The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Surprised (09/06/07)
The fluorescent lights illuminated the narrow hall, as David nervously approached its end. “This is it! This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. David Hancock…Head of Deacons, Calvary Baptist Church…huh, that has a nice ring to it,” he pondered. “Okay, calm down David. Calm down,” he spoke softly, as he stared at the words, ‘Scott Kennedy, Associate Pastor’, etched into the door that he now faced.

Breathing deeply, David sternly knocked and awaited a response.

“Come in,” came a muffled reply.

Opening the door, David casually looked across the room in the direction of its only occupant. A middle aged man dressed in an ordinary sports coat and tie, sat behind an old weathered desk.

“Brother Scott, you wanted to see me?”

Rising from his chair, Scott embraced David with a warm friendly hug. “Yes, please have a seat.” After a brief silence, he added, “David, I wanted to speak with you regarding a particular position within this church’s operating staff.”

Smiling, David nodded for Scott to continue, as butterflies fluttered about within his stomach, anticipating the wonderful news.

“You know Frank Thompson, right?”

“Skeeter? The janitor…yeah, I know him,” David answered, a little confused.

“Yeah, Skeeter!” Scott snickered. “Well, anyway, Skeeter will be undergoing back surgery later this week, Wednesday, I think. Doc says it’ll be several weeks before he gives him the okay to return to work.”

“I hadn’t heard. Thanks for letting me know. I think I’ll hunt him down when I leave here and let him know Clarrisa and I will be praying for him,” David said with concern.

“Hopefully you’ll be seeing him soon enough,” Scott replied. “I’ll be bringing forth a petition at tonight’s service to ask for approval to continue to pay, despite our tight budget, Skeeter’s salary while he recovers,” he added. “We all know how much he depends on this job. I just don’t think its right to handle this any other way, David.”

“That sounds great. I don’t think you’ll have any problems getting this to pass with the church family, but what about the budget committee?” David asked. “What will we do to raise the extra money to hire a temporary custodian?”

“Actually, David, that’s the reason I wanted to speak with you today,” Scott said smiling. “I would like to ask you to take over Skeeter’s duties until he returns. And, I guess it goes without saying that we will be unable to pay you. So…what do you think?”

After a brief silence, David responded, “Anything to help out.”

“Great, I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll make the announcement tonight.”

“Okay. Is there anything else?”

“No that about covers it for now,” Scott replied.

“What about the staff board? Have they reached a decision for the Head of Deacons position yet?” David asked reluctantly, as he turned to leave.

“As a matter of fact, we have our eyes on one person, but we’re still ironing out a few details before we make the decision final. I know you have your heart set on that position, but just remember, this church has many different positions that need as much attention as that one,” Scott said. “And we greatly appreciate your willingness to take over Skeeter’s tasks.”

Trying to hold back his disappointment, David responded, “Like I said earlier, anything I can do to help. I guess I need to track down Skeeter before he leaves.” Walking out of the office, David added, “See you this evening, Brother Scott.”

______________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Service - Two Weeks Later


“Ladies and gentlemen,” Brother Scott said, as he stood before the congregation, “the committee and I have reached our decision for the Head of Deacons position that has been left vacant over the last month due to the passing of our dear friend Brother Samuel Collins. On behalf of the committee, I gladly announce, Brother David Hancock as your next Head of Deacons.

As the congregation applauded, David sat stunned. After a few short moments, he rose from his pew, still speechless, and made his way to the pulpit to accept the honor.

“David, as the committee narrowed our list of applicants down to you, I prayed that God would assure us that we had made the right choice.” Scott explained. “Within minutes of asking, I heard of Frank’s unfortunate circumstances and instantly knew that God wanted to test your character. I am thrilled to say that through your unselfish and caring actions, God has chosen to anoint you for this position.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1157 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
09/17/07
Good writing, and an interesting story.

I'd be more convinced that David was right for the deacon's job if he had volunteered to do Skeeter's work, rather than consent to do so with reluctance...but I guess that shows him to be realistically human.

You do a great job with dialogue; your characters seem like real people.
Dee Yoder
09/18/07
I like the characters and the dialog very much! It is hard to be enthusiastic about church cleaning. My family is on the short, and growing shorter, volunteer cleaning list at our small church, and believe me, I don't always feel like rejoicing when I have to clean the glue and crayons off that first grade table AGAIN! Good story!
Catrina Bradley
09/18/07
A good story, very well told. I kinda guessed that they offer him head of deacons if he'd clean, but it didn't matter. I enjoyed reading the conclusion anyway. Nice job!
Joanne Sher 
09/18/07
Nice dialog - I almost cried when I saw that big long line after he was willing to do Skeeter's work - thought you were ending the story there! Thanks for not getting me in a tizzy LOL. This story flowed quite well.
Betty Castleberry
09/19/07
David was a faithful servant, and it paid off. Nice flow to this. Nicely done.
Jacquelyn Horne
09/19/07
Wonderful story. Even when it hurts, humility is a good quality. You showed that well.
Beth LaBuff
09/20/07
I like your story and the fact that David was willing to do the work. The recognition of being a deacon is great but the actual work may be a different story. You've told this story well.