Chapter 15 - Page 212 - The Village Has A New Name

   “Yes,” Jim replied, “but if you really believe in Jesus, then you become a different person.”

   Rhasha, Jackie, and Simbatu strained to hear every word Jim said.

   “Sweetheart,” Jim said to Shanha, “when Christians do something bad, they feel sad, because they disobeyed God. True Christians always pray to God and ask him for forgive- ness. They tell him they will try really hard not to ever do that bad thing again.” Jim didn’t know if Shanha could understand his explanation, but he didn’t know any other way to explain it.

   “I think I understand,” Shanha said. “If I don’t do anything bad, then I won’t feel sad.” She winked at Jim and smiled. “But if I do something bad, then I need to get down on my knees, like you do, and tell God I’m sorry.”

   “You’ve got it, Shanha,” Jim replied, “but always remember this: Everyone does something bad sometimes. Just never forget to tell God you’re sorry. Also, when you finish telling God you’re sorry, then tell him that you’re praying to him in the name of Jesus.”

   “OK, Papa. I promise you that I will always try to be good and I will always pray to God, even when I don’t do something bad.”

   “Sweetheart, if you always do those things, then I will always be the happiest papa in the world.” Jim looked at Rhasha, hoping that something he said had helped her to understand.

   Rhasha felt Jim’s eyes on her. Tears began to run down her cheeks and she couldn’t see where she was going. Rhasha pulled the jeep off to the side of the road.