When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

~Isaiah 43:2 ESV

God used a rogue wave redemption to save a soul.

The rooster interrupted my sleep every three hours. I thought they only crowed at six in the morning. I rolled off the uncomfortable church pew and joined the team for a breakfast of granola bars and water. 

The pastor invited us to El Salvador to show “The Jesus Film” and offered his church as our resting place. Our leader, Bob, read the morning devotion as we all stretched, yawned, and got the kinks from our bodies. 

Later, we gathered our gear for the day and headed for El Playa de Cuco Beach, about five hundred yards away. The name means “crazy beach”–a proper name to express the crazy time we had that day.

The warm, dense air and clouds made breathing difficult. But we erected the volleyball net and played with the kids who lived on the beach.

Many called the beach home. Small huts made of straw and wood transformed the beach into a makeshift village. Mothers nursed their babies and cooked meals on campfires outside while the men sat on logs and chairs and discussed the day’s news. Although volleyball was fun, I escaped to a local log to write in my journal. 

I wrote the following:

We have been playing volleyball with the local teens on the beach. I now have five boys watching me write in my book. Make that seven. I had a tough time with one of the team members today. Lord, help me keep a positive attitude. Thank You for the log that kept the stuff we laid on the beach from being taken out to sea by the waves. We have not taken showers since yesterday morning. No power. No water. We must smell ripe. Thank You for allowing me to communicate with the children. Thank You for life. I love the people. They are so friendly. We almost played volleyball in the houses on the beach because the water came up so far on the beach. I love You Father. Gracias.”

I put my journal away and went to the log where our backpacks rested. The one I had just thanked God for. I wanted to get candy for the kids, but suddenly, I heard screaming.

I wrote in my journal again.

Wiped out by a big wave! Gloria a Dios (Glory to God). No one was hurt but me. Three kids went under the hut. All of us flew. I tried to grab the bag, but the wave took the big log right with it. I was behind the log, and it knocked me over. My legs were cut and bruised. Babies were everywhere. All are fine though. The locals helped us gather our things. A man named Pablo let us use his table and wash in his water. He had the only freshwater well within miles of the beach. Pablo gave Cheryl, my team member, some blue ointment for the cuts on my legs. I told him he was an angel sent from heaven. May he come to know You if he does not yet. You are the most awesome Lord and worthy to be praised.

We thanked Pablo and gave him a copy of John’s gospel. Then, we left the beach to gather our thoughts, have a soda, and clean our gear. Afterward, we praised God for keeping us safe as we remembered the verse.

The next morning, I journaled.

Visited Pablo. He loved the peanut butter, but he really loved the book we gave him yesterday. He stayed up all night reading it.

The following day, we said our goodbyes and traveled to Honduras. From there, we boarded a plane home to Rhode Island. We kept in touch with the pastor of that church. He told us Pablo was so excited about the book of John. He wanted to know more about Jesus. Pablo is now a child of the living God and leads others to Jesus. 

I researched and discovered that large individual waves are rare for El Playa de Cuco. I still have some discoloration on each shin bone. But when I look at my legs, I smile and thank God for the opportunity to meet Pablo and give him the good news of salvation.

What difficult situation has God used to glorify Himself or change your heart?

Father, I thank You for bringing good out of what appears as bad in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Rogue Wave Redemption: Cherrilynn Bisbano: All Rights Reserved