The Shield

by Irene Zundel

Rafael could be so stubborn!-but Maria loved him with her whole heart, nonetheless. Her husband’s passion and determination were always strong and deep, and once Rafi got an idea in his head, there was no persuading him to change his mind. So, when Rafael had the idea to be a lay minister, helping the homeless on the streets of South Central Los Angeles, she could only offer her support.

Privately Maria worried. That area was prone to gang violence, and there was poverty, drug use, and depravity of every sort.

On the first day Rafael was to go downtown to bring sandwiches and blankets, Maria presented him with a special present--a leather Bible, with the word Escudo engraved in gold on the front, right corner. "Escudo," in Spanish, means "shield, "and Maria hoped the word of God would protect her husband as a shield once protected ancient warriors.

Tears welled up in Rafael’s eyes as he lovingly accepted her gift. He said, "Don’t worry, Maria, I am sure the Lord will watch out for me."

Each day, before leaving the house to minister to the homeless, Rafael would recite while he was getting dressed:

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:15-17, New Living Translation)

And every time he visited his flock on the streets, he would pray:

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
(Psalm 18:1-3, New Living Translation)

The weeks and months passed quickly. Maria was so happy each time her Rafi came home safely. It was so nice to see his face light up as he told her countless stories of people finding salvation, winning their battles with drugs and alcohol, finding jobs, and reuniting with loved ones. Perhaps she had been foolish to worry after all!

Thanksgiving was approaching, and Maria had much to feel thankful for. Not only was Rafi’s ministry thriving, she was happily carrying their first child. She planned to go with him to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day, and when they returned home, she would tell him the blessed news.

During the drive downtown, it began to rain, but Rafael’s enthusiasm wasn’t dampened one bit. He sang hymns as they sloshed through every street puddle. Arriving at their final destination, Rafi zipped Escudo inside his warm jacket and helped Maria from the truck.

As he passed out hot soup, plates of turkey and stuffing, warm socks and blankets to his flock, he happily introduced everyone to Maria. Never had she felt more proud of him, as she did that moment. His face was filled with so much love, and she could tell they had a genuine respect and affection for him as well.

Suddenly, there was the loud roar of an engine, the squeal of tires, and the horrifying sound of shots fired. Everyone screamed and scattered, except Rafi, who in a split second turned around to see who sprayed bullets into the crowd. There was a sickening thud when Rafael was struck in the chest.

Maria screamed in terror, as she ran to Rafi’s side. "Dear God," she prayed, "let my husband be ok!" As she flew into his arms, Rafael smiled, and unzipped his jacket. There in the cover of Escudo, was a bullet hole. The Bible his wife gave him, stopped the bullet before it could penetrate his heart.

Rafael exclaimed in the presence of the stunned crowd and his grateful wife,

The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
(Psalm 28:7, New Living Translation)