“Jesus!” Al shouted upward. Misty joined in. “Jesus, Jesus!”
“Protect us! Save us, O Lord,” Misty prayed.
“Yes, Lord, send angels on our behalf, dear Lord, in Jesus’ name,” Al prayed fervently.
All the while, the metallic sounds of the cable wires unraveling, one by one, persisted, and intensified.
Deacon Nunnely was pushing his cart through the produce aisle in Walmart when the Holy Spirit washed over him.
Pray! God’s Spirit told him. Drop to your knees right now and pray for Pastor Al and Misty.
He’d never before felt such a powerful nudge, but he knew he had to listen. His knees creaked as he knelt beside the tomato bin and obeyed.
“Oh God, help Pastor and Misty. Help ’em, O God. Help ’em!” Deacon Nunnely raised his hands to the Lord, and with his eyes open and staring toward the ceiling, he went on. “You know their need, Lord Jesus.” He could feel customers’ eyes on him, but he didn’t care. He had to listen to the Spirit. He wasn’t sure what it was about, but somehow he knew it was life and death.
A hand grasped his shoulder as a wobbly voice called out behind him in prayer for this unknown pastor and his wife.
Soon, other voices joined in.
At 10 p.m. in Jos, Nigeria, a young man named Musa had just gone to bed when God impressed upon him to pray for someone named Al and someone named Misty. He lifted his head off the pillow, perplexed, but he obeyed and began to pray earnestly. “Yesu, Yesu! Ka taimake Al! Yesu, Yesu! Taimake Misty!” (Jesus, help Al! Jesus, help Misty!)
At 2 p.m. Al’s father was just returning to his home in Seattle, when the Lord called him to pray fervently for his son. With tears stinging at the corners of his eyes, he looked over at his wife. “Honey, we’ve got to pray for the kids — right now!”
“Yes, pray, baby,” Al’s mother said.
“O God, I don’t know what our boy is going through, but I lift him and Misty before Your throne right now. Help them, Jesus. Help them!”
Something moved through Keiana, an unusual sense of foreboding. “Ooh, Marquise! Come in here, baby,” she called, her voice sounding frantic. “Something’s going on. Ooh. I think, I think we need to pray for Al and Misty — right now,” Keiana said, as Marquise ran into the kitchen.
“Okay, baby.” The two dropped to the tiled floor and clasped hands. While unfamiliar to them, this new feeling, this new experience felt right, natural.
“Dear Lord, help Pastor Al and Misty,” Marquise said and felt the Holy Spirit rush over his spirit. A gasp caught in his throat. “We love them, God! Send angels to help them, in Jesus’ name!”
Having received their orders and heard God’s people praying, Davion and Kishner flew with great speed through the portal of eternity into time. They powered past any principality or power of darkness that stood in their way, casting them afar to arid places. The beauty of these marvelous beings was matched by their power. Upon almighty God’s command, they arrived at the appointed time, went to the appointed place, and did the Lord’s bidding.
As Al and Misty continued to pray, they felt another jolt rock the elevator. Then its doors opened abruptly. There in front of them stood two very large men dressed in coveralls with Alpha-Omega Elevator Service embossed in red on the breast pockets.
“Sir, ma’am, you’ll have to get off here. An emergency call came in to shut this thing down. We’ve arrived to do our work.”
“Oh, okay. Yes, thank you!” Al said, stunned. He clutched Misty’s hand and, without wasting another second, fled out of the elevator and into a brightly lit hall. They made their way down the hallway, shaken. When they glanced behind them to thank the workers again, they were astonished to see only an empty hallway and elevator. The huge burly men were nowhere in sight.
“Al, where’d they . . . where’d they go?”
“I don’t know. Oh my goodness, I don’t know.” Al and Misty stared at each other, Misty’s incredulous look matching Al’s. “Thank You, Lord. Thank You for the deliverance we’ve surely just experienced.” Still grasping Misty’s hand, he led her to the stairwell where they ran up the two remaining floors.
Inside their apartment, Al fell to his knees by the couch and cried out to God in gratitude. He wasn’t sure how close they’d come to dropping to their deaths, but he knew the plunge had to have been eminent. Misty sank down next to him and joined in praising God.
After his adrenaline subsided, he lifted himself to the couch. While Misty went in to take a shower and prepare for the Night of Healing, Al opened the Word. He felt overwhelmed and unprepared for the massive undertaking to come. The Lord, however, spoke to Al’s heart.
Son, what I’ve allowed you to experience, perceive, rejoice over, and suffer through — I’ve used it all to prepare you for such a time as this. I am with you. Go forward.
“Thank You, Lord!” Al said as he slid to his knees again and wept. “I am Your servant and will go forward. I will do as You have asked. Thank You, Lord God, in Jesus’ name.”
By 6 p.m., Graham Stadium was already brimming with crowds, a full hour before A Night of Healing was scheduled to begin. Al, who had been given clearance by the city council, showed his driver’s license to the patrol officer and pulled the car in close to the stadium.
Holding hands, he and Misty headed toward the entrance. “You ready?” Al asked her.
She smiled brightly at him and squeezed his hand. “Without a doubt.”
The two made their way backstage where they viewed the packed stadium and watched the people continue to pour in at every entrance, like so many little ants. All the major news media outlets — including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, UNIVISION, and others — were set up near the stage, in the nosebleed section, and even on the roof. Each outlet was busy doing sound checks and positioning their cameras for the best vantage point.
The Shepherds watched the praise singers — a group of all ages and many races, several of whom were present the night before during the hostage crisis and then later at Renee Moseley’s house. Now, they stood listening attentively to Ranetta as she gave last-minute music instructions. Misty smiled proudly at her. The large group of singers then left the stage.
Many police officers, clad in their finest blue, began taking seats that had been reserved for them near the stage.
Color guards marched backstage, each ready with their flags and dressed immaculately.
Marquise, Tyler, Dana, Chris, and Commander Holfield took their seats up front.
Finally, the city-council members entered and took seats near the stage.
“Pastor and Mrs. Shepherd,” the elegant mayor pro tem, Lisa Ann Nobles said, as she approached them and gave each a hug. “We’re so thankful for your extraordinary heroism. We’re very excited to have you share with us tonight.”
“Thank you, Ms. Nobles,” Al said. “Misty and I feel it a privilege to have assisted last night. We also appreciate being invited to share tonight.”
“We sure do,” Misty added with a bright smile.
Lisa Ann shook her head in admiration. “That’s marvelous! Well come on over. Here are your seats.” She pointed to a row of chairs on the stage.
“Thank you!” Al and Misty clutched one another’s hands more tightly and followed Lisa Ann Nobles to their seats beside Marquise and Keiana.
At 7 p.m. on the dot, Lisa Ann Nobles — in her official role as city councilwoman-and mayor pro tem, strode confidently to the podium and microphone at center stage. She stood for a moment, waiting for the audience to quiet down. Her pale yellow, tailored-sleeveless dress and thick dark hair underscored her stately bearing. “Welcome, Mannford, to A Night of Healing,” she began. “As most of you know, our city has been through two very difficult nights. But tonight we have come together for a time of healing. Stand, please, for a moment of silence to recognize and honor those who have suffered during
this time.”
Al took that moment to pray quietly, “Touch and open each heart to Your Word, O God!”
The Mannford drum-and-bugle corps then played the National Anthem after which City Councilman Felix Reyes invited the crowd to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Then, Nobles once again stepped up to the podium. “Citizens of Mannford, we come together tonight to seek healing.” She took a moment to peer around at those in the stands. “Terrible wrongs have been committed against citizens of Mannford by those who had been entrusted to watch over our well-being. My heart, our hearts, are saddened and shocked by the news. We can do better. We will do better.” Again she paused and peered at those seated.
At that, the crowd applauded.
“What happened these last two nights could have been much worse without the actions of a few wonderful people, who I’m going to introduce to you right now.”
The crowd clapped.
“Because of the diligence of the Mannford Police Department, the violence that was perpetrated last night was certainly minimized. Thank you! Mannford Police and SWAT, please stand up.”
As SWAT and the men and women in blue stood, the crowd also stood — thundering its applause.
“Within these two groups are some extraordinary people who stepped up during the siege. Through a very tough time, they stayed calm and composed and negotiated with the hostage-takers. Because of their heroic professionalism, we saw no bloodshed. Commander Holfield and Lieutenant Dana Rogers — along with Officers Tyler Forsythe and Chris Haney — we applaud you!”
Everyone clapped wholeheartedly.
The mayor pro tem continued. “We are cognizant of the efforts of our citizenry to create an environment in which we can all live peaceably. We are grateful for grassroots people like Marquise Taylor and Pastor Al and Misty Shepherd who looked beyond their own self-interest to the interests of our community. Last night, these three citizens — whom we proudly claim as Mannfordians — stayed calm and collected, even while being held hostage. They kept the peace within what must have been a tinderbox. Let’s all stand and show each of these heroes our warmest appreciation and praise. Marquise Taylor, Pastor Al Shepherd, Misty Shepherd, we commend each of you highly! Please stand.”
Al smiled as he grabbed hands with Misty and Marquise. In turn, Marquise firmly clasped Keiana’s hand. Then they all stood, raising their joined hands toward the sky. “Because of You, Jesus,” Al said, though his voice was lost in the thunderous cheers of the crowd.
He looked out over the audience to see many wiping away tears.
Afterward, the mayor pro tem called to the group of praisers, explaining that they had sung and prayed the night before during its most intense moments. Not one particular church and of no particular race, these caring people filed up on stage. Their voices soon filled the stadium, handing defeat to the enemy, and leading the way into the very presence of God. Several times, Al felt so overcome with the Holy Spirit that he could only sit there, blinking back tears.
In disbelief, Al looked back and forth at the number of people in the stands. But he was not fully aware of the miracle before him. For among the crowds in the stands stood Aunt Mabel, Akil, Lawrence, and many of the men who frequented the House of Fade. Homeboys drivin’ slammin’ SLABs and many of the crowd who had rioted downtown had also come after being so touched by God’s power during the events of the night before. In the stands also stood Vivian and Nina, looking as if they felt out of place. But they had come, as did the mother who had sent her young daughter to that nondescript house on Cherry Street. She had struggled to find her way to the stadium, but still she had come with her daughter and her baby boy. In tears she stood, tightly embracing both. Keiana’s friend Jackie stood proudly and clapped heartily, were also sitting in the stands. Laura and Jan Forsythe sat with Ricki and the rest of the crisis intervention unit. The media cameras, however, panned in on Renee Moseley and her children, who sat enfolded in the love and care of the Nunnelys and many, many other godly folks.
Tears smarted at the corners of Al’s eyes as his gaze swept around the stadium. He recognized a quiet hush among everyone there and in them all, as he felt the sweet moving of the Holy Spirit.
Mayor Pro Tem Nobles stood again. “Mannford, I wasn’t sure that we could make this happen, but Pastor Al Shepherd has agreed to share a few words with us. Pastor Al, come on up.”
Those in the stadium applauded loudly and then, as one, quieted down to listen to the message he had for them.
Chapter
38
“Give me wisdom, Lord God,” Al prayed and then stepped up to the podium. “Um, uhm,” he cleared his throat and looked out at the jam-packed stadium. Suddenly he couldn’t move. He stood frozen in fear, his mind a blank. He couldn’t think of one word to say. “Oh my God. Help me, Lord,” he whispered. Just as quickly as he prayed, a wonderful and warm sense of peace washed over him. He lifted his head.
“Let’s pray, everyone, and then I promise, I’ll let you sit for a while,” Al said and grinned.
The audience collectively chuckled and then bowed their heads.
“Dear Lord, we come before Your heavenly throne tonight. We pray for the city of Mannford — our city. From the depths of our hearts, we pray for you to heal our land. All of us — white, black, Hispanic, young, old, rich, poor, or middle class — we all need Your strength and Your love. We come before You humbly with repentant hearts, for You said, ‘If My people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV). We come before You this very night, dear Lord, and ask You to heal us. Heal our land, in Jesus’s name, we pray. Heal our land, O Lord. Amen.”
“Amen,” the crowd responded.
“Mannford, the Lord is calling to you — now more than ever. What is He saying, you might ask? The Lord is saying . . .”
Al cupped his mouth with his hands and shouted, “Come to Me, Mannford. Come to Me!’ Jesus exclaims. Embrace the assurance and intimacy that God is offering — the same God who has created you. Come to Him with complete confidence. You can trust Jesus because God has promised to help us finish any good work He has called us to start.” He dropped his hands but continued speaking.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord states. Your circumstances are all temporary, but the promise of God is eternal. We have been invited to walk with God almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth and His Son Jesus in the midst of it all. Christ will bring you through and past it all.
“‘Come to Me,’ God bids. ‘I am calling.’ It doesn’t matter where you were born or what kind of family you had. Our Lord Jesus, He who now sits at the right hand of God, was born in a barn. Let each of us come to recognize that no matter what baggage we carry around with us, we were created to be God’s excellent workmanship — and His precious children.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord beckons to you and you and you and you.” Al pointed to people sitting in different sections across the stadium. “People of Mannford, many things have happened, are happening, and will happen that will make you feel like you’re sinking in quicksand. But you don’t have to get bogged down in it. Allow the Lord to work in every trial and in every triumph. Every hardship serves a purpose. He will lift you up and carry you through it.
“‘Come to Me,’ Jesus says to you. He will lead you in love and in what is true, with what is noble.
“‘Come to Me,’ assures the Lord of hosts! Come away from the fray; come away from the decay. Pray!
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord invites. Realize how you can live your life triumphantly. Use the gifts, talents, and callings that the Lord has graciously given to you for His purposes.
“‘Come to Me,’ Christ says. The Lord is the source of your worth and your acceptance — not other people.
“‘Come to Me,’ He appeals. No matter what our position, our condition, our race, our socio-economic state, we can give God our hearts. We can humble ourselves, quiet our souls, and let God do in us what He desires. Though you may suffer at times, make God your choice, and He will give you the victory.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord says. Be busy about God’s business in this last day. Not only for your good but for the good of everyone around you whom God has called you to serve. He will bless and benefit you so that you, in turn, can bless and benefit many and give your God great glory. Let each of you come into this fullness. For this is God’s will and loving plan for us.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord summons us. Be filled with His purpose and His desires in these last days. You don’t have to be distracted by and enveloped in all the chaos that’s swirling all around you. As the Lord told us, the political and social realms of this world are destined for decay.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord gently invites. He knows our sheer sadness when we see a brother shot down. He embraces us in our grief.
“‘Come to Me,’ the Lord teaches. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream will be fulfilled in and through the body of Christ, not through the political efforts of man. God is not coming back for a political party, a social movement, or what’s currently trending. He is coming back in all His glory for us — for the church, His bride.”
“Amen, amen!” The shouts echoed through the audience.
“So you don’t have what your neighbor owns? Don’t be bitter nor break the law,” Al continued. “‘Come to Me!’ God, who is above all, loves you with an everlasting love. Under His care you will be safe, for He has a plan to fill your lives with all good things.”
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