Chasing Hope Read Free Page B

writing to you now because I often think back to our conversations when I visited with your youth group. I remember how dedicated you were to someday working for a missions organization, and most of all, I remember hearing youspeak on the Children of Israel at the youth gathering and the little devotional you presented me. Those words have stayed with me all these years as being so powerful. At that time, I could not only see your gift for inspiring a group, I could also see your heart for missions and following God with all your heart.
    As you may remember, I work for Bridges. We are experiencing rapid growth in our efforts to take hope and help into the poorest countries in the world, in the form of job training, food, medicine, and mostly God’s Word. Recently, we began looking for someone who could help us spearhead an awareness campaign here in America. Your name kept coming to my mind, so I called my contacts at your home church and found out that you are about to graduate with a degree in Public Relations.
    I would consider it a personal honor and favor if you would apply for the job. I’ve already spoken with Dennis and Susan, the directors of the organization, and asked them to give you serious consideration. They have agreed.
    I hope that you will consider this prayerfully, and if you are led as I am confident you will be, send a resumé as soon as possible.
    If you would like to contact me with any questions you may have, feel free to email or call my cell, (805) 555–7239.
    In Him,
    Rita Leyva
    Weird. That had come out of the blue, for sure.
    It was a nice thought, but Sabrina’s life had gone another direction. She supposed she should compose a nice “thank you but no thank you” response—maybe this weekend when she had a little more time. She flagged the email for follow-up and moved on to the next one.
    “Sabrina?”
    She jumped at the sound of her name. She put her hand to her heart, which was racing from the sudden burst of adrenaline. “Oh, Nana, I didn’t hear you come in. You’re home early, aren’t you?”
    “I suppose I am.” Nana squeezed the palms of her hands together, then twisted them in a wringing motion. “Listen, Sabrina, I need to ask a favor.”
    “Sure. You know you can ask me anything.”
    Nana continued to rub her palms together, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Nana, are you all right? Come in here and sit down.”
    She waved Sabrina aside. “I’m fine, just fine. It’s just that, this favor, well, I know it’s going to be something that’s hard for you to do. I hate to ask it, I really do.”
    “What is it?” Sabrina could never remember seeing Nana so worked up. “You know I’ll do it for you, just tell me.”
    “Maudie’s granddaughter, Brandy . . .” Nana shook her head slowly side to side.
    Well, that explained the angst. And Sabrina thought that perhaps she’d been a little too quick to give her word without knowing what it was all about—or more correctly, who it was about. That girl was the least likable person Sabrina had ever met. “What about Brandy?”
    “She’s gotten into some trouble lately and it seems like the court system is done being lenient. She has a hearing late next week, and it looks like she might end up in juvenile hall. As you can imagine, Maudie is broken up about it. Brandy is the only person she has left, and troublemaker though she might be, Maudie loves her with all her heart.”
    “Where are her parents, anyway?”
    “Brandy’s father—Maudie’s only child—died when Brandy was just a baby. He was never married to Brandy’s mother, who is now a drug addict and has been in and out of prison for mostof Brandy’s life. Brandy’s uncle took her in with his family for a while, but they kicked her out right before Christmas. That’s why the poor thing is as messed up as she is—she’s never had anyone to really count on. Anyone except for Maudie, who’s trying her best to provide a stable home environment for