by Ruth Reid
“Do you remember walking with a man, Samuel?” Daed asked.
Samuel lifted his head off Judith’s shoulder. “Jah, Tobias.”
“Who is Tobias?” the bishop asked.
The little boy beamed. “He’s the angel who told me I could walk.”
Daed gulped. “Tobias, you say?”
“Jah.” Samuel turned to Judith. “He came to me in mei dream. Only he had a golden glow surrounding him. I heard his voice telling me to stand, so I did. Then I followed him.”
Joy bubbled up from deep within Judith, and a sound between a sob and a laugh escaped her lips.
Andrew, eyes glistening now, breathed deep and smiled.
“He’s the largest Englischer I’ve ever seen.” Martha stood with David’s help. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. Samuel walked.”
Her father shook his head slowly. “I don’t understand. The doctors said the nerve damage to his spine was too great. They were sure he would never walk.”
The bishop made a sweeping scan of the area. “Where is this Tobias?”
“He vanished.” Martha looked from Daed to David. “I saw a brightness reflecting off the snow.”
Samuel nodded. “Jah, I saw it too. And Martha fell down.” He pointed to the clearing. “He went that way. I wanted to go, but Tobias said to watch over Martha.” He looked at his sister. “I couldn’t wake you.”
Martha nodded. “Jah, the singing started again, and still I didn’t know the words.”
Bishop Lapp cleared his throat. “We’ve seen a miracle today. I suggest we go back to the haus where you can give us the details.” He turned, then after a slight hesitation, he walked up to Andrew and Judith. His gaze lifted to the sky. “Samuel’s steps were ordered by God.”
“Judith was right.” Samuel hugged Judith’s neck. “He was an angel.”
Bishop Lapp leaned toward Andrew’s ear and whispered something Judith wasn’t able to hear.
Andrew nodded.
Before his father rejoined the others heading back to the house, he held Judith’s gaze, nodded, then turned to his son and clapped his shoulder.
Daed stopped in front of them. “Samuel, kumm mitt mich. Mamm will want to see you walk.”
Judith passed Samuel to her father’s waiting arms.
The boy motioned for Andrew. “Are you kumming?”
“Shortly.” He leaned closer. “I have to talk with Judith first.” He glanced at Judith’s daed, and his face turned a shade of pink. “That is, if it be all right with you?”
Daed made a stiff nod. “Jah.” He turned and followed the others toward the house.
Martha gave Judith a teary-eyed hug. “I’m glad you’re not going to Ohio.”
Judith nodded. Her heart was so full of happiness, she couldn’t speak. She brushed the tears from her eyes as Andrew settled his strong arm around her shoulder.
Once they were alone, Andrew turned Judith toward him. “Samuel walked.” He kissed her forehead. “Our prayers were answered.” He kissed the tip of her nose and rested his forehead against hers. “My father gave me his blessing.”
“He did?” Her heart fluttered as his kisses feathered along her cheekbone.
“It looks like God got a gut hold of them all, jah?”
She clung to him tighter. “Jah.”
Andrew brought her out to arm’s length. “You sound sad.”
Judith sniffled. “Tobias is gone. I wanted to thank him.”
Andrew shook his head. “It’s God we must thank. He sent Tobias.” Andrew cupped her face and lightly stroked his thumb along her cheekbone. “I have so much to give thanks for.”
Judith nodded. “I do too. He opened my eyes and showed me you.” She sighed. “I suppose there are more reasons than Samuel walking as to why God sent Tobias.”
Andrew looked at her, a slight smile on his lips. “Jah, I suppose we may never know all the reasons.” He drew her closer to him. “I want us to marry once you’re baptized.”
Joy spread through her as she gazed into his eyes. “If I had mei way, I would be baptized today.”
Acknowledgments
I thank God for His grace. Without His unmerited favor, and the people He has placed in my life, I wouldn’t have seen my dreams materialize. I thank God for my husband, Dan, and our three children, Lexie, Danny, and Sarah.
Dan, thank you for the times you’ve pushed me beyond my abilities. You’re an awesome soul mate to swing for the bleachers with. Thanks for being a great husband, wonderful father, and for doing your own laundry. Your love and support are incredible.
Lexie, your help around the house and encouragement have been a godsend. Thanks for cooking. You’ve officially mastered all dishes that include rice and beans. Thank you for taking the book photo and hiding my double chin.
Danny, as I watch you grow, I know God has been good to me. From a newborn needing a liver transplant to a thriving young boy, I see you and I stand in awe of what God has done. He has great things in store for you, and I’m honored to be your mom.
Sarah, you’re a bright girl. I’m so proud that God has called my “little gapper” to be a prayer warrior. I’m confident that God will do great things through you. Thanks for holding me up in your prayers.
Mom (Ella Roberts), you stayed up late typing my stories since I was in grade school. Thanks for your unconditional love and always believing in me. I guess you’re thankful I know how to type now.
Dad (Paul Droste), growing up tagging along on your radio interviews, I’ve learned communication skills from the best. Kathy Droste, I’m grateful to have a stepmother who is willing to spend long hours “red-inking” my first draft. I owe you a new pen—and a lot more!
I have a large list of friends and family who have supported and encouraged me. My writing pal and lunch buddy, Jennifer Uhlarik. We’ve sat in the same booth, ordered the same food, and plotted and killed off characters for months. Your friendship, critical eyes, and godly support are so valuable. Quanda Watson, my prayer partner. Joy Elwell, Mary Ann Stockwell, and Joan Paisley, thanks for your ability to speed-read and give timely feedback. Susanne Dietze, we’ve been through many chapters together and have shared tears of frustration and joy. I’m so grateful to have you as my friend. Scribes 211: Sarah Hamaker, Virginia Hamlin, Bob Kaku, Dave Longeuay, Gail Sattler, Linda Truesdell, and Jennifer Uhlarik—we certainly are an eclectic group of writers. Thanks for your honest feedback and helpful corrections.
I’ll always be thankful for Mary and Simon Thon, who introduced me to the Amish while I lived with them during college, and to my Amish friends of Mecosta County, Michigan, who invited me into their homes.
I especially appreciate my publishing family at Thomas Nelson. Natalie Hanemann, you are an awesome editor. Thanks for your support and encouragement. I would also like to thank Lissa Halls Johnson and LB Norton for all your hard work.
Reading Group Guide
1. How do Judith and Martha react differently to their brother’s accident? Was there a time when you lashed out at a close friend or relative? Did you recognize your action immediately?
2. Have you experienced a time when you’ve taken a stand on something, only to feel as though you were standing alone? Maybe a friend took a stand and you were able to offer support or help?
3. Even though Judith believed she was following God’s direction, how did she behave when she thought God was silent? What does the scripture John 14:18 mean to you?
4. Although Judith wasn’t always aware of Andrew’s support, he still held her up. What are ways we can hold each other up during a time of need? Can you think of others outside your circle of friends and family whom you could help?
5. In John 16:33 what does Jesus tell us we can have? How is this possible?
6. What do the following scriptures say about God’s faithfulness? Psalms 89:24; 89:33; 101:6; 119:90; Hebrews 10:23.
7. Can you think of a time when God sent some form of encouragement to you that helped you to keep the faith? Perhaps
something someone said or the words of a certain song helped remind you of God’s promises.
8. When Samuel arrived home from the hospital unable to walk, Judith felt hopeless. Have you ever felt disappointed when God’s plan is different from your own? The Bible tells us that His timing is perfect. Can you see how His timing in Judith’s life was perfect?
9. Has there been a time when while you were waiting for God’s direction in a situation, you took the matter back into your own hands? What happened when you did? When we continually worry after we have prayed about something, are we taking the matter back into our own hands?
10. Andrew told his father that Judith’s faith pleased God. What does the Bible say about those who diligently seek Him?
11. How did Andrew help Judith the most? Have you ever prayed for someone and felt strengthened yourself?
12. What does the Bible say about angels in Psalm 91:11?
Return to
Mecosta County
for a Brush of
Angels Wings
THE NEXT
HEAVEN ON EARTH
NOVEL
Available April 2012
About the Author
Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending pharmacy school in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.
Table of Contents
Pennsylvania Dutch Glossary
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Acknowledgments
Reading Group Guide
About the Author
