THE RIVER 

By Tessa Harvey


    "There is a river of God," began Joshua, looking at each person gathered around the blazing fire. They had all helped to build it, gathering wood from Riverbend weeks ago to dry. Sparks soared like fireflies glimmering against darkness.
    "God's river also gives to us, but never harms. It flows from East to West. It is when King Jesus will come again on a path of Glory."
    "God is Light. He is also Love, Hope, Joy, Peace."
Elizabeth looked wistful, longing, but no-one else seemed interested, listening politely thought Joshua.
    Undaunted, he shifted on the metal chair, glad a cushion had thoughtfully been provided.
    "Have to cut back on all the snacks," Anne was smiling to herself. She prayed silently. The stars danced in the flickering light.
    "Does anyone have any idea when Jesus will appear when he returns to earth?"
    There seemed to be no response, then the young constable blushed and answered. "Er, you  asked us as guests, so I am not official." Josiah tried not to giggle. He was growing up.
    "I read that bible book. Jesus is coming from the East. And," he continued, wondering, "God's got a river of life of life, hasn't He?"
    The constable eagerly chimed in. "I know it says: For as the lightning comes from the east, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be! That's Jesus." His voice broke on the last two words, but everyone was looking at him. The sergeant looked amazed at the short bristly-haired constable with his thin eager face. D.I. Jenkins regarded him thoughtfully. They had been invited as guests, so were in jeans and hooded tops.
    But Amy jumped angrily to her feet. "You are all wrong. I read about that river of God bringing healing, but it isn't true. God let my parents die."


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