‘Are You Still There?'

Story by Monica Zill

“I trust God.” Is it a statement or a question? This year at Parkersburg Academy (PA) in West Virginia, staff are working to make it a statement. Their goal is for their students to personally realize that they can, indeed, trust God. In this world of hurt, brokenness, pain and craziness, staff wants their students to rest in the hope, belonging and assurance Jesus gives.

The second week of school they went on a field trip to Valley Vista Adventist Center in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. While there, an experience transpired, showing just how tough one's faith journey can be.

Chance Ruble, a second grader, was eager to try out the ropes course. He eagerly put on the harness and hard hat and started up the ladder—ready for anything that was to come. He quickly scaled the first tall pole using each handhold, and once he reached the top station, the facilitator, Victor Zill, conference treasurer/secretary, switched his clip in to walk across the wire strung at least 30 feet above the ground.

Ruble’s confidence had faded some by this point, realizing just how high off the ground he truly was. He stepped very slowly onto the wire, then took another step. Hard stop! He could not take another step. His legs shook, and he yelled, “I can’t do it! I have to go back.” Everyone reassured him, “You can do it, Chance, you won’t fall. You are connected to the line.” Despite the encouragement, he crept back to the platform.

Ruble stood there awhile and, unbeknownst to the spectators, whispered in Zill’s ear. “Will you walk with me?” he asked.

“I will walk with you, Chance; I will be with you all the way,” Zill responsed.

So, the pair started across the wire. Ruble in front, Zill behind—sometimes touching the boy’s shoulder, sometimes helping with the line above so it was easier for him to walk across. We could hear Ruble yelling, “Are you there, Mr. Victor? Are you there?” Each time, he was reassured. “Dad,” he yelled below, “Is he still there?” always receiving assurance that he was not on the wire alone.

Ruble and Zill made it to the other side, and he happily ziplined down the next part.

Do you realize Jesus is just a whisper away? You may not feel Him or see Him. But He is there! All you must do is ask. What do you need help with today? Fear, anxiety, sadness or depression? Jesus will walk with you; He just wants you to whisper to Him. Take that leap (even a small step) of trust.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you!” That is His promise. The bulletin board in the school’s main hallway, painted by Alaina Zill, PA alumna, is a daily reminder of this promise to the students. What can they trust God with today? God has a way! He will never leave you nor forsake you.