All this week I have had a burden on my heart centering around the missing persons case in my neightborhood that of Keith Rochelaeu pronounced Rushlow.
To some it appears an issue of lack of interest pervades and to others that restraint is just necessary on the part of LE.
Still, I cannot help but think about the shepherd, the good shepherd, not one who wants all the fleece and money, and no involvement with caring for the sheep, but the one who p[laces his or her life in jeapardy for his beloved friends and family whether they live beside him or a state away.
The good shepherd noticed that one sheep out of 100 was missing from the fold. He left the 99 in the fold safely and tended and traveled the rocks, caves, and ravinces until he located the precious sheep. Then he took the sheep back to the safety of the 99 and made up the whole family.
We pray that Keith be located safe and sound. But if he is not located alive we still believe he belongs with his family who love him dearly.
This should prompt the good shepherds, friends, neighbors, ministers, and services of law enforcement, to turn out in droves organized and in good atmosphere and faith seek and locate that one sheep that is lost out there somewhere.
Another thought that remains attached to my heart today is the psalmist who says that the Lord is my shepherd and comforts me and keeps me with his rod and staff for protection, safety, and guidance. We owe this to all men and women everywhere who have a loved one missing. Jesus said we are neighbors regardless of the distance between us and we have a responsibility to even one lost sheep.
Last, when the disciples complained to Jesus that there were people following him who also loved him who did not believe like them, act like them, or dress like them, Jesus admonished their presumption by asserting that He, Jesus, had sheep who were active in other folds that did not have their skin color, religious ethic, cultural ethnicity, or ways and manners of life. Jesus quickly set them straight that any one who loved him and the sheep could not be wrong.
By position of being a neighbor and shepherd whether minister or sheriff, but also as Christians we owe Keith Rocheleau and his family an obligation to set aside political aspirations and personal pains and organize and utilize the many talents and skills that are available from one another and maintain the search for this one lost sheep until we bring him home.
Jim Harnage
Silent Ministries
P. O. Box 1112
Lake Park, GA
www.silentministries.org
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