Last year, my husband Kenn and I visited his uncle in Orlando, Florida. His Uncle Johnny told us a story about a pastor at the megachurch he attends. As a Christian romance writer, I wanted to know more. We asked Uncle Johnny if he would arrange a meeting for Kenn and me to talk with Pastor Ben Peterson at Hart Fellowship. We met with him in his office for twenty minutes early on a Friday morning. Much of that conversation follows.
Me: We were told you sent a letter proposing marriage to a woman you know in Tennessee. As a Christian writer, I think there may be a great story here for a novel because people rarely propose by mail. Would you share the details with us?
“Sure. My first wife, Annie, passed away two years ago. I’m ready to get married again but find dating tiresome.” He crossed his arms. “After a few months of prayer, I felt God gave me a definite answer of who He’d selected to be my bride. Because I knew this, there was no reason to waste time dating before I popped the question.”
Me: But why a letter and not a personal visit?
“I wanted to make sure she was interested before I traveled. She lives near Chattanooga—600 miles away. Plus, I’d rather she messages me to tell me no than tell me to my face.”
Me: But you must be close friends. You expected her to say yes. Right?
“Of course. It’s just that we haven’t seen each other in twelve years.”
Kenn: Twelve years? But you’ve stayed in contact and talk often?
He shook his head. “Just an occasional comment on social media.”
Me: Really? Have you heard from her since you made her an offer of marriage?
“I sent the letter ten days ago, but she hasn’t given me an answer.”
Me: Ten days? And you still expect her to respond?
“If she prays about this like I have, and like I asked her to, I believe God will show her His plan, and she’ll agree to marry me.”
Kenn: Are you sure she received your letter?
“Yes. I sent her a message last night on social media and asked if she got it. She said she’d pray and get back to me.”
Me: That sounds promising.
Pastor Peterson pulled out his phone. “I haven’t checked my message app since last night. Let me see if she’s responded further.” He grimaced. “What does this mean? Check ready to mail? I didn’t ask for money.” He looked up at us and spoke with frustration in his voice. “We need to finish up now. I need to respond to her message.”
Me: Pastor, this could make an amazing storyline if she responds favorably. But if she doesn’t?
“I’m sure it sounds odd.” He glanced toward his closed office door and rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe I should have called her instead.”
Kenn: Or visited her in person.
He nodded, stood, and walked to his door. “I planned to do that when she agreed to marry me.” He released a heavy sigh and softened his tone. “If she agrees to marry me.”
Me: Thank you for your time, Pastor Peterson. I hope this works out well for you.
Kenn: We’ll be praying.
On our way to the parking lot, Kenn asked, “What would you think if you were single and received his letter after twelve years?”
I shook my head and shrugged. “That he’s crazy? I doubt there’s a story here. If I were her, I’d throw the letter away. Such An Odd Request.”
You’ll find the rest of Pastor Peterson’s story, in my newest release, An Odd Request. Coming soon!
Full disclosure: This blog post is a work of fiction. The only truth found within is that we were in Florida last year, and Kenn has an Uncle Johnny who lives there.
Photo by Shaun Frankland - Unsplash