Burned Read Online Free

purpose.’ Paul speaks this truth in the book of Romans. But what I would like you to ask yourself today and each day to come is, what is his purpose? I would like you to ask this even through the bad times. I say this because I have seen his great purpose revealed more in my struggles than in my triumphs.”
    Bethany sat back in her seat as the pastor continued his sermon, thinking about his words. How many times since the shark attack had people — including her own parents — told her that God had saved her for a reason? From the moment the pastor spoke those words, she felt like everything screamed into sharp focus around her. She glanced at her parents and Malia, all intent on the sermon. Then she glanced around the room. She felt as if God were trying to tell her something —but she wasn’t sure where to look for the answer.
    What is your purpose for my life, God ? she silently asked.
    The message came to a close, and the keyboard launched into the opening chords of a song that the congregation soared into with beauty.
    The worship service ended, and Bethany’s dad signaled for them to follow him out so they could acknowledge the kindness of the pastor.
    At the door, the pastor greeted the Hamilton family and Malia warmly, introducing himself as Samuel.
    â€œI would be honored to have you to my home for dinner while you are here in Salani,” Pastor Samuel announced with a beaming smile. Bethany grinned as he shook her dad’s hand with almost as much gusto as Tagiilima.
    â€œWe would be honored,” Tom said earnestly.
    â€œWonderful! I will send someone to the camp to guide you to my house tomorrow evening!”
    Bethany and Malia decided to lag behind and explore the village while the rest of the Hamilton crew headed back for camp. As they followed the little winding road through town, the girls quickly picked up a small following of children and a couple of scruffy dogs. The children eventually led them to a small stand where they could buy ice cream.
    â€œThanks for the tip on the ice cream!” Bethany called out to the kids as she and Malia chomped into the cool ice-cream bars. Bethany and Malia continued their journey through town without the children.
    The girls could see inside many of the homes, and they marveled at the simple lifestyle of these people. It was apparent that they had little in the way of material possessions, but the homes were neat and clean, and their occupants happily greeted them as they walked by.
    Bethany spotted one of Pastor Samuel’s children and waved to the girl as she was going into her home.
    â€œMust be where Pastor Samuel lives.”
    â€œYeah,” Malia took a bite of ice cream and leaned forward and squinted her eyes. “What do you think that is in the middle of his fale?”
    Bethany peered through the holes in the decorative concrete blocks that made up the small wall around the fale. She could just make out a large woven mat in its center, decorated with red and pink feathers around the edges.
    And, of course, it was hard not to miss the body under the mat.
    All they could see were the large hands and feet sticking out . . . and that one of the feet was missing a big toe. Whoever it was remained still as a stone. There was nobody else in sight.
    â€œYou think that’s Pastor Samuel under there?” Bethany whispered.
    â€œI don’t know,” Malia whispered back.
    Bethany took another bite of ice cream, trying to decide what they should do — if anything. For a moment, she’d felt like she was either going to break into hysterical laughter or faint. Until she noticed the person was breathing. The mat rose and fell slightly each time the hidden man took a breath. She and Malia had seen a lot of unusual things, but nothing as strange as this.
    Bethany looked at her friend. “The girls back home are never going to believe this, you know.”
    â€œYeah,” Malia nodded distractedly as