Pastor Robert Osbourne looked down over his congregation and once again felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on his shoulders. Every time he preached, he begged the Lord for the right words, for the stories and insights and teachings that would help him reach the ears of his listeners. There were so many temptations around them at every turn—the saloons, the gold mines, gambling, drinking, women—that it often felt like an impossible task.
He reminded himself, as he did every week, that his job was to be the messenger, and that the ultimate decision remained with the individual. He could not lead a man to heaven who did not want to go. Yet he ached whenever he saw someone turn away from the Lord and go off into their own darkness. He could call after them, but he could not choose the path of their feet for them.
His eyes rested on Olivia Markham. She had caught his attention from the moment he first met her at the hotel. There was something about her, a vulnerability that resided beneath her prideful exterior. Here was a soul looking for answers, yearning to hear the truth of the word of God. Now if only he could deliver it in the way she most needed to hear it.
The opening hymn concluded. As he stepped up to the pulpit and placed his notes in front of him, he felt a wave of peace descend over him, washing away his anxiety and his doubt. God was good. He blessed Robert with this peace every time he rose to speak, allowing him to concentrate on choosing the best words and reaching out with his heart and not just his voice.
“Good morning,” he said, glancing around the room. There were more in attendance than usual—this was good. Hopefully, that meant fewer in the saloon later. “I’m very glad you’ve all chosen to attend church today. Your presence lifts my spirits more than I can say. Our text for this week’s sermon is taken from—”
A shout from the back of the chapel made him stop in midsentence. A scruffy-looking man wearing patched clothing rose from his bench, yelling, “Hold it right there, preacher. Just hold it right there.”
Robert opened his mouth, then closed it again. No one had ever interrupted a church service before—he had no idea what he should say in response. “Can I help you?” he said at last.
“I sure hope so, because if you can’t, there’ll be consequences.” The man walked up the aisle as he spoke, and in his hand was a pistol.
***
I hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek at A Clean Slate, book #4 of the Kansas Crossroads series. Please join me at www.ameliacadams.com to stay on top of news and upcoming releases, and follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amelia-C-Adams/584870491648423.
The Kansas Crossroads Series:
A New Beginning
A Free Heart
The Dark and the Dawn
A Clean Slate (coming June 15th)
A Clear Hope (coming July 15th)
And many more to be announced …
The Dark and the Dawn (Kansas Crossroads Book 3) Page 12
