Short Stories

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“I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord ..” (Isaiah 63:7 NIV).

She was a beautiful woman! Long dark hair, surrounded a face that shone with a certain radiance. Under normal circumstances her dark brown eyes sparkled with joyful life. Now they were glazed, as tears coursed down her beautifully shaped face. God had graciously endowed Imelda, with unsurpassed beauty.

We stood side by side in the emergency ward of Ichilov hospital, one of Israel’s largest, staring at the tiny baby, lying helpless. Tubes ran in and out of her naked body. The doctors had diagnosed a brain defect shortly after delivery and the child was now fighting for her life. At other times, I would have been quite intimidated by the situation, Now, I was aware of two facts. Firstly, that God heals. Secondly, that the Lord had earlier on, directed me to give a present of two new baby vests, to the mother. My conclusion; the Lord would heal this child!

So, having prayed the best I could for the child’s total deliverance, I bade permission and left the mother and her dishonest boy friend, to themselves. They needed to sort out a number of issues. I say dishonest because, Imelda’s boyfriend had contributed to her pregnancy, and then denied all knowledge of the fact. The near death experience facing the child, had encouraged a ‘turn about’ and, he was now seeking to make amends for his past, shameful behavior.

I am constantly amazed by the kindness the Lord showers upon us daily. I suppose I shouldn’t be. It is written in plain black and white for the entire world to read. One has only to read the bible without secular bias. My main reason for writing this piece is to share with you my experience, concerning this kindness. It is for me, painful and disturbing, when I hear people speak in a not- so informed manner, about their perceived failings of God. I personally think that God is good and kind! I also think, He has a very difficult job to do in this earth’s realm. Gratitude towards God on our part, seems to be short on supply.

It so happened that one cold winter, I was walking along a street called Levinsky, which is situated somewhat in the middle of Tel -Aviv, when I met a young lady, just about to enter the local pharmacists.

“Hello Imelda, “ I said, pleased to meet one with whom I had become slightly acquainted, during the course of my ‘ongoing services’ towards mankind. She immediately burst out in tears, and I instinctively knew, I was going to be late for my next appointment.

It turned out, that Imelda had been robbed of her precious jewellery, by a not so honest young man who, after living with her for some time and piling up debts, had suddenly and without her knowledge, ‘flown the coop,’ boarded a plane, and was headed towards his homeland somewhere in central Asia. She had learnt this via a telephone conversation with his closest friend. This friend, had taken pity on the abandoned young lady, and reluctantly, divulged the devastating information to her, whilst she was at work.

Imelda wept her heart out, and succumbed to a nervous breakdown. She had been so badly affected and heartbroken, that the visiting physician had nearly failed to treat her. She was so weak, she could barely open her front door. His near missed visit apparently, saved her life!

I learnt this, as I sat with her in a small rented apartment, listening to her story and, seeking to comfort one who had been so wretchedly treated. If, there was any one good thing about this terrible ordeal, it was the fact that Imelda, finally decided that living with men who were not prepared to be responsible, was not the life she wanted for herself. She was now truly converted she said, and prepared to turn her life over to the Lord. I rejoiced with her over this fact, urging her, to attend the local church when she got better. Then, after prayer, I left thanking the Lord that He had such compassion on one ‘lost sheep.’ I have to confess though, I was eagerly anticipating her wonderful reception into the fellowship of believers, the next service opportunity, but was disappointed when she never showed up!

Time passed, and I devoted my attention to other matters. The events just described, were forgotten until I received a fateful phone call. I was busy arranging diapers in the distribution center when the telephone rang.

“Hello, yes, speaking! “ I responded to the voice at the other end.

“Alright, I will make my way to the hospital, right away” I replaced the receiver and turned to prayer. I needed the Lord’s direction.

The moment I saw Imelda wearing white, hospital overalls in the reception area, I began to have second thoughts. Had I heard the word of the Lord correctly? Was He still interested in helping this woman? Perhaps she deserved this trial. She had reneged on her previous promises, and I was soon to discover, she had become entangled with another man. It was a good thing that the Lord had directed me to place new clothing for the baby, in my pocket. The physical attachment helped set aside any doubts I may have had. My awareness of the will of God had been given concrete focus. But, it had been approximately a year since our previous meeting, and seeing her exposed underlying emotions and memories.

“ Shalom Imelda,” I said reaching out to comfort her. Her tears flowed with additional liberality, as she turned and recognized me.

“Help me!” she cried.

“Please stop crying, the Lord will heal your child! Here,” I said, reaching into my pocket and handing her the baby clothing, “Here is the evidence.”

She continued sobbing. “Oh! What will I do? The doctors have given me no hope! What will I do?” I stared into her distorted, yet beautiful face, and tried to reassure her. But it was no use. She would not believe me.

Just to shorten the story, I am happy to tell you, that the Lord healed the child, and two days after the visit, both mother and daughter were sent home, with the best wishes of nurses and medical attendants alike. The danger was over! I was informed that the doctors at Ichilov, had been quite surprised by the rapid pace of healing and were actually calling it a miracle. Yes, some in Israel still believe in miracles!

I received this information some week later, via another telephone call. This communication, although unrelated to the incident, afforded me the opportunity to ask about the mother and child, from the caller, who happened to be a family friend.

“Oh, it’s simply wonderful!” she said, “It’s such a blessing! Everyone is surprised and calling it a miracle at the hospital. Thank you so much for your prayers!”

“Well, all thanks go to Yeshua for His kindness, “ I responded. “Please encourage your friend to attend the Kehilah and share with us the good works of the Lord!” I knew that many people had been praying whilst others, had visited the mother and child in hospital. But Imelda , never showed up!

There is in the heart of the central district of Tel-Aviv, a certain office which has as its objective, the desire to help foreign workers in need. The organization called Messila, does its best to make life easier for the thousands of visitors in Israel, who live and work to support themselves, and the Jewish state. Messila amongst other things, provides foreigners with needed information such as, what to do during periods of war, where to go for gas masks etc, and which agencies can be contacted in case of emergencies. Messila, also directs people to places where their basic humanitarian needs, can be met.

When I looked up from my all absorbing computer, and gazed through the open door of the distribution center, I saw a young lady standing across the street and glancing at the envelope she held in her hand. I rushed to meet her.

“Shalom Imelda!” I said. I was beginning to get that sense of ‘déjà-vu.’ However, this time there were no tears, only a surprised look and if I read her mind correctly, the desire to be anywhere else than at my door step. She really didn’t have any other option because, after several months struggling to cater for family needs, Imelda had run out of money and the ability to buy diapers for her lovely and adorable baby girl. So, she had turned to Messila for help and they in turn, had provided her with the letter that had led her right to my doorstep. What she did not know until then, was that Messila knew me. I quickly ushered her into the center and read the letter.

As she sat across from me, the office table between us, I could not help but acknowledge the infinite patience and goodness of the Lord. If, I had any tendency to be less than courteous, my feelings were tempered by the compassion that the Lord, had produced in my heart. I finally outdid myself, trying to provide all she needed. The miracle child, weighed heavily on my mind.

I watched as this young mother, left my presence with so many diapers and goods, that she had to hire a taxi to transport it all. Of course, she did not leave without that ever warming encouragement to visit the Kehilah (church), and rejoice with us in thanksgiving to God, for His marvelous kindnesses towards us. This time I was certain Imelda would accept my invitation. After all, I reasoned, she could not surely fail to acknowledge such fantastic interventions of God as had taken place over two years. Or could she…?

I was encouraged to meditate on all those occasions that the Lord had been good to me, and I had failed to acknowledge His kindness. How extremely good He is; He does not treat us as we deserve but is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy (Ref psalm 103: 8-10). The Blessings of the Lord be upon you!

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