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When the last notes died, Harrison set down his guitar, walked down the aisle with the other band members, but instead of walking past, he slid into the seat beside Jaira, apparently oblivious to the shocked glances her family cast his way. Jaira bit her lower lip to keep from grinning like a goof. The night was already going much better than she had envisioned.
When the last notes died, Terrell set down his guitar, walked down the aisle with the other band members, but instead of walking past, he slid into the seat beside Jaira, apparently oblivious to the shocked glances her family cast his way. Jaira bit her lower lip to keep from grinning like a goof. The night was already going much better than she had envisioned.
Josiah nodded at Lachlan before stepping back from the pulpit. Lachlan stood, assisting a stooped Oriental man who hobbled with each step he took, taking Josiah's extended hand as he climbed the three steps to the platform. The two men shook hands with a brief introduction to Pastor Mosely before he stepped up to the pulpit. Lachlan held the microphone introducing his guest. Josiah sat down beside Pastor Mosely on the platform, surrendering the rest of the service to Xing.
"Our brother Xing, comes to us from the persecuted church in China. Please allow the Lord to open your hearts as you hear his message," Lachlan turned to the bony man, "Brother Xing..."
Lachlan passed him the microphone before walking down the side of the room until he reached the Commelot row, sliding into the seat at Arlana's side. He was unaware of Sheila watching them, unable to keep from poking her husband, motioning him to look over at their daughter and Lachlan.
Mark smiled, turning his attention back to the Chinese man opening his Bible.
Jaira was raised to be racist, although her parents would never admit to the term. Blatantly racist. Blame it on the era her parents were brought up in with segregation and the like, Jaira assumed, but it was one of the many traits they'd passed onto her.
Resting against Terrell's arm, she struggled to focus on the speaker.
Without realizing he was the source of Jaira's distraction, Terrell squeezed her hand, his heart beating that much faster.
If he didn't know better, it would seem Jaira shared his feelings, this growing attraction to each other. He couldn't wait to be alone with her in the kitchen after the service, then frowned, maybe it was still too soon.
A man two rows in front developed a sudden coughing fit, making it impossible for anyone to hear what Xing had just said. Jaira scowled at the back of his head.
"Cough outside already!" she wanted to tell him, but bit her tongue a little too hard, tasting blood.
Terrell checked his watch - it shouldn't last much longer.
Jaira slipped her hand inside Terrell's. Feeling her tremble, he brushed a kiss on the top of her head.
Josiah stepped up to the platform, praying for those who had gathered:
"May it be Your will, G-d, our G-d and the G-d of our fathers, that You should lead us in peace and direct our steps in peace, and guide us in peace, and support us in peace, and cause us to reach our destination in life, joy, and peace...May You confer blessing upon the work of our hands and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us, and bestow upon us abundant kindness and hearken to the voice of our prayer, for You hear the prayers of all. Blessed are You G-d, who hearkens to prayer.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who createst the fruit of the vine."
Josiah blessed the refreshments that had been prepared downstairs, before returning the microphone to the host pastor who invited the congregation to gather downstairs for a time of the breaking of bread and of fellowship.
Jaira lowered her head, face crimson. She hadn't heard a word Xing had said.
The ministers left through the back exit, taking the stairs to the lower level.
Mark was the first to stand. "So what's the plan here?" He all but bellowed.
Lachlan held out his hand for Arlana, but his attention was on her father.
"The tickets have already been purchased," he continued, assuming Arlana had told her family as he had instructed before the service.
"Josiah needs to finish up downstairs. The flight leaves after 9 pm but it would be wise to get to the airport early."
He realized he was still holding Arlana's hand, reluctantly releasing her fingers.
"Let's go downstairs and Josiah can explain further. I really don't have any other information."
The family gathered their children and purses, following their husbands down the stairs. Jaira had already slipped out, joining Terrell in the kitchen.
The group was unusually quiet as they sat around one of the tables partaking in the dinner after the service.
Rivkah slipped Arlana and Aziel fruit from a package in her purse, placing her hand on Aziel's when he instinctively reached for the ham sandwich on a platter set on their table.
Adelaide didn't notice the exchange, "The service was really different from what I had expected, an incredible experience."
She squeezed the tissue in her hand she had used to dab her eyes throughout the entire service.
Gavin was still mulling over what he had seen and heard but wasn't going to cave in quickly. He ran everything by his pastor. He already knew what Pastor Cookes thought of this mission. If he wasn't here to teach them the true doctrine, he was just as much a heretic as they. Gavin needed more time to think, so kept his opinions to himself for the time being.
Josiah stood beside Pastor Mosely, then began to sing.
I am zealous over Zion
I will dwell in Jerusalem
She shall be called The City of Truth
The Mountain of the Lord of Hosts
"And after they had sung a hymn, they went out," Josiah closed the service, stepping away from the table to greet those who were leaving even as the sun began to set.
Arlana rolled up her sleeves, helping her sister clean up as soon as Josiah dismissed their gathering.
Jaira glanced over at Josiah. She still didn't think much of him, but had to admit the service had been...she couldn't find the right word. Majestic?
Josiah's voice was what she thought an archangel would sound like as they sang before the throne. Would Addy and Gavin return after tonight?
Josiah frowned, deep in conversation with Xing, David standing beside him. He fingered his tzitzit absently as he listened to the elderly man. The blue and white knotted cords hung from his belt buckle - a reminder of the commandments of God.
Arlana glanced away the second Josiah caught her watching him. How had she not noticed before? Her conscience nagged her as she turned away.
Several people lined up for counselling, lingering by the exit.
Pastor Mosely smiled at his guests, "Don't worry about staying...I know you have a long drive ahead of you. Thank you again for coming, we need to book a week of meetings I think. Have a revival service or something like it..."
Lachlan was the one who nodded, "We'll keep in contact and see what can be arranged." He glanced at Josiah, needing to have a moment alone with his friend.