Chapter 9 - Page 127 - New Passion

    As Jim, Rhasha, Jackie, and Simbatu walked onto the stage, silence overtook the congregation. The instruments began first, playing a pre-selected hymn, then Jim and Rhasha joined in.

    “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the
emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old cross, for the dearest and blessed, for a world of lost sinners, was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange
it someday for a crown.”

    The skies had been cloudy since early morning, but now a thunderstorm hovered in the near distance. Outside, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. The wind picked up. It was obvious that rain would pour down at any moment.

    Jim and Rhasha smiled at each other as they sang, “To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true, its shame and reproach, gladly bear. Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.”

    Reverend Morris was worried. The ferocious wind threatened to ruin the morning worship services. It was the first time the church had overflowed with people. As he listened to Jim and Rhasha sing, he said a short, silent prayer: “My God in heaven, if you could just hold the wind, I think we could deal with the rain.”

    Reverend Morris could see the rain falling in the distance. It hadn’t reached the church yet, but it was surely coming their way. The trees in the wooded area whipped back and forth, their branches tossing in every direction. The wind blew through the open-air church. The congregation began to look worried. People shifted uncomfortably.