Chapter 22 - Page 305 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   Several people filed into the public meeting area. Reverend Morris walked to the podium and opened his Bible to a premarked page. He looked around at the few people sitting on the logs. "I see people are still coming," he said as four more people walked down the aisle, "so let's wait to start the sermon. Let's give everyone a chance to get here."

   Jim thought that, since everyone was waiting, they might as well have some music. "Reverend Morris, would it be all right if we sing a few hymns while we wait?"

   "Sure Jim, singing might help draw people."

   Jim, Rhasha, Shanha, Jackie, and Simbatu walked up to the front of the clearing, Jim with his guitar and Simbatu with his keyboard. Soon heavenly music filled the air around the village. It seemed to pull on the natives, coaxing them to follow it to its source.

   Rhasha sang lead like she was an angel: "I am weak but thou art strong. Jesus keep me from all wrong. I'll be satisfied as long as I walk close to thee."

   Shanha kept glancing at her mother to see if she was watching her sing. Francis watched her daughter proudly, never taking her eyes off her.

   "Just a closer walk with thee. Grant it Jesus, this my plea. Pray thee, let it ever be, just a closer walk with thee."

   As the group sang, Africans began arriving in numbers.

   "When my feeble life is o'er, time for me will be no more. Fly me to that peaceful shore. Let me walk, close to thee. Just a closer walk with thee."

   Jim noticed Francis and Shanha looking at each other. He could see how happy they were.

   "Grant it Jesus, this my plea. Pray thee let it ever be. Just a closer walk with thee."

   When the song was over, Francis clasped her hands as if she were praying. As she smiled at Shanha, tears ran down her cheeks.