Looking For You All My Life Part 147

trained as a pastor in his own country, and he strongly

believes that G.o.d has called him to Pine Mountain for the

specific purpose of reaching Out to people. Since his arrival,

I know of many who have been touched by this young man's

ministry. In fact, I can honestly say that I'm a better person

for having spent time with him-his deeply rooted faith is a

challenge to me. And I know many of you would agree.

Anyway, his name was raised at our last board meeting as a

potential pastoral candidate for our church. We discussed

this for quite some time without reaching an agreement.

Finally, we decided this was too big of an issue to decide on

our own, and as both Michael and Jed are out of town this

weekend, we thought today would be a good day to let the

congregation discuss this possibility and make a decision.

We have mentioned our interest to Michael, and he very

hum bly said he only wanted to do G.o.d's will. We have made

no official job offer to him. What we want today is to hear

from you." Sam nodded over to Jim Hanson, another board

member, and Jim came up to the pulpit. "Jim has requested

this opportunity to talk to you today in representation of

those on the board who are opposed to this idea."

Jim cleared his throat. "It's not that I have anything per-

sonally against Michael Abundi," he began carefully. "But I

am concerned about the stability of this congregation right 230 ~ Melody Carlson

now. We've been through a lot in the past several years, and

yet we have a really good bunch of people here. I'm just wor-

ried that bringing in an outsider right now could have a neg-

ative impact on our future as a church. I'm afraid Michael

might not understand our culture and our ways, and that he

might alienate others in town who aren't as open-minded as

som~

"You mean because he's a black man," called Lou Hen-

derson from nearby. He was also a member of the board.

Jim frowned. "Yes, to be honest with everyone here, the

racial issue was discussed during our recent meeting. It's no

secret that we already have some folks in town who are

trying to make this an even bigger issue right now. We

wonder, do we really need that kind of controversy for our

church?"

"Jim is referring to folks like Randy Ebbert," said Lou

Iwith a scowl, "and there are those of us on the board who

would rather not give that man the time of day, let alone let

him influence our choice as to who should lead this church.''

Sam stood up now and held up his hands. "Okay, guys,

we've debated this enough already. I'm letting Jim present his

side before we open this to discussion and take it to a vote.

"Then someone had better represent the other side," said

Lou defensively, and Maggie nodded in agreement.

"I thought I already did that," said Sam.

"Not very well. I think you were trying to be too impar-