Christian Living

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Love Story
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


As 19 year old Doris Tiger drove towards McAlester, Oklahoma to visit her sick elderly aunt, her journey was delayed when her car stalled in the small town of Stuart on a Sunday morning. Not mechanically inclined Doris sought help in the town’s little church. Upon entering the church building, she found only twelve members: the pastor and eleven others. Four were young children. Four were young adults. Four were elderly adults that included the 85 year old pastor.

Walking towards the front of the church, Doris was greeted by a “may I help you” from the pastor.

“Yes, sir,” she responded. “My car stalled about two blocks from your church. I’m on my way to McAlester to take care of my auntie who is sick and needs me.”

“We are a small community of worshippers mostly adults and a few children but we will try to help you as best we can.” At that moment, the old pastor and his congregation rose to their feet to make the two block trek to Doris’ car. Young and old, female and male, tired and strong provided tools and know how and effort fixed the car. In roughly an hour the broken fan belt was removed and replaced. Doris was soon able to resume her journey of mercy and compassion.

“When Doris began writing her check to pay the congregation for the car repairs, she pastor responded: “You don’t owe us anything. Go; take care of your aunt! May God bless you on your way and may He keep you safe and well!”

“Since you will not accept my money, I will say but one thing—that one of you is Jesus Christ Himself. May God bless each and every one of you! Thank you! Good-bye!”

In the weeks and months following their visitation, the church members recalled the words of their young visitor. “Christ is one of us,” they each thought to themselves. As they considered the possibility, they began to treat each other with extraordinary dignity and respect with their belief that Doris’ insight was correct. The little congregation also began to treat themselves with considerable respect with the prospect that one of them miraculously change into the person of Jesus.

As time passed, other people in the surrounding area and in the Stuart community noticed the kindness and loving respect that surrounded the twelve members of the church congregation. Three years after Doris’s visit, the small congregation grew to more than 1800 member such that a new building was needed to accommodate the growing numbers. The original twelve members at first could not understand why so many people had come to their little church. They soon learned when a few visitors came to their church then witnessed the extraordinary dignity and respect they had for each other and those who visited them, the visitors came back with their family and friends who loved what they saw and experienced.

This community of faith grew because of the unconditional love and compassion shown to a young woman and her gift of observation.

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