When The Minister Comes to Call

When the Minister Comes to Call

By Clevis O. Laverty

When the minister comes to call, it is an event in the lives of some people. As the minister drove into the rutted and boulder-strewn driveway of the home of “Cappy” Perkins, he wondered if he was attaching more importance to his calling than was warranted. Perhaps he was taking an egotistical view of his own worth. But that wasn’t so. He was coming in a very humble capacity—a servant. He was serving as a link between these people, who were unable to leave their home, and the church they desperately needed in their declining years. He was not Mr. Laverty; he was Mr. Methodist Church, God’s ambassador.

With his capacity squared-away, the minister unfolded his long frame from behind the wheel, strode across the lawn, picked his way through the shed and knocked on the kitchen door. What would the reaction be here today? What would he say and how would he say it? He had not called since Cappy’s brother died a week ago today. Would they be resentful? Resigned? He hoped neither, but rather he hoped to find a positive and creative reaction to the circumstances. The circumstantial will of god; he had preached on that subject that morning.

The door opened and at the sound of his voice—instant recognition by Mrs. Perkins who was nearly blind. There was unconcealed happiness in her voice as she invited him in. Any doubts the preacher may have entertained concerning the importance of this visit were immediately dispelled.

“Cappy, come see who is here, the minister has come to call,” she bubbled in one long breath filled with excitement.