Rural Bible Forum
L–R: Pictured at the RBF at St Helens are Wendy Roach, Charlie Koellner, Juanita McDonald and Barbara McAllister. (Charlie and Wendy were married at St Paul's on Saturday 12 September.)
The long way round
I was about to walk out the door and the phone rings.
Do I take the call or keep walking towards the garage? I’ve a few things to do before we get started – setting up and make sure the urn's on – most important.
OK. Curiosity and available time. Yes, I’ll answer it. Just as well. It was the speaker for the RBF.
The conversation went something like this…
'We’re not going to make it for an 11am start.'
'Oh, where are you ?'
'I don’t know.'
'Really ? What towns have you been through?'
'I’m not sure. Oh, wait a minute, there’s a sign up ahead.'
Silence. 'Yes, it says … Cranbrook.’
'CRANBROOK! What in heaven's name are you doing there?'
'Where’s that?'
'Oh, only about two hours south of St Helens!'
You guessed it, somewhere the driver took the turn that made them journey the 'long way round'. The speaker eventually arrived albeit ten or so minutes late.
I am also glad to report that the organiser now had recovered from being a whiter shade than pale when I told him where the speaker was!
As far as we know no one received a speeding fine – so they made good time! Folk had journeyed from all over the north to partake in a great day’s teaching under the Revd Helen Chick looking at 1 & 2 Peter.
Great fellowship over a hearty lunch, conversations and group work added to the day’s encouragement.
We do so appreciate these days together as capital city and regional centre speakers are not always convenient for us rural folk to attend; and to have a feast on God’s Word for a whole day was a special treat.
Thank you to the Diocese for arranging these events and helping us to grow on in our context.
One of the registrants calculated that the extra mileage was about 250 kms. A nice Saturday morning drive I hear you say…