The weathered boot dropped to the ground as it had a thousand times before. The man, a dozen times older than the boot peeled off his sock as if he were ripping skin off a catfish. In the late fifty’s his family had immigrated to Mexico from Portugal. Jamison prefers to be known as a Texan, not American.   He spoke English with a heavy slant towards Spanish, and the word “banditos” stood out.   Hanging in mid air translating itself into “hate”, the word faded into the remaining part of the sentence. Our conversation started with my question, “Would you like prayer?” “Yes, but let me tell you.”

His story begins with banditos cutting off his toes and mailing them to his wife as proof of his being held hostage. On a suburban street in Texas I found myself looking down at an old mans foot. I counted three toes.

He once owned and operated a successful shuttle bus company in Dallas Texas. Jamison was not flamboyant by any means, but fresh clothes and an upright walk tagged the old man as a target for the kidnappers. Where dust blows and settles upon debris, litter, and sleeping dogs, targets clearly stand out. He was one of many.

Manhandled and forced into a vehicle Jamison was taken into the hills of Mexico. His existence now reduced to someone’s payday. Not a very sophisticated bunch. Yet cunning enough to create fear, and urgency for the prisoners and their loved ones back home.   Guns, threats, force, and primitive conditions took the meaning of breath to a whole new level. Body parts were exchanged for money, promises were made and broken. Morally depraved conditions became the norm. On the fifty-second day realization made an appearance. No one had ever been released.

The buses had been sold, the home was sold, the bank accounts depleted. Prompted by a voice Jamison wearing only under ware disappeared into the night. The once proud well-dressed man now stumbling, running, tripping, falling, is prey, a frightened creature of the night.

Lost and finding direction, maintaining speed, and having a fresh purpose to live Jamison prays desperately, and makes a personal promise. “Save my life, help me God, and I will honor you the rest of my life.” An adrenalin-fueled grace granted nearly naked escapee found aid on a backcountry road.

With excitement Jamison invited us to his newly founded church. As the car door closed I looked him in the eyes, and promised I’d bring him home. He laughed. In a half empty strip mall Jamison unlocked the church doors. We toured the facility and met several of his Mexican members. It was great fun having him as our translator, and sharing the message with his congregates. In its basic form the Time To Revive (TTR) message revolves around (5) verses formulating “The Good news.” To meet people of peace and share the good news is why we were in Dallas, TX. Meeting Jamison and hearing his faith story all started with a question, “How can I pray for you?”

Bless the Lord… who satisfies your years with good things   Psalm 103:2, 5

Once you start practicing being grateful and thankful for things, people, and events, you may notice that you start to attract more positive things, people, and events in your life.  Stephanie Conkle, Happy Person. Happy Life