Jesus exhorted His followers to "... Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27, 28 Many of us know that scripture but seldom have to live it out before the world. David, Leah Ortiz and their son Ami have had to walk through this scripture since March 2008. At that time, then 15 year old Ami Ortiz opened a Purim gift basket disguised as a bomb. The explosion nearly killed him. Since then, he and his family have had to walk through an excruciating physical and emotional ordeal. Their story has gone around the world. Now after eighteen months, Israeli police apprehended the bomber "Jack" Teitel. On Thursday, he was arraigned in court for the Ortiz bombing and several other attempted murders and murders. He was asked by a reporter, "You are completely pure in what you did?" His reply? "Absolutely. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve my God."
Earlier today, we interviewed Ami Ortiz for an upcoming story. We asked him if he had forgiven "Jack" Teitel. He said he did and bore no hatred for him. It was remarkable to hear his reply. Before we left, we got to see the Ortiz family praying. Leah Ortiz prayed for both Jack Teitel and his wife. It moved me to hear Ami's mother pray for the man who tried to kill her son. As noted before, many of us know what Jesus said about how to treat our enemies. However, few of us seldom have to live it out in such a public and visible way.
The Ortiz's continue to ask for prayer, that the Lord will sustain them during this time. And please pray for "Jack" Teitel and his family. The Ortiz family is.
11-13-2009
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