by Nancy Hopper
ALWAYS
TRIED AND PROVEN
Nancy Hopper
copyright 2013 by Nancy R. Hopper. Any resemblance to any person or place, real or fictional, is strictly coincidental and unintentional. All characters in this story are fictional.
Dedicated to our friends in the tent ministry
and the wonderful memories you've given us.
CHAPTER 1
Callie Wilson swung her brown hair out of her face, and sighed under her breath before she looked up and grinned at the band. Her patience was growing short, and everybody knew it was about time to quit.
"Okay, one more time from the word 'love'. Four counts on the D. Then four counts on the C. Then two counts on the D, a one count rest. Then crash the D again twice, and let it ring. Ready?" she asked gently.
There were three long faces, but no complaints. They practiced it three times correctly before Callie called an end to the rehearsal. The boys were quick to pack their things and leave.
"See you guys tomorrow night, and thanks. It was a good rehearsal." Callie called after them. Then she turned to smile at her friend, Sadie Hamilton.
"Callie, I'm really impressed. You guys are very good." She complimented.
Callie smiled. "Thanks, Sadie. We've been working together for a couple of years. So, we're getting to sound pretty tight. And all three of my guys are very talented, which helps a whole lot."
“I never imagined that you would sing professionally, back in school. Although I'm not surprised that you're so successful. You would be successful at anything you put your hand to. Do you think that you will make it onto the charts?"
Callie laughed. "Not on purpose. We've been able to produce our own CD, but we just market it locally. I'm very content just making a good living. If the big boys want us, they will have to discover us without any help from me. I'm not very motivated to do the kind of things you've generally got to do to get famous."
"Well, you're certainly good enough that you could do it, Callie." Sadie assured her.
"Thanks." Callie grinned. She put an arm around Sadie as they walked to the car. "Now, tell me again what it is you're doing for a living, these days. I know you said on the way from the airport, but I'm afraid I was paying too much attention to the traffic to catch it all."
Sadie's eyes lit up. "Well, I travel all over the United States, Canada and Mexico, setting up sites, arranging for permits, and working with church sponsors to host our revival tent ministry."
"A revival tent ministry?" Callie looked perplexed. "What exactly does that mean?"
"It's pretty much just like it sounds. We have a big crew, and a great big tent. We find a place to pitch it, we set it up, and we hold revival meetings. We bring as many churches as possible together in an area. They all come and worship together, evangelize together, seek God together. We try to bring greater unity in the city. Then, we move on to another city, and do it all again."
"Interesting. How long do you stay in one place?"
"Usually just a week or two. But this time, there were so many sponsoring churches that we are staying a full four weeks. Isn't that something?"
"So, your job is to canvass an area, line up church sponsors, select the site, get permits, and then wait there until the tent comes?" Callie paraphrased.
"Yep. I also arrange for and schedule worship teams, volunteer tent staff, prayer teams and that sort of thing. I coordinate with the numerous pastors in the area and do some advertising to let everyone know we’re coming. Then I train ministry teams to work in the tent, and make sure everyone has what they need for the campaign to be successful. When everything is going smoothly, I'm off to the next city."
"How interesting," Callie mused. "Do you enjoy it?"
"I really love it. Live and breathe it. You know, we are setting up the tent today. Would you like to have a look at it while it’s going up? It's pretty interesting to watch the guys raise it, really."
Callie didn't look particularly interested. "How big is this tent?"
"It holds two thousand people. It's really quite an operation."
"Two thousand? Do you ever fill it up completely?" Callie asked skeptically.
Sadie laughed. "You had better believe it." She assured her friend. "Sometimes there are people sitting on the grass for acres, surrounding the tent. Other times, it's not so full. But it keeps getting bigger all the time. Why don't we go by, if you have time? I think you'll find it quite interesting."
"All right, as long as you'll promise me one thing." Callie stipulated.
"What might that be?"
“You'll need to tell your friends, if they ask, that I'm a Christian. At least insinuate that I am. I really don't appreciate receiving the hard sell treatment from anybody. I am not and I never will be a church-going type. It will just save you, me and your friends a whole lot of misery if they don't feel like they have to save me."
Sadie looked distinctly shocked. "Oh, Callie. I don't know what to say. I can't very well lie. It goes against everything I believe in."
"Then send your friends to me, and let me do the talking. I will answer their questions my own way. I'll try not to lie to them, but I won't promise. And don't worry, I can play the part. I won't embarrass you."
"That really doesn't make me feel much better, Cal." Sadie grumbled with a shake of her head.
"Those are my terms." Callie insisted calmly.
"All right, Callie. I will try to avoid the subject." Sadie promised.
"Good choice." Callie said with satisfaction. "Tell you what, I'll follow you in my truck in case you need to stay there, or something. I always like to have a getaway when I'm around pushy Christians. I don't mean to sound cynical, and I'm sure your friends are very nice, but I've been through enough unpleasant times at the hands of Christian zealots that I've become extremely cautious."
Sadie's heart plummeted at Callie's words. She felt shocked and dismayed, but she nodded sadly in response. "Just follow me." She prompted her friend. As they drove, she stared at Callie worriedly in her rear view mirror.
"Dear Jesus, what has happened to Callie?" She sighed with worry and discouragement. "She was never this way in school." She racked her brain about their school days together. She recalled that Callie had always gone to Chapel willingly enough, and she had often sung beautiful solos there, without complaint. But then, Chapel at the girls' school had been a part of the curriculum. It was expected of them to go, so it would not have come to light then if Callie hadn't been a part of it by choice. They'd just all gone without question.
Sadie realized suddenly, that neither she nor Callie had probably cared much one way the other whether they had really believed in God at the time they'd been close friends.
Still, it was a distinct shock to have Callie react so strongly against Christians. Sadie knew there were many who used the wrong approach and pushed when they should back off and pray, instead. Still, it was a disappointment to find Callie feeling so negative.
She loved Callie. She was tall and thin, and gorgeous, with slanting, mischievous blue eyes, a pert little nose, and full, sweet lips. Her eyelashes were long and tangled, her teeth were even and white. She had the curviest, shapeliest attributes of any woman Sadie had ever seen; and long, thick, shiny hair that curled around her hips as she walked. She had a great sense of humor, too.
She wasn’t intimidated by anyone, yet used her wit to good effect, when she had to be frank, or bold. She was smarter than most people, yet she didn’t often let it show. She was just fun, and personable, and genuine. And she truly cared about people. Quite a package, altogether.
Sadie let her lips curve into a smile, and chuckled. "But it's nothing for you to turn this around, Father. Make a way for her to
be touched while the tent is here. Callie needs you. Heal her heart, and undo all the wrongs that have been done to Callie in Your name." Sadie felt better after she'd committed the matter to heaven, and drove on with a song in her heart.
When they pulled into the meadow and parked, Sadie was relieved to see that the tent was laid out and just then ready to be raised. "We're just in time to watch it go up." She told Callie excitedly. "It's quite a sight."
And so it was. Callie was impressed despite herself as she watched the men pull the ropes that raised the walls, then the roof of the tent. Then, the inside structure was put in place, and the tent took shape.
This little tent was the size of a decent two-story building and it was very beautiful. When all the poles were in place and the stakes had been driven, the girls went closer, to peer inside. It was sparkling white, and had clear, round-topped plastic windows that let in bouncing sunlight. There was a banner on the top pole that bore a rampant lion. It snapped in the afternoon breeze, as if to call the tent to life. Purple, burgundy and deep blue pennants flew from nearly every post and wire.
"The colors of these banners are the same colors that the Lord instructed Moses to use in the construction of the first Tabernacle to the Lord. It was moveable, like this tent. Seems appropriate, don't you think, Callie?" she asked lightly.
"Sure. I suppose so." Callie agreed lightly.
They watched with interest as four men carried a section of risers into the tent from a trailer, and set them up around the edge. Things were coming together very quickly.
A tall man with silver hair approached them with a smile. "Sadie Hamilton?" he asked hopefully, looking from one to the other.
"I'm Sadie." Sadie answered, holding a friendly hand out to him.
"John Jameson." He responded, shaking her hand.
"Pastor Jameson! How nice to meet you. I've talked to Chandra so much on the phone that I feel like I've got an old friend in her."
"I'm sorry I wasn't available to help you with arrangements, myself. Chandra has been a great help. I just came in on a plane yesterday." He explained.
"And here you are today, helping raise the tent." Sadie marveled.
"I Wouldn't be anywhere else in the world today." He assured her with a hearty chuckle.
"Well, it seems that everything is going well here. I don't want to disrupt the work. Please feel free to call me on my cell phone if there is anything I can do to help, or any questions that need to be answered." She insisted. "I really hope that Sam can get here before the tent opens."
"That would make it perfect." Pastor Jameson agreed. "But one way or another, we'll get it off the ground." He turned bright, blue eyes on Callie. "And who might you be?" he asked with interest.
"Callie Wilson. I'm just an old friend of Sadie's." Callie said with a smile, extending her hand.
"I hope you're planning to catch the tent in action?" he asked hopefully.
Callie smiled lightly. "That is rather doubtful. I work nights and weekends." She explained.
"Too bad. It is an amazing experience. It has made a different man of me."
Callie smiled. "I'm glad for you. Thanks for the invitation."
John shook her hand soundly, before turning back to Sadie. "Sadie, my dear, here is my card. Please page me if you need anything. I'm looking forward to this, more than I can tell you."
"Thank you, John. It is wonderful to finally meet you."
They walked back to the car in silence. Finally, Sadie grinned at Callie. "Do you have time for dinner?" she asked hopefully.
"Sure. I'd like that." Callie agreed. "Do you like Chinese?"
"Does a bear live in the woods?" Sadie laughed. "Let's do it."
They had a wonderful dinner, and caught up on the news about old acquaintances. Then, they went to Callie's apartment and soaked together in the hot tub on her deck.
"So, what about the men in your life, Sadie? Anything exciting going on?"
"No." Sadie lamented. "A few near misses, but nothing I'm sorry I backed away from." She said, putting her lip out slightly. "I am really starting to want to find someone, but I just can't settle for what I've found so far. There's just not been any fireworks, you know?"
Callie nodded wistfully. "Maybe there just aren't going to be any. Doesn't that ever occur to you? I mean, I just wonder if there really are any 'Mr. Wonderfuls' out there. I sure haven't found them, if there are."
"Yeah. Well, if I don't find one, I'll keep doing what I'm doing. That's the big problem for me, the thought of giving up this job. I feel stifled every time a guy starts making noises about my settling down and staying put."
Callie looked at Sadie fondly. She was sultry, and buxom, and gorgeous. She was boyishly lean everywhere except in the chest, which made her extremely sexy. Her lips were full and nicely shaped. Her eyes were soft and brown, a knockout combination with her shiny, straight, dark golden hair.
Sadie's cell phone rang and she reached for it with a look of apology. "Sorry, Callie, I need to get this." She explained.
Callie nodded, and obligingly turned off the air jets so she could hear better.
"Sam!" Sadie squealed, sitting up straight, with obvious delight. "Where are you?" As Sadie listened, her jaw dropped in amazement. "That is so awesome, Sam. I really feel that you're needed here. This is already going to be much bigger than L.A. was, if you can believe it. They are projecting at least a thousand people a night, and some nights in excess of three thousand! I have a meeting with all of the pastors tomorrow morning in the tent, at ten o'clock. It will be perfect if you can be there. Great!"
Sadie shot an uncertain look at Callie. "Sam, I'm staying with a friend while I'm here. Let me give you the number and address, and I can show you out to the tent from here. I can make some coffee."
After giving the caller Callie's name, address and phone number, Sadie said goodbye and pushed the ‘off ’ button gleefully. "Oh, wonderful!" she sighed, happily.
Callie watched her friend, with raised eyebrows. "Unless that Sam was a female, which I know he was not, he sounded like someone you were pretty darn happy to be hearing from." She challenged in a sultry, teasing, voice.
Sadie beamed. "You can say that again! Sam is my pastor. The tent ministry is under his direction, and I was ecstatic to hear from him. He just flew in from Hong Kong, and he's going to be here for the opening day of the tent tomorrow. Nothing could have made me happier! I wasn’t at all sure he was going to make it in time."
"Oh." Callie replied listlessly.
"And please, don't get the wrong idea. I saw the wheels turning! Sam and I are not even remotely more than buddies. He's incredible, but he is not interested in Sadie. I got a few stars in my eyes when I first met him, but I got over it, because I wanted to work with him. He’s not the kind to tolerate any nonsense from girls. I’ve learned from being around him that when you look like Sam, you have to be very cautious with females."
"A good-looking preacher, huh?"
"That is an understatement. Callie, I hope it’s all right that I asked him to pick me up here in the morning. That way, I can brief him and save him the trouble of trying to follow directions out to the tent. He's got jet lag and it would just be so much easier. He’s staying just down the street at the Imperial, tonight."
"No problem." Callie yawned. "Fine with me."
"Want to go with us?" Sadie asked hopefully.
"Naw. Even though I don't work tonight, I need to catch up on my sleep. I’m not used to early morning rises." Callie tried to let her voice tell Sadie that the subject was closed.
"Callie, I've got an idea. Will you listen?"
Callie stared suspiciously at Sadie's wistful expression for a second before she responded. "I'll hear you out." She answered lightly.
"Do you think you’d maybe like to sing a few songs at the tent? I mean, it would be great publicity for you, there will be thousands of locals every night. And it occurred to me that you could sing at seven, then go on to work. I don't know how
much I could pay, but there would be some offerings in it for you."
Callie's eyebrows crashed. "Sadie, you can't be serious." She admonished.
"I am! Think about this, now. If you came and sang one song every night, you are guaranteed to have thousands of people hear you this month. Probably many more than that. Most of them will be from New York, where you work, but some of them will be from far away places. Isn't that worth thinking about?"
"No wonder you're in Marketing." Callie grumbled. "Sadie, I can't even imagine singing in a church tent. Every night for a month?"
"Just do it when you want to, then. Once in awhile. It would be seen as a very charitable act, you know. And I'm sure you could really help us get things off to an awesome start. The tent has never been to this city before. So, some people are bound to be a little bit apprehensive. Oh, Callie; if you came in and sang some well-known songs and hymns, I just know you'd have them all warmed up and you'd just pull the people together, every time. You're so good, and such a good public personality. Please, will you consider this? I'll make it worth your while in publicity, I promise. The tent isn't like a church; it's very relaxed and open, and accepting. People come from all walks of life."
Callie sighed heavily. "Sadie, the only thing is, it would be wrong for me to do it. It would be totally misleading. You know and I know that I would be a hypocrite, if I were to do this. I don't buy into it and I don't intend to."
"Well, Callie; I see what you're saying, but I really don't agree. I mean, we aren't going to make any statements about your faith, and the tent is not like a church. It's going to be a big melting pot, everything from zealots to homeless and professional people. I understand that you think it would be implied that you're in agreement with us by being a part of the team; but you really are very good at dodging uncomfortable questions, and honestly, you'd only be there half an hour or so. And I do think ... no, I know that you would be such a key to our success! You are the perfect one to open the doors for us with the people of New York.”
