In August 2017, my husband of 54+ years, my sister Kathy, and I were thoroughly enjoying a trip by recreational vehicle (RV) along the Alaska Highway in northern British Columbia, Canada. God's splendour was amazing with the scenery of mountains, valleys, and wildlife. On our way home, we stopped at a lodge to get gas, and Kathy ran in to pay. The unthinkable happened at this moment in time: my dearest John slumped with a heart attack. I instantly started CPR. Kathy came out to the RV, saw what was happening, and ran back into the lodge begging for help.

A young couple and a doctor came to help. The husband took over CPR, freeing me to feel for the neck pulse. The doctor took John's wrist, checking for a pulse, but after what seemed an eternity, he pronounced John gone. A senior doctor called the coroner.

The couple asked if they could pray. I said, "Yes, we, too, are believers." The RV needed to be returned to Edmonton, Alberta, within the next few days. The couple invited us to stay at their home. They would call their neighbour to make the house key available to us. A short while later, their son came over with a plate of sandwiches, for which we were very grateful.

The owner of the lodge gave us a site to park the RV while we waited for the police and ambulance.

A young RCMP officer came with the ambulance. He looked at the situation and said that he would not let us drive the RV after such a tragedy. One of the ambulance drivers could drive his truck. He drove the RV for three hours to the campground where we had booked a site. The officer stopped in at a restaurant and purchased a takeout snack for us. When we were settled, he called the precinct for a pickup.

As long as I have memory, I will thank God for the young couple and the RCMP officer. I sent them an appreciative letter. Son Donald flew out and drove the RV to Edmonton, and then drove my van home to Elliot Lake, Ontario.

Galatians 6:10 – Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (NIV)

In His kind-heartedness, God the Father sent Jesus Christ to Calvary to help us understand His love and to make forgiveness of sin available to us. May God help us to show only kindness and compassion, not only towards family and friends, but also towards total strangers, especially those who belong to the family of believers.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your help to be always kind and compassionate as we follow the example of our Saviour. Nudge us to pray for those in authority over us. Help us to be ready to assist even strangers as we witness of Your love and grace by action and word, to those with whom we come in contact. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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