The phone rang. It was late in the afternoon, the day after Christmas. "I'm coming from the church office to get you," Bill said. "Meet me outside. I'll be right there."

His voice sounded heavy. What could be so wrong? I wondered. I hurriedly put on my boots and coat, and then stepped outside and stood in the cold to wait.

Bill pulled into the driveway. "What's wrong?" I asked as I climbed into the car.

"The worst."

"What?"

He looked at me. "Promise me you'll believe I love you. Will you promise me that?"

"Well, of course. Why?"

We drove into the church parking lot and came to a stop. He took my hand and told me that Ron Kelton (the new pastor of our former church) and the district superintendent were inside. "They have signed statements charging me with inappropriate behavior and immoral actions."

"Bill, they must be mistaken!" I said. "Someone is lying about you. Or somebody didn't understand what he saw." I looked at him. "They are wrong, aren't they?"

"The charges are exaggerated," he said, ...