Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.” Luke 22:31-38
Dear Auntie,
we started out last night as the sun was setting and things around us seemed peaceful. It was anything but! As we were on the outskirts of town, men showed up and started screaming at me and Joseph. Several picked up rocks and threw them. Joseph kept me in front of him and was hit several times. We just kept moving and as dark settled deep, we were left alone. Can you believe it?
We could only travel a few hours before I got very sore and tired. Fortunately for us, the first stop was only a few hours from home. Tomorrow night will be much, much longer. When I dismounted, I saw that Joseph was bleeding. His back was deeply cut by the rocks although he had been wearing a heavy cloak. We are staying at Poppa's cousin Isaiah's home, and we might be here for an extra day so that Joseph can heal. His wife, Johanna, cleaned the wounds and put herbs on them. She said she will bandage it tomorrow and then we can be on our way. They have been so kind that I feel ashamed of feeling so weak and tested. It is as if the devil has gotten into good people and we are being sifted, shaken and pushed to our limits.
Before we leave here I will write to Momma, so that she can know how we are doing. She cried so hard when we left. Once she started, I couldn't stop myself from crying. Joseph was a little embarrassed by the whole thing, but he never said a word. He has been so strong and patient in the face of great threats and pain.
love always,
Mary
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