Jeffrey: Adventure at Jericho

By Kathryn S Patterson

Meet Jeffrey a ten-year old boy who loves adventure. Jeffrey is the middle child with an older sister and younger sister. Jeffrey likes company on his adventures, so he cajoles his friends to join him on the adventures that are sometimes dangerous. God has a message for Jeffrey, but Jeffrey is not paying attention because he is so

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bible Land Studies
• Release date: Aug 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9780578709208

Kathryn S Patterson

Kathryn is a retired judicial court reporter, an ordained minister, and has a Master's degree in Cristian counseling. Kathryn and her husband, Duane have traveled extensively and have spent extended time in Israel. Through their ministry Bible Land Studies they have hosted numerous trips to Israel and other Biblical lands. Kathryn continues to study and teach Biblical Hebrew and when in Israel continues her Hebrew studies and has been a conference speaker to groups of women on topics such as making good life choices and living by Biblical principles. Kathryn has been involved in ministry for over 25 years, including teaching, speaking, and volunteering. Over the years Kathryn has volunteered at Birthright, an international pro-life organization in NE, the Volunteer Foster Care Review Board in NE, a hospice volunteer for five years in AZ, and currently is a volunteer Chaplin at aa local hospital. Kathryn is involved with a ministry, Heart to Heart for Israel, through Bridges for Peace an international ministry, supporting families returning to Israel. Kathryn and Duane live in southern Arizona near their family, including their grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Book preview

1

Who is Jeffrey?

It was almost dinner time when the ambulance pulled into the hospital emergency entrance. Fortunately, there was a lull, and the emergency room wasn’t too busy.  It took several minutes for the paramedics to get Jeffrey out of the ambulance, through the doors, down the hall, and into an exam room.  Jeffrey’s parents were anxiously waiting when they brought Jeffrey into the exam room.

This wasn’t the first time that Jeffrey had been in the emergency room; however, this time it was much more serious than before.  This time it wouldn’t be a few stitches and then home; this time it would be at least overnight, if not longer.  Jeffrey’s parents were understandably worried about the next few hours, and what they would bring.  A lot of information would be shared and there would be many decisions made; however, in the meantime, they were relieved to see Jeffrey was at least in one piece.

Jeffrey was barely 10-years old; his birthday was just a couple weeks before, and for the young age of ten years his parents were all too familiar with his hijinks that could land him in the emergency room.  Since the time Jeffrey could walk, he tempted fate in one way or another.  Jeffrey was a climber; he liked trees, jungle gyms, or anything off the ground; swings were one of Jeffrey’s favorites, the higher the better.

From the time Jeffrey first learned to ride his tricycle there was no stopping him.  It wasn’t that Jeffrey was reckless, he just wanted to experience everything to the fullest.  It didn’t matter how tall something was, taller had to be better.  As far as Jeffrey was concerned, faster wasn’t fast enough.  Jeffrey thought it was his duty to find the most exciting adventure possible, and then convince his friends to join in.

Jeffrey was the middle child, and he felt he was surround by females.  His older sister was in middle school, and next year she would be in High School. Jeffrey’s younger sister was in Kindergarten.  Both of Jeffrey’s parents worked; his dad was gone all day, but his mom only worked mornings.

Most households have rules and Jeffrey’s was no different.  Everyone had chores, including Jeffrey and his sisters.  The most important morning chore Jeffrey had was to take care of Frank.  Frank was the family dog, but Jeffrey considered him his best friend.  As far as Jeffrey was concerned, Frank was the other male around when his dad wasn’t home and that evened up things a little bit.  Frank, a tri-colored Australian Shepherd, was born at Jeffrey’s grandparents’ home six years earlier.  Once Frank was old enough Jeffrey’s grandparents gave Frank to Jeffrey and the family; that was a great day, one Jeffrey wouldn’t forget.  Soon Frank and Jeffrey were best buddies.  When Frank came along, Jeffrey was almost four-years old and from that time on Jeffrey and Frank grew up together.  Frank was fiercely protective of the family, particularly Jeffrey.  Jeffrey loved Frank and didn’t mind taking care of him.  However, cleaning up the yard after Frank was another matter but Jeffrey didn’t mind that either, he thought Frank was worth it.

After Saturday chores Jeffrey was usually off with his friends the rest of the day, but not before he dreamed up an adventure and convinced his friends to join him.  Jeffrey had a small circle of friends who he could cajole to joining in his sometimes very reckless adventures.  Although, his circle of friends was small, Frank was always included.  Jeffrey never thought of going out on an adventure and leaving Frank home.

On Sundays everyone in Jeffrey’s family went to Sunday School even his parents.  Jeffrey liked Sunday School more than Church because he really liked the stories they read, especially the ones filled with excitement and adventure.  Church was okay, but the stories were kind of boring; nevertheless, the family went together.  Sunday afternoons were usually busy with something fun, most of the time it was some adventure that Jeffrey had dreamed up.

Jeffrey’s tenth birthday was extra special because he got the best birthday present ever from his parents, the bicycle he dreamed of for two years.  Jeffrey’s birthday party was on Saturday and everyone was able to come, his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and some of his friends.  Jeffrey chose for his birthday dinner barbequed hot dogs and burgers, accompanied by his mom’s delicious potato salad.  Topping off the party was a desert of cake and ice cream, but that would be later in the afternoon, when everyone was hungry again.

Jeffrey was so excited about his new bike he couldn’t wait one minute longer to try it out.  Jeffrey asked and asked until finally his parents relented and allowed him to take a short ride on his new bike before dessert.  Jeffrey quickly rounded up his friends, convinced them to get their bikes, water bottles, and backpacks and head out for a short ride. Jeffrey’s parents had always insisted that he take some water and wear his helmet, no matter where he went or how short his ride.  Jeffrey would fill his backpack with water plus whatever snacks he and his friends might want.  The snacks were important because that was one of the things Jeffrey used to entice his friends to join in the adventure.  Jeffrey wasn’t sure what his dad’s definition of short was, but he felt sure the neighborhood loop through the park would be okay.  Jeffrey thought once through the park would probably be a good idea but as it turned out Jeffrey almost missed his birthday desert, because he was late.  Time had gotten away from Jeffrey and his friends, and his short ride turned into a much longer ride than his dad had suggested.

When he got home his dad inquired as to why he was so late.  Jeffrey knew he was in trouble when he told his dad that they had decided to go through the park.  Jeffrey’s dad reminded Jeffrey about the rule: no riding through the park without permission as it could be dangerous.  As a reminder to obey the rules, Jeffrey lost his birthday bike riding privileges for three days.  It was a tough lesson for Jeffrey, but one he wouldn’t soon forget.  Next time he thought, I’ll ask what short means and follow the rules!

2

The Hospital

Jeffrey was so glad to see his mom and dad waiting for him when the paramedics were bringing him through the exam room doors.  He knew his parents would be upset, but he also knew they would be glad to see him.  The first thing out of Jeffrey’s mouth, he wanted to know, Where’s Frank?  Was Frank okay?  The next words were, Where’s my bike and backpack? At that moment, his parents didn’t know Frank’s whereabouts, or what happened to Jeffrey’s bike, but would surely inquire about what happened to Frank and the bike.

Suddenly, people were everywhere.  Jeffrey never had this much attention before not even when they thought he cut off the end of his little finger.  He thought to himself, this must be bad.  And it hurts a lot more, too!  The pain was setting in and it felt like the pain was everywhere.  When Jeffrey tried lifting his right arm, he couldn’t move it.  Then he tried moving his left leg and he couldn’t move it either.  As Jeffrey laid there looking up, all he saw were faces covered with masks.  Jeffrey was surrounded completely in all directions by strangers. He looked for his mom or dad among those surrounding him, but he couldn’t see them anywhere.    Jeffrey thought, where’s mom and where’s dad?

As he called out for his mom, a voice quietly said, Jeffrey, close your eyes, it’s okay.  A few faint voices were heard and then nothing.  Everything was quiet. Jeffrey was quiet; he was now in dream land.

Jeffrey’s parents were anxiously waiting in the waiting room for an update on Jeffrey’s condition. While his parents waited, they gathered information regarding the accident that landed Jeffrey in the emergency room again. Two of Jeffrey’s friends who were at his birthday party, but didn’t go on the ride, were in the waiting room along with their parents, and some other family members.  While everyone waited, the two EMTs in the waiting room were sharing what they knew about the accident from their first-hand experience.  Everyone waited patiently for news about Jeffrey, while two EMTs began to lay out the story of what they knew about what happened that afternoon.

The story began to unfold, and Jeffrey’s grandparents arrived in the waiting room, and soon to follow were other family members, including his two cousins.

Everyone sat quietly listening to the story of the events unfold from earlier that day.  As the story continued, Jeffrey’s friends shared how Jeffrey’s new birthday present, the fastest bike ever, was the culprit, and immediately Jeffrey’s birthday became the topic.  First, his parents shared about the search for just the right bike, it would have to be the fastest bike ever, the bike that could do almost everything. This special bike was the one Jeffrey had been dreaming about for almost two years.  When Jeffrey’s parents took him to pick out the perfect bike for his birthday, and the great party that awaited, it was the perfect beginning for that tenth birthday.  The plan was a barbeque with family and friends, next followed by the presents and later the ice cream and cake desert.  This emergency room event wasn’t in the plan at all.

The stories about Jeffrey continued, as the Pastor of the Church Jeffrey’s family attended made his way through the crowd to where Jeffrey’s parents were waiting.  While he was extending his support, one of the doctors that attended Jeffrey came into the waiting room with an update.  The waiting room fell silent as everyone was anxious to hear what the doctor had to say.  The doctor had an easy look about him when he came in the waiting room, and a pleasant expression on his face, which immediately put everyone at ease.  In a quiet yet strong voice, he began by asking Jeffrey’s parents if they wanted the update in private or could those in the waiting room hear as well.  Jeffrey’s parents indicated that it was okay for everyone to be in on the update.

Once the formalities were over, the doctor began and stated that Jeffrey was going to recover, but his injuries were serious.  The doctor shared that Jeffrey and his bike tumbled down a drop off, an embankment, his right arm and left leg were broken.  There were decisions to be made as far as treatment was concerned, and another update would follow once the doctors made some decisions.  When the doctor left the waiting room, Jeffrey’s parents were in shock.  Up until this time the only details of the accident or how serious Jeffrey’s injuries were came from the EMT’s account.  This was so much more than they had expected.

After the doctor left the outside sliding doors opened, and everyone turned to face the doors to see who was coming in.  Jeffrey’s two friends who were with him and saw him go over the embankment, the first policeman on the scene, and Frank came in the waiting area.  Jeffrey’s parents were relieved to see Frank, that was good news; they knew Jeffrey would be happy to know that Frank was with them and okay; however, there was still no news on the bicycle.

3

What Happened?

Immediately the questions were flying at the two boys and the policeman when they came into the waiting room.  Everyone could see the boys were visibly shaken by all that had happened, and all the questions weren’t helping.  The parents of the two boys came in right behind the policeman; the waiting room had filled up fast, in fact, it was now standing room only. After Jeffrey’s parents assured the two boys there was no fault placed on them, they began by asking them to tell their story and not to leave out any details no matter how small.

Both boys began at the same moment, just like a flood of water, words poured out of their mouths.  No one could understand anything they were saying.  Jeffrey’s dad slowed them down and asked for each one to tell his story separately.  It was still too much to take turns, but they did slow down so they could be understood.

The story started with Jeffrey’s birthday party and how much fun it was.  Both boys remembered the bike ride through the park, which is what got Jeffrey into trouble before for not following the rules.  Both boys moved on to the new bike Jeffrey got for his birthday; it was the bike every boy wanted.  Each boy shared about how fast Jeffrey could ride and the tricks he had been practicing.  In fact, they told how it was Jeffrey’s secrete desire to race Moto Cross, and join in all the action, and the thrill of racing, jumping, and the bike tricks.  It was all about excitement, the wheelies, the jumps, just all of it.  Jeffrey was jumping over everything he could find and challenging anyone who wanted to race.

Both boys shared about some of the adventures they had joined in just in the past couple weeks.  They were a little timid when they told Jeffrey’s parents, because they knew some of the antics were kind of reckless. Jeffrey’s parents were somewhat shocked about the hijinks, but they were more concerned about what took place this day.  The two boys knew Jeffrey lost his bike privileges for going to the park when he rode on some of the trails without permission, because it was dangerous; however, dangerous or not that’s where Jeffrey wanted to go.  And after Jeffrey cajoled and twisted arms, he convinced his friends to join him in the adventure.  At first it didn’t seem that dangerous.  The hills weren’t that steep, and the trees weren’t so dense, but then the trails up higher in the park were becoming narrow, and a lot steeper and the forest was much thicker.  Uphill became a bigger job, and finally they had to walk the bikes up to the top, but the downhill ride was the real thrill.

Then suddenly, in the flash of a second, the thrill turned into unbelief.  Jeffrey started down first. Jeffrey always wanted to be first, and something happened; the path just slipped out from under his bike tires and he went down the embankment.  Both boys dropped their bikes and ran to the edge and looked down; there Jeffrey was at the bottom of the embankment along with his bike.  It wasn’t as deep as they thought when Jeffrey disappeared over the side, but it was deep and steep enough.

Frank had followed Jeffrey down the embankment barking all the way, as if the barking could somehow stop Jeffrey from careening down the embankment.  Once Jeffrey came to a stop, Frank ran circles around Jeffrey and constantly barked.  When Jeffrey regained his senses, he called out to Frank to quiet him down.  Frank immediately came to Jeffrey’s side, laid down beside Jeffrey and began whining.  Jeffrey was glad Frank was with him, he didn’t want to be alone.  Jeffrey looked around at his surroundings and mostly what he could see were lots of trees, some were old with lots of dead branches, and lots of thick brush everywhere.  There were quite a few rocks mixed in, some the size of small boulders and some much smaller.  Jeffrey couldn’t see past the boulders and brush to see what was on the ground around him farther away.  What Jeffrey could see laying right beside him, practically touching him, was a rotten log, a stinky, rotten log filled with bugs and what else he didn’t know.  Jeffrey tried to move to get away from the log, but he just couldn’t move so there he laid.

The boys stood peering over the side of the embankment for what Jeffrey thought was forever. When the boys finally called out to Jeffrey, he answered in a shaky and weak voice, but at least he answered.  Immediately, the boys knew Jeffrey was in big trouble.  As Jeffrey laid there, somewhat crumpled and bent on the ground at the bottom of the embankment, he thought about how glad he was that he wore his helmet.  Jeffrey’s parents were very particular about the helmet.  Jeffrey didn’t really like it, and the worst was the helmet hair he got when he wore it.  However, Jeffrey was thanking his parents for insisting: No helmet no bike riding.  He would remember to thank them if he ever got out of this mess.

Wow! At first, the two boys couldn’t decide which one would go for help and which one would stay with Jeffrey; they knew they couldn’t leave Jeffrey alone.   After a short discussion the decision was made, and that meant the boy with the fastest bike went for help.  The next decision made was what way to go back, the way they came or to go forward.  Which way was the shortest way?  As the two boys were trying to decide what to do, one of the boys suddenly remembered at the lake ahead of them, just outside the park, which wasn’t that far away, and mostly downhill from this point, there was a lifeguard on duty.  That’s it!  That’s where they could get help.

The older of the two boys had the bigger bike and took the lead in the decision making.  Soon he was on his way down the hill to the lake to get help.  The other boy, the younger boy, carefully made his way down the embankment toward where Jeffrey was laying, kind of bent and hunched on some rocks, and almost touching a rotten log that really smelled awful.  As Jeffrey’s younger friend finally reached the bottom of the embankment where Jeffrey and Frank were, Jeffrey asked his young friend, Are you alone?  The answer was, Yes.  However, Jeffrey’s young friend assured Jeffrey not to worry help would be coming soon.

There it was in the distance, the lake.  Jeffrey’s friend, the older boy, wondered how many more miles it was; he was getting a little tired, even though there was a lot of downhill, it was still a long ride.  He knew he couldn’t stop to rest, all he could do was tell himself I can do it.  I can do it.  As the older boy was approaching the end of the lake, the bike path turned into a concrete area near the bathrooms and parking lot.  Looking around the older boy didn’t immediately see anyone that he thought could help.  When he came to a stop the older boy put his bike aside near the wall, and he ran around the building to look for the lifeguard tower. Not too far off he saw the lifeguard tower, and immediately began running toward the lifeguard tower and yelling out for help.

The lifeguard was a little puzzled as the cries for help were not coming from the lake but from behind him.  When