E-Letter

Dear Friend

My friend, Barry Woodward tells the moving true story about a little boy.

He Never Lets Go
Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realising that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His mother in the house was looking out the window saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a u-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack on the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother’s fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his trousers legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, ‘But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mum wouldn’t let go’.

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars too. No not from an alligator or anything quite so dramatic. But the scars of a painful past. Some wounds are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He’s been there holding on to you. The Bible teaches that God loves you and that He provides protection for you. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations and we forget that often it feels like we’re under attack. That’s when the tug-of-war begins – and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not – let you go.

News, Thanks and Prayer Requests

• Soteria Trust manages a superb sponsorship programme at our UK office for Nigeria, for children to receive education and young people at the Soteria Business School. Teachers and staff are also sponsored at the SBS. Please pray for them and their families.
• Please pray for the UK base and staff. Roy-accountant (part-time), Jana-administrator/PA and Andy-director & evangelist.
• Please pray that the weakened financial base at Soteria Trust would be strengthened by new or increased regular giving and one off gifts.
• Part-time administrator needed.
• We give thanks to each of our friends and partners, for your love, support and prayer.

May the Prince of Peace keep hold of us this Christmas season and always. With love and blessings,

Andy Economides