He took my baby girl. I know he won’t kill her because it would bring him so much more pleasure to watch me suffer. Still and all, I couldn’t protect her. I can’t protect her.
At least a hundred people were bitten by the snake, there has to be something we can do.
The only positive thing in all of this is Hesna’s becoming unraveled. His anger is starting to get the best of him. Soon he will slip up and this game will be over. I use the word “game” very loosely because the events that have transpired are nothing like a game. All of this has been very real.
In the midst of the chaos, I took a moment to pray. I need a solution, a miracle. God reminded me of how he sent venomous snakes to bite the Israelites when they spoke against him. Moses prayed for the people and God told him to make a bronze snake and have the people look upon it. All who were obedient and looked upon the snake lived. I shared my vision with the other pastors.
“How will we build a bronze snake?” Mongo asked.
“We will need the people to help us.” Zeal said.
“But they probably blame us for everything that has happened. They will not help us.” We all quietly considered Mongo’s thoughts.
We hesitated because we knew it was more than likely true. Ever since we started trying to help these people, it seemed like things got worse for them. Yet our mission is only partly centered on saving their earthly lifestyle. Our main task is to ensure that their eternity is spent in Heaven. We cannot lose sight of the battle at hand. We certainly cannot lose faith now. If the people would not help us, then I will build the snake myself. I will save as many people as I can.
“What then, do we not even try? Do we allow Satan to win? There is a good chance the people will not want to help. But if they questioned Hesna’s rule, then what now do they have to lose? If they weren’t bitten, there is a good chance one of their loved ones were. We have to save them.” It was all I could say.
“He’s right.” Swangi agreed.
Sometimes even pastors need encouragement. Once again, we were all on one accord.
“I will go and convince as many people as I can,” Mongo offered.
“We can split up and gather as many as we can to meet at the well.” Benton said.
We all knocked on doors. Some people were very willing to help us. Others required a little more convincing. I assume some of them feel like they have no other choice and nothing to lose. It is unfortunate that sometimes we have to reach such a state of desperation before we choose to put our trust in God. We made the snake and everyone that was bitten looked upon it. Just as with the Israelites, the people were healed.
CHAPTER 20—PASTOR MIKE