Changed Lives. Part Five. Free Christian Story. Jesus Saves.

 

Changed Lives

Part Five

A couple of weeks later, Gretchen headed to the popular farmer's market. She'd fed her guests well with a full English breakfast: now the dishwasher was loaded, and Gretchen was looking forward to her outing. Homemade preserves were on her list, as well as free range eggs, and the usual vegetables. She smiled as she wondered what else she might find. Perhaps a handmade baby blanket? Wren was about four months along now and Gretchen could hardly wait for the little one's arrival. 

The thought of buying something for the little one was so much on her mind that she stopped by the crafters' stands first. There were plenty of booties and other hand knitted baby clothes on display, but Gretchen's eyes were drawn to the crochet afghans. One made up of pink, gray, and white granny squares caught her eye. She wished she knew whether the baby was a girl or a boy. She selected a pretty white matinée set instead to put away. Gretchen decided to wander around a bit first before making the rest of her purchases. As she came close to the egg stand, she saw Eli and waved. He returned her wave with a cheerful grin. "Hi there, Gretchen. Beautiful day, isn't it?"

"A perfect day for the market." She agreed. "I'm going to need some eggs today, but I'm going to get coffee and a donut first."

"That sounds good." Eli smiled. "Would you mind if I walk with you? It's about time I had a break." Eli spoke to his assistant quickly, then joined Gretchen in front of the stand. "So, how's your barn coming along?" Wren asked as they made their way to the coffee stand. "Slow." Eli admitted. "I've got a couple of guys helping me, but it's a big project."

"That's for sure." Gretchen paid for two lattes before Eli could object. "Most of the projects I've done over the years have been quite small. I made some bird houses, and a doll house for my niece. Otherwise, it's mainly maintenance."

Eli glanced her way and whistled. "I'm impressed. I've never made toys myself." He selected two of the nicest donuts at the neighbouring stand and paid for them before Gretchen could.

"It's fun. I'm sure you'd enjoy it. You should try it one day." Gretchen stopped short at offering to help him, remembering that she needed to be careful.

"Maybe I will." Eli smiled. He led the way to a nearby table and they sat on opposite benches. His face grew more serious when he spotted one of the church elders walking to the parking lot. "I got a visit from Pastor Stefan and Elder Peters last week. They know about my visits to the chapel. Accused me of deserting the fellowship and setting a bad example."

Gretchen shook her head and grimaced. "Oh no, Eli. I'm sorry to hear that. I've been through that more than once."

Eli sighed. "It would be different if I'd been hanging out at the pub or gambling. Then they'd be in their rights to reprimand me. Church discipline is sometimes needed."

Gretchen's eyes flashed. "But not when someone is looking for truth the church doesn't have to give."

"I guess they don't see it that way. Anyway, I handed my membership in so to speak. Thanked them kindly and told them I wouldn't be returning."

Gretchen's eyes met his. "That's a big step." She remembered the day she'd said goodbye to Mount Sinai. Forever.

Eli nodded as he drained his coffee. "It is. But I had no choice." Honesty shone from his eyes. "I need truth, Gretchen. And I'm hoping to find all the answers to my questions soon."

"You will." Gretchen said softly. She raised her chin and smiled at Eli. "I feel certain you will."

As Gretchen left the market later, she carried not only a laden basket, but a prayer burden for Eli too.

***

Are you a seeker after truth like Eli? That's one of the best places you can be. You may like to start reading the Bible at the Book of John. You may like to read my testimony here.

Copyright: Alison Lawrence. 2023. All rights reserved.

Changed Lives is a work of fiction and no resemblance to any persons or places is intended.

Drawing by the author.

Changed Lives, Part four:

Part Four

More reading

I also have an Afrikaans blog. Afrikaans is my second language. I like to write in Afrikaans from time to time for my Afrikaans church family. It can be quite challenging, but it is still fun and rewarding. If you go to the sidebar of the blog, you can turn on the translate feature. I recently ran a serialized story there, also set in the country like Changed Lives.

Here is the link:

Afrikaans Blog

See you on Friday for part six of Changed Lives.

🙂🙂🙂

God bless

Love Alison