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“Stolen Samsung Phone Proves Promises Readily Reveal Recovery Towards Testimony!”

Publisher
Ramesh C. Reddy

“But the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, TLB)

As it often happens, trials come unexpectedly and test our faith.

That day, the Scripture from 2 Thessalonians 3:3 had been a comforting reminder of the Lord's protection. Little did I know that I would need to lean heavily on His promises later that afternoon.
1. “But the Lord is faithful!”
2. “He will make you strong”
3. “He will guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.”

Point 1: “But the Lord is faithful!”

While searching diligently for my Samsung Galaxy 24+ at the Squirrel Hill Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, it became evident that the phone was missing. Despite a thorough examination of all areas visited within the library, it was apparent that the phone had been stolen. Although the situation was unfortunate, I had to remember that the Lord is faithful.

At 3:30 pm, I realized my phone had been stolen. I approached the staff at the Children's department, who were very helpful and accommodating. They permitted me to use their phone to contact my wife and mother. Unfortunately, neither of them answered the calls as they typically do not respond to unfamiliar numbers.

Seeking guidance and support in this situation, I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which states "pray without ceasing," highlighting the importance of continuous prayer for intervention.

For I did not know what would happen to the phone as every minute went by. But what I did know for sure was the promise from Psalm 50:15, where the Lord says, “I want you to trust in me in your times of trouble, so that I can rescue you and you can give me the glory.”

Although my passion lies in student and international ministry, I utilized my background in criminal justice, law, and investigative journalism to address the disappearance of my phone, thanks to the Lord’s help.

The optimal course of action would have been to use a different phone to call my own device and determine if it would still ring within the library. I nearly dialed my number, but felt in my spirit to refrain.

As I reflect back, I am reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and His promise in Isaiah 30:21, which says, “And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, 'No, this is the way; walk here.”

For me, the way was to tell the staff not to call my phone number.

The Lord in His faithfulness did direct my path as I reflect upon Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”

Because it was June 25, I decided to read and pray Psalm 25 in the morning before my phone was stolen in the afternoon. I had prayed Psalm 25:4-5, which says, “Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation, I have no hope except in you.”

The Lord did show me the path where I should go and pointed out the right road for me to walk.  I am grateful that my request for the staff not to call my phone was effectively communicated. Knowing that my phone had been stolen, I did not wish to alert the thief and risk having the phone turned off upon hearing it ring. Additionally, I wanted to avoid the possibility of the thief selling the phone in a hurried manner. I thank the Lord for His faithfulness!

During my time with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, I acquired skills in observation, interpretation, and application methods for studying Scripture. I chose to apply these same techniques at the crime scene.

At approximately 3:15 pm, while utilizing computer terminal 44, I made some observations. An African-American male was seated at computer terminal 53 in front of me, laughing obnoxiously while using the computer. I placed my phone next to the mouse. Upon returning from retrieving printouts at the main desk and looking at books, I discovered that my phone was missing.

Based on the observations, I made an interpretation that only the African-American male present at the scene had disappeared concurrently with my phone. Although I suspected he might have taken it, I lacked concrete evidence to support this claim.

Upon approaching the librarian, I reported that an individual had been laughing loudly while using computer 53. After returning to the area, both my phone and the individual were no longer present. The librarian was requested to review the security camera footage to gather evidence and confirm observations regarding the incident.

POINT 2: “He will make you strong!”

Even amid panic, I managed to think clearly. As I stated  before, the obvious thing to do would have been to ask the librarians and the security guard to call my phone to see if it would ring. However, using my background in criminal justice and law, I requested that they not call my phone under any circumstances. I did not want to alert the perpetrator that I was aware my phone was stolen, nor did I want them to panic and turn off the phone after it rang.

After that, I asked again for the second time if I could call my wife Chandraleela's phone and my mom’s phone. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I called, they did not pick up again. So, I walked all the way home from the library since my bus pass was on the phone. I was able to reach home safely at 4:01 pm.

Any strength I could muster was a result of the Lord's intervention. In moments of panic, it was He who provided me with strength. Chandraleela and my daughter Esther had synchronized phone tracking systems with mine. I discovered that my phone had been located on North Craig Street in Oakland since 4:01 p.m.

I took one of the phones with phone tracking capabilities and Chandra’s bus pass, then boarded the 74 bus to the Northumberland bus stop. Despite not having eaten lunch, I felt empowered by the Lord to walk to the Zone 4 police station and request assistance.

At approximately 4:20 pm, I rang the bell, and Officer Lisa  Lucinski attended to me. I reported that my phone was stolen, and it was traced to a location on North Craig Street. I inquired if the police could assist in retrieving my phone. Officer Lucinski informed me that the police do not use tracking systems for recovering a phone, and also mentioned that North Craig Street is extensive. I explained that I had identified the precise location through my investigation and asked for help with recovery. She responded that it was an apartment complex and that the police could not knock on each door without a search warrant for a phone.

When I heard that, my heart sank, and I needed the Lord’s strength to keep me strong and to have proper composure.

I had assumed that the police are responsible for serving and protecting the citizens and retrieve their property if taken. However, she advised me to be more vigilant in securing my belongings and to provide the police report number XX-XXXXXX to my phone carrier in case they could replace the stolen phone. When I mentioned that I intended to visit the location where I believed my phone might be, her response was that it was my choice to do so. It seemed as though she did not prioritise my safety and was content to let me proceed alone. I trusted that the Lord would give me the strength and support I needed. I knew the Lord is faithful and He would make me strong.

At approximately 4:45 pm, I returned to the library and inquired if the library manager had reviewed the camera footage. She confirmed that she did and saw the individual opposite me reach for the phone and take it. Based on her statement, I knew it was the African American male. Due to privacy rules, she informed me that I could not view the footage myself without the police officer.

I then contacted the Zone 4 police station and spoke to Officer Luncinski again. I informed her that the library had footage of the person taking my phone. She mentioned that once the report is filed, it will be assigned to a detective for investigation.

Anticipating limited assistance from the police in recovering my phone, I decided to pursue it on my own. During this time, I felt it would be a good idea to let my Oakland International Fellowship  (OIF) Community know for their support and prayers, but unfortunately, I did not message them in my haste. I arrived in the North Craig Street area around 5:06 pm.

POINT 3: “He will guard you from Satanic attacks of every kind!”

Upon arriving at North Craig Street at 5:06 pm, I experienced the Lord’s guidance. I began to trace the exact location of my phone in this area. I hoped it would not be within an apartment complex, as indicated by Officer Luncinski, to avoid having to knock on multiple doors. During this time, I noted that my phone remained stationary from 4:01 pm to 5:18 pm. It was confirmed to be located somewhere on North Craig Street.

At every step of prayer to the Lord Jesus, I was narrowing it down. Different things were going through my wife’s mind as she was praying at home. She was terrified that the person would draw a gun or knife to injure me because I found out that he had stolen my phone. She was worried, too, that I wouldn’t get my phone back. She told me not to go alone to confront the perpetrator. I knew I was not alone because the Lord Jesus was with me. The Lord was guarding over me.

Utilizing my investigative skills, I ensured that the location of my phone precisely matched the location of the tracker phone. Upon achieving this, I was directed not to an apartment complex, but rather to a store. The store’s signage prominently featured the word "phone"among other words. As I entered the store, I felt assured of my protection from the Lord.

When I entered the store, I saw two African American males working there. Different phones were being charged on the counter.

With as much courage as I could, I showed them the police report number and informed them that my stolen phone was here. One staff member asked if I had called it and began picking up phones. For a crime to exist, there must be an actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind), presented in a prima facie case.

In the field of criminal justice and law, various methods used by people to dispose of evidence are studied.  In this particular case, they could have turned off all the phones if they were guilty.  If the phone had not rung, I would have been unable to accurately determine its location within the store. I promptly dialed my number and heard the phone ring. I informed the staff that the ringtone belonged to my phone.

Uncertain of what to expect, I clearly stated that I only wanted my phone returned and would not take any further action. They informed me that I needed to wait for their manager, but assured me that I would indeed get my phone back. The African American manager then explained that he had felt something suspicious was occurring when the phone came into his possession.

The Lord Jesus continued to provide guidance. Displaying courage, I addressed the three individuals and inquired whether they would accept a phone from someone without ascertaining if it was stolen.

He informed me that it was preferable for stolen goods to be brought to the store rather than sold elsewhere, as they typically do not ask questions. He told me  that the individual who sold him the phone did so for only $20.00. He requested that I provide $20.00 to retrieve my phone. I paid $20.00 and obtained my cellphone before quickly leaving the premises. The establishment is called Wolfpack Trading.

I successfully recovered my phone with the help of divine assistance from the Lord, as Officer Luncinski did not want to assist when asked for help . The Lord had protected me from harm by guarding me from Satanic attacks of any kind.

In conclusion, “But the Lord is faithful, He will make you strong and guard you from Satanic attacks of every kind” became a powerful, living reality for me.

As I reflect back on the Lord’s faithfulness, His strength for me, and his protection against Satanic attacks of every kind, it started that morning.

On that particular morning, I ensured that my phone was fully charged to reach 100% battery power. At the time of the theft, my phone had 64% remaining battery while it was at Wolfpack Trading.

Sometimes, I forget to turn the location on for my phone, but that day, I had it on.

My phone does not lock automatically if it is being used, but that day it locked automatically. So, I realized that without a password, the perpetrator could not turn the location off.

What is such a blessing from the Lord is that the phone could have been turned off, but it wasn't when I arrived at Wolfpack Trading. If the phone had been turned off, it would have been very difficult to trace the exact location and hear the ringtone.

Also, when my phone locks, the wallpaper screen saver rotates between five Bible verses:

John 3:16, Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 1:78, and Ephesians 3:18.

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!” (John 3:16, TLB)

“My help is from the LORD, maker of Heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121:2)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” (Luke 1:78)

“And may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is.” (Ephesians 3:18, TLB)

Hopefully, my phone served as a witness to the perpetrator. It is incredible that within 35 minutes of the phone being stolen, it was at Wolfpack Trading. What is more shocking is that the perpetrator was willing to sell the Samsung Galaxy 24+ for  only $20.00

Is it possible that he did not want to return it to the library and get caught, so he just sold it to Wolfpack Trading?

It is more amazing that the phone was not shut off, and I was able to recover it because of the Lord's promises.

At 5:58 pm, a message was sent to the OIF Community from Chandra's phone that said, “Ramesh’s phone was stolen at 3:30 pm. He filed a police report. Please pray about what his next steps should be after he recovers his phone. He is putting his investigative reporter skills to use.”

At 8:22 pm, a few hours later, I sent to the OIF Community, “Praise the Lord Jesus! Thank you all for your prayers. I got my phone back 😊 Details to follow later!”

We thank everyone for their prayers to the Lord Jesus, and especially, I want to thank the Lord Jesus every step of the way for leading me to recover my phone from the time it was stolen to the time I got it back, and all the way home.

The Samsung Galaxy 24+ holds significant sentimental value as it was presented to me by my precious wife Chandra for both my birthday and our marriage anniversary. The photographs of family and friends stored on the device are particularly invaluable, especially those from the PCC/PCCO 30th – 60th anniversary church retreat. Given my profession as a publisher, she ensured that I had the best phone available for optimal use. While our friend Elise believes my wife's phone captures superior images, I remain attached to my own device as a former staff photographer, staff  writer, and staff columnist for the Pitt News.

Friend, never give up on the Lord to pray and do your part in cicumstances you face knowing "the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong, and protect you from satanic attacks of every kind!"

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the promises found in Your Word. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are faithful; you will make us strong and protect us from Satan's attacks of every kind. Help us to always depend on you, Lord. Thank you for your intervention. You know what we go through, so we will trust in you, Lord. Thank you for your grace and mercy. I pray for those whose belongings have been stolen, that you may help them recover if it be your will, Oh Lord. Use this testimony to touch lives and bring people to you. We depend on you your guidance. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen! 

 If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray the prayer below, meaning it in your heart.

Prayer:
God I am a sinner. I am invaded by this deadliest virus. Many times I feel so guilty and yucky inside. I need forgiveness. I am so sorry for my sins. I have not obeyed you with my whole heart! I have gone my own way and done my own things. I  struggle with sin. I need you Jesus in my life so I can receive forgiveness and a new beginning. In the process, I can forgive others as you help me too. Thank you so much Jesus. I accept the antidote you have sent me. I believe Jesus you died for me and your cleansing blood will cleanse me from all my sins. You came back to life to save me. Thank you God I am set free, free from the bondage of sin. Hear my cry Oh Lord. I accept you Jesus into my heart. I make you my Lord and Personal Savior of my life. Thank you Father God for giving me Salvation. Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart and making my heart your home. Thank you for living in me Jesus and I will live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. Thank you for being my Lord and personal Savior! I can live a life of peace with you on my side. Thank you that you have heard my prayer and answered me! In your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN!

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help!

PART II & PART III: "How can you use your P.R.O.F.E.S.S.I.O.N to tell others about Jesus?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 24, 25, 11:13 pm)

PART I: "How can you use your P.R.O.F.E.S.S.I.O.N to tell others about Jesus?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 24, 25, 11:01 am)

"Why B.R.I.N.G your children to Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 18, 25, 12:40 pm)
"What do you do with an I.N.T.E.R.R.U.P.T.I.O.N in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17, 25, 11:39 am)