Canelands - Gerry Harlan Brown

"I was angry beyond measure; angrier than I have ever been in my life," Paul declared. "But instead of asking the Lord to remove the scales from the eyes of those responsible, to show them the error of their ways, I begged Him to damn them all. I screamed at Him to burn them in hell. I cursed. I ranted and raved. I broke things. The greatest thing I broke was Jennie's heart-a heart that has scarcely had a chance to heal."

A single hot tear broke from the corner of the preacher's right eye, challenging his ability to keep his composure.

"I spent Friday night wandering in the wilderness, stumbling through the canelands down from our house, slipping and sliding and sometimes falling along the banks of the creek. When the first rays of dawn cut through, I was on my knees, worn out and burnt out. I tried to pray, the words would not come. Finally, I said, 'I am Yours, Father. Use me.'

"In that very instant I heard a voice speaking to my heart as when I was called to preach. My friends, the Lord has called me again. I am to go to Brownsville, Texas, to pray for the children. He has given me only one other requirement for this journey. I am to walk all the way there from here in Kentucky."