‘It has been an extraordinary weekend,’ Jane said. ‘We were in despair and now we have hope,’ Jane continued. ‘It is good to see each of you and feel your hearts united to continue Preacher’s work in the woods,’ Jane assured. ‘We must remember what he taught us to love each other and feed the hungry and bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted,’ Jane smiled through tears. ‘Time slips away so suddenly, but love endures,’ Jane whispered.

‘I am going to write his words so that others may read,’ Chet said. ‘I can see his kind eyes,’ Chet reminisced. ‘His voice was like rushing waters and birds singing,’ Chet laughed. ‘Preacher told me that I could write, and now I write daily,’ Chet smiled. ‘My mom was sick and he visited her, now she is well,’ Chet reflected. ‘Preacher spoke against the hate the leader foments, and when the leader heard Preacher’s words, he became silent and walked away from the political stage,’ Chet exulted. ‘Preacher told me to help the stranger in our land and to always have an extra plate set at the table,’ Chet said.

‘Preacher asked me to speak of what I had witnessed in the woods,’ Billy B said. ‘Preacher told me not to be afraid but to speak out boldly against prejudice and hate and to be a voice for the voiceless,’ Billy B continued. ‘I told him that I did not like to speak publicly and was an introvert. He said that God would give me the words,’ Billy B said quietly. ‘Preacher said that wherever people were gathered, he would be there also,’ Billy B remembered.

‘Let us begin our fellowship this evening,’ Mary said. ‘I have seen Preacher, he is not dead but risen from the tomb,’ Mary proclaimed. ‘Preacher is going to Washington to speak truth to power and hope for the persecuted,’ Mary promised. ‘Preacher told me to tell you that if you just look around, you will find him with you,’ Mary mentioned.

‘How are my friends? I have missed you,’ Preacher said from the back of the group. ‘Greetings and joy to you all,’ the Preacher said as he slowly walked to the front of the gathering. Walking to the front were a blind woman, a beggar, a man with sores all over his body, and a prostitute. Then came diverse people from all nations, and those who had been forgotten and maligned. Gay people walked forward with tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts. Prisoners…lepers, those with disabilities, and many shunned by society also came.

The group surrounding Preacher all had one thing in common…they had his kind eyes…