Search & Rescue

I wanted to wait and blog today, because I had a specific story to share with you guys. If you have read my blogs in the past you know about my friend "Layla," who I met on the streets over the summer. It has been a journey in itself building our relationship. Unfortunately, she lives a lifestyle of prostitution and is a crack addict. It has been a beautiful thing to see how the Lord has worked in our friendship. From someone who used to turn and walk away from me during the summer, "Layla" will now engage in conversation with me. It's quite interesting actually. The corner she sometimes works is across the street from our office. We will at times just sit and pray for her. I actually walked into the bar the other day looking for her. She was sippin on a cold one through a straw! It was a great picture.

All this being said, I went to speak to a parent yesterday at a local church. She was serving food to local people in need. The first person I saw when I walked in the door was "Layla." She looked at me and said hello. She was almost a little standoffish though, so I continued on to the parent. After speaking to the parent, I wanted to say goodbye to "Layla." As I walked up to her I saw tears and tears just rolling down her face; she was all alone. I sat down and began talking to her. Our conversations always get back to her bringing up her lifestyle of addiction and prostitution. For the next hour or so, "Layla" really opened up to me and shared some information about herself that she has never shared before. We ended up driving around looking for some good fried chicken! On "Layla's" request she wanted to meet today to sit down and talk about rehab and getting professional help. We were to meet at 1:00.

Unfortunately, "Layla" did not show up. My friend and I went on a "search and rescue" mission as we call it here; looking in every bar and ally, and hangout spot I have seen her before. We didn't find her. I was reminded today though of how God stays in pursuit of His children. I will see "Layla" again on the streets and I will love her just the same. "Layla" needs help, she needs Jesus. And if we as a body of Christ give up on people that God has directly put into our path, what hope do these people have? It is the pursuit of our Lord that encourages me; His love story that continues on and on. Please be praying for "Layla" to find her identity not in crack or prostitution, but in the true and pure love of Jesus Christ alone.

Love Deeply