There was a little church up on the hill about a hundred yards up the road. Several cars passed by the man heading to the church. Some of the people slowed and stared, some just ignored him altogether speeding on by.
       As he neared the little church some of the people in the parking lot noticed him approaching and they hurried inside. Some openly stared while he drew closer and then they too entered the church.
       The preacher had to fight the impulse to turn away and go into the church. As he battled with the thoughts, should I stay or should I go, it was soon apparently too late to do anything for the dirty man was standing in front of him. He did his best to greet him with a smile and slowly stuck out his hand, "Welcome, I am Pastor Wilkerson." The Pastor grimaced as the man smiled a toothless smile. "Thank you" he said as he shook the Pastors hand. As the man walked by the Pastor couldn't resist wiping his hand on his pants.
 

       The man entered the sanctuary and was totally ignored as he walked down the center isle.  After he passed, people pointed and whispered, "How dare he come into church dressed like that!" "When's the last time he bathed?" And when he went to the front row and sat down, "of all the nerve!"
 

       A woman with a little girl a few rows back was busy whispering to her neighbor when her daughter slipped away. When she finally realized her girl was gone she found her sitting next to the "visitor." She hissed, "Lori! Lori get back here." But she was too embarrassed to make a scene in church. Her daughter looked back with a blissful smile, "isn't he beautiful?"
 

       The Pastor ignored the congregations gaze as he walked in. He stutter stepped as he spotted the new comer sitting alone with Lori on the front row.
       The Pastor approached the podium stiffly. He went through the prayer requests and every other Sunday morning ritual on auto pilot. Then with relief he turned over the service to the song leader. He sat down with sweat pouring down his face. Conflict tormenting his heart.
 

       The song leader began to sing and the congregation stood to their feet as did the new comer. They all began to sing and it wasn't a minute into worship when a beautiful, heavenly voice rose above the others, coming from the front row! Soon all voices trailed away as the "guest's" voice rang out in such beauty that it was both pleasurable and soothing to the ear.
        His voice rang out for what seemed an eternity. Peoples hearts began to melt, conviction overwhelming each one. Then one by one fell to their knees asking the Lord for forgiveness.
  The Pastor being the first to his knees.
       After a moment all was quiet and the Pastor realized there was an eerie silence in his church. He opened his eyes and looked at his watch and lurched to his feet. Hours had gone by!
 

       He looked around and saw people slowly getting up in wonder. His gaze fell over to the window where the little girl was staring up outside. She looked back and said "isn't he beautiful?