The sermon had ended.  The last song had been sung.  The last prayer prayed.  I found myself caught up in the flow of people leaving the church.  And there he was.  Standing at the door.  Greeting people as they filed out.  Then it was my turn.  Instead of shaking my hand, his arms opened wide and he gave me a great big bear hug.  Not very Cameroonian.  They're big on shaking hands.  Hugs are reserved for rare moments among dear friends.  This was one of those moments.  

Former associate pastor.  Pastors his own church clear across town now days.  Invited back to fill the pulpit for our pastor.  What a delight to be together again.  We've done lots of things together over these years.  Been out to villages to share the gospel.  Prayed together many, many times.  Had endless planning sessions.  Ate meals together.  Spent a week together in his father's village.  

Wait 'till Jim hears what he missed out on by staying home and guarding Shiloh.  But someone has to make that sacrifice.  It's just not safe to leave Shiloh unguarded.