What are you doing here? (Part 2 of 3– February 5, 1986)

Jesse turned off the ignition as he surveyed the empty lot and the dark building. See, no one’s here. He lifted the keys back to the ignition to start the engine  but found himself opening the car door instead. Just try.

Reluctantly, he got out of the car, walked towards the building and yanked on the door, surprised to find it open. He stepped inside the dark and quiet building. Was anyone here? He spotted a crack of light coming from the pastor’s office just to the left of the lobby. He walked towards the door and knocked softly. 

“Come in,” said a voice.

Jesse pushed open the door to see Pastor Ron hovering over his desk, jacket on, shuffling through the papers on his desk.

“What’re you doing here?” Jesse demanded to know. His heart was now beating out of his chest.

“This is my office. What’re you doing here?” Pastor Ron asked.

“You first,” Jesse insisted. How much time had even passed between when he prayed and pulled into the parking lot. Why wasn’t there another vehicle in the parking lot? And then explained, “I’ve been calling you all day and you haven’t answered. What’re you doing here?” 

“I live just across the field over there in the parsonage. My wife was just getting dinner on the table when I remembered I needed to look over a piece of paper for a meeting tomorrow so I just popped over. That’s why I still have my jacket on. What’re you doing here?” Pastor Ron asked.

“I’m ready,” Jesse announced.

“Ready for what?” Ron asked, clearly puzzled.

“I’m ready to become a Christian,” Jesse replied. 

“You’re ready to invite Jesus into your life?” Pastor Ron asked.

“Yes.” Jesse replied in such a somber voice Ron could’ve sworn someone had died. Tears began forming in corners of his eyes that were usually twinkling with a hint of humour mixed with mischievousness. 

“Do you want me to lead you in a prayer right here?”

“No. I don’t want to do something spiritual in an office. I want to do it there,” Jesse clarified, motioning towards the sanctuary. “I want to do it at the altar.”

CLICK HERE to keep reading part 3, “A Brand New Man”

***this is an excerpt from my upcoming memoir on Jesse Morales’ life and legacy.***