And the Shofar Blew Read Online Free Page B

Whittier, but I’d better do some serious praying first. I don’t want to run ahead of what the Lord wants me to do.” He knew emotions could be deceiving.
    “Take all the time you need. But let Samuel Mason know you’re thinking about it. Here’s the number so you can talk things over with him.” He rattled the numbers off quickly, but Paul was ready with paper and pencil. “Talk it over with Pastor Riley and Eunice and anyone else you trust.”
    “I will.”
    “And let me know what happens.”
    “I’ll call you for a lunch date when it’s all settled, sir.”
    “Do that. God bless you, Paul. And say hello to that pretty wife of yours.” He hung up.
    Euny came into the kitchen with Timmy.
    “Dean Whittier says hello.”
    “You look excited about something.”
    “You could say that.” He took Timmy and settled him into his booster seat while Eunice took the casserole out of the oven. “He got a call from the elder of a small church in California. They need a pastor.”
    She straightened, eyes bright. “And you’re being called!”
    “Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s not run ahead of the Lord, Euny. We need to pray about it.”
    “We pray every morning and evening that the Lord will lead us where He wants us to go, Paul.”
    “I know. I don’t think Dean Whittier’s call is a coincidence. Nothing happens by coincidence. I’d love to jump in and say yes, Euny. You know how much I’ve dreamed of having my own church. But I’min the middle of teaching two classes. I can’t just quit and walk away.”
    “If this is the Lord’s will, it will be very clear.”
    “Dean Whittier gave me the name of the elder who called from Centerville Christian. Samuel Mason.”
    “Maybe you should call him. The term is ending in less than a month.”
    “A month might be too long. Their pastor had a heart attack. They need someone as soon as possible.”
    “Do they have an interim pastor?”
    “I don’t know. Their pastor has served their congregation for forty years, Euny.” That was as long as his father had pastored his Southern California church. “It would be hard to step into that pastor’s shoes.”
    “It would be hard.”
    “Dean Whittier suggested I call Mr. Mason. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. I can go over my background and experience, and explain my responsibilities here. If Mr. Mason says they can’t wait, that will be the answer from the Lord. No go.”
    “When do you think you’ll make the call?”
    “Not for a few days. I want to fast and pray about it first.”

    Samuel was dozing in his chair when the telephone rang. Abby set aside her crossword puzzle and answered it. Samuel still dozed. The drone of television always served to put him to sleep. He would start out on ESPN, fall asleep, and wake up to Turner Classic Movies, the remote firmly in Abby’s possession.
    “Just a minute, please. Samuel. Pssst. Samuel!”
    Samuel raised his head.
    “Paul Hudson is calling for you,” Abby said.
    “Who’s Paul Hudson?”
    “A pastor from Mountain High Church in Illinois. He’s calling in regard to your conversation with Dean Whittier.”
    Samuel came fully awake. “I’ll take it in the kitchen.” He slammed his recliner down and pushed himself up, giving a cursory glance at the television. He gave her a mock scowl. “Pulled another fast one, did you? Since the Dodgers game would be over by now, you can finish watching The Sound of Music with my blessing.”
    She gave him a smirk as she lifted the telephone. “My husband will be with you in just a moment, Pastor Hudson.”
    Samuel picked up the telephone in the kitchen. “I’ve got it, Abigail.” His wife hung up. “This is Samuel Mason speaking.”
    “My name is Paul Hudson, sir. Dean Whittier called me last week and said you’re looking for a pastor. He thought I should give you a call.”
    Samuel rubbed his chin. How did one go about this? “What do you think we should know about you?”
    “What are you looking