Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55 v 7

 The two women talked quietly together. Sheila had been sitting beside the unconscious figure of Rosa all night. Now they talked of heavenly things. Rosa thanked Sheila for her love and care. With thoughts of eternity and of Jesus, she lay back on the pillow and peacefully passed away. Sheila wept. She was exhausted after a week of 24 hour care. The outside world completely forgotten as she concentrated on nursing and care. Rosa had lain in a semi coma for over three days. Now Sheila knew she was at peace. “Safe in the arm of Jesus”.

Sheila dressed Rosa in her favourite nightdress, tidied the room and cleaned the home. It was too early to call in the Doctor and he could do nothing. She sat thinking. She remembered the lonely figure passing by in the street, who ignored her friendly “hello”. Poor woman, Sheila had thought, she needs prayer. She recalled the shouting and cursing that used to come from Rosa’s home. Her husband Don, had bullied her and threatened her, she was almost a prisoner. Sheila recalled that first meeting. She had been told of Don’s illness and gathering all her courage, had knocked at her neighbours door. With some trepidation she waited. Would she be turned away? Rosa opened the door and seeing Sheila burst into tears,    almost falling into Sheila’s arms. Sobs racked her body and over a cup of tea Rosa poured forth her story. It was like a dam bursting. A story of fear, stress, and intimidation.

During   Don’s illness, Sheila and I had visited and tried to befriend Rosa and Don. We often would talk and then pray with her. Don’s illness grew worse and he was in and out of Hospital. It was Christmas Eve when I visited Don and Rosa at home. Rosa led me upstairs to a bedroom. Don was very ill and lay unconscious in bed. I had brought my Bible to read but left alone with Don, I lay my hand on his arm and prayed for him. Returning Christmas morning I was amazed to be led into the back room where Don was sitting at the table engaged in shaving. After the initial shock and some conversation, I asked if I could read from Gods Word. I prayed and thanked God for this remarkable recovery.

Several months went by and Don gradually grew weaker and died. We comforted Rosa and prayed with her. The   stress and burden of her past life had taken its toll and soon she too was diagnosed with cancer. She had an operation and a period of remission. After many visits to the hospital we knew she was dying.

I was very burdened for her soul. One evening, knowing she had only a short time on this earth, I had to speak to her. I told her of God’s plan of salvation for sinners. “I’ve done something that God will never forgive me for” she confessed. I tried to explain. ‘That’s why Jesus came. Remember the thief on the cross. He was guilty. He deserved to die. Yet in a moment of time he looked upon Jesus. He saw ‘the Blood of the Lamb’. He called Him Lord, and what did Jesus say to him? ‘Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise’.” Rosa had looked troubled. “Tony, I know what you are saying, but I am not ready yet”.

My heart was very heavy as I returned home. I could not rest. Later that night I lay awake crying out to God to have mercy, “Lord save her”. Two days later, Rosa was in hospital again. Sheila had visited her on the Saturday afternoon. On her return she pleaded with me. “if you can, try to visit Rosa tomorrow, even if you have to miss church” The following day I walked into tthe hospital. I had prayed that I might find Rosa alone. On the ward I was directed to a small side ward. She looked up as I entered the room. “Tony, I’m ready”. I walked across to her bed and knelt beside her. “Are you?” “Yes” I prayed a sinners prayer and Rosa asked the Lord to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She settled back on the pillow, having received, pardon and peace.

The following week, Rosa had expressed a desire to return home. She knew she was dying. On the face of it, it was impossible. However we prayed and decided to ask the Consultant. Sheila offered to nurse her. Friday evening found us travelling home in the car together. How we praised God, the consultant had agreed. Sheila moved in to Rosa’s home to nurse her. The week had passed so quickly and now she was with Jesus.

Sheila realized the time had flown, time to make some phone calls. After the funeral, we marveled at how quickly Rosa’s faith had grown. All that we had shared together. Sheila pondered what an incredible experience it had been. What a privilege to share with someone, to get so close. Now all gone. How strange life is 7 Yet Sheila rejoiced in the thought of Rosa finding Peace and Pardon.

The names of Rosa and Don are fictitious in order to protect identities.