RESCUES

As I flipped among the 3 local Cleveland news channels last night following the local story of 3 kidnapped ladies being freed after 10 years, I kept hearing phrases like …

“prayers have finally been answered”
“These stories rarely turn out well. This is a miracle.”
“We just thank God!”
“I thank God, it’s a blessing.”
“Yes, law enforcement officers do cry”
“We’re saying thank you, God.”

These comments came from citizens on the street, news journalists and law enforcement alike. Facebook site is called “Miracle in Cleveland” and twitter hash tag called #MiracleinCle

Charles Ramsey, the hero who responded to Amanda Berry’s scream for help, said “God was smilin’ on somebody, ya know what I mean?”

I can remember joining one of our church members from that neighborhood at a candlelite prayer vigil in Amanda Berry’s front yard 10 years ago and was deeply moved by the faith, hope and sincerity of so many from the community.

Thoughts today?
1) I’m encouraged to keep praying for heaven to open over Cleveland!
2) God is looking for partners like Charles Ramsey willing to help rescue others.
3) There’s a lot of faith in Christ among the general population (non-clergy) of Cleveland.
4) For whom are you holding out HOPE?

Isaiah 61:1 says of Christ
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."