A story : "Friends Reunited"

The Reunion

The traveller pulled his cloak more tightly round him. The chill morning mist was lifting. They'd be landing soon.

Stepping swiftly down the gang-plank. Dodging the waving arms selling carpets, bread, scarves, fruit. Picking out a lad to carry his modest luggage and to show the way. Walking briskly through the town, the rich fragrances, the odour of spiced stews, the smell of too many donkeys and too many people in too little space. Entering a courtyard. The boy took his coin and left.

The Master was with a customer. With a flurry of unfamiliar courtesy the stranger was seated and brought hot sweet tea. He sipped his drink and brushed away any last minute doubts about what he had come to do.

Paul bid farewell to his customer. He turned and with a cry of delight recognised his old friend Barnabus ...

All those years of setting up his business. Years of stability. Did he want to give it up to go back on the road, back to the mission? Did he want to give up well earned comfort and a successful business to get back in harness, face so many new challenges,  found and train excitable new churches, the good news to be brought through thick and thin? 

And who of us with maturing years will step up to new marks, bring the experience of years to join with the enthusiasm of pioneering the new ...