| |
"How did these women come to be here?" Atarah tiptoed around the topic.
"Oh, I found them through work, the children's school...." Sheila shrugged joining the others who still lingered well after the service had ended.
"Well I believe we need to be a community of Believers in these end times. It only makes sense that we take people in and provide for our own," Adelaide agreed.
Mark looked over at his daughter.
“I’m glad you agree, Addy. Pastor told me just before the service that he wants you to have the house just across from us - it isn’t as big as this one, but the children are being transferred there tonight. This is your calling...”
“Azriel isn’t going anywhere, nor are the babies,” Atarah frowned.
“Your mother already brought him over. Azriel was pretty excited to have a sleepover with his cousins and the other children,” Mark paused, “I suppose you can keep the babies for now....”
“Josiah’s returning for me, Dad. Our children will be staying with me until he comes for us.”
Sheila entered the room just in time to hear the exchange.
“Azrael needs this time with other children. You really need to stop being so stubborn...”
The pastor waited until Adelaide had left for the night before motioning for one of the women who had knelt before him to bring the basket of funds. He sat in silence as he counted the money that had been collected.
“Is this everything you possess?” His eyes searched Gavin’s for the truth.
“My wife is in charge of the finances, but this is the entire amount I have on me...”
“Disappointing,” the pastor frowned, looking away.
“Terrell, you have given more than Gavan. Have you given all you have?”
“I, like Gavin, gave all the money I had on me.”
The pastor looked at Mark. “In the morning they are to empty their bank accounts and give the money to this ministry. There can be no holding back from the work of the Lord.”
"Goodnight Granny," Atarah turned to kiss the cheek of their family patriarch as she was led toward the bedroom.
"You need to escape," Granny repeated herself, stroking her eldest granddaughter's hand.