Deliver Us from Evil (38 page)

God, what do You have in store for me now? I know You have a plan for me and it will be good.

“We're going to see Mai and Kanya at their new home. Want to join us?” Roark asked.

“I'm so glad the adoptive parents wanted both of them.” Brannon's grin widened, if that was even possible.

After Child Protective Services contacted Fight Against Child Exploitation, FACE, based out of Thailand, some of the girls were returned to their families. But not Kanya or Mai. Kanya's parents had been killed, and Mai couldn't go back to her father's home—not after he'd sold her.

“No, you two go ahead. I have some things to take care of.” Like spending time with the Father, seeking His guidance.

Brannon touched his arm. “Lincoln?”

She knew him too well. She was like a piece of him. “I'm good. I promise.” He started to chuckle, but the sun broke free of the clouds and shone down brightly. A prism shot from Brannon's left hand on his forearm.

His heart tripped as he peered into her face, then at her hand, then back into her eyes. He grabbed her hand. “Brannon?”

She giggled—Brannon Callahan actually giggled. “Isn't it beautiful?”

An engagement ring. A promise of Roark and Brannon's love and commitment. Excitement for them thickened Lincoln's tongue.

“We've set the date. April 10th. Isn't it wonderful?” She snuggled against Roark, beaming.

This was wonderful news. She'd come so far in pushing beyond old pains to embrace the goodness God provided her. Roark, too, had to deal with issues of his past to move toward a promising future.

But Brannon hadn't told Lincoln that Roark proposed. He'd had to notice the ring. Lincoln tried to hide his disappointment and awareness that he was no longer her confidant. “It's great.” He extended his hand to Roark. “Congratulations.”

Roark shook his hand. “Thanks.”

Brannon looped her arm through his. “And I want to ask if you'll give me away.” Tears floated in her eyes.

His chest tightened into a knot. “Of course. I'd be honored, hon.” And he would.

She hugged him so hard he lost his breath. Laughing, she let him go and returned to her fiancé. “We'll discuss details soon, okay?”

“You betcha.”

“Are you sure you don't want to go with us?” she asked.

“Positive. I'll catch up with you at the station later.”

“Okay.” Brannon gave him a quick hug, then she and Roark headed off toward the parking lot, arm in arm.

Lincoln's feet refused to move. He was so glad for Brannon. She deserved every happiness in the world. And he was honored she had asked him to give her away. But that hurt, too.

He'd be giving away his best friend. Giving away the final link to his brother.

Lincoln took a stiff step toward his own car as realization hit. Brannon had Roark to love and Jefferson as her partner at work. Maybe Lincoln's whole purpose in being a ranger had been to help her. Now she no longer needed him.

Lincoln stared heavenward, anxiety thrumming through his veins.

What now, God? Where do we go from here?

READER'S GUIDE

1. Brannon and Lincoln were loyal friends. Lincoln helped Brannon get through a personal tragedy, using Scripture and faith to strengthen her resolve. Many times in life, we need a friend to speak to us in truth and to encourage us. Looking at your own friendships, how can you be more of a biblical blessing to your friends? (See Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24; and John 15:13.)

2. The loss of loved ones can have a profound effect on people. Brannon chose her professions based on an emotional need to save people. This need was brought on due to losing loved ones. Roark's loss of the little girl triggered a physical response of claustrophobia. Have you ever lost someone you loved? What effect did it have on you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

3. It's no secret that parents' attitudes rub off on their children. Congressman McGovern lost his mother at a vulnerable age and had to live with his militant father, who had strict ideas about living life to a particular code. Reflect on how your own parents' ideals (good and bad) affected your childhood. What about this would you have changed if you could? How has this followed you into adulthood?

4. Child trafficking is a serious and real tragedy. In the story Roark has an opportunity to bring those involved to justice. Do you think our current laws are too easy or too harsh on those involved with exploiting children? Discuss how you can help with this issue. (See Psalm 127:2–4 and Matthew 19:14.)

5. Brannon was afraid to open her heart again after losing the man she'd loved. Fear can paralyze people, yet what does Scripture tell us about fear? (See Psalm 23:4; Psalm 27:1; and Isaiah 41:13.)

6. Mai and Kanya were children, innocents, but in a horrible situation over which they felt they had no control. Yet they were determined to improve their quality of life. Have you faced a situation you felt you had no control over yet struggled to improve your life despite the situation? What did you do?

7. Lincoln and Brannon not only had deep faith but lived it. Why should we live according to our faith? How can we exhibit our faith in everyday life? (See Proverbs 14:25; Isaiah 44:8; and Acts 1:8.)

8. When Brannon meets Jefferson, she is annoyed and frustrated that she must train him. Yet she didn't really know him. How can we avoid judging others without getting to know them? What does the Bible say about judging others? (See Matthew 7:1–3 and Luke 6:37.)

9. Roark had chosen to move away from God because of something bad that happened in his life. Have you ever felt disappointed or angry with God because of your circumstances? How did you deal with your emotions? What did you do to move back into a relationship with God?

10. While the congressman's motives were greed and power, Jonathan Wilks's participation in the child-trafficking ring was a means to provide special medication for his wife. Do you believe doing something wrong for the right reason is okay? What does Scripture have to say on the subject? (See 1 Kings 15:11 and Isaiah 1:17.)

11. Brannon witnessed to Roark, and Lincoln questioned her motives. (See Philippians 1:18.) Why do you think God can use selfish motives to further His purposes?

12. Roark and Brannon felt a quick emotional connection to one another. Do you believe people can truly bond that quickly? Why or why not?

13. Brannon had instances where she lacked self-confidence in her job as well as in her status with her best friend. Why do you think she felt that way? What in our own lives can cause us to lack confidence?

14. When Brannon hurt her ankle and had to use crutches for a short time, she felt helpless. What do you do when you feel helpless? How can we overcome such feelings?

Dear Reader:

Some time ago I watched a television special on child trafficking with my husband. As a mother of three daughters, I couldn't stop the ache in my heart long after the show was over. I couldn't get the image of these poor girls' faces out of my mind. The horrors these children endure in their own poverty-stricken country is horrible enough, but to be brought to America and be further exploited and abused is appalling. When my outrage settled inside me, I knew I had to write a story about this most serious issue.

Researching this story line drained my emotions as well as educated me. I couldn't believe how often this atrocity occurs—and I had no clue! While I took certain fictional liberties and invented the congressional coalition, FACE is a very real and very proactive organization in addressing these children's plight. You can visit their Web site at: http://www.un.or.th/ TraffickingProject/FACE/face_home.html. I commend their efforts and presence in Thailand.

I must commend the often unsung heroes of the National Park Service rangers. Until I began writing this book, I didn't realize the enormous job they hold and the intense training they've undergone to be rangers. My hat goes off to these amazing men and women who save lives, educate, and serve the public.

I hope you enjoy the journey into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as much as I did when writing this story. These characters came alive for me, and I hope this story touches and blesses you.

I love hearing from readers. You can find me on the Web at: www.robincaroll.com.

Many blessings,

Robin Caroll

ONLINE & PRINT SOURCES

Thai Translation

http://www.thai-language.com

Child-Trafficking Facts

http://www.lirs.org/what/children/tcibackground.htm

http://www.childtrafficking.org

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038249

http://gooddeedsinternational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41

Medical/Drugs

http://www.appraisercentral.com/research/Bio%20Chemestry.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7947884

http://articles.latimes.com/2007/apr/07/science/sci-briefs7.3

http://scienceroll.com/2007/01/31/curing-cancer-the-dichloro acetate-story

http://www.thedcasite.com

http://puredca.com

http://www.berner.org/pages/medical_treatments/ cancer_therapy.php

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24578841 -662,00.html

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_50/ b3963151.htm

http://www.essaysample.com/essay/001839.html

http://www.zimmer.com/z/ctl/op/global/action/1/id/8138/ template/PC/navid/88

Helicopters & Flight

http://sunnyfortuna.com/festivals/disaster/dolphin.htm

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/hh-65.htm

http://itouchmap.com/latlong.html

http://www.csgnetwork.com/slflightdistcalc.html

http://www.pilotfriend.com

http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/pdf/B3_2006_jan_web.pdf

http://science.howstuffworks.com/helicopter1.htm

http://www.copters.com/pilot