Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

so Kory hadn’t even considered Hope Springs in his search for a church. Besides, he favored larger churches and wanted an established kids’ ministry for Dee. But after talking to Travis and hearing the message he gave tonight, he was already thinking he’d be back Sunday.
    â€œI’d like everyone to be seated for a moment,” Pastor Travis was saying. He walked down the steps from the pulpit area. “We’re about to have special prayer for a dear mother in the church, Geraldine Sanders.”
    Dee patted Kory’s arm. “Daddy, only twenty-three minutes and fifteen seconds till the New Year.” She had his phone in her hand, using the clock app to count down. This was the first year she’d gotten into the change in calendar year, not realizing its significance in her own life.
    Kory acknowledged Dee with a smile and an arm around her shoulder, but he was focused on what was happening up front. Was something wrong with Grandma Geri?
    â€œGrandma Geri, how long have you been a member of New Jerusalem?” Pastor Travis held the microphone in front of her.
    Grandma Geri was dressed in white, seated in the front pew. “Elwood and I moved to Hope Springs shortly after we married, when he was working for the railroad. That’s when we joined. ’Bout sixty-four years ago.”
    The congregation reacted with wows .
    â€œSixty-four years.” Pastor Travis shook his head, then looked out at everyone. “And a faithful member too. I bet she hardly missed a Sunday in all that time.”
    Grandma Geri said something, but she didn’t have the microphone. Pastor Travis gave it to her. “We couldn’t hear you,” he said. “Could you repeat that?”
    â€œI said only if I was traveling, because you know I like to stay on the go!”
    â€œWill the members of Grandma Geri’s family come forward, please?” Travis watched them rise and move out of the pews. “While they’re coming, I want to let you all know that Grandma Geri was recently diagnosed with lung cancer—”
    â€œOh, Lord, no.” Kory spoke to himself, but he heard the same rippling throughout the congregation.
    â€œâ€”but we know our God is a healer—”
    â€œYes, He is!” rang forth.
    â€œâ€”and we don’t intend to go into the New Year relying on a doctor’s report. We’re relying on the Most High God who has already numbered our days and knows the end from the beginning.”
    â€œAmen!”
    â€œI believe all the family is gathered. I’d like to ask the congregation to stand again as we pray.”
    â€œHold on, Pastor,” someone said.
    The church doors had opened, and Kory turned to see Janelle’s parents and her uncle Wood coming in, and Libby—
    â€œDaddy, Daddy, look! It’s Tiffany!”
    Kory had spotted her at the same time—along with her mother. Janelle must’ve stayed in town longer than planned. He watched them scurry down the aisle to complete the semicircle that had formed around Grandma Geri.
    Those near Grandma Geri laid hands on her, and the others stretched theirs toward her as the pastor prayed. Kory listened to every word, and his heart fell when he heard the cancer was in a late stage. “Heal her, Lord,” he whispered in agreement. “You’re able.”
    As the prayer ended and the family took their seats, Pastor Travis headed back to the podium. “Five minutes until midnight,” he said.
    â€œNo, it’s not. It’s four minutes and forty-six seconds,” Dee whispered.
    Kory kept Janelle in view. She and her kids had squeezed into a pew on the opposite side of the aisle.
    â€œAs we prepare to step into a new year,” Pastor Travis continued, “I want you to remember that one word I gave you. What was it?”
    â€œPress!” the congregation yelled.
    Earlier Travis had read the apostle Paul’s words: “One thing I