Good Samaritans

A heroic Navy sailor put his life and safety at risk to rescue a family from a burning apartment building. The man stepped up in a big way and helped to save the life of a woman and her son from a building that was engulfed in flames. Check out this daring and heroic rescue caught on video.

Heroes, heroic and heroism are words thrown around way too often in society. The bar has been significantly lowered regarding being considered a hero today. Put a ball through a hoop, vote a particular way in Congress, run for president or appear on the big screen, and you, too, will be referred to as a hero.

But, of course, we know that is entirely wrong. None of those individuals are heroes or have done anything heroic. However, there are still heroes that exist. Unfortunately, they don’t get near the attention they deserve for their courageous, life-saving deeds.

A clip posted on YouTube captured one of these actual heroes: Gabriel Journey, a member of the U.S. Navy. In the video, an apartment building’s roof is engulfed in flames as heavy, thick smoke billows into the sky. It looks like a scene straight out of a movie.

A mother and her son are still inside, trapped in the burning building. The video captures bystanders nearby frantically working and trying to figure out how to get them out and to safety. Then, seconds later, one man, Gabriel, is hoisted up onto the side of the building near the open window of the woman’s apartment.

Gabriel stands along the building’s tiny, narrow edge as he reaches into the window and grabs the woman and then her son, lowering them down to safety.

In an interview following the heroic rescue, Gabriel stated that his military training helped to prepare him for that moment.

“We train very in-depthly on combatting what we call causalities, which may be in the sense of a fire or flooding,” he said.

Proverbs 19:17 “He who has pity on the poor gives to the Lord, and the Lord will give him his reward.”

How has God helped you step out in faith? Has He given you courage? Although most of us want to live bold, extraordinary lives of purpose and eternal impact, fear can hold us back from fully yielding to God. Often our minds jump to that big, possible assignment, not recognizing that the Lord builds our faith muscles and our trust in Him through the little yeses we offer today. But most importantly, our obedience, however timid, also deepens our intimacy with Him, the God who reigns over all and remains with us through every challenge we encounter and overwhelming assignment we embrace. Passage discussed: Esther 4, particularly her courage to risk her life to save her people, and how this reminded us of Jesus’s ultimate hard yes to die on the cross so that we might live. Catch every bible verse discussion on "Your Daily Bible Verse" podcast M-F at Lifeaudio.com #Esther #CourageInChrist #FaithOverFear #ObedienceToGod #JesusSacrifice #PurposeDrivenLife #BibleInspiration #TrustGod #ChristianFaith #DailyDevotional #HardYes #GodsPlan

A woman experienced an emotional, tear-filled reunion with the young child she helped to save by donating part of her liver. This is such a sweet, heartwarming story and moment. Be sure to check out this clip!

Life can be an adventure, and that’s putting it relatively lightly. It is a series of unexpected events, most of which we have little to no control over. Life-changing situations and circumstances can crop up out of nowhere and through no fault of our own.

Sadly, many of these unfortunate, life-changing and unforeseen situations involve medical and health challenges. No one is exempt from them, not even the smallest and most vulnerable members of society: children. 

A clip posted on YouTube details a situation in which a child and his family were impacted by a terrible medical situation. Luckily, one woman stepped up in a big way to help save his life, and their reunion will bring a tear or two or three to your eyes.

According to the video, Sunny, the child, was born with biliary atresia, which is a condition that impacts the liver. Eventually, as the text in the video makes clear, doctors determined that the young man needed a liver transplant. It was then that one woman, Sandy Flash, literally gave up a part of herself.

Sandy agreed to donate a part of her liver to young Sunny. The transplant surgery was a success, and the little guy was finally able to leave the hospital after months.

The clip shows Sandy and Sunny’s family in several warm, tear-filled embraces. What an emotional and heartwarming moment. That will be one reunion that Sandy and Sunny’s family will never forget.

“I just feel called to do this, and I asked other people to do this,” Sandy said with tears in her eyes. “And I want to help someone else.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all you do be done in love.”

One high school runner demonstrated extraordinary sportsmanship and kindness, and the heartwarming and unexpected act was caught on camera. The young lady’s loving move will likely renew your hope in humanity and bring tears to your eyes. Check out this video; you’ll be glad you did!

Many people love watching individuals compete against one another in just about anything. Determining who is a winner and loser is a big part of our competition-obsessed society. Athletes train countless hours, investing their blood, sweat and tears so that they can come out on top when that game, match or meet finally arrives.

There is nothing wrong with competition and competing against others. But many people can and do become obsessed with winning and forget that it’s nothing more than a game, and in the long run, it doesn’t really matter. Even when they do win, they exhibit poor sportsmanship, rubbing their victory in their fellow competitors' faces.

A video posted on YouTube captures a young woman who displayed unbelievable kindness, sportsmanship, and strength of character. In the clip, runners are approaching the finish line of a cross-country race. One runner can be spotted down on the ground, only yards away from the finish line. According to the video’s description, her legs had given out.

As other competitors pass the runner on the ground, one young woman from a rival high school helps her to her feet, and the two walk to the finish line together. But that wasn’t the only way the young woman assisted her fellow runner. She also provided her with sweet, uplifting words of encouragement as they neared the finish line.

“I was just, kept repeating, ‘Lord give her strength,’ and encouraging her with, ‘You got this. You can push through; we’re almost there, just a little bit longer,’” the young woman said.

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward.”

A disabled woman was deeply moved by a man’s simple but kind gesture. Although his kind act may not have been viewed as much in the eyes of many, the gesture meant the world to one woman. Be sure to check out this heartwarming story!

Our words and actions can significantly influence those around us, even if we don’t think so. Our actions, even simple, seemingly meaningless and insignificant ones, can have a massive impact on the lives of others. We may never see the negative or positive effects of our deeds, but what we do or say can have long-ranging repercussions.

What we consider a small, unimportant and inconsequential act of kindness may be seen by someone else as huge. It could impact their entire day, week or year. That small act of kindness could totally change how someone else views the world. That’s why we can never be too sure how much or little what we say or do will impact and influence others.

A sweet, heartwarming clip posted on YouTube shows how great an impact even small gestures of kindness can have on someone else. Liz Marshall, affectionately known as the “butterfly lady,” suffers from Parkinson’s disease. It has gotten progressively worse over the years, and now she is unable to walk.

Liz was sitting on her porch when the garbage truck came by to empty the trash cans sitting along the curb. When the truck reached Liz’s house, the driver, Terrance Davis, did something unusual and unexpected. Instead of leaving her trash cans sitting along the curb, he took them up the driveway and gave them to her. Liz was moved by Terrance’s simple but meaningful act of kindness.

“You don’t even begin to know what a blessing that was to me that day that you noticed me on the porch,” Liz said to Terrance. “Because when you become, when you’re disabled, a lot of times you become invisible. And even though you had a lot going on, you were dodging trash cans and kids and cars, you made an effort to stop, and it meant the world to me.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

An unexpected and heartwarming Secret Santa gift moved a selfless school janitor to tears. The woman was overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to her, and as a result, the tears started flowing. This is a beautiful moment that you’ll want to watch for sure!

Everyone has plans and things they want to do and accomplish. However, we all know that life often gets in the way of those well-thought-out plans and goals. Situations and circumstances entirely out of our control will arise seemingly out of nowhere, forcing us to reassess and change our priorities and goals.

There are also instances in which other people need a little help. Lending them some much-needed assistance can sometimes force our needs, priorities and goals to take a back seat. Thinking for and caring about others ahead of oneself is precisely what Wendy, an elementary school janitor, has done.

A clip posted on YouTube mentions that she gave up her only reliable means of transportation to her sister. Wendy now drives a truck that is riddled with problems. The selfless school janitor also cares for her elderly mother, who lives with her.

Wendy, the kind, loving, and selfless school janitor, was surprised at work by some of the kindness and love that she so often shows others. First, she was surprised with a check for $1,000. That monetary gift caused a catch in her throat and tears to well up in her eyes.

But that wasn’t all.

Wendy was also given the keys to a new car. This was too much for the woman who thinks of others ahead of herself. She simply could not believe it, and tears started rolling down her face.

“Thank you so much,” Wendy said to the camera and the person who made those gifts possible. “I don’t even know what to say; I’m sorry. Miracles happen. What a day.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

A compassionate officer stepped in to safely escort a woman in labor to the hospital. The woman was in a car heading down the highway when her water broke. The driver, her husband, hit the gas and disregarded stop signs and traffic laws trying to get her to the hospital.

Pregnancy can be and usually is a stressful, scary, but beautiful time. All pregnancies are a cause for concern, and it is a time to ensure you get the best care possible. But it can be particularly nerve-racking and anxiety-ridden for a woman experiencing her first pregnancy. There are so many questions and unknowns about that situation.

So, when Austin Sadowski’s wife, Mary Weertz, started going into labor, it’s understandable that both would be more than a little panicked and scared. According to the YouTube video, it was Mary’s first child, and their only concern at that moment was getting to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible. At one point during their trip to the hospital, Austin was clocked going more than 100 miles per hour down the highway.

Luckily, Officer Liz Demuynck responded to the speeding vehicle. When she learned that Mary was in labor, she helped them safely get to the hospital. Understanding the circumstances, she didn’t even demand to see Austin’s license when he offered it to her.

As it turns out, the officer’s kindness in that stressful moment was a literal lifesaver. The clip posted on YouTube states that Mary needed an emergency c-section, and they arrived at the hospital just in the nick of time.

“Being a mom of two myself and understanding the gravity of what can happen and the severity of how things can shift so fast, I think I kind of went into mom mode,” the officer said. “It was great to meet him in real-life form and not just in mom’s belly.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

Blake Shelton’s generosity shines as he gives back to his hometown and high school. Blake won our hearts years ago when he first stepped onto the stage as a country singer. Known for his deep-rooted hometown personality, it wasn’t a surprise that he would give back to his hometown in a big way. 

Growing up Blake would go to his uncle’s house to tinker on his guitar. When his uncle realized Blake had a real talent for music, he took Blake under his wing and taught him. Blake cherishes these memories and wanted to ensure kids in his hometown could follow their musical dreams too. He teamed up with Music Will which donated several music instruments to the school. 

“It’s a neat idea and a cool opportunity,” Blake said. “Music is important for everybody, especially for kids.”

On Instagram he showed his home town spirit thanking Music Will and adding that he was happy to be back home and doing something for his community. The video captures all the things Blake is doing to help the school continue its love of teaching music to kids and you can’t help but smile when you see Blake waving to all the kids when he came on stage to make the special announcement about the new additions to the school. 

He added, “Honored to have teamed up with @musicwill and go back to my hometown and high school to surprise the kids with some brand new instruments and equipment. Music is so important and it’s really special getting to be part of this and help give the kids this opportunity. Thank you MusicWill!!! Go Ada!!!”

Blake’s fans loved the sweet gesture too. One person added, “Good to see you having a special place in your heart for your old school!”

Another person added, “Oklahoma KING! You sir are human angel!!”

We couldn’t agree more. When we step outside of ourselves, we have the power to make a difference in another person’s life. Way to go, Blake! 

2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

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A police officer adopted a kitten after rescuing it from the middle of a busy street.

Law enforcement officers regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. They are usually the first people to arrive on the scene whenever disaster or tragedy strikes, already doing something that most people do not. But they also often risk their lives and safety for others, doing much more than is required of them in their official, professional capacity.

Those men and women are often accurately described as heroes. They will do more and offer their assistance in unexpected ways. As one cute, tear-jerking video on social media shows, kindness and going beyond the call of duty does not stop at humans. One officer helped a sweet, innocent little kitten.

While on duty, Officer Brennen Flanigan saw something unusual in the middle of the road. Instead of simply driving by, he pulled his vehicle over and stopped traffic, discovering that the thing in the middle of the street was a kitten. The video shows the officer pick up and save the kitten from the road.

But that is not where this story ends.

Officer Flanigan sought medical assistance for the feline and took her to the vet. He learned that the cat did have a slight eye infection but was otherwise healthy. After learning that the tiny kitten was not microchipped, the officer adopted the kitten and took her home.

The officer mentioned what he hopes to accomplish and show by adopting the sweet, precious kitten he found in the street.

“What I hope the public takes away from this is, is no matter how small of an act you complete, it can really have a big impact, and that’s what I hope to provide for this little kitten right here,” the officer said.

What a beautiful act of kindness and love!

Proverbs 12:10 “An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evildoers are cruel.”

A retiring mailman received a heartfelt send-off from the community members on his route after more than 30 years on the job.

Retiring can be a bittersweet moment. Throughout their working lives, most people save and put away money, hoping that they will one day be able to retire. Retirement is the dream for most people. Who wants to work their whole life? There’s so much to do and see in this world. Why spend all that time working if retirement is a possibility?

When that last day of work finally arrives, it can hit like a brick wall. When that day comes, most people will likely feel many different emotions. Yes, they are pleased to be able to stop working, but there is a part of them that may not necessarily miss the job but will miss the people they worked with and for. That is what life is about anyway: people and those relationships.

A sweet, tear-jerking video on social media captured a longtime mailman’s last day of work after 31 years. In the clip, the gentleman mentions that he has worked on the same route for 24 and a half years.

Over the more than two decades he has been delivering mail on that specific route, those people have become like family to him. He cared for them, worried about them and celebrated with them. He added that he and the people he delivered mail to grew up together.

“You’re walking the same route every day, 12.2 miles,” he said. “And all of a sudden, a sign shows up in the yard: ‘Congratulations, we had a boy.’ And then next thing you know, ‘Congratulations, I just graduated from high school.’ Then it’s ‘Congratulations, I just graduated from college.’ So, those whole things, when you watch start to finish, unforgettable.”

On his last work day, community members did not forget about him either. Everyone came out to say goodbye and wish him a happy retirement. Everywhere he went, people greeted him and thanked him for his service and for being more than just someone who delivered the mail.

“This was it. This was the best send-off that could be. What a way to walk off,” he said.

An officer rushed to the scene of an emergency and helped to deliver a baby in a CVS parking lot.

The men and women in law enforcement are some of the bravest individuals you will ever meet. They regularly experience the worst elements our society has to offer. When everyone else runs away from an emergency or disaster, police officers and firefighters go in the other direction. They are individuals looking to help whenever something tragic occurs.

Police officers and firefighters often offer comfort and safety during uncertainty and despair. Their efforts may even save a life or, as one clip posted on social media shows, help bring a new life into the world.

As every parent knows, children do not generally adhere to any schedule. When they want or need something, they want it now, regardless of the time or the inconvenience it may cause Mom and Dad.

When on duty, Lieutenant Sedrick Hayes received a radio call for help; he immediately rushed over. Once on the scene, he discovered Cam and Lindsay Hamden. The couple was in a CVS parking lot because Lindsay was pregnant, and they both knew the child was about to arrive and they weren't going to make it to the hospital.

 As the clip mentions, Lindsay was grateful for Officer Hayes' assistance with the birth.

"He was like, 'How are you? Are you Ok?'" Lindsay said. "I'm like, 'I'm in a lot of pain,' and she shoots out and then she starts crying. And hearing him say, like, 'She's breathing, her color looks good.'"

Later in the clip, it's revealed that God had placed Officer Hayes in the right place at the right time. This was the second birth that the officer had helped with while on duty. He had previously helped deliver a baby in 2001.

Isaiah 41:10 "Have no fear, for I am with you; do not be looking about in trouble, for I am your God; I will give you strength, yes, I will be your helper; yes, my true right hand will be your support."

Music legend Jon Bon Jovi's kindness and heartfelt words helped to talk a woman down off a bridge.

The world can be a cruel and lonely place. Everyday living, with all the stresses, worries, burdens and concerns, can be challenging and nearly impossible to maneuver. Many situations and circumstances can push us to our breaking point. It can get so bad that giving up and throwing in the towel seems preferable to continuing.

However, God remains with us when we endure life's many dark valleys and storms. His Word makes this abundantly clear: He will never leave nor forsake us. Even when it may not appear so, He is still in control and on the throne.

Also, when we feel unworthy of love or less than, we need to remember that we matter and are loved by the Creator of the universe. God has a plan and a purpose for every life. Everyone matters in His eyes.

A video posted on YouTube shows a woman standing on a bridge in Nashville, Tennessee. She was about to hurl herself off the bridge, ending her life. But as the clip shows, Bon Jovi, who happened to be shooting a music video on the bridge, walked over to her, offered her comfort and eventually helped talk her off the bridge.

As the clip mentions, the woman climbed off the bridge to safety about a minute later. The clip captures Jon giving the woman a warm and loving embrace.

Following the life-saving deed, the Nashville Police Department praised the rocker with a post on social media.

"It takes all of us to keep each other safe," the message read.

We never know what battle or fight someone may be silently going through. But we also never know how a kind, loving act or Word may dramatically impact and influence someone's entire life.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you."

A kind, heroic man stepped up and helped a mother save her child after her Tesla locked by itself, trapping the baby inside the vehicle.

Parents would do anything and everything in their power for their children. Ask any parent if that is the case, and you're sure to get near unanimous agreement. Children are precious, and no parent wants to see their child hurt or harmed, especially if they can do something about it.

So, whenever something does happen, and there is little or nothing a parent can do to protect their child, it can be panic-inducing. Being unable to prevent harm to your child and remaining helpless in such a situation has to be one of the worst feelings in the world. It would be every parent's worst nightmare.

A clip posted on YouTube shows that this disastrous, nightmarish scenario became real for one mother in California. The woman was charging her Tesla when the expensive electric vehicle out of nowhere locked on its own, trapping her 13-month-old son in the hot car.

Video shows the woman, Kassandra Pineda, frantically beating on the vehicle's windows. She, without a doubt, feared for the worst in those moments.

"I thought I was going to take my baby out of there lifeless," she said.

That's when one man, a stranger, came to her aide. He used a fishing weight to pound on the window, eventually busting it open. Because of the stranger's heroic actions, the child, scared and covered in sweat, was saved from the horrifying situation.

Kassandra is, of course, grateful for that kind man's heroic actions.

"I just want to thank him from the bottom of my heart," she said. "If it wasn't for him, I don't know what would have happened with my son."

That man, whoever he may be, is most certainly a hero.

Psalm 37:39 "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in the time of trouble."

An officer's kindness, care and advice during a traffic stop inspired a driver to change her life.

Most people drive daily and can do so while concentrating or thinking about other things. When this happens, and our minds wander, our feet can get a little heavy. Exceeding the speed limit is an activity that most drivers, if they are being completely honest with themselves, do at some point.

Unfortunately, traveling above the posted speed limit can result in being pulled over by a member of law enforcement. Is there a scarier or more adrenaline-inducing sight than seeing those blue and red flashing lights in your rearview mirror? No one wants a ticket, but when speeding, that is what often happens to motorists.

However, instead of a speeding ticket, the responding officer treated one motorist with kindness and gave her helpful advice. A clip posted on YouTube explains how the officer's kind words and understanding actions helped one young woman improve her life.

The woman, 20-year-old Abbie Rutledge, was pulled over for speeding. But that traffic stop led to a discussion with the trooper, J.T. Brown. Abbie explained that she was broke and could not afford to pay a speeding ticket. The two of them discussed possible career paths for the young woman.

Instead of a ticket, Trooper Brown gave Abbie a warning and a message.

"Promise me you'll go scrub or nursing school & school & slow down, & I won't give you a ticket," the note said.

Well, Abbie took the trooper's advice and kindness seriously. Abbie is now a surgical technician at the University of Alabama, Birmingham Hospital.  The trooper even attended Abbie's graduation ceremony.

"Five minutes talking to anybody, even if you don't know them, can make the largest impact on their life ever," Abbie said.

Abbie's change significantly moved the trooper and how she took his advice and kindness to heart.

"She made my entire career worth it. She did," Trooper Brown said.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ has forgiveness for you."

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The Lord answered one family's prayer for help with unexpected kindness from a concerned and loving neighbor.

Life is often a series of unexpected events for anyone who may not know yet. Sometimes, those surprises are good and joyous and cause celebration. But other times, they are of the unwelcome, painful and heartbreaking variety.

Thankfully, when life's dark valleys and storms arrive, the Lord has placed caring and loving people in our lives. We can rely upon these individuals to help us through whatever we're enduring. These people are godsends and sometimes even literal answers to prayer. That was precisely what happened to one Tennessee family suffering and going through one of life's trials.

In a clip posted on YouTube, one woman, Tiara Leonard, spotted something unusual with her neighbors. She noticed that the family's car had not left their driveway in weeks and it had been a while since their lawn had been mowed. She also learned that the family was going through some medical issues.

That's when Tiara reached out for help on behalf of the Todd family. She wanted to do something to give them a helping hand during their time of need. Tiara then approached the Todds’ house with the help of a Memphis, Tennessee, television station and an anonymous donor, but there was no answer.

Several days later, Tiara tried the Todd residence again, and this time, Tammy Dodd answered the door. But little did Tiara know that her help was a quick answer to prayer.

"Me and my husband got together," Tammy said. "I woke him up at two or 3 o'clock in the morning, and I said, 'Let's pray. Let's ask God to help us through this process.' And He touched your heart to think about me even when family didn't, and I appreciate this."

Our acts of kindness and love could be the Lord’s way of answering the prayer of someone who so desperately needs it.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you."

Basketball star Caitlin Clark helped uplift and encourage children and their families during her visit to a hospital.

Athletes are some of society's most looked up to and admired people. Athletes especially captivate children and young people. They can pull off thrilling maneuvers on the field or court. Through years of intense, dedicated and focused practice, athletes can do things that most people can only imagine.

For that reason, children commonly look up to and adore athletes. Athletes excel in games that children play with their friends. Many children want to become a New York Yankee or a Los Angeles Laker when they grow up. So, that's why any attention from a notable athlete always means so much to children. They don't care if it's five minutes or five seconds with their favorite player.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Caitlin Clark, a member of the Indiana Fever and arguably the most well-known athlete on the planet, stopped by a children's hospital in Indianapolis. The basketball star spent time visiting and chatting with children in the NICU and their families.

The short two-minute clip begins with the former Iowa Hawkeye holding a young woman and presenting the child with a stuffed animal. It's the Indiana Fever's mascot, Freddy. The child is taken aback by the gift from Caitlin, unable to take her eyes off the stuffed animal.

Throughout the clip, Caitlin signs and presents a small basketball to some of the hospital's tiniest patients.

A mother of one of the patients appreciated Caitlin stopping by to see and visit with everyone.

"Well, for her to stop her busy schedule and to just check on all the babies here it means a lot," the mother said. "It means a lot."

Near the end of the clip, Caitlin mentions how much she enjoyed visiting with the patients, their families and hospital staff. She said hopes to do it again soon.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you."

A kind man rescues a scared, injured kitten darting across a busy interstate. In the bustling morning traffic of the Wantagh State Parkway, where the hum of engines and the blur of cars create a relentless rhythm, a little black kitten with a touch of orange and white on her face faced a dangerous situation. Her name was Wanda, and her story of survival began with a heart-stopping rescue.

John Debacker from Long Island Cat Kitten Solutions received an urgent call about a feline spotted along the center divider of a freeway. His heart likely raced as he envisioned the danger the tiny kitten was in, navigating the busy highway amidst speeding vehicles. John knew that every second counted.

When arriving on the scene, John’s eyes scanned the chaotic traffic, but Wanda was nowhere to be seen. Determined not to give up, he looped around the freeway, maneuvering through the congestion with urgency and caution. The risk was immense; the highway was a maze of speeding cars, and every moment without the kitten was a moment closer to disaster.

Realizing the situation's gravity, John wisely called the New York State Police. Understanding the urgency, the officers quickly responded, halting traffic to ensure John’s safety and to allow him to work without the constant threat of oncoming vehicles.

With traffic momentarily stopped, John returned to the center divider. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted Wanda, huddled and frightened. Seeing the small kitten was both a relief and a call to action. With fast hands, a large net, and a calming voice, John almost captured her before she ran away, scared. But as he approached the second time, he captured this wild but tiny kitten from her precarious spot.

The rescue was far from over. John carefully cradled Wanda and made his way back to the side of the road, ensuring her safety and avoiding any further close calls.

The New York State Police, having ensured that traffic was safely resumed, offered their congratulations and support. Wanda’s rescue proved the incredible effort and coordination between John and the police, who swiftly protected the tiny life at risk.

Back at the shelter, Wanda was given a warm bed, nutritious food, and the care she needed to recover from her harrowing experience, where she now awaits a loving, forever home. 

John Debacker’s heroic efforts, coupled with the timely intervention of the New York State Police, had turned a close call into a story of bravery and compassion. Wanda’s narrow escape from the Wantagh State Parkway was a reminder of the fragility of life and the immense impact of those who dedicate their efforts to rescuing those in need.

Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." 

A bus driver gave a woman the shoes off her feet in a beautiful act of generosity and love.

The world is a sad, cruel and lost place. Sin has done a number on our society, destroying anything and everything it encounters. As a result, many people are hurting and struggling, desperately looking for anything that may give them even the tiniest bit of hope.

Individuals struggling and suffering are all around us. They could be your co-worker, neighbor, someone we pass on the street or even a family member. There is plenty of need all around us. However, one question remains: How will we respond to and help those in need?

According to a video posted on YouTube, Minneapolis bus driver Jayne Arendt-Verhelst saw a need one day and acted swiftly to meet it. Jayne spotted a woman, who appeared to be homeless, standing in the middle of the road. Jayne stopped and gave the woman a lift. 

However, Jayne quickly noticed something unusual about the mysterious woman.

She didn’t have any shoes. For a second, Jayne put herself in that woman’s position, trying to see the world through her eyes.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like walking around in bare feet on the hot pavement, and just nobody sees you,” Jayne said. “She’s just kind of invisible, you know?”

But Jayne saw her and acted with generosity and love. The video shows Jayne taking the shoes off her feet and giving them to the unknown woman.

Yes, people are sinners and need the life-changing touch and forgiveness that can only come from Jesus Christ. But we must meet people where they are first. If someone is hungry, thirsty, doesn’t have a coat or lacks some other kind of necessity and we don’t meet that need, how receptive are they going to be to anything else we say or do?

Acts 20:35 “In all things I was an example to you of how, in your lives, you are to give help to the feeble, and keep in memory the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting.’”