|
Carried In His Arms A Self Appointed Body Guard for Ian |
 One
particularly hot day, my seven year old son, Ian fell asleep on
stage during children's meetings in the country of Belarus. As I
finished the presentation I turned around to see a concerned teenager
gently bending over my son Ian and stroking his wet brown hair. He
gathered him in his arms and carried him to the waiting van. Ian awoke and
discovered he was in the arms of a stranger. He decided it felt good as
long as mother was near by and in view. |
 Vitelli
came to every meeting and looked for ways to help as did many other
teenagers. He often carried Ian around and tried to quiet him when
he became rowdy. Ian came to love Vitelli and would dive into his arms
when he needed attention. Vitelli always helped us with carrying boxes of
children's supplies and with our four projector and microphone bags. He
also helped the boys with their back packs. |
| He acted as a body guard from ruffians that could have harmed Ian. One day he took really bad treatment from the drunk translator. Vitelli was trying to listen to the presentation on the second coming of Jesus, and at the same time trying to quiet Ian. The translator gruffly slapped Vitelli. I prayed that he would not give up and lose interest in meetings. |
 Vitelli
came to both meetings daily to help us. He never asked for anything.
He just seemed happy to help and to hear the gospel. We had two identical
sessions a day to accommodate the crowds trying to get in. How I
appreciated this boy's faithfulness and guardianship of my little boy. He
even sat quietly at the pastor's house when we were fed and he was not. He
would help with the children so I could eat. His unusual kindness puzzled
me. Could he be an angel, I wondered. |
| When everyone else was too tired to stay and help us, he
was always there to carry bags and help with Ian. One night he did not
come. We missed him terribly. We worried about him and prayed for him. It
was with such joy that we saw him again the next night.
God sent this boy to help me. He was the answer to my prayers. It is not easy to hold children's meetings if my own boys decide they have heard the stories too many times. My boys have learned many good things during these trips. They always help carry bags, set up chairs and equipment. Yet there are times when there is nothing for them to do. In those times God always provides a help for me so I can do the work He sent me to do. |
It
was so hard to say goodbye to this faithful boy. Of course, Ian had the
worst time. He gave Vitelli his own camera and bag and then wanted one
last hug in those loving arms. Vitelli also had a hard time. His eyes were
moist as he turned several times to wave then ran for the elevator. I
think he was crying knowing we would never meet again on this earth.