Brinkman Adventures

Host: Because of a couple of intense scenes and serious subject matter, please listen with your parents if you're under the age of 10.

Adar: Nasir, have you prepared yourself?

Nasir: I have.

Adar: Is it ready?

Nasir: Yes, the bomb is assembled.

Adar: Good. Very good. You are to execute the operation as planned at the prescribed hour.

Host: You're listening to the Brinkman Adventures, and I'm so glad you've joined us for a truly exciting story. Today's episode begins in a small Christian bookstore in the Canadian town of Windsor, Ontario.

Chloe: Cool. Can I get this blow-up Goliath and the slingshot that comes with it?

Abe: Slingshot in the house? Really? Come on, Chloe. Dad's waiting in the car.

Guest (Male): Hi, I was looking for the New Jerusalem Bible. Do you carry that version?

Abe: I'm afraid those are on backorder. I'll have a copy in here next week perhaps.

Guest (Male): I don't really want to wait that long. I was hoping to get it tonight, you see, so I'll just order it online myself. Sorry. Thanks anyway.

Abe: You're welcome. Come again.

Teresa: I see the order finally came in.

Abe: Teresa, darling! Yeah. This time they blamed the weather. Where's Chloe?

Chloe: Right behind you, Papa.

Abe: The apple of my eye. How was school?

Chloe: Um...

Abe: Your math exam?

Chloe: Yes, I studied hard, honest.

Abe: I know, I studied with you.

Teresa: Sweetheart, keep working hard and you'll get it.

Abe: Hey, I ordered you something. I was trying to find it before you got here. Aha! Look!

Chloe: You did it! Let me see, let me see! Thank you, Papa. Look, they show you how to draw faces and animals! It's perfect! Thank you.

Teresa: Chloe's youth group is working at the rescue mission tonight.

Chloe: Can I go? Please, please?

Abe: That's not the safest part of town.

Chloe: Yes, but remember what you always say? The safest place is in the center of God's will.

Abe: Okay, Chloe. Just be careful, okay?

Chloe: I will, I promise.

Abe: Good girl.

Ganesh: Excuse me, are you closing?

Abe: Yes, I'm sorry. We open tomorrow again at nine.

Ganesh: That'll be too late. My flight leaves in three hours. Excuse my presumption, are you by any chance Pashmoran?

Abe: Is it that obvious? Our dialects do not lie.

Ganesh: This is true. Ganesh.

Abe: Abraham. I came here when I was in college. My parents were the Pashmoran ambassadors to Canada.

Ganesh: So they went back and you stayed, right?

Abe: That's correct. I'll be happy to unlock the store for you, Ganesh.

Ganesh: I'd be so grateful. Thank you. It's impossible to buy a Bible over there. I promised my brother Sanjay to bring one back.

Abe: Well, you've come to the right place. I have many to choose from. By the way, how's business?

Abe: It pays the bills. It has its ups and downs, you know.

Ganesh: You know, I bet you would sell many Bibles if you moved your store to Pashmora. You would be the only Christian bookstore in town. Probably in the whole country.

Abe: Yeah, I'm sure you're right about that. Well, what translation are you looking for?

Ganesh: I had planned to get an English translation, but that was before I met a fellow Pashmoran with his own Bible store. You wouldn't happen to have one in our mother tongue, would you?

Abe: As a matter of fact, I do. You know, I always hoped I'd be able to sell one of these.

Ganesh: Whoa! Do you have more?

Abe: I do.

Ganesh: Well, I'll take every one you have. Here, my business card. If you're ever back in Pashmora, please look me up, okay?

Abe: Thank you. Thank you.

Teresa: Is Chloe in bed?

Abe: Yeah, she had a blast serving at the mission. That's great.

Teresa: I love it out here in the evening. These big June bugs are funny, smacking into the screen like that. What's on your mind? You've been quiet ever since you returned home from work.

Abe: Well, right as I'm closing up, this guy appears from Pashmora.

Teresa: Pashmora? Really? What was he here for?

Abe: Didn't say. Ended up selling him that entire pile of Pashmoran Bibles. The man was thrilled.

Teresa: Was he a pastor or a missionary?

Abe: I don't know what he was, except that he was really happy when he left.

Teresa: That's wonderful, dear. So, why the stewing?

Abe: Well, he suggested we move our store there.

Teresa: To Pashmora?

Abe: Said there's a real need.

Teresa: Well, yeah, of course there's a need. You can probably count the Bibles there on one hand. Was he serious? I mean, I doubt it's even legal there to sell Bibles.

Abe: Actually, it is legal. I called my father right after this man left. According to their constitution, it's permitted. This really has me thinking. The need isn't really as great here in Canada. It almost seems like people don't even need a Christian bookstore here anymore. They can get it all online and cheaper.

Teresa: Maybe we can.

Abe: What? Are you serious?

Teresa: I do love the idea of spending some time where you grew up and getting to know your family.

Abe: Wow, I don't know, dear. We'd have to close the business, all our stuff would need to go into storage...

Teresa: My sister has a room in that new building. And weren't we just talking about how Jesus tells us to be a light in the darkness?

Abe: Yeah, that's true. That's true. It would be quite an adventure. But what about Chloe? She loves the new school. What would she say?

Abe: You're kidding me, man!

Ganesh: I thought maybe I'd come for a visit first, to look for a property or something? No, no, no need! My brother Sanjay owns a perfect place. It's right in the center of town. You know, a beautiful building on the main street. And there's even room for you to live at the back.

Abe: That's great! But would he lease it to us for a Christian store?

Ganesh: Of course he would! Sanjay's also a Christian. That's who I was getting the Bible for. And also my brother Rajesh, my older brother Sengar, and his wife Bindi and their six beautiful children. Just come on over, man. The quicker the better. Our people are starving for God's word.

Teresa: This is it?

Abe: This is the address according to my phone.

Teresa: Is that him?

Ganesh: Weary travelers! Welcome to your new store!

Abe: Hello, Ganesh. Good to see you again. So, this is it?

Ganesh: You can be certain of it. You may not recognize it from the photos I sent. Those were taken some time ago. Be careful, there's no lights. We'll need to get the electricity hooked up. But don't worry, I brought a flashlight.

Teresa: Was that a mouse?

Ganesh: Probably wasn't a cow. Sorry, but this has been vacant for a while. I'm happy to help out.

Abe: I'm not sure if we can afford you, Ganesh.

Ganesh: I lost my job, so I have time. I'm all yours.

Abe: Okay then. I suppose we'd better get busy.

Abe: Teresa, did you see the drill?

Teresa: I think Ganesh was using it.

Ganesh: Yep, catch!

Abe: Thank you.

Teresa: Those shelves are looking great, Ganesh.

Chloe: Mom, it's absolutely perfect! This color makes the room so much bigger and brighter.

Abe: I love it. Ganesh, we sure appreciate your help.

Ganesh: Hey, it's been the best gig in town.

Teresa: Are we going to be able to open the store this week?

Abe: I don't see why not. Chloe, do you remember the verse 1 John 4:10?

Chloe: I think so. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Abe: Now, I want people to feel the love of God here. So how would you like to paint that verse up there on the wall like a mural?

Chloe: Can I really?

Abe: Of course. We could put it right here over the checkout counter. It'll be the first thing people see when they walk in.

Chloe: Can I paint flowers around it?

Abe: Of course! What a fun idea.

Ganesh: Okay, Chloe. So after you've given your customer their change, you say the phrase I taught you. Can you remember it?

Chloe: I think so. "Nekobile wa-ikali."

Ganesh: Ha! You just said, "I kissed a curry pot!"

Chloe: Will I ever get it?

Ganesh: Of course you will. Just keep practicing, okay?

Teresa: Distributing Christian literature with our address on it might draw attention to us.

Abe: Teresa, isn't that the point?

Teresa: Yeah, I suppose.

Abe: We need people to know there's a Christian bookstore in town. And these verses can help direct someone to the Lord even if they never step foot in here.

Teresa: You're riding your bike to the village square?

Abe: Yep, that's my plan.

Teresa: You have your phone with you, right?

Abe: Yes, of course.

Teresa: Be careful. Please call me if there's any problem.

Abe: Yes, I will, my love.

Abe: Hello! Would you like some Christian literature? Hello there, I have free books. They talk about Isa.

Radical (Male): What do you think you're doing here?

Abe: I'm handing these out to anyone who wants it. They're free. I also have Bibles in my back.

Radical (Male): We don't approve of Christianity. Keep your books to yourself.

Abe: Sir, I break no law by doing this. The Pashmoran constitution affords us all the right to practice our faith.

Radical (Male): I don't care what the Pashmoran constitution says. You are not welcome in this part of town. Now take your literature and get out of here. And if you return, you will be sorry.

Abe: Well, Lord... now what?

Seeker (Male): Excuse me! Hello! Are you the guy giving out Christian books?

Abe: Yes.

Seeker (Male): Great! My sister saw you and told me. I've been riding around the square for the last 20 minutes looking for you. May I have one?

Abe: Of course.

Seeker (Male): Is this all?

Abe: Well, actually, I have Bibles.

Seeker (Male): I can't believe it! I've been looking for a Bible for over a year!

Abe: Is that so? I'm opening a Christian bookstore in town. The address is on the back of that, and our grand opening is tomorrow, and you're invited.

Seeker (Male): Of course I will be there! Thank you, brother. Shukran! Shukran!

Teresa: He didn't have the right to chase you away. Do you know who he was?

Abe: One of the religious leaders, I suppose. I stopped by the police station on my way home and reported the incident.

Teresa: What did they say?

Abe: I guess there are some radicals living over there. They suggested we just keep our distance. They didn't think we'd have any more problems.

Teresa: What was that?

Chloe: Dad!

Abe: A bomb just exploded down the street. Did you learn anything?

Guest (Male): Yes, a car exploded. Thankfully, nobody lost their life.

Teresa: Does that happen often around here?

Guest (Male): Explosions? Yes, every so often. Actually, they help remind us how nice heaven will be.

Teresa: What about our grand opening tomorrow? Should we cancel?

Ganesh: Are you kidding me? Cancel? Why cancel?

Teresa: People won't be out.

Ganesh: Don't worry. Things are already back to normal out there. Well, as normal as they can get around here anyway.

Abe: Our sign has been promising a grand opening tomorrow, so a grand opening we shall have.

Teacher (Female): Young lady, come here now.

Chloe: Yes, ma'am.

Teacher (Female): What are you drawing, child?

Chloe: This is an elephant.

Teacher (Female): Don't you know our faith prohibits the drawing of animals? Give me that now! Go back to your desk now and never do this again.

Abe: Shukran.

Guest (Male): Afwan.

Ganesh: Can you believe it? It's been like this all day! We're actually sold out of some things.

Abe: Do you see that man at the register?

Ganesh: Yes, I do.

Abe: You know, when I came up behind him, he jumped. He looks suspicious, like he was scoping us out.

Chloe: I talked to him. He's a nice guy. His grandfather is a Christian.

Guest (Male): Thank you for the Bible. I will see you later.

Chloe: Bye! Khuday-am! See?

Abe: No, I'm not convinced.

Abe: Okay, do you have your books, honey?

Chloe: Yes.

Abe: And your lunch?

Chloe: Yep.

Abe: Right then, what are you waiting for? Aren't you going to get out?

Chloe: I can't.

Abe: You can't?

Chloe: No. I don't want to go in there anymore.

Abe: You don't want to go in there anymore? Why not?

Chloe: I want to work at the store with you and Mom and Mr. Ganesh.

Abe: But you have to go to school, darling.

Chloe: No!

Abe: What's wrong? I don't understand.

Chloe: They call me names because I'm a Christian. Yesterday, my teacher said it's a sin to draw animals and she ripped up my art book.

Abe: What? Oh, honey! I had no idea. How long has this been going on?

Chloe: Since school started. It got real bad last week, though.

Abe: Why didn't you say anything?

Chloe: I know it's part of being a Christian, Papa. I didn't want to complain.

Abe: Oh, honey. You must tell us these things from now on. Would you like me to talk to the headmaster for you?

Chloe: Maybe.

Abe: I will tell you this, if you think you can go back in there, I will call him as soon as I get home. Okay?

Chloe: Okay. Thank you, Papa. Very good. I'll pick you up at three. Love you.

Chloe: Love you too.

Adar: Nasir, have you prepared yourself?

Nasir: I have.

Adar: Is it ready?

Nasir: Yes, the bomb is assembled.

Adar: Good. Very good. You are to execute the operation as planned at the prescribed hour. Mother and father will be assured a place in paradise, and you will be showered with riches and pleasure. Do not forget this. Nasir, are you still there?

Nasir: I am.

Adar: Do you doubt my words?

Nasir: How can you be so sure?

Adar: Little brother, you must believe what I say.

Nasir: I believe. I am willing.

Adar: Then God be with you.

Abe: Okay, thank you, sir. Well, that was not very helpful.

Teresa: So what did he say?

Abe: He said, "What do you expect? She's a Christian where most people are not." Well, he's right, you know.

Ganesh: I lost my job because I'm a Christian.

Abe: You never told me that.

Ganesh: Yeah, I didn't. You know, I gave away a couple of your Bibles at work. The owner apparently didn't approve.

Teresa: I'm sorry about that, Ganesh.

Ganesh: Oh, come on, it is okay. At least this allowed me to help you. You know, the point is our country is hostile to Christians.

Abe: Yeah, I know. I just don't want her to have to go through this. She's so young.

Nasir: I have come to blow up this bookstore! I have a suicide jacket!

Abe: Sir, please wait! Teresa, get on the floor!

Ganesh: That guy has trouble.

Abe: Sir, listen to me, please! Before you pull the trigger, will you do one thing for me?

Nasir: What is that?

Abe: Please read the words above my head.

Nasir: You are not going to convert me! I don't believe in your scripture!

Abe: I know this! I know this! But please, my friend, will you just read it for me? Please?

Nasir: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the..."

Adar: Nasir, stop! We are calling off the attack!

Nasir: Yes, Adar. You will not die this day, but I will be back! And when I return, I will blow up this wicked bookstore!

Abe: You and Chloe need to leave. I will stay and close down the store myself.

Teresa: We can't go back without you.

Abe: And I won't have you here. It's just not safe.

Teresa: What about the safest place is the center of God's will?

Abe: Yes, I have said that. But I was wrong.

Teresa: What do you mean?

Abe: Look at the apostles. All but one were killed for their faith. I wouldn't classify that as safe. I won't have it for you and Chloe.

Teresa: I promised to love and support you. I can only do that by your side.

Chloe: Papa, I want to let my light shine. I want to stay.

Abe: You two women amaze me.

Ganesh: Come on! Come on, you crazy creature!

Abe: What in the world? Ganesh?

Ganesh: Look! I have found us a guard goat!

Abe: Are you kidding me?

Ganesh: Of course not! He's trained. Watch this! Goat, attack!

Abe: Is that it?

Ganesh: No, he's very, very smart. He must know you are a friend.

Abe: Ganesh, you cannot be serious.

Ganesh: But I am! You know, the radicals who tried to bomb us are a part of a small religious faction that believes goats are sacred. Trust me, Abraham, our guy won't pull the trigger with this goat in the store.

Abe: I have never heard of that. Are you sure you're not making this up, Ganesh?

Ganesh: It is true! My brother Danish swears on it. What are you working on?

Abe: Well, I installed a warning buzzer. If I push this button, it rings an alarm in the back apartment. And if I push this other one, it functions like an intercom. Watch this.

Teresa: Hello? What's wrong?

Abe: Nothing, dear. Over and out.

Abe: So, are you ready to go into school?

Chloe: Yes, Papa. Can we pray?

Abe: Of course.

Chloe: That's been helping.

Abe: Heavenly Father, we thank you again for bringing us to Pashmora. Today, please help Chloe to hold up her light for all to see and not to hide it. Even when this is difficult, give her love for those around her. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Chloe: Mr. Ganesh, I think Gary likes his little spot.

Ganesh: Yeah, I'm glad he approves. But I wish he would stay there. When he got into the sacred music section, he ate a Mighty Fortress.

Abe: Goats and bookstores are not a good combination.

Chloe: He likes books.

Abe: Yes, he does. He sure has been a hit with the customers. I love how you let children feed him. That is actually great marketing, Ganesh.

Ganesh: Always at your service.

Abe: Chloe, run out the back.

Nasir: I came here a couple of weeks ago. Do you remember me? Look at me. I don't have a suicide jacket. I don't have any weapon. I do not come as an enemy. I come as a brother.

Abe: What?

Nasir: I just came here to tell you that Isa, Jesus Christ, appeared to me in a dream, and He told me that He is the Savior. Now I am a follower of Jesus.

Abe: Oh, praise God.

Nasir: I have come here to tell you that what you have done is right. It is good you are here. Do you need anything? Is there anything we can do for you? I know that I have a very short life now. My brother sooner or later will find me. Before this, I was willing to die for hate. Now I'm ready to die for love.

Abe: He walked out of that room, and we have never seen him again. We continue to this day running our store in Pashmora. Every day we go to work, we know it could be our last day.

Through this, I have come to the conclusion that the center of God's will might not be the safest place, but it is certainly the best place to be. This is why my family and I continue to live in Pashmora, even though we could easily move back to Canada. We are committed to shining as lights in that dark place.

Host: God, you are doing incredible things around the world. Thank you for allowing us to hear this inspiring story. And now, as we close out this year's mission conference, help us to take each opportunity you provide to share your good news until the whole world hears.

You've been listening to the Brinkman Adventures, and I hope you've been encouraged by today's episode. While some elements have been dramatized and names and places have been changed, this story has been inspired by real people and events. To find out more or to get your own copy, please visit our website brinkmanadventures.com.