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7/23/2008
 We never expected a life-altering explosion, but it came – suddenly and violently! Most of us regular folks do not spend our days anticipating such a blast, but when it happens, then what?
The explosion in our lives came in the form of our first-born son becoming a raging arsonist that set dozens of home, buildings, churches and businesses on fire. This terror campaign lasted for five months, from August to December of 1992.
Most of the people living in Western Washington State were genuinely afraid. Arson is such a terror! After nearly 100 fires had been set, the secret arson task force, made up of fire and police officials, held a press conference. They released information that they hoped would result in a breakthrough to capture the firesetter!
As we read the morning newspaper on January 27, 1993, the front page headline said, “Someone knows this person.” The article contained three pencil sketch drawings of what the arsonist may look like. In addition, 13 characteristics and traits were listed that had been developed by an FBI profiler and finally, that 100 fires had been set in Western Washington and 4 had been set in Eastern, Washington on one day.
When we looked at the pencil sketch drawings and read about what the characteristics of this arsonist were, our hearts almost stopped beating! One of the drawings plus the profile was just like our first-born son, Paul.
That is when our lives exploded. What followed was Paul’s arrest and confession to 78 fires that sentenced him to 99 years in prison. What happened to us as his parents was horrific! We eventually lost everything – the business, our savings, our home – and then our emotional health – all gone, wrecked and ruined.
How did this happen? We were Christians who loved the Lord. Yet, it did happen.
The only way we have survived is by taking George’s Bible, placing it on the living room floor, and, physically laying down on the Bible and crying out, “Jesus! Jesus! We lay our lives on your word!” That is how we have survived for the last 15 years. The prayers of many of our Christian brethren have also upheld us.
“I will never leave thee or forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) “I want you to trust me in your time of trouble, so that I can rescue you and you can give me glory. (Psalm 50:15) The Lord has kept us though our lives being blown up! And He has held and is holding us tightly to Him, carrying us through.
Know this. When life explodes, the Lord will carry you. You may not know how, but He will. He is the real answer and sustainer for you.
George and Margaret Keller
george@agreaterloveforsouls.org | 
