Called to Rescue
There is a call on our lives to have a relationship with Jesus and to walk into the hard and holy places he is calling us to. They are calls to speak, rescue, fight, change the world, proclaim Jesus, give life- but all of us are called to do this in different ways. Some of us loudly and publicly, some of us in quiet ways, some from in front, and some from behind the scenes. Some with strangers and some with family and friends. There are no wrong ways to battle, just different battle fields. But make no mistake, all of us are called to battle.
In Need of Rescue
When I was 12, I moved. It wasn’t my first move, as the daughter of a career Army family, moving was a regular thing, but this time was different. Our previous assignment had been in a German community away from American Bases, and so, for the first time in my life, I had connected with people that didn’t move every few years. Additionally, that assignment was 4 years long, I had never stayed anywhere that long before, and it was definitely home. My unwillingness to leave my home, partnered with the awkward age of starting Middle School in a new country did not make for a smooth transition. Turns out the cultural differences between pre-teen Germany and California in the 80s were significant. For the first time in my life, I didn’t fit it. I wasn’t up to date on the current trends, styles, make-up or even the right TV shows. That first year was hard, I was lonely, depressed and homesick, but had managed to form a small circle of friends.
Rescue is Coming
My new best friend invited me to youth group. Her parents were making her go and as her friend, I felt obligated to go with her. Church in and of itself held no particular appeal. I was raised in a family that went to church on Christmas eve, primarily out of tradition. God was the Jeanie in the bottle you prayed to when you wanted or needed something, usually an item or a fun activity. What I found there was my own rescue.
I met this group of people who loved each other, had great friendships, were real about life- they were family and I was hungry and desperate for that. I wanted to be a part of this so I attended youth group for several months, continuously turning down offers to come to church. Finally, after months of attending only youth group, I agreed to go to church. I couldn’t tell you what the message was but I do know that the Pastor asked us all to bow our heads and say a prayer- when it was done- he said if you prayed those words for the first time and meant them, that you were now saved and to connect with someone who could help you get to know Jesus and what salvation meant. That started and amazing life with Jesus- not always smooth, but my life will never be the same. The rescuers in my story, include that Pastor who ultimately made the alter call, but the path to that day, included teenagers who loved me, included me, invited me; volunteers who offered rides, repeatedly invited me to church, talked with me, and taught me; and parents who valued my attendance as much as their own kids’.
Rescued to Rescue
But I’ll tell you something, I didn’t know what I was doing then, I didn’t know the life I was looking for. All I knew was there was this group of teenagers and adults, who had already provided momentary rescue to a lonely-hearted teenager, and I would follow them anywhere they asked me to go, fortunately, they chose Jesus and it became a life rescue.
Who’s Rescue Story are you helping to write today?
Andschana Aljets is the Executive Director of Finding Zarephath and loves to share stories of rescue.
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