WE HAVE TO STOP MEETING LIKE THIS!

Bus Transfer & Missionary Pick-Up Station

 

The young missionaries who work with us in Baltimore move about the city much of the time using the Maryland Transit Authority local bus service, which is notoriously unreliable. Baltimore isn't known for its efficient public transportation system, and the elders are frequently left standing at the bus stop for very long periods of time as the buses either don't show up or they just pass by without stopping for passengers.

 

As a result of this problem, Sister Lindsay and I usually get one or two telephone calls each week from the elders (usually after dark) asking us for a ride back to their apartment after a long day of teaching appointments and tracting door to door as they share the message of the restored gospel. Some of the bus stops are located in areas of the city where you wouldn't want your 19 or 20 year old sons to be standing around looking for a ride, especially at night.

 

One of those less-than-desirable bus transfer locations is in front of the Wells Fargo Bank on Belair Road (US 1). When we pull up to the curb to pick-up the missionaries, they are rarely alone; however, the individuals who are there with them are often not sober. The elders try to engage them in conversation anyhow figuring that it is safer to be talking with someone rather than just standing around looking for a ride. We are always relieved when these young men are inside the car, and they always express their sincere gratitude to us for the ride. We joke with the missionaries and tell them, "We have to stop meeting like this!"

 

Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us

O'er the world's tempestuous sea;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,

For we have no help but Thee.

                                 - James Edmeston

 

God's hand does work in mysterious ways. Several missionaries have told us that they have actually been "protected" in rough neighborhoods by the leaders of street gangs who tell would be thieves and drug people to "leave the church people alone." We are aware of another situation where two elders had their bicycles stolen in the city while they were teaching an investigator. When the missionaries came out of the house, a local gang leader identified who stole the bicycles and arranged for them to be returned.

 

We have much evidence day to day that Heavenly Father watches over His servants, protecting them, and providing for their needs. It is a comfort to know that He is watching over us and the other missionaries with whom we serve.