Chapter Three: Amy’s Choice
Amy Waltz was from a big family. She had two brothers, a sister, and more cousins then she could count. She had a love of children that started in her own childhood. She took immaculate care of her dolls and their accessories. She wanted to get married and have children as soon as possible, after graduation that was. She may have been only a high school junior, but she knew what she wanted. Amy loved her family life. Her dad owned a packaging company and was a strong man of God. Everything he did he prayed about. He took the Bible as his instruction book. He was good to people and he loved his wife and family.
Amy’s mom was amazing. She made everything from scratch, sewed, knitted, and had the most understanding heart. She was a friend to many and a mom to more than her own children. Their house was the one that everyone wanted to come to. There was laughter, love, and prayer for all who came into their house.
Growing up in such a loving household kept Amy secure in who she was in God. She was treated as a person of value and that’s how she chose to treat others. She was different than most girls. Being beautiful inside and out, Amy had what seemed like hundreds of friends and plenty of guys interested in her. The timing wasn’t right for a relationship though, and Amy didn’t play games or participate in the dating scene just to be dating. She loved learning new things and sharing all her knowledge with her mom and younger sister. They listened patiently and laughed at Amy’s excitement over subjects that were way too hard for them to comprehend. Amy was smart, energetic, and enthusiastic. Teaching would be the perfect profession for her to get into.
Her junior and senior year flew by and choosing the right college was her most difficult task. Should she attend a local college or go out of state? She prayed for direction. Teaching became her goal, but finding the right person to share her life with was still her dream. After she had graduated the only thing stopping her from marriage was knowing who God had planned for her. She asked God to keep him safe and to stir passion daily in his heart, whoever he was. Amy had high standards for a future husband. He must love God first and her a very close second!
The spring and summer were full of revivals. Every month for at least a week, an evangelist would come and conduct nightly services at church. They were all good speakers and they all ministered to the congregation, challenging them all in their relationships with God. However, it was one man, a very humble dark skinned, gentle soul who captured Amy’s attention the most. His name was Bill and he was there to talk about Maldives. Amy had never heard of Maldives before. It took her ten minutes to find the island nation in the Indian Ocean on the globe.
Bill explained all these details and brought to life this small nation in Asia. He showed slides of the villages and the beautiful islands and beaches. The faces of the children captured Amy’s heart. They were in such need of housing, education and of course, God. This man had a deeper passion for others then she had ever known. He was leaving on the first of July to go back for a month. He talked about the changes going on in Maldives with the Governments push to enforce its Islamic roots. Britain had protected Maldives until 1965 when an agreement was signed ending their responsibility. The window to reach out to the islanders for Christ’s sake was closing. Christianity was already forbidden. “Even unto death,” Bill said with tears streaming down his face. “We must do all we can to reach them with the gospel.”
Amy was heartbroken, and she became determined to help. As soon as service was over she spoke with Bill. Her heart pounded and her body felt feverish with emotion. She was being called by God to join Bill. Now she had to convince her dad that it was the right thing for her.
When they got home and settled in for the night, Amy approached her dad, careful not to overwhelm him with all her information and reasoning. Her dad listened and never commented. Amy thought his silence was a hint that things weren’t going her direction. “Well Dad, say something.”’ Amy couldn’t take the suspense of what her dad was thinking any longer.
“Amy, I saw you talking with Bill. I saw the look in your eyes and knew what was happening.” He walked toward Amy smiling. “You know I have seen that look in your eyes before.” He knew his daughter well. “I will support you. However, when you return from your trip, you will have to live at home and attend the local college.” Mr. Waltz said everything Amy needed and wanted to hear. He was giving her permission and financing her. His conditions were reasonable.
“I can do that Dad and thank you!” Amy hugged her dad so tightly that he gasped for air.
Amy was so excited and could hardly wait to tell Bill. At church that Sunday night, Amy explained how she felt lead to go with him.
He was as excited for her as he was for himself. He gave Amy a contact number and got her address. “You will receive all the information next week. I will meet you at the Cincinnati airport with whoever else feels led to come. Pray Amy,” he sounded so serious. “There is opposition everywhere. The war, government, and finances, so much that God has to work out. We need strong volunteers. There is one more thing Amy...”
His words pierced her soul and tears filled her eyes.
He went on, “You cannot bring one thing; absolutely nothing religious. No Bibles, crosses, hymnals, nothing at all. They do not have religious freedom in Maldives. You will be severely punished or worse if you are caught.” Bill was giving Amy an honest view of evil, but did not want to make her think there was no hope. He cleared his throat, and softened his tone as he continued, “If you gain the trust of the mothers, you will have children all over you. They will love you and follow you everywhere. They are so hungry for hope. Your job will be to gain their trust and keep them busy and safe as we work.”
He gave a half smile and continued on to search for the pastor. He had to give the gravest of details and warnings to protect her and everyone else on the trip. He was leaving that night to find another church to give his testimony. He had four months of traveling ahead of him. He wanted to take the best of everything back to the islanders that he had fallen so deeply in love with.