How God Has Worked in My Life: Guardian Angel
By Pat Ketchmark and Gustavo Bonano

I would like to share with all of you a fascinating story. Last summer Gustavo Bonano, a friend of my daughter, Tiffany, briefly visited us. Gustavo is a student from Sicily who had spent the previous summer with us. Last summer after teaching at a camp in New York State, he experienced God working in his life. He read the articles in the Summer 2002 issue of The Evangelist on this topic and decided he wanted to share his own experience with everyone at St. Luke's. The following is his story. -Pat

I came from Italy on June 17th to be a camp counselor in a nice little town named Westport in New York State. After camp I traveled to New York City for sightseeing. I decided to stay in a youth hostel because of my limited funds. On the sixth day of my stay, someone from my room stole all the money I had. I was petrified. I had nothing in my pockets and nobody to help me-at least that's what I thought.

I was sitting in front of a window all by myself when this guy came close to me. He asked how I was doing that night, so I decided to tell him what happened. I said I had no money to survive on, and that I was supposed to be leaving for Rochester, New York, to visit a friend. I was so astonished when he replied that I shouldn't worry, and that things would work out fine. We made a sort of "deal." He would help me, and in return I was to read the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the New Testament. I wanted to believe him, but I thought he was kidding.

The following morning he was in my room waking me up. I don't really know how he got in there, since the door was locked! He told me it was time to go to the bus station and took me there. He bought my ticket and gave me more money for any other expenses I might have. He also bought me some food to eat. He saved me! It seemed as if he could read my mind because before I could thank him he said, "Well, don't thank me, but thank God that I am here." When I turned around to say goodbye, he wasn't there anymore. I looked for him in the bus station, but I couldn't find him.

Since I was a little boy I've always been fascinated by stories about miracles and guardian angels. I am not sure if this man really was my guardian angel, but I know for sure he saved me. I will try to do the same for someone else some day.