My life as a minister began in Albert Lea, MN, where I served as a youth director at First Presbyterian Church. I remember checking my answering machine for messages one day and I received a voicemail from a little girl. "My name is Amanda. I am all alone; can you come get me? I need help."

I checked the next message: "My name is Amanda. I am all alone. Can you help me?"

I didn't know anyone name Amanda, and her voice didn't sound familiar. I called the police to tell them, but didn't hear anything more about Amanda.

Who are the Amandas in your life, alone and crying out for help. May we be attentive to those around us. May God give us ears to hear their silent or not so silent cries.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)