Axel the Angel

"Lost" was not an accurate assessment of my situation. “Lost-without-a-clue-how-to-be-found” was more like it. 

It was the second day of our mission trip to Caracas, Venezuela. A major miscommunication left me standing alone on a Saturday night in a city of millions. And not only that, I didn’t know the address of my host family. This led to an interesting benefit of being lost in a foreign country. Your prayer life instantly improves. 

I felt led to pray for an angel. I’ve read a lot about angels in the Bible, but I’d never prayed for one. But what did I have to lose? 

“God, I am totally lost and don’t know how to be found! Please send an angel to help me.” 

No swarming sea of seraphim raced to my rescue. Not a single winged creature appeared. 

But a blond-haired gentleman, in line for one of a dozen buses, caught my attention. To this day I am amazed at what I did next. I followed him onto the bus and sat down across from him. 

The bus had barely pulled away when the man turned and asked in English, “Do you know which stop is yours?” 

I was stunned. “No,” I squeaked. 

“Describe it to me.” I told him the only landmark I recalled: there was a building with huge red doors. 


“Ah,” he said. I know where that it. It’s one stop before mine. I’ll tell the driver to let you off there.” I shook my head in wonder. I was on the right bus! 

My awe at this divine intervention grew as we continued to talk. He introduced himself as Axel, told me he was from Germany, but was in Caracas doing an internship that ended Monday. 

Finally I confessed, “Sir, I don’t know what you’re going to think about this, but I believe you’re an angel.” He laughed and said, “Dressed like this?” 

“My Bible says angels can travel incognito. All I know is I was lost, I prayed for an angel, and now I’m found.” 

When we stopped at the building with the brightly painted doors, I choked out my gratitude: “Thank you, thank you, God bless you!” 

In the privacy of my room, the details of the miraculous events played over and over in my mind. I sobbed in relief and gratitude. When I opened my Bible to begin reading in the Psalms where I’d stopped the night before, I could hardly believe my eyes. 

Only God could have orchestrated the entire evening, including the fact that I was reading these verses from God's Word mere hours after living them: 

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear him and he saves him” (Psalm 34:4, 7).


8 comments:

  1. Kim,
    It is truly humbling to realize that the God of the universe cares for us. I just read an amazing quote from Brother Lawrence that dovetails so nicely with your inspiring story: “You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we think.” Praying for your ministry and your travels.

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    1. Thank you, Lori, for your encouragement and prayers. Yes, it is absolutely amazing to think of God's love for us! I just love bragging on God--thank you for joining me!

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  2. Loved the post. I have a heart for missions and have been on the mission field. You just got a new follower.

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    1. Yay God! Delighted to have you "following" :) I love bragging on God, and it is wonderful to be able to share my stories with people who love and appreciate our amazing Creator and Savior!

      Where have you been on the mission field? I'd enjoy hearing some of YOUR stories!

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  3. What an amazing story of God's provision in a time of need! Thank you for sharing this with the Thrive @ Home community!

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    1. Thank you, Jenni! It's easy to brag on God when He "writes" stories like this one! Thank you for taking time to leave encouraging comments. May God bless you abundantly...and then some!

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  4. This is an amazing experience!! God answers our prayers so quickly!! Thanks for linking up this week over at WholeHearted Home.

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    1. I've often reflected on the "what ifs" of this story... there are too many to trace! I'll just keep praising God for His ways that are beyond fully knowing! God bless you, Judith!

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Each week I write a BOG (Brag On God) post. My prayer is that my words will invite you to brag on God, too. And together we'll make God smile.