“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:10-11)
Stories emerge everyday on the news of individuals who exhibit heroic action in one form or another. We hear remarkable stories of soldiers who gave their all on the battlefield. We read accounts of responders and hometown folks who did not hesitate to rescue others—even if it put them in danger. Some gave some, and some gave all.
Vacationers come by the thousands to this popular tropical paradise to relax and enjoy the pristine beaches. Yet, there are others who come to participate in horrendous crimes behind closed doors. They are what I call “the evil predators.”
On a recent survey trip to the Dominican Republic, several of us with Blackbox had an opportunity to visit an orphanage. There were many heartbreaking stories, but one baby’s story will never leave me. It was told to me by the director, as I cradled this precious baby boy in my arms.
Months before, the baby’s father came home in a drunken rage. Huddled together, the three older brothers watched him brutally shoot and kill their mom. Fear and disbelief surely consumed them like a storm.
Then, their father did the unthinkable. He turned his rage and gun on his own boys. One by one, their bodies were pierced by the bullets. One by one they died.
When the police arrived, they found the older brothers in a bloody heap. But below their dead bodies was life. Nestled below them was their baby brother. It became very clear that the older brothers died protecting the innocent life of their youngest sibling. They were unrecognized heroes. Such love . . .
As I gazed down into the chocolate colored eyes of this sweet baby, I knew his life was spared for a reason, and that God must have amazing plans for his future. It made me think of the boys who will be rescued from trafficking, and will find freedom in the future safe home on this island. Pain in the end will not have the final say for any of these boys. Love will have the final say, because their story will change.
Pat Fancher, Trustee