Joan | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Joan | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gloria Pierre Dean
09/15/16
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Joan was a well-known figure in the village of Paynton. She was single. She had an almost clock-like daily walking routine, which usually ended in the cafe where she would order tea and a cake, and then return home alone.

Local people crossed the street, averted their eyes or darted into open doors of stores to avoid saying hello to her. In this small village, it was well known that Joan was lonely and that she talked for way too long, so many people avoided her.

It did not occur to her that people avoided her. When people did stop to talk to her, they could not get away without being rude.

Pam was different. She had recently moved to the village after her husband’s death.They met at church and she liked Joan. They would talk for hours about a variety of topics. Joan and Pam had a shared history; they were both retired nurses so they often spoke of those ‘good old days.’

As their friendship deepened, Pam realised that Joan had an incredible photographic memory and had studied and memorized a lot of the New Testament and the Psalms. She could recite chapters at a time. An idea came to Pam.

With Joan’s permission and Pastor’s blessing, they started a small ministry in which she would recite and bring the text of the Word of God alive to her listeners. Her voice and ability to characterise were paramount. Her most popular recitation was the woman accused of adultery.

She was excellent at switching her vocal ranges when quoting The Lord’s actual words and the listeners’ words. Later she wore Biblical costumes which made the act more interesting.

At first, Joan would do this at small retirement home tea parties, local restaurants and in birthday celebrations. A sound technician made CDs and many were sold in the local bookstores. The local media wrote a piece about her. In a way, she became a local hero.

In the same way that people avoided Joan in the past, she now avoided them. She had become popular. In order to enjoy her daily walks in solitude, she would use the narrow back streets instead of the broadway and main roads which she had used in the past.

The ‘table turned’ as you might say.
Joan’s ministry was used by the Lord to bring many to Himself and revive the faith of others. Her friendship with Pam’s remained strong.

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