Page 50 of Gideon

“What do you mean ‘too’? They found out it was you?”

“Don’t worry about me. Are you safe?”

“Yes, I’m fine. What happened in town?”

“They came for me while I was at my dad’s, but he handled it.”

“Your dad did?”

“Yeah. You wouldn’t believe it. He put them in their place. I wish you could have seen it.”

“So, they came after you?”

“I thought that was why you were calling. They don’t know about you, Ty, or Gunther?”

“No, but tell me what your dad said to them.”

“Phineas was there working them up. They were shouting about the anger of the gods, and my dad told them to let the gods sort me out if they were so angry. Then he turned the tables, warning them that maybe the gods didn’t like the little home they had built for them and suggested they got me to chop them down.”

“The gods did?”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t believe that worked.”

“I couldn’t believe that was my dad.”

“And you’re okay? They left you alone?”

“Oddly enough. But why did you call? What else has happened?”

“You should come and see.”

“Where?”

“The church.”

“Oh, no.”

“It’s full, Gideon. The church is full of people. In a good way. I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s like the stronghold over this town is broken, and people are returning to God. It’s wonderful, but I don’t know what to do. I need your help.”

“You’d know better than I would.”

“But you’re the one who God called to save this place. I need you.”

He had to close his eyes for a second. She had no idea how hard those words pulled at him. “I don’t thinkGod wanted me to start preaching. You grew up in church. What would your dad do?”

“He’d have a sermon ready to go. He was always studying and preparing. I do devotions one morning a week. That’s it.”

“Your Bible study.”

“Yeah.”

“Then pretend it’s a giant Bible study.”

“Okay, yeah. That’s not a bad idea, but can you please get down here? I’m freaking out.”

“I’m headed there now. Don’t panic. You’ve got this. God knew it was coming. I’ll be there soon.”

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