the stranger who came to town page 14

 the stranger who came to town page 14 by ric gustafson

" Mrs Langford". Homer put the last of the meat into his mouth. " That was the best pot roast I've ever had".

" Thank you Mr Tang". She smiled as she stood up from the table. " Wait till you try my peach cobbler". She picked up the dirty dishes and walked into the small kitchen.

" I'm going to help her get the dessert ready". Harold Langford stood up from the table. " Please make yourself at home". He walked into the kitchen.

Homer looked around and saw the purse on a nearby table.

Just then in the kitchen, Harold's cell phone rang.

" Hello". He paused. " Hello Josh". He listened. " Yes, Mr Tang is here".

He walked out into the dining room.

He looked around. " Mr Tang?".

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12: Andrew

 12: Andrew by ric gustafson

Andrew was Simon Peter's brother. He was mentioned 12 times in the Bible. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and then followed Jesus. He told his brother about Jesus. Andrew was one of the first to be called an Apostle. In the feeding of the 5 thousand, Andrew brought the boy with the loaves and fishes. Andrew was with the others in the upper room after Jesus's Ascension.

The name Andrew is Greek and means 'manly'. Andrew never married but was living with Peter and his family. He had a deep trust in Jesus. Andrew was kind, friendly, unassuming and trusting. He was eager to tell others about Jesus.

So what happened to Andrew?. Andrew probably rejoined his brother after he escaped from prison in A.D. 42 or 43. He may have joined his brother in Sinope or Amisus on the Black Sea. Andrew eventually moved into Greece and preached there. Andrew decided to stay in the city of Patrae. On November 30 A.D. 69, Andrew was crucified on the shore of the Gulf of Patrae.

research help: ' The Twelve' by C. Bernard Ruffin

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12: Simon bar Jonah

 12: Simon bar Jonah by ric gustafson

Simon bar Jonah a fisherman became St Peter. He is the rock on which the Church was founded. Peter was stocky, muscular at five feet four inches. He had a fair complexion and a curly beard. Peter was born in Bethsaida. Simon went to school at the local synagogue. As a teen, Simon went to work as a fisherman. In his late teens or early twenties, a bride was selected for him. We know hardly anything about his wife. In his early thirties, Simon lived in Capernaum with his family. Jesus called Simon Cephas or Peter. 

Peter was loyal to and loved Jesus. Peter's home became Jesus's headquarters. Peter was leader of the 12. He was outspoken and inquisitive. Peter acknowledged Jesus as Messiah and the Son of God. Peter was at the Transfiguration and walked on water. Peter was at Gethsemane. 

After Jesus was lifted up to Heaven, Peter took command of the Christian community. Peter was beheaded in A.D. 67.

research help: ' The Twelve' by C Bernard Ruffin

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the stranger who came to town page 13

 the stranger who came to town page 13 by ric gustafson

Josh was folding bulletins. He heard a knock. 

" Hi Josh".

" Hi Mr Tang". He turned to the man helping him fold. " Frank, this is Mr Tang who is staying at the motel".

They shook hands. " Nice to meet you".

" Josh, where is Pastor Winters bible study?".

" Across the hall".

As Mr Tang walked out, he noticed a small safe in the corner of the workroom.

A short time later, Jessica ran into the bible study.

" Pastor Winters, we've been robbed".

" What!". Pastor Winters jumped up from his chair. " How?".

" Mr Tang wanted to speak with Josh". Jessica began to cry. " He was waiting in the workroom".

Josh walked in. " What's wrong?".

" Have you seen Mr Tang?".

" He quickly walked past me". He frowned. " He said he had to get back to the motel". He frowned. " What's wrong?".

Jessica dabbed her eyes with a tissue. " The church has been robbed".

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the stranger who came to town page 12

 the stranger who came to town page 12 by ric gustafson

Josh walked into the lobby of the motel. His father was filling the snack and candy machine. " Morning Dad".

" Morning Josh". He kept filling the machine. " How was the breakfast bible study at Flo's?".

" Great as usual". His voice hesitated. " As I was leaving, Mr Tang was coming in".

" Something about him always bothers me".

" I cleaned his room after he left". He frowned. " I noticed something strange on the dresser".

Brandon put the candy and snack box underneath the front counter. " Like what?".

" It looked like a small statue that you could worship".

" I feel strange when he's around".

" I feel strange around him too".

" Are you going to church to help them put together Sunday's bulletins?".

" I am". He hugged his dad. " Love you".

" Love you too Josh". He smiled at his son, " Say hello to Clarice".

research help: original story

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the stranger who came to town page 11

 the stranger who came to town page 11 by ric gustafson

As Homer waited for his car to be fixed, Pastor Winters walked in. Homer opened the door for him.

" Pastor Winters". Homer gave him a strange grin. " I was reading the church bulletin yesterday". 

" I hope it was informative". 

" It was". He stared at the pastor. " It said you have a bible study tomorrow".

" Yes we do".

" I'm not leaving for a few more days". He chuckled. " Would you mind if I came to the bible study?".

" Everyone is welcome".

" Great, see you tomorrow". He walked out. 

Pastor Winters put a paper and a soda on the counter.

Linda rang up the items. " Anything else Pastor?".

" No Linda". He picked up his items. " Did you see Mr Tang?".

" Yes". She smiled as another customer walked in. " I said hi to him".

" Every time I see him". He shook his head. " A chill goes up and down my spine".

" Really". She rang up items for the new customer. " I think he's really nice".

" Take care Linda". He walked out.

She smiled as she raised her healed arm up and down several times.

research help: original story

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the stranger who came to town page 10

 the stranger who came to town page 10 by ric gustafson

Parnell Richards put $25.00 on the wooden counter. " When are these gas prices going to go down?".

" Hopefully soon". Linda Langford put the money into the register.

Mark Phipps walked in with Homer Tang.

" It looks like one of your belts needs to be replaced".

" How long would it take to replace it?".

" I have one in stock". He smiled. " Not long".

" Great, go ahead and do it".

Linda waved. " Mr Tang".

Homer smiled and walked over. "How are you Mrs Langford?". He smiled. " How is the shoulder?".

" Thanks to you". She raised her arm several times. " Good as new".

" That's great". He turned to leave.

" To show my gratitude Mr Tang". She smiled. " Would you like to come over and have diiner tomorrow night with my husband and I?". Her voice hesitated. " I make great pot roast".

Homer chuckled. " I would be delighted to".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric