The Thorny Path

A nasty neighbor who is sponsoring what could be an ugly anti-Mormon rally is just one of the concerns weighing on Bishop Jim Shepherd's mind. In his fourth year of service as bishop of the tiny Fairhaven Ward, he's also dealing with the death of one of his most faithful members and a variety of martial and emotional problems—some humorous, some dire—among the members of his flock. But there is also the joy of his wife, Tricia's pregnancy and the pending birth of their fourth child, along with the hop that several people receiving the missionary discussions will finally join the church.It is another season of growth and change in the sleepy little Southern town of Fairhaven, Alabama. If you haven't met Bishop Jim Shepherd and the colorful members of his ward, you're missing something truly special!