ann kiemel

i was speaking to about 5,000.

maybe more.  all my books to sell

were right behind the auditorium on the

other side of the doors.  there was so

little space to work with for me.

 

shoving and pushing and a rather high-

pitched demand to get to me.  i felt the

surge of the group. i  didn't look up

for fear goliath would over-take me.

the lady helping with the books had

some agitated moans.

 

suddenly, a voice yelled out:

"who are you anyway?!  i think you

are a phony.  a really bad phony."

 

now, i looked up.

this young man's face was roaring red and

his body was literally pushing between others to

get as close as he could.

 

i became very quiet.

looking at this bitter man.

 

"i'm ann. and i sin every day..and

maybe along the way i make more mistakes

than i realize.  i need you.  all the help i can get

to help the world know Jesus.

 

will you please forgive me?  and pray for me?

i'm doing the best i can, but not close to perfect...."

 

this man's eyes bored into mine.

and i stood, unmoving,

 

suddenly. he slipped through the crowd.

all eyes remained on me.  appalled and offended

by this character.  but i wasn't.  if i'm doing what i

should for Jesus, not everyone is going to like me.

they surely didn't like Jesus.

 

the Lord is powerful and strong.

and worthy in all His ways, and

the weak and forsaken and broken

fly to Him for grace and Redemption.

 

put your running gear in place.

give the Lord all your afflictions, and

let's keep moving toward the celestial city

where Jesus and many others are waiting.

 

and the morning mist and afternoon heat

will teach us and guide us day after day after day.

 

still thinking of the loss of chuck colson.

one honorable pure warm and passionate

man of God.  pray for his family at this time.

love, ann