And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. — Luke 10:35-37

While living in Guam, our family flew to Tokyo to experience Japanese culture and to visit the Tokyo Japan Temple. One morning, I attended the temple and then planned to meet my husband and children for lunch at a restaurant.

After the session was over, I began walking and turned left at what I thought was a shortcut to the restaurant. I wasn't able to read the street signs or store names, but the street began to look unfamiliar and I couldn't see the restaurant anywhere. Not wanting to backtrack, I kept walking. "I'm heading in the right direction," I kept telling myself.

After walking for 45 minutes, I realized I was hopelessly lost in downtown Tokyo. I tried to ask for help, but I spoke no Japanese and nobody seemed to understand my questions. As crowds of people rushed by, I said silent prayers that I would find someone to tell me the way back to my family.

Finally, trying to stop the tears from coming, I saw a woman in a little market who looked friendly. I walked over to her and asked, "Do you speak English? I am lost." As she began telling me in English how to get to the restaurant, she realized how complicated it would be to find my way without reading street signs. She led me into the street, hailed a taxi, told the driver where to take me, then handed me several yen to pay for the taxi ride. Then without a word she was gone.

Crying tears of gratitude, I rode back to where my family was waiting for me. I think of that kind woman in Japan every time I read about the Good Samaritan. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent me my own "Good Samaritan" that day.

— Alicia Burk Riley, Bury St. Edmunds, England

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax (801) 237-2524. E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com