Read An Unforgivable Secret (Amish Secrets - Book 1) Page 29
Chapter 26
Bishop Hostettler, Deacon Yoder, Minister Esh, and Minister Fisher removed their hats as they entered the home of Christian and Hannah Glick. Visits such as these were not relished among the leaders, but they felt they were necessary to promote holiness in the church. Today they would be seeking repentance and restoration of behalf of a sister that had gone astray.
Judah Hostettler and Minister Fisher were the only two leaders that had previously been informed of the situation. A visit to Samuel Beachy would have also been required, had he not passed on to Glory. He would now stand before God Himself.
The Glicks offered the leaders a seat at the table, since it provided enough space to accommodate all of them. Without asking, Hannah poured water into glasses for each of the leaders and placed a plate of cookies on the table, then sat down beside her husband.
Minister Fisher immediately reached for a cookie and popped it into his mouth. As he reached for another, he caught the bishop’s disapproving gaze and reluctantly brought his hand back to his side. He thought to ask for some milk to go with the cookies, but figured Judah wouldn’t approve of that either.
Judah warily eyed Hannah as she tightly clenched her uninjured hand. “We have come to seek the restoration of our sister, Hannah Glick,” he informed them. They all nodded in unison.
Christian cast an apologetic look at his wife and stood to leave the room, but stopped at the sound of the bishop’s voice.
“You may stay, Christian, as this involves you as well.”
Christian nodded thankfully and took a seat.
The bishop began, “Let’s pray.”
A moment of silent prayer passed, and then heads were lifted in unison as the bishop cleared his voice.
“First of all, I want you to know that this situation has been brought to me privately and I have not betrayed that confidence. As far as I know, only we in this room, along with whomever you have confided in, are privy to this information.” He glanced at Hannah and Christian. “It will be up to you to share with whomever you choose.”
Christian grasped Hannah’s hand beneath the table and smiled reassuringly.
“The Scriptures say we must confess our faults one to another. This is necessary for healing. Sin is confessed to God alone for forgiveness. Hannah, please answer my questions according to the truth, as God is our witness. Please clarify if you wish to.”
Hannah nodded.
“Is it true that you have committed the sin of fornication with Samuel Beachy outside the bounds of wedlock?”
Heat rose to Hannah’s face. “Before Christian and I were married. Jah.”
“Is it also true that a child was conceived?”
Tears pricked Hannah’s eyes. “Jah.”
“Did you choose to end the child’s life at the hands of an abortionist?”
“Jah.” Hannah’s voice wavered and she felt Christian’s grip tightening.
“Do you understand that by choosing to end this child’s life, you have circumvented God’s will for your life?”
Hannah nodded in silence.
“Did Samuel know you were in the family way?”
“Nee. Not at the time. But he knew before the accident.”
“And what was his reaction when he found out?”
“He said that he wished I would have told him.” Hannah gave Christian an apologetic look. “And that if he’d known, we would have married.”
“Did you attempt to hide your sin from the child’s father and from your husband?”
Hannah glanced at Christian and he encouraged her to answer. “From everyone, jah.”
“Do you realize the Scriptures say, ‘Be sure your sin will find you out? And nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest’?”
“Jah.” Hannah sucked in a breath.
“Is it true that you have lost three children as a consequence of this sin?”
Hannah’s lip quivered. “Jah.”
“Is it true that you were going to leave your husband and live amongst the Englisch with Samuel Beachy prior to his death?”
Hannah hung her head. “Jah.” As she sobbed, Christian pulled her close.
The bishop’s tone gentled. “Are you aware that the Lord God Heavenly Father offers forgiveness for all these sins and more?”
“Jah.”
“And have you sought this forgiveness?”
“Nee.”
Minister Fisher’s voice spoke from across the table. “Why not?”
“Shush, Jonathan. I’m asking the questions here. You’re supposed to be in prayerful meditation.” Bishop Hostettler reminded his eager son-in-law.
Christian compressed his lips together to conceal an irrepressible smile.
The bishop continued. “Why have you not sought forgiveness?”
“I’m not worthy,” Hannah answered.
“Who is worthy?”
Hannah shrugged.
“No one is worthy. That is why Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross. He was the only one without sin. The Just died for the unjust. He took the punishment for your sin. Will you accept His forgiveness and His payment for your transgressions, Hannah?”
Tears once again pooled in Hannah’s eyes. She felt Christian’s comforting hand gently squeeze her shoulder and nodded.
“Gut. I have one more request. Your sister Deborah approached me with some information. I’d like the two of you to attend a retreat. It is conducted by the local pregnancy care center and designed for post-abortive couples. I feel this will aid greatly in your healing process.” He brought out two brochures and placed them on the table in front of Christian and Hannah. “I’d like you to attend as soon as possible. We will be sure that your farm is cared for while you are gone.”
Christian’s eyebrows raised as he studied the brochure. “The Healing Garden. This is run by the Englisch?”
“Jah. I’m afraid the Plain community does not offer anything similar. We don’t have as much of a need in our communities as the Englisch do, but occasionally there are situations such as yours.”
Christian looked to Hannah and she nodded in agreement. “We will go,” Christian said.
Hannah spoke up. “What will the People say? Surely they will know that we are gone.”
“You are going to visit relatives,” the bishop stated.
Both Christian and Hannah looked at each other quizzically, then back at the bishop.
He clarified. “Do we all not have the same Creator? Therefore we are all related.” He winked.
On a more serious note, Judah added, “This will be kept strictly confidential. Only the two of you have a right to share, if you choose. A public confession is not required in our church, as in our former Old Order. We do not seek to humiliate you or to give the tongue waggers something to gossip about. Our goal is reconciliation and I believe we have achieved that today.” He looked at the other ministers and they all nodded in agreement.
Bishop Hostettler’s face brightened. “Now let’s enjoy some of these cookies. That is, if Jonathan has left any for the rest of us.”