“Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the Churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast in what pertains to my weakness.” 2 Cor 11:24-30 (NASB)
From a world of all out, continual, intense ministry one Agape Force girl was thrust into the surreal world of being a crime victim in one terrifying afternoon. If anyone might doubt the reality of the danger we all faced while “going for the worst” this sobering story will be like a splash of cold water in the face.
Oh yes, the danger was real. And although the protection and the grace of God operated in wondrous, mind boggling ways the risks we took and the cost we counted were far from imaginary.
My parents in particular objected strongly to the danger we constantly put ourselves in, yet they, being Christians, knew as well as we did that where God sends us, we must go. The story of Jonah is testimony to the extremes God will go to trying to bring us to a place of obedience.
We were in a pitched spiritual battle. It was a battle for the souls of men and women. Would I do it again? In a hot minute! What we gained for eternity far outweighed any price we paid.
On Valentines Day, 1984, Shawn Wallace came as close to Heaven as she has yet been when a new false convert the Tacoma team had been working with turned violent and stabbed her seven times in the torso. The miracles began when she did not die and the wonderful grace of God upon her life continues to this day.
The following journal entries preceded the incident and give a glimpse of what ministry life was like for Shawn during that time.
Journal Entry:
I feel this is going to be one of the greatest adventures of my life. One of the most overwhelming challenges I will ever face. I am scared.It is hard working and living in the inner cities. I have to keep re-evaluating my motive for ministering. Is it really to glorify God? Or is it to glorify me. Is it to show others that I am strong and good and disciplined and brave? Does it matter to me who gets the credit? If I give my best and don’t worry about the result, then I know my motive is pure. Then God will be glorified.
Journal Entry:
It is 10 p.m. We’re getting ready to take a trip to Greenwich Village. I’m exhausted...depleted...drained. The very thought of walking out of the security of our home into a place crawling with prostitutes, druggies, killers...it is getting to be more and more difficult to do. It’s Thursday night. Most people are going to sleep. Our night is just beginning. I’m reminded as I read the Word, that the men of faith were the men who never gave up. The tougher it got, the more they believed and the stronger was their faith. So tonight, I feel exhausted. I’m hungry and tired. But even if I’m just out there and don’t talk to a single person. If I’m just there for the mere sake of being “available” to someone that is hurting, if that’s all I can do, then that is still being faithful. Thank you, God, for that ability. Tonight, I will trust His power and strength and not my own. He will be faithful.
Journal Entry:
Sixty-five days on the road...we covered well over 10,000 miles. Lindale, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Boise, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; Spokane, Washington. Always returning to Tacoma for two or three days to pick up our mail, visit with people we love and who are hungry to know more of God…to remind them that we love them, despite our busy schedule, we still think of them OFTEN. And then we’re off again...sometimes as many as 12 girls in one brown Chevy van. We’re crowded. Sit upright. Even if I wanted to stretch my legs I couldn’t, but we have a good time. We laugh. Sing. Talk. Pray. And occasionally sleep. Arriving in a city at 6 a.m. after driving all night...sleep in a crowded motel room until noon and then head out to the ghetto or door to door or for a Church service or a skit. If I couldn’t be flexible and ride with the punches, then God’s and my dreams would never live.
The story of that day follows in "God's gonna bless you."