Chapter Two:

Four Months Ago

Paul

The chapel at Safe Haven is small and simple—akin to a church in a Thomas Kinkade painting with its white Greek Revival style structure boldly boasting its purity and virtuous humility, its steeple standing tall among its surroundings, guiding somber souls to its sanctuary. The wood grain of the inner walls is exposed, creating a country look many people strive for. The pews and tables are hand-hewn, the evidence of skilled hands. Every Sunday morning and evening, as well as throughout the week, the members of the community gather here to praise God and listen to His word.

As Paul walks in, he greets the sea of familiar faces: the Underwoods, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries and their two children, and Elder Mark, among so many others. Each in their usual spot, holding on to previously learned behaviors. Paul has spent most of his life here, among a people who have decided to set themselves apart from the secular world. God’s people. People who are trying their hardest to live by His commandments. People like his family.

In all the bustling, Paul doesn’t see the new members. He wasn’t there to greet them when his dad settled them in, and his curiosity peaked. It’s been a long time since anyone new has joined the fold, and he hears that there is a girl near his age.

He makes his way to the front right pew where he finds his mom and his three younger siblings. The two youngest ones are squirming on her right and she is fussing over them, attempting to get them stilled before the service starts. Paul settles in beside her and gives her a kiss on the cheek, stopping her, stealing her gaze. She smiles the most beautiful and genuine smile. Paul will never be a learned man—he hated school and often skipped out on studies to help his pa in the church or elder members work on new construction or repairs. Paul always did prefer working with his hands and reading his Bible as opposed to stories that would never teach him anything important. At least, that’s how he saw it, and no one argued much. Skilled hands are more valuable here than clever minds. That’s what the elders are for: making decisions and ensuring stability. Someday, that will be Paul, and he knows that his destiny is to be the leader of the flock at Safe Haven once his father steps down, but he has plenty of time to learn what he needs to know before then. For now, he will continue to be what his heavenly Father and the community need. “To each its season,” Paul says … and this season is hard work and prayer.

His mother briefly lays her head on his shoulder and Paul puts an arm behind her on the pew, gently hugging her shoulders. With all his responsibilities, his mother is his primary purpose. He has always been the apple of her eye and her quiet strength. He knows life isn’t easy for the woman whose position is to support a great man like his dad, a man whose duties pull him away from his family. Not many congregates would ever understand the sacrifices she makes every day—the burdens and responsibilities she takes on—so that his dad can spend his time in prayer and ministry. Fulfilling God’s will. A great woman like his mother makes that all possible, so he will do anything he can to support her.

Paula Bennett steps out into the center of the stage and everyone in the congregation takes the cue to settle into their seats. Paula turns and lifts her hands, palms up, out in line with her elbows, toward the fourteen-person choir in front of her. They stand in concert, and when she raises her arms and hands toward heaven, they lift their songbooks. Anticipation washes over each face as the singers await their next cue.   

Paula lowers one arm and begins counting beat with the other. After making it through four repeats, only one mouth opens.

And Sarah Kay begins singing, her beautiful voice bellowing out: “There’s nothing worth more, that will ever come close. No thing can compare—You’re our living hope
Your Presence … I’ve tasted and seen, of the sweetest of Loves
Where my heart becomes free, and my shame is undone. In Your Presence …”

The rest of the choir joins in. “Holy Spirit You are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.”

As they sing, Paul closes his eyes and allows his heart to feel the emotions laced throughout the stanzas. Music really speaks to him, and when the words are carried though the sweet vocals of Sarah Kay it becomes spiritual.

Many people stand, mostly women, and raise their hands to the ceiling. Their eyes are closed as some sing along and others shout praises.

As the choir ceases and the piano continues the rhythm, Pastor Richard Wright steps onto the stage, his Bible in-hand. “Isn’t that true? Don’t we welcome the Spirit, friends?”

He waves the book in the air as the congregation shouts their agreement. Some are still standing, their Hands lifted high, eyes look beyond the rafters toward heavenly intentions. Others join from their seats.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” He looks around the congregation. “That is what we’re doing here, isn’t it? We’re obeying His word and seeking His face. Nothing is more important.”

Amens abound, urging the pastor to continue. Paul nods, his heart and mind in unison.

“All who hear His call are welcome to the shelter and community provided here at Safe Haven. For those of you who didn’t know, Brother Thomas and I recently went to the capital to meet with …. While there, we were led by the Spirit to … There we met a lovely woman who was in need of a Safe Haven for her family. If you would all welcome,” he continues as he points to the back right-side of the room, “Madelyn Tsonga.”

All eyes turb, including Paul’s—and what, or rather who, he sees will change his life forever.

Madelyn

There are so many faces, Maddy doesn’t know how she will remember them all. She looks around the room. Their eyes are all on her and she feels vulnerable, naked. Sweat beads on her forehead.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Maddy—Madelyn Tsonga. I moved here with my daughter Raina two days ago. I’m unmarried … it’s always just been the two of us.” Unaware of her actions, she fumbles with the hem of her shirt, her sweaty palms creasing the fabric. She really wishes she didn’t have to stand up and do this. “As Pastor Richard said, we moved here from the District of Columbia. What he didn’t tell you was that my mother was recently murdered.”

She can hear sympathetic murmurs throughout the room, and it’s all she can do to fight back her tears.

“For years I’ve lived in fear—being alone with my daughter—and that fear brought me to Jesus not long after Raina was born. I believe that my meeting with Richard and Thomas was God’s will and that my daughter and I were meant to come here. I can feel God’s peace here and I—” she fights back the tears that finally threaten to embarrass her further, “—I’m grateful for a refuge like Safe Haven … and I look forward to getting to know all of you.”

Maddy reaches behind her as she bends her knees, her backside feeling for the stability of the seat. She can feel the blood hot in her face, and she inhales deeply to steady her breath, her eyes fixated on her feet.

Claps pervade the room eliciting a smile from the young mother, though she is still too timid to look up.

She grabs Raina’s hand, but her daughter doesn’t look at her. Raina remains stoic and quiet. Maddy knows she doesn’t want to be here. She’s heard all of her daughter’s arguments but knows in her heart that this move was right for both of them. Her daughter is beautiful and vibrant, and Maddy knew it was only a matter of time before the world sank its fangs into her, like it is doing with all the other youth in this perverse culture. Raina’s only chance is a place like this, and it’s worth every mean glare she can throw.

“Thank you, Madelyn. We welcome you to God’s fold here at Safe Haven. Because it truly is that, is it not friends?” Pastor Richard looks around the room; pleased faces and cheers are raised to him in agreement.

Maddy looks up with gratitude at this man who found her, this handsome, God-fearing man who must be something special to have been blessed with a place like this.

“The words of Paul teach us that ‘…the Lord is faithful.’ In second Thessalonians he says, ‘He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.’ That’s what he says. But I ask you—who is the evil one?”

To raise our hands and hearts in prayer for those we love and for the rest of the world which is dying in the fires of the devil’s passions. That evil one who perverts God’s love in us for one another. The one who fuels hatred and anger and lust and envy! Praise God we are here to rise above such sins!”

The congregation’s approval swells, fueled by the pastor’s enthusiasm. Maddy is among them.

“We who are his faithful servants—who have heeded the call of our Master to be like Him!” Richard grabs the microphone and begins pacing the platform.

King David said, “Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him—and I will NEVER be in need so long as I seek the LORD’S will for me! Amen!”