Leaving Oxford (Southern Hearts Series Book 1) by Janet W. Ferguson

Author:Janet W. Ferguson [Ferguson, Janet W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC
Published: 2016-04-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

After knocking, Sarah Beth strolled into Chris and Kim’s home for the usual Tuesday family night. Chris, Nick, and Jess huddled in the living room in an intense conversation.

“Hey, guys. Where are the ladies?”

Chris motioned to the backyard. “Sarah Beth, can you start the burgers? Kim took the girls to the playground.”

“Me? Start the burgers?” She strained her neck trying to catch Jess’s eye where he sat on the couch. His head rested on his hands, still talking to Nick.

“If you don’t mind.”

“Sure.” Something must be terribly wrong. She walked out back with the beef patties she’d found in the kitchen, lit the grill, and set three timers on her phone: a timer to flip the burgers, a timer to take off the burgers, a timer to turn off the grill. She carefully placed each burger on the rack, then checked and double-checked the patties as they heated, to make sure they cooked all the way but didn’t burn, then stacked them on a clean tray and turned off the grill.

The back door creaked and opened. A huge grin lit up Nick’s face. “We’re going to need to borrow your pool. Tonight.”

Sarah Beth’s heart skipped a beat, and her stomach jumped into her throat. “Does this mean…?” Setting aside the plate of food, she ran to him.

Teary-eyed, Nick came and embraced her. “You, with your fine skis and sweet heart, have finally gotten through to my best friend. Jess wants to give his life to the Lord and be baptized tonight. I’ve prayed for this day for years.”

Sarah Beth looked to the heavens. “Thank You, Lord.” She turned back to Nick. “Call Sam and have him meet us there. He needs to see this.”

Squinting, he gave her a slow nod. “I’m on it.”

A caravan traveled to Sarah Beth’s. Chris and Nick led the way through the gate and down the sidewalk, then stepped into the pool with Jess. Ripples formed in the blue water that reflected the evening sky. Students took a seat on the edge.

Droplets fell as Chris placed a hand on Jess’s shoulder. “Jess, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”

“I do.”

Sarah Beth covered her mouth with her hand. Joy flooded her heart.

“Do you want Jesus to be the Lord of your life?”

“Yes.”

With his other hand on Jess’s head, Chris sent him under the clear water. Everyone broke into applause as Jess rose up, streams of liquid cascading from him. Nick let out a loud whoop and embraced Jess with a slap on the back.

Jess gave a fist pump toward the sky. Once he’d shaken hands with a few students near the ladder, he made a straight path to Sam who leaned against the gate. “I’m glad you came, man.”

“I guess you’ll be preaching to me now.”

Jess grabbed Sam in a bear hug, slinging water over his friend. “You know it, brother.”

A slight smile pulled up Sam’s lips. “Come on. You’re soaking me.”

Back at Chris’s house, the student minister carried a pitcher of tea and opened the back door.

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