Sharing Experiences #2

[Naomi]

Sarah’s Story

“Sarah is there something you need from the library?”

Sarah’s grandmother was speaking to her from the doorway of her grandparent’s home.

Attempting not to be obvious, yet out of the corner of her eye she was looking at her Grandmother’s Bible. “No, Ma’am” replied the very young, nervous Sarah.

Sarah was visiting her grandparent’s home on a beautiful tropical island in the Philippines. She had what was considered to be a fine position with the local department store. Her family was very proud of her personality and abilities. She was a rising star.

However, Sarah felt a great emptiness in her soul. Having been raised a devout Roman Catholic; the Church was an integral part of her life. Yet, the desire to know more about God and the Bible was burning deep within her.

On this particular day as she departed the home of her grandparents she borrowed her grandmother’s Bible. Sarah began to study the Bible and slowly it became easier for her to understand.

Soon, as through by divine providence, she learned of some evangelistic meetings. Sarah attended each meeting, drinking in all the knowledge she could possibly consume. Her spirit was being feed.

Sarah made a commitment to follow God’s Law and commit her life to living in accordance with her new found knowledge.

She spoke with her supervisor and was told that she must work on the Sabbath. She was devastated. Having no option Sarah resigned her job. Her parents were very angry.

Her mother asked her father to beat her until she gave up this crazy idea about leaving the Catholic Church. For generations her family had been devoted to the Catholic faith. Under intense pressure Sarah’s father steadfastly refused to beat his daughter. In a final desperate attempt her mother chose to take matters into her hands.

Seeking refuge, spiritual and financial support Sarah went to the home of some young Adventist. She was also seeking protection from her mother.

Sarah’s mother borrowed a gun and went to find the daughter whom she felt disgraced their family. Soon she located the home in which her daughter was living. Carrying the gun and ammunition she made her way to the humble dwelling.

Sarah was informed that her mother knew of her location and was coming to kill her. This frightened and devoted young lady was faced with a difficult situation; to run and hid, or face her mother. She chooses not to run.

As the door opened Sarah was surrounded by new friends who were all deep in prayer. Sarah says, “I was so scared. But I just continued to pray to God for protection.”

As her mother came into the small room, the friends stepped aside. The world was reduced to only Sarah, her mother, and what appeared to be a very large gun. As mother approached she held the gun and steady aimed at Sarah’s head. Finally they were standing very close together, with only the gun between them. Suddenly mother’s hand began to shake; soon her entire body was shaking.

After what seemed an eternity, the gun dropped to the floor. Her mother began to cry, and finally took Sarah by the shoulders and asked, “Is this what you really want?”

Sarah replied, “Yes, Mommy.”

When her mother finally spoke her words were harsh and firm, she said, “You are no longer my daughter.”

True to her love of God, Sarah was baptized. She determined that whatever the cost, her life would be devoted to God. Her prayer is that her entire family will one day understand and accept God’s love and His commandments.

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Author’s comment: It has been said, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” We will never know if Sarah would have found God and the message of salvation, or how long it would taken, if a missionary had not come to her island and held the meetings. Your prayers, financial support, and desire to go and Share Him can change the lives of hundreds or thousands of Sarah’s around the world.

Naomi McKey-Tricomi