“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” — James 1:27
A damsel in distress? Yes, but more than that. What can a woman do when you’re suddenly thrown out on the street—and by yourself with a little girl—in a foreign land?
M. had escaped from Iran months before in a midnight trek across the border. Once free of that brutal regime, she made her way with her little daughter and with the help of expat friends to England, then Canada and finally to where she thought there would be a place of safety—with her Muslim brother here in our city. If you’ve ever seen the 1991 movie, Not Without My Daughter, starring Sally Field, M.’s story could have been the basis for the film.
Things in her new home were helpful and acceptable for M. until her “religious” sibling literally tossed her out into the street when she wouldn’t stop speaking about the Jesus she had heard about along the way to freedom.
I was in my office that day when she first appeared. Accustomed to people coming to our church for help, she was welcomed inside and I listened to her story—as she shed her tears. In those days our churches were not locked up like a vault at Fort Knox. People could actually come in freely through the front door without having to punch in a passcode and would be welcomed by a friendly receptionist and ushered in to see the Pastor or someone who could help—without an appointment!
Ironically, just a few minutes earlier that same day, I had received a call from another Pastor just a few miles away, warning me to “watch out” for a lady that fit M.’s description because she was—in his terms—”hitting up” churches in our area, seeking a “hand out.”
For God’s sake, I thought, what is the church for, except to aid those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11).
We helped her that day and decided to stay by M.’s side until she could get a steady job and a suitable place to live. One thing I remember as she was exploring her new faith, was that she often came to the church to pray. I watched her as she would leave my office after a greeting and short prayer and then enter into the open door of our sanctuary, falling to her knees in grateful prayer for well over an hour. Thanking God was a regular practice for M. and a great example to all of us.
Because she had been a nurse in Iran, after she got settled in she went to school, updated her training, and received her new credentials to practice. We helped her apply for citizenship and after a few years she became a travelling nurse and ended up moving to California for a great job opportunity where she also met her new husband. We attended her wedding and continue to stay in touch often and always love to hear from her, as do so many others who knew M. and also helped her. Oh, and did I tell you she also has a second child?
I share this story with you in this brief space so I could tell you of God’s concern and care for the disadvantaged, the lonely, the frightened, the distressed, the abused, the desperate and the needy—wherever they may be found and how he may guide them to your doorstep. All God asks for is a “Welcome” sign. So saints, keep the front door of your heart open and unlocked. You never know how and when God will want to use you to help save the life of another in need! — PD
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” — John 14:8
“God is good all the time. All the time God is good!”
