by Robin M. Montgomery based on Matthew 8:1-4

Dear Elizabeth,

Forgive me for not writing sooner, but I know you will understand. Six months have passed since Papa left, but the memory still haunts me like a nightmare. The look on Papa’s face when he showed Mama the sores on his arm—Mama whispered that word.

Leprosy. How I hate it! Papa couldn’t even hug us goodbye! He is considered “unclean.” One day Papa is a respected merchant in Capernaum; the next he is cast outside the city walls like yesterday’s garbage.

It hurts that the girls here don’t talk to me anymore, but it is harder for Mama. When she goes out, people whisper and turn away. Their words are so cruel, Elizabeth! They say Papa must have sinned horribly to deserve such a punishment. They don’t know Papa at all! He is good and kind and . . . I miss him so much!

Sometimes I cry myself to sleep at night. Was it this way when your father died?

Mama doesn’t sing anymore. Every night I pray Papa will be healed, but I do not think God hears me.

Love, Anna

Dear Anna,

Ever since Mama told me what happened, my heart has ached for you. I do miss my papa. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you. Of course your papa is good! I wish I could come help in some way, but Jerusalem is so far from Capernaum!

I have news! Uncle Caleb has been talking about a rabbi from Nazareth named Jesus. All Jerusalem is talking about how this rabbi has healed people who were paralyzed and demon possessed! Uncle Caleb is determined to hear this teacher and see if the stories are true. Have you heard about Jesus?

Love, Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

We have heard rumors about Jesus. Rachel came over last week and told me her uncles, James and John, have left their fishing to follow him! She says he has healed people who are lame and blind!

Jesus is teaching in the synagogues around Galilee even now. Do you think he would touch and heal a leper? Now I dream about finding Papa and telling him about Jesus. I am afraid to hope, but I pray that someday Papa can meet him.

Love, Anna

Dear Anna,

I will pray, too. Will you go see Jesus when he comes? Uncle Caleb wonders if he could be the Messiah. What do you think?

Love, Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

I can hardly write for crying. Jesus was here today, near Capernaum, and I couldn’t find Papa! Rachel came this morning and told us the rabbi was teaching on the mountainside. Mama said I could go. Jesus’ teaching was different from the leaders at synagogue. His words held power, yet he spoke with such love. Somehow I just knew he could heal Papa! I decided to look for Papa before Jesus finished teaching. I saw some lepers outside near the city gate and shouted for Papa. But they said he was gone!

When I went back to the mountainside, everyone was leaving. Rachel said Jesus healed more people. He even healed a leper! Oh, Elizabeth, why couldn’t it have been Papa?

Love, Anna

Dearest Anna,

I wish it had been your papa! Keep praying. Keep hoping. Remember, our God is the God of miracles.

Love, Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

A miracle has happened! Yesterday, while Mama was cooking dinner, a man came to the door. He just stood there for a long time. Then he said Mama’s name—“Martha.”

Mama dropped dinner all over the floor. She stood completely still until Papa walked in, lifted his sleeve and showed her his arm. It was clean! Mama threw herself into his arms and wept.

Remember I told you Jesus had healed a leper on the mountainside? It was Papa! I couldn’t find him, because he was with Jesus! Can you believe it? Papa says he knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

And Jesus said, “I am willing. Be clean!”

Then Jesus touched him. He touched him! Papa said he had forgotten how wonderful it felt. He could feel power flowing through Jesus’ hands, and when he looked down, the sores were gone!

Now he is home. Mama sings and smiles. Benjamin squeals every time Papa throws him up in the air. And I can feel his arms around me, squeezing me tight.

Papa says no man could do the miracles Jesus does without God’s power. I think Papa also wonders if Jesus is the Messiah.

All I know for certain is that one touch from Jesus changed our lives. That’s enough evidence for me.

Love, Anna

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