Stealing the Preacher Read Online Free PDF Page B

year, that responsibility fell to me.” A quiver vibrated her breath as she paused to inhale. “I’m afraid I’m not up to the task.”
    An urge to debate that point shot through Crockett, startling him with its vehemence. Why he should feel the need to defend her against her own self-criticism, he couldn’t imagine. He’d just met the girl, knew next to nothing about her. However, the burden she carried was palpable, to the point of nearly being visible upon her slender shoulders. Her capabilities or lack thereof were not the issue at the moment. Her weary spirit was begging for someone to lighten her load—if only for a few minutes. God had placed him here to be that someone. Crockett held his tongue and waited for Joanna to continue. He’d take on as much as he could for as long as he could, and when he left, if God was merciful, he’d take it with him.
    “She begged me not to give up on Daddy. To keep sowing seeds and praying that the Lord would lead them to fertile ground so they could take root.” Joanna gave a tiny sniff and jerked her chin skyward again, blinking against the afternoon sunlight. Or an unwanted tear. “I’ve tried. Lord knows how I’ve tried. But I don’t have Mama’s patience. And without her to lean on, the discouragement grows too heavy.”

    Finally her eyes met his. “I need help, Mr. Archer. I need a preacher to bring this old church back to life. One who can inspire a community to revive its dormant faith and reach past the barricades erected around a stubborn ex-outlaw’s heart to save the bruised soul within.”
    Pieces of the sermon he’d prepared for the church in Brenham rose unbidden in Crockett’s mind. His fiery call to evangelism. His encouragement to seek out lost souls from among those close to home. To testify with actions as well as words. How no soul is beyond the reach of grace. Crockett raised a hand and rubbed away the prickle at the base of his neck.
    “I understand you have another commitment, so I will not ask you to take on this mission,” Joanna said. “But surely you know other ministers—men who might be interested in such a position. All I ask is that you pass on word of our need. And if you see fit, make a recommendation.”
    “A recommendation?” Crockett sputtered before he could stop himself.
    Joanna stiffened, her shoulders squaring off as she thrust out her chin. “And why not? Our pasture may be small, but our sheep are just as worthy of a shepherd as any other. Or are you the type to condemn an entire community for the mistake of one man?”
    “Mistake? It’s not like what happened to me was an accident, Miss Robbins. Your father plotted his actions in advance, and as far as I can tell, feels not one speck of remorse.”
    “Because his motives were pure!”
    Crockett held his hands up in conciliation. “Fine. I’ll concede that his actions were driven by his desire to please his daughter, but that doesn’t make them acceptable. How can I honestly recommend a position here to a colleague? The only men I’ve met out here are train robbers and kidnappers.”
    “‘They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick,’” Joanna recited.

    The words of Christ pierced Crockett’s heart and deflated his defenses. “‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” The remainder of the quote fell from his lips and lashed his conscience like a whip. “Forgive me, Miss Robbins. You’re right, of course. I can recommend. With caution, certainly, but with sincerity, too.”
    And if the Lord was leading him in the direction Crockett believed, there just might be a young minister who would be grateful for an alternative position once the elders in Brenham made their decision. He’d be sure to mention the possibility to him.
    “Thank you, Brother Archer. I’ll be praying that God will lead the right man to us. Without my father’s help this time.”
    Her smile asserted itself once again, and