Ever say goodbye to a friend knowing you may never see them again?
My wife, Diane, and I taught English and public speaking in Central Asia for three weeks during the summer of 2010.
One weekend, when we were not teaching, we went to a restaurant that served hamburgers and other American favorites.
We gathered with friends, and our group of eight enjoyed lively conversation. One friend shared pictures he had on his iPad. Finally, it was time we all started back to our flats (the British English term for the apartments where we stayed).
The friend with the iPad and his wife led the way for Diane and me. He kept his iPad in an over-the-shoulder canvas bag. On our way to see the city’s symphony hall, we walked by a large hotel.
That is when I noticed a six-foot-six, solidly built man walking near us. He stood next to me while we were waiting to cross to the symphony. The light was about to change, but at the last minute, we changed our minds. We stayed across the street from the symphony and walked by a waiting taxi. I looked back and noticed the big man had not crossed. He was following us. Was he after the canvas bag?
I came up to my friend with the iPad. “Be careful,” I said. “We’ve picked up a tail” (the slang term for when a person is being followed).
My friend understood and slowed down, and the man walked past. My friend told me to grab hold of his belt and guide him as he walked backwards. I did. He was facing the big man, who, as we backed up, had turned around and moved toward us. He looked mad.
Within a minute we got to the taxi, negotiated a fare, jumped in, and we were driven away.
True story. We were unharmed. When we talked about what happened, we all agreed God provided our means of escape. For that we were thankful!
Is there some danger you need to escape? If so, do it now.
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