Free A Family Reunited by Jennifer Johnson Page B

firm line as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “What do I care anyway? I’ll eat me a little soup, then I’m out of here.”
    Stunned, she watched as her brother stormed toward the house. She glanced at Jack, still trying to make sense of what had happened. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over...”
    She couldn’t finish. Anger and bitterness had warred for victory in her life the past few years, and sometimes won battles, but Ben’s countenance and words had been dark and devastating. Despair punched her gut, and she prayed her heart hadn’t grown so cold. She didn’t understand why God allowed hardship, and yet she missed laying her burdens at His feet.
    “It’s okay. He has the right to be mad at me.”
    “I know, but...” She stopped again. As many times as she had failed, God had the right to be mad at her, as well, and yet she couldn’t deny a continuous urge within her to cry out for His comfort.
    Jack clasped his hands in front of him. “I had a great time with the girls, Pammer.” He shifted his weight, then unclasped his hands. “I love them. And I love you.”
    He turned on his heels and got back in his car and drove off. Tears welled in Pamela’s eyes. Why couldn’t life be simpler?
    * * *
    Jack put the last of the sliced ham and a piece of cheese on the bun, then wrapped the sandwich in cellophane. In an hour, he and some of the leaders of Faith Church would officially open The Refuge’s doors. He’d sent pictures of the inside and outside of the building to Jermaine and Stella and to his parents, Kari and Todd via email and couldn’t wait to tell them how the first day went.
    “Jack, will you join us in the office for a minute?” Pastor Mark called from another room.
    “Sure.” Jack set the tray of sandwiches in the refrigerator. His heart swelled as he looked at the bottles of water, juice boxes, veggie cups and fruit cups lining the shelves inside. He was ready to serve, and once again he silently petitioned the Lord to use him to make a difference in someone’s life.
    After washing his hands, he joined the pastor and three of the church’s deacons in the office. Teresa and another woman he didn’t recognize were also there. He offered a grin in Teresa’s direction, but she averted her gaze. Just as well. At least she wasn’t showing up alone every day.
    Mark patted his back. “Jack, you’ve done a great job overseeing this ministry. We’re thankful you chose to come to The Refuge to serve the Lord.”
    The men mumbled their agreement, and warmth traipsed up his neck. He didn’t do it for their pats on the back. He did it because the Lord had saved him from alcoholism and homelessness. How could he not serve his God?
    Pastor Mark pointed to the front door. “Before we officially open, I’d like to take a moment to praise God for giving us this opportunity and to ask His blessing to reach the lost.” He took Jack’s hand and the man’s beside him. “Jack, if you’ll start the prayer, we’ll go around the circle and I’ll finish up.”
    Jack praised God for deliverance and prayed for guidance, strength and wisdom in directing the shelter. As the others voiced their prayers, Jack’s spirit settled into a peace that transcended all understanding. God would provide for the shelter. He would provide food, clothes, bedding, all the material items they’d need. He’d provide workers, ready to serve. And he’d provide the homeless, who desperately needed salvation as well as a warm meal and a place to rest their heads.
    With a pride only God could give, Jack walked out of the office and opened the front door. Within the hour, a long-haired man with an unkempt beard wandered inside. The layers of clothes he wore were filthy. The jacket had a wet spot covering his left elbow. It had been a while since Jack had experienced the stench of someone who couldn’t tell you when he’d last bathed. Smelling it now brought back the memories.
    Jack extended his hand.