The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/6/04 Section: Feature

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Most students returned to the Southwest Baptist University campus in March from various Spring Break destinations with a story to share, but few claims match those of junior Ethan Zerr who made visits to both France and Holland by way of a direct financial contribution believed to be sent from God.

Junior Ethan Zerr wonders about a display of rats during his Spring Break travels to France and Holland.

Zerr's girlfriend, Leighann Bolton, is studying abroad this semester through Truman State University's French Education program, so he was making plans to visit her in France over Spring Break and hoping to make a trip to Holland with her. Bolton had already purchased a plane ticket for Zerr to make the trip, and he was in the process of coming up with the extra expenses when he believes God intervened.

"I had $250 total for travel expenses when I got a letter in the mail," Zerr said. "It was in a plain envelope with my name typed on the front."

The letter he received that day came with an enclosure of $500 in cash and read, "Ethan, Tell everyone in Holland and France about me. I love you so much, son. -Your Heavenly Father."

In one way, the provision was an example of God's all-knowing powers. While the Kansas City native felt somewhat financially prepared for his trip overseas beforehand, the additional finances ended up being more than necessary while there.

"In retrospect, I really don't know how I would have made it otherwise," Zerr said. "I had totally underestimated how much it would cost, and I wasn't even living lavishly over there at all."

Zerr was not exaggerating, either. Even with the extra help, Zerr was accommodated in what he refers to as the "cheapest hotel in France" where he found both bugs and blood between his sheets.

While visiting the cities of Paris and Angers in France and Maastricht, Holland, Zerr found opportunities to "tell everyone in Holland and France" about his Heavenly Father more through his lifestyle than a street-side evangelism, especially considering the language barrier.

"My French is really terrible," Zerr said.

He, along with Bolton, was given opportunities to shine the light of his faith through choices he made and ways he reacted to certain situations. For example, while in Holland, Zerr was surrounded by individuals who took advantage of the openness of marijuana use in their nation.

"In Holland, marijuana is legal, or at least accepted," Zerr said. "The kids there were going out to pubs and smoke shops, but while they passed around the joints, we passed around the milkshakes."

He believes an example was set through these silent witnesses of actions and also in the friendships developed and maintained with the natives.

"I believe that [I ministered] through witnesses of character," Zerr said. "I wouldn't be surprised if God had used my time there to his advantage."

Zerr, a social science education major who resides in Landen Hall, continues to marvel at God's hand in his life this spring. He does not doubt where the money came from; he believes it came from God. What instrument was used to put it in his mailbox, though, continues to be a mystery.

"The thought of the miraculous appearing of money did cross my mind," Zerr said, "and I certainly wouldn't put it past him, but I also believe God works practically, too, in other ways sometimes. I think someone put it there, and I don't know who. I really have no idea, but I'm certainly glad they did."

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