Saving Faith

By Tanya Holmes Segars

Things were on the fast track for Josh Thompson, a talented, young civil engineer from Atlanta, Georgia. He had finally been given the opportunity of his career, to lead an international contract, but his excitement turns to horror when he learns the job is in Ghana, Africa. No one knows his past connection to Ghana, or that he has spent the last decade trying to forget what happened there. The harder he tries the angrier he becomes. He is angry at God and his father for the events that changed his life forever.

Horrified, Josh boards the plane for Africa, not knowing that the journey laid out ahead of him an ocean away will take him down a path that will lead to a world of new possibilities. But he must search deep within himself for the ability to forgive and maybemaybefind the faith that has been missing for so long.

Struggling with his anger and pain, Josh finds support in a childrens home volunteer named Amber Trimble. Amber has her future set, or so she thinks. As their paths become more entwined, Amber finds herself battling against her own past. Will she let the memories of the past threaten her hope for the future, or will she find the faith she needs to follow a new dream?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512704198

Tanya Holmes Segars

Tanya Holmes Segars is a full time mom. She lives outside Huntsville, Alabama, with her husband, two children, and three dogs. Saving Faith was inspired by the time she spent in Ghana, Africa, in 2012 with the Jesse Brooks Foundation.

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Copyright © 2016 Tanya Holmes Segars.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-0418-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0420-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0419-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015919335

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/02/2016

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Author’s Note

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I must first thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for saving me. Thank you for allowing me to live this amazing journey and all the blessings You have bestowed on me.

To Kirk, Mia, and Lex, thank you for your love and patience. I love you more than anything. You are my miracles.

To Crista, who believed in me and this project before I ever did. Thank you for your sisterhood and friendship.

To Danita, Lacey, and Mandy thank you for all your editorial assistance. I could not have done it without you.

To Chris and Tammy Brooks, thank you for being an example of allowing God to work through you, for allowing me to be a small part of what God has called you to do, and for introducing me to the wonderful people of Africa.

To all my friends and family who have supported me, thank you.

For Jesse

and the children of

Jesse’s Hope of Glory Children’s Home

Aflao, Ghana, Africa

CHAPTER 1

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T he sound of a cracking whip jerked Josh Thompson from his sleep with such a jolt that it startled the woman seated next to him. It was only the lowering of the landing gear that had shook him, but the familiarity of the dream stayed in his consciousness. Giving an apologetic shrug to his seat mate, he turned to look out the window and saw the New York skyline approaching. With a sigh escaping from his lips, he felt the dread rising inside him as the plane began its decent.

The flight soon landed and as he stepped from the plane into the busy New York airport, he sighed again as he impatiently bumped and pushed his way through the crowds of travelers until he finally came to the international terminal. Looking around, it always struck him how much smaller it was than the other boarding areas throughout the airport. After a moment he spotted gate 87D, and took one of the few remaining seats. Raking his fingers through his dark hair, he shifted his weight uncomfortably in the waiting area chair as he listened for the announcement to be made for his flight to begin boarding. Shifting again, he stretched his legs out in front of him in a feeble attempt to get comfortable. As a seasoned traveler Josh was very accustomed to the hurry up and wait associated with air travel, but today he was feeling its full effects. Sitting with his head propped on his hand, he could feel the exhaustion setting in. Shifting his weight once more, he counted the hours since leaving Atlanta early that morning, but it would still be many more hours before he would reach his destination half a world away.

Left with nothing to do but pass the time until his next flight, his mind began to wander through the events of the past week. He was still not able to wrap his head around the unbelievable idea that he was going to Africa. After everything that had happened there, it was the last place on earth he wanted to go; but since it hosted the biggest opportunity of his career he had no choice but to accept it. Leaning back in the seat he remembered how quickly his excitement had turned to horror when he had learned of his next assignment.

Just days earlier, Josh had been sitting at his desk working on a site plan for a shopping complex when he received the call summoning him to the conference room. The owner of the civil engineering firm he had worked with for the past five years had wanted to meet with him. While waiting to be admitted into the meeting he made small talk with his boss’s secretary, but could barely keep his knees from shaking. Cullenworth Engineering was an internationally recognized civil engineering firm based in Atlanta, Georgia that constructed everything from roads to resorts all around the world. He had strong suspicions what the meeting was to be about. He was confident he was finally about to be given the opportunity he had been waiting on for over a year, his promotion to be the project manager on an international contract. There were several jobs on the horizon, and it was a well-known fact that he had paid his dues and was next in line for advancement at the firm. Overseeing a number of sites across the Southeast and assisting on two international jobs had given him the needed experience; but because Josh was the youngest ever in his position at the firm the partners were still leery to give him the reins on an international job. The rationale always seemed the same from the partners’ point of view. They feared the client would feel uncomfortable having someone with his youthfulness, as they would often put it, leading a multimillion dollar project. Even though Josh was recognized repeatedly as one of the best in his field, he was still biding his time. Now, he was hopeful that things were soon about to change. There was a resort expansion in Monte Carlo he had been eyeing for some time, or possibly, the bridge scheduled to begin construction that summer to aide transportation in Brazil. Either one would be a great change of pace…tropical climates, beautiful women, exciting night life, and as far away from Atlanta, Georgia as he could get. That was exactly what he had in mind. However, within minutes of entering the conference room he soon learned the partners had other plans for him.

Josh knew that Cullenworth had been awarded the contract for a United States Embassy building expansion in Accra, Ghana, Africa. The young man also knew all too well this was not safari Africa with lions and elephants, but rather West Africa. A tiny country the size of Oregon that was dry, dirty, and very poor. It was soon revealed that yes, he was getting his shot to lead an international job all right, but just not in the tropical locale he had hoped. No, he was going to be stuck in the barren wasteland of Africa for at least three months, and he was not happy about it.

The boarding announcement for another flight pulled him from his thoughts. Knowing he needed to move around as much as he could before the long flight, he got up from the seat and began to wander through the shops across from the gate. After browsing through the stores and stopping to peruse the stand of magazines, Josh decided to head back to the waiting area since nothing held his interest. Discovering his seat had been taken; he searched a moment and found another one against the back wall. It was sandwiched between a large man that appeared to be asleep and a woman with a little boy on her lap. Just as he took the seat the child peaked around his mother at him playfully. Josh fought hard to contain the snarl he felt rising to his lips. He had not spent much time around children, and he hoped desperately that there was not going to be one on the flight with him tonight. A crying kid for the next twelve hours was the last thing he needed, and with that thought his already bad mood worsened.

As the long flight loomed ahead, he found himself thinking about the conversation he’d had with his boss about his promotion, or more accurately his boss had with him. There was one thing about his employer, Mr. Cullenworth; you rarely got a word in edgewise.

Josh, this is an awesome opportunity for you to make a name for yourself. George Cullenworth, the founder and president of the firm began, I know you have wanted to take on more responsibility, and this is your chance. We will need you in Africa within the week. I know it is very short notice, but my secretary will get you a list of all you will need to do medically and supplies you will want to pick up. I know you have worked abroad before, but most of those sites have been in metropolitan areas. Just be prepared that this assignment will be a little different. It is in the capital city of Accra, but it is very different from what you are accustomed. A team is already in place, site-work is complete, and the foundation has been poured. Everything is just about ready to begin framing. It is an unfortunate situation about Jim Richards. I believe you two have worked together before? Josh nodded and Mr. Cullenworth continued without pausing, As you know, he has been there leading this phase of the project and last week he fell ill. He has contracted malaria. He is expected to recover and should be fine, but in the meantime we need you to step in and get phase one completed on schedule. This is an important government contract for us and we are counting on you. Well, any questions?

No, uh, thank you, was all the younger man could muster with his mind spinning wildly.

No? alright then. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Cullenworth added suddenly, we have also committed to installing a solar panel power system in a town called Aflao, about a hundred miles from Accra for a group called RLI. It will power an orphanage there, but the people who built it and run it are from Alabama. Great story of how it began… Anyhow, I will need you to oversee the installation while you are there as well. Everything is in transit and should arrive about a month after you. It should not take you long, maybe just a week to ten days at most to get everything installed. All arrangements have been made, just find a good stopping point and shut down in Accra. I know it sounds strange, but this power system is a priority. Jan will get your contacts, details, and everything you will need emailed over to you. Well, you have a lot to get done, so I will let you get to it. Good luck son and God bless you.

Josh was on the elevator before he could feel his knees again. He had heard little Mr. Cullenworth had said after Africa. Trying to retain his composure, he asked himself why Africa? Of all the places in the world why there? Of all the places in Africa, why Ghana? No one could have ever known his history with Ghana, Africa, but it did seem strange to him that the biggest opportunity of his career was taking him there. Mr. Cullenworth had been right, if he could pull it together and prove himself on this embassy job then he could make a name for himself and start picking his future projects. You can do this, he told himself, attempting to shake off the shock. He had worked too hard to let anything personal get in his way of his success, least of all a ghost from his past.

He wasn’t thrilled about the solar panel power project they had been committed to installing, either. He knew from experience that these charity projects always ended up being more of a headache than anything. He wasn’t surprised, Mr. Cullenworth was a do-gooder and often committed to charitable projects in the poorer areas around where the company was doing construction. Josh had always thought it was just for the company’s image, until he spent a little time with the man and realized he was a genuinely good person. Mr. Cullenworth would tell anyone who would listen, and often those who wouldn’t, that everything he had was a gift from God and he was just paying it forward. He would go on and on about what you do unto the least of these, and you do for God, or something like that from the Bible.

Josh knew exactly what he meant. He had heard the same theology sitting in church every Sunday of his life as a kid. His parents were Christians, too. Kind, giving, and loving by nature, they would often go on trips to remote and poor places around the world where they would use their talents and skills to help people and tell them about God’s love. His dad was also an engineer and his mom had been a nurse. Josh had gone with them on mission trips when he was younger to Veracruz, Mexico to help build a church and Baja to work at a children’s home. Though he had only been about fourteen, it was some of the happiest times of his life. He had come to believe in God and knew He had a purpose for him, but that seemed like such a long time ago. Now, he just wanted to get his career on the fast track. Josh had other plans for his life and he did not care what God thought, because he was pretty sure God didn’t care about him anymore.

The next seven days had been a blur of shots, shopping, tying up loose ends at work, and of course, the dreaded phone call to his father. He had not even planned on calling and he didn’t want to call now. If he felt he had any other choice he wouldn’t have, but his hand was forced. Josh had not spoken to his father in at about five months. Their last conversation had been at Christmas time, and even then it had been only small talk. It had been just enough to ease his conscience that he had tried, and even that had been for his Grandmother’s benefit. To keep his promise to her before she died that he would try to forgive him. This had been their relationship ever since his father had met that woman, married her, and brought her into his mother’s house. Josh still could not believe his Dad had carried on with his life like nothing ever happened. He had only been fifteen when his mom was killed, and granted his father did not marry his wife, Martha, until four years later; but somehow it still seemed like he was betraying her. After all, it was his fault she was gone. It should have been him who died, not her. He should have done more to save her. Josh would have been happy to go and have his dad never know he was gone, if it weren’t for Stella.

Stella was the last piece of his mother he had left. An English bulldog who held the opinion she was far more human than dog. She had been a present from his Mom for his fifteenth birthday. Stella was just six weeks old when Josh woke up on the morning of his birthday being licked to death. She was wearing a pink ribbon tied around her neck and it had been love at first sight. He could still see his mom standing in the doorway with the video camera just laughing. Josh had always loved to hear his Mom’s laugh; it reminded him of chimes blowing in the wind. It had a kind of melodic ring that always made him smile. Seven months later, he would be lying in the same bed and Stella would be licking the tears from his face, having just returned home from his mother’s funeral.

Josh knew he couldn’t take Stella to Africa and he really didn’t have anyone he trusted to care for her. He felt his dad owed him this much. So after a very deep breath he dialed the number, when a familiar voice answered Josh said, Hi Dad. It’s me.

His father was more than a little shocked to learn his son was going to Africa, much less to Ghana, but he didn’t push. He invited him to dinner before he left, which Josh curtly declined as he always did. The conversation was short and to the point. It was soon agreed he would drive up and drop Stella off over the weekend, and they said good-bye.

The boarding call for his flight caught his attention and brought him back to the present. Gathering his belongings, he began to make his way to the gate where a kind faced attendant scanned his boarding pass and greeted him with a smile. Forcing one in return, he made his way down the ramp and onto the plane. Well, there is no turning back now he thought to himself as he settled into his seat. Being a last minute booking all that had been available was a window seat, but he had at least been able to upgrade to the economy comfort class. It was only about six more inches in leg room, but it made all the difference in the world on a long flight. He had learned the value of this little gem flying to Germany a few years ago on business. It wasn’t that he necessarily needed the leg room, but it sure helped to keep the person behind you from kicking your seat for the next twelve hours. He slipped on his earphones and tried to get comfortable.

Josh didn’t notice her standing there at first. How he missed her he will never know. It wasn’t until she nudged his arm that he looked up and saw the sweetest smile he had ever seen, and thought the trip was finally starting to look up.

I believe that is me, she said with a velvet southern drawl as she nodded to the seat beside him. He looked over and realized his tablet was sitting on the seat. Picking it up, he felt himself staring.

Still mesmerized, he watched as the petite blonde then hoisted her oversized backpack onto the seat and with systematic precision removed a pair of headphones, slippers, a blanket, a small medicine bag, and a book. She re-zipped her pack and struggled to lift it into the overhead bin. The pack weighed almost as much as she did, and just as a man across the aisle was rising to help her, Josh jumped up, Here, let me get that for you. Sitting back down, he offered his hand, Hi, I’m Josh Thompson.

The blonde was in the middle of stepping into a blue blanket with sleeves and legs that zipped up the front. Josh could not help but think she reminded him of Smurfette and looked adorable when she smiled and took his hand, Thank you for your help. I’m Amber Trimble.

She adjusted her blanket, tucked the novel and headphones into the pocket of the seat in front of her, and set about exchanging her shoes for the slippers. Once she was settled she noticed the man beside her was watching her with a smile. Looking over at him and she raised her eyebrows. Is something amusing?

No, Josh replied shaking his head trying hard not to laugh, That was just very impressive. I have never seen anyone be so, uh, systematic about getting ready for takeoff. I assume you fly a lot?

Just then an alarm went off on Amber’s wrist watch. Retrieving a small medicine bottle from the bag, she washed down the Malaria medication with water and turned back the man next to her who was now laughing. You were saying? She asked with a smile. Yes, I have taken this flight several times. In fact, this will be my eighth trip to Ghana. After a while you find a system that works and stay with it. It is a hard flight and anything that can make it easier, go with it.

Josh grinned, Wouldn’t a couple sleeping pills and a stiff drink do the same thing?

She just smiled sweetly.

Wait. Eight trips to Ghana! he exclaimed, as it just registered with him what she had said, I can’t imagine what in the world would take someone to Ghana eight times? Realizing how he sounded, he began to backtrack, I mean it is such a long way, and you seem so young to be going alone. Do you have family there?

Well, you could say that, Amber’s face broke into a smile again as she began to elaborate, I work with an organization called Redeeming Love International. It is a non-profit foundation that operates a children’s home in Ghana. I started going there when I was fourteen and I have made the trip almost every summer since. I feel like the kids at the home are part of my family because I have watched so many of them grow up. Also, my parents adopted my little sister from there. I guess you could say it really is a very large part of who we are.

The young woman spoke with such passion that Josh was intrigued. So, what do you do at the orphanage when you are there?

Children’s home, Amber corrected softly, an orphanage is a place for children without a family. These children are very much a family, and they have a heavenly father looking out for them. She straightened her blanket again and continued, When I go I do a little bit of everything. It really depends on what is going on. If it is a medical mission trip I help with triage and counseling. On other trips I have taught school and taken care of the infants and toddlers. I cook, clean, garden, whatever is needed. I guess you could say I am a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She finished with a flourish of her hand and another grin.

So what do you do when you are not taking care of children halfway around the world? Josh asked curiously.

I just graduated from college, Amber answered proudly.

Congratulations? What is your degree in? Wait let me guess African cultural ritual studies, or world peace? He asked, feebly attempting humor, but with more tension in his voice than he had meant to reveal.

Looking at the young man she sensed his poor attempt at humor, but he was coming across more defensive than anything. She was not really sure of his meaning, but it was hard to mistake the underlying distain in his tone when he spoke of Africa.

Close, she answered good-naturedly. It was pre-med at The University of Alabama. My plans are to start medical school this fall at Vanderbilt. This trip I am not just going to the children’s home, I am spending three months helping to set up a hospital, she said with excitement, not being deterred by his tone. The medical center is greatly needed in the village and I can’t wait until it is complete. It is going to help so many people.

Josh turned slightly taking in the young woman beside him realizing he had sounded like a jerk. He wasn’t used to being intimidated, but she definitely had his number. Amber was not arrogant in the least, but rather had a confidence he could not explain. She was just very sure of who she was, what she was doing, and why she was doing it. He had always thought he had his act together, but this girl had him on edge and yet totally at ease in the same moment. There was definitely something about her. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but she reminded him of someone.

How about you? Her voice jerked him from his thoughts.

Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say? Josh stammered. Smooth, he thought to himself.

I just asked what was taking you to Ghana. It is not exactly a hot spot for young American tourists, she repeated.

Oh, I am going to build some new embassy buildings. I mean, my company has a contract to build the buildings, and I am going to oversee the construction. As the words came out of his mouth he thought how shallow he must sound compared to her going to take care of orphans. He stretched his mind for something noble to say and suddenly he remembered, I mean, we will also be installing a solar power system in a poor region outside Accra. You idiot, he thought, every region in Africa is poor.

Amber picked up that he was somehow trying to impress her. It was obvious he did not mean to come across arrogant. She simply smiled and said, That seems like quite an accomplishment to be leading such an important contract. Where are you installing the solar power system, by the way?

Josh could tell she was being generous. How did she do that he wondered? Make him feel so comfortable. Make him feel important. He had only known this woman for five minutes, yet he could tell there was something very special about her and again, she seemed so familiar to him.

It is in… Aflao, he strained to recall the name of the town, a hundred miles or so from the capital.

Really, that is where the home is. Who are you installing it for? She asked her eyes widening.

Josh pulled out his phone and checked an email. He looked up from the phone and replied, A group from Alabama called RLI. Then the light bulb went on. Redeeming Love International… RLI… Alabama. Looking up he saw Amber was crying.

They got it, she said softly to herself. She knew the foundation had been awarded a grant for the solar panel power system, but shipping and installation were to be other problems. Last she had heard it was still unsure if it was going to even happen, but here she was sitting next to the man who was going to be the salvation for all those kids. To take them from the dire situation they were living in and bring new light to Glory Land. By the look on his face she knew she needed to offer some explanation as to her tears. But how would she begin? Well, the best place of course would the beginning.

Amber smiled and said softly, I guess you think I am crazy.

Well, not crazy. Maybe a little emotionally unstable, but hey, who doesn’t get a little misty at the mention of solar panel power systems? He said with a confused smile.

She turned to him, I guess I should explain. You see when RLI took over the children’s home it was in a horrible location, literally in the middle of a garbage dump. Even though it was gated, it was still a very unsafe area for the children. To make matters worse, where it was located was prone to flooding each spring. The rain brought in mosquitoes and put the children at risk for malaria and other diseases. Now, please understand, it was still better than the children being out on the streets. Here they receive love, food, shelter, education, and most importantly they are taught about God’s love. She stopped as the flight attendant had paused to offer a drink. After taking a sip of her drink she began again.

"A couple in the states bought a six acre parcel of land just outside of Aflao for RLI. Over the next two years a new home was built that could accommodate one hundred children, along with a church and school. The new property was lined with palm trees and always had a soft breeze blowing in from the ocean. It became known as Glory Land. A Rotary Club from Alabama provided funds to have a well dug. The water was so pure and clean people would walk for miles to come pump water several times a day. The only thing keeping the children from being able to move into their new home was power. As you will soon learn the African government works at its own pace. After months and months of waiting and broken promises, there were still not any signs that the needed power lines were being constructed. With spring coming and