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Chapter 6

Tuesday, Dec. 13.

            Again, breakfast was a welcome thing.  Picking up corn yesterday was hard work on the guys, and I thank God that I had no physical exhaustion.  Because of the work I’ve been doing throughout my life, I’ve had no trouble keeping up.  I just wish I was as physically strong as the black men are. 

            After Dave gave his usual morning blurb, he called attention to Jacob, the Canadian.  “Jacob brought something to my attention this morning,” he began,  “which I would like him to ask everyone.”

            Jacob is a quiet and reserved sort of guy and seemed apprehensive about this sudden spotlight.  “It...it’s my coat.  I can’t find my yellow coat.  I left it at the old house on the big rock, and it’s gone now. “

            “Does anyone know about what happened to Jacob’s jacket?” Dave asked while scanning accusing eyes over the “close knit” group.  “Let’s all keep an eye open for it.  Brother Jacob I’m sure it’s around here somewhere.

            “We’re going to have a nice clear day for once, and a lot of work to do.  Brother Wayne, we need to get that other side of beef prepared today, and we need to get the rest of that corn...  Yes Brother Mark, what is it?”

            Hearing that they were going to prepare raw meat, I could not resist in raising my hand.  I am here to learn.  “Are you speaking of slaughtering a cow?”

            “Why do you need to know that?”

            “I would like to come and watch the process.”

            “Brother Mark, I might have invited you along.  But there you go again wanting to do your own thing.  Since you raised your hand and asked, therefore I’m not going to ask you along.  You just wait your time.  You’ll get there Brother Mark.  In answer to your question, no it’s already done.  You saw the women freezer bagging of the first half yesterday.”  Dave finished his work orders and we ate. 

            The food here is quite good, and one gets the impression that it is all natural.  So it is with great surprise that I found the next thing out.  I was filling up a cup with hot chocolate, and Marc came up to chat.  He as usual was well dressed for a day of leisure.  Just what does he do here to work? 

            “Don’t drink too much of that stuff if you’re not used to it.  It’s full of Nutra-Sweet,”  Marc warned. 

            “What?!  Don’t you all know that Nutra-Sweet is poison?” I exclaimed setting the cup aside.

            “Everyone who comes here thinks we use natural sugar.  And everyone tells us the same thing.  But Dave and Wayne won’t hear it.”

            “But,” I said, “the children are drinking it in like fish.  I assume it’s in the punch too then.”

            “Yep, but I wouldn’t bring it up if I were you.  I just thought you needed to know. “  There was for once some clarity in Marc’s usually fuzzy conversation.  He caught my intentions right off.  “If you think you’re going to bring the news to Wayne or Dave, forget it.  Everyone knows, but it is a sensitive topic around here.”

            I have a conspiratorial mind, and my first thought is that someone is trying to hurt these people.  I resolved to find Wayne and tell him what I know.  I found Wayne and took him aside and explained my concerns.

            “Brother Mark,” Wayne replied, “we know that the stuff in not good for us.  But consider that some sugars are processed using pig intestines.  Pigs are unclean in the eyes of God.  So we don’t want to use sugar.”

            “Wayne, it’s poison.  You could be slowly damaging those kids.  You don’t substitute poison for sugar because a pig may have been involved in the processing of it.  If you know a danger, and you ignore it, you are tempting God.”

            “Brother Mark, do you believe the Bible where it says the poisons won’t hurt us?”  asked Wayne.

            “Of course, in the proper context.  But do not tempt God,” I reasoned.

            “Then that’s it.  Nutra-Sweet cannot hurt us.  We got a whole bunch of the stuff donated to us free.  We’re not going to waste it.  We are drinking it on faith brother.  It can’t hurt us!  We plead the Blood of Jesus over it.  Do not talk about this to anyone here any more.  That’s it.  The topic has been deemed off limits.”

2

            We gathered on the outside patio and after the post breakfast meeting, we receiver our work assignments and groups off.  It was a sunny brisk morning and I was looking foreword to the work to start.  Dennis, Tim, Jacob and I returned to the electrical trench at the old house.  It was almost finished, but some hard digging was still necessary. 

            Jacob and I arrived at the trench before Tim and Dennis.  Jacob went strait to the big rock.  He emerged wearing his yellow coat, the one he thought was missing.  This I did not notice as he walked over to me.  “Tell the others that I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said. 

            “Okay,” I said as I began to work.  I didn’t think much of his leaving.  Tim and Dennis came along and started digging.  Finding Jacob not there, they began to scoff and defame him.

            Dennis said, “I wonder where Jacob is?  He should be here working.”

            Tim said, “Yea he sure sucked down the food at breakfast.  Maybe I ought to go get his butt down here.”

            “Oh,” I interrupted, “ I forgot he said he’ll be along in a few minutes.”

            Tim said, “He’s off doing his own thing most likely.  This is God’s time, not his own.  Bible says if you don’t work, you don’t eat.  He shouldn’t of eaten breakfast if he isn’t gonna work.”

            “Go find him Tim.” demanded Dennis.  (It is assumable that Dennis is over Tim by viewing their relationship.)  When Timothy returned, he gave his report.

            “I went to his house and looked in the window.  He was on the bed.  Shall I go tell Dave?” asked Tim.

            “Let him be. You don’t know what’s on his mind.  Why run to Dave for everything?” I said in disgust.

            Dennis continued. “Because there he is doing his own thing.  I thought so.  What a lazy bum.  I knew he was no good.  If Dave was here, you’d see him out of the bed and in the trench real quick.”

            They railed against Jacob for a long time.  I decided it was time to say something in his defense because I was getting sick of it.  “Hey you guys, listen to you two.  Jacob is your friend.  How do you know what Jacob is doing.  Maybe he needs some time to be alone.  You have no Idea what is on his mind.  Let him be.  Maybe he’s grieving for something.”

            “Let him grieve in the trench.  This is not his time, it’s God’s.  Do you think that in the Kingdom he’ll be able to be alone and disappear when God has required him to do a job?  No.”  Dennis was now preaching the doctrines drilled into him by Dave and Wayne and Ralph Stair.  It is a sick logic.

            Just then Jacob appeared and walked up to Dennis.  He had been grieving.  It was now I realized he had his coat.  He made an announcement.  “I have an apology to give to you men.  I found my coat where I left it, only last night it was to dark to find.  I am ashamed for I have accused you of stealing it from me.  That is why I am late to work.”  He gave Dennis and Tim an embrace, who were now stepping all over themselves to give Jacob praises. 

            I caught sight of Jacob’s face.  I felt a great compassion for him suddenly and I went to him and slapped his shoulder.  It was a sort of silent understanding I expressed.  Why did I feel compassion?  Because, who would steal someone’s coat in small community.  Obviously it would be immediately recognized as Jacob’s.  It’s more than that.  These people have nothing.  Their identities are even merged.  So they cherish every little scrap of identity they can claim  It is more than just a coat, it was part of Jacob.  Possibly his own mother bought it for him, or possibly it reminds him of his home.  Who could tell.  All he would have to do is ask Ralph for a new one and he’d get it, but in here it would not be the same.  Jacob has been here for ten months. 

            Dennis and Tim were full of contention over the incident.  I was now on the hit list again, but I was right with God. 

            At break time I went to the Fellowship Hall and found Marc sitting on some steps.  He was drinking hot chocolate.  He had a blank stare on his face until I addressed him.  “Hi brother Marc.”

            “Hi brother Mark, kind of cold.” he said. 

            “Hot chocolate?!” I asked kindly.

            “Faith brother.  On faith,” he said dully.

            Again I was overcome with compassion.  “You know... with you my friend, I can believe it to be true.”  Marc makes me think about faith in a unique way.  Anyway, nothing goes unheard around here.

3

          I left Marc and went inside.  There working by herself was my lady friend again.  She was hurrying around with pots and pans in the kitchen fixing the lunch for the children who would soon come out of the school house.  Though busy, she stopped and commented to me.

            “I know what you are thinking”

            “And what would that be?” I asked.

            “You’re looking at all this aluminum and Teflon coated cook ware and think we should get rid of it.”

            “Not quite,” I replied, “but you know what track I think on.  I had no idea that seemingly educated people would go against good knowledge and do that which is contrary to their best interests.”

            “I’ve been very patient with these people,” she said, “ and I’m trying in my way to slowly tell them about things they are taking for granted. “

            “Well with the types of vegetables you cook in those pots, potatoes, tomatoes, rhubarb, etc., that aluminum is very dangerous.  I learned about that in a book called ‘Back To Eden’ by Jethro Klouss.  I talked to Wayne about the Nutra-Sweet this morning,”  I said.

            “I heard.  I don’t go near the stuff.  I’ve also read ‘Back to Eden.’  Listen Mark.  I know how they’ve treated you here.  But these are good people.  You have to believe that.  Go slow with them,” she pleaded.

            “What happened to the love and respect that normal people are supposed to have for each other?  I don’t see it here.”

            “There’s love,” she said, “but not the love I guess you’d expect from Christians.  Maybe they’re afraid of the outside influences which could hurt them.  Well, I’ve got to stay on schedule. “  She turned and hurried back to her arduous  work.  

            The kids rushed in promptly at 12:00 for their lunch treats.  Dave showed up too and lined all the kids up in front of the table.  The other men were coming in from the fields and watched as Dave had the little procession stand absolutely quiet.  If there was any crying or bickering, Dave made them start the quiet line drill all over again until they were quiet for at least ten seconds.

            I didn’t quite know what to think of the event.  But I was curious to what Sarah had put out for the kids, so I stretched my neck over to take a look in one of the bowls.  Dave was sure that I was going to take something before the designated time and lashed out at me. 

            “Brother Mark, get back from there.  You’ll get some, you just wait.”

            “Oh sorry,  just curious,” I assured him.

            “Oh yea sure, you just get back now.  You’ll get your turn.”

            The exchange was quite petty and designed to further defame me, which I don’t care about anyway.  The kids were finally quiet enough to say their grace, and then they attacked the snack with a vengeance.  And no wonder, it was caramel popcorn - the Nutra-Sweet treat.  Needless to say, I passed.

4

            After lunch, we went back to the corn fields to glean more corn.  Dave was a little upset with us and called us lazy for leaving so much corn on the field.  He admonished us to be more diligent in getting all the corn we see.  I like going to the corn fields because I get to see some of the town of Walterboro along the way.  This is the only chance some of these boys get to leave the farm. 

            Before we got under way, we lingered a bit around the vehicles waiting for Wayne and Simon to put gas in the truck.  They store a lot of gasoline in drums next to where the cars are parked.  I went and grabbed from my room the rubber boots Doug had loaned me, and was walking toward Dennis and Tim who were waiting to ask me some inquisitive questions.

            Dennis started.  “Brother Mark, let me ask you what do you feel about discipline of children.”

            “I don’t have any children, so my opinion is just an opinion.  I have a four year old nephew called Christopher though.”

            “The Bible says spare the rod, spoil the child.  Do you believe that?” Dennis asked.

            “Of course.  Each child is a different person.  What is rod to one may be damage to another,” I said.

            “But you would spank a kid to keep him in line?” he continued.

            “Probably, if the kid’s constitution was strong enough and he deserved it.”

            “That’s not what it says,” jumped in Tim anxiously.  “You don’t know your Bible.  Spare the rod, spoil the child.  Raise a child in the way he should go...”  They were obviously planning to set me up, and I saw it.  Timothy became contentious, but I held my peace. 

            “Each child is different,” I said looking at Dennis, “because the punishment must fit the character of the child. “

            Dennis wasn’t satisfied.  “Did you hear what he said Tim.  He... (this)... and he... (that)...”

            I shut him down by saying, “Stop doing that Dennis, you’re smarter than that.  It makes you look foolish to me.”  The two were acting like little kids.  I saw a change come over Dennis that moment, but Tim didn’t get the hint and I was getting tired of this little game.

            “Tim you’d better check that contentious spirit.  It’s of the devil, and it stinks,” I warned.

            “I’m not being contentious, you’re just wrong,” Tim said.

            “I’m not wrong - you’ve got a contentious spirit, and it will destroy this whole place.  I rebuke you!” I shouted.  Tim was shocked.  He stiffened up and turned, and walked away without another word.

            Dennis was startled as well.  “You can’t rebuke him.  Who are you?”

            “I can, and I did.  You know I am right about the spirit of contention here.  Someone must fight it.”

            “Tell me more on what you think about disciplining kids.”  Somehow, Dennis was changed.  But I had nothing more to say.  We loaded onto the truck and went to the corn fields. 

            After a time working the fields, Timothy approached me.  “Brother Mark, I must apologize.  I was being contentious with you back there, and I want you to forgive me.  I’m sorry.”

            “It is already forgotten Timothy,” I said, and shook his hand.  A great relief was broadcast on his face.  I again was filled with compassion.  (God is so great.  He is giving me more strength than I have ever displayed in myself before.  Just why am I here?)

            Dave came out again with the kids at 14:30 to help us pick up corn.  I like working with the kids, but I need to be careful with myself.  I like kids a lot and get very attached to them and their little personalities.  It is easy to want to be involved with their welfare because they are so trusting of adults.  It is part of that parental instinct which kick up in young men.  I notice that the other young men here can’t just shut that off either.  They too display a need to have the kids around. 

            The kids arrived with Dave in the Ford Aerostar-van.  As we were leaving the corn fields for the day, I commented on how nice the van is.  Enoch told me that it is the Lord’s van, and that He had provided it for the farm. 

            Dinner was good tonight.  Hungry men appreciate a good meal, and will eat just about anything.  The food is nearly the same thing every night, but prepared differently.  My friend Juliet in San Diego would really like the hot peppers they grow here.  I must remember to get some seed for her.  I also wish I could get the milk back home like they serve here - fresh and unpasteurized, and plenty of it.

            Wayne knew I wanted to see the dairy cows.  I had asked him if I could go there with him during milking time and help out.  After dinner he found me and called me along.  I was surprised to see that the cows were milked by an automatic milking machine.  I had assumed they would be milked by hand.  Of course, Dave had to tag along.  He was not going to miss one thing I did while here on “his” farm.  It didn’t make for a very relaxed learning experience.  Dave is the pill that spoils the pot.

            Immediately Dave took over what was happening at the dairy.  It was show off time for the big guy.  The cows were eagerly awaiting to get into the stalls, and Dave was ordering the cows around like a conductor.  Wayne stood off and watched too.  Then he got bored and went out into the muddy corrals to push cows around.  The cows knew the routine, and voiced their discontent about having to wait their turns.  I kept thinking what big dogs they are in their emotions.  They seem quite intelligent. 

            Even though I don’t like Dave, I try to act cheerful and nice to him always.  Even when he’s quite bad.  So I asked him some questions while I watched.  He was more than happy to answer my questions until Wayne came back into ear shot.  Then his tune changed back to rotten old Dave. 

            I asked why his cows are so bone skinny.  They look starved with their skeletons showing through their skins..  Dave said skinny cows give better milk.  He told me the different breeds and pointed them out.  Everything in the Dairy is kept very clean.  The floor is washed every time the cows are finished milking.  The cows udders too are washed before and after each milking.  If cows are not milked on time, it causes them great pain.

            Each stall of which there are two, is made to fit one cow.  At the head of the stall is a trough full of grain, and the cow’s is locked over the trough by boards which are levered about the neck.  Since the cow’s skull is wider than the neck, the cow can not back out if she wanted to.  But seeing that she is kept so hungry, once her head is in the trough, she has to be chased out. 

            When Wayne was in ear shot, Dave could not resist giving me the a hassle.  “Brother Mark, you really don’t know anything about cows do you?” he mocked. “You are asking a lot of questions when most times you can learn more just by watching and being quiet.”  Exactly what Enoch said.  I find no fault with his last statement.  However, I know my time is short here and I am here to suck up all the knowledge I can.  My personality also dictates that I try to learn as fast as possible, and questioning is all I know for accomplishing it.  I was right next to those huge happy beautiful cows, and I could hardly contain my excitement.  Some might think it strange I could be so fond of animals, but I am. 

            I watched Wayne and took a cue from him.  He was patting and talking to the cows, so I thought it was fine for me to do some of the same.  I scratched them where I thought they would like it, and watched for reaction.  Wayne didn’t say anything, so I assumed it was okay.  But Dave could not let me enjoy myself.  Dave’s personality is quite dynamic and can change unpredictably.   He opened up on me again. 

            “Brother Mark, that cow doesn’t know you, and you’re gonna make her nervous.  Come away from her,” he said.  “Now just stay out of the way and don’t go near any cows, and you can stay and watch, okay?”

            Having seen and heard all I wanted at the dairy by this time anyway, I decided there wasn’t enough room for me and Dave in one place; I watched for a few more minutes for appearances sake, then I left.  It was around 18:30.  Possibly tomorrow Dave won’t be at the dairy so I can help Wayne some more.  I thank God for the ability to see and learn what I did today. 

            I found Enoch and again we went together to light the fire at the school house for the prayer hour.  (I still don’t participate in prayer hour with them.)  Getting to know Enoch, I can tell he has a memory for Bible scripture.  I feel he could do a lot better with his spiritual health if he didn’t parrot everything that is taught here by Dave and Ralph Stair.  I know he is not entirely happy.  He spends a lot of time singing low to himself in self reflection with his eye lids half closed. 

            Oh and I can’t forget to write, I fed corn cobs to the cows by hand today when we returned from the corn fields in town.  They are such peaceful animals. 

            I didn’t do any talking to John tonight.  I’m sure he has found a grudge to hold against me.  He doesn’t say a word to me any more.  I kind of like it that way though.  He’s a fishy character, and I don’t trust him a bit.

            Thank you Lord Jesus for this day.  Amen.

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