Prayers for a Missing Boy

Wow- today was different. But pretty amazing.

Here's a little bit of background information: Saturday morning, I received a phone call from a woman in my ward (church), informing me that a 1o year old boy named Shasha was missing, and to keep an eye out for him. The Shelley family had adopted two brothers this past year from Russia. And the older boy had run away from home Friday. He is 4'10" with brown hair. If we spotted Sasha, we were told not to approach him. But just to call the Gilbert police department, because he might run.

By Sunday, he still hadn't been found. At church, our Bishop explained the situation to the ward at the beginning of sacrament meeting. He said that Shasha wasn't lost in the Lord's eyes. He knew exactly where he was, and we just needed to pray for the spirit to guide us to him. Every prayer (opening and closing) in every meeting, Shasha's name was mentioned. That he would be kept safe. That he would be located. That he would know he's loved. That we would have the spirit with us to guide us to him. By the end of church, they announced that we would be gathering back at the church at 1:00 pm to go door-to-door in the neighborhoods to pass out fliers with his picture & description.

I went home to change into jeans, sneakers, a warm jacket, gloves, and scarf. (It was a really cold day! There was a storm coming soon.) I decided to take Jasmine with me when I went back to meet in the church parking lot so she could help search! (sniff him out?) :) Actually, I felt like it would be a good idea, because it would be easier to approach a stranger with a dog then just by myself.

I'm new in the ward, so I don't even know this family. But I felt really good that I was able to go help. And do something. It reminded me of another story I think my dad told me... how one time their bishop canceled the last meeting of church so that the members could go help fill sandbags. (Because of heavy rains, there was going to be a flood.) To me, this was like this. And this was even better, because it was all to support one family. I was impressed with the quality of the people that came, giving up their Sunday afternoon, to go search for one lost boy.

As we started to gather at the church, a lady from our ward drove up. She told us Shasha had been found!!! A girl walking home from church had spotted him, and called her mom. And the mom called the police and his family. And he was ok.

I couldn't help but be instantly impressed with the power of sincere prayer. Hearing all those heart-felt, sincere prayers for his safety, and for us to be guided to find him. And mere minutes after church is over, he's found. I mean... it was pretty amazing. And pretty awesome. And pretty inspiring. It still puts a lump in my throat to think about it. The Relief Society president sent out an email thanking everyone for their prayers and willingness to serve. And said to please continue to keep this family in their prayers.