Of Refuge and Tears

Please pray for our young friend "Tampa." I helped him turn himself into the police today. God provided in Numbers 35 that there be "Cities of Refuge," places where someone who committed a crime could run to avoid revenge. We provided safe haven -- refuge -- for Tampa after he initially provided information to the police about a crime, and because of it, was in danger from the gang he implicated. Though some cautioned us against it, it wasn't hard to take him in. We have known Tampa for more than a decade. He and his siblings grew up in our tutoring program. He used to sit on my lap to read. And there was no warrant for his arrest. He was scared, teachable, dependable, meek.

During this month Tampa went everywhere with us. We took him to church. He accepted Christ on my porch. We got him connected to Hope Now for Youth. He had perfect attendance. He volunteered every day at the Leadership Training Center helping with renovations. We took him to see the ocean, a first in his life. He helped me renovate a bathroom. We introduced him to many former gang members who are now in ministry, leading fruitful and beautiful lives. He told me he wanted to be like them. He went to community meetings with me where he saw Christians trying to improve their neighborhoods. Tampa's eyes were wide open this month, opened to a world that he was unfamiliar with. A gracious world, full of love and good will.

So when we woke this morning to the news that the police were seeking him in connection to the crime, we agonized. And we had to tell him that he should turn himself in. The day began with an appointment with an attorney. This is going to cost a lot of money. It continued with negotiations with police about a place to meet them. They could not say if it would be for an interview or an arrest. There was still no warrant. While we waited to hear from them, Tampa wanted to complete another day at Hope Now. He was to graduate on Thursday. So he went, and I paced. Paced, cried, prayed. I wondered if Tampa would have the courage to go through with it. I wondered if he would bolt.

The police set up a neutral ground for the meeting, something they don't normally do. Tampa and I went together. And they were gracious. But they arrested him. He has called me three times from various stages of the process. Just wants to check in, hear my voice as Tina says. He's doing the right thing. He says he feels OK. His mother and sister are in tears. Friends of mine who have surrounded him over these last few weeks have begun to call. Their caring helps. But tonight I end in tears as well. All the hours invested, all the prayers, all the hopes, all the fears we have experienced in these weeks came to a head. Whatever the verdict, I believe Tampa has become a child of God and has a fruitful future. And I think with the right guidance, Tampa will become the Man God intends. But for now, tears, and a sense that I need my own refuge.