I had a vision. I saw myself, clothed in white with angelic wings. I stand in a ring of light, underneath a tall tree with branches spreading out in all directions, twisting and turning around each other. Just past the light is a deep darkness that forebodes the most painful thing I must do in my life. I step out of the light, but a thin veil protects me from harm. Within the darkness, I see flames burning. The light from them is dull and weak, almost sinister. I head toward the fire.
Just beyond the fire, I spy forms that are almost human, but incredibly emaciated and scarred. Some of these tormented souls reach outward, begging me to save them. Some claw at the flames, trying to pull me in with them. Tears roll down my face, empathy floods me. Without a second thought, I rush forward and take hold of the first wraith I make contact with. I care not about how badly my body is burning, only if I can bring this one to the light.
I turn and run as fast as I am able. I carry the scarred husk of a man on my back. The ground collapses beneath with every step, but still I continue. The veil of light around me is fading fast. I have to hurry, or the darkness will consume me once again!I burst forth into the ring of light, but I must leave the wraith at the edge, his hand outstretched. I cannot force him into the light. He must choose for himself. My whole being screams in anguish as he stares at his empty hand, wondering why I am no longer holding on, why I am no longer guiding him. He steps back. once. twice. I collapse, wondering if it was all in vain.
Then the man puts his arm down and runs forward, breaking into the light. His burns begin to heal right away. I jump for joy because he has chosen hope over pain. I look back to the tree, and I see a branch, labeled with my name. A little twig sprouts off, labeled with the name of the man I just brought to the light. I face him, we embrace.
When we separate, I look back out to the darkness, and I make the trek again.

. . .

This is why I do what I do. It is not because it is easy to do. Just the opposite, in fact. I don't do it for my own glory, though that has its place. I do what I do for the glory of the lord God Almighty, who will reward each man in his own right and judge every man, woman, and child in the end of days. I am a Christian, born again, and I want to lead you to the light.