the rescue: a story of redemption

Upload: lisa-j-zeitler

Post on 05-Apr-2018

222 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    1/25

    1

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    2/25

    2

    A story of redemption

    With

    Deanne Kincaid

    Open Door Outreach Publications

    Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    3/25

    3

    Lisa J. Zeitlerwith Deanne Kincaid

    Copyright 2011

    All Rights Reserved

    ISBN: 978-1-4507-9442-8

    Published by:

    Open Door Outreach Publications

    Post Office Box 1972

    Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29465

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

    or transmitted in any way by any meanselectronic, mechanical,

    photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the

    copyright holder, except as provided by USA copyright law.

    Printed in the United States of America

    Cover design by: Carolina Graphic Solutions, Anderson, South Carolina

    Unless otherwise indicated,

    Scripture quotations are from the

    HOLY BIBLE, King James version

    All definitions are from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2010,

    http://www.merriam-webster.com

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/http://www.merriam-webster.com/http://www.merriam-webster.com/
  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    4/25

    4

    Dedication

    From Lisa:

    My Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, words cannot describe how

    full my heart is with genuine gratitude for the gift of eternal life

    through Jesus Christ my Lord. You saved me from the pit of hell

    and brought me into Your ultimate forgiveness through the blood of

    Your Precious Son. You have redeemed me to be Your instrumentin these last days to fearlessly bring forth Your Truth through the

    glorious mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in

    chains. May I spend all eternity bringing You glory by worshiping

    You in the fullness of the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

    AMEN!

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but

    Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live

    by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself forme. (Galatians 2:20) KJV

    From Deanne:

    Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege to pour out onto

    these pages, the power and truth of the painful price You paid to set

    us free. . . and for the gift you have given the artist in me to paint

    with words.

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above allthat we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

    unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,

    world without end. (Ephesians 3:20-21) KJV

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    5/25

    5

    Forward

    For centuries Jesus has been a stumbling block and a mystery to

    many people. I honestly believe that heaven is closer to earth than

    any time in history.

    For those of you that know and love Jesus, this book will thrill

    you and you will rejoice as the pages unfold.For those of you that do not know Jesus, this book will be a

    revelation and an explanation of this wonderful Messiah.I thank the writers for this marvelous work and pray Gods

    richest blessings upon them. One of them I know personally and

    love dearly.Lisa Zeitler.I can honestly say that once I started reading this book I could

    not put it down. As a matter of fact, I read it in just two nights.

    Rabbi Warren Frankel

    The Rock of Israel Ministries

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    6/25

    6

    IntroductionWherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the

    dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

    (Ephesians 5:14)Do you love someone? I mean, do you really love someone?

    Would you do anything to save them if they were in danger? Would

    you die so they could live?The kind of love you feel for your family and friends cannot

    compare to the love God has for us, for you! Your love is a drop.

    His love is the ocean.

    When sin entered the garden, our Creator could not bear to cast

    us into eternity without Him. We are His heart and before time

    began He made a way to save us. He had to.

    Come close. Do you see the star lighting up the night sky with

    hope?

    Two thousand years ago God came to earth. Walk toward the

    manger with me. Can you feel the humility in the air? Closer now.

    Touch the pure soft skin of your Redeemer. Put your face next to

    His and look into the eyes of pure innocence and sinless perfection.

    Let the breath of Gods grace fill your lungs.

    Oh, but the cost . . . it was beyond earthly measure. The sacrifice

    for your soul would break Heavens heart. A beautiful Savior wasnailed to the cross in thirty-three AD, where every sin of mankind

    was pounded into His flesh. The blood of the spotless Lamb was

    poured out to cover you and me. Deliverance came down once and

    for any who would choose it. That means you. No matter how dark

    the road you have traveled, He is the Light that extinguishes the

    darkness.

    Many of you are not living in the total freedom He died to give

    you. Looking at the world today, inside and outside the Church,

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    7/25

    7

    people are bound by the strongholds of evil. By not only thehorrendous sins like murder and child abuse, but the gossip you told

    your friend at lunch after church, the hate you hide in your heart for

    someone who hurt you or the unforgiveness you hold onto no

    matter what.

    There is no doubt we are in the last days, maybe even the last

    hours. The hour glass has turned and the final grains of sand are

    trickling down. Wake up! The most High God wants us ready. Is

    your lamp full? Are you waiting for the Bridegroom? Are you

    leading the lost to Him? How can you if you are wrapped up tight

    in these chains? Time is at hand. Your Redeemer is standing by.

    Yeshua is alive!

    As you read on you will experience a journey of deliverance.

    The captive is set free from darkness to enter into the magnificent

    light, a freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ. It was

    finished then and is still finished today.

    We hope you sense the anointing of the Holy Spirit as you soak

    in the truth coming from these pages.

    Open your heart now, you will never be the same. If our God can

    deliver David Solomon, He most assuredly can deliver you.Ready? Lets go!

    This is a true story. Most of the names and places have been

    changed for privacy.Lisa Zeitler is a living testimony of the saving and transforming

    power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being once broken and lost herself,

    she understands hopelessness in the dark. Here, she not only

    delivers the message to the one behind bars, she serves it to him,

    radically changing his life and hers . . . forever.

    As an evangelist, Lisa ministers to many in need but rarely

    anyone as shattered and desperate as David; a seemingly impossible

    situation to all but God. What could she do for a man who was

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    8/25

    8

    facing the death penalty?She was in the middle of the darkest storm and the hottest fire

    and with her was the only life-line that could reach him . . . Jesus

    Christ.

    Lisa saidyes to this Holy assignment, not denying the call. After

    all, when you refuse His plans and purpose for your life you deny

    God Himself.

    Seeing her obedience, what then did the Savior do? He came into

    the fire . . . and danced with them.

    The three emerged in glorious redemption, not smelling of

    smoke but bathed in the fragrance of true forgiveness. As you travel

    along, you will see more than her personal story, you will view a

    tapestry of two lives colliding in a moment of time with a single,

    unbreakable thread running through it. This thread is the risen

    Savior. In fact, this is His story.

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    9/25

    9

    Chapter OneThe Assignment

    But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of

    me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I

    taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

    (Galatians 1:11-12)

    Its a brisk, fall evening, a good night to leave the windows open

    and let in the fresh air before going to bed early. Its been a long

    day. The sheers draping the windows are billowing in the breeze as

    I climb in bed and slip into a deep sleep. A rustling sound startles

    me and my eyes fly open to see a tall, muscular man climbing into

    the room. I jump out of bed and head for the stairs, sensing his

    presence behind me. With my heart pounding, I leap down onto

    every other step. Before my trembling hand reaches for the door

    knob, he grabs my shoulder. Fear chokes me as I turn toward him.

    Unable to move, Im face to face, staring into the dark eyes of

    danger.

    The next moment I am fully awake and grabbing my chest in

    terror. Sitting straight up in bed, trying to catch my breath, I realize

    its only a dream. The fear closes in like a tomb around me as I leap

    up and close the windows. I dismiss the feeling, thank the Lord for

    His protection, and try to go back to sleep. Five- thirty will comesoon enough.

    I wake up with curious anticipation in spite of a restless nights

    sleep.

    I am heading down to San Antonio to meet with attorney, Jon

    Gibson. He contacted me a few weeks ago, seeking my help in

    counseling his client who is awaiting trial in Pottersville, a small

    town about twenty miles outside San Antonio. According to Mr.

    Gibson, his client is in desperate need of spiritual counseling. He

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    10/25

    10

    further indicated he feared the man is so lost and out of control indarkness, only the hand of God can pull him from the brink.

    In our initial phone conversation he shared that his client

    confessed to the rape and murder of a young woman and was in jail

    awaiting trial. I could sense the heartfelt burden in his voice as he

    asked if I could offer any help. Jon is a Christian and believes if this

    man does not have an encounter with Almighty God, he will spend

    eternity in hell, as it is most probable he will receive the death

    penalty if convicted.

    I pour my coffee, grab a protein shake and head out the door.

    The kitchen clock says six-thirty. I am meeting Jon in four hours.

    Dark rain clouds are above and a slight drizzle is in the air. I

    realize this happens often during the heavy life-storms along our

    way. Even in the weather, God manifests His Sovereign presence.

    Heavenly tears are in the rain as His heart breaks for the lost.

    While I make my way through Austin traffic heading south on

    interstate thirty- five, I begin to understand this is more than a road

    trip to a destination a few hours away. Im on a spiritual journey as

    well. Where is the Lord leading? Why me? How can I be useful in

    helping him? He must have met with psychiatrists and therapists bynow. Were they unsure how to help him? Then I recognize Im

    thinking on a natural level, not a spiritual one. Could God have a

    bigger plan than I can imagine? These are the thoughts that

    consume me on my drive this morning.The remainder of the trip is spent in worship, singing praises to

    the Lord for His mercies and grace. I thank Him for allowing me

    the privilege to travel along with Him and for everyone that I will

    meet today.

    Use me Father, in any way that would bring honor and glory to

    You.

    The anticipation grows stronger as I get on the San Antonio exit

    and drive closer to Jons office. Peace and assurance comfort me

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    11/25

    11

    and Im confident my God will begin something mighty andpowerful today. This is a Divine appointment.

    I pull into the parking lot. Its ten-fifteen.

    Ashley, his receptionist, greets me with a warm smile and

    motions me to take a seat.

    What a beautiful family, I say, commenting on the adorable

    photo of her husband and two sons.

    Thank you, she replies, while picking up the phone to notify

    Jon of my arrival.

    Think a minute. I have arrived. Every day, we as Christians

    should be on thejourney of the day. A heavenly plan created before

    time began. Are you listening to His voice, the voice of the

    Shepherd? Do you lace up your sandals and follow the Rabbi? Are

    you covered in the dust from His feet because you are following so

    close? Tomorrow when you greet a new day and take your next

    breath for granted, will you strive to reach yourdestination orHis?

    Miracles are everywhere . . . every day. Pay attention now. Are you

    close enough to hear your Deliverer say, Lazarus come forth!?

    Do not miss Him. You may witness a dead man brought back to

    life.

    Jon greets me with a smile as he enters the waiting area.

    Walking into his office, I notice the Christian plaques and

    inspirational pictures that are in plain view, a good signa very

    good sign.He is not dressed in typical, attorney attire but has a more casual

    look, wearing Khaki pants and a polo shirt. I would say hes a man

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    12/25

    12

    in his late thirties, with thick, brown hair and deep, blue eyes. Theeyes are the window to the soul and as I peak in, I see a humble

    man with a quiet demeanor. No haughtiness or pride here. I also

    sense the burden he is about to share.

    Its remarkable how comfortable we are in our conversation

    almost like old friends getting reacquainted.

    Jon then says the words Im curious to hear, The man you will

    be meeting with today is David Solomon.

    My heart races when I begin to reflect back on the news reportsof his crimes and capture. Im trying to wrap my mind around what

    Ive heard and wonder again why God wants me here.

    Something probably happened in his past that led him to this

    murder. I can feel it when I am with him and if I can feel it, then it

    must be something terrible, he says with concern.

    Why do you say that?

    Because, he says with a chuckle. I believe I have no spiritual

    discernment whatsoever. When hes in the room the atmosphere

    changes and if someone doesnt reach him while theres still time,

    he will be heading straight to hell. This thought is haunting to me,

    especially if he gets the death penalty. Ive tried many times to

    speak to David about the Lord, but each time, he cuts off our

    conversation, not wanting to listen, particularly, when speaking

    about Christianity.

    How inspiring to see Jons concern is more than that of anattorney for his client, but as a true disciple of Christ burdened for

    the lost. As he continues to share how devastated he feels knowing

    a man may be executed without the salvation of the Lord, I first

    must emphasize to him, as true believers, we all possess spiritual

    knowledge in the Holy Spirit. Not all are called into the same level

    of discernment, but all who are saved have some spiritual insight.

    Many leave such a precious gift unopened at times or maybe

    peak in and experience only a small fraction of the power given to

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    13/25

    13

    us at the cross.

    Imagine for a moment you are stranded on a country road in the

    middle of nowhere. You have the directions that will lead you

    home, but they are locked in the briefcase in the passenger seat. The

    combination was given to you two thousand years ago. All you

    need to do is enter the numbers from your life manual also knownas the living Word of God, flip the latch and open it.

    When we are true, born- again Christians, we possess the

    fullness of Christ. We must open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit for

    Gods directions. He knows us individually and gives us spiritual

    discernment for the life-plan he has chosen for us.

    There is no doubt Jon is meant to be in David Solomons life.Almighty God is putting His team together to reach him. Count me

    in Lord. Your will be done.

    I will do everything the Lord enables me to do, Jon.

    We pray for Gods divine guidance and presence in the

    upcoming meeting with David. Jon thanks me for my time, gives

    me a hug, and brings in his private investigator to escort me toPottersville.

    Sam is a man of few words. He is matter of fact and straight to

    the point. A large, burly guy dressed in Dockers and a navy blue,

    button down shirt, I would say Sam is in his mid-forties. Being a

    private investigator, he sizes up everyone, including me.

    As we drive to the jail, Sam fills me in more about Davids life,

    which is full of tragedy, violence and evil. In a word .. hopeless.

    He really didnt have much of a childhood and what he did

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    14/25

    14

    have lays buried deep inside him because of the violence, he saysadjusting his sunglasses.

    Im not surprised he ended up in jail. I think to myself.

    Im not sure how you can help, but I trust Jon with this. Weve

    worked together for a long time and hes very good at what he

    does.

    Im not exactly sure why Im here either, but I know I am

    supposed to be and I trust the Lords guidance.

    Well, here we are. Do you have any questions before we go

    in?

    Where will the meeting take place?

    Dont worry youll be in a secure area. You will talk to each

    other over the phone.

    Surprisingly, I am not worried . . . just thought Id ask.

    I realize Sam cannot grasp how I can enter this jail, sit in front of

    a man accused of murder and have no worries or fear. Please

    understand, its not me. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can I

    take each step. The storms in life, they rage. Although problems

    arise and conflicts ensue, I have a peace that surpasses all

    understanding. Jesus is my peace. I may not understand all that goes

    on in this life, but I know the One who holds my life. He commands

    me to trust Him in all things and not lean on my own understanding.

    This is why I dont worryI dont need to.

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine

    own understanding. (Proverbs 3: 5, 6)

    We walk into thejailhouse just before one pm. Im introduced to

    Sgt. Maxwell, a Good Ole Boy from the country, who is small in

    stature but big at heart. He greets us with a warm handshake then

    asks for all the necessary information needed for our visit. While

    handing him my photo ID and ministry credentials, I realize my

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    15/25

    15

    qualifications are not whats written on a laminated card, but theanointing God pours upon me to go through doors only He can

    open.

    We take a seat and wait.

    A few moments pass and Sgt. Maxwell approaches us, saying,

    There is a cancellation in the conference room, so you can meet

    with David in there if you like.

    As usual, Gods in charge.

    Sure, thats fine, Sam says with surprise.

    My heart beats faster when I think of being in the same room

    with him.

    God is unwrapping His day just asHe planned.

    The Almighty is the Master Artist sitting before His canvas. He

    draws in the subject matter loosely with a pencil at first and then

    one by one he chooses the colors, filling his pallet like a rainbow.

    The right combination of oil and paint make the paint flow

    smoothly onto the canvas. The artist is responsible for completing

    the masterpiece. Too much of one color or not enough of another

    will affect the final outcome.

    The initial drawing is His plan for us. The oil is the Holy Spirit.

    The paint color is His will for us each day. The people we meet, thechoices we make, the call on our lives is all created by the Masters

    hand to flow onto the canvas. As we live for Him and allow the

    Holy Spirit to flow through our lives, God will paint His possible

    into our impossible.

    Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible

    to him thatbelieveth.

    (Mark 9:23)

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    16/25

    16

    Sam and I are led into a room which is approximately twelve by

    fifteen. It has one security window with vertical shades. The walls

    are concrete and painted a cold, prison gray. In the center sits a

    marred, stainless steel table and three chairs. The chill is not only

    from the temperature, but the atmosphere. An overwhelming sense

    of despair emanates from this room.

    He's coming, I say to Sam.He looks at me with question in his eyes, How do you know

    that?

    I can sense the presence of evil entering the room.

    A paralyzing fear tries to grip me and I begin to pray silently,

    Lord please let me see him as You see him.

    My heart settles in peace.

    David Solomon comes around the corner with his head down.

    He is wearingan orange jumpsuit and is heavily shackled. Chains

    are not quiet. They come into the room with him, clanging against

    the table and chair as the guard seats him. What you cannot see are

    the chains around his soul. My heart breaks to see before me a man

    so bound in sin, I can sense the heavy weight in my spirit. To my

    surprise, hes no stranger. He is the man from my dream!

    Thank you Father for your sovereign presence. Once again you

    prepared the way and I see clearly the direction I must follow. Youknow the end from the beginning.

    This is what I call ayellow brick roadmoment.

    Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret

    unto his servants theprophets. (Amos 3:7)

    Davids head is still down as he sits across from me. Here we are

    the three of us.

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    17/25

    17

    Oh, Im not talking about Sam, Myself and David. Im talkingabout Jesus, Myself and David.

    He stands here guilty with eyes so dark and evil, ones instinct in

    the natural would be to turn and run. What does not matter is what I

    feel. He is loved by the Most High. His Creator sent me on this

    mission of hope. Why did He choose me? I realize how unworthy I

    am to be here. This is big. Heaven hears my cry for help and peace

    flows in like a gentle breeze.

    As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

    (Romans 3:10)

    Oh, how precious is His truth when I remember:

    For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we

    might be made the righteousness of God in him.

    (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    When I reflect for a moment on my own miraculous deliverance,

    I am reminded nothing is impossible with our God. The privilege to

    be here is beyond my imagination.Thank you Lord, I whisper to myself.

    When I look through my Father's eyes I do not notice Davids

    shattered life. I see the Apostle Paul. I see King David. I see you

    and me. The truth is Jesus Christ gave His life to set us free.Salvation is for us all. He died for all and he died for one, including

    David Solomon.

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    18/25

    18

    There is quiet for a moment. David continues looking downwhile Sam speaks with him, mentioning some housekeeping

    business pertaining to his case and upcoming trial.David, this is Lisa. Your team would really appreciate it if you

    would speak with her.

    I told you I would talk to her, but I dont know what good itll

    do. Youve had me meet with other therapists and you know what

    they said. I cant be helped. Why is this any different?

    I am looking at a man with no hope whatsoever. Thats the

    feeling on his side of the table. The Son is shining on my side and I

    am about to open the window of Heaven and let Him flood the

    room. Our Redeemer is standing by.

    David, I want to thank you for meeting with me today. You

    dont know me and this may seem awkward, but I hope I can help

    you in some way. I realize youve met with many therapists, but I

    am not a therapist or a psychiatrist. I am a minister. My calling in

    life is to be used by God to reach the broken and offer them hope.

    Do you know what Ive done?

    Yes I do.

    Then why are you here and why would you even talk to

    someone like me?

    Because I believe the Lord sent me. I dont understand the big

    scheme of things but I do know its important to be here for you.

    As he is speaking, he lifts his head and looks at me. His eyes aredark and hollow and I feel as though I am looking into an endless,

    black hole. The evil gazing at me is saying, stay away, he belongsto us.

    The next words out of his mouth break my heart.

    I am nothing. I am a rotten, maggot-filled animal. The things

    Ive done in my life are horrendous. I deserve to die. They need to

    kill me. I need to be in hell.

    The Lord feels differently, I think quietly.He wants no one to

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    19/25

    19

    perish . . . not even one!

    The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count

    slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any

    should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

    (2 Peter 3:9)

    David is far away from the rest of the flock, tangled in the

    barbed wire of sin. He is lacking the real nourishment of true love

    and kindness in his life. Torment and destruction are pumping

    through his veins and the odor of his gaping, bloody wounds are

    foul. The snake is wrapping him up tight and squeezing all hope

    from him. The lies and deception from hell have had free reign for

    too long. I understand now why Im here. My Holy assignment is

    sitting before me. I do not see a criminal. This is not about the

    crimes or escaping the death penalty but about his eternal soul. God

    is allowing me to look through the spirit eyes of a Father and see a

    devastated, little boy whose been alone and cold in the dark for too

    long.

    David is starving for the Truth. No problem . . . Ive brought

    enough for everyone. In fact, its the only item on the menu.

    Now is the time to turn on the light from heaven, reach down

    with the hand of a Savior, and pull this man from his tomb. I need

    to introduce him to the One and OnlyJesus Christ.An hour and a half flew by.

    Toward the end of our visit, I say, I want to tell you how sorry I am for your torment.

    He snaps his head up and stares into my eyes.

    Why would you say that?No one has ever said that before.

    I cant imagine the anguish you suffered during your life and I

    am truly sorry. I want you to understand God can and will take

    away the pain if you let Him. He is giving you a gift today by

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    20/25

    20

    allowing me to share His Gospel with you. Above all else,remember this; He poured out His love for you through the cross

    where Jesus Christ, Gods only Son, gave up His life to set you free.

    Now you must decide if you will choose to receive Him.

    The guards arrive letting us know we are out of time. I ask them

    to give us a moment to pray.

    Will it be all right if I say a prayer for you?

    Sure.

    When Ibegin to pray, Davids head hangs lower. The shame and

    guilt are a tremendous weight around his neck. His breathing is

    heavy and is evidence of his exhaustion in carrying such a burden.

    After my prayer, I reach out to shake his hand.

    Thank you David. If you would like me to visit you again, let

    your attorney know and I will be here.

    He reaches out reluctantly shaking my hand and says with hishead down, Thank you, I would like that.

    I am silent while we walk to the front desk to pick up our

    personal items. Sgt. Maxwell sends us on our way with a

    goodbye. I thank him for his kindness and allowing us to use the

    conference room.

    Leaving the prison, I notice the rain lets up but the clouds are

    still dark.

    How are you doing? Sam asks as he puts on his jacket.

    My heart is heavy. He is so lost and in need of Christ.You werent afraid were you?

    No, not afraid, sad is more like it. My heart hurts for him.Not many people would feel this way, Sam says.

    I wouldnt either without the powerof God by His Holy Spirit,

    Sam. I know Davids crimes are horrific. There is a price to pay and

    he should, but how am I any different in regard to my own past sin?

    Except for the Lord, there go I. All sin separates us from God. His

    grace cost my Savior everything. He was wrung out for me,

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    21/25

    21

    shedding every drop of His innocent blood. But not just for me. . . Tears begin to well up inside. How can I not share Jesus with this

    man?

    I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared

    thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy

    lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

    (Psalm 40:10)

    I weep in silence while I look out the window on the way back to

    Jons office.

    When we arrive, Jon asks to speak with me about the meeting.

    Well, he would like to see me again.

    Yes, I know, he says with a smile. Sgt. Maxwell called me

    shortly after you left. You connected with him in some way. Can

    you come again? Do you think you can help him find freedom in

    Christ?

    I am not sure what Gods divine plan is for David, but He has

    given me this assignment and I will be here.

    Jon explains he will need to petition the courts to bring me in asDavids Pastoral Counselor.

    Im skeptical and havent seen this done before, but if God

    wants this, I trust He will make it happen. We can only try.

    Jon thanks me again for my time and I am on my way.As I head north, the rain begins to fall again.

    Do you remember an experience in your life that left you still

    and quiet, not able to speak or think? I cannot contemplate for even

    a moment handling this in my own strength. The Lord is picking me

    up and holding me in His arms for this one . . . all Jesus and no Lisa

    here.

    I begin to cry out and pray, What are you calling me to, Lord?

    Father, do I understand Your heart?

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    22/25

    22

    Deep within my spirit, once again, I hear a familiar voice saying,

    The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count

    slackness; but is longsufferingto us-ward, not willing that any

    should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

    (2 Peter 3:9)

    Our heavenly Father created David Solomon. He does not want

    to lose him forever. Freewill is hard to break through when a heart

    is so callused with sin and death. But God in His infinite mercy is

    extending an invitation for David to come to Him in full repentance.

    He is calling him by name, beckoning him to answer.

    I imagine David in his cold cell and think of the gentle wind of

    the Holy Spirit with Him, holding him and beckoning him, Come.

    Repent and trust in Jesus. Cry out to Him. Come to a Father who

    wants to set you free.

    Will he listen? Will David run to the Savior and repent before

    time runs out? Im putting my trust in the Lord.

    The rain drops begin to fall harder on the foggy glass as the

    windshield wipers screech back and forth. Im thirty miles from

    home . . . I dont have much of an appetite but I need to eat

    something, so I pull off the interstate and head to Mama Shirleys

    Caf.

    Shirley is a dear friend Ive known for many years. In fact, Igrew up and went to school near here in a little town called Caden.

    My friends and I would hang out on the weekends, enjoying the

    excellent food, along with the grace and wisdom she would offer.

    Shes been praying for me. I am anxious to tell her about our

    meeting.

    I walk through the door to the aroma of good, down home

    cooking.

    Julie, the hostess, says hello with her warm smile and seats me in

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    23/25

    23

    my favorite booth.How is your little one? I ask.

    He is growing like a weed! She says with a proud mommy

    grin.

    I slide into the booth and order the most delicious fried chicken

    and cream cheese smashedpotatoes in the county.

    Shirley sets a glass of ice cold, sweet tea in front of me and says,

    Hey, how did it go?

    Well. . . Im beyond words.

    I can only share the basics as the case remains under a gag order

    by the court.

    All I can say is he confessed to the rape and murder of a woman

    and asked if I can return for another visit.

    There is silence for a moment.

    You need to go back. You must do this, Lisa. Youre the one

    chosen to lead him to Christ.

    I trust her wisdom. She is a genuine disciple of Christwith true

    discernment in the spirit. As she speaks, her words run through me

    like electricity. I am confident this is Gods will.

    When are you going back?

    Im not sure. His attorney will call and let me know. Until

    then, I will seek the Lord in prayer.

    Thats an understatement child. Youll be engaged in warfare.

    Shes right. Although a challenge, this is my calling in Christ . . .to share the gospel, heal the sick and broken-hearted and set the

    captive free. I fully understand my God is able.Please give me strength to do my part, Lord.

    Shirley, what if I fail?

    You wont, child. As long as you let the Holy Spirit lead, you

    wont fail.

    We finish our conversation with my last bite and say our

    goodbyes.

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    24/25

    24

    Sitting in the parking lot, the thoughts of the day weigh heavy onmy mind. This is huge. This is God.

    Father God, I need Your wisdom, guidance and truth in every

    step.Please help me accomplish Your will.

    Im back on the road a few minutes when my phone rings.

    Hey hun, Ive been praying all day. How was your meeting?

    asks Nina, one of my prayer partners.

    Well, if the judge approves, I will be ministering to a man who

    will be tried for murder.

    Do you believe God is sending you?

    Yeah, I really do. Its indescribable and I know deep in my

    spirit God is guiding the way.

    Well, Ive known you long enough to realize if God tells you to

    minister to someone, thats exactly what youll do. Dont hold back

    on this one. It could be his only chance.I agree. Please keep praying I hear clear direction from the

    Lord, following His lead.

    I will hun. OhIve had this thought all day. . .

    What?

    Did you see the movieDead Man Walking?1

    No. Ive never heard of it.

    Well its an old movie, you need to see it. This could be you.

    Its about a nun who ministers to a man on death row.

    Really? Wow . . . ok, I will.Call me later and tell me what you think.

    Okay. Thanks for your prayers.Ill talk to you soon, take care.

    My curiosity takes me to the video store, where of course,

    although an older movie, theres one in stock. Should I be

    surprised? Nope. Here is Godspossible . . . again.

    The plot unfolds and the peace I feel in my spirit is telling me I

    will walk a similar road. Peace and quiet cover me like a blanket

    while I reflect on the movie. Can I do this? As I reach the end, tears

  • 7/31/2019 The Rescue: A Story of Redemption

    25/25

    flood my eyes. The weeping comes from deep within me and mywhole body seems to be affected. Can you remember crying so hard

    youre gasping for air in between the sobs?

    Father, if this is what You are calling me to do, I will obey. I

    will travel this road with You and for Your Glory. I will minister

    with my whole heart, sharing Your truth with him. Above all, I will

    introduce him to Your Son. Please help me not to fail, In Jesus

    name, Amen.

    The Holy Spirit is seeking Davids heart. Will he be found?

    possible:pos-si-ble: adjective; being within the limits of ability,

    capacity, or realization.