Out of Darkness

Without warning, the front door was kicked in and two insurgents jumped through it brandishing their AK-47’s at the group shouting, “Are you ready to die for your Jesus?”  These words instantaneously brought terror to everyone and a mass exodus of many of George’s friends ensued as they ran out the rear door of the house or jumped from windows while the terrorists’ eyes adjusted to the light in the room.

Sam had remained cool.  He hadn’t known what to do.  Being totally unarmed and surrounded, his first thought was that he would meet his maker very soon.  On the other hand, he owed it to these people to be steadfast and strong in the face of danger.

Around him a small group remained in prayer as they faced the dragon of death.  Sam couldn’t help marvel at their composure.  He knew they must be as fearful as he, but their fear did not show.  In fact, they were calm and prepared for whatever was to happen.  He was overwhelmed with the knowledge that these people knew their Lord and would go to their death for him without recanting their Christian confession.  He’d never encountered Christians who actually faced immanent death but stood fast on their beliefs like these.

Sam was amazed at his own reaction.  He had suddenly felt a sense pride and awe.  He knew he was with them in spirit and would remain so no matter the consequences.  As these thoughts sped through his mind, he stood transfixed watching these two well-armed young men.  They shut the door and moved menacingly closer to the small terrified group.  When they were within a few feet, they both lowered their weapons.  The tallest one announced that they wanted to be Christians.  Quickly, they said they had been reading the Bible and a Christian focused magazine published in Arabic throughout the Middle East.  One had been secretly dating a Lebanese Christian and was desperately in love, and both had the same dream in which they saw Jesus and were convinced to become Christians.  They had acted the way they had upon finding the group because they only wanted to admit their desires to true Christians, not those who didn’t have strong convictions and would run away.  They knew, like Muslims, there were too many who talked about their faith but did not live it out.  These people would compromise them and they did not want them in the room when they confessed their desires.

Somehow their leader had discovered Sam would be in this village and had sent a group of men to capture him.  Fortunately, Ahmad and Ibrahim had been the two who discovered his presence.  To demonstrate their trustworthiness and faith desires, they told Sam and George they could lead them out of the village safely if they would come immediately.  While suspecting a trap, the situation was so volatile and dangerous both men didn’t stop to think twice about accompanying them.  The route was fraught with danger.  They were fired on twice.  During the second encounter a bullet struck Ahmed in his right leg and it was obvious he could not go on.  Sam and George helped him back to the edge of the village to rejoin his group.  When they had done all they could, they proceeded north and stopped along the coast to catch their breath and talk to Ibrahim.

Ibrahim was very worried about his brother.  Sam and George comforted him the best they could.   Over the next few days, Ibrahim learned through family connections that Ahmed was home recuperating and would totally recover the use of his leg.  Ibrahim’s disappearance had raised some questions but such things happened in the civil strife experienced in Lebanon in those days.  Ahmed did not believe there would be any repercussions and he let Ibrahim know it was okay to help the American.

The information gleamed from Ibrahim and Ahmed was invaluable.  It brought fresh insight into the situation and e