Sarah's Diary

by Jan Ross

Overview

Sarah's Diary is a story, although fictional, based on a collection of accounts of the lives of teens on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Sarah's story could be that of any girl in her mid-teen years living in a home where abuse, rape, drug and alcohol abuse, irresponsible adult behavior and hopelessness reign. It is not an exaggeration. This is reality--the sad reality of life through the eyes of a high percentage of youth trying to survive in a hostile environment filled with hatred and selfishness. Since the first of this year (2015), teen suicides have increased to new heights on the Reservation. Within the first four months, more than 200 teens have attempted suicide; we are aware of at least 15 that have succeeded. This should tell us it’s time to stop watching from the outside and get involved in rescue efforts for those who are hurting and dying, for those who are innocent victims of all forms of abuse, and for those who are willing to rise up as leaders among their own people. Those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and understand the power of the Cross have an obligation to reach out to those who have either not heard the message or have rejected it in favor of the cyclical lifestyle of poverty and abuse. To be honest, nothing can take the place of the message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is no other agent, belief, ritual, counsel, or influence that can match the power of the Risen Christ to effectuate change in an individual and ultimately an entire people group. The time to remain on the sidelines is over. We need to get down and dirty in ministry. Radical. Persistent. Passionate. There is an answer. There is hope. Learn more as you read Sarah's Diary and what steps are being taken to address this painful reality of life on the Reservation.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940151965675
Publisher:	Jan Ross
Publication date:	06/10/2015
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	177 KB

About the Author

Throughout her childhood, Jan often looked for opportunities to serve God. As soon as she was old enough, she was eager to work in the church, first by helping in the nursery. In her early teens, she played piano for Sunday School, taught the 5-year old Sunday School class, accompanied the adult choir, and more. As she looks back, serving the Lord has been woven into every area of her life.

Jan’s family was always supportive of her eagerness to serve. They had no idea, however, what God was building in her through her servant’s heart.

Growing up as an adopted child of John and Mildred Bosch in North Olmsted, Ohio, she loved spending time with family and friends. One of the highlights of her youth was visits to her elderly Aunt Henrietta when she would often have time to spend with her cousin, Elizabeth “Betty” Hendricks. Although there were many aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides of her family, Betty was special. The stories she related to Jan were not only intriguing, but they had substance and purpose. Looking back, Jan can see how God used that special relationship to plant seeds that He would one day water and cause to grow … Betty was a missionary.

A life of service to God and others became the theme of Jan’s life. But it wasn’t until she accepted an opportunity to travel to Kenya with a team of men and women she’d never met that she “heard” the call. She struggled and even argued with God about it … after all, she was married with six adult children and a slew of grandchildren plus she was under constant medical care for chronic and often debilitating pain. But, the call was unmistakable. She surrendered though she “warned” the Lord that He would have to give her supernatural strength and open seemingly impossible doors. He did. The rest is history.