Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: END (06/09/22)
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TITLE: Alan's Tragedy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene MCPherson
06/16/22 -
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He came to our attention when our church sister asked my husband to mentor him.
“I have been giving him meals, but he needs more than that, I will send him to you.”
Weeks passed before an unkempt youngster came.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Are you Alan? I anticipated meeting you,” Elder Rodney smiled and motioned him to sit on the bench under the tree. They exchanged pleasantries, then he asked:
“Tell me who you are and how can I be of help”
“I am Alan Brown. My mother ran me out of the house because I was giving problems. I went to school while living with my grandmother, but I got myself into trouble again. I had sex with an underage girl. My mother came to the station to sign a document for my supervision, but she refused so I went to prison.”
He held his head down in silence. Then continued.
“When I came out, I lived with my grandmother not for long. She didn’t have room for me and her male visitor. I left and lived with my Godmother who removed so I was now on my own. Right now, I’m at the beach. I would like a place to sleep and work.”
“You have a rough life,” commented Elder Rodney.
“When last have you had a bath?”
He smiled and looked intently at him.
Elder Rodney gave him soap, rag, and clothes and sent him to the bathroom. After which he offered him a meal.
“My wife and I will allow you to stay here until a place is prepared for you.”
He became a member of the family, participated in family devotion, and went to church with us among other places.
We refurbished a vacant dilapidated building and supplied a few pieces of furniture in a tenanted yard, for his use. The tenants were pleased with our efforts, and we created a healthy relationship with them. He was now living on his own. The tenants gave him food or money in return for any help he gave them. Elder Rodney supplied him with food and toiletries.
One day the Police summoned Elder Rodney to the station.
“Are you responsible for Alan Brown sir?”
“Yes, sir”
“A mother came here and reported that Alan had sexual relations with her underage daughter, so he is charged”.
After spending over a year in prison he came out and vowed that he was not going back to prison again. He expressed his desire to do two courses, which he did them online.
Meanwhile, God in his mercy opened a door of opportunity for him as a handyman but this was short-lived. The same day that he went to the supermarket he fought with an employee. We felt defeated but we prayed.
Elder Rodney had special sessions on effective communication and anger management with him over a period.
Eventually, he got a job as a Security Guard. He still had to report weekly to the Police Station and this job cut across the time that he should see the Police, so he quit. He sought another job and was successful.
By this Elder Rodney, left the island but we kept in contact.
To show his appreciation he took a snapshot of himself in his new uniform and sent them to his mentor. Alan was happy. He noted that the pay was higher than the previous one.
In his last court hearing, he received a miracle. His name was expunged from the list of sexual offenders. This was again a new chance for him to change his lifestyle. Alan photographed the documents and sent them with a voice note to Elder Rodney.
“Boy, you a real father, you know, thanks if it was not for you, I would not be where I am today”. I am free, look at the documents.”
“It’s okay, my son, do your best,” he responded not knowing that this would be his last words to him.
One evening as he awaited the bus to commute home the unthinkable took place. Two youngsters demanded his cell phone, but he refused, and they shot him. He died in hospital the following morning.
This sad news caused us to grieve for days. Psalms 90:12 “So teach us to number our days…” caused us to ponder.
Non-fiction
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