Bro. Bart’s Learning Curve

Word is that young preacher, Bro. Bart, is still trying to find his way in the ministry. It’s not that anyone around here holds his northern upbringing against him; exactly…it’s just that Bro. Bart’s ways are a little funny to the community.

Still, you have to hand it to the young man. He’s mighty zealous about his calling. The other day Bro. Bart went out to do some evangelizing around the community. Unfortunately for the young preachers, he found very few of the farmers in a visiting type of mood. It’s been a hard spring, you know.

Bro. Bart found one of the less hospitable men way down in the back of field, working on a spray rig. He scanned his seminary book in the car, said a short prayer, and got out to approach his target. After the two men exchanged greetings, Brother Bart got down to it. “Sir,” he said. “Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord?”
Without looking up the farmer replied, “Naw, these are soybeans.”

“You misunderstand me,” said Bro. Bart. “I means, are you a Christian?”

With about the same amount of interest the farmer said, “Nope— the name’s Jones. You be lookin’ for Jim Christian. He lives a mile south of here.”
Bro. Bart cleared his throat and tried again. “Sir, are you lost?”

“Nope…lived here all my life,” answered the farmer.

“But are you prepared for the resurrection?” our frustrated preacher asked.

The farmer paused; he had actually begun having a bit of fun. “This resurrection,” he said. “When’s it gonna be?”

Thinking he had accomplished something Brother Bart replied, “It could be today, tomorrow, or the next day.”

The farmer took a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped his brow. “Well…” he said finally. “Don’t mention it to my wife. She don’t get out much and she’ll wanna go all three days.”

Hugs,
Shellie