By Patricia Leech T


he delivery man dumped the package on the counter and jammed the clipboard into my hand for my signature while glancing at the wall clock. He shifted from one foot to the other, exhaled loudly and tried to smile.


“Thank you. God bless you and keep you safe!” I called as he bolted out the door. He froze, swiveled, and was back in the offi ce in the same second. His eyes locked onto mine. “Would you, could you pray for me?” Working in a church offi ce, all kinds of service people come and go—the mailman, copy machine serviceman, the pest control guy, the gas and electric company workers, plumbers, gardeners. I like people and enjoy talking with them about the crazy weather, the outrageous cost of living in paradise, USC versus UCLA, what- ever will connect. We sometimes even talk about our families.


I had talked with Leo before. He was always in a rush, and I usually asked God’s blessing on him as he tore out of the offi ce. Now he stood before me with beseeching eyes, his face just inches from mine. I could see the sweat dotting his forehead. Stress and tension came off him in waves. Tears welled in his eyes as words tumbled out of him.


“Do you know I’ve already been married twice, and the lady I’m living with now doesn’t even believe in God? But, I believe in God, and when I retire I want to serve Him. She


ON MISSION • Fall 2010 41


OF DIFFERENCE


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