My Dearly Beloved Sisters & Brothers,
I just told my wife Rita, not more than a week ago, that everything was going along too beautiful and peaceful.
We were overdue to have some kind of struggle - the testing of our faith, etc... Jams 1:3 "You know that you learn by having your faith tested." Contemporary English Version
I am firmly convinced in seeking God's truth and His will, that His children must experience 'growing pains'!
The testing began on Jan 19Th Sat. night.
It all started when my 18 yr old son went to see a movie with a few of his friends. You'd have to know my son to see that he loves our Lord and is trying to live a life that is pleasing to God. While they were waiting for the movie to start, a group of @ five or six guys began harassing them. One in particular was accusing my son of being on a date with "his girlfriend!" He was screaming profane, threatening words towards my son trying to start a fight in the mall. My son & the girl tried, to no avail, to convince him she was with my son's date, not with him. Either he didn't believe her, (so much for a trusting relationship) or he just wanted to act the tough guy - in front of his 'friends'!
My son actually used his brain, (wow, kids these days can think things through!) and convinced everyone that was with him to just leave the mall and see the movie another day. Well, this 'tough guy' along with his friends followed them to the parking lot and continued the harassment. My son had everyone get into the car and lock the doors. The tough guy tried to open the door as my son started the car. When the car pulled away the tough guy either kicked or punched the rear quarter panel causing a 12" wide by 8" deep dent. The car belongs to his sister, so she is the one that had to file the vandalism charge with my son being the victim. The tough guy was arrested and posted bond. We are awaiting a court date.
We all have been praying for him (He is after all, a son of God & our brother whether he knows it or not.) ever sense this mess started. We have been praying that God would bless him with a clear mind and the understanding of his wrong doing. We pray that he would have a heart of desire to truly know God, because only God can bring change to him. (He claims to be a 'christian' on his My Space profile.)
My son came home last night, Friday 25Th and showed me a post this guy has placed on his 'My Space' site. Please excuse the language but it is needed to show the depth of the problem, "B**** I Got Bond Money, you think you can lock me up but I'll get out and when I do you know its lights out!!!!!"
So now my daughter has been requested by the police to file harassment charges. She is at work right now so that is something waiting to take place.
Are we afraid? I'm not for myself, but naturally I can't begin to tell you how sick my heart is with concern for my daughter & son. We all have a close relationship with our Lord, and we all know "all things" do eventually work to God's good for those who love him.
Rom 8:28 "We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,
Rom 8:29 and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children." CEV (See above)
I am asking you all to please say a special prayer for my family to see the good in God's plan.
Thanks and love to all of you who do take the time to remember our need.