Jason is alive!

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

James 5:16 b (New Living Translation)

I know that I posted the verse above just last night but after what just happened I feel that it bears repeating. Last night I asked for prayer for Jason who has been missing for nearly 2 months. In last night's journal I also said that I feared that he was dead. It looks like your prayers are stronger than my fears because today I received a phone call from a Guatemalan pastor that works with street kids in Guatemala City telling me that he has been working with Jason. Facts are still sketchy but it sounds like even though Jason gave him my phone number Jason does not want to make contact with his own family. I contacted Jason's parents though and they were very relieved just knowing that their son is alive. The pastor that called me promised to call me back later tonight with more details and is going to see if Jason will talk to me and hopefully to his parents. Please pray that this family can be reunited. If Jason has joined a gang it my be difficult and even life threatening for him to return to his home if he leaves the gang so please continue to pray.

Update, 9:00 PM

Jason's parents showed up at my door as I was about to send this out. With the help of 2 of my other boys, Esbin and Calin who served as translators we were able to visit for nearly and hour and then we phoned the pastor that called me this morning. He has talked to Jason and Jason is now willing to meet with me and at least talk to his parents. His father can not get off from work but tomorrow Jason's mom, Calin and I will drive into Guatemala City to meet with the pastor and Jason. Please pray that Jason can iron out any differences that he has with his parents and that he returns home with us.

Update, Friday, March 18 2011

Dick wrote:

I have tried several times to write an update on Jason explaining exactly what went on during the two months that he was missing. After much thought and prayer I have decided that it is enough to say that he is back at home and doing fine. He did not join any gangs so he has nothing to fear there. Fact is you can see that God was directing and protecting him the entire time that he was missing and I now see a young man who although he has been through a lot has also grown in his walk with Jesus. Although Jason has missed the first 6 weeks of the school year he is still hopeful that he can get back into school right away. I am seriously thinking of trying to get him into the Christian School here in Chimaltenango that Cesar and Fernando attend however to do so he would need a sponsor. Seldom do I mention the need for money in my Journals but having just spent the last 3 days with Jason I feel that a Christian education for this young man would be the investment of a life time.

Update, Sunday, March 20, 2011

Praise God, Jason now has a sponsor! I wish to thank all of the people that have written me saying that they were praying for Jason and also those that offered to help out financially with getting him back into School.

Goodnight,
Yours in Christ: Dick