Read Online Soon After by Sherryle Kiser Jackson - Free Book Online

off.
    â€œLet me put it to you this way, we had to reorganize and rebuild. We added some new members to the fold. Those members that I acquired kept the Harvest legacy intact. They loved their church tremendously and wanted to continue the work this church was known for in this community. Although, it appears now that we must begin again.” Abe glanced over his shoulder at the charred church building for emphasis.
    â€œSome would say that to petition a pastor to prevent a move, as some of your members have done, is extreme. Could there be anyone in that central group that could want to see the church destroyed?”
    â€œI am not a judge or jury. That’s not my job. It just seems unlikely and counterproductive to fight to stay at this household of faith, and then turn around and burn it down,” Abe countered without hesitation.
    He knew all the right words to say, Alexis remembered thinking. She was familiar with pastors who used the ideals of God’s Word as a cover so they didn’t have to relate to what was going on. Her grandfather was the prime example. She was raised to believe that God’s Word was a shield and buckler, but every now and again she needed him to remove the cover and let her see the cracks and dents in his armor.
    â€œThere are some critics in this community that have complained that the church has not been the same warm and inviting place as it once was,” Alexis said mainly to rattle Abe, who seemed to be answering on autopilot. “What do you say to those people, who used to rely on the food pantry and other resources from this church? They refer to you as just a placeholder as if someone else behind the scenes is actually running this church.”
    Pursed lips, and then a ponderous look skyward broke up the monotony of the Q&A. From the light reflected off Abe’s hazel eyes, Alexis thought she could see a tear, for once showing a real humanity.
    â€œPeople on the outside are always going to talk. I may not lead the church like it has been run in the past,” Abe said, reaching out for the gate for support. “They’ve got to understand I am just a man. With the training I received, I do the best I can until I get my power and direction from God. I expect Him to cast new vision for this church. Hearsay is not going to squelch what we are trying to do for God.”
    â€œSo you will rebuild?” Alexis asked.
    â€œYes, we will.”
    â€œIn this area?”
    â€œI don’t see why not. This area has nurtured us in our time of need.”
    â€œEven before this fire, the church was facing financial difficulty. Tell me about that.”
    â€œWell, times are hard for everyone. The church is no exception. Some people shut down when times are hard, shy away from the church. We are a small church that has to rely solely on the regular giving of its members and donations, of course. We were prayerful, because between repairs that didn’t get done after Tropical Storm Roberto flew in here late fall and the general upkeep, we had to cut back. Cut backs on weekday services to conserve energy, cut backs on printed programs and many, many of our services for the homeless in this community, just to name a few.”
    â€œSo the church has had a recent claim through their insurance policy?” Alexis asked pointedly.
    A blank expression and more mindless head-nodding told Alexis that Abe was lost.
    â€œThe other . . . um, my predecessor initiated that claim. Why the work wasn’t completed, I couldn’t tell you.”
    â€œHas your staff contacted your insurance agent, and are they prepared to pay out the half a million dollars you will need to rebuild your church?”
    â€œThat is the hope,” Abe whispered.
    â€œInsurance figures and scams are the major motive in an arson case. Who could stand to benefit from the policy taken out on this church?”
    â€œThe kingdom, Ms. Montgomery,” Abe replied forcefully.