Lauren likes pumpkins!

Recently a young man who is a friend of mine, received a phone call in the middle of the night. On the other end of the line was a whimpering voice he barely recognized.

As he gathered himself to be fully present in the conversation, he realized it was a young lady on his college campus that he barely new. He had met her at some function or other, and now in her despair, was crying out to him.

She began to unravel a tale of awakening in a strange bed. Apparently she stumbled outside, and was able to give him enough direction that after some hunting, he was able to find her.

She proceeded to tell him how she had met a guy while having a drink. The next thing she remembered was waking in his bed...he was gone.

She had likely been rendered unconscious with a "date rape" drug.

My friend took her to the local hospital and was told that they could not help her.

Greatly annoyed, they set out for the rape center in a nearby large city. Upon arrival, it was closed.

Next they headed to the largest hospital available. They arrived and explained the situation and asked for a blood test to prove the drug had been administered and for a "rape kit" to be done. They were denied, and told that some law prevented them from being able to administer such.

This drug only stays in the system for a period of a few hours. They knew they were fighting the clock, and were growing more frustrated...perhaps angry...by the moment!

After three stops and a lot of driving, without success, they headed to the police station. Surely they would get assistance here. It was the their job to investigate these accusations.

To their disbelief, they were denied one final time. Because she had redressed herself and due to the passage of time, there was nothing the police could do!

This young lady continues to try to heal from a memory she does not have. She is unaware of what happened to her. She is not even sure if anything did.

Unfortunately, this scenario is too common on college campuses today. Rohypnol, or the "date rape" drug is far too available. It is used across our country by men looking for immediate gratification.

What is less common?

Those like my friend, who though they are barely known, have made clear who they are in Christ! He lives his life for Jesus, so when a young lady who is desperate for help in the wee hours of the morning, knows exactly who to call, though she does not truly know him.

I praise God that though he was put in the most difficult of situations, he came immediately to her aid, and did what he could! He would say it was not enough! He wants to do more. He has even investigated and discovered who the offender is, and confronted him.

Without evidence, it is impossible to know for sure what happened. He feels this young man may be lying.

Yesterday, he checked in on the young lady, and she is doing as well as can be expected.

"Infuriated," is the term that best describes how this makes me feel!!!

I pray the Lord gives each of us a heart of compassion for the offenders, and that we are motivated to do all we can to reach out to those around us who are either victims or perpetrators. He loves them equally, and we need to as well.

One unexpected but intentional conversation with another, can make all of the difference in their life.

My friend did in hers.

My Savior did in his.

dad