Chapter 22 - Page 313 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   Jackie had also learned from Jim to form a mental picture of God sitting on his throne. He did that now, and thanked God for all he had done and gave him praise for all creation. Simbatu was also deep in prayer. He thought about all his wrongdoing. He promised God he would devote the rest of his life to teaching Christianity. Everyone who knew how to pray was praying. Everyone else was thinking about the vision of Jesus being crucified.

   When Reverend Morris said "amen," everyone raised their heads. He asked Jim and Rhasha if they would sing a closing song, and Jim, Rhasha, Shanha, Jackie, and Simbatu walked to the front of the congregation. Jim picked up his guitar and Jackie sat on a log with his bongo drums. Simbatu sat behind the keyboard. Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha stood next to each other and began to hum. As the instruments joined in, Rhasha sang the invitation. The sound of her voice filled the village.

   "Just as I am without one plea, but that your blood was shed for me, and that thou bid me come to thee. Oh lamb of God, I come, I come."

   Reverend Morris held his arms out, palms upward. "Come as you are," he pleaded, "Jesus is calling. The lamb of God wants to give you eternal life."

   Jim and Shanha's voices joined in with Rhasha. "Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt. Fighting and feelings within, without. Oh lamb of God, I come. I come."

   Village people began to rise and walk toward Reverend Morris. The old man was the first to stand. Tears ran down his cheeks as he walked toward the altar. Seventeen other people followed close behind. Each person walked to Reverend Morris and professed Jesus as lord and savior.