Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Psalm 80:7 (NIV)

 When I saw his face, I pitied him. I noticed he sat in a corner and I could not help but wonder what had happened to him. I wish I could say it was total compassion I felt, but curiosity had something to do with it too. Little did I know how my feeling toward him would change!

 After the meeting, I headed to a comfy chair in the hall with a book feeling pretty carefree to wait for my husband to finish his duties. Before long the man with the disfigured face came down the hall with some other people. A door opened and a policeman walked out.

 “Hey, thanks for your service,” said the man cheerfully. “Can I ask you a question?” The policeman responded with a sure so he continued, “What’s your name?”  Again, the policeman responded.

 The first man immediately asked, “Richard, can I ask you another question?” The policeman nodded yes, so the man asked, “Richard, do you know Jesus?” The policeman stammered about believing something out there, but not being religious. Without hesitation the first guy said, “Neither was Jesus, that’s how he could die on the cross for our sins.”

 Sitting there spellbound and with chill bumps, I no longer saw a man with a disfigured face, I saw a man with the face of God. He boldly witnessed to the policeman, not to mention the others who listened in, with no thought of his appearance.

 I cannot even begin to tell you the impact that experience had on me. Number one my assumptions to feel regret for someone whose face looked differently had no merit whatsoever and number two what was my excuse not to be out there witnessing just as passionately?

 God, I praise you! Thank you for allowing me to witness such a bold testimony. Thank you for showing us your face in a world which often times ignores you.

Susan Partida