Chapter 20 - Page 287 - Shanha's Faith

   Rhasha stopped crying. She and Jim looked at one another, then at Shanha. "Out of the mouths of babes," Jim said. "I am so proud of you, angel. Your faith is pure."

   "Papa," Shanha complained, "I'm not a baby... I'm seven years old."

   Jim hugged her tightly. "You're certainly not a baby, sweetheart. You're a beautiful young lady."

   Shanha's eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

   Jim raised his face toward heaven and closed his eyes. Rhasha and Shanha bowed their heads; their eyes were shut tight. Shanha held her teddy bear as if he were praying too. Jim asked God to direct them to Jackie and Simbatu. His prayer was short and to the point. He ended the prayer by giving God praise and glory for all he had done for them.

   They all opened their eyes and looked around. Rhasha and Shanha thought maybe God would deliver Jackie and Simbatu right to the spot where they were standing. Rhasha finally wondered out loud if God was going to do anything at all.

   "Jim," she said, "why is it that God sometimes zaps us from one place to another to get us out of trouble, and other times he doesn't?"

   "Let's not always expect God to come to our rescue," Jim told her. "If we take God for granted, he'll quit helping us." Jim hoped God would show him where Jackie and Simbatu were. He continued to look around for a sign, still praying in his heart.

   Rhasha looked toward heaven. Tears pooled in her eyes. "Father," she said, "please forgive me of my sins and have mercy on my soul." Rhasha had heard Jim pray that way many times, and she knew God heard his prayers. "Father, I will always appreciate everything you do for me, and I pray that you will help me understand what Jim taught me about Jesus." Even though Rhasha didn't understand how Jesus could be her savior, she ended the prayer the way Jim had taught her. "In Jesus' name, amen."

   When Rhasha ended her prayer, she opened her eyes and looked at Jim. Tears ran down his cheeks. He quickly put his arms around her waist and pulled her toward him. Rhasha put her arms around Jim's neck, and they held each other tight.