‘It is a dark day,’ Chet said. ‘I just came from our gathering place in the woods, and Preacher has not returned,’ Chet said. ‘Several of our group have been rounded up by the government and sent to prison in El Salvador, being accused of being criminals and gang members,’ Chet recounted. ‘Preacher has been apprehended by the politicans, Senators, and House Members,’ Chet informed. ‘Fear dominates the Senate…fear of reprisal by the leader,’ Chet noted.

‘What fault do you find in this man?’ P asked the crowd. ‘He is but a Preacher with a small following and no threat to you,’ P continued. ‘Preacher preaches in the woods and what of it…many like the woods, including myself,’ P proclaimed with a smile. ‘Is not there a need for someone to be a voice outside the political/religious power to speak to the unseen and forgotten,’ P asked with interest.

‘Give us the criminal convicted of crime and nail this Preacher to the cross,’ Throng said. ‘His words about love and inclusion offend and embarrass us…he speaks not the approved words of the leader,’ Throng cried out. ‘His thoughts are not the leader’s thoughts and his ways are not the leader’s ways…his speech is unacceptable,’ Throng hollered.

‘Look, it is Preacher carrying a big wooden cross…he is bent over with the weight and is bleeding from his head into his eyes,’ Jane said. ‘He has been beaten and whipped, it is difficult to understand who he is,’ Jane cried.

‘Let me help you, Rabbi,’ the Ethiopian said. ‘Put your weight on me and we will walk together to the Hill,’ the Ethiopian promised. ‘You welcomed and accepted me when the powerful rejected me,’ the Ethiopian said…