Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
-
TITLE: A LIGHT OF THE WORLD | Previous Challenge Entry
By mick dawson
11/16/07 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
In the settlement of Haven, its residents were named after their trades (Much like the people of elder Britain.) There was a difference. Instead of names such as cooper, smith and baker, they were named after modernistic occupations.
As it was a Christian community which had survived the war of the old world, they were given names such as builder, glazer and programmer.
Their mayor was also their pastor and therefore given the same name. He gazed around himself at the end of the street in front of what once served as a park. The benches and swings remained but other things were added.
Roughly hewn seats were placed there for their gatherings along with a pulpit, where it waited, empty.
“Where is Missionary?” Misses Roofer asked the pastor. “It’s almost time for the service.”
Pastor didn’t answer. He looked beyond the perimeter of the settlement.
The mountains looked even further away beyond the bush land than usual.
“I hope nothing’s happened to him.” He found himself saying aloud, and then berated himself under his breath.
“Please ask one of the children to ring the bell, Mrs. Roofer.”
“But he isn’t here.” She said anxiously.
“Please, just do as I ask. We have prayed night and day for his safety and the Missionary is a man of his word.”
Reluctantly, she left his presence and moments later the clang of the old bell sounded at the other end of the street. Every resident of Haven flocked to the seats and spoke in low tones as they waited.
Looking above their heads the pastor saw the black and red form of his friend running toward the outer perimeter. Without breaking his stride, the Missionary dropped his weaponry in the field.
Heads turned as he tore free his red mask and receptor goggles. They watched a man in excellent physical condition jump the perimeter and climb the steps of the dais.
He perspired freely but showed no shortness of breath. His black and red costume had been torn here and there with faint traces of blood showing through. His injuries were minor and as such, he ignored them to begin his sermon.
All the residents of Haven listened as the Missionary unfolded the passage on Paul’s many sufferings. It was a good message. The pastor nodded approvingly as he heard of the length’s God’s greatest apostle went through to spread the word to the unsaved.
A thought permeated his consciousness, bringing a warm smile to his lips.
He remembered how it used to be in Haven before the young man came to them. It was chaos and dangerous for the people who now listened to the young man. It would seem he was very similar to Paul.
Things would eat him out, there. His family was gone and his one true chance at love had been denied him. He too knew what it was to be cold, afraid, and hungry but still he came.
Somehow he came alone, unscathed as he passed the many dangers and the bush land to reach them. It was obvious that God had sent him to them.
Bringing the gospel of Christ, they found peace and order. Now the people of Haven were more than a settlement. They were even more than a church. They were an extended family.
Pastor looked forward to speaking with his friend after he was finished at the pulpit. They would talk of what the Missionary had seen on his latest wanderings, and pray together. Then he would rest in Haven for a few days to go in search of any more survivors and witness to them of the love of Christ.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Laury