Paradise

He came and stood before the Oasis doors. His large frame was bent over by the years and he was using a cane. Perhaps he thought we were having our regular clothing room program on this Easter Monday. Tom opened the door greeted him as we were in the midst of preparing for the Easter program. Tom motioned for our Russian translator and she came to the door as the man began talking. We learned he was 81 years old. She translated  as he continued in his gravely voice,

"Whats going on today? You know the people here - that work here - they are surely going to paradise. Without a doubt! I was in Arabia. And there, they charged us for everything! Everything! And we were guests there! Here (at the Oasis) the people welcome us and are kind to us. They gives us things we need. Give us! They love us here."

Tom invited him to stay for our program: to our surprise he agreed and came in. A coworker observed him and said he was very attentive during the program and noticed he was close to tears several times. After tea and cake, he asked if he might have a copy of Luke in Chechen. He was delighted to receive it.

It is our prayer that this dear man trusts Him who cleanses hearts and opens the way to paradise.