We started the walk back to the Milford, and everyone was in a great mood. We were having a blast, plus Jill Painter was due to have arrived in NYC by the time we returned. Our group would be complete. As we were leaving Rockefeller Plaza, Jennifer Johns stopped at one of the food carts on a street corner to buy a Sprite. She didn't tell anyone, thinking it would be a quick stop. The group kept walking. It is important to remember that this was in the days before cell phones. We arrived at the Milford excited to see Dr. Jill, when suddenly we came to the realization that we no longer had Jennifer with us. Panic immediately set in. We could not remember where we had last seen her. The girls checked her room, but she was not there. It was quickly decided that a small group of us would back-track and see where we could find her. Matt Schmidt and Brian Watson had grown up with Jennifer, living in the same general neighborhood. They were as close as any friends can be. As we started back across town, Matt was on a mission. He was not speaking, and he was walking so fast the rest of us could not keep up. We arrived back at Rockefeller Center, and after some questioning of New York's finest who are always in that area, we discovered what had happened and that they had directed her into a nearby building to wait for our return. They had offered to bring her to us, but in her panic she didn't remember the name or address of our hotel. We went into the building and found Jennifer, safe and sound. At least at first. After many hugs and prayers of thanksgiving for finding her unharmed, Matt Schmidt let loose! He yelled at her for not staying with the group, listing all of the horrible things that could have happened to her. He was so angry and so emotional; he was truly afraid we had lost his dear friend. I think Jen may have been more afraid at that point that at any other moment of the evening. She was shaken, but she was a trooper. We walked back to the Milford one more time and had a happy reunion with rest of our youth family. Jen stayed very close to us the rest of the week. It makes for a great story now, but at the time it was one of the worst nights on my ministry life.
The trip continued, and there are a few more stories to tell. In the meantime, have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and don't forget the reason such a weekend exists. And tomorrow, be sure to visit the house of worship of your choice and get your praise on!
Because of Jesus,
Oh boy. You must have had momentary heart failure. Yikes! Glad it all worked out well. :) ♥♥♥
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