The Shepherd’s Staff

By Ted Bradshaw

As their story progresses in The Shepherd’s Staff, Bill &
Elaine Westover with three children, Jennifer, Betsey and
Peter move from their successful inner-city ministry to
a church in desperate need of revitalization. Through
teaching in word and deed, Bill leads the church in
renewed outreach. Engendering opposition from members
who are not actually believing Christians and from the
denominational leaders.

Meanwhile, Elaine is hired by an attorney. Her work
as their staff psychologist leads to a confrontation with
a homicidal client and she begins to note destructive
patterns in the life of one of the attorneys.

Follow the continuing saga as Bill, Elaine Westover and
their family survive and thrive in their new situation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669819080

Ted Bradshaw

Ted met the living Jesus at 27. Baptized in the Holy Spirit, Ted graduated seminary as M. Div. Served as a Student Pastor, later Pastor of a yoked parish - Baptist and Congregational churches. Ted became a Christian Counselor, worked in parachurch organizations, on staff in an Episcopal church. Ted went short-term missions to Slovakia; Pakistan; St. Petersburg, Russia; Micronesia (3 times); Philippines and Bulgaria. Ted has written “Servant of the Servants of God”; a novel “Saul – The Traitor!©” His wife Ruth of 57 years has given him two daughters. He has seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren."

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 by Ted Bradshaw.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Cover Design by Kim Gardell,

also covers for Saul – the Traitor!© and The Shepherd’s Crook©

Rev. date: 05/09/2022

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

841813

CONTENTS

Introduction

Spring 2005

Flashback

Chapter 1     Turning Over an Old Leaf

Chapter 2     Digging In

Chapter 3     Meeting and Greeting

Chapter 4     Meeting The Powers That Try To Be

Chapter 5     Tough Calls

Chapter 6     Parting Of The Waters

Chapter 7     Confrontation With Principalities

Chapter 8     Bumps In The Road

Chapter 9     Easy And Hard, Life Goes On

Chapter 10   Change of Direction

Chapter 11   A New Deal

Chapter 12   Surging Ahead

Chapter 13   Success Breeds Contempt

Chapter 14   Wedding And Divorcing

Chapter 15   Ministry Expands

Chapter 16   Passing The Baton

Chapter 17   Launchings

Chapter 18   Whirlwind Or Tornado

Cast of Characters

Introduction

Chronology

Spring 2005

Hello, Bill Westover speaking.

Reverend Westover, this is Jim Feldon of 1st Church.

Bill’s heart leaped at the name Good to hear from you, Mr. Feldon. It meant either the opportunity to serve again after five years on the shelf or hopes dashed – again. O, Lord, I want to serve you. If this is the place, give me the grace to follow You, he silently shot to God. It seemed an eternity before Jim Feldon responded.

Well, I wanted to call you right away with the results of the members’ vote. We’ll be following this up right away with a formal letter. Bill’s heart beat faster as he waited for Mr. Feldon to continue. The members voted to extend a call to you.

"At last! Thank you, Lord for Your confidence in me, thought Bill. I’m very glad to hear that, Mr. Feldon. The family has been talking about this possibility, so we are prepared to move. However, before I make a final commitment to you, I will have to read the full details of your proposal, then we will ask the Holy Spirit to confirm the call.

Jim Feldon hesitated, and then reluctantly replied, I understand, Reverend Westover. The Church is prepared to wait for your answer. How long should I say?

Depending on when your letter arrives, I’d say not more than a week.

Thank you, Reverend Westover. That sounds reasonable. Well, good bye now.

Good bye and God bless you, Mr. Feldon.

As he hung up the phone, Bill sat back and began to talk with the Lord. Here I am, Lord. Your servant awaits your confirmation. These years on the shelf have seemed a long time. But You are my Boss. I’m at Your command

Bill phoned Elaine.

Hello, this is Dr. Westover.

Hi, M’Luv.

Bill! If you’re calling at this time, you must have some news.

Yeah, something more for us to pray about. 1st Church wants us to come.

What did you tell them?

I said we would have to be sure of the Lord’s leading and I wanted to see their full proposal before committing to them. I asked for a week.

How did he respond?

Well, of course he agreed, but I think he called expecting that it was a slam dunk. He may be concerned about having to put off the others until we decide.

Thanks, Hun, for that ‘we’. I’ve got a client coming in a few moments and I want to prepare. Let’s talk with all the kids tonight.

Good! I’ll see you when you get home. Luv ya, bye.

Bye, Hun.

Sitting there in the moment of quiet Bill contemplated the odyssey that led Him to this point.

He and Elaine graduated Penn State in 1982. Already in love, she went to Boston University for a Masters in Psychology, while he was at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. After her Masters, they married in ’84. Elaine worked as a school Psychologist. A year later, when Bill graduated, he was called as a Youth Pastor, beginning September 1985.

Bill chuckled as he remembered many disasters as he was learning to cook and get everything on the table warm and fully (but not over) cooked at the same time. They thought their apartment would never be free of the charred smell. He really had to hand it to Elaine, working and studying so hard, putting up with his many meetings in the evenings, and of course being appreciative of nearly inedible food. She has always been wonderful! he thought. Thank you, Lord, for this lovely one to help weather the bad times and to enjoy the good times together. I really do love that woman!

The door banged, so Bill knew Peter was home. Thunderously double stepping upstairs to his bedroom. It had taken four years to teach Peter to change from school clothes to play clothes, but for almost a year it had been automatic.

Knowing Peter would want a snack, Bill went into the kitchen to put together several sandwiches. As a house husband he was proud (better watch that) of his cooking, now. The kids complained at first, about not having store-bought bread like the other kids, but the complaints stopped as they wolfed down healthy whole-wheat sandwiches.

Then he heard 14-year-old Betsy come in. She knew he would be in the kitchen, so she came in to regale him with tales of her day.

Hi, Daddy! She was the only one who still called Bill Daddy. For Jen, Oops, got to correct that!, Jennifer at 16 it was Father. She probably got that from some old movie. Peter mostly called him Dad, but once in a while slipped in Pop.

Well, Pumpkin …

Oh, Daddy, I’m not a fruit!

What makes you think a pumpkin is a fruit? Most people consider it a vegetable.

Wellll … You know in Genesis it says that fruit have their seeds inside. And a pumpkin has its seeds inside. Sooooo ...

OK, Empress, I bow to your superior wisdom. Want a sandwich?

Just then Peter clumped down the stairs, I’m starved, Dad! Whatcha got?

Sorry, Pete; I don’t understand your German. What does ‘Whatcha’ mean? Please translate.

Oh, you know, what do you have to eat?"

Ahh, I’ve got it now. How about a em sammich and a gals of muck’?

Now you’re doing it. But I can understand your ‘German’, he smiled. ‘A ham sandwich and a glass of milk’. Sounds great if you’ll double them up."

Bill thought, That’s a 11 year-old appetite. Sure. Now what was your majesty saying?

Daddy! Mrs. Barrister gave a pop quiz in math today an’ I got finished quicker an’ got a 95.

That’s great, Honey

Ruthie’s parents came and took her out of school today. Everybody has a different idea of why. I guess it’s all gossip.

Yep. Better wait until someone who knows – either the teacher or the family – tells the truth. Then you don’t run the risk of hurting someone’s feelings.

Peter cut in, Say Dad, I’m heading down the block. Bill and Dan are getting up a ball game.

That’s fine, Pete, but first, tell me about your homework. I’m going to call a family confab tonight that may encroach on homework time.

What about, Daddy?

Yeah, Pop?

Nothing now. I’ll keep you burning in suspense, so you will all get to dinner on time. Now about homework …

Well, I got about nine pages of history and twenty problems of math. Maybe forty-five minutes.

Sounds doable. Get thee hence, varlet!

Thanks, Dad! B… That cut off by the slamming of the kitchen door.

Bill was turning back to Betsy, when Jennifer floated in through the front door. I never hear her anymore. thought Bill. She is so ladylike I only know she’s here by the waft of perfume. Gosh! She’s just a few years younger than Elaine when we met! Heads up, father, there will be a serious boy drooling around her soon, if not already!

Hullo! Jennifer, is that you?

Yes, Father.

Would you like a snack?

No thanks. as she came around the corner. Got to keep my figure. She added with a coquettish smile.

Bill unobtrusively examined the truth of the statement. A sandwich wouldn’t hurt her, he thought, but not too thin. Just about right. Got to watch those boys.

Say, Lovely, calling a family confab tonight after dinner. He held up his hand. Now before you ask, I’m not telling. And before you speculate, listen to Betsy’s teaching on gossip. With that Betsy glowed.

OK, Bets, what does that mean? If I can’t get any real information, at least give me something.

It’s about Ruthie. Her parents took her out of school today. Everybody figured out their own reason why. But I decided to wait ‘til somebody involved, like the teacher or family, tell us the truth. Everyone else’s gossip can hurt somebody.

Good girl! Bill thought.

Excuse me, Father. Since you are putting a crimp in my social plans with your mysterious family meeting, I must phone my public and make excuses. Tata!

Tata, Lovely.

Bill began reflecting on the ministry through him to the Bethel Church of Our Savior.

Flashback

Bill Westover while in college, fell into alcoholism as a Sophomore. Realizing he had a problem, Bill tried to conquer it on his own. Failing that, he realized he was lost. Hitchhiking back to college, Bill was picked up by a salesman who treated him to a meal and a motel. In the process, introduced Bill to Jesus. Jesus saved him and delivered him from his alcoholism.

That next year he met Elaine and they became friends. Their friendship blossomed into love. After graduation Elaine began working on her Masters in Psychology. Bill went to Seminary. When Elaine graduated, they married and she worked while Bill finished his M.Div. When he graduated, he was hired as a Youth Pastor. Elaine went back to complete her doctorate. They had two children, Jennifer and Betsy during that time. After 5 years as Youth Minister, Bill was called to an inner-city ministry in the Boston area, sponsored by one of the major churches in the nation.

Believing he was unfit for inner-city ministry; Bill was ready to quit before he began. He had a surprising meeting, which led to the salvation of a couple, and to God’s seal of approval on the ministry. God delivered Bill and Elaine from danger one time, but another time allowed a gang to beat him seriously. When Peter was born, Bill’s salary had grown to allow Elaine to be a stay-at home-mom.

As he remembered, Bill shook his head in wonder at all the miracles of conversion of prostitutes and gang members, and even the Boss of one of the gangs. It gave Bill pause to recall God’s judgment on another gang Boss. He saw the growth of the church from that first couple to over 300 by the time he left that inner-city ministry.

At the Present time, Jenny is 16, Betsy is 14 Peter is 11. Bill is unemployed. Elaine is working to support the family. Bill reflects on his 5-year ministry in Bethel Church of Our Savior, Roxbury, CT, beginning in the fall of 1994

Bethel has been a small Church. There were 150 on the rolls, but only 35 attended, Sunday School had six children and there were four teens among the regulars in the congregation, but there has been no teen class or group. They had a choir of five. Finances were strained, so there had been a lot of deferred maintenance to both church and parsonage. It was an evangelical church that had had an active ministry under a much beloved pastor for 40 years. His retirement brought on a succession of short pastorates, covering 15 years. Attendance dwindled as members migrated to evangelical churches in the neighboring large city, just 20 minutes away.

Bethel is in Roxbury CT, population ca. 2,000, ca. 20 minutes from Waterbury CT, the Big Town of 100,000 to the east. Near the Lovers Leap State Park ca. 18 min. west.

Bill remembered their drive to the Bethel Church for the first time …

Chapter 1

Turning Over an Old Leaf

While Bill had only ministered under Dr. Billings of The Revolutionary Hill Bible Church for three years, saying good bye to the Staff and Doctor Billings was a sad leave-taking. It was also very hard saying goodbye to the Trust God Church that he had founded ("Ooops, sorry about that, Holy Spirit! You are the Founder and I am the clay."). Because Bill had been instrumental in leading each of the first 15 believers to the Lord and formed 12 of them into a church. He had taught them from the ground up.

They were a wonderfully diverse people that the Holy Spirit molded into the beautiful fellowship that was Trust God Church – three former prostitutes, four former gang members, two couples under- and unemployed, a store owner and his wife, a single man, a nurse at the hospital. (Yes, Lord I’m not forgetting they quickly began reproducing one another – the first couple praying with the other couple; the two women praying with one of the prostitutes, two of the converted gang members praying with a third, Jet, a former gang member praying with Tanya, the nurse. Yes Lord, You worked marvelously! Your crowning achievement, my wonderful Lord, and my great privilege was after the church became established, You gave me the joy of leading the most powerful gang leader to You!")

It was hard for Bill and Elaine to leave a successful ministry, the staffs of the two churches they had come to love, and the wonderful apartment they had enjoyed next to the park for the girls. It was hard to leave all that for a down-in-the-dumps, struggling congregation with a pittance for a salary and a rundown church building and parsonage.

As he drove Bill considered it wasn’t as if the Lord had showed them a shining path leading to Bethel Church of Our Savior. God had not been forthcoming in guidance.

Driving to their new charge, there was a singular lack of joyful anticipation. They drove silently, Bill and Elaine knowing that this was going to be a hard ministry. The people were demoralized from four short-term pastors in nearly 15 years. They would just get to know a pastor and he would receive a call to another more lucrative calling. The people were further discouraged because many of the pastors they contacted did not even return their calls or respond to their letters.

The thirty-five members who were left couldn’t continue to support the buildings much longer. Bill and Elaine considered realistically they were the last hope for the church. If they could not turn the members into encouraged, faithful believers, then both the church and Bill would fail. The church would likely disband and Bill would be out of a job with a black mark on his ministry record.

Bill realized he was sinking into a slough of despond. He looked across at Elaine. The expression on her face told him she was right behind him. He realized the dark clouds over both their heads were affecting the children, they were quiet in the back seat. They weren’t playing road games or even quarreling.

Lord, this is not my ministry, it is Yours. So, win, lose or draw, we win with you!" Bill began to sing, We are climbing Jacobs ladder, we are climbing Jacob’s ladder, we are climbing Jacob’s ladder, Soldiers of the cross. Elaine looked at Bill sharply as he began to sing. She knew he was feeling the sense of dread, We are driving these many miles to a work that is going to be very hard and likely impos… Oh, Lord! I’m short-changing You! Forgive me!

She turned in her seat, smiling at Bill, and joined in the second stanza, Every rung goes higher, higher. She looked back at the girls who were confused at the sudden change of atmosphere. As she and Bill finished, Soldiers of the cross. She nodded encouragingly to them. We are climbing… Now Four-year old Betsy joined in. Peter began bouncing in his seat.

Jenny was frowning in consternation. She did not understand. Her personality did not like change. At six, she had been struggling with the unhappiness of leaving her friends in contrast with the anticipation of starting first grade and all that would mean – what wonderful things she would be learning, but making her way among unfamiliar and maybe unfriendly children.

The sudden outburst of song just did not sit well with her mood. She folded her arms and turned to stare out the window, intending to stay out of the unexpected joy.

They changed to Jesus Loves Me, This I Know. The song began to tug at her heart. Jenny knew Jesus loved her. And she loved Him. By the time they got to, Yes, Jesus loves me! Jenny joined the family chorus. At the end of the song, Jenny was smiling, too. Her heart was light.

Betsy, always the cheerleader, said, Let’s sing, Deep and Wide!"

When they finished that Bill, began telling jokes, making the girls laugh. Peter loved to laugh, while, too young to understand jokes, he chortled out of glee in the other’s laughter.

With such a long drive, they had planned to picnic at the park just outside of the Town of Roxbury, Connecticut. There were about 2,000 people living in the town, just a 20-minutes by road from Waterbury. That was the Big Town, a city of nearly 100,000 people.

After a run-around in the park and a picnic lunch, they drove on to the Church and Parsonage. They pulled into the driveway and got out. Bill stood for a few moments by the car looking at their new home. He said, It is over 120 years old, and is our home now. He took Elaine’s hand and bowed his head. She was holding Peter and the girls stepped in.

Father we are grateful for this house. Make it into a home for us. We are deeply grateful that You have provided it or us. We know there will be challenges. We thank you ahead of time for them, knowing some will be harsh, but others will be a joy.

As Bill paused, Elaine added, I will need Your help, since I will most likely have three jobs – first mother to Jenny, Betsy and Peter. At the mention of their names the girls looked at Elaine, taking in what she was saying. She continued, I will have to find work as a counselor. Part time would give me time with my family and to keep up this big home. I will be involved in this ministry with Bill, he squeezed her hand in thanks, so I will need Your strength, wisdom and guidance to not leave anyone out. Amen.

Bill added, Amen.

When Elaine opened her eyes, she saw Betsy looking deep into hers, I’ll help, Mommy. It made Elaine’s eyes puddle.

She squatted with Peter and gave her girls a hug.

Jenny was a bit taken aback. She hadn’t thought of helping. She was embarrassed that she had not said it first, but at the same time she was unhappy that she was being pressured into something she had not thought through.

Bill pulled out a set of keys and headed for the front door. He opened it to a fresh paint smell. Elaine was delighted they had painted the lower floor walls a lovely cream color that added a sunny feeling to the home, without a brash yellow glare. They had carpeted the stairs. The carpet was used and apparently cut from and old room sized carpet. It softened the stairs and it looked nice with the creamy walls.

There was a sofa, an occasional chair, and a lamp table between them with a lamp. The dining room sported a dining table, that had seen hard wear, but seated ten. A small desk and a rickety chair were in his office. Two walls were lined with built-in bookshelves.

The kitchen was sparkling clean. Jenny opened the refrigerator to find it stocked. They checked out the cabinets. They, too, were well stocked with a variety of standard necessities.

Upstairs, they found the bathroom also stocked, with towels on all the rods and a shower curtain. The larger bedroom had an old brass bed with a mattress and box spring. It was made up with fresh, but not new sheets and blankets. The smaller bedroom was bare.

On the third floor, were two low beds and two small dressers.

Then they gathered in the living room. Jenny said, How did they know to put all these things here?

Elaine said, "Jenny and Betsy this is a gift of love from the people of the church to welcome us into our new home. They knew that we would need food until we can make a trip to the store. They knew we would need bedding until the moving van arrives tomorrow.

Let’s pray a thanksgiving prayer to the Lord and to these people.

Girls, will you pray, too?

Jenny prayed, "Jesus, they didn’t get the kind of cereal I like, but they did their best and we thank them. Amen.

God, Betsy prayed, These are nice people. They love You and they love us. Thanks. ‘man.

Elaine added, Father, You have sweetened our arrival with this love gift. We will trust you and them to provide for our needs. We ask you to make us open to their different ways and them open to ours. Make us all be eager to see, and obedient to follow what You have planned.

Our God, Holy Spirit, Bill prayed, You have prompted these people to welcome us. Forgive my dark thoughts. I surrender to You and to these people. As Elaine prayed, I agree, mold us to be what these people need. Thank you for all this.

As Bill stopped, the phone rang.

Jenny said, It does that here, too? It always rang when You came home with us.

Bill reached the phone on the lamp table, This is Reverend Westover, may I help you?

This is Dick, uh, Dick Forman.

Dick it’s good of you to call.

"‘Fraid not. One of our older members, hasn’t been in church for months. Been in a nursing home, y’know. Wull, she’s dyin’ of congestive heart failure an’ she come home to die.

I must intrude on yer settlin’ in. She needs a pastor to help her say goodbye and hello to Jesus. Can you come?

Of course! Are you free to drive me? I do not want to waste time finding where to go in this unfamiliar area.

I’ll be there in five minutes.

Good! I’ll be waiting.

Thanks, G’bye.

Well, my family, you did not hear the other end of that call. It appears that my ministry here will not wait to start until it officially starts the 11th. It starts right now, Friday the 1st of September. There is a lady, he looked strongly at Elaine, and then at the girls, "who is very sick. She needs me to come and pray with her. I must go as soon as Mr. Forman comes to pick me up.

Let’s quickly unload some to the car while I am still here.

They were working well together. Peter in his stroller had his Teddy, so he was content to watch the comings and goings.

Dick arrived some fifteen minutes later and whisked Bill away.

Elaine and the girls waved as they drove away. She turned to the girls, Do you think you can carry some heavy things together?

Jenny was first this time, Yes, Mommy, we can. And she looked at Betsy, who nodded.

Elaine picked out a box of clothes that was big and awkward, but not too heavy. Now to make this work you have to walk beside the box and step together. The girls lifted the box together, and then started off.

That’s right. Now if you have to rest, set it down. Work it out together, she called after the girls.

From the moment the door closed and Dick started off, he talked incessantly, Her name is Harriet, ‘Hattie’ Edmonds. She’s 87 and has been in this church all her life. Her family’s mostly in this area, but some moved out-state. The ones here don’t go to church. They are all gathered, all here, around in a ‘last watch’. Hattie’s been kind ‘a fairy godmother to most of us ‘young uns’, heh, heh. He laughed considering his age. "We can’t remember church without her. We’re goin’ to miss her. She was the ‘Cookie Lady’. We kids would go to her kitchen door and knock. We’d always ask politely, ‘cause Hattie had corrected us, ‘May I please have a cookie?’ an’ then she’d give us two. We learned not to go a second time in one day and never on Sunday. When we were too old for cookies, but had a problem, we’d go to her kitchen door and ask for a cookie. She’d bring us in, set a plate of two cookies and a glass of milk and listen to our troubles.

Y’know, I don’t remember much of her advice, but I remember her prayers washing over me. An’ I knew everything would all work out. And it did!

Bill got a word in while Dick took a breath, Tell me about her family.

Husband died ‘bout twenty years ago. He had a good pension from the shoe factory, so Hattie was pretty well fixed. She had a little extra and heard about this new-fangled invention called a computer that was run by software", so Hattie bought a few shares in both each month. Well she didn’t pay attention an’ now she’s got a pile of money in them stocks. She’s a grand ol’ gal. She lives frugal. Gives generously to the church an’ to Christian charities. She loves children. Every Sunday she reads Bible stories to the li’l ones. Teens still flock around her, ‘cause they know she loves ‘em.

Dick finished his background, just as he pulled up to the curb. The driveway was filled with cars. That’s the family hovering around an’ watchin’ her die. Dick observed.

Bill thought he picked up on a note of distaste.

Dick ushered Bill in without knocking and with no greeting to the family hovering in the living room. He took Bill upstairs to Hattie’s room. When they entered, there was just one young woman sitting beside Hattie’s bed. As she turned to look there were tears on her cheeks. She arose, wiped her face and pasted a smile over her grief. Bill wondered if he was too late to pray. He nodded at the young woman, who was about ten years younger, and went right to the bed.

Hattie was a redhead and while mostly white much of the red remained. Her complexion was sallow. Bill thought, "not much longer. I guess a ‘releasing’ prayer is in order.’ He sat down on the vacated chair and took her cold hand. Circulation’s down. Death is approaching. He observed.

Bill stood and spoke to the young woman, I’m Bill Westover, the new Pastor. And held out his hand.

Dick was embarrassed, "Sorry, I didn’t introduce you. Joan, this is the Pastor we just hired. Hasn’t even moved in yet.

Pastor Westover this is Hattie’s granddaughter, Joan Prebble.

Reverend Westover, it is so good of you to come. Gran loves the Lord and she would be so grateful for your prayers if she could hear.

I’ll be honest with you, Miss Prebble…

Please Reverend Westover, she interrupted, call me, ‘Joan’.

If you will call me ‘Pastor Bill’, and he smiled warmly. She nodded. I have not ministered to the dying, so I’m am ministering without experience. I trust he Lord to lead me. Please be understanding about my mistakes.

Joan smiled encouragingly.

Bill continued, I believe our lives, all of us, young or old, are in the hands of the Lord. Each of us should be prepared to go to be with the Lord or to stay and minister as He chooses. Joan nodded; a tear coursed down her cheek.

There is a ‘Releasing Prayer’ that I have read about, but not had occasion to use. May I try it?

Joan asked, I haven’t heard of it. What does it do?

"My prayers will be to put Hattie into the Lord’s hands to either take her to be with him or restore to Hattie to health. The releasing must be by those who love her. God has in His love made our love a connection from one to another. As we love people, we connect with them. Those connections can be as strong as our love is. When someone is this close to death the connections are still there and can actually hold a person in life beyond their need.

The releasing prayer is not a prayer for the person to die. We cannot cause death by our prayers. It just, in love, allows the person near death to go to be with Jesus. Jesus then does what is best for that person. Do you understand?

Joan nodded as tears again coursed down her cheeks.

Bill turned to Dick, Do you understand, too?

Never heard of it before, but it sounds a’right, Dick nodded.

Joan, should any of the rest of the family be called?

My mother and Dad and Aunt Agnes.

Dick, would you call them? He left.

Bill asked Joan to hold Hattie’s hand. He went to the other side and knelt close, speaking softly, Hattie, I know your spirit can hear me. Jesus loves you. Those are well-used words but always true. We know that He died for our sins. He died for yours, too, and He cleansed them away. You can go boldly into the Presence of Almighty God because you are a daughter of the King.

The door opened and Dick entered followed by Hattie’s two daughters and her son-in-law. Bill rose and went to them. Dick introduced them. Bill noticed that while Joan’s mother showed her grief, neither her husband nor her sister did.

Bill again explained the Releasing Prayer. Do you understand? and he looked at each one of the three. Joan’s mother nodded and her eyes puddled, but the other two were stoic.

Bill returned to Hattie’s side. He raised his head and spoke on high, Father your daughter is ready to come at Your call. Her loved one’s are missing her already, but they are content to leave Hattie in Your infinitely capable hands. Father we release Hattie for you to take into Your Kingdom, or to heal her and restore her to minister among us again. Either way, Lord we praise you for your wisdom.

Bill turned to the others, Please pray, thanking God for the life of Hattie and her influence on your lives. Joan and her mother began each praying quietly. The others stood quietly with heads bowed. After a bit, Bill prayed again, Into the hands of Almighty we commend the Spirit of Hattie, to the glory of God! Amen.

With that, Hattie took a deep intake of breath, then commenced to cough. Joan stood and quickly raised her up. When she did, Hattie’s eyes opened.

Bill saw a healthy sparkle, and he said, Quick, Dick! Bring a glass of water! Dick raced out of the room. The three children stood aghast.

Dick came in and handed the glass to Joan. She held it to Hattie’s lips and she took a sip. Hattie cleared her throat and mouthed More. While she held Hattie up with one hand, Joan pressed the glass to her mouth. Hattie took the glass from Joan and gulped down the contents. This time she spoke in a dry whisper, More! Again, Dick raced for water. The running back and forth alerted the others down stairs that something was happening they came up and clustered around the door. Dick had to squeeze through, spilling only a little on them.

This time Hattie took the glass in both hands and emptied it, Again!

Bill could see the color rising to chase away the death pallor. Bill turned to the family at the door, who were closing in again after Dick’s passage out, Someone who knows, call her doctor and get him here as soon as he can come!

Dick was again forcing his way through the astonished family.

After Hattie finished that third glass, she said, Oh! Praise the Lord! I have had such a wonderful dream! Jesus took me by the hand and led me through a field of the most beautiful flowers. It seemed an eternity that I was enjoying walking with Him in that eye-filling beauty. Then he turned to me, ‘It is time to go back.’ Jesus took my arm and led me. I woke up with all my loving family clustered around. Thank you, thank you. Then Hattie tipped back her head, Thank You, my loving Lord. I will serve You in every way I can!

As her eyes surveyed the room, they rested on Bill beside her. I know you! You’re the new Pastor. You prayed for me. Thank you.

Bill said, Dear Mrs. Oh! I don’t know your last name.

I’m ‘Hattie’ to my friends. And I know we’re going to be great friends.

My dear, Hattie, how do you feel?

Ha, ha! Fit as a fiddle and ready for love! Ha, ha, ha. Now you all shoo outta here, y’hear. Joan, dear, help me up so I can get dressed. She looked again at the shocked family. What’re you doing. I may be an old woman, but I still need privacy to get dressed. Not going to do it in public, even if you are family.

Dick looked at Bill in astonishment. Bill nodded, Dick, let’s escort the family downstairs. They both moved toward the family clustered inside the bedroom door. They backed away and turned to head downstairs.

As they reached the living room, the family commandeered all the chairs so Bill and Dick stood in the hall archway. Finally, one of the grandchildren asked, What just happened?

Bill said, simply. I believe God has Healed Hattie."

Wait a minute! Hattie’s son-in-law spoke sharply, Are you a doctor?

No, Mr. … Sorry, I don’t know your name.

William Prebble.

Mr. Prebble, I am a Pastor, not a doctor. That is why I asked you to call a doctor to confirm what I believe to be true. God has healed Hattie. You were there, you saw Hattie revive.

One of the granddaughters, Bill thought she was probably the oldest, declared in a tone of disappointment She’s not going to die?

As I said, I am not a doctor, but I believe that Hattie will have a number of years to be with you.

Bill was surprised are the sense of deflation in the room. He expected joy at the news. But there was none. Then he detected from Joan’s mother a suppressed joy.

After that they had an awkward thirty-six minutes waiting for the doctor. Bill took advantage of the time, asked permission to use the phone and for the first time called the parsonage phone.

Elaine was startled at the phone ringing both in the living room and in Bill small study and upstairs in the bedroom.

This is Elaine Westover; may I help you?

Hi, M’Luv.

Oh, Bill! Did the lady die? How are you?

Bill apoke in a muted voice, Better than Great! God healed her! The doctor’s coming to confirm.

Why are you being so quiet about it. It’s great news!

Strange attitude here. I think most of the family are disappointed that she did not die.

What are you talking about?

Look, M’Luv, I don’t know. When Dick drives me home, maybe in the privacy to the car I can get more info. Don’t know how long it will take here. Bye for now.

On pins and needles ‘til you can explain more. G’bye Hun.

The doctor arrived and Bill escorted him up to Hattie’s bedroom. She was sitting in her rocker chatting with Joan, who was radiant.

Doctor Hasselblad was perturbed. Joan, how could you allow Hattie to exert herself, getting out of bed and dressing! he scolded.

Doctor! Don’t you be hard of the girl. I insisted!

Hattie, you have always overdone it, at your age. You are an impossible patient!

And you, Doctor, are an old fussbudget. I know my own strength. I’ve got it back, and there’s an end to it!

OK, OK, be quiet while I do my examination. He put a thermometer in her mouth and then took her pulse and shook his head. He listened to her heart both back and front and shook his head. He examined the thermometer and shook his head. He listened to her lungs and had her cough, both sides front and back and shook his head.

"Hattie, this morning your heart was so full of fluid and laboring to beat at a very slow rate, I didn’t know that you would survive the day. You had pneumonia in both lungs, so if your heart let you survive, the pneumonia would have killed you tomorrow. And your temperature was sky high.

I do not understand, but all your vitals are healthy, even unnaturally vigorous for a woman of your age. I don’t understand. What have you been taking?

Doctor, I have been taking Jesus! and she winked at Bill.

Huh? What do you mean?

This young Pastor prayed for me and Jesus healed me! It’s that simple!, she said defiantly.

Doctor Hasselblad, looked piercingly at her radiant and joyful demeanor. Then He looked sharply at Bill, as if accusing him of malpractice.

Humph! Well I want you in my office first thing in the morning for a complete workup. He turned to Joan You call me at the first sign of relapse!

Joan nodded solemnly.

He put his bag together in a huffy silence and stomped out.

The doctor was waylaid by the family. He said he would check more thoroughly in the morning, but now Hattie seemed fine.

Bill set aside her ailment, knowing that Jesus had healed her, and asked her about her life in Jesus.

"I was saved in a tent revival when I was just ten. Jesus has been so wonderfully close to me all my life. Even through the Depression when we didn’t have enough to eat. I had to get a job when I was 15. I worked through the Depression and had no time for boys. Then World War II came along. I got a great job in an aircraft factory and began going to the USO. Met a soldier and we married quick. That was 1942. He was in the Pacific, so I didn’t see him again until he was discharged in late 1945. Nine months later Agnes was born. You met her.

"By then I realized not only was my Tom not a Christian, but he would have no talk of Jesus in the house. In those days, divorce was not an option. I kept my closeness with Jesus to myself to keep peace in the family, but when Joan’s mother came along four years later, Tom catered to Agnes, but fairly ignored Naomi. Essentially the girls were split between us.

"Agnes never found Jesus, but Naomi met Him when she was three. Even when I prayed with the girls each night Agnes ignored the prayers and went to sleep. Naomi prayed with me and asked questions.

"Agnes married a hard driving businessman, who was never home, but he gave her five children. Several of them were here today. Her husband died of a heart attack three years ago when he was 65. His investments, pension residual and his life insurance has left her comfortable.

"Naomi repeated my mistake and married for love. William doesn’t know Jesus, either. He tolerates her faith and goes to church with her but doesn’t want to hear about Jesus in the home.

"Because Naomi and Joan share Jesus with me our relationship is very close, much to the distress of Agnes and her clan. I have made it clear that my estate will be divided equally. And each half is two-thirds & one-third. My daughters each get one-third of my estate and the children in each family get to divide 17%.

"With five children to divide 17% they each get a much smaller portion than Joan. They are jealous of her, so she is ostracized from family gatherings. I suspect that they fear our closeness, will lead me to give it all Joan. I won’t change my will, but as long as I am alive I can.

Well, Pastor Bill, I just dumped a load of family garbage onto your broad shoulders. If it gets heavy, just give it to the Burden Bearer.

My Dear Sister, your family is quite different from any I have encountered, and I will take it all to the Lord, early. May I share this with my wife?

"Of course, it’s no secret. There’s a lot of dirty laundry that folks in this town think is under the rug, but it tends to get out and hung on the line. People pretend they don’t know, but they do. Gossip is rife in Roxbury.

Son I’ve been bending your ear for about forty-five minutes. You should be home with your family getting settled in, instead of listening to an old lady’s ramblings. Get out of here! she said with a smile.

"A quick prayer and then I’ll go. Lord God, Holy Spirit. Thank you for your dear saint Hattie and her daughter saint Naomi and granddaughter saint Joan. You have kept them in the face of dark thoughts. Now, Lord continue to guide them in the way of Jesus.

Holy Spirit work in the hearts of the rest of Hattie’s family. Let them know how much the Savior loves them. Amen

As Bill passed the living room, he stopped to invite all to the church on Sunday. They just looked at him. Dick drove him home.

Pastor! I never seen the like. I’ve been watching Hattie go downhill for a couple of years now. It has saddened me to see the ol’ gal lose her abilities. Now she looks like she did five years ago! How’d you do it?

One of the first things we need to learn about God, never take credit for what He does in His sovereign grace. Honestly, Dick, I did nothing. You were there. I simply placed Hattie into the Lord’s hands. Naomi and Joan did, too. It was Jesus that did the work. He healed Hattie. I am confident that the doctor will confirm that.

By the time Bill got home, all they had brought in the car were stowed. Beds were made and dinner was cooking. Bill sat at the kitchen table to tell of his visit to the dying.

Bill gave the Cliff Notes version to Elaine and the girls, saving the family details until Elaine and he were alone. So, I prayed to put her in Jesus’ hands and He healed her.

Of course, Jenny observed matter-of-factly.

Betsy clapped with glee, Goody-goody, Jesus. Goody-goody, Jesus. Goody-goody, Jesus!

After the girls and Peter were in bed, Elaine and Bill sat on the living room couch with coffee. Bill told her the family history that Hattie had given him. Hun, Elaine observed, that is a festering sore in this community. Do you know where the various family members live.

No, not yet, but I believe Agnes and some of her children live nearby

If that has gone on for all these years, there must be more that are affecting the spiritual health of this church.

Wow! M’Luv, that’s an important revelation. Holy Spirit, thank you for this window into the community. Guide us in the use of Your information. Don’t let us over use it or under use it.

Yes, Lord, we are new to this kind of, of, of … ‘intrigue’ in churches. Give us wisdom how to proceed.

Well, M’Luv, it was a long drive and an emotional ministry, I’m about to nod off.

Not until I’ve given you a loving.

Bill laughed in anticipation.

The church service was a standard singing of hymns, prayers, offering. responsive reading, Scripture and sermon. The Deacon who preached rambled on, barely touching the Scripture passage. Some of it was funny and he had several good things to say, but it was less a sermon than an atta boy talk.

The church gave the Westover family a welcoming luncheon. The ladies of the church fussed over the children. Peter and Betsy loved it, but for Jenny it was too much. Elaine found an unused class room with a book case and settled her there to read.

There were several invitations for coffee and lunch. Bill and Elaine graciously accepted them and asked for rainchecks. Bill noted down the names, thinking he would look up the addresses on the roster Dick had sent in that packet they received when they first inquired into the church.

It was a balmy early fall day, so after Peter’s nap the family explored the Lovers Leap Park. as they wended their way along the woodsy tails, Peter broke from a toddle into a run with both arms out balancing.

On Monday, Labor Day, they walked to the town center and discovered that all the stores were closed for the parade at 11:00 AM. The town center was a cluster of small shops, a restaurant. There was a mercantile store carrying a limited line of convenience groceries and a small hardware department. Today all were shuttered for the celebration. At the intersection of North Street and Church Street was a triangular green, a small park with five maples. The Parsonage looked past the east end of the green, so their living room windows had a territorial view.

With all the stores closed, the family made short work of window shopping, so they returned home until 10:30. They returned to see the street lined for several blocks with spectators. The found that Dick had reserved them seats on the green. In the distance, the parade forming at the north end of town. At 11:00, the Ulysses S. Grant High School Band began with a rat-a-tat of two snare drums, followed with a boom-boom of the bass drum. Next a trumpet fanfare filled the air and the spectators cheered

The band stepped off with Stars and Stripes Forever. As they marched by with the stirring strains the crowd clapped and cheered. By the time they were through the four-block parade route, they counter-marched and formed on the green behind the spectators and played a medley of patriotic pieces.

The rest of the parade consisted with floats, which were kids on bicycles, kids pulling pets in wagons, A contingent of VFW that every block, in close-order drill changed their march formation. They were followed by more kids with dogs dressed up in costumes. There was a local politician in a convertible. The local volunteer fire department brought up the rear with their two trucks, one proudly displayed pumper truck and the other a hose truck. The crowd enthusiastically greeted each contingent with applause and individuals calling out greeting to their family members in the parade. It was over in about 30 minutes.

Dick said he had been remiss in not inviting the Westovers to join his family picnic.

Elaine responded, That’s very generous of you, Dick, she said with a winning smile. But we cannot impose, we were not prepared for a picnic and we could not intrude.

If it’s food your concerned about, no fear. Ginger laughed, I made enough for an army. n’ it’s at the park so room is not as factor. Just bring some blankets to sit on."

Bill realized it would be politic to accept and a chance for informal talks. He looked at Elaine and she nodded. Thanks, Dick and Ginger, since it is no trouble for you, we would love to come. We’ll go home and get a blanket or two and join your shortly.

"That’s great! I’ll have one of our teens, Patricia Pendleton, she a go-getter, be on the lookout for ya.

The family had a fine time. Bill and Elaine were freed to visit because Joan Prebble took charge of their children, introducing them to the Village children and then supervised their play.

Tuesday, both Bill and Elaine accompanied Jenny to the school to enroll her. They had made an early appointment to allow for the formalities before Jenny needed to be in the classroom. Her first grade teacher was Cynthia Roper. She was a young, round, smiling woman, who obviously liked children. She quickly discerned Jenny’s temperament and blended in, giving Jenny someone who appreciated her feelings. She was delighted that Jenny was already reading and after testing she praised her accomplishment.

Midmorning the moving van arrived with their second car in tow. The furniture was moved in and placed. The church-supplied beds were moved to the garage. They kept the rocker, the long davenport and the dining table and chairs, plus a few lamp tables and the brass bed frame. Everything else went in the garage for the church to store.

During the week after that, Bill spent much time, accompanied by Betsy and Peter driving all around the town. He visited all the stores and introduced himself. He drove to Milford, the next small city north. There he found a big box market where they could buy bulk produce and groceries at good prices.

Elaine had, through her former counseling director, obtained several names of counseling practices. She had called and scheduled appointments, so on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had appointments in Waterbury. The twenty-minute commute was less that it had been before.

When she came home Friday, she had mixed feelings. When the children were tucked in, she discussed it with Bill. Hun, these two are possible. The other two will not work out.

Tell me about them, M’Luv.

This one is the better of the two. I liked the people, but they need me full time and some evenings. This other one pays better but is part time and with fewer hours the overall is less.

Bill asked, What kind of counseling would you be doing at each?

The first one is a youth clinic working with teens. This other one is a referral service for a number of attorneys, who have run into problems in divorce settlements.

Well, M’Luv, money is no object. God will provide what we need. So, which ministry appeals to you?

The youth counseling goes back to what I did as a school counselor. I know what I would be getting into. The divorce settlement counseling is not really what I want to be doing. I don’t want to work out settlements, I want to bring couples back together.

What is the Holy Spirit saying?

That’s just it! He’s pushing me in the direction I do not want to go.

M’Luv, may I remind you what the Lord said to me?

Am I going to like it?

I suspect not. He said, ‘Do these people need me?’

Elaine put her head down, and said quietly, Yes.

Oh, darling, it’s just like our coming to this church. God has a hard job for us here, and maybe failure. But I am convinced He will bring His victory out of our ministry here.

Elaine, still with her head down, and still in almost a whisper, Yes, Lord, I hear You. And then she lifted her head with tears of submission in her eyes. They want me 9 AM to 1 PM. That will free up your late afternoon, will that work?

With Jenny at school, I can manage with Betsy and Peter. I believe she can begin to be a real help with him. Come over here, M’Luv. Let’s cuddle and pray. Elaine came into his arms and they prayed for strength, wisdom and courage for one another.

The next day, Bill had to spend time with the Lord to prepare his first sermon. The Lord made it clear that this was a ground-breaking sermon in two ways. He was a new broom. He was going to sweep the church in a new direction. He was to alert the congregation that they were expected to move. Secondly, he needed to win their ears. He had to preach in such a way that they would attend to what he said. He had to make it portable. The truths the Holy Spirit gave Bill for the members had to go home with them and work in their lives.

He had preached periodically as a Youth Pastor and more frequently as an Associate and Church Planter. He had not preached every Sunday and had not preached in series. As Bill was ruminating, he felt the Holy Spirit’s nudge to a series. He checked the calendar and with three more Sundays in September and five on October, he could lay down a foundation for church growth. That is what the church wanted from him, but he was sure they did not expect to be involved.

Bill decided the Acts of the Apostles, interspersed with teachings of Jesus would be the outline for the series. He believed the title should be Church Growth, According to the Acts of the Disciples.

He began studying Acts.

Elaine and the children sat in the front pew Sunday. The service went along well enough. Bill thought the organ music was beautiful, but it overwhelmed the voices of the 42 in the pews. Bill read the whole second chapter of Acts. Then he warmed the people up by telling the joke about the young preacher who was to take over from an old patriarch who had ministered in the church for fifty years. The youth worried about shaky knees, so the patriarch told him that the pitcher on the pulpit table was white lightning not water. If he began to be shaky, he could pour a glass and take a sip. He first glass did not last long and by the time he finished preaching the pitcher was half empty. After the people were gone, the youth asked the old patriarch how he did. His mentor said, Good, Son, ‘cept next time ya tell the story of David and Goliath, say ‘David slew Goliath not pound the pulpit and say he beat the tar outta him!’

The congregation laughed appreciatively. He began his sermon with questions about the Disciples – what were their occupations? Where did they get their training to be Christian leaders? Then he discussed the relevance of the power of the Holy Spirit, how He transformed the Disciples, who were fearfully hiding behind closed doors into men who could say to the crowd Jews, You have crucified the Messiah! He continued to the conversion of the 3,000 and the fellowship of the new believers in home churches. He gave them word pictures and quotes that could stick in receptive hearts. After the closing hymn and benediction, Bill moved to the church door during the choral Amen, to greet the people leaving. After the first few people, Bill realized he needed to have Elaine with him to observe the folks leaving. It would help him judge the spiritual condition of the individuals and prepare him to minister to them individually.

As Dick and Ginger came by, they reminded him of the Deacons’ Meeting Tuesday evening.

That evening Bill and Elaine had a lot to talk about. Bill shared his suggestion that she greet the folks with him.

I agree, Hun. What will we do with the children? then without waiting for a response she continued thinking aloud, They had a good time with Joan. I suppose I could ask her to look after them for the few minutes of greeting time, she concluded I’ll call her.

That being settled, thank you M’Luv; what are your plans to contact the divorce ‘reconciliation’ counseling?

I have to contact both tomorrow. It is called Divorce Negotiation. They want me to start ASAP. So, I expect to start Tuesday. I’ll have to leave by 8:30 to be on the job by 9, but I’d like to arrive early so I’ll leave at 8. I’ll go to the Youth Hostel to notify them in person that I will not be taking their position.

That means you can have breakfast with us before you go.

Yes, as you well know, I believe family breakfasts are essential for healthy development.

"‘Nother topic for prayer – my very first, Deacons’ Meeting is Tuesday evening at 7.

Bill and Elaine spent an hour and a half praying before settling in for the night.

Chapter 2

Digging In

As Bill collected his Bible, his notes and a clipboard of paper, he was feeling a bit nervous. He had not had to attend church meetings in either of his first two ministries. He had attended staff meetings regularly, but professional meetings were different from the meeting of laymen. He knew that Dick Foreman ran the meeting and that the members were husband and wife teams. Dick and Ginger had welcomed Bill and the family at the picnic last week, so they were friendly. But he had met the others only briefly in passing.

As he walked next door to the church the lights were on, so