Posted on 09/18/2007 1:03:25 PM PDT by Red in Blue PA
MALIBU, California (CNN) -- "Hey, that's the boy I just saw on TV!" a voice shouted out from the beach.
Unaware, Youssif streaked past, little legs pumping as fast as they could across the sand, coming to a screeching halt a few feet away from the waves breaking at the shore.
Frightened and excited, the 5-year-old Iraqi boy shrieked and laughed as his father lifted him to safety as each wave crashed around their legs. It was the first time either of them had seen the ocean.
The "voice" belonged to a member of the Valley Peak church group from nearby Chatsworth -- having a father and child day at the beach.
"We'd like to pray for Youssif and his family. Can you ask if they will accept this?"
The reply: "Of course," said Youssif's mother, Zainab.
The group of Christian fathers and children surrounded the boy and his dad, falling to their knees and locking arms. Youssif and his father stood at the center of the circle holding hands. Watch Youssif being happy again »
"They are going to need strength and patience, and God, just put your hand on little Youssif and his family," one of them said, head bowed in prayer.
They continued to pray for the boy, his family and even for forgiveness of his attackers.
Other beachgoers witnessed the scene, joined in and dropped to their knees -- more than 30 people in all. It was nine months ago to the day that Youssif was savagely attacked -- set ablaze by masked men near his Baghdad home.
Watching the scene, the outpouring of warmth from total strangers, Zainab wept, tears running down her face.
"I was overcome with emotion," she said later. "Here in America, people were moved by him. Why not in Iraq?"
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
And the terrorists call us infidels....
The church at work. Love conquers evil.
Thank you for posting a beautiful story.
Very nice. I can’t help wondering, though, what would the penalty be for this act under Sharia law?
Notice at the source says the name of the family is withheld to protect them. CNN won’t just come out and say who or what is the threat.
We ain’t near as bad as we’re made out to be.
That's interesting. They didn't even make it clear(to me) who's family this is supposed to protect. Does the Iraqi boy now have an american last name that they're withholding?
Because in primitive societies, people with handicaps, whether genetic or acquired, are shunned.
Wait - I believe I see Jesus there...
Christ was on the beach in California, as surely as He was there in Iraq. If any among you question, “Where was God when this child was attacked?” look for him in those who helped to save Youssif and bring him here for healing. Jesus is there, ready to help his children, within all who are truly the children of God...
That give me a little hope for this world. Thanks for posting.
In this photo released by the Children's Burn Foundation, Youssif, a five-year-old Iraqi-born burn victim, pushes a luggage cart after his arrival at the airport in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, from Iraq. The child, who was set on fire by masked men outside his Baghdad home, according to the Children's Burn Foundation, was brought to Los Angeles by the Children's Burn Foundation for reconstructive surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center. (AP Photo/Children's Burn Foundation/Rene Macura)
Dems outraged. ACLU to file suit.
Amen.
OMG, this is terrible. Think not only of the physical scars, but the emotional ones. Children are supposed to be able to depend on adults to protect them.
I hope the Shriners will take care of him as I hear they have possibly the best burn hospital.
Just unbelievable. I can’t stand the thought of human beings doing something like that. Sick.
Bear in mind that Islam is a religion of peace. This sort of thing happens all the time within the so-called “Christian” conflicts.
Amen, dandelion. AMEN.
Thank you so much for posting this. I hope and pray that we can keep up with his recovery and hear that he is helped enough to be able to eat like a normal kid. That little lad is living proof that there is evil and good in the world.
Nice story until I came to that part.
By your service, by your love, these are the gifts you’ve given, protected, defended.
A true Christian forgives even his attackers, as difficult as that may be.
Praying for forgiveness of attackers is a very strong, brave and freeing thing to do. It took awhile, but I forgave my physically abusive ex-husband —and it was the most liberating thing I had ever done.
You don’t know how much hatred binds you with chains until you seek forgiveness on behalf of that person that wronged you and the chains fall off.
It does more for you than for the other person....
Pat
They misunderstand the nature of forgiveness. It is the the boy's prerogative to ask forgiveness for his attackers. The group should pray for the attackers' conversion of heart.
I think it is between them and God alone. Your opinion is meaningless is this respect, no offense intended.
Of course, the sinner must repent for God's forgiveness, and in that respect you are right.
What I was trying to say (and not too well), is that the boy can offer his forgiveness, since he was the offended party. No one can forgive them for him.
He can also, if he so wishes, ask God to forgive them the way Jesus asked His Father to forgive His executioners.
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