Copyright 2015. Torch Legacy Publications. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner,
except for brief quotations included in a review of the book. This is a work of
fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the
authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events
or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Not for the

Righteous

A SERIAL NOVEL

by Daniel Whyte III

with Meriqua Whyte

Chapter 1
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have
no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call
the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
- Mark 2:17 -

Fifty-eight year old Rev. C. L. Mitchell, pastor of

Morning Glory Baptist Church in Rochester, New York,
picked up the remote control as he eased into his La-Z-Boy
recliner. He switched his back massager on high. That feels
real good, he thought as the massager vibrated through
every muscle of his back. He flipped to the Christian news
channel. Rev. Mitchell had been having back problems the
past few weeks and came home early on this Thursday
afternoon to get some needed rest. He kept up with the news
events even more so now than he did before. His wife,
Ernestine, joined him in their small den next to his home
office after pulling the drapes shut and dimming the lights,
creating an atmosphere more conducive for rest and
relaxation.
After listening to the news for a few minutes, Rev.
Mitchell said, There you go. Listen to this. He turned up
the volume on the television.
Two more Christians were murdered for their faith in
Nigeria. A husband and wife and their two children were
enjoying a quiet evening as a family when militants broke
into their home, dragged both parents into the front yard,

and shot them at point blank range. What a tragedy for

their young children to have to witness.
That was the international news; this is the national
news, Rev. Mitchell said switching the channel in time to
hear:
Homosexuals, it seems, have gained another victory
as a homosexual couple sues Tinas Wedding Bakery for
refusing to bake a cake for their upcoming wedding. This
same couple sued the Redeemer's Church a few months
back because the pastor refused to marry them in his
church even though they had been attending the church for
a while.
And not too far from us, Rev. Mitchell said switching
the channel once more to the local channel. They listened for
a few minutes.
More people have joined the rioters in downtown New
York City. The cry of racism is reverberating in the air like
never before. Much looting has taken place, and more police
have been called in as a precautionary measure as things
are predicted to get out of hand. So far, twelve have been
injured five of them seriously enough to warrant their
going to the hospital for treatment; this includes two police
officers. The tension is rising each day and as one rioter
says, 'MLK may be for peace marches, but we are for war.
This racial mess has been swept under the carpet for too
long. It's time for some serious changes.'
Rev. Mitchell was getting ready to switch the channel
when a special news flash caught his eyes: The body of the

missing sixteen-year-old, Ariel Irving, has been found.

Some fishermen were out fishing before daybreak today;
the body, somehow, got entangled in one of their nets. The
body was badly mutilated. From the coroner's report thus
far, the victim had been raped and strangled to death, then
apparently thrown into the river where the current
dragged her body out into the sea.
When is this all going to end? Ernestine said
flabbergasted.
End? her husband exclaimed. These are all signs of
the end times. Things are climaxing for Jesus' return. And
guess what? Nobody's warning the people.
They listened to more happenings in the news,
switching from the local to the national to the international
and Christian news channels. Reports on the economy was
no better. Analysts are predicting a world-wide economic
collapseone they fear could take years to recover from.
Ernestine Mitchell took note of her husband of thirtythree years. She observed the familiar furrowing of the
eyebrows casting a shadow over his already deep-set eyes
whenever he received disturbing news. Not only had they
been married for thirty-three years, but he had also pastored
the Morning Glory Baptist Church for thirty-three years.
She looked around the modestly furnished den of their
3-bedroom suburban home. Nothing lavish, but a
comfortable place offering them temporary reprieve from the
occasional chaos and mayhem of the outside world.
There's a rapid spiritual decline taking place in this

country, her husband continued, and not just in this

country, but worldwide. We need some modern-day
reformers. We need some modern-day prophets, and some
preachers with backbone.
That's right, Ernestine agreed.
I know I'm right. We have a bunch of compromising
preachers without any convictions whatsoever and still
expect to see blessings fall out the sky. Oh, how we have been
deceiving ourselves, Rev. Mitchell said. Pass me that
phone. I better talk to Pastor Ridley.

Chapter 2
Turning the massager off, he adjusted a pillow behind
his lower back while muting the television.
Thank you, he said as his wife handed him the phone.
Pastor Ridley, just the man I want to talk to. What do
you think about what's happening in our world today, my
brother?
Brother, I'm looking for Jesus to appear any moment
now, Pastor Ridley said.
I am too. I mean, who would want to continue living
on this earth with wickedness so prevalent? I believe more
demonic spirits have been let loose, Rev. Mitchell said. No
place on this earth is safe anymore.
For those who talk about life on the moon and living
on the moon in the future, now is a better time than ever to
go live on the moon, Pastor Ridley said with a laugh. That's
a safer place than here on earth.
The men discussed the dire political, social, and
economic situation in the country for an extended time until
Rev. Mitchell said, The really sad thing about all this is our
pastors are sitting back fat, dumb, and happy allowing all
this evil to go on without saying a word. Rather than address
the issue as to why we have all this evil around us and giving
the people hope, they are using the pulpit to preach
everything but the Gospel.

If God does not intervene, we are going to selfdestruct, Pastor Ridley said.
Amen to that, my brother.
As we are talking, I'm thinking of the verse where
Jesus says: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance', Pastor Ridley said.
There you go. I could not have chosen a more fitting
verse, Rev. Mitchell said. That's exactly what our preachers
are doing: using the pulpit to preach to those already saved,
and thus we have Christians sitting in our pews suffering
from spiritual constipation because they are taking in and
taking in the Word and never giving out the Word. And not
only that, but we have sinners sitting in the pews right next
to these Christians, believing they are saved, some searching
for the Truth, but never getting the Truth because the pastors
are preaching everything else but the Gospel. Why are they
afraid to preach the Gospel?
The harder the look on their faces, the harder I
preach, Pastor Ridley said with a laugh as Rev. Mitchell
joined in.
What did God tell the prophet Jeremiah when He told
Jeremiah to go tell the people of the impending judgment to
come upon them? 'Be not dismayed at their faces.' God was
so serious, He repeated the same thing to Ezekiel: 'And thou,
son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their
words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost
dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be
dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

Pastor Ridley picked up where Rev. Mitchell left off:

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they
will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most
rebellious.
A-men, Rev. Mitchell said. And that's not all God
said. He warned the prophet: 'But thou, son of man, hear
what I say unto thee, Be not thou rebellious like that
rebellious house.' I believe some of these pastors are living in
rebellion themselves.
Rev. Mitchell adjusted himself in his chair. I believe
that God is giving this world space to repent, but people just
arent taking advantage of His grace. Our preachers have
dropped the Gospel baton and people are dying and going to
hell in a handbasket.
I ask the same question young David asked: Is there
not a cause? Pastor Ridley said.
Why don't you join me in praying for a world-wide
revival starting in this country. We're long past due for one,
Rev. Mitchell said.
Sure. Let's contact area preachers to join us in this
worthy cause.
Later that night, Rev. Mitchell's son, Ronald, gave him
a call. Ronald was doing missionary work in the country of
Cameroon, Africa.
Dad, be praying fervently for us. The Islamist militants
have expanded their coasts beyond the Nigerian border into
Chad and Cameroon. The Chadian forces have been

successful thus far in keeping them at bay. I believe things

are going to get worse. Some of our believers have stopped
coming to worship services for fear of losing their lives. But I
do thank God for those whose faith have been strengthened
in spite of the impending danger.
Of course, son. Let me pray with you now, Rev.
Mitchell said. After the 'Amen,' Rev. Mitchell shared with his
son the conversation he and Pastor Ridley had earlier.
You're right. It's past time for a world-wide revival. I'll
certainly be praying along with you that Christians would get
their hearts right so God can open up the floodgates of
Heaven and have a huge downpour of His Holy Spirit to fall
upon us.
When last have you spoken with Dasani? his father
asked.
Ronald Mitchell and Dasani Boone were engaged to be
married. The wedding had been delayed as Ronald was
unexpectedly called over to Cameroon by his mission board
to replace Brother Mike, an older missionary who had been
with the board for over forty years. Brother Mike had fallen
ill and had returned home to the United States where he was
hospitalized for some weeks. His doctor advised him to retire
from field work and to work in one of the offices.
I spoke with her minutes before I called you, Ronald
said. I miss her so much.
Your mother calls her every other day to encourage
her. She shared with your mother that she was learning the
French language so she'd be ready to join you.

Aha! So that's the surprise she said she had for me,
Ronald said with a chuckle.
Oops! I think I just let the cat out the bag, Rev.
Mitchell said with a chuckle as well. Don't worry. I won't say
a word.
I won't say a word either, Dad. Give Mom my love. I
guess she's already asleep.
Yes, she is. We love you, son, and we'll certainly
continue to pray for you.

Chapter 3
Rev. Mitchell laid in his bed thinking and meditating on
the Word of God until the early hours of the morning.
Sometimes, he did his best thinking during those hours as
his side of the world was asleep, and silence became his
companion.
Dear God, he quietly prayed, I am grieved at the
worldliness of the church. I am grieved at the increasing
toleration of sin in the church. We have denied the power of
prayer so much so we cannot call down the forces of Heaven
to tear down the strongholds of the devil and the evil spirits
that are running rampant in the church and in the lives of
Christians. Oh, God! Send a man to break up the fallow
ground in our hearts as preachers. Send a man who has
permanently put away his stony heart, and in whom You
have placed Your Spirit, to break up the fallow ground of the
church and make us fruitful once again so we can begin
harvesting souls for Your Kingdom.
Rev. Mitchell drifted in and out of sleep. He saw visions
of destruction and chaos, such as hed never seen before. Fire
falling from Heaven. Natural disasters happening in all
corners of the world. People dying from unknown diseases.
Suddenly, the scenes changed and he saw humans running
back and forth searching for the Truth, but never coming to
the Truth, because Satan had blinded their eyes, minds and
hearts. He saw thousands of pastors of all nationalities
sitting around a table of an extremely large circumference,

confused as to what was going on around them. Then, he

heard a voice speak over the chaos:
Charles Lorne Mitchell, you're the man I'm sending to
go break up the fallow ground in these pastors' hearts and in
the hearts of Christians. You're the man to set the sparks
aflame for revival. The Gospel is not for the righteous, but for
sinners. Tell these pastors that. Tell them what to do with
their position of influence in their respective communities.
Remember, I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance.
Rev. Mitchell flicked his eyes open with a shudder and
pushed himself up on his elbows. His wife was still asleep.
He looked around his bedroom. It was in darkness except for
the thin streak of moonlight forcing its way through the
crack between the curtains.
I must have been dreaming. He tried to return to sleep,
but he could not shake the recurring words: You're the man
I'm sending. You're the man.

Chapter 4
Unable to return to sleep, Rev. Mitchell went into his study
and sat in front of his computer. After an intense time of prayer and
communion with God, and after spending some time reflecting on his
dream, he answered the call. Yes, Lord, I am the man. I humbly
accept that call.
He spent the next few hours visiting churches of various
denominations on the Internet. He watched a few videos and listened
to some audio recordings to get an idea of what was happening in
pulpits across the nation.

So are you ready to take a church tour with me? he asked

his wife at the breakfast table after sharing with her his dream.

Sure, she replied.

Rev. Mitchell and his wife discussed and mapped out the best
route to take for the trip. He left her to secure hotel accommodations
and to check into a possible flight to Washington State. Let me give
Pastor Ridley a call while you take care of that. I would like for him to
come with us.

I would count it an honor to accompany you on this spiritual

journey, Pastor Ridley said. Next weekend will be a perfect time for
us to pull out.

Your wife is welcome to come with us, too, Rev. Mitchell

said.

Nisha and I were talking about taking a vacation a few days

back, so I know shed love to travel, Pastor Ridley said. He and his
wife, Nisha, had been married for twenty-seven years and had been

blessed with two sons, both now married, and one daughter who was
still living at home.

Ill be renting a van so you both are more than welcome to

ride with us, Rev. Mitchell said.
Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley spent the next few days
solidifying things at their churches for the three months they would be
out of their pulpits.
The first leg of their journey took them to the Mt. Nebo
Missionary Baptist Church.

As you know, I have a mixed congregation at Morning Glory

white people, black people, Hispanics, Asians, everybody. I
wanted to visit Mt. Nebo first to see how far along weve come as
black people in our preaching and worship, Rev. Mitchell said. We
are so steeped in tradition as a race. I want to see if much has
changed. I grew up in the old black church where emotionalism
reigned. If you did not shout, do the holy dance, and cry, Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus! about a hundred times real fast, then you were not
saved.

I remember my grandmother dropping a few coins in her lily

white handkerchief and saying, Thats my dues; thats my dues. I got
to give God His dues, Pastor Ridley said laughing. How in the world
did we get dues mixed up with tithes?

If the preacher did not whoop, holler, and break out in song
at the end of his preaching, then we did not have church. If he did not
get the people all worked up, then he did not preach, Rev. Mitchell
said chuckling.

I cant tell how many times I overheard some of the people

the sisters mainlytalking and laughing as they walked out of the

church saying, He sure did preach, didnt he? Now what did he
preach on again? I dont know, but it sure was good, and didnt the
choir rock that place? They sure did. Those dear people would go
home no more enlightened than when they came in, Pastor Ridley
said shaking his head. How did you get out of that form of worship,
my brother?

My pastor at the New Zion African Methodist Episcopal

Church, the Rev. Dr. Earl Jackson, invited this learned pastor, Bro.
Myron, to preach at a revival, Rev. Mitchell said. Ill never forget Bro.
Myron. He stood behind the pulpit like he was glued to the floor, and
he never moved from that spot until after he delivered his sermon.
But his booming voice made up for his lack of movement. He
pronounced every word clearly and distinctly. The pianist did not
know what keys to play or when to play to accompany Bro. Myrons
preaching style.
Pastor Ridley and the two wives laughed.

You couldve heard a pin drop in that place. The people

endured his preaching. A few of them walked out of the auditorium
saying hes lecturing, hes lecturing. I thank God for his lecturing
because he showed us clearly from the Word of God how to be saved
using the Romans Road. For the first time, I saw myself as a sinner
and that I was on my way to hell. But I also saw that only Jesus could
save me from going to hell. He gave the invitation

And it wasnt the d-o-o-r-s of the church are open,

Ernestine said with a laugh.

You got that right, her husband said. I responded to the

invitation and asked Jesus to save me. Ill never forget what he said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Amen! Pastor Ridley said.

Rev. Dr. Earl Jackson had really gotten saved a few weeks
earlier while attending a pastors conference; thats where he met
Bro. Myron who showed him the true way of gaining salvation
through Jesus Christ. Rev. Jacksons desire after he came to the truth
was to steer the church in the right direction and away from the false
way he had been teaching them out of ignorance; thats why he had
the revival. All three preachers preached the only way to Heaven was
through Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. The revival
served as a springboard for the changes he wanted to make in the
church. Some left the church, but thank God for those who stood with
him after they saw the Light, Rev. Mitchell said.

But you know, once you hear and accept the truth you
should be eager to share the Truth, Pastor Ridley said. And many
Christians are sitting smugly in their pews not wanting to share the
Gospel with the lost.

Why do you think Christians do not want to share the Gospel

with the lost? Ernestine asked.

Wish I could answer that question now, but Mt. Nebo is on

this street, Rev. Mitchell said putting his blinkers on before making
the right turn. Remind me to answer that after we are finished with
our mission here.

Chapter 5
Rev. Mitchell, Pastor Ridley, Ernestine, and Nisha quietly
slipped into a pew beside a lady in her mid-twenties and a little boy
who was about seven years old. He greeted them with a wide grin,
and continued singing with all his might. The older mothers seated off
to the right and the older fathers seated off to the left stamped their
feet and clapped their hands rhythmically to the beat of the song.
Yes, the Mitchells and the Ridleys were back in the traditional black
church. Nothing much has changed, Rev. Mitchell thought, seeing
that after about thirty minutes of the song, the pastor, Rev. Shillings,
still had not taken his place at the pulpit.
He finally showed up in a long flowing white robe with red
trimming accompanied by three armor-bearers.

Good morning, everyone, the pastor greeted the

congregants in a rather shaky voice. Turn in your Bibles to Ezekiel
chapter thirty-seven. The topic of my message today is, Shall These
Dry Bones Live Again? The Lord God Almighty took Ezekiel down
into the valley of dry bones. And in verse three we read, And he said
unto me, Son of man, I repeat, Son of man, can these bones live?
And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
By then some of the parishioners were already shouting and
saying amen. But over what? Rev. Mitchell thought. The pastor has
hardly said anythingyet. Ernestine glanced at the little boy sitting
next to her. He glanced up at her each time he clapped along with the
other congregants.

And in verses four and five, the preacher continued, we

read some more: Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O

ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God
unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and
ye shall live.
With that, the pastor shut his Bible and did not make
reference to its pages anymore as he continued preaching. Are you
living in a valley of dry bones? Are they so dry they are bleached to
the sinews? The valley of dry bones is so dry, huh! that if it got any
drier it could start a fire. Huh! I ask you again, church: Are you living
in a valley of dry bones? The dry bones of depression. The dry bones
of no money. The d-r-y bones of no job. The dry bones of bad health.
The dry bones of no friends. Y-e-e-s. The dry bones.
Twirling once to the left then to the right, Rev. Shillings sang
out: Is it a deep valley or a shallow valley? Makes no difference. Its
still a valley. Huh!
Many of those in the auditorium jumped to their feet clapping
and shouting as they echoed the pastors words. His armor-bearers
kept flashing their white handkerchiefs at him encouraging him to
preach or singwhichever he chose. The organist tapped a few keys
here and there.
Twirling to the right and then to the left, Rev. Shillings
continued. God said, Prophesy upon these bones, and Im here to
bring you a word of prophecy. Them bones shall live again. You shall
live again. Ezekiel touched the dry bones and they lived again.
Rev. Shillings sang the rest of his sermon. More people stood
to their feet shouting and clapping and swaying rhythmically as the
organist and the other musicians punctuated the preaching. After
about ten minutes of sing-song preaching, Rev. Shillings raised his
hands to quiet everyone. All right, let the Spirit move, he said. The
musicians stopped playing and things gradually quieted down.

The Lord wants me to prophesy and to tell you this morning

that breath shall enter into you and you shall live again. The d-o-o-r-s
of the church are now open. With that, he sat down while the
musicians picked up the tempo as people came forward to join the
church. One lady ran down the aisle with her hands outstretched to
heaven. If any are in need of prayer, please come forward.
The little boy sitting next to Ernestine excused himself and
went forward. Ernestine, with interest, followed him with her eyes. He
whispered something to one of the deacons standing in front of the
stage. She saw the deacon praying with him.

Chapter 6
After the pastor dismissed everyone, Ernestine and Nisha
struck up a conversation with the young lady who introduced herself
as Shantrell, and the little boy, Hennesy, as her son.

It was so refreshing to see the enthusiasm in Hennesys face

as he listened to the preaching, and to see him go up front for
prayer, Ernestine said.

Oh, he goes to the front every Sunday for prayer, Shantrell

told them. And I thank God he loves coming to church.

What did you whisper in the deacons ear? Ernestine asked

Hennesy when he returned. Or is it a secret?

I asked him to pray for me to go to Heaven.

I keep telling him because hes coming to church every
Sunday hes already going to Heaven, his mother said.
Turning to Shantrell, Nisha asked, If we show you what the
Bible says about how a person can get into Heaven, would you listen
to us?

Well, sure, Shantrell answered. But, isnt going to church

all you have to do?

Let me show you what the Bible says, Nisha said. Opening
her Bible, she turned to John 3:16. Jesus spoke these words: For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. Nisha said, God loves you so much that He sent His Son,
Jesus, to die for your sins. All you have to do is believe that Jesus
died for your sins and it is only because of His death and resurrection

that you can go to Heaven. The Bible says to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Believe that you are a sinner;
believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins; believe that He
rose from the dead; believe that the only way to get into Heaven is
through placing your faith and trust in Him not church attendance.
You can pray right now and ask Jesus to save you and to take you to
Heaven to be with Him when you die.
Hennesy and his mother both prayed and asked Jesus to
forgive them of their sins and to come live within their hearts.
Ernestine gave them a gospel tract. This will explain in more detail
what I just told you about. Read your Bible starting in the book of
John, and pray and ask God for understanding.

You know, Shantrell said after giving Ernestine and Nisha a

hug, Ive been coming here for about eight years now and all Ive
heard from Rev. Shillings and the pastor before him is if I joined the
church I would go to Heaven. They used the verse about assembling
together; its in Hebrews somewhere.

That verse is referring to what you should do after you get

saved. You ought to come to church so you can hear the Word of
God and grow in your faith.
While their wives spoke with Hennesy and his mother, Rev.
Mitchell and Pastor Ridley spoke with Rev. Shillings. They explained
to him their reason for visiting his church.

Can I ask you something? Rev. Mitchell asked Rev.

Shillings.

Sure, Rev. Shillings said after they were seated in his office.
Rev. Shillings, what would a person whos lost have to do to
go to Heaven?

Oh, he just needs to join up with a church and attend

faithfully each Sunday and pay his tithes and offerings, Rev. Shillings
said confidently. You know the verse over in Hebrews says Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see
the day approaching. Jesus is coming back and we all had better get
ready.

What if I showed you from the Bible how one can get saved
and thus go to Heaven? Jesus Christ spoke these words Himself.
Rev. Mitchell read John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting
life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death
unto life.

All you have to do is believe on Jesus Christ and you will

have everlasting life and be able to live in Heaven with God when you
die. Just believe Jesus died for your sins, that He was buried, and
that He rose from the dead, thus giving us eternal life. Church
attendance has nothing to do with it. The men shared with him more
from the Word of God about the way of salvation. Would you like to
pray and ask Jesus to save you?
Rev. Shillings thought about what he had just heard. I cant
deny what I just heard and read from the Bible, he said. Do you
have a card or a phone number? Id like to talk with you more about
this.
Rev. Mitchell, Pastor Ridley, Ernestine, and Nisha talked
about the church services and the pastors message, but ended up
rejoicing over Shantrells and Hennesys salvation.

How many unsaved people are sitting in the pews each

Sunday searching for the truth, looking for hope, wanting to know

how to get to Heaven, but the pastors themselves are ignorant of the
truth? Rev. Mitchell said as they drove to a restaurant for dinner after
leaving Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church.

How many pastors are preaching something other than the

Gospel Sunday after Sunday to the people who come to hear them?
Pastor Ridley shook his head sadly.

The High Hill Non-Denominational Church

Chapter 7
As they sat down to a scrumptious meal at Delmonicos Italian
Steakhouse, Ernestine repeated the question she had asked earlier:
Why do you think some pastors are not using their pulpits to share
the Gospel? They have the perfect opportunity to do so.
After swallowing the piece of cheese bread he was chewing on,
her husband answered. I would have to go to the book of Timothy
where Paul admonished Timothy to preach the Word in season and
out of season because the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine and will heap unto themselves teachers or preachers
having itching ears. That time has come. These preachers would
rather have mans approval than Gods approval.
Pastor Ridley took over. Some of these pastors want their
reward now. They are not willing to wait until Jesus returns to get their
reward. They covet more the praises of men.

I hate to say this, but I believe some of these pastors are just
not saved themselves, Nisha said. Some of them are just ignorant
of the Gospel having never been taught that belief in the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.

Thats exactly right, Pastor Ridley said.

We have a group of compromising pastors who refuse to take a
stand for anything, Rev. Mitchell said. I think its in Jeremiah twentythree where God tells Jeremiah, woe to those pastors who destroy
and scatter the sheep. He also says over in Ezekiel chapter thirtythree, I believe, that He has set us as watchmen over the wicked or
the unsaved, and if we do not warn them of the judgment to come,

their blood will be on our hands.

Those are some frightening words, Ernestine said with a

shudder.

Youd better believe they are, Rev. Mitchell said. Taking a sip
of his drink he continued. I believe if we could share those words of
Ezekiel and Jeremiah with every pastor and preacher and drill it into
them so that it touches the core of their being, then we will have an
ongoing revival in our churches.

I say Amen to that, my brother. Why dont we begin praying

now for a nationwide revival and for the spiritual eyes of pastors to be
opened, and that they will re-examine their vision to make sure it
lines up with the Great Commission, and that they will begin fulfilling
that vision, Pastor Ridley said.

And also that they will feel Jesus heartbeat and can say as
Jesus said: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance and preach thus saith the Lord, Rev. Mitchell added.
After prayer followed by the Amen, they heard a quiet Amen
echoing theirs. The four opened their eyes to see a waitress, Julia,
standing quietly with a pitcher of water.

Just what I need after that extra sweet peach cobbler which is
not going to help me lose any weight, Rev. Mitchell said to Julia with
a chuckle as she refilled his water glass. How much sugar do yall
put in that pie?
Julia laughed. Thats a secret I wont tell. After refilling all the
glasses, she quietly said, I dont mean to use up your dinner time,
but I couldnt help overhearing snatches of your conversation
throughout the evening, and I must admit, I am a Christian, but I
havent been sharing my faith as I know I should. In fact, Ive gotten

so caught up with my problems and my agenda that Ive lost the

sensitivity I once had for the lost. And now a fear comes over me
whenever the thought comes to me to tell someone about Jesus.

You know, the Bible does say God has not given us the spirit of
fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, Ernestine said.
Fear is of the devil because he does not want us to witness to the
lost. He does not want them to get saved and go to Heaven.
At Julias request, they prayed with her that God would remove
her fear so she could freely share her faith with the lost. After
completing their meal and leaving Julia a large tip, they headed on
home. The Mitchells received a phone call from their son later that
night.

Dad, you and Mom please pray for us. It seems someone has
contaminated the villages water system. Some of the villagers have
come down with severe stomach aches accompanied with flu-like
symptoms. Two have died so far and its not looking good for the rest
who have been infected by it. A group of doctors from America and
England have flown in already. They are looking into finding a cure.
Not only was Ronald working as a missionary delivering the Gospel
to a tribe in Cameroon, but he also was a medical doctor which was
an asset as he ministered to them.

We are praying for you and we will continue to pray for you,
Rev. Mitchell assured his son.
Ernestine spoke with their future daughter-in-law the next day.

Ms. Ernestine, Im so scared. What if he falls ill himself? I feel

so helpless. I wish I was over there with him, Dasani said.

Maybe Gods preparing you to join him in Cameroon by testing

your faith, Ernestine said.

Chapter 8
After a powerful Wednesday night prayer service with his faithful
members, Rev. Mitchell shared with them the new mission God had
entrusted to him. Be patient with me over the next few months as I
carry out this task. And please be praying for traveling mercies for
me and my wife and for Pastor Ridley and his wife as they will be
traveling with us as well.
Their next stop was at the High Hill Non-Denominational Church
where Pastor Lyons was the senior pastor. High Hill was set on a hill
at the end of a winding road with trees lining both sides of the road.
Seven stained glass windows glistened from the side walls. Seven
chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Three more chandeliers hung over
the podium and choir box. An organ stood off to the right. High Hill
Non-Denominational Church was located on the wealthier side of
town. A sixty year old grandmother, Mrs. Leela Caverty, sat in the pew
in front of them. Her grey curls were visible under an impressive white
hat. She was slightly bent over at the shoulders. Mrs. Caverty slowly
reached around to extend a trembling arthritic-looking hand to them
as they took their seats.

Today, I would like to speak to you on the power of positive

thinking, Pastor Lyons said in a soft, well-polished voice. I believe
Jesus wants us to think positively, and to talk positively. Positive
thinking will take you a long way. Positive thinking will make your
days go better. When you wake up in the mornings and before you
even climb out of bed, think how good life is for you. Think: Im going
to have a great day. And just in case you begin to feel youre a
nobody, tell yourself: I am somebody. I am somebody. Repeat those

words three times with me: I am somebody.

The reserved and pristine-looking crowd obeyed his command
with quiet enthusiasm as they repeated the words: I am somebody.

Tell yourself, Pastor Lyons continued, I will have a great day

today, for no weapon formed against me shall stand. None of Satans
cohorts will be victorious against me today. I will come out the victor!
Mrs. Caverty nodded her head slowly over and over as she
muttered, I will have a great day.

Jesus was a positive thinker, the pastor continued. He,

through Paul, tells us, Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, pure,
lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any
praise, think on these things. In other words, if there is anything
positive about anything, think on those things.
Heads were nodding all over the auditorium.

Think on the positive. Dont think on the negative as this will rob
you of your joy; it will leave you feeling downcast; it will rob you of
your peace and leave you disturbed. I am reminded of this song I
heard about a week ago. Its a simple song and some of the words go
like this: Dont worry, be happy. The songwriter then goes on to say
something like this: if your bills are high and you find you cant pay
your rent, dont worry, be happy. If you cant put much food on the
table, dont worry, be happy. In other words, think positively and when
you think positively, you are exercising faith, not only in yourself but in
God. Dont think defeat. Think success. Have a winners mentality
and not a whiners mentality. This will take you a long way in life. Do
you receive it? I know you do.
The people broke out in stately applause as their pastor walked

from the podium to the back of the church where he greeted the
members as they exited the building.
Mrs. Caverty turned around to greet the Mitchells and the
Ridleys. Im so glad you all could come, she said in a shaky voice.
This is my first time seeing you all here. Ive been coming here for
many years now and Pastor Lyons preaching always encourages
me. Did you enjoy his preaching? Were you encouraged?
The Mitchells and the Ridleys reluctantly nodded their heads and
replied pleasantly, Yes, we did.
Mrs. Caverty moved slowly out of her seat. Her steps were a
little unsteady, but she stepped with purpose. The foursome walked
out of the auditorium and into the foyer behind her where they
engaged in further conversation. After sharing with Mrs. Caverty a
little bit about the purpose of their visit, and at their insistence, Mrs.
Caverty joined them for lunch at her favorite restaurantGrandys.

Chapter 9
From their conversation, they found out that Mrs. Caverty had
two sons and two daughters: two were living in other states and the
other two were living in another city. She had seven grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren. Yes, I have been blessed, indeed. I get
to see them during the holidays. In fact, my oldest son will be coming
to get me this Friday so that I can spend two whole weeks with him
and his family in Albany.
Mrs. Caverty had been attending High Hill Non-Denominational
Church for twenty years. She was proud of her pastor. Sometimes I
come to church not feeling too great, but Pastor Lyons always
encourages me with his positive and upbeat sermons.
As they talked, Rev. Mitchell switched the conversation by
asking, Mrs. Caverty, if I were to ask you what will I need to do to get
saved so I can enter into Gods Heaven, what would you tell me?
After thinking about the question, Mrs. Caverty answered. Oh,
be positive in your thoughts and in your words. Always look for
something good to do for others. Always think the cup is half full.

If you dont mind, may I please share with you Ephesians

chapter two and verses eight and nine? Rev. Mitchell said as he took
his pocket Bible out of his inner jacket pocket. He turned its pages
and read: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast. Were not saved by good works, and no amount of positive
thinking will get us into Gods Heaven. As you can see from what I
just read, were saved by Gods grace, which is shown to us by the
shed blood of Jesus upon the cross. Jesus died so we could be

saved from our sins and thus have a home in Heaven. You are saved
through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is Gods gift to us. Do you love to receive gifts?

Of course, I do. Ive received many gifts down through the

years, Mrs. Caverty said with a smile.

Now when someone gives you a gift, you can either accept it
or refuse it, Rev. Mitchell said. God is saying the same to us. He
sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us all as a gift for us. If we accept
Gods gift, which is His Sons death, burial, and resurrection, as the
only way to enter into Heaven then we will go to Heaven. If, however,
we refuse to accept Gods gift, then we will not go to Heaven. Will you
accept Jesus death, burial, and resurrection as Gods gift to you,
Mrs. Caverty?

You know, in all my seventy-six years upon this blessed earth,

I have never heard anything like that. I knew about Jesus dying, but I
never knew why He died, nor what I had to do about His dying, if
anything. So does this mean that positive thinking without Jesus
death, burial, and resurrection does not work, meaning it wont get
me into Heaven?

Lets just say after you receive Gods gift, which is His Son,
Jesus, as Savior and Lord of your life based upon His death, burial,
and resurrection, the positive thinking will naturally flow because
your faith is now in Jesus Christ and not in yourself. However, Jesus
is the one who saves you, Mrs. Caverty, not your positive thinking
and good works. The positive thinking and good works come because
you are saved. Would you like to accept Gods gift of salvation to you
by believing that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose from
the dead, and then asking Jesus to save you, Mrs. Caverty? Rev.
Mitchell asked.

Why, yes. Of course. It would be dumb of me not to accept

such a costly gift, which costs me nothing. Mrs. Caverty prayed and
received Gods gift to her by asking Jesus to forgive her of her sins;
she thanked Him for dying on the cross for her sins, and asked Him
to come into her heart and to save her soul so that she could live with
Him forever. I do thank you for taking the time to share that with me.
I must share it with Pastor Lyons. He must have gotten mixed up
somewhere in his teachings. Maybe he missed the salvation class in
his seminary training.
A smile graced Mrs. Cavertys face as they spent the rest of
their dinner time explaining to her more about her salvation. As soon
as I go home Im going to call all my children and grand-children and
tell them what I just did.
Ernestine gave her a few Gospel pamphlets which further
explained salvation according to the Bible. You can share these with
your family when you visit them next. By the way, do you have your
pastors telephone number?

Yes, of course. I have it memorized, Mrs. Caverty said.

May I have it, please? Rev. Mitchell asked. I would like to
give him a call and maybe visit him.
Mrs. Caverty gave it to them. He would love to hear from you
all since you didnt get a chance to visit with him after church, she
said.

How many grandmothers and grandfathers are sitting in the

church pews with one foot in the grave having the false assurance
that they are going to Heaven? Ernestine asked after they took Mrs.
Caverty home.

Im just glad we were able to present the Gospel to her before

she dies, Nisha said.

Ernestine gave Mrs. Caverty a call on Monday promising her

she would stop by on Friday morning around ten before she left for
her two-week visit with her son and his family.

After picking Nisha up on Friday morning, Ernestine called Mrs.

Caverty to let her know they were on their way over to her place. A
woman answered the phone.

Hello.
Good morning, this is Ernestine Mitchell. I was calling to
speak with Mrs. Caverty to let her know we were on our way over
there. Would it be possible to speak with her?

This is her daughter-in-law, Zonya. Im afraid she wont be

able to speak with you. She passed away in her sleep some time
throughout the night.

Oh, no! Im so sorry to hear that, Ernestine said

sympathetically. Ernestine shared with Zonya how she met Mrs.
Caverty. Were still coming over. Is there anything we can do for
you? Maybe stop by the store and pick something up?

No, but thank you for asking. She called us on Sunday night
real excited and she did mention speaking with a Rev. Mitchell and
his wife and friends and how she got saved. She read something to
us with some Bible verses on how we can get to Heaven. We told her
we would speak with her more when we got there. But we did not
even get a chance to talk with her again. Whatever she was sharing
with us, I could tell it made her very happy.

We can explain to you what she was trying to tell you once we
get there, Ernestine said. I can tell she was a special person.

Yes, she was, Zonya said. She was up in years and we kind
of expected her to leave us soon but not this soon. You know, we
were looking forward to having her spend the next two weeks with us.
She was such a kind-hearted personeasy to get along with. My
children are going to be so disappointed. We are all going to miss
her.
Ernestine felt the sadness in Zonyas voice as she spoke.
While at Mrs. Cavertys place Ernestine and Nisha shared the
Gospel with Zonya and her husband, Max. We have no doubt that
your mother is in Heaven right now. We shared with her from Gods
Word how to be saved. She accepted Jesus as her Savior on this
past Sunday. If you wish to see her again then you will have to accept
Jesus as your Savior, because unfortunately she cannot come back
to this earth to be with you, but thank the Lord you can go and join
her in Heaven when you die. The Bible says to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
Max and Zonya both asked Jesus into their hearts.
Ernestine gave her husband, Rev. Mitchell, a call on her way
home.

To think if we had not stopped by High Hill and shared the

Gospel with her she would have died without Christ and gone to Hell.
We have a big task before us as Christians and some of us are not
doing our part to fulfill the Great Commission, Rev. Mitchell said.

Chapter 10
Rising Star Chapel
It was a lazy Sunday morning. Even the birds chirped lazily
from their nests. Except for the sound coming from the television in
Rev. Mitchells office, all was quiet in the Mitchells home.
Ring! Ring!
Ernestine Mitchell hurried to answer the phone. Hello? she
said glancing at the time on the clock on her bedside table.

Hello, Ernestine. This is Nisha. John wanted me to call to let

you know he had to go to one of the church members homes. He left
about thirty minutes ago. The husband passed away a couple hours
ago. He went over there to encourage the wife and to help get things
in motion for the funeral. Theyre an older couple and shes weak
herself.

I am so sorry to hear that, Ernestine said. Who is it?

Its Baxter and Tammy Granderson. Theyve been a part of the
church for many years.

The names sound familiar, but I will be praying for the family,
Ernestine said.

John also wanted me to tell you and Rev. Mitchell to go on

ahead and hopefully well meet up with you at the airport. If not, well
reschedule our flight and join you as soon as we can, Nisha said.
Im going to miss visiting Rising Star Chapel with you. Their pastor is
an advocate for social change. Hes been in the news many times. If
a racial disturbance takes place anywhere in the country, you can
best believe he will have something to say.

Im going to miss not having you with us, and Ill be sure to
pass the message on to C.L.

Ernestine tied the bow on her blouse and was picking her
jacket up when the phone rang again. Who could that be now? she
thought as she picked up the receiver.

Hello, Mrs. Ernestine. This is Dasani. I know youre getting

ready to go to church, but I just had to call you. Im worried. I tried
calling Ronald three times this morning and I keep getting his voice
mail.

Thats weird. Its not like him not to answer his phone,
Ernestine said.

When I spoke with him around twelve last night our time, he
said the doctors had found out the strain of bacteria that was added
to the water system causing the people to get sick. They called in
some chemists who were working on treating the water. Hes been
very busy caring for those affected by the contaminated water,
Dasani said. He seemed disturbed when I spoke with him, but all he
kept saying was to pray for them. Im very worried.

Well, when we spoke with him on Saturday morning he

assured us that all was well, Ernestine said. Its going to take us an
hour to get to Rising Star Chapel. Ill try calling him on the way, and
Ill definitely call you back if I hear from him. In the meantime, all we
can do is continue to pray for his safety. We love you, Dasani.
Ernestine walked out the bedroom toward her husbands office.
C. L., honey, were going to be late for church if we dont leave now.
And I just spoke with
Rev. Mitchell raised a finger. He was listening intently to the

news. Ernestine waited by the door.

Thats what Im talking about, he said with a smile after the

news reporter went off the air. Tennessee has voted against the
abomination of same sex marriage.
Ernestine smiled. She stepped aside as her husband came
through the office door heading for the living room. They each picked
up a suitcase as they would drive from the church directly to the
airport to board their plane for Chicago.

C. L., Nisha called and said she and John will meet us at the
airport, Ernestine said as they snapped their seat belts on. Dasani
called also. Shes been trying to get in touch with Ronald all morning.
Im beginning to worry about him myself. We just spoke with him
yesterday morning and all was well.

Try calling him now, her husband said.

No response, Ernestine said after a few tries. What could
have happened between yesterday and today?

I havent heard of anything new happening over in Cameroon.

Maybe well hear something a little later if anything has happened
over there, her husband said. Lets pray for his safety right now.

Chapter 11
After riding in silence for a few minutes, Rev. Mitchell said,
This is going to be one interesting year politically speaking. Two
candidates running neck and neck for the presidency, but none of
them appealingat least not for any true Christian. My words to
Christians are: Cast ye not your vote this season. Glancing across to
his wife, he said, I may run for the presidential office myself. Do you
think I stand a chance?

Sure. Youd win with flying colors.

Naw. That would be a step down from my office as a preacher
of the Gospel.

After we finish visiting all these churches, whats your next

move? Ernestine asked.

Im still praying about it; but as of right now, the plan is to have
a huge conference, invite pastors from all over the nation, including
the pastors from these churches well visit. The aim of the conference
will be to challenge pastors to use their pulpits to preach the Gospel,
that is, salvation through

Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and

resurrection. For as they know, the Word of God says in 1 Corinthians

15:1-4:

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I

preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye
stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I
preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures:

You could call the conference Going Back to the Basics. You
could make it an annual event going forward to keep the soul-winning
fires burning in the hearts of these pastors and Christians in general,
Ernestine suggested.

You got something there, Rev. Mitchell said. We simply just

need to keep the main thing the main thing. I just believe that every
church ought to see at least one person walk down the aisle each
Sunday for salvation. That soul could be from witnessing or soul
winning done throughout the week by the members of the church or
the pastor himself, or from the pastors own preaching on that
Sunday if he preaches a clear presentation of the Gospel and gives
an invitation. Did you know there are many churches who dont even
keep water in the Baptismal pool anymore because they have not
baptized people in years and evidently dont plan on baptizing any?
Upon reaching their destination, Rev. Mitchell whistled as he
pulled into the Rising Star Chapels parking lot. They have a packed
house today. Anything special noted on the marquee? he asked after
finally finding a parking spot.

No. Nothing special, his wife answered.

The spirit of the people was exceptionally high. I hope this is
how the spirit is here all of the time, Rev. Mitchell said to his wife as
they entered the auditorium.
After about thirty minutes of preliminaries, singing some upbeat
songs, welcoming of visitors, mentioning of events for the upcoming
week and month, and taking the offering, the senior pastor, Pastor

Borders, took his place behind the pulpit.

As you know, he began, the political climate is getting hotter

and hotter as we draw closer to the voting day. Now what this
president did is totally against nature. There is no such thing as
marriage equality when it comes to a man wanting to marry another
man, or a woman wanting to marry another woman. Even if God had
not said anything about this matter, nature itself tells us this is an
abomination. Folks, it turns my stomach just to think about it: one
man getting romantic with another man. That is just disgusting! I dont
even want to say whats really on my mind. I believe these so-called
gay people deep down know that what they are doing is wrong; and
to think our president is endorsing this thing. On top of that, he
expects us, the citizens of America, to accept this mess. Over my
dead body.
After taking a sip of water, he continued. And on top of that,
racial issues seem to be getting out of hand. I dont care which way
you look at it, racism is still alive in America. Dont let anybody,
including the media, fool you.
This last statement sent the crowd in a frenzy as shouts of
agreement accompanied with whistles and clapping, echoed across
the auditorium.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is turning over in his grave. It seems

that all he marched for was in vain. As a black man, I am for peace,
but they are for war, and we cannot sit idly by and let these
abominations take over our country. You mark my words, folks,
America is slowly turning into a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah.
And just as Sodom and Gomorrah were suddenly destroyed, America
will suddenly be destroyed as well. America, if it continues to endorse
this foolishness will be suddenly destroyed and that without

remedy. You mark my words. It is a shame and a disgrace the image

were presenting ourselves as before the world. This makes me want
to turn my American citizenship in. I mean seriously now.
Pastor Borders tone of voice switched from low to high. His
speech took on a cadence that arrested his listeners attention.

We have become a modern-day Rome and are destroying

ourselves from within. I say to terrorists, dont waste your time nor
your weapons on us because were already destroying ourselves
from the inside-out. Isnt that right? The church family erupted into
shouts of Amen.

We need more pastors to use their pulpits to address the

sickening political situation in this country. Our office is higher than
that of the presidents, so lets use our authority to deal with these
negative issues in our country. Folks, cast your vote. Let your voice
be heard. We cannot afford to sit idly by any longer and not say
something. Be like the widow in Luke who kept coming to the judge;
she would not stop until he took revenge upon those who were
troubling her. We must keep speaking out! We must not shut up!

Lord, give us some MLKs. Now, I cannot even suggest who

you should vote for. Just pray.
People cheered and clapped and re-echoed the pastors words
throughout the auditorium.
Rev. Mitchell took his wifes hand and led her out the church
building.

Chapter 12
On their way to the airport after leaving the church, C. L. said to
his wife, Im told that is the content of his messages each Sunday.
What Pastor Borders was saying is right, but its a shame we are
using the sacred platform and the church worship hour to deliver
political messages. This meeting should have been held on a weekday. No telling how many unsaved people were present.

As unstable as the political climate is, people will be more

receptive to the Gospel because the Gospel gives them real hope,
his wife said in agreement.

Lets pray for God to open up the spiritual eyes of pastors

and Christians all over this world so they will see and use every
opportunity to share the Gospel because there are yet many to be
reached, Rev. Mitchell said.

You know, his wife said, ever since we started this

campaign, Ive been wondering why those who say they are
Christians show little or no evidence of their faith. I mean, why do
Christians fall away from the faith? Why do they leave the church?

I believe its because they were never shown a picture of their

pitiful, degenerate state. They were never given a picture of their true
heart condition. The Bible says, the heart is desperately wicked, who
can know it?

True, his wife agreed.

I believe it was Martyn Lloyd-Jones who said, A gospel which
merely says come to Jesus, and offers a marvelous new life without
convicting of sin, is not New Testament evangelism. You have to let

the unsaved person see, know, and feel the guilt of his sin. We have
to show him where he is coming from and where he is headed
because of his sins, then he will be convinced of his need for a
Savior.

So what youre saying is, the person who does not see
himself as a sinner will not see the need for a Savior?

Exactly. If you dont see yourself as a sinner, thus in need of a

Savior, as far as youre concerned, Jesus either died in vain, or He
died for some other person who has committed more sins, Rev.
Mitchell said.
After thinking for a while, Ernestine said, So thats why I had
such a hard time sharing the Gospel with Francine Beckman.
Remember her? You spoke with her husband while I was talking with
her.

I remember them, which reminds me I need to give him a call

this week. Remind me to do that once we get to the hotel.

I will, Ernestine said making a note of it on her notepad.

Francine kept telling me she was a good person, and how she was
always looking for ways to help others; how she gives so much
money to charity each month, etc. She is convinced that because she
has not killed anyone or robbed a bank, that she is not that bad of a
person. I even showed her the verses, all our righteousnesses are as
filthy rags, and for by grace are you saved through faith; not of works
lest any man should boast, but she would not budge.

To use Ray Comforts words, we are producing a bumpercrop of unregenerate believers, her husband said shaking his head.
Pastors are quick to preach on Gods love, His mercy, and His grace,
but are very slow in speaking about His holiness, His judgment, and
His wrath; therefore, both the saved and the unsaved are getting a

lopsided view of who God is.

Chapter 13
Spring Hills Baptist Church
The Mitchells plane touched down at Chicagos OHare
International Airport giving them about four hours before their next
visit at the Spring Hills Baptist Church. After picking up their rental
car, they wasted no time checking into a hotel and getting something
to eat. They wanted to spend most of their time resting in preparation
for the evening services.

After tonights service well have a whole week to get rested

up and vacation a little. Hopefully the Ridleys will be able to join us.
Im going to watch a little TV right now, Rev. Mitchell said.

Alright, Im going to try calling Ronald again.We may have

better luck this time. Ernestine sighed as she hung up the phone
after the fifth try. She turned her attention to the news.

Thats probably why he hasnt answered his phone, her

husband said after the reporter came on with news from Africa. The
Islamist militants have entered Chad and are headed towards
Cameroon. The Chadians have joined forces with the Cameroonians
and are fighting to ward the militants off, but they are moving in closer
causing many casualties, Rev. Mitchell said after listening a bit
longer. Remind me to call the mission board first thing in the morning
to see if theyve heard from him and the other missionaries.

He did mention some kind of underground tunnel in case

they had to make a run for it, Ernestine reminded her husband.
Hopefully he and the other missionaries are hiding there.

Yeah. Thats all we can pray and hope for, Rev. Mitchell

said as they turned their attention back to the news.

How can anyone hate Christians? Rev. Mitchell asked. I

mean, the Bible says the fruit of the Spirit, or in other words, the
product of the Christian life is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith, temperance. How can you
justify hating people to the point of taking their lives in the vilest way
when all theyre doing is showing forth love, joy, and peace?

The only answer I have is because our good works convict

them for their evil ways, Ernestine said. Im going to call Dasani.

After you get off the phone with her keep trying to get
Ronald. But, lets pray for their safety first, Rev. Mitchell said.

Ernestine spent her telephone time encouraging her future

daughter-in-law to trust God for the safety of her future husband and
the other missionaries and Christians in the area.

This is a difficult time for me, Dasani said. I cant help but
to think the worst. I have been looking forward to his return so we can
get married, have a family, and so we can work together in the
ministry. When I hear news like whats happening over in Africa and
other places, I cant help but to wonder if my dreams will ever
become a reality.

I understand, Ernestine said. But you can look at it in one

of two ways: either as the devil trying to get you discouraged, or as
God testing your faith in Him. If I were you, Id see it as the latter. The
Bible does tell us to have faith in God.

I guess my faith is a little shaky right now, Dasani said.

Well, Im going to let you go. We have about thirty minutes
before we leave for our next church service. C.L. has already dozed

off. Give your parents our love, and Lord willing, well see you soon,
Ernestine said. She immediately placed a call to her son hoping hed
answer this time.
On the third ring someone picked up but remained silent.

Hello, Ronald? Ernestine said. Her hands shook as she

nudged her husband to awaken him. She placed the phone up to his
ears. Rev. Mitchell, thinking Ronald was on the other end, joyfully
said, Hello, Ronald, we have been worried about
He was interrupted by the voice of someone speaking a
foreign language.
_____________

They sound like Americans, the person who had answered

Ronalds phone said. Rev. Mitchell listened even though he could not
understand what the person was saying. I dont know where those
infidels posing as doctors have fled to; but they have been here. This
phone is evidence. I thought if we waited around for a while whoever
it belongs to would return for it. They cant be too far away, the
Islamic militant said as he swung his gun over his shoulder while
adjusting his dagger in its holster.

Well stay here for a while. Theyll return to get their

medicine, the second man said.
Ronald Mitchell and a fellow missionary-doctor, Dr. Cauley,
who was working with him had received urgent news from a little boy
who had run from one of the nearby villages to warn them that the
Islamist militants were headed their way.
Without wasting a second, Ronald ran his hand along the
right side of the bookshelf that served as a cabinet for the medical
supplies. There was a slight click. He tugged at the cabinet. It swung

open to reveal a passageway leading to an underground room.

Go in, he told the little boy and the three patientsa mother
and her two-year-old and another ladywho had come in for
treatment. Go as far as you can go and do not come out until I come
get you. MMMS. MMMSMay Meet My Saviorwas the agreed
upon code among the Christians that danger was eminent and may
lead to death. It also meant that they were to go to the office to go in
hiding. He pushed the cabinet back in place after handing them one
of the flashlights he kept in his emergency bag.
Ronald and Dr. Cauley, going in opposite directions, ran
throughout the village covering as much ground as they could
knocking on doors, passing the message to those they met: MMMS.
MMMS.
Soon Ronald headed back to the office followed by a small
group of mostly women and children and a few elderly people. Others
were already waiting when he arrived. Dr. Cauley had gone off to
warn the men who were out in the field working. He had not returned
yet. Lord God, please let them get here in time, Ronald silently
prayed as he pulled the cabinet open and guided those waiting into
the tunnel. As the last villager stepped through the opening, Ronald
took one last look through the front door of the office. He heard
shouts in the distance. The militants had arrived. Dear God, please
protect Dr. Cauley and the others. And please keep us safe.
Locking the office door, he picked up his emergency bag and
hurried through the tunnel opening, pulling the cabinet up behind him.

Chapter 14
Rev. Mitchell listened to the foreign voice over the phone. His
lips parted as he forced himself not to think the worst. He kept his
thoughts to himself so as not to upset his wife.

Hello. Get Ronald. Get Ronald, he said a couple times. He

ended the call when he could no longer hear the person on the other
end.

Whats going on? his wife asked.

Im not sure. I guess he left his phone and one of the
villagers picked it up, he said.

Or, his wife said, the Islamists may have attacked the
village and taken

Dont let that be the first thing you think, Rev. Mitchell said.
What else am I to think? We havent been able to reach him
for about a week and hes always answered every call weve made to
him. Remember he said the Islamists had attacked Chad and, more
than likely, they would move into Cameroon. And you tell me not to
think like that? What else am I supposed to think? Im worried, C.L.
Rev. Mitchell hugged his wife tight. An uncomfortable thought
gripped him. They probably attacked the village. They may be
holding Ronald hostage. They may have killed him already
____________
After that mornings social gospel preacher, Rev. Mitchell and
his wife breathed a little easier that evening as they took their seats in
the auditorium of the Spring Hills Baptist Church. Ernestine counted

about thirty people who were in attendance. About ninety percent of

the worshipers were in their late forties to sixty-plus age group. The
energy level was low and the people were more laid back.

Turn to Colossians 3:18-20, and Ill give you just three points
to make your home a happier one, Pastor J.C. Alexander said as he
took his place in front of the microphone after two ladies sang.
As old as these folks are, if they are not happy in their
marriages yet, they will never be happy, Ernestine thought as she
turned the pages in her Bible.

I wont keep you long tonight because I know you have

things to do and places to go, Pastor Alexander said.
Places to go? Where does this crowd have to go after the sun
goes down, but home to their rocking chairs to wait on their
grandchildren? Clearing her throat, Ernestine chided herself for
thinking negatively.

Point number one to having a happy home is for wives to

submit themselves to their husbands. In other words, do what your
husband wishes for you to do. You may be thinking, Well, Pastor, my
husband is a difficult man to please. Hes been difficult for all forty
years of this marriage. God wants you to submit anyway, because
you are doing it for the Lord. And if you want to avoid continual
arguing, its best for you to just submit. Maybe if you submit, he wont
be so difficult.
At this age you should have already accepted your husband
as he is with all his idiosyncrasies. Oops! Im doing it again. Ernestine
quietly reprimanded herself. She glanced around quickly to see the
reaction of the other people to the pastors preaching. There was
none.

Point number two: husbands are encouraged to love their

wives. You may be wondering, how can I love my wife the biblical
way? You love her as Christ loves the church, and that is,
unconditionally. You love her when she is sweet and loveable, and
you love her when she is not sweet and loveable. You love her when
you feel like it, and you love her when you dont.

Amen, a feeble high-pitched voice said.

Point number three to having a happy home, Pastor
Alexander continued, is for children to be obedient to both parents.
Hardly any children here, Ernestine thought glancing around
again. Probably none at home either.

I remember, the pastor continued, as a child I used to

choose which parent to obey depending on the situation. I was good
at playing the game of loving one parent and hating the other. If my
mother let me do what I wanted, I would love and obey her that day; if
my father let me do what I wanted, I would love and obey him that
day. By the smiles on your faces I can tell some of you know what I
am talking about.
A chuckle escaped the lips of a few of the old-timers. Whew!
Theres life in this crowd after all, Ernestine thought.

I remember hearing my father telling my mother one day, we

have to stick together in raising our children. My heart dropped and I
got a little concerned because I knew I could not work one or the
other to my advantage much longer, Pastor Alexander said.
Good for you, Ernestine thought. She remembered when
Ronald tried to play her against his father. He would come to her with,
But, Mom, you know how Dad is. Or, Mom, could you please talk to
Dad about such and such? She learned to respond with: What did

your father say? or, Lets go ask your Dad. That would squelch any
sneakiness he may have had in his mind to do.
In exactly twenty minutes Pastor Alexander was closing the
services with prayer.

Not bad preaching for newlyweds, Rev. Mitchell said on

their way to pick up something to eat.

Youre right. That message is for the younger crowd. The

pastor should be encouraging them to go out and tell someone about
Jesus and bring that person to church. If he continues delivering
those three point sermons that are not appropriate for that crowd,
then they will be closing their church doors soon. Those folks already
have one foot in the grave and are getting ready to pass off the
scene. Then who will continue the work there? his wife said.

You are right. That church can be easily revived if they get
back to some serious old fashioned soul-winning, Rev. Mitchell said.
May the Lord help us recapture the vision and mission He gave us
before His ascension into Heaven. If we keep witnessing to people
and bring them into the church, then our churches will never die out.

Chapter 15
Upon returning to their room, Rev. Mitchell immediately
turned on the news channel. After about fifteen minutes of viewing, a
special news report broke in.
Islamist militants have defeated the Chadian forces and have
moved into Cameroon, killing people as they crossed the border.
Their last attack was in the tiny village of Ngoila, Cameroon. It is
reported that six men have been killed and five are being held
hostage. One is a native; four are Americans. We have yet to identify
the Americans. Stay tuned for updates.
Rev. Mitchell and his wife looked at each other. Tears
immediately sprang into Ernestines eyes. Rev. Mitchell did the only
thing he knew to do at that pointhe bowed his head and prayed.
They spent the rest of the evening listening to the news, while
praying during the commercial breaks.
The Mitchells gave Dasani a call to see if she had heard
anything from their son. She hadnt. Rev. Mitchell shared with her as
gently as he could what they had heard on television.

The Americans have not yet been identified. At least

whoever they are, they are still alive. Just keep praying, Rev. Mitchell
said to her. God is in control.
Shortly after talking with Dasani, the Mitchells received a call
from Pastor Ridley.

Rev. Mitchell, Im so sorry we could not join you there in

Chicago tonight. Weve been busy consoling Mrs. Granderson and
the rest of the family. They want to have the funeral on next Monday.

The oldest son wants to get it over with and hire someone to live in
with Mrs. Granderson to help care for her. He told me in private that
he does not expect her to live much longer. But if nothing happens,
my wife and I will join you next Wednesday. If Im correct, youll still
be in Chicago, right?

Well be here until next Monday, then well leave for Indiana.
Were just going to spend the week here and vacation some. I plan
on taking my wife sightseeing and shopping and things like that. If
you could redirect your flight to Indianapolis for Monday night or
Tuesday, well pick you up at the airport. Just give me a call and let
me know when you will arrive.

Sounds good to me, Pastor Ridley said. So how did

everything go tonight?
Rev. Mitchell shared with him their experience at Spring Hills
Baptist Church.

Sounds like another church that will be closing its door soon
if they dont begin doing some heavy soul-winning, Pastor Ridley
said.

I plan on meeting with the pastor and sharing with him our
vision while encouraging him to get his people back on the soulwinning trail, Rev. Mitchell said. I would say about ninety percent of
them are elderly so they cant hike it door to door like we used to,
plus safety is another factor. Im sure they do not know how to even
turn on a computer, so that method would not work for them unless
they can get a group of dedicated young people to help them.

They could commit themselves to praying daily for lost souls

to be saved, Pastor Ridley suggested. And they could get the phone
book out and from the comfort of their home call people, share the
Gospel with them, and invite those within close proximity to visit the

church. The church could also print fliers explaining salvation with an
invitation to attend the church. The members could hand the fliers out
themselves as they go about their daily lives. Those old folks would
be happy for something worthwhile to do. God will bless any effort
made to witness to the lost.
Rev. Mitchell shared with Pastor Ridley the latest news about
his son.

Well definitely join you in prayer for his safety as well as for
the others, Pastor Ridley assured him.

Chapter 19
Winning All to Jesus Conference
Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley left Pastor Coperlys office
excited about the upcoming conference. As they pulled up into the
hotels parking area to pick their wives up to take them out to lunch,
Pastor Ridley said, Are you going to be using the van later this
evening between seven and ten, maybe eleven? Id like to take my
wife out to dinner. Shes a good woman and has stuck with me and
supported me ever since Ive known her. I just want to show her how
much I appreciate her.

You can have it for as long as you want, Rev. Mitchell said.
Ernestine and I vacationed all last week, so this week well just enjoy
some quiet time in the hotel. I told her she and your wife can go
shopping if they want to.

After lunch, both couples went to their individual rooms for

some rest and relaxation. The Mitchells kept the television on the
news channel hoping for some good news about their son.

Why do you think these Islamists are so viciously killing

Christians? Ernestine asked her husband.

Its a sign of the end times, her husband said. Ive been
thinking about it more and more and I believe they are trying to take
over the world.
He paused to listen to the news reporter. I believe Isaiah
summed up for us what is taking place and why things are happening

as they are. He says the Lord has spoken. God says to His people:
you have rebelled against me; you do not consider; you have
forsaken me and have provoked me to anger. God says you have
gone backward. He also says because of this strangers shall come in
and devour the land and overthrow it. These militants want to take
over, not only America but the whole world.

You have a point there, Ernestine said. God completely

destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. If a similar
sudden destruction is to fall upon America, not just for its
endorsement of homosexuality, but for all its other sins, then
someone should be warning our president and other governmental
leaders and pastors who are pushing this issue, and also warn
Christians who are persisting in living in their sins.

Yes. Somebody ought to. I believe God has also allowed

sudden natural disasters to happen to America to warn us that if we
dont stop our sinning sudden destruction is going to come upon us,
Rev. Mitchell said. God is telling us to put away the evil, and
promises that if we are obedient, we will eat the good of the land. On
the other hand, if we refuse and continue to rebel, we will be
devoured with the sword.
Ernestine shook her head as she thoughtfully repeated the
words with the sword. These Islamist militants are killing their
victims with a sword in this age of guns and other weapons.

Isnt that something? her husband said, turning his attention

back to the news.
They both listened as the reporter gave a follow-up report on
the latest in Cameroon.
Reporting live from Chad. The four Americans being held
hostage have been identified. They are Dr. James Cauley, Mr. and

Mrs. Frank and Beverly Howard, and Ronald Mitchell.

A gasp escaped Ernestines lips at the mention of her sons
name. She gripped the edge of the couch; her husband reached over
and squeezed her hand as they listened.
If you have young children, please send them to another
room as the video clip we are about to show may be too graphic for
them.
Rev. Mitchell moved over closer to his wife and placed his
arm around her shoulders. The video clip showed Ronald and Dr.
Cauley stripped of their shirts revealing severe bruises from beatings
they apparently had just suffered. Fresh blood was still trickling down
their backs and arms.
Ernestine hid her face as one of the militants started to
severely beat Mr. Howard. Rev. Mitchells arms tightened around his
wife as anger seethed through him. The clip showed Mrs. Howard
trying to cover her face with her hands, but one of the militants
snatched her hands away from her face and yanked her head back
forcing her to look. Tears streamed down her face.
They are asking the American government for $3 million for
the release of the four Americans now held hostage. They were
working with the residents in the Ngoila village in Cameroon. This is
Melissa signing off. Please stay tuned for updates.
Rev. Mitchells countenance took on a steely frame. There is
no excuse for this. There is no excuse for this, he muttered as he
muted the television.

Chapter 20
Rev. Mitchell held his wife until her sobbing subsided.

Why, C. L.? Why? she asked between sniffles. Dr. Howard

is an elderly man. Couldnt they at least have spared him the
beating? He is going to die.
C.L. continued to hold his wife as his mind started to race with
possible ideas for the release of his son and the other
missionaries. Three million dollars? I must have a meeting with the
president!

Ernestine, he said to his wife after a few minutes, this

mission journey may take longer than I anticipated. I believe we were
planning on making two more stops before we stop off in Washington,
D.C. I sense an urgency to head on up that way right after this
conference. Call the car rental people and let them know well need
to keep the van a bit longer. Then call or email somebodyanybody
in the White House. Tell them who we are, in relation to the
hostages and see if you can schedule a meeting with the president, if
not in person, at least by telephone.
Ernestine immediately got on the phone.
_________________
After the beatings, the missionaries were transported to a jail
cell, which was partially hidden underground. The walls were made of
concrete. Light filtered through slits just below the roof along the
walls. The room was damp and a sewage-type gutter running the
length of the dirt floor alongside one wall explained the nauseating
smell of urine and feces. When they got to the jail, they separated

Mrs. Howard from her husband.

The three men stumbled into their cell as the guard shoved
them in. Ronald and Dr. Cauley caught Mr. Howard just before he
crashed to the floor. His face winced in pain as they tried to make him
as comfortable as possible laying him on his stomach so as not to
apply any more trauma to his sore back. Their wounds from their
beating hurt badly. Their shirts and three blanketsmore like tattered
ragslanded on the ground behind them. The men rested as they
wondered what would be their fate.

I believe they are going to release my wife back to the

mission ground, Mr. Howard said weakly.

What makes you say that? Dr. Cauley asked.

Mr. Howard smiled faintly. I studied Arabic as my third
language. I understood everything our captors said to each other.
They are asking the president for $3 million in exchange for our
release.

Really? Ronald said. Did they mention a deadline?

I did not hear them mention one, Mr. Howard said. But I am
sure they will.

So theres hope for us getting out of here then, Ronald said

thoughtfully.
As the day drew to a close a chill entered the air. The men
threw their shirts and blankets around them as best they could.
Mosquitoes buzzed around the sewage; other insects hovered
around. The metal door clanged open. Someone pushed in a
makeshift tray with crusted chunks of bread and a jug of water.

Not very inviting, but something to eat, Dr. Cauley said with
a chuckle as they rationed out the food evenly, asking God to use it to

strengthen and nourish their bodies.

They conversed far into the night breaking up the
conversation with prayer and songs of praise. If it worked for Paul
and Silas, I believe it will work for us, Dr. Cauley said.
Before falling off to sleep, Mr. Howard asked the question
foremost in their minds, but one they dreaded to ask: In case the $3
million deal does not come through and we end up losing our lives,
what is the one thing you gentlemen would want to have
accomplished?
Ronald spoke first. I was engaged to be married before I was
called to replace Brother Mike. I would love to marry my fiancee,
begin a family and we both continue this great work on the mission
field here in Ngoila in bringing the Gospel to those who have not had
the privilege of hearing it. As we pray for our release, join me in
prayer for the strengthening of Dasanis faith also.

My wish is similar to yours, Dr. Cauley said. This is the

longest Ive been away from my wife. Five months. I was supposed to
go home on furlough for three months. She had to return home
because of failing health. Her body has gotten stronger, but we did
not want to take a chance and bring her back over here. I really miss
her.

I told my wife if we got separated for her to try to get in touch

with the Missions Board and make arrangements to return home to
the United States. Knowing her, shell hang around trying to keep up
with my whereabouts, Mr. Howard said. Like I told you more than
once, Im ready to die; Im ready to meet my Savior. Im not too crazy
about how I may leave this earth, but Im ready to leave. I say with
Paul, I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is
at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have

kept the faith. Amen.

Amen and Amen! Ronald and Dr. Cauley said.

Chapter 21
Although burdened for his sons uncertain plight, Rev. Mitchell
looked forward to the conference at the New Covenant Bible Church
with Pastor Halsen Coperly. He and Pastor Ridley left their wives at
the hotel to spend the evening in prayer for them and for the
conference.

I feel better leaving you here in case someone decides to tar

and feather us out of the church, Rev. Mitchell said to his wife as he
kissed her goodbye. Pray for anointing as we preach, and that a
lasting work will be done for all eternity.
Two other black pastors who were in their early forties, a
young black man in his mid-twenties, and a black couple with their
pre-teen daughter and teenage son, were a part of the crowd that
attended the meeting on this last night of the conference. As Rev.
Mitchell and Pastor Ridley entered the auditorium, they sensed the
spirit of resistance. Deacon Larsen, who was standing by the door,
eyed them as they walked by him.
After the preliminaries, Pastor Coperly took his place before
the microphone. Some of you have been trying to squeeze out of me
the name of the pastor who will be preaching tonight. I have an extra
surprise for you: you will be hearing from not one, but two speakers
tonight; and I must add, youre in for a special treat.
He shared with the attendees how he met Rev. Mitchell and
Pastor Ridley. I feel our meeting was more than a chance meeting; I
strongly believe it was ordained of God. If you have your hearts right
with God, youll see why I said that. All three of us share a similar
vision and that is to see all people accept Jesus Christ as their

Savior. Without further delay, I turn the pulpit over to Pastor Ridley
from Binghamton, New York. After that, youll hear from Rev. Mitchell
also from Binghamton, New York.

Pulling from our text tonight in I John 4:20, Ill answer for you
this question: Who is my brother? Pastor Ridley said. Your brother
is anyone, male or female, who, believing that Jesus Christ died on
the cross for his sins, has asked Jesus Christ to save him from his
sins.

Your brother could be the homeless man on the street.

Your brother could be the poor beggar standing before your
place of employment with outstretched hand begging you for a dollar
to buy himself a hamburger.

Your brother could be the blind man, or maybe hes the man
who stutters as he speaks.

Your brother could be the illiterate boy; he cannot read and

thus feels insecure and shies away from people.

Your brother could be the man in prison; he made one

mistake and he has to pay for that crime for years to come.

Your brother could be the young girl who got pregnant

outside of wedlock.

Who is my brother? Your brother is the black man who you

hate because of his color. Or, he may be the Latino or the person
from a Third World country.

How can you say you love God whom you have never seen,
yet, you hate your brother who you see every day? God says if you
say that, you are a liar, a hypocrite, a phony, and a fake.

Whether you like it or not, these are your brothers in Christ,

because they, like you, realizing their pitiful condition have believed in
the death, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, and have
asked Him to forgive them of their sins and to save them from hell. It
makes no difference who they are. The Bible says in John 3:16 that
whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus Christ) should not perish, but
have everlasting life. That whosoever can be the black man, the
white man, the Latino man, the yellow man, the brown man, the
albinowhosoever.

As I close tonight, I invite you to ask yourself: Do I really love

my brother, or am I a liar? Who do I classify as my brother anyway?
Only you know. But before you answer those questions, I invite you to
pray this prayer with David: Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in
me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Chapter 22
New Covenant Bible Church
As Pastor Ridley closed out his message with prayer, Rev.
Mitchell took his place behind the mic.
Three people walked out. Deacon Larsen sat stiffly on the
back pew, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment; he kept
looking around. Two visiting black pastors uttered hearty Amens. A
young black man stood to his feet clapping vigorously. He was joined
by a black husband whose wife kept dabbing at her eyes with a white
handkerchief. Some of the white attendees sat stiffly. A few Amens
could be heard scattered across the auditorium. The spirit in the
auditorium seemed to be changing to a more welcoming one.

Ladies and gentlemen, began Rev. Mitchell, I come to you

tonight with a heavy heart. It saddens me greatly to think that we
humans have become so arrogant that we believe we know more
than the God who created us and who made possible the only way
for true salvation, so much so that we have the audacity to believe we
are in a position to decide who is worthy of salvation and who is not;
who is worthy to come within the four walls of this church, sit on our
padded pews and listen to the Word of God being preached. How
arrogant can we be!

Being that my brother and the other pastors, tonight and on

the previous nights, have so eloquently expounded on 1 John 4:20, I
am going to take the liberty to shift over to Romans chapter ten as my
text tonight.

The Bible states that all of us are sinners, and since all of us
are sinners, then all of us are in need of a Savior. Jesus came to call,
not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. We all have to come to

Jesus through the same door, and that is through the door of Romans
10: 9, 10 and 13: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall
be saved. Theres that word whosoever again.

As the pastor before me explained, whosoever means the

black man, the white man, the yellow man, and the brown man. It
makes no difference; all must come to repentance.

The problem comes when we begin to pick and choose who

we want to share the Gospel with, who we want to fellowship with,
who we want to worship in our church, and who we want to come to
repentance.

Our mentality as Christians should never be, I do not want

to fellowship or worship with that kind. Guess what? Jesus died
for that kind as well. And if that is your mentality, then your heart is
not right with God.

Verse 12 of our text says: For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek between the black man and the
white man; between the rich man and the poor man; between the
educated and the uneducated for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon Him.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Is your heart right

with God tonight? Do you see all men as God sees all menin need
of a Savior? Some of you need a spiritual heart transplant, and heres
how you get one. First, confess your sin of hating your brother or
sister in Christ, and after confessing this sin to God, repent by going
to that brother or sister and apologizing to them for hating them. In

the final analysis, it is between you and God. Dont leave here tonight
without getting your heart right with God by changing your heart
attitude towards those who are different from you.

You say, Rev. Mitchell, Ill do it tomorrow. Ill get my heart

right tomorrow. Just give me one more night in my sin. I beg of you,
dont let the devil get the victory tonight. The Word of God says
tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

Remember: the Gospel is for that kind; it is for whosoever.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Wont you get your heart right, tonight, first by accepting Jesus Christ
as Your Saviour? And if youre already saved, but are harboring the
sin of hating your brother or sister because of his or her skin color or
because of his or her status in life, then confess it as sin and ask
Jesus Christ to deliver you from that sin.

Come to the altar if you feel you must, but after youve
confessed that sin, go to the person and ask his or her forgiveness.
Get it right, tonight.

A quietness fell over the crowd as one by one some excused

themselves to kneel at the altar. Some made their way across the
auditorium to set things straight with those they needed to get their
hearts right with.
Deacon Larsen marched up to the pulpit and he stuck out his
hand to shake Rev. Mitchells hand. No words needed to be said. He
had a similar exchange with Pastor Ridley.

Thank You, God, Rev. Mitchell whispered as he watched

Deacon Larsen make his way to the two other black pastors, the
young man, and the black family.

Thank You, God, Rev. Mitchell whispered again as he

looked over the auditorium to see others apologizing amidst tears
and hugs as they made their hearts right with God and with each
other.
How can you say you love God whom you have not seen, yet
hate the brother who you see everyday?

Chapter 23
God definitely sent you my way, Pastor Coperly said to Rev.
Mitchell over the phone the next morning. Old Deacon Larsen
caused me more problems than anyone else. God got a hold of his
heart. I see great things ahead for our church.

Praise the Lord, Rev. Mitchell said.

He called me late last night after the meeting full of ideas on
how to integrate the church. I started to tell him to slow down, but I
could not bring myself to do so, Pastor Coperly said with a laugh.
God is good. Where are you headed from here?

My plan was to make about four more stops, or continue on

this mission for as long as I felt the Lord leading me. Hes leading me
to take a little detour right now. Rev. Mitchell shared with Pastor
Coperly the situation with his son and his plan to hopefully meet with
the president.

Ill certainly make that a matter of prayer, Pastor Coperly

assured him.

The Mitchells and the Ridleys departed Indiana en route to

Washington, D.C. Ernestine, with Nishas help, spent much of their
driving time trying to solidify a meeting with the president through
phone calls and emails. Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley prayed
intermittently throughout that leg of their journey.
After seeing that their wives were settled in their hotel rooms,
Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley took a leisurely prayer drive around
Washington, D.C.around the White House, in particular. On this

prayer drive, they prayed for Gods wisdom to fall down upon the
president and other governmental leaders. They prayed for his
protection as well as for the protection of his family. They prayed for
the protection of Christians all over the world. They prayed for favor in
the eyes of the president as they would plead Rev. Mitchells sons
tragic situation before him if the opportunity presented itself. They
prayed for Gods salvation to fall upon the nation and that a
nationwide spiritual revival would break out beginning at the nations
capital.

God is able, Pastor Ridley said. I feel my spiritual shout

coming over me.

I prayed it and claim it, Rev. Mitchell said. Dont let me get
pentecostal on you now.
The men laughed.

On a serious note, though, Rev. Mitchell said, some people

make fun of the Pentecostals and Charismatics, but they got the fire;
they got the excitement. We need some of that in our Baptist
churches.

Youre right, Pastor Ridley said. And at the same time, they
need some of our straightforward biblical teachings without the
emotionalism.

Thats right. Theyre on one end on the religious continuum,

and were on the other end. Balance is what we need in our
churches, Rev. Mitchell said.

Im anxious to see what church the Lord will lead us to this

Sunday, Pastor Ridley said. Its been a great run thus far. When I
think of the pitiful condition of our peopleof the worldI sometimes
feel like shedding tears like Jeremiah. I see clearly this worlds future

demise and thats the second thing thats motivating me to proclaim

the Word of God.

Whats the first thing?

The first thing is obedience to the Word of God as given
through the Great Commission. Of course, there are a myriad of
verses to back up that command, Pastor Ridley said. Just look at all
these peoplepeople without hope. He waved his hand at some of
the people walking by. How can a Christian drive by them each day
and not have a natural concern for them?

Thats because we dont have a spiritual concern, Rev.

Mitchell said. The Bible does say in the end times the love of many
shall wax cold and men shall be without natural affection.

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

Both men stopped at a restaurant to pick up something to
take back to the hotel to eat with their wives. While they were waiting
to have their order filled, Rev. Mitchells phone rang.

C.L., theres been another beating. This time its Ronald. It

was terrible! his wife said.

Were on our way to the hotel. Have you been able to get in
touch with anyone at the White House, yet? Rev. Mitchell asked.

Yes. We left a message with someone. He said hed pass it

on to the presidents secretary, Ernestine said between sniffles.

They are still waiting on the money and are threatening to

raise their demand, Nisha reported while Rev. Mitchell comforted his
wife once they got to the hotel. If they dont receive it by then, theyll
repeat the beatings until they get the money or until the men die.
After praying for the Lords leading, Rev. Mitchell said, Until I

hear from the president, the Lords leading me to go another route.

We have to get the ball rolling on our end.

Chapter 24
New Believers Community Church
Sunday morning found the foursome at the New Believers
Community Church. The pastor, G. Remington, was given a standing
ovation as he walked across the podium and took his place before
the mic. Rev. Mitchell and his crew noted with avid interest as Pastor
Remington reached above his head and grabbed hold of a rope
hanging from the ceiling. The rope was attached to a bucket rigged
up to some sort of pulley.

Are you ready? Pastor Remington asked the crowd.

Yes, we are, the attendees answered reaching for their
imaginary rope.

Repeat after me: I am a child of the King.

I am a child of the King.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He owns the wealth in every mine.
He owns the wealth in every mine.
Im an heir to my Fathers riches in glory.
Im an heir to my Fathers riches in glory.
I will no longer live in poverty.
I will no longer live in poverty.
Money coming to me! Pastor Remington pulled on his rope

which activated the pulley causing the bucket to overturn spilling its
contents: dollar bills floated to the floor.

Money coming to me! the people repeated as they pulled on

their imaginary ropes while shouting and clapping.
Rev. Mitchell shrugged his shoulders as he and his wife
exchanged glances. Nisha covered her mouth to hide her smile.
Pastor Ridley cleared his throat as he looked on.

I claim it! I claim it! Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Lord! many
exclaimed.
They quieted down as Pastor Remington started to speak.

The reason some of you are living in poverty is because you

dont believe God wants you to live in abundance. God wants to bless
you, His child. He wants you to live in comfort and ease. He wants to
prosper you financially and materially. You are experiencing financial
difficulties because you have bought into the mentality that a
Christian ought not to be rich, that a Christian ought to live a paupers
life. You are a child of the King for crying out loud. You should be
prospering. I repeat: you should be prospering. The money is out
there for you. God wants you to have it.
Taking note of the pastors gold wristwatch and two diamond
rings glittering in the light, a gold chain and gold tie pin and his
expensive suit, Rev. Mitchell could not help thinking, Youre the only
one who seems to be prospering in here.

Are you tithing as you should? Pastor Remington continued.

Are you giving your ten percent plus an offering? If youre only giving
ten percent or less, then youll only get ten percent or less blessing; if
you love God enough to give Him an extra offering, then youll get an
extra blessing. You shouldnt be hurting for anything as a Christian.

And might I add, you should be taking care of me as your pastor if

you want an extra blessing.
Oh, dear, Rev. Mitchell sighed. Seems to me like youre
prospering off the extra offering.

For some reason, Christians believe its okay to live in

poverty, to just get by on the bare essentials. My question is: Why
cant you have a big house with a well-manicured lawn? Why cant
you have a Rolls Royce instead of an ol beat-up jalopy? Why cant
you have fine silk clothes instead of rags?

My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He owns the

rivers and the rocks and hills, the stars and the sun that shine. He
has riches more than the eye can behold. Eyes have not seen, ears
have not heard the things which God has prepared for them who love
Him. God wants you to have those riches now! The problem is you
dont love God enough. And because you dont love Him enough, you
dont trust Him enough.

I am the heir of a King and joint-heir with His Son, and I

should be living as a prince or a princess. So whats up with that low
living? Scrimping and scratching for pennies when you could have
dollar bills rolling out of your pocket.

God tells us, if I were hungry I would not tell thee: for the
world is mine, and the fullness thereof. This world is yours, too, and
all that is in the earth.

This is so sad, Rev. Mitchell whispered to his wife. Leading

these people astray like that.

Folks, continued Pastor Remington, get rid of your

paupers mentality. Dont think poor; think rich. Think big bucks. Fly
like the eagles. Soar with the wind. Dont be scratching for worms on

the ground like chickens. You were born to prosper! God saved you
to prosper you. This is your season! This is your time to prosper.
Move into your season. Forget about past seasons of financial
poverty; your season to prosper is now! The money is waiting on you.
Name it and claim it. I say, name it and claim it!

I claim it, preacher. I claim it! one gentleman shouted and

took off running around the church.
Rev. Mitchell hung around for the benediction. Does this
pastor not know that we are already rich in Christ because of our
position in Christ? Plus, God never promised us riches after we are
saved, he thought.
Pastor Remington ended the services with an invitation for
those who wanted prayer to come to the front.
Another lost opportunity, Rev. Mitchell thought as they left the
church somewhat discouraged.

He had the people eating out of his hands, he said.

Working them into a frenzy and then not using that opportunity to
present the Gospel. Many preachers are going to have a lot of
explaining to do when they get to Heaven. Or, could it be that they
themselves are not saved according to the Bible?

Many folks are falling away because they were the product
of a man-made, man-centered gospel. People cannot get saved
without repentance. What did Peter preach on the day of Pentecost?
Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, Pastor Ridley said.

If I accurately recall, Jesus last words to us as recorded in

Luke are, And that repentance and remission of sins should be
preached among all nations, Nisha added.

If Jesus walked into some churches today, I believe some of

the first people he would throw out would be the pastors and leaders
who are using the church as their personal bank account. Jesus
would throw out preachers who take money from the people of the
church so they can drive a fancy car and live in a mansion. Jesus
never invited people to come to Him so He could make them rich
materially, but because He could make their souls and their spirits
rich with spiritual blessings. May the Lord help us, Rev. Mitchell said.

A Praying Time

Chapter 25
After much prayer, Rev. Mitchell was led of the Lord to have a
meeting with Pastor Remington. He and Pastor Ridley stepped into
an elaborately furnished office decked with gold and royal blue
drapes, gold-plated lamp stands, a rich mahogany desk with
matching padded chairs, a leather couch, a mahogany center table
with two matching side tables. Pastor Remington was watching the
news on his flat screen television when they entered his office. He
muted the television. Once seated, Rev. Mitchell shared with Pastor
Remington his reason for visiting his church the previous Sunday
and his reason for his meeting with him.

I do thank you for worshiping with us, Pastor Remington

said. I trust the services were a blessing to you.

I must say it was an interesting experience, Rev. Mitchell

said. This was my first time sitting under the preaching of a
prosperity gospel preacher. I dont plan on keeping you long, so Ill
get to the point, Pastor Remington, and I hope you dont take it wrong
when I ask you this question: Deep down, do you really believe that
accumulating riches will get a person into Heaven, or even allow
them to have a close relationship with God?

Absolutely not! But I do believe that if we claim to be

Christians we should be living in prosperity. I question a persons faith
when that person says he is a Christian, yet lives a hand-to-mouth
existence. I just believe God wants us to live an abundant life.

But the Bible does say the poor youre going to have with
you always. It does not specify saved or unsaved; it just says poor.

Plus, Rev. Mitchell added, when the Bible talks about the abundant
life or about a Christian being rich, it is referring to rich in faith, rich in
the peace of God that passeth all understanding, rich in joy
unspeakable, rich in contentment, rich in the fruit of the Spirit, and all
of these riches are intangible. From my study of the Word of God, I
cant recall where it says once that after you become a Christian you
will be rich. If that were the case, people would be coming in droves
to get saved because everyone wants to be rich. In fact, we would
not have to bring them the Gospel; they would be running to us for
the Gospel.
Pastor Remington thoughtfully nodded his head as Rev.
Mitchell continued speaking.

Now, if I were to ask you, what would I have to do to get

saved, what would you tell me? Rev. Mitchell asked.

I would tell you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christs death

on the cross for all your sins, Pastor Remington said without
hesitation. That involves confession of ones sins and turning away
from ones sins.

My other question to you then is: Since you believe that

and that is biblical teachingwhy arent you using the pulpit to
preach that? That was Gods final mandate to us: to preach the
Gospel of salvation and not a gospel of prosperity, Rev. Mitchell said.
Pastor Ridley who had been listening piped in. Speaking
through Jeremiah, the Lord did say, Behold, I am against the
prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say: He saith.
Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the
Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and
by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them;
therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.

Pastor Remington, after a seemingly long silence, sighed.

Youre right, gentlemen. I admit: I know better. I know I ought to be
preaching salvation messages for people to get saved. I know I ought
to be preaching righteous living. I know I should not be placing such
an emphasis on getting rich. I used to do it, but I caught so much hell
from the devil and people who did not want to live right, I kind of
eased off into the prosperity preachingreally for my own comfort.
Its less of a spiritual battle preaching you ought to be rich as a
Christian than it is preaching salvation through none other than
Jesus death on the cross.

Thats true, Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley agreed.

God has been trying to get my attention about it, but Ive
chosen to ignore Him. I guess I have become a preacher with itchy
ears, Pastor Remington said with a chuckle. I do thank you both for
stopping by and for boldly but humbly confronting me. Your stopping
by only reaffirms what God has been telling me for some time now.
After a few seconds in thought, Pastor Remington said, With
both of you as my witnesses, I recommit my life to God and I vow
now to preach or at least present the Gospel at every service. Pray
for me, brothers, as I apologize to the church family on next Sunday. I
have been leading them astray.

We will, both men said.

Hold a minute, Pastor Remington said. Picking up his
remote control, he turned the volume up on the television. The
reporter was giving an update on the latest about the hostages taken
in Cameroon. Ive been trying to keep up with the martyrdom that
has been happening to Christians world-wide. Bear with me.
All three men listened.

Such a tragedy, Pastor Remington said. Theyre asking for

$3 million dollars; the goverment has a few days to deliver. We
havent heard anything from our president so far. I wonder what he is
going to do about this matter.

Its interesting that were here viewing this with you, Pastor
Ridley said. I know Rev. Mitchell would rather my not saying what I
am about to share with you especially since we did not come here to
discuss this with you, but the youngest missionary, Ronald Mitchell, is
Rev. Mitchells son.

What!
I dont want you to think we came here to get money out of
you, but the Lord led me to share this with you if for no other reason
than to have you join us in prayer for their release. Rev. Mitchell had
no idea I was going to make mention of this, and it was not on my
mind to do so until now, Pastor Ridley said.

Brothers, think nothing of it. Were brothers in Christ; were

supposed to bear one anothers burdens. I detect nothing but
sincerity and humility in both of you. If you came here just to get
money out of me, you would have never rebuked me as strongly as
you did, Pastor Remington said. You may have rebuked me once
you got the moneyif I did give it to youbut definitely not before.
Now tell me about your son and what led him to go over to
Cameroon.
Rev. Mitchell shared his sons mission work ending with his
dual purpose for visiting Washington, D.C., which was to visit
churches at random, and hopefully to speak with the president.

Im hoping to have a meeting with the president to plead my

cause, Rev. Mitchell said.

You mentioned getting the ball rolling. Exactly what do you

mean by that?

Until I hear from the president, I have to do what I can for my

son. I sent an email to my secretary back in our home city of
Binghamton and asked her to send it out in as many ways as
possible to all the church membersold and new and to encourage
them to forward it to their extended family, friends, and co-workers.
Weve sent it to all our preachers mailing list as well. As were
speaking our plea is going out asking people to pray for their release
and to give what they can financially towards their release, Rev.
Mitchell said. Im praying for a ripple effect to take place and that it
will not stop until we get the $3 million dollars.

Chapter 26
Now I love that. I just love to see a person in a difficult
situation try to help himself out of it rather than have his hand out,
Pastor Remington said. Exactly what did your email say?

I can have my wife send you a copy, Rev. Mitchell said

pulling his cell phone out of his jacket pocket. It explained to the
recipients who I am and my relations with Ronald, what the terrorists
are requesting, and how they can help while I try to get in touch with
the president, Rev. Mitchell said after getting off the phone with his
wife. I emphasized that time is of the essence.

Heres what Im going to do to help, Pastor Remington said.

One, Im going to have my secretary do what you did with your
church family as far as sending the letter out to our church mailing list
and encouraging them to pass it on. Ill place my signature and a
paragraph of endorsement with your letter. Two, on Wednesday night
and on Sunday morning, Im going to take up a special offering
towards this worthy cause.
Pastor Remington called in his secretary. Rosemary, get
Deacon Lexington on the phone please. Wait while I speak with him.
In between talking with Deacon Lexington, Pastor Remington
sought more information from Rev. Mitchell.

Do you have a special account set aside for this money? he

asked.

Ronald Mitchell Missions Fund, Rev. Mitchell said.

Are you set up for direct deposit?

Yes.
Pastor Remington exchanged a few more words with Deacon
Lexington then passed the phone over to his secretary. Between his
secretary and Rev. Mitchells secretary, $25,000.00 was transferred
into the Ronald Mitchell Missions Fund. I know this is just pennies
compared to what they are asking, but we know God can make up
the difference, Pastor Remington said to Rev. Mitchell.

Hang on to that banking information, he told his secretary.

Youll need it for future use.
As his secretary prepared to leave his office, Pastor
Remington said, Hold a second. Let me make one more call.

Hello, Al. Im going to turn you over to Rosemary. Give her

the info she needs to direct deposit $4000 from our personal account
into a special account. Ill tell you about it when I pick you up for
lunch. Heres Rosemary. Bye now.

I dont know how to thank you, Rev. Mitchell said.

I believe Christians who have the wherewithal are obligated
to help those who are in need of help, especially if those in need are
Christians, Pastor Remington said. But if you really want to thank
me, come lead my prayer services on Wednesday night. And accept
my invitation to lunch today. Ill go pick my wife up and meet you at
your hotel.
On their way to pick their wives up, Rev. Mitchell and Pastor
Ridley had a hallelujah shouting time. Any friend whos going to open
up his mouth and get me almost $30,000.00 in one fell swoop, is a
friend for life, Rev. Mitchell said with a laugh. God is good!

Yes, my brother. Our God is better than good, Pastor Ridley

agreed.

_______________
President Mac Scholls and those working with him were in a
state of anxiety at the latest reports about the terrorists.

Weve got to figure out a way to get them to release our

citizens without the money, President Scholls said.

Thats not going to be easy, Mr. President. These people do

not understand peace talks. They are irrational; they do not
understand reason. They aim to destroy Christians and anyone else
who stands in their way.

Theres a live feed from the terrorists headquarters,

Michael Wallis said hurrying into the presidents office followed by
Julie Agabayo, the presidents personal secretary. He turned on the
big screen television mounted on the wall in the situation room. They
all watched the airing of the horrifying beheading of another
American: Mr. Peyton Howard.
The last instruction to Mr. Howard if he wanted to live was to
deny his faith. Mr. Howard firmly said, No, I cannot deny the One
who died for me. Good bye, Beverly. Ill see you in Heaven. The
other two hostages were forced to look on, the reporter said.

They were supposed to keep those three men alive until we

delivered the money, the president said. We contacted their
headquarters; that was agreed on.

Like I have been trying to tell you, Mr. President, they have
no sense of reasoning. You cant expect people like that to keep their
word, Michael said.

Today is not even over with yet, President Scholls said.

Mr. President, today is today no matter what time of day it is.
And that is all that matters to them. One thing I give them credit for

though, Michael said, and that is, when they make a move, it is with
speed and precision. We are not dealing with fools here.

President Scholls, Julie interrupted, I have an urgent

message from an Ernestine Mitchell, calling on behalf of her
husband, Rev. C. L. Mitchell. I think you should return their call. They
are the parents of Ronald Mitchell, the youngest of the men being
held hostage. They are requesting an emergency meeting with you.
In fact, they are already here in Washington, D.C.

Chapter 27
C. L., weve got to do something. Ronald may be next,
Ernestine said to her husband. If they killed old Mr. Howard, I know
they wont hesitate to take Ronalds life. Weve got to get the money
somehow. We cant come up with that large amount by ourselves. I
cant believe hes ignoring all the messages weve left.

Ernestine, calm down. Rev. Mitchell said firmly. Where is

your faith? I need for you to be strong during this time. Our God is
able. Were you able to get in touch with Rhonda?

Yes. She says shes having much success as far as

contacting

the

mega-pastors. Some

have

gone

ahead

and

contributed to our cause. Others are waiting on their board to make a

decision, Ernestine said. She says theres been a lot of inquiry as
word is getting around.

Pastor Ridley and I had similar results, Rev. Mitchell said.

He and Pastor Ridley had spent the past two days visiting area
churches as the Lord led thempleading their cause using Pastor
Remingtons name and letter of recommendation. They planned on
spending the upcoming days while stationary in the Washington, D.
C. area visiting more churches.

All we can do is pray and trust God, Rev. Mitchell said

embracing his wife. Giving her a kiss he said, God is able . . . and if
He chooses not to keep our son alive, Hell give us the grace to
handle it. Hows Dasani holding up? he asked.

Shes hanging in there. Ive encouraged her to do what

youre encouraging me to do, and that is to pray.

Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley stepped up their personal

prayer times as well as prayer times with their wives. Rev. Mitchell
delivered a timely message on prayer to the members of the New
Believers Community Church, one that revolutionized that church
making them a true lighthouse in Washington, D.C.

Ladies and gentlemen, I draw my message tonight from

Matthew 24:6-14 which reads as follows:
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye
be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is
not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill
you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one
another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall

wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be
saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the
world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Ive titled my message: A Praying Time. You may be

wondering, why is this a praying time? Why do we need to pray
more? Look around you. Listen to the news. You come home from a
hard days work and all you want to do is unwind while you listen to,
hopefully, some pleasant news. But instead what do you get?
Robberies. Murders. Raping of old ladies. Drug dealings. Molestation
of children. Beheading of Christians. Confusion among our young
people. Chaos in our homes. Divorce. Never before have I heard of
so many young people committing suicide. Men no longer want to
marry women but rather want to marry other men. People are suing
the church for taking biblical stands. Theres an increase in natural
disasters. There are violent uprisings. There is an increase in terrorist
activities. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a praying time.

Jesus Christ warned us that these perilous days were going

to come. He told us these days that would try mens faith would
come. And that is why He told us to Pray without ceasing. If we had
been praying without ceasing as He commanded us, then we would
not be fainting at news of all the tragedies that are taking place all
over the world and even in our own country. If Jesus Christ prayed,
then dont you think we should pray more?

We are living in perilous times. And perilous times call for an

increase in the prayers going up to our heavenly Father. Neither you
nor I have the power to manage our lives successfully. We need
Gods help and direction. I do not care how much Bible you know; I
do not care how much Scripture you can quote; I do not care how
many degrees you have attached to your nameyou had better open
your mouth and cry out to God.

The main reason this is a praying time is because of the

failure of the church in its mission. The church has failed in its
fulfillment of the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 to

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. According to
a German Christian minister, our churches have formed their own
personal Christian ghettoes, where outsiders are looked upon
askance. The people on the outside are scared to come in, and we
are so ashamed we no longer feel comfortable bringing them in. But
who will they go to? Who will bring them the living Breadthe Bread
of LifeJesus Christthe only One who can bring salvation to them?
Who? Definitely not the world.

Our happy-go-lucky, watered-down Gospel cannot help

anyone, but prayer can help everyone. We need to pray for each
other. Our world is changing in very destructive ways, but you should
not be alarmed because if you have been reading your Bible then you
would have read that things are going to get worse as the time draws
nearer for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Christians, dont worry anymorejust pray. Husbands and

wives, just hang in there together a bit longer and just pray.
Teenagers put away your rebellion and just pray. Let us form an
intercessory wall that Satan and his demons cannot break down.
Prayer can do anything because God can do everything! This is a
praying time. Amen, somebody!

Chapter 28
Casteel United Apostolic Church

That message will totally revolutionize my church family,

Pastor Remington said as he handed Rev. Mitchell a couple CDs of
the message. I must admit also that I have not been praying as I
should. Its so much easier to carry out my daily pastoral work than it
is to pray.

Thats right, Rev. Mitchell said. A lot of Christians fail to

realize that the devil is fighting every act of prayer. They dont realize
that prayer is spiritual work and that the devil will fight against it
because he knows that prayer is the one and only way to call down
Gods help in fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil for a
victorious Christian life. As one prayer warrior said, Satan trembles
when he sees a Christian on his knees.

God will bring about circumstances in your life where you

cant help but to pray, Pastor Ridley said. And I say that from
experience.

Tell me about it, Pastor Remington said. Why dont we pray

right now for your sons safety as well as for the safety of the other
missionary with him and those Christians who are undergoing
persecution for their faith.
*****

C.L., C.L., wake up! Ernestine said shaking her husband.

The presidents on the phone. President Scholls is on the phone.
Wake up!

Yes, sir, President Scholls. Youre a hard man to catch up

with, but I do thank you for returning my call, Rev. Mitchell said.

I tell you Rev. Mitchell, theres always something to keep you

busy, President Scholls said. I assure you that my prayers and
thoughts are with you and your wife. We are trying to negotiate with
them for the release of your son and Mr. Cauley.
Negotiate, thought Rev. Mitchell. With all due respect, sir,
time is of the essence; one person has already lost his life because
we did not meet their given deadline. These people do not negotiate,
and if they do, it is on their terms. A deadline for them is a day ahead
of the actual deadline. They do not understand dialogue.

Rev. Mitchell, I perceive you to be a man of God, the

president said. What is it that is making these men act so irrational? I
mean, they have absolutely no respect for human life. It is as though
they take great pleasure in taking innocent lives.

Frankly, Mr. President, these people hold a grudge for years;

they are in no hurry to retaliate. They can come up with a plan and
spend twenty to thirty years reviewing and revising the plan before
executing it. Thats why they move with such precision. From a
spiritual point of view, only a demon-possessed person will plan to
bomb a place and strap the bomb to himself knowing hes going to
end his life also. They have no respect at all for human life.

Right now my office is trying to figure out their mode of

operation. Were trying to figure out what their strategy is; it cant be
just random, President Scholls said.

With all due respect, sir, right now, trying to figure out
whether these are random acts or if they have been strategically
planned will not help my sons cause, Rev. Mitchell said. All I know
is if we do not get the money to them within the next few days, my
son and Dr. Cauley will be the next to lose their lives. Im doing all I
can on my end but I need your help. Mr. President, dont fail me.

Rev. Mitchell shared with President Scholls what he and his

wife and church family with the help of others were doing to gather
the $3 million dollars. He told him the amount they had thus far. But
that is only a tiny amount compared to the six million they are
requesting.k

Can you hold for just a minute, President Scholls said. My

secretary just handed me a couple of letters that demand my
attention. Give me a minute. This wont take long.

Yes, Julie, Rev, Mitchell overheard the president say to his

secretary.

These two pieces of mail came in. I thought you may want to
take a look at them ASAP. I believe they have something to do with
Rev. Mitchell, the gentleman youre on the phone with.

Rev. Mitchell, Im back, President Scholls said after reading

the content of both pieces of mail. My secretary shared with me that
youre in Washington, D.C. Can you come by the White House at
10:00 in the morning?

Sure, Rev. Mitchell said.

By the way, the mail I just read has to do with your sons
situation. Well discuss it once you get here.
*****

Why couldnt he have just told you what was in those letters
rather than have us sitting here worried all night? Ernestine said.

You may be worrying all night; but I wont be, Rev. Mitchell
said. Anyway, maybe it would require more time than he could have
given to us over the phone.

Do you think its bad newsmaybe Ronalds death?

Ernestine, no more negative thinking. We just have to pray

more and trust God, her husband said. Whatever the case, may
Gods will be done.

Chapter 29
Pastor Ridley and his wife upheld Rev. Mitchell and Ernestine
and President Scholls in prayer as the three met the following
morning. There were three other people present in the meeting.

These are the two letters that I mentioned to you yesterday,

President Scholls said as he handed the letters to Rev. Mitchell. You
may find this hard to believe, but over one hundred such letters have
come in since the time we talked on yesterday. These letters came
from individuals from all over the country petitioning me to give the $3
million dollars to the Islamist militants for the release of the two
remaining hostages.
Ernestine closed her eyes as she offered up a silent Thank
You, Lord.

Weve already made contact with the Islamist militants to let

them know we have it coming. We have not heard anything back from
them as of yet. Pray for us because time is of the essence, the
president said.
Rev. Mitchell offered up prayer before he and his wife left to
return to the hotel to join Pastor Ridley and his wife in intercessory
prayer for Ronald and Dr. Cauley.
Bad news met them when they awakened the next morning
and tuned in to the news channel. Another beheading had taken
place. This time the victim was not identified. Rev. Mitchells cell
phone rang. It was the White House.

Sorry to greet you with such terrible news first thing this
morning, but things have gone awry, President Scholls said. Theres

been another beheading.

Yes. We heard it via the television, Rev. Mitchell said. Were

you able to deliver the money?

Yes. We delivered itcash as instructeddirectly to them

during the night at the agreed upon drop off spot. Weve heard
nothing from them as of yet. As for their latest victim, we dont know
who it is as of yet, President Scholls said. Im very sorry, Rev.
Mitchell.

Theres no need to be sorry. You did your part. I know that

the policy of the United States has been for many years not to pay
ransom money, so I know that this is new to you as well. All we can
do is pray and wait for God to intervene, Rev. Mitchell said. Thanks
for everything, Mr. President. Please keep me informed if you hear
anything new.
Rev. Mitchell turned his attention to comforting his wife as he
tuned in to his own thoughts. They heard nothing new all day.
Both awakened earlier than usual the next day to prepare to
visit another church.

I believe with all my heart that the devil allowed this to

happen at this time to stop us in completing our mission, Rev.
Mitchell shared with the Ridleys as they drove through downtown
Washington, D.C. I would think him knowing and watching me serve
God for these thirty years hed already have it settled within himself
that nothing will deter me from serving God.

The devil is stubborn. He never learns. He uses the same

old tricks, Nisha said.

The sad thing about it, though, is we still fall for the same old
tricks, Ernestine added.

Do you have a specific church youre going to visit this

morning? Pastor Ridley asked.

Not today. I glanced at the church directory section of the

newspaper, and there are several churches along this road. We
should be running into them, Rev. Mitchell said.

Could we stop by a Pentecostal Holiness church? Nisha

asked. Ive always wanted to visit one.

Sure, Rev. Mitchell said. That sign says we are coming up

on one.

Seems like a good number of people are present, Pastor

Ridley said as they walked across the parking lot of the Casteel
United Apostolic Holiness Church.
Hearty singing greeted them as they entered the auditorium.
By the time they took their seats, the pastor, Rev. Dr. Prophet Apostle
T.J. Tilley, was before the microphone introducing his message which
was to be taken from Acts chapter two.

Drawing my sermon from verse four, which reads: And they

were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Jesus had just ascended up into Heaven and the disciples

were gathered together waitingwaiting for the Holy Ghost that
would give them utterance. That is, the Holy Ghost would allow them
to speak in a tongue that was foreign to them, an unnatural tongue, a
tongue that only the saved can understand; a tongue that only the
spirit-filled individual can understand.

How do you know when you have received the Holy Ghost?
Verse two says, suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a
mighty rushing wind. You are going to hear something before the

Holy Ghost comes upon you.

That is so far from the truth, Rev. Mitchell thought. My Bible
tells me in John 14 verses sixteen and twenty-six, and Jesus, Himself
told the disciples this: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give
you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever . . . But
the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have told you.

And not only are you going to hear something, Apostle Tilley
continued, but youre also going to feel something.
I didnt feel anything when the Holy Ghost came to live in me
when I got saved, Ernestine thought. And Hes been living in me for
almost thirty years now.

Not only are you going to hear something like a mighty

rushing winda kind of coolness coming over youbut ironically,
youre also going to feel some heat, like fire. Youll feel some burning
a spiritual burning, if you will allow me to say so, Apostle Tilley
said. The Bible says cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of
them. If when you come before God in worship and you dont feel
and hear it suddenlycome upon you, then you dont have it, and if you
dont have it, then I question your salvation. I would venture to say,
you are not saved.
Heresy! Pastor Ridley thought. You are so far off from the
simple doctrine of salvation that states, that if thou shalt confess with
thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God
hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

The dying thief on the cross did not have time to speak in
tongues, yet when he cried out to Jesus, Lord, remember me when
thou comest into thy kingdom, Pastor Ridley whispered to his wife

who finished with him, Jesus said, Today shalt thou be with me in
Paradise.

Chapter 30
You will know when you have the Holy Ghost because you
will speak in another tonguea heavenly tongue. Youd better get
your practice while youre here on this earth or when you get to
Heaven you will not know the language. How many of you want to
speak the heavenly language? Apostle Tilley asked.
I

sure would

like

to know

that heavenly

language

myself, Nisha thought as hands went up all over the auditorium

followed by shouts of Amen!
Apostle Tilley kept preaching, Can you feel it? Can you feel
it? he shouted. What he called the heavenly language began to roll
off his tongue.
The musicians started to play their instruments moving from a
slow to a moderate then to a fast tempo.

Stand and raise your hands towards me if you want to be

saved and have the evidence of your salvation to be revealed by your
speaking in tongues. Oh, the fire will fall down upon you today. I feel it
coming. Youre going to be saved today and your speaking in tongues
will be the evidence of your salvation.
The crowd fell off into a state of euphoria. Ernestine slid
closer to her husband as the young lady beside her started squirming
in her seat and bobbing her head vigorously up and down to the beat
of the drums. She jumped up and started to dance in between the
pews. She bent over as she danced around. Her eyeglasses fell off.
She is going to bump her head real hard on the
pew, Ernestine thought as she reached down to pick the eyeglasses

up. She held on to them not knowing what to do with them. Ernestine
kept reaching toward the young lady to possibly keep her from
hurting herself. Three middle-aged ladies and one in her early fifties
guided the young lady out of the pew into the aisle. They formed a
circle around her. A similar scene was taking place on the other side
of the auditorium. Others in the crowd were clapping and praising
God. Some were speaking in tongues. People were shouting,
singing, and clapping as the pastor spoke in the heavenly tongue.

I got it! I got it! one man shouted.

Well good for you, Nisha thought.
*****

Jibberish is what I call it, Nisha said as they discussed their

experience over lunch. I could not understand one word of that
heavenly language.

Me, neither, Ernestine said. If its indeed a heavenly

language that gets you saved, then we ought to be able to
understand it. I thought that lady sitting beside me was going to burst
her head open on the pew. It was as though she had no control over
her body.

Did you all notice the man running around the auditorium?
Pastor Ridley said. It sounds like he was shouting Im running for my
Lord, and the people were just egging him on.

The sad thing about it is none of the people understood what

the pastor was preaching, Rev. Mitchell said. Its all based on
emotionalism. This causes nothing but confusion and disorderliness.
As you saw they took a long time to get back to a peaceful state.

Theres got to be some sincerity with some of them,

Ernestine said.

Sincerely wrong, Rev. Mitchell said. On a serious note

though, I am going to have to schedule a meeting to talk with Apostle
Tilley. I cannot sit by and hear him tell those lost souls who are
searching for the truth that they have to speak in tongues to be
saved. Id be just as guilty of leading the people astray.

How are you going to convince him that he is wrong? Nisha

asked.

Its all in First Corinthians chapter fourteen. Rev. Mitchell

pulled his pocket Bible out of the inner jacket pocket. I do not have a
problem with him speaking in tongues as long as he has an
interpreter so that the people can understand and be edified. If I was
lost and I came seeking salvation, I would leave confused because
no one interpreted the preachers words for me. In that same chapter,
it says, God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

Or, Pastor Ridley said, if I was a Christian and I needed

some encouragement, I would leave the same way I came in or
worse because I did not understand his words, therefore, I was not
edified.

Listen to this, Rev. Mitchell said. In verses twenty-seven

through twenty-eight, it says, If any man speak in an unknown
tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course;
and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep
silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. He
can speak in tongues all he wants; but he should do it in the privacy
of his office or his homejust him and Godif he has no one to
interpret to those in his presence what hes saying.

I believe that is one of the reasons the lost shake their heads
at the church and say we are crazy; the Bible, I believe, uses the
word mad, Rev. Mitchell said. Its right here in verse twenty-three:

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and
all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned,
or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad.

All I know is, my God is not the author of confusion, but of

peace and orderliness, Ernestine said.

And where there is confusion, the devil is right smack in the

middle of it, Nisha added.

Morning Glory Church

Chapter 31
Julie, the presidents secretary, gave Rev. Mitchell a call on
behalf of the president early Monday morning.

President Scholls wanted me to let you know that things are

the same with the hostage situation. We are trying to find out the
name of the last person who was brutally attacked, but they will not
release that information.

Well, they did get the money, right? Rev. Mitchell asked
trying to remain calm.

Yes, they did.

So whats the problem?
Rev. Mitchell, we are doing our best to find out who they last
killed and to solidify a date for the release of the survivor, Julie said.
We will definitely give you a call if anything new comes up. President
Scholls had to fly out for a week long visit to China to negotiate a
trade deal. Im sure hell personally get in touch with you once he
returns or he may call you directly from China.

Thank you, Julie, and please call me if you find out anything.
Have a blessed day, Rev. Mitchell said ending the call.

I know as far as Ronald goes all we can do right now is to

continue to pray for his release, Pastor Ridley said shortly after he
and his wife had joined the Mitchells for a time of prayer with plans to
drive down to Philadelphia to spend the day visiting the Amish
community. But I was wondering, what are your plans going forward

in the mission outreach God has entrusted you with?

Its interesting that you ask that question because just last
night I had a dream, Rev. Mitchell said. I say with Paul, whether in
the body or out of the body, I cant say for sure, but anyway, I had a
vivid dream. It was of God calling Abraham to sacrifice his only son,
Isaac. This one question kept coming up in my head as Abraham
went about to carry out Gods command. That question was: Do you
love me more than you love your son? Sarah kept pulling at his coat
in an attempt to stop him saying, No! No! This is my long awaited son
and my only son! The dream ended with Abraham going up the
mountain.
Ernestine and Nisha smiled.

No wonder you were squirming around in your sleep so

much, Ernestine said.

I think it was more than a dream, however. I believe God is

trying to tell me something, Rev. Mitchell said. Hes asking me, do I
love my son more than I love Him. Hes asking me am I going to keep
sharing Jesus with a lost and dying world, or am I going to let
Ronalds situation stand in the way of the mission Hes given me to
carry out.
The four fell silent thinking and waitingwaiting for Rev.
Mitchell to continue speaking.

I know that old devil is waiting for me to focus all my

attention on Ronalds situation and forget this mission, but I have
something for him, and it is this: Satan, you might as well get thee
behind me because I will see this mission through to the end.

Im with you, brother, Pastor Ridley said.

And so am I, Ernestine said.

Me, too, Nisha said.

Yes, were gonna take back territory from the devil. I wont
let a day go by without sharing the Gospel with someone, Rev.
Mitchell said then broke into prayer: Lord, please forgive me for not
witnessing more. I make a new commitment to You to share the
Gospel verbally with at least two lost people starting today, and thats
in addition to passing out Gospel tracts. Amen.
The others made a similar commitment.

Why dont we find a Christian bookstore, pick up at least two

hundred tracts, and begin some footwork? Pastor Ridley suggested.

Sounds good to me, they all agreed.

For the rest of the week, they carried out the work of an
evangelist as they walked the streets of Washington, D.C., sharing
the good news of the Gospel.

God did not tell us to save the lost because we never shed
our blood for anyones sins let alone our own sins; He only told us to
witnessto share the Word, Rev. Mitchell said just before they
returned to their respective rooms on their first day witnessing. I
believe thats one reason many Christians get discouraged. They
believe they have the power to save the lost, and when that lost
person rejects Christ they are ready to give up.

Youre right, Pastor Ridley said. Paul says one plants the
seed, another waters the seed, and God grants the increase. As long
as we share the Word we are being obedient and we are counted as
successful.
After three days of all day witnessing, the Ridleys returned to
their hotel room to find Nishas laptop missing.

Satan, youll have to try harder than this to distract us,

Pastor Ridley said as they stopped by an office supply store to

purchase another laptop.
The following afternoon as they headed across town to a new
area to witness and to pass out Gospel tracts, another driver ran into
them. Rev. Mitchell suffered a severe concussion that sent him to the
emergency room where x-rays were taken. The doctor placed him on
complete bed-rest for the next forty-eight hours. Upon returning to the
hotel Rev. Mitchell immediately went to bed as the pain medication
left him feeling drowsy. Ernestine called the car rental office to
arrange for a replacement vehicle. They would not have one for the
next two days.

Its going to take more than a car accident to put me out of

commission from serving the Lord, Rev. Mitchell said to his wife just
before he dozed off. He slept out the rest of the evening on into the
night.

Hes knocked out, Ernestine told Nisha when she stopped

by to check on them and to drop off some of the food they had
ordered. I believe hes more tired than he wants to admit. I wont be
surprised if he sleeps on into the morning.
Ernestine ate while scanning the news channels. Nothing
new. She curled up on the bed with her Kindle but slipped into sleep.
The next thing she knew she was awakened by her husband gently
shaking her.

Ernestine, wake up. Its 11:48. We have to go witness to

someone.

C.L., are you well enough? Im sure the Lord wont hold it
against you considering what happened earlier today, Ernestine said,
slipping her feet into her shoes.

I made a commitment to witness to at least two people

everyday and I aim to keep that commitment even if it kills me, her
husband said. Come on. We have ten more minutes before a new
day begins.

Chapter 32
Praise the Lord! Amen and amen again, Pastor Ridley said
as Rev. Mitchell shared the good news with him shortly after
midnight.

We walked down to the lobby and this family was checking

in. They looked tired and ready to hit the sack, but I said to Ernestine,
There they are; thats who God wants us to witness to. We
witnessed to all five of them. The husband, the wife, and their seven
year old asked Jesus to save them. The other two children were too
young to fully understand what we shared with them, Rev. Mitchell
said. After we said the last Amen, I took a glance at my watch; it
was exactly twelve midnight. Like I told Ernestine, if you make the
first move, God will help you.

You can get one if you want one, Pastor Ridley said. We
ordered food for delivery and I witnessed to the fellow who dropped
the food off. Nisha got brave and decided to set up one of the hotel
workers so she could witness to her. She called down at the front
desk to ask for a clean set of towels; we really did not need it. But
when the young lady dropped the towels off, Nisha witnessed to her.
She got saved, brother! Oh, its worth it all.
The following Sunday found them at the Morning Glory
Church where senior pastor, Prophetess JoAnn Crighton, presided.
Rev. Mitchell and his group were blessed from her preaching.

The Philippian jailor asked of Paul and Silas, Sirs, what

must I do to be saved? He realized he was in a precarious position.
Not only could he lose his job if the prisoners escaped, but he could
lose his life. He had been watching Paul and Silas and he noticed

there was something different about them. They did not cause any
problems like the other prisoners. They sang praises and prayed unto
their God. They did not escape when they got the chance. No doubt
they were polite and respectful to the jailor, and he may have even
heard them pray for him and his family. If you claim to be a Christian,
you must be different so much so that people will notice a difference
in you.

Because they were different, he wanted what they had and

so this Philippian jailor asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Paul said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt
be saved. Only believe, folks. If you are here and you want to be
saved, you want to become a Christian, I say all you have to do is to
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Jesus Christ Himself said, I am the way, the truth, and the
life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me! You have to first
believe that you are a sinner on your way to hell; believe that the
blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin; then cry out to Jesus
Christ and tell Him you believe.

I do not bear the title Prophetess in vain. I prophesy that if,

after hearing this message you leave this building without believing
Jesus Christ died for your sins and that He was buried and that He
rose from the dead; I prophesy that if you refuse to believe all I just
told you, you will die in your sins and you will go to hell.

You say, Prophetess Crighton, you ought not to preach so

harshly. God is a God of love and He will never send anyone to hell.
No, He wont. You put yourself in hell by choosing not to accept Christ
into your heart. On judgment day you will be without an excuse
because you just heard the Word of God on how to be saved from
hell and get into Heaven to live with Jesus for ever.

If you want to be saved right now, please pray with me and

then come to the front so we can help you get started with our new
beginners packet. Lets pray:
Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that Jesus
Christ died for all my sins. Thank You for dying for my sins. I believe
and now accept Your death, burial, and resurrection. I now accept
You into my heart. Help me to live for You from this day forth. Amen.

Praise the Lord! Rev. Mitchell shouted as men and women,

boys and girls went to the front. Thank God there are some still
preaching the Gospel. Amen and Amen! He observed as Prophetess
Crighton greeted each of the newly saved, exchanging a few words
with each before turning them over to her assistants.

Chapter 33
Rev. Mitchell and his group walked out into the parking lot
rejoicing. As they were about to enter their vehicle, he said, I know
youre all hungry, but I strongly feel the Lord leading me to do this,
and that is, I have to have a meeting with Prophetess Crighton as
soon as the folks leave. The Lord is telling me shes straight as far as
the Gospel goes, but I think shes off on the issue of women
preaching. Are you all with me?

Sure, the others replied.

Lets ask the Lord to bless the meeting, Rev. Mitchell said.
Prophetess Crighton received them with open arms. Thank
you so much for stopping by. I trust the service was a blessing to
you.

It was like cold water to a thirsty soul, Pastor Ridley said.

Prophetess Crighton smiled after Rev. Mitchell shared with
her the reason for stopping by. Thats why we started this church.
Pastors were just not preaching the unadulterated Word of God. They
were watering it down with their own opinions to make it more
likeable to the listeners. My Bible says the Word of God is quick and
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. That means it is
going to cut where it needs to cut and pierce where it needs to
pierce.

Amen, her listeners said.

You mention we started the church. Im curious, who are
the we? Rev. Mitchell asked.

Me and my husband, Newton, Prophetess Crighton said.

We saw the need for a Bible preaching and teaching church in this
area, so we started one. That was my husband sitting up in the pulpit
with me.

Does he preach also? Rev. Mitchell asked.

Not anymore. He says Im a better preacher than he is so
hes turned it over to me. I figured if Deborah, a judge over Israel, had
to lead Barak and the other men into war, then I am positioned to
lead this group here, Prophetess Crighton said matter-of-factly.

I believe we are all of kindred spirit here, Rev. Mitchell said

although he felt that she was not telling the whole truth, so if youll
allow me to say this, and that is, I believe the Lord is leading me to
share this verse with you. This verse is I Timothy 2:12: But I suffer
not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be
in silence. From just listening to you preach and from talking with
you, I can tell you love the Lord and you have a desire to do right. I
dont know how to say what I am about to say without possibly
offending you

Just give it to me straight, Prophetess Crighton said. I like

things straightforward, no beating around the bush.

Alright then, Rev. Mitchell said. I just wanted to point out

that the Bible does not endorse women preaching to men. Another
verse says, I suffer not the woman to teach . . . over the man.
Prophetess Crighton turned her Bible pages to I Timothy 2
and quietly read verses 12-15. After a brief silence she spoke. Its
interesting that you should bring this up, but when we first started the
church, my husband used to preach, and I would share a few words
with the ladies. Then our roles gradually shifted. See, I am more
assertivemaybe aggressive is a better wordbut I am more

assertive than my husband. Hes a softy. I guess I just took over the
pulpit without intending to do so. He and I discuss the sermons
before I preach and he gives me feedback after I preach.
Rev. Mitchell nodded.

After I got saved out of the mess that I was ina church full
of emotionalism I promised God I would share the Word of God
with all people. Were surrounded by lost people here in Washington,
D.C. If anyone, male or female, wants to hear the Gospel, then Im
going to preach the Gospel. God gave us a pulpit here at Morning
Glory Church, and if my husband does not want to use it, then I will.

Wheres your husband now?

Hes out there talking with the members. Let me call him in
here because I want him to hear what you have to say. Maybe this
will persuade him to get back in the pulpit.

We really dont want to keep you longer than we need to,

Rev. Mitchell said, especially since this was not a scheduled
meeting. We could make an appointment and

Oh, no, no. I have a lot of impromptu meetings after Sunday

services. I dedicate Sunday evenings for that, Prophetess Crighton
said. You know, I would love for Newton to step up and take over, but
he wont and I just cant sit by seeing souls going to hell and not do
and say something. Necessity is driving me.
Prophetess Crighton called her husband on his cell. He was
in her office within seconds.

Metropolitan Baptist Church Prison Ministry

Chapter 34
Newton Crighton was in his wifes office in less than two
minutes.

Newton, this is Rev. Mitchell and his wife, Ernestine. And this
is Pastor Ridley and his wife, Nisha, JoAnn Crighton said to her
husband.

How are you folks doing? I thought I saw some new faces in
the crowd, Newton said as he greeted their guests.

Pleased to meet you Pastor Crighton, Rev. Mitchell said as

they shook hands.

I dont know about the pastor title now. My wife here is the
real pastor, Newton said with a chuckle.

Thats one of the reasons I asked you back here, his wife
said. She shared with him the reason for Rev. Mitchell and his crew
stopping by. But I believe his stopping by is more than just
coincidental. I believe it was ordained of God and heres why: Do you
remember our conversation over a year ago about you stepping up
and taking over as senior pastor of this church as you should, and
how you kind of stayed behind the scenes, saying I was a better
pastor than you and that I should become the senior pastor? We
fussedwell, I fussedanyway, now Im pastoring and youre
well, I dont know exactly what youre doing.
Newton and his wife laughed.

We can laugh about it now; but it was no laughing matter

back then. On a serious note, though, Prophetess Crighton said,

these gentlemen shared with me I Timothy 2:11-14 which reads, Let
the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a
woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in
silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not
deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
They explained that God does not want a woman to be in a pastoral
position over the men. Were preaching the Gospel, but were off on
this part of Scripture.
Prophetess Crighton read the verses to her husband, then
slid the open Bible over to him. Go ahead, Rev. Mitchell. Take as
long as you need to expound on this.

Thank you, Rev. Mitchell said. It says let the woman learn
in silence with all subjection. This goes back to First Peter where it
emphasizes a woman having a meek and quiet spirit. Verse 12
makes two statements: First, it says, I suffer or I do not permit a
woman to teach . . . over a man. Second, it says, I suffer not or I do
not permit a woman to usurp authority over a man. So you see a
woman should not teach a mandefinitely not in the church.

It goes on to tell us why in verses 13 and 14. There are other

verses to back these two verses, but we wont go that far, Rev.
Mitchell continued. It says in verses 13 and 14, because Adam was
first formed and Adam was not deceived, God put Adam as head in
every institution including the church. Now you know if youre a
Christian youre involved in spiritual warfare. And if youre a pastor or
some other serious-minded Christian, youre on the front-line of the
battle and that devil is out to get you. Can a woman stand up in the
battle? Sure she can. I know of some women who are spiritually
stronger than some men.

Newton thoughtfully listened.

If youll go to I Corinthians 14:34-35 where it says, Let your

women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them
to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also
saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their
husbands at home: For it is a shame for women to speak in the
church.

Keep silence here is referring to preachingpreaching in

the church. A woman should listen to the preaching, and if she has a
question about the preached Word, she should ask her husband
when they get home, and not go running off to the pastors office to
ask him.

This is where that verse in Titus comes into play that says
the older women ought to teach the younger women, Ernestine said.
And thats not just older in age; thats also refers to women who are
more matured spiritually as well.

Women can teach or preach, if you will, but they can only
teach or preach to other women or children, Rev. Mitchell said.

So Im totally out of place then preaching in this mixed

congregation church, Prophetess Crighton said with a smile. Do you
hear that, Newton? But I tell you, Rev. Mitchell, the men are my
biggest fans, generally speaking, they cheer me on more than the
women do.
Everyone laughed.

I cant refute the Word of God, Newton said after the

laughing subsided. I just dont feel equipped to take over as pastor.

Thats where God wants us, Pastor Ridley said. He wants

us to get to that point where we feel inadequate and unworthy

because thats when His power shines forth and we can give no one
but Him the glory for any success we may have.

Or we could just turn the church over to someone else,

Newton said quietly.

Im sorry, Newton, but we cant do thatnot now anyway,

Prophetess Crighton said. I feel with all my heart that youre the one
for the job. Why would God give it to us in the first place? Please take
it. We know the vision God has given to us for this church and that is
to make it a soul-winning church. We have many miles to travel yet in
fulfilling this mission.

JoAnn, baby, I have to pray about it some more, Newton

said.

Youve been praying about it for over a year now. Like I told
you, if you wont step in, then Ill have to continue pastoring this
church. Souls are going to hell even as we are speaking and I refuse
to sit back and not do something. And if you dont want to take over
the church, at least look for someone else who is willing to take it
over, Prophetess Crighton said.

Ill pray about it some more, Newton said quietly.

Turning to Rev. Mitchell, Prophetess Crighton said, I see
clearly what the Word of God says, but do you see the dilemma Im
in?

Well pray with you that God would send the right person to
take over, Rev. Mitchell said. Be it your husband or someone else.

Thank you for reminding us of what the Bible says on this

matter, Prophetess Crighton said. Since its nearly time for dinner,
why dont you folks come eat with us? Its on us.

Chapter 35
Rev. Mitchell and his crew were eating breakfast in the hotels
dining area in preparation to go pass out gospel tracts when his
phone rang. It was the White House.

Hello, Rev. Mitchell. This is President Scholls. Its good to

speak with you again. How are things going with your mission here in
Washington, D.C.?

Just great! Rev. Mitchell said. And how was your trip to
China, sir?

Everything went well. Things are looking up as far as our

relations with China. A positively successful trip, President Scholls
said. I know youre eager to know the latest about your son. I did
manage to squeeze in thirty minutes with the Islamist leader or the
person who represents him anyway. They received the money so
theyll be releasing the last hostage to us by the end of the week.
They refused to give us a definite day. And they still refuse to tell us
whether the hostage is your son or Mr. Cauley. I do wish the best for
you and your wife.

Thank you, President Scholls. Thank you so much, Rev.

Mitchell said. Gods will be done.

Its been my pleasure. Our prayers and thoughts are with

you, President Scholls said.
Ernestine was elated at the news her husband delivered to
her from his talk with the president. She witnessed with vigor that
week and saw hope replace hopelessness, joy replace sadness, and
peace replace unrest in the hearts of those they witnessed to.

Rev. Mitchell and Pastor Ridley, after visiting Metropolitan

Baptist Church for their Wednesday night Prayer meeting and Bible
study, joined them in their Prison Outreach Ministry on Friday night as
they visited and ministered to the inmates. Rev. Mitchells eyes got
misty as he saw men facing five, ten, twenty years or life in prison,
hungry for the Word of God.

I wish I had heard all this in my early years. I would have

asked Jesus to save me. I went to church but I never once heard how
to become a Christian, one of the inmates shared with Rev. Mitchell.
They gave moving testimonies that only served to strengthen
Rev. Mitchells and Pastor Ridleys commitment to everyday soulwinning.

You know I only have three more months to finish serving

my time for a crime I did not even commit. I didnt have any hope of a
better life once I got out of here until I met the folks at Metropolitan.
Pastor Manley is a true pastor. They told me Jesus loved me. I didnt
believe that. Nobody has ever loved me and nobody has been bold
enough to tell me they loved me. But when these folks showed me
how much Jesus loved me, I couldnt deny that love. I tried to deny it,
but Jesus would not let me deny His love for me. Ive known nothing
but peace since then. Now I know what Ill be doing when I leave this
place: Ill be telling others out there about Jesus, one other prisoner,
Ralph, shared with them.
Rev. Mitchell was so moved by Ralphs testimony that he
was led to help him. Would you be interested in relocating to
Binghamton? Rev. Mitchell asked Ralph. We could use you in our
prison ministry outreach, which I must admit is not as strong as it
should be. Youre the man for the job.

Oh, man, I cant believe this! Ralph exclaimed. I have a

wife and two boys; well, theyre big boys now, but they promised me
they would not leave their mother until I returned. The church has
been keeping an eye on them while I have been away.

The invitation is extended to the whole family, Rev. Mitchell

said. Well give you a house, put you on staff at the church with pay;
well help your wife get a job if she wants to work. She can do
volunteer work at the church if she chooses or she can work on staff
in our school. Well help your sons find jobs, continue school, or
continue on wherever they are in life. We have a number of people in
our church who own their own businesses. Well take care of you.
Gods leading me to do this for you.
Ralph kept shaking his head. Gods love is just too much. I
dont know if I can take anymore of His love, he said quietly.

Ill keep in touch with Pastor Manley so Ill get your exact
release date and we will have you in Binghamton a week after you
are released, Rev. Mitchell said giving him a firm handshake. Its all
God, my brother. It is all God.

Its worth it all, Ernestine said after her husband shared the
touching time they had ministering to the inmates. Ill call Rhonda
tomorrow and begin setting things in motion for their move.

Chapter 36
The Mitchells were up early on Sunday morning. Where to
this morning? Pastor Ridley asked as they walked through the
hotels lobby.

I dont feel the Lord leading me anywhere special today. In

fact, I sense Hes leading me to end my mission, Rev. Mitchell said.
I feel a strong urgency to hold a pastors conference to kind of
challenge them to return to the old fashion New Testament preaching
of the Gospel. Is There Not a Cause? Will be the conference theme.
Well invite all the pastors whose churches we stopped off at and all
other pastors across the country. I feel the Lord leading me to invite
the president as well.

Speaking of the president, when will we know who the

released hostage is? Nisha asked. Didnt he say they should
release him by the end of the week?

Yes, he did, and the reporters are anxiously awaiting that

information, Rev. Mitchell said. But Ive given Ronald up to God. I
thought I had, but I was still holding on to him. I awakened early this
morning and prayed, Lord, I give my son to You to be used for Your
glory. If Youve taken him on home already, I accept that. Whatever
the case, I must keep moving on. Ill see him in Heaven. As I look at
the dismal faces around me as we drive through the streets of
Washington, D.C., with the Gospel; and as I hear of one tragic event
after another happening in the lives of Christians and innocent
civilians, especially children, I say with Paul, I would rather go on
home to be with my Lord, but it is better for me to hang around with
you for a while longer.

After a moment in thoughtful silence, Rev. Mitchell asked, Do

you think we can schedule a conference for the following Saturday
and pull it off?

Sure. All things are possible with God, the others said.
Early Monday morning, Rev. Mitchell received a call from
President Scholls.

Rev. Mitchell, I know this is short notice, but can you and
your wife come by the White House on tomorrow at two if youre still
in town? I would like for you to meet someone I was talking to about
you. By the way, how well do you know Mr. Cauley?

Not personally. I only know of him from what my sons told

me about him. I do know that he has a wife who had been serving
with him over in Africa but she had to leave and return to the United
States because of health issues. It would mean so much to her to see
her husband again. Why do you ask, sir? Rev. Mitchell asked forcing
himself not to think the worst about his sons plight.

I was just wondering, President Scholls said. Ill see you at

two on tomorrow.

Well be there, sir, Rev. Mitchell assured him.

Why would he ask you about Mr. Cauley? Ernestine asked
after her husband hung up the phone.

Im still trying to figure out why, Rev. Mitchell said. Unless

Mr. Cauley is the surviving hostage.
Ernestine gasped. Rev. Mitchell hugged his wife. I wanted
Ronald to be released as much as you do, but we have to remember
that Mrs. Cauley would like to have her husband back as well.

Yes. I was so caught up in thinking about myself that I was

not thinking about Mrs. Cauley, Ernestine said. You speak about
Ronald in the past tense as though you have already accepted his
death.

I have. Hes saved and has gone on to glory. Well meet him
there, Rev. Mitchell said. Will you be able to handle his death once it
is confirmed?

Its hard . . . but I think I will be able to, Ernestine said. At

first, just the thought of his death and how he died was unbearable;
but I have accepted his death.

God loaned him to us for twenty-five years. We trained him

as best we could while we had him, Rev. Mitchell said sniffling.
Now its time to give him back to God.
*****
Rev. Mitchell and his wife arrived at the White House at the
scheduled time. After they were seated in the presidents office, they
waited for five minutes. A quiet anxious thoughtful wait.

Hello, Rev. and Mrs. Mitchell, President Scholls greeted

them with his arm extended as he walked into his office.

Hello, President Scholls, they said.

As I shared with you over the phone, I have someone I want
you to meet, President Scholls said as he nodded towards the door.
Rev. Mitchell and his wife turned towards the door to see their
son entering into the office. He walked slower than normal; he had
lost a lot of weight, but the gleam was still in his eyes.

Ronald! Ernestine almost yelled as she jumped out of her

seat and hurried over to hug her son. Thank You, God. Thank You so
much!

Rev. Mitchell embraced the two. God, You are full of

surprises, he thought nodding his head as a show of thanks to the
president.

When did he arrive? Rev. Mitchell asked President Scholls

once they sat back down.

Weve had him since Friday. After a thorough medical

examination, he was diagnosed with acute sleep deprivation and
forced starvation, President Scholls said with a smile. Hes been
resting in one of our guest bedrooms.
They all laughed.

Welcome home, son, Ernestine said hugging him again.

Hows Dasani? Ronald asked.
We also have a wedding to plan, Ernestine said joyously.
Shes doing quite well. Worried sick about you, but doing well
otherwise.

Chapter 37
Is There Not A Cause?
While Ronald rested up in the hotel, his parents planned the
biggest evangelistic pastors conference the northeast had ever
witnessed to cap off their mission trip. Pastors from all over the nation
as well as Christians from every denomination attended this
evangelistic conference. President Scholls and his family were
honored guests. Other members of his staff accompanied him to this
momentous event. Rev. Mitchell delivered a message not to be
forgotten, and one that challenged the attendees.
*****

Is there not a cause? were Rev. Mitchells opening words in

his challenge to the pastors and other attendees. The Bible says
Jesus told His disciples, I came not to call the righteous but sinners
to repentance. And God wants our mission on this earth to be the
same. God wants us to use the sacred desk, our pulpits, not to call
out to the righteousthose who are already savedbut to call
sinners to repentance.

Oh, we have a great mandate before us. Take just one step
out the front door of your church building and look around, then ask
yourself, Is there not a cause?

Yes. There is a cause. There are lost people around, and as

long as there are lost people around, there is a cause for the
preaching of the Gospel. Now take a look from your pulpit down into
the pews and ask yourself, Are they all saved? I would venture to
answer that with, No, they are probably not all saved. And, if perhaps,
all those sitting in the pews of your church are all saved, then we
have a problem. That ought to be a matter of concern to you as the

pastor. That simply means you are not doing your job as a pastor.
Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
There ought to be at least one lost person sitting in your pew every
Sunday. You need someone to witness to. You say, how do you know
that there are lost people sitting in our pews, Rev. Mitchell? Heres
how I know.
Rev. Mitchell shared with his listeners what he learned from
the short mission trip God sent him on over the past nine months.

And I ask you, Is there not a cause?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated
Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe that joining a church
will save them?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe that being baptized
will save them?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe positive thinking will
save them?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe doing good works will
save them?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe having their name on
the church roll or being born into a religious family will save them?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe that speaking in
tongues is the evidence of salvation?

Is there not a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated

Gospel when people sitting in our pews believe seeing a vision or

feeling a change is the evidence of salvation?

You bet there is a cause.

If there is a cause for the preaching of the unadulterated
Gospel inside the church walls, then you had best believe there is a
cause for the preaching of the Gospel to those outside the church
walls. Heres why, just look around you. Listen to the news.
Internationally speaking, this terrorism situation is getting out of hand.
People are living in fear for their lives. Children and other innocent
civilians are living in fear for their lives. Nationally speaking, racism is
getting out-of-hand. Our police officers, whose number one job is to
first protect the citizens of their jurisdictions, are now having to put
themselves first and the citizens second. Can you blame them? As a
country we are taking one step forward and two steps backward.

Some of you may be asking, well, who is to be blamed for all

this confusion and turmoil that is taking place in our country and
around the world? I blame pastors. We cannot blame the
government, nor can we blame the police. We have turned the sacred
desk into a social, political, and money-making platform.

Turn to Jeremiah chapter twenty-three for our text. Verses 12 say: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of
my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of
Israel against the pastors that feed my people: ye have scattered my
flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will
visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

Verse 11 says, For both prophet and priest are profane; yea,
in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord.

Verse 14 says, I have seen also in the prophets of

Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies:

they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return
from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the
inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

This verse is so appropriate for us pastors. It speaks the

truth as to what is taking place in our pulpits. Some of our pastors are
practicing homosexuals, and if they are not, they are endorsing and
are putting their stamp of approval on that wickedness. Its not a
lifestyle, it is demonic wickedness from the pits of hell! Pastors are
hiring them as choir directors because they know how to hit those
high notes and cause the choir to rock the church. Pastors are hiring
them on their church and school staff. They are officiating their
weddings because they do not want to have any run-ins with the
government; they want their bank account to fill up. Pastors, who are
you serving? God or man?

Some of our pastors are living in adultery. Some are

idolaters. Some are practicing liars. Some are money swindlers who
are fleecing the flock and causing confusion among the people of
God. And if the people of God are confused, then we are in no
position to be of help to the unsaved.

We have become pastors who would rather have a pat on

the back from men; we have become pastors appeasing the peoples
itching ears; we have no backbone; we have perverted the Word of
the living God; we are afraid of what they may say; we are afraid to
preach the Gospel that Jesus Saves. Jesus says, I am the way, the
truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me.

Pastors, church leaders, fellow Christians, if you are

wondering why we have the chaos, confusion, and turmoil in our
community, if you are wondering why things seem so hopeless, it is
because we have turned our backs on the Word of God. God has

given us space to repent and we have refused to repent, and now,

His patience is running out. We cannot keep blaming the government.
It is our responsibility to do what needs to be done to have and to
maintain a nation that fears God.

Because of our negligence, because of our refusal to do

things Gods way, because of our refusal to preach the saving Gospel
of Jesus Christ, God says to us in Jeremiah 23:39-40, Therefore,
behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the
city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my
presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a
perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

Chapter 38
A hush had fallen over the entire crowd as they listened to
Rev. Mitchell.

And finally, he said, go with me to Ezekiel 33. Dear friends,

you might be saying, Rev. Mitchell, I am a pastor, or I am a Christian,
but I still dont see clearly where I come in. Please continue to
enlighten me.

Pastors, we are the watchmen chosen by God to look out for

oncoming danger. We know that those who die without Christ will go
to hell for all eternity. Our main aim is to keep the Gospel before the
lost thus giving them a chance to get saved. You do not want to stand
before the judgment seat of Christ and see and hear someone
pointing a finger at you from across the abyss saying, You never told
me. I sat in your church Sunday after Sunday, but you never told me
how to get saved. Or, I changed your tires for you and gave your car
an annual tune-up for five years. We talked each time you stopped
by, but you never told me about Jesus; you never told me how to get
saved!

God says to us pastors and church leaders in verses 7-9,

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house
of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word of my mouth, and warn
them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt
surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way,
that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at
thine hand.
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from
it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou

hast delivered his soul.

The wicked, here, is the person who is not saved; it is the

person who has never asked Jesus Christ to save him from his sins;
it is the person who has never admitted to himself or to God that he is
a sinner in need of a Saviour. Pastors, never assume all people you
run into are saved. Never assume everyone sitting in your pews on
Sundays or on Wednesdays or at any function you may have at your
church is saved. Guess what? The unsaved attend church also. So
always assume people who come across your path are not saved
and that God has sent them your way for you to witness to them.

I hate to say this, but I believe there may be one or two or

more of you standing before me, or listening to me via the internet
who are not saved. I do not want your blood on my hands when I
stand before God, so I am going to tell you how to be saved. Dont
you press that off button!

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner. Ecclesiastes 7:20
says: For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and
sinneth not. Romans 3:23 says: For all have sinned and come short
of the glory of God.

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The
Bible states in Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus
Christ said in Matthew 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body,
but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to
destroy both soul and body in hell.

Fourth, accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save

yourself. The Bible states in Ephesians 2:8 and 9: For by grace are
ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Fifth, accept the fact that God loves you more than you love
yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. John 3:16 says,
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.

Sixth, God wants you to repent of your sins, believe on the

Lord Jesus Christ, and pray and ask Him to forgive you of your sins
and to come into your heart and save you this very moment. Romans
10: 9 and 13 says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved.

If you want to trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, please pray

the following prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and
that I have sinned against You. For Jesus Christs sake, please
forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all my heart that Jesus
Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again so that I could
have the victory over death and thus inherit eternal life. Please come
live within my heart and save my soul from sin and from the
punishment of sin. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and change my life.
Amen.
Rev. Mitchells eyes filled with tears as he heard men and
women from all over the crowd pray and ask Jesus into their hearts.

Those of you who just asked Jesus Christ to save you,

please raise your hands.
Hundreds of hands went up. Rev. Mitchells eyes met
President Scholls eyes, who along with the men surrounding him,
had raised his hand also. They nodded their heads at each other as
Rev. Mitchell continued.

For those of you who are already saved, why dont you
make a commitment to the Lord to share the Gospel with at least one
person every day starting out. How will you know that person is lost?
You have to ask them. As my pastor friend, Pastor Ridley of
Binghamton would say, You can get one if you want one. Pastors
and fellow Christians, lets keep the main thing the main thing. And
the main thing is sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world. God
bless.

Chapter 39
Rev. Mitchell, his wife, his son, his future daughter-in-law, and
some of the members of his church who had driven up to show
support for the conference, along with Pastor Ridley and his wife and
others from his church, rejoiced in the great meeting God blessed
them to have.

Oh, God is good. God is so good! was all Rev. Mitchell

could say as those pastors whose churches he had visited within the
nine months came by to greet him and to thank him. Even Deacon
Larsen from New Covenant Bible Church where Halsen Coperly was
the pastor came and shook his hand. Keep preaching the Blood and
dont let old fogies like me stand in your way, Deacon Larsen said
with a laugh.

Rev. Mitchell, I have been preaching up a Gospel storm in

my church since you stopped by, Pastor Remington of the New
Believers Community Church said, and we have been on serious
prayer ground since that Wednesday night when you honored us with
your sermon A Praying Time. Even though a few have left the church
since I switched my message, there has been a much sweeter spirit
since then. On top of that, we have seen at least one soul saved
every Sunday since I started sharing the Gospel. And guess what?
Some of those who have gotten saved have been coming to the
church for months; they thought they were saved. One of my most
faithful members who got saved told me that the Gospel made more
sense to her as far as how to get to Heaven than depending on other
things to get her to Heaven.

Oh, Rev. Mitchell, I have been leading my people astray,

the Rev. Hezekiah Williams of the Casteel United Apostolic Church

said as he shook Rev. Mitchells hand. I studied the Word more on
this speaking in tongues phenomenon after you left, and God showed
me I was guilty of leading my flock astray. Speaking in tongues has
never saved anyone and will never save anyone. My heart has been
in turmoil since then from thinking about those who have died under
my false preaching. Oh, Reverend, their blood is on my hands. But I
will never allow that blood to be thicker than what it already is: I will
share the Gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of my Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ and salvation through none other than
through Him until the day I die. Thank you so much, Rev. Mitchell.
Thank you so much. And please remember our church in your
prayers. Quite a number left the church after I shared with them the
new direction I will be taking the church in. I will be visiting them and
sharing the Gospel with them personally.

I will continue to pray for you and your church, Apostle

Williams, Rev. Mitchell assured him.

My crowd is not shouting as much as they used to, Pastor

Kissimmee of the Rising Star Chapel shared with Rev. Mitchell, but
that is alright with me. Id rather have them quietly listen to the true
Gospel for salvation that will give them eternal life than have them
shouting Black Lives Matter which will not take them even a half a
step closer to Heaven.

Emotionalism! Rev. Shillings of the Mt. Nebo Missionary

Baptist Church said to Rev. Mitchell as they shook hands. I had the
people in an emotional frenzy every Sunday. I called myself
preaching them happy. However, some of them got mad when I
apologized to them for leading them astray, but the majority of them
said they respected me for caring enough about their eternal soul so
much so to admit that I was wrong. When I thought about it, Jesus

spoke clearly the Good News whenever He spoke to His disciples or

to the people in the various villages because He wanted them to
understand how to be saved. No where is it recorded that He worked
them up into an emotional frenzy as a means of making it into
Heaven. God even spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. And do you
know what? Our services are shorter and are more orderly and even
sweeter, and we get just as much done as before if not more so. I
know now what Paul meant when he said things ought to be done
decently and in order.
Prophetess Crighton and her husband were overjoyed as
they shared the good news with Rev. Mitchell. Thank you so much,
Rev. Mitchell. Newtons decided that hes going to take over as
pastor, Prophetess Crighton said. Please come by and hear him
preach tomorrow if you can or some time before you return home.
President Scholls, who had discreetly left the meeting with his
security detail, gave Rev. Mitchell a call later that night. I wont keep
you, I just wanted to say, Thank you and God bless you.

Rev. Mitchell and his crew sat in the lobby of their hotel
reflecting in the afterglow of the past nine months and in particular
tonights exciting meeting thinking about what great work God had
done in the lives of these pastors and churches and what great work
he had in store for the churches impacted by this blessed roadtrip.
Rev. Mitchell looked around at everyone there and said, It is
my prayer that we all remember from this point on what Jesus said, I
came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

The End.