(This is a letter to Edwina Patterson, founder of Redeeming the Time Ministries, Loan Oak TX.)
Thank you Edwina!
Not only did I make it home safely, I have a story to share. God did amazing things last weekend and on the way home the voice was strong “Will you answer the call?” Just as my journey to the retreat was difficult, my journey home was even more so.
As I arrived into Dallas a car stalls two cars in front of me. I watched as the truck driver in front of me move the car to the shoulder and left. As I slowly roll by the car – “Brenda, Will you answer the call?” (By the way I don’t stop for stalled cars normally). I pulled over and a young mother and baby were in the car now alone. She called her mom and said thank you that her mom was on her way and only a couple of miles away. I left when she assured me it was good. Driving on just before Waco another accident but it was well taken care of and just as I pass “Will you answer the call?” A few cars ahead of me a young man hits another car and it flies into the grass median. My first thought was – “I’m really late Lord, IF it is a girl I will stop”. Out steps a young girl. She ran to check on her infant son. As I pulled over I’m wondering why, I’m delayed and tired but I got out. The young man was a freshman in college on his way to take finals in College Station and the young mom was in her twenties from Killeen. NO one else stopped to help but raced on by thinking it was not their problem. Neither had been in an accident before and had no idea what to do. The young mom’s car was left un-drivable. I called 911 after talking to them and we waited and waited and waited. An ambulance finally arrived and deemed them ok. I stayed waiting for the police thinking I could leave when they arrived. The police asked me to stay until the young mom had been put into the tow truck. I shared my weekend with her(Brittany) and she cried. Well, more we cried.
Now I still feel it unsafe to just stop and help just anyone but now I can rely on God’s voice when He calls me. Thank you for teaching me to be bold and learn to be still and quiet so that I could listen when called. I will continue to seek the Lords voice and follow where He leads. I arrived home late but safe and ready to begin the next chapter in my life.
I also want to thank you for being a wonderful host and for bringing such reunions together again. I see how important it is to have these type of fellowships in my life. I look forward to returning again. You have been such a blessing and mentor in my life! Thank You!
Brenda – Kyle, TX – April 2016
