This is a new story. We are first introduced to James the young Brown pelican, and a young fellow who is sketching him on the docks of Key West. James is now going to do some soaring and go up the Keys. He meets a strange White pelican named Smilin’ Sam who says that James can do great things if he tries and uses faith. Sam talks to James about life and Sam has now left to fly to Cuba. A big and dangerous storm is in process in the Keys and James has to go to a rescue.
James was deeply concerned as he flew around the ship. What can I do to help these people? Then he remembered….one time he had seen a ship in Key West being pulled by another one. The helper ship was painted orange, red and white. They rescued people! He also remembered that they were on the northwest side of Key West.
He took off with all his might, pumping his wings, climbing, gliding, being pushed about by the gale. He was trying his best. It was difficult. What can I do he said to himself? Then he remembered what both Grandpa and Smilin’ Sam had said. “If you need the Power from above, all you have to do is ask.”
“Please God, I’ve got the faith. I trust You to help me!” James yelled out.
Soon he was over the northwest part of the island. He dropped down and swooped around the red striped boat’s dock. It wasn’t there! Where was it? Then he saw it, off-shore, riding out the storm, away from the docks.
James flew out the short distance and circled frantically around the boat. Getting even closer, he could see a couple of men on deck. Jacob pondered….now how do I get these two men to follow me?
He swooped in just about touching them.
“Hey, what was that?” the Coast Guard man said.
“I believe it was a pelican!” the other man yelled.
James rushed back just touching the first man and headed in the direction of the sailing ship. Then James did a summersault in mid air and flew back.
“ I think this pelican is trying to tell us something,” the first man hollered.
“How do you know?” the second one asked.
“Did you ever hear of the Outer Banks story of the Black Pelican? He would warn the Life Saving Station crew whenever a boat was in trouble during a storm.”
“Is he black?”
“ No, but we better tell the captain.”
They both ran and climbed up to the bridge, holding on for dear life.
“All right guys, we do have an alert on a vessel in trouble but no location yet. It won’t hurt to get started by following the pelican. Where is he?”
“Right there sir, shooting across our bow,” they both said in unison.
“Let’s cast off men!......Full speed!” he hollered to the engine room.
“Try to follow that pelican,” the captain commanded the man at the wheel.
“I hope I don’t get in trouble for this,” he muttered under his breath.
James saw the Coast Guard ship following him. He headed out past the Navy Yard, towards the Atlantic and the distressed ship. Normally he could fly much faster than a boat but in this storm it was all he could do to just stay ahead.
He was higher and could see the troubled ship now completely on its side. It hadn’t sunk yet. Thank goodness, it was made of wood! He could see people hanging on.
James flew up and around...and around. He was then illuminated by the Coast Guard’s spotlight.
“Look there!” the Coast Guard man on the light exclaimed.
I’ll be an amazed man!” The captain said as he shook his head in disbelief, “There is a boat in distress.”
“They will never believe this back at headquarters. All right men, let’s save some souls!”
James swooped back across the Coast Guard Cutter one more time. Life saving rings were being thrown out to the people clinging onto the boat. It appeared that the Coast Guard had things well under control. As he looked back, he saw the captain wave to him.
Flying up and away he noticed that the storm was subsiding and the sun was starting to shine through the dark clouds. As he headed towards the salt pond and Grandpa, he thought, I know now that both Grandpa and Smilin’ were right….
With faith and God’s guidance you can do anything!
All you have to do is ask and trust.
From The Author:
“James the Young Brown Pelican” is a fictional story of a young Brown pelican. He is dissatisfied with the pelican’s normal way of life, just looking for fish and eating. He wants to so something else with his life. He is excited about flying high and a speedy dive. This is a Christian book about faith and you will learn more about the life of pelicans. Since the Brown pelican is found along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, you will also learn about the pelican’s life in the Florida Keys and Key West itself.
The book is illustrated by watercolors, sketches, and photos, to include many photos by the great nature photographer, Ron Reznick.
Disrupts wildlife
Impacts human health
Wastes money and energy
Contributes to climate change
Blocks our view of the universe
