Chapter 22 - Page 303 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   Jim remembered what God's messenger had said in his last vision. "Reverend Morris, I was told you've been invited to preach at a neighboring village. Is that right?"

   Reverend Morris moved closer. "Yes, Jim. I'll be preaching across the river this afternoon. Would you and Rhasha like to come?"

   Jim didn't hesitate. "Yes. And could Shanha, Fran, Jackie, and Simbatu come too?"

   Reverend Morris looked at each of them. "I'd be pleased if you all came along."

   Rhasha and Jim climbed into the front seat of the jeep. Shanha, Fran, Jackie, and Simbatu climbed into the back seat, and within minutes, the jeep was headed toward the river, with Reverend Morris and his family following in his car. A large wooden boat was waiting for them when they arrived at the river. It was old, and had to be steered with a hand-operated rudder. When they boarded, the captain started a small motor and eased the boat away from shore, his hand on the rudder.

   Even at full speed, the boat couldn't go fast enough to leave a wake behind it. The wooden boat slipped slowly through the calm water, but remained close to shore. At times, the captain had to steer around rotten stumps and dead trees to avoid damage. A scenic jungle landscape passed them. Green foliage lined the shore. Monkeys jumped from tree to tree.

   Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. There were no life jackets on the boat so Jim watched Shanha to make sure she didn't get too close to the side. He had his guitar strapped across his shoulder and Simbatu supported his keyboard. Jackie had left his drum set in the jeep, but had brought along a set of bongo drums.

   Jim had an idea, and relayed it to Jackie and Simbatu. He moved away from Rhasha to join Jackie and Simbatu at the front of the boat. Jim motioned for Rhasha and Shanha to remain seated across from them.

   Jackie began beating on his bongo drums with his hands. The long, drawn-out drum roll echoed across the water. Rhasha, Shanha, and Francis listened intently, trying to figure out what the men were going to sing. Finally Jim's voice joined the drum roll: "Dayo . . . Dayyy-o. Daylight come and we wanta go home . . . "