Arlene Hess Elkins

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust. (Psalm 91:4)

“It’s neat up here,” Arlene called out to her friends from atop the ridge that surrounded their hidden jungle home. “I can see way past the valley.” They ran along the ridge shouting and laughing. Then they ran down the steps, past the big house to the creek they called the river. Whole troops of monkeys came chattering through the trees. The children ran to watch them go by. Outside their hidden jungle haven, things were different. The world was at war. As her family sang songs and read the Bible every evening, Arlene knew God was taking care of her. One day, Arlene heard some bad news.

“The enemy has taken over Zamboanga City,
Our soldiers have surrendered.
They can’t help us now!”