Chapter 22 - Page 315 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   A parade of Africans escorted God's new children to the river, using the same path women used every day to wash their families' laundry. Voices could be heard, humming a heavenly tune. The music came from an unknown source; it sounded like the music was coming from above. Unseen by anyone, angels hovered above the river. Even though Jim couldn't see them, he knew they were there.

   Large rocks protruded from the water and lined the shore. They provided seating for several elderly people. Everyone else lined up along the shore. Reverend Morris walked straight into the water until it reached his waist. The river was calm and the skies were clear. It was late in the evening by now, and the sun left a reflection across the water. Tall trees rustled along the river and the sound of music filled the air. Candidates for baptism walked single file into the river toward Reverend Morris. The angels stopped humming as they waded through the water. Reverend Morris baptized each one in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.

   After Reverend Morris baptized the old man, Jim, Rhasha, Shanha, Jackie, and Simbatu began to sing. "When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal, bright and fair; when the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, and the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. When the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

   "On the bright and cloudy morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of his resurrection share; when his chosen ones shall gather to their homes beyond the skies and the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. When the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.