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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pastor (11/30/06)
Kneeling in prayer Pastor John, as his congregation loving called him, rose from his position. Tears lay on his cheeks from the burdens he carried and the joys he experienced at his church. Pastoring was his God given call.

Early each morning he met God on a regular basis. He did not want to face the day without the Lord’s help. Issues arose in his large congregation on a regular daily basis. God showed him answers continuously for problems that he himself had no answer. God gave him scripture, ideas and plans for his people.

Opening the door from his office he walked into the living room of his home. His wife was preparing his breakfast in the kitchen. The aroma of the coffee filled the room. Crisp bacon and scrambled eggs lay in his plate. Coming into the kitchen he place a kiss on her check and thanked her for the wonderful breakfast. After Sitting down and thanking the Lord for their food they enjoyed their time together.

As the phone rang the pastor sensed that his daily work was beginning. Lifting the receiver he listened to the voice at the other end pour out her distress at the sickness the doctor discovered. Trying to comfort the wife of the sick man, he told her that he would be right over.

Mrs. Green nervously led him into the room. Her husband laid white and pale in his bed by the window. Pain was deeply etched on his brow. As Pastor John took Mr. Green’s weakened hand he prayed for God’s will and his healing. God’s presence filled the room with a calming effect.

The cell phone rang as he was getting into his car. There was a bad auto accident and a college student that had just started coming to church had been killed. The grief stricken parents met him as he entered the hospital. Their daughter lifeless body lay all mangled and bloody in the emergency room. He put his arms around them and prayed for God’s comforting hand in the days to come. Joy for her recent salvation and present home going filled the room mixed with the sadness of their loss. Tears streamed down the parent’s cheeks as they silently viewed their teenage daughter.

Walking up the steps into a once stylish older Victorian house, Pastor John looked into the smiling face of Mrs. Brown one of the elder saints in the church. With a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye as she handed him a plate of cookies, she informed him that she had been praying for him. He was never really sure who was uplifting who when he came to her house. The joy of the Lord was always bubbling from her words. The wrinkled hand that touched his sleeve and the kindness in her face showed more than a million words could convey. Praying together before he left was always a blessing.

Arriving home he ate a leisurely lunch of soup and salad. Contemplating his sermon as he entered his study and lifted his Bible from the desk. He searched through God’s word for the needed scriptures of the day. He prayed for God’s continual guidance for the prayer meeting that evening. Humbly he asked God to continue to be with him.

Quietly, reverently and prayerfully Pastor John started the evening service. He shared the many needs that arose to the congregation. At times his voice saddened when he was spoke of the hurts and losses of his congregation. Other times he smiled and even gave a small chuckle when he thought of Mrs. Brown’s twinkling eyes. Sharing God’s word with his people. Telling them about the savior that loved them so much that he gave his life that they might live and be changed forever. He unburdened his heart to them.

When the service ended he lovingly smiled down from the pulpit at his congregation. They knew that this pastor loved them very much. Dedicated to doing God’s service, loving them and being their shepherd. He set the example. He was their Pastor John.
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This article has been read 986 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Norma OGrady
12/08/06
Good writing.
The more you write the better it gets!
God bless
Phyllis Inniss 
12/08/06
I admire Pastor John's busy schedule and how he dealt with it. By putting God first and selflessly giving of his time, he is able to deal with the different problems of his ministry. You have conveyed this very well in your presentation.
Sara Harricharan
12/14/06
A lovely story and easy reading. I did feel though, that it was more 'told' than 'shown'. Try using more present tense words, like walking, instead of walked, to bring the reader right into the atmosphere of the story-world and keep them there. I noticed you blended in several instances of when and where a pastor was needed and availble, that was pretty good, but needed a bit more emphasis, to show the individuality of each character. This has a lot of potential though, thanks for sharing! :)
Jesus Puppy 
12/14/06
It was a good story, and with a little rework it could be great. Perhaps finding a friend to read over it, or reading aloud would show you places that need worked on.

Double check the verb shifts from past tense to present. I am also having troubles with this so it really jumps out at me.
william price
12/14/06
You told a nice story here. I would have liked to "seen" a little more though. I think some dialogue would have helped here a lot. It breaks up the gray space of your story, and adds a different dimension to your character. It helps to give your reader a visual of your character, and when he or she speaks, it gives the reader a little more of an idea who he is. You not only have to get the reader to care about your message, but the character on which the story rides. Keep up the good work. Very good job. God bless.