Chapter 12 - Page 165 - Village Goes To Work

   Jim walked back to the table where Rhasha waited, but remained standing. “We have a community,” he said, his voice intense, “and it’s growing bigger every day. For a community to survive, everyone needs to pitch in and work together.”

   Jim paused. He hadn’t meant to get so fired up. He looked around. Everyone was quiet, but he could tell they wanted to hear what he had to say. “Soon I’m going to have a hundred more houses built. I’m going to expand the hospital and dining hall.” Jim had big plans for the village. Now was the time to expose his future plans. “I’m not going to live on earth forever. Someday, heaven will be my eternal home.” He paused. “I had a will drawn up. When I die, my money and company profits will go to this village.” Rhasha was sitting in a chair beside him, and he rested a hand on her shoulder. “The will is in Rhasha’s name. I trust her to take care of everyone.”

   Rhasha looked surprised. Even Rhasha hadn’t known about this.

   “In the event something should happen to Rhasha,” he added, “the money will go to a trust fund for the village.”

   Jim looked around the dining hall. Everyone was quiet. He knew he had taken a simple answer and turned it into a speech. “We need to set up a village government, with a mayor and city council. These officials will be elected by you, the people. I’m going to have a school built. Our children need an education.”

   People were still coming in but no one was leaving. The new arrivals were filling plates and sitting on the floor to eat.

   “What I’m most concerned about,” Jim said, “is taking care of the sick and feeding the hungry. I want to teach people about God and Jesus Christ.” Jim thought about Rhasha, and how sick she’d been.