Chapter 1 - Page 4 - Bright Light

   Reverend Cox didn’t really know how to respond to Jim’s revelation. Even though he loved God with all his heart, Reverend Cox had never had a vision, nor had anyone else in the congregation. He thought the people wouldn’t understand, so he decided not to say anything about the vision Jim claimed to have had.

   Reverend Cox gave Jim guidance though literature, advice, and prayer. Still confused by his experience, Jim hardly heard a word he said. He did hear Reverend Cox say that the baptism would be next Sunday night.

   Reverend Cox offered prayer, then asked the congregation to come up and welcome Jim to his new home.

   Jim realized that Reverend Cox was not going to tell the congregation about his vision. “Brother Cox,” he said with tears in his eyes, “I want to tell the congregation about what I saw.”

   Jim’s and the preacher’s eyes met, and both men stood looking at each other for several seconds. Neither Jim nor Reverend Cox said a word.

   Not a sound could be heard from the congregation. Silence filled the church. The congregation didn’t understand what was going on, but everyone could tell that Reverend Cox was uncomfortable about what he was going to say.

   Glancing toward the congregation, then back to Jim, Reverend Cox put his right hand on Jim’s left shoulder. “Jim, at this point, I don’t have the right to forbid you to tell anyone about your vision.” Reverend Cox removed his hand