The Shepherd

We were coming down the narrow trail in the Nepal mountains from elevations of twelve thousand feet. This was the fifth and last day of our trek. We were exhausted. My 17 year old daughter's feet were blistered terribly. We longed for a western meal. As tired as we were, the trip was worth it as we were able to distribute all of our Gospel literature and Bibles to unreached Nepalis who lived in villages high in the mountains.

For most of the trip down from the mountains, the trail was only wide enough for one person and a passing donkey as they carried supplies up and down the mountain. I was helping my daughter limp down the mountain as she anguished in pain. She moaned often but never complained. She had been attacked by a dog, chased by a water buffalo, and awakened at night by rats running across the rafters. She was a trooper but I was beginning to wonder how much more she could take.

The trail opened up to a green grassy area covered by a huge tree that gave much welcomed shade. We unloaded our backpacks and layed down in the midst of some feeding goats. Our Nepali friend and guide conversed with the young boy tending the goats. The young shepherd was fascinated with us and also concerned with the condition of my daughters feet. We were out of Gospel material and all of us Westerners were hoping that Ashok, our guide and friend, was sharing the Good News about Jesus with this young boy.

As they were sharing we noticed a small goat bent forward on it's front legs feeding on the grass. It ate as much grass as it could reach without moving its bent front legs. It seemed to want more but refused to move to get it.

Ashok finished his conversation and the young shepherd boy prepared to go on his way up the mountain trail. He strapped on his pouch and then moved toward the little goat. It was then that we realized that the little goat was crippled! It's front legs were permanently bent backward. The shepherd boy gently reached down and picked the goat up. He slung the little goat over his shoulder so the goat rode on the back of his neck being carred to the next place of rest and nourishment. Off they went up to higher elevations.

As we pushed our tired and sore bodies up to start again, my thoughts went immediately to the famous "Footprints" poem. None of us said anything but we knew the Lord spoke strength and encouragement to us through the little crippled goat. It gave us the strength and stamina to push on to finish the trek and go on to the comfort of the Mendies Haven Orphanage, where we were staying while on our mission to Nepal.

Perhaps you feel crippled by the pressures of life. Your soul's feet are blistered from the wonderings of the world. All mankind has been left crippled by the ravages of sin. Be encouraged today that there is a Good Shepherd who knows your pain. He is aware of your exhaustion and the pull to give up. If you let Him, He will carry you to your next place of refreshing and nourishment.

We were coming down the narrow trail in the Nepal mountains from elevations of twelve thousand feet. This was the fifth and last day of our trek. We were exhausted. My 16 year old daughter's feet were blistered terribly. We longed for a western meal. As tired as we were the trip was worth it as we were able to distribute all of our Gospel literature and bibles to unreached Nepalis who lived in the higher elevated villages.

For most of the trip down from the mountains the trail was only wide enough for one person and the a passing donkey as they carried supplies up and down the mountain. I was helping my daughter limp down the mountain as she anguished in pain. She moaned often but never complained. She had been attacked by a dog, chased by a water buffalo, and awakened at night by rats running across the rafters. She was a trooper but I was beginning to wonder how much more she could take.

The trail opened up to a green grassy area covered by a huge tree that gave welcome shade. We unloaded our backpacks and layed down in the midst of some feeding goats. Our Nepali friend and guide conversed with the young boy tending the goats. The young shepherd was fascinated with us and also concerned with the condition of my daughters feet. We were out of Gospel material and all of us westerners were hoping that Ashok, our guide and friend, was sharing the Good News about Jesus with this young boy.

As they were sharing we noticed a small goat bent forward on it's front legs feeding on the grass. It ate as much grass as it could reach without moving its bent front legs. It seemed to want more but refused to move to get it.

Ashok finished his conversation and the young shepherd boy prepared to go on his way up the mountain trail. He strapped on his pouch and then moved toward the little goat. It was then that we realized that the little goat was crippled! It's front legs were permanently bent backward. The shepherd boy gently reached down and picked the goat up. He slung the little goat over his should so the goat rode on the back of his neck. Off they went up to higher elevations.

As we pushed out tired and sore bodies up to start again, my thoughts went immediately to the famous "Footprints" poem. None of us said anything but we knew the Lord spoke strength and encouragement to us through the little crippled goat. It gave us the strength and stamina to push on to finish the trek and head to the comfort of the Mendies Haven Orphanage, where we were staying while on our mission to Nepal.

Perhaps you feel crippled by the pressures of life. Your soul's feet are blistered from the wonderings of the world. All mankind has been left crippled by the ravages of sin. Be encouraged today that there is a Good Shepherd who knows your pain. He is aware of your exhaustion and the pull to give up. If you let Him, He will carry you to your next place of refreshing.


"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11-12