Free Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon

chance for me to test my landscape-design skills.”
    Reverend Young smiled. “Well, if this was a test, you get an A.” He held up a sack. “Mrs. Wagner dropped off some of her famous white-chocolate-chip macadamia-nut cookies. Think you could help me get rid of a few?”
    Scott grinned. “I think that could be arranged.” He laid his shovel aside and wiped his hands on his slacks before following the minister to the gazebo.
    â€œLooks like spring’s really arrived,” the minister said as he settled onto one of the benches that rimmed the inside of the gazebo. He retrieved two cans of soda from the sack and handed one to Scott.
    Scott took a long sip, then nodded. “That’s for sure. Things are hopping at Seth’s.”
    â€œI’ll bet. Everything okay with the job?”
    â€œSeems to be. Seth doesn’t say much, but he’s put me in charge of the crew a couple of times when the chief was sick. I take that as a good sign.”
    â€œI agree. Apartment okay?”
    Scott smiled. “Not according to my sister. But it’s fine for now.”
    â€œStill taking the bus everywhere?”
    Scott reached for a cookie. “Yes. But I must admit that I’ll be glad to get a car. I figure in another month or two, I should be able to swing it.”
    â€œI’d be more than happy to loan you the—”
    â€œNo.” Scott cut him off firmly, then softened histone. “I appreciate the offer, Reverend. But I want to do this myself.”
    â€œIt’s okay to accept some help, Scott.”
    â€œI need it more on another front,” he replied with a sigh.
    â€œJess?”
    â€œMmm-hmm.”
    â€œHow are things going?”
    He shrugged. “I guess there’s a little progress. We’ve run into each other a couple of times, and she’s actually spoken to me.”
    â€œThat’s a start.”
    â€œBarely.”
    â€œHang in there. And keep praying.”
    â€œI plan to.”
    The minister took a sip of his soda, then carefully placed the can on the wooden bench. “I’d like to ask a favor of you, Scott.”
    Scott looked at the man who had helped him find his way back to the Lord, who had given him a reason to live again. There was no way he could ever repay him for his kindness and caring. No favor would be too great. “Name it,” he said promptly.
    â€œWell, a group of area churches will be sponsoring a one-day retreat in a few weeks. The title is ‘Coping with Adversity—Ask and You Shall Receive.’ Some of the clergy will be giving talks and leading discussions, but we’re also looking for people who are willing to give a firsthand account of how, in the face of tragedy, their faith helped them turn their lives around. You have a remarkable story to tell, Scott. We’d be honored if you’d share it.”
    Scott stared at Reverend Young. Bare his soul in front of a group of strangers? He couldn’t even imagine it! He’d never been the kind of guy who went around talking about his feelings—even to people he knew. Besides, he was no role model. His journey to faith had been a painful one, fraught with doubt and dead ends and despair. Hardly the stuff of inspiration. Yet he owed so much to Reverend Young. He hated to say no.
    The minister smiled understandingly. “I can see you’re surprised by my request.”
    â€œThat’s too mild a word.” He raked his fingers through his hair and stared out at the placid waters of the pond for a moment before speaking. “It’s not that I don’t want to help, Reverend,” he said slowly. “But I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’m not sure I’m the best example to hold up to people. There are a lot of things I’m still struggling with. And even though I do have hope, I’m not where I want to be yet.”
    â€œThat’s precisely the point, Scott. Your hope will be