A Tale Of True Love

by Alexa Stewart

When he awoke around ten, Tom dressed and joined Marty in the kitchen. He poured a cup of coffee, kissed her on the cheek and asked, “Where’re the boys?”

  “Outside, continuing the freeway they started yesterday,” she said with a smile of pleasure at the industrious duo. “How did it go last night?” she asked, sipping her second cup of coffee, as he seated himself across from her at the table.

  “Vincent McKenna passed away last night. Had cancer, I understand. Nice people, the McKenna’s. Wish I had the time to get to know him better before he passed. Lynn seems very nice too. She wants me to run the service at the church, but she’s concerned she can’t, because they aren’t members any more. They left the church after the last pastor disappeared.”

  “Disappeared?” Marty said in astonishment. “How? What are you talking about?”

  “Oh, I guess I haven’t told you about that, have I? With everything that’s been going on, I just forgot.”

  “Well, tell me now,” she suggested.

  “I don’t know much about it. Fred Hitch told me some of it when we first got here. It seems it happened about ten years ago, and got into the news. The previous pastor and a local woman disappeared on the same day. It was assumed they left town together, I guess. I’ve also noticed that’s about the same time this house was left vacant.”

  “Oh,” Marty said sadly. “It’s a shame when a man leaves his family for another woman, but when it’s a man of the cloth, the spiritual damage is devastating.”

  “Sweetheart, don’t be too ready to condemn the man. I haven’t heard anything conclusive that he did or didn’t leave with her. The only fact that I can confirm, is that they disappeared on the same day.”

  “Oh… It’s so easy to assume, isn’t it.”

  “Yes, and assumptions can leave their own collateral damage.”

  “Shouldn’t we find out more about it?” she wondered.

  “I’m not sure. Maybe it would be best if we just leave things as they are. Start new, without any prejudices,” he said, trying to decide the best course. “But, on the other hand, it seems to be still affecting the people in this town. I may have to address it after all. I’m not sure what to do yet. Anyway, I need to reach Ed Meriwether this morning and see if the church is available this weekend for the McKenna’s service.”

  “Do you think Mrs. McKenna would like my help?” asked Marty.

  “That’s a good idea sweetheart. I’m sure she would appreciate it. Let me get ahold of Ed, and then Dr. Bishop. I need directions on how to get back out to their place. It’s way out on Eagle’s Crest, somewhere. I certainly don’t want you getting lost in that terrain. Maybe Kyle won’t mind coming into town to get you. Either way, we need to call Mrs. McKenna and talk it over with her. I have their phone number here,” he said as he pulled out a piece of paper from his Bible.

  “I’ll call Netti and see if she’d mind getting the ladies together to help with the service,” Marty suggested.

  “Why don’t you wait until I get some more information on what, where, when and how?” he suggested, smiling at his wife’s generous heart and eagerness to serve.

  Because their house phone wasn’t hooked up yet, he took out his cell. Walking outside in the hopes of getting a stronger signal, he noticed he had acquired another bar, hopefully enough of a signal to make his call. He dial the number Ed had given him for his office at the Homeland Bank.

  Marty had followed him outside and had gone down the stairs, joining the boys in an effort to keep them occupied while Tom made his call. She sat in the dust playing with them, while listening to his conversation.

  “Hello, Ed?”

  “Good morning Pastor Tom. How’d you sleep last night?” he asked happily.

  “Not very well, I’m afraid. I was called to the McKenna’s home last night, where Vincent McKenna passed away.”

  “Vince gone? So, the cancer finally got him,” the banker said sadly. “How’s Lynn and Kyle holding up?”

  “As well as can be expected, I guess. Mrs. McKenna would like to hold his service at the church. Do you know if there’s a scheduling conflict for this weekend?”

  Silence came from the phone, and then Ed explained, “Well, Pastor, we have a policy that only church members can use the building. And I do know of a few prominent members who would object to an exception, I’m afraid.”

  “But why?” Tom asked, surprised. “Churches are meant for the community, an opportunity to show God’s love.”

  “That’s not how our board sees it. Would you like to talk about it? I can meet you at the church, where we can talk more privately,” the elder suggested.

  “Absolutely, I think we need to. When can you get away?”

  “I haven’t anything pressing right now. I’ll be there in in a few minutes, would that work for you?”

  “Fine, I’ll meet you there,” Tom said, crushed in his spirit with the news.

  “What’s going on?” Marty asked when he got off the phone.

  “The church board has a policy that only church members can use the church, and the McKennas don’t belong anymore,” he said shaking his head, still not able to believe it.

  “You’re kidding,” Marty said in surprise. “Where’s the love and compassion for others? How are we to show the love of God, if we exclude those who need it?”

  “You don’t have to convince me, sweetheart,” Tom said with a smile, giving her a hug. “I’m meeting Ed at the church. I’d better get going.”

  “Can I do anything?” Marty inquired.

  “Pray for us, will you?”

  “You don’t need to ask it,” Marty said kindly, knowing he was upset.

  “I know, but we mustn’t leave any stone unturned in this. I have a bad feeling we have a spiritual war on our hands and I need the wisdom of Solomon and God’s grace to face it. I just had to ask.”

  “I understand. I’m willing and capable of a lot of prayer,” she said stoically, with a smile.

  Tom beamed lovingly at his wife. “That’s my girl,” he said affectionately. “I’m going to walk and talk with God.”

  As he descended the steps, he slowly walked down the driveway toward the road, wondering what he was walking into.

  Arriving at the church, he saw Ed’s car in the parking lot. Climbing the five steps to the double doors, he found the right door was unlocked and entered the vestibule. The smell of the old building reached him with the aroma of age, beeswax and polish on the hard wood surfaces.

  Coat racks and shelving lined both sides of the small foyer. Over the front door was a transom window, letting in the natural light. A pull rope for the bell in the tower over the small room was strapped in place around a couple of wooden pegs in the corner, ready for use on a Sunday morning.

  Tom went through the next set of double doors into the sanctuary and strolled along the aisle of the empty room, passing the pews that held God’s people whenever the building was in use. Rays of sunlight were streaming into the room from the three sashed windows on his right, with matching windows on the left.

  He walked toward the raised platform in the front of the room, with a large wooden cross hanging in the center of the front wall. An upright piano was pushed up against the wall to the left with an American and Idaho State flag hanging nearby, while on the right of the stage stood the pulpit and a few chairs. Right next to the pulpit, in the corner below the stage, was a door that opened into the back of the church.

  In the short hallway, the first door on the left was the pastor’s office, then came a restrooms, and finally the hall ended in a small kitchen and eating area, out in the back.

  Pastor Tom found Ed in the office. “Come on in Pastor and have a seat,” offered the elder.

  Tom sat down with some apprehension, sure that he couldn’t agree with the policy of the church and wondering how he was going to handle it.

  Be gentle, kind, patient and loving, he told himself. The fruits of the Spirit are eternal and important to God. Take this slowly, but I mus
t know what’s going on.

  “All right Ed, please tell me why we have to deny the McKenna’s the use of this church,” Tom tried to say it kindly, but it came out more forcefully than he would have liked.

  “Well, I guess I’ll just come out and say it. We have a few people here who’ve been at the church all their lives, and their support is extensive. They feel the church facilities should not be used for outsiders, but kept for members of this church… those who pay to keep this church going. And since these people pay a large portion of the tithes here, we could lose them and risk closing the church,” he said. “What can I say?”

  “So, you’re telling me that they own the church,” Tom said softly, trying not to get upset.

  “In a way they do,” Ed responded.

  Tom stood up and paced, trying to think. Turning to Ed he said, “I know this isn’t what our Lord would desire Ed, nor is it what he has asked us to do. I’m not comfortable with this situation as it stands. Would it be possible to get an emergency meeting with the congregation set up for tonight, so we can discuss this with them?”

  “That’s not necessary, is it? It’s really inconvenient and with such a short notice and all. I’m not sure everyone can come,” Ed faltered.

  Tom stood stoically as he said very firmly and with passion, “No one owns a church, Ed. Only God. People are dying all over the world to keep their churches free of control. I know this isn’t China, nor Russia, or anywhere else in the world where people are dying for their faith, but I will tell you this, no government, group, or person of any class should be allowed to dictate how Christians are to worship, and serve our God. We should be abiding by what our Lord teaches in His Word and not by some man’s idea of how it should be done.”

  Ed’s face turned pale.

  Tom tried to soften his tone, but he was resolute. “Ed, this needs to be discussed and now, before we do harm to the McKenna’s, our community and our standing before God. I abide by what He teaches in His Word.” Tom leaned on the desk with both hands and looked the elder in the eyes. “Show me in the Scriptures where we have to deny access to God’s house, unless it’s paid for.” Rising, he continued, “Ed, I know of no place in scripture that denies access to God and this building… even to the unworthy, if they should choose to come.”

  Ed sat speechless in the pastor’s chair.

  “Where is the faith of this congregation?” Tom continued, trying to help the elder see how wrong this situation was. “Is it in man and his money? Or is it in the Lord of the Universe, who gives us life and provides for all our needs? My God is totally capable of taking care of this church and anything else He deems worthy.”

  Ed finally said, softly, “I know you’re right, Pastor, but what can we do?”

  Tom sat down again and gently suggested, “Let’s get as many of our people here in the church tonight as can come. I’d like us to be of the same mind and heart in this matter, so we can move forward in unity and compassion.” He looked at Ed, wanting the man’s support, “I know I’m new here, Ed. But God’s Word is neither new, nor changing, or inappropriate for today. We have to decide what we are going to do, and soon.”

  “The whole church? Not just the elders?” Ed asked, concerned.

  “Yes, the whole church. I understand that only the members can vote, but everyone should have a right to say something. And I don’t think this is the time for just the elders either. All of us have a vested interest in the future of this church and the direction we should be going with it. Please ask everyone to be in prayer until we can meet tonight. Tell them that it’s important that they come, say at 8:00 tonight. I want to give everyone time to get here.”

  “I’ll get right on it,” Ed said, but the fear on his face was evident. “I want you to know that whatever happens tonight, Pastor Tom, I know you’re right. But, Franklin Conner, who used to be head elder here before his time was taken up with his new lodge, is one of those people who will stand against you. He has been a member here for most of his life, and runs this church with an iron will. He is one of those big supporters I told you about, and pays the wages of a lot of people in this town. A lot of his money is in my bank from his lumber mill, the town store, and the lodge up at the lake. He has power over a lot of people, including me,” Ed told him with anxiety. “And what makes it worse is that he believes he’s right and feels he knows what God wants.”

  Pastor Tom looked at Ed with compassion and sympathy, realizing the man’s position. He understood now that he was in a situation that could bring harm to many families that fell under the influence of Franklin Conner, if the man decided to use his power.

  I pray he won’t. Please Lord, help us. Help me walk through this in your Will. So many can be hurt and I’m so new. But, I can’t allow harm to continue. I shouldn’t be doing this alone, I’ll need advice… I’ll contact our district representative, Craig Hoffman and ask his advice and prayer. I need an experienced man of God, one who has been through this type of thing before.

  Tom said softly, “It’s never easy when you are taking a stand for the Lord against the interests of man. Sometimes we can compromise, if God gives us the grace and wisdom to do it. But, when is it ever wise to change the Word of God, by adding or taking away from it? Or hide His light behind the feelings of others? We are to put His light on the hill and let it shine forth in the darkness, and right now it’s not showing at all. Where is the love for others God has asked us to show? Where’s the mercy, compassion and kindness we are supposed to illustrate? What am I to do, Ed? I can’t compromise His Word and I know this situation is all wrong. How can we fix it and not hurt the McKennas in the process?”

  “I don’t know, Pastor Tom. But I can see now the urgency of this meeting tonight. Should I tell them what it’s all about?”

  “Why don’t you just say a very urgent matter has come up, and we need every available member and attendee to come?” Tom suggested. “I’ll explain it all tonight.”

  “Okay. I’m so sorry this had to happen before you had a chance to preach a sermon.”

  “I think I’ll be preaching one tonight, and a very important one at that,” Tom said softly.

  Ed nodded in agreement, then added, “I had no idea anything was wrong, until you said something… it’s like I’ve been blind. I’ll definitely be in prayer. I know we have to fix this. I just hope we don’t have to close the church to stop the harm.”

  “Me too,” Tom agreed. “But remember, even if the church does close, ’Where two or more are gathered in My name, there will I be also’, our Lord has said. Never stop worshiping Ed. Never stop learning, serving, or praying, no matter how small the group. We all lose if any one of us quits or loses our way… the light of truth dims a little when that happens.”

  Ed smiled, trying to find the courage to stand up for what he knew was right. “We sure need you, Pastor Tom. I hope God will make a way for you to stay.”

  “Let’s see what God has in mind,” Tom offered. “And let’s ask Him now to help us. And it wouldn’t hurt to be in prayer for Franklin Conner, either. God can do great things with prayer. I think He’s just waiting to be asked. I know He loves hearing from us.”

  Tom bowed his head and led the prayer, “Dear, loving Lord, we stand before you, broken and humble men who desire to serve you in all things. Please help those who oppose your teachings to see the truth, and turn to you. Help us to be gentle, kind and forgiving, as you are toward them and all whom you love. Please mend the harm that’s been done. Help us to be caring for others, where hard hearts have prevailed, provide the means to soften them and show us the way with your truth. Grant us your wisdom and understanding. They are such precious treasures in this life. We ask this in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

  As the men walked through the church, Tom told Ed, “I’m going to contact my district representative at Village Missions and ask for advice and prayer. I know my position in this matter is correct, but I want the guidance and ad
vice of someone who has more mileage in the service of God, than I do.”

  Locking the church, they shook hands, and Ed got into his car and drove away. Pastor Tom walked solemnly home.

  Marty was waiting for him. She could tell he was deeply troubled and when they had the boys playing in their room, they sat in the kitchen and he told her everything.

  “I didn’t go too far, did I? There wasn’t any choice, was there?” he asked, trying to second guess his decision.

  Marty was thoughtful, loving him and wanting to comfort him, but also knowing he would want the truth from her.

  “What else could you do?” she responded.

  “I could have taken it slower, keep things status quo for now.”

  “Could you, Tom? What would He say about it?” she asked, knowing what God’s answer would be.

  “It’s not always easy, is it?” he said, understanding that the right thing to do was to obey God.

  “Tom, if you had taken your time, more harm could have transpired. A lot of time has already passed, driving some, maybe many from the church because it was closed to members only. Time has a way of putting out the light of God and the truth becomes obscure, if you don’t act and stop bad things from happening. It has to stop now, doesn’t it? We can only be obedient servants,” she added.

  Tom smiled at his wonderful wife, his heart full of gratitude for the wonderful help-mate the Lord had provided.

  “I’d better call Craig and let him know what’s going on,” Tom commented sadly, resigned to whatever was to come.

  The phone call to his district representative was a long and hard one. But in the end, he was told to continue with what he had started, that indeed he was right to fight a closed church, but ultimately it was the decision of the people of the church that would count. Craig would pray for them and hoped that God’s Will would prevail.

  That night almost everyone came, including Franklin Conner, his son Jed and his wife Megan, and their children. Franklin’s oldest son had stopped attending long ago, but his youngest son attended when he could. Stanton Conner was on duty that night, working for the County Sheriff’s office. However, his wife Jean and their children came, sitting next to Franklin.

  Pastor Tom was introduced to the congregation by Ed Meriwether and the meeting began. The compassionate man of God explained the situation to them and his concern with the church policy of members only. He cited scripture and talked of the love of God. He talked eloquently, thoughtfully, and kindly.

  Then he opened the meeting to the congregation and entertained questions. He expected and got the old head elder’s point of view. Franklin Conner stated emphatically that the church was for those who built it with their sweat and tears… that it belonged to those who had put their time and money into the facility and not to outsiders. Who was going to protect the church and its assets, if they let just anyone use it? Some agreed with Franklin, while others agreed with the pastor and sides were taken.

  Pastor Tom stressed that this was not a vote for one side or the other, but a place to stand on God’s Word and an opportunity for this church to make a difference in the small town and community that they lived in.

  Ultimately, it was agreed and voted upon to open the church doors to all who needed the facility and to show the light of God’s love in helping others in need. Pastor Tom vowed to oversee each event and with the elder’s help, make sure that the church was well cared for.

  Franklin Conner was silent after the vote. Pastor Tom was not able to tell how well the man had taken the opposition to his wishes. He prayed that Franklin Conner and the others would be willing to accept the desires of the majority and that peace would prevail. But deep in his heart, he knew that retribution was a real possibility, as well.

  Tomorrow and the days to come would expose the true outcome of this night’s decision.

 

  * * * *