Arizona Pastor by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page A

school was on summer break. She remembered times of panic when things hadn’t gone as she’d planned. “Tell you what. I’ll log out of my account. You log on and turn in your assignment.”
    Hannah’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. I couldn’t do that.”
    â€œIt’ll make you feel better, and I insist.” Kristy closed each tab on her laptop, then signed off. “Already done.”
    She turned the computer toward Hannah and watched as her student worked. Within minutes, Hannah had uploaded the assignment, and Kristy was again using her own account.
    â€œYou’re the most understanding professor I’ve ever had. I try not to use being a single mom as an excuse. Try to do the best work I can and not ask for special treatment.” Kristy looked into sincere and hardworking eyes. She could have been looking into a mirror eighteen years ago. “You haven’t asked for special treatment a single time yet, and your last assignment was exemplary. You have nothing to worry about. I’m familiar with the challenges you’re facing.”
    Understanding wrapped the young woman’s features. “Really?”
    Kristy nodded. “And my advice to you is not to give up. You’ll get there.”
    Hannah smiled as she hefted her tote bag higher on her shoulder, then turned and took her seat. Kristy pulled up the presentation software once again and then distributed the handouts. As her gaze passed over Hannah, shecouldn’t help but hope Mel would decide to take on the challenge of attending college.
    * * *
    Wade lifted his head and opened his eyes after leading the committee in prayer to begin their second meeting. Again, Freddy and Eustace sat on one side of the table, and Greg and Becca sat on the other. Kristy sat across from him. She looked especially beautiful tonight. Her tanned skin glowed beneath a short-sleeved, button-down white shirt. Short brown waves fanned and flipped around her face. Her blue eyes sparkled with a happiness he hoped to have the chance to ask her about after the meeting. He wondered if she and Mel had had a good conversation after the uncomfortable, unusual dinner he’d attended with her, Mel, Carrie and little Noah.
    Forcing his attention to the meeting, he opened the notebook on the table. “How did everyone do with listening to different kinds of music and reading different translations of the Bible?” He tapped the table. “You know what? Let’s start with one thing at a time. What did you think about different translations?”
    Becca crinkled her nose. “I had a really hard time understanding the King James Version.”
    â€œI don’t think the youth would relate to the King James if you read it from the pulpit,” added Greg.
    Freddy nodded. “I agree, Greg. I’m pretty sure my grandchildren would tune out.”
    â€œI’ve gotten used to the NIV anyway,” said Eustace.
    Wade clapped his hands. “Great. What about the New International Version and the English Standard Version?”
    Eustace shrugged. “I suppose there isn’t a huge difference.”
    â€œThat’s true.” Freddy tapped the table. “But I’d wantto know what standard you were reading from, because I like to follow along.”
    â€œFair enough,” Wade said.
    â€œI’ve been using the ESV with the youth for a while, so they are used to that translation,” said Greg.
    â€œI prefer ESV, too,” said Becca.
    Wade nodded to Kristy. “What do you think?”
    She glanced from Becca and Greg to Eustace and Freddy. “We believe all of these translations are accurate representations of God’s word, so I’m not sure why we’re discussing it.” She opened her palms. “Please don’t take my comment to be combative. I just think we’ve hired Wade to pastor our church. He should decide on the translation he preaches.”
    Warmth wrapped