Christian Living

---

Tale Of A Good Samaritan
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Army Chaplain’s Assistant Specialist Angela McCullough yearned to be a Good Samaritan. However, she never seemed to have the chance to do something great for someone needing her help. When she thought about it, she didn’t have a great deal of money, possessions and, at times, time. Concerned about doing SOMETHING for humanity, Specialist McCullough approached Chaplain Daryl French for advice.

“Chaplain,” she asked. “I do much want to help others but it seems there are no opportunities presented me. I’m wondering why, Chaplain?”

“Specialist, you have a good heart. I’ve known that since arrived here seven months ago. Just be patient. God well call you at some point when He wants you. I’d say you have already performed Good Samaritan work.”

“How, Chaplain?” the Specialist asked.

“You’ve been kind to others by your cheerful disposition. You get the Chapel ready for services. You gave many people Bibles to read the Word of God. See, you’ve done good works without realizing it. You’re thinking “Good Samaritan” is just giving people things when they are down on their luck and buying things during stressful periods. Those are indeed “Good Samaritan acts but so are the day to day little acts of kindness towards others, cheerful attitudes and small gestures. So see you are a Good Samaritan already”

“I guess you’re right Chaplain. But it doesn’t feel like being a Good Samaritan work.”

“Trust me, Specialist McCullough, God will give you many, many opportunities to service His children. You’ll see!”

“Thank you, Chaplain for explaining Good Samaritan acts to me>”

As Specialist McCullough drove to her barracks, she came upon a vehicle on the side of the road. Inside the vehicle was a young woman with her infant daughter. As Specialist McCullough came closer to the vehicle, the driver side window lowered with a hand waving seemingly to get her attention. The woman appeared to be sitting in the vehicle for a while as she was sweating.

“Ma’am thank you for stopping. I’m so hungry and is my baby. We haven’t eaten in a long time. Do you have anything that I can feed my baby?”

“I’m afraid not,” responded Specialist McCullough. “But I can take you to the commissary and get you what you want or need.”

“I’d like to but I don’t have any money. I had to leave everything about four hours ago. A man broken into my house and I just barely got out of the mobile home with my daughter.”
“Come on, get in,” I’ll get you something to eat and whatever you need for your baby. If you can, you may call the police on my cell phone or if you want me to call I can. Then I’ll get you someplace to stay until you can go back home. Okay?”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you!” as she entered Specialist McCullough’s vehicle. An enormous smile of relief came to her face as she attempted to calm her crying child.

Specialist McCullough immediatley drove the woman t the commissary to purchase infant formula and supplies as she fed a very hungry mother. Next a towing service then temporary housing was secured. Lastly a call was made to the police department to file a report of the incident. As Specialist McCullough left the mother with her child, she promised to return as often as needed until her circumstance was resolved.

“How can I ever thank you for everything you’ve done. You’re an angel! I was desperately in need and you were there. I didn’t get a chance to tell you but four cars passed me by the you came. Somehow I knew you’d stop and you did.”

“As I said, I’ll be back to check on you and your child. If you need anymore help, I’m going to give you my cell phone number. Call me! Now rest up! You’ve had a long and difficult day.”

Driving away, Specialist McCullough enjoyed the Good Samaritan role she was afforded. She learned that all it takes is a little bit of caring and taking action for those in need whether it be material, emotional or spiritual needs. “It is great to help those in need!” Specialist McCulloguh said enthusiatically.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE