Story number four ...was actually pastor's third joke, or one of the three in some order this past Sunday.

This story actually was addressing the subject of faith.  The story was of a church ...gathered together for prayer and healing.

I have heard of many miracles in and outside of hospitals ...but though I'm not saying it's not possible, I've never personally witnessed nor heard of a friend who witnessed an organized healing extravaganza. 

In this story though, it was one of these such occasions ...and they had set up a curtain for people to step behind.  It was not like any claim of Holy of Holies ...as is legitimized in the Bible, but just for some unstated reason why, they had to step behind the curtain.

The first person to step behind the curtain, was Sister Bertha.  Bertha was on crutches ...had been for a long time. She had reportedly fallen over two years ago ...at a church picnic, during a sack race.  She had always been very active, and she loved to eat.  Because of her inactivity, it seemed that her eating had got her to the point that her vastly increased weight was hindering her healing.

When she stepped behind the curtain, it was uncertain whether the Preacher was going to pray for healing of her increased appetite ...to curb her diet, or for her to throw her crutches to the curb.

But, the Preacher didn't pray just yet.

The next person to come forward, was Brother Steve ...they affectionately called him, Stuttering Steve.  He too, was called to step behind the curtain.

The Preacher then began to pray, "Sister Bertha, you will now accept your healing!  Take that crutch that you have in your right hand, and throw it down."

She threw it up ...up over the curtain.  The Preacher had to duck, to avoid getting hit by it. "Amen,  ....now, Sister Bertha ...that crutch that you have left in your left hand, throw it any which way you want, just throw it, Sister!"

The other crutch came flying over the curtain, and the Preacher ducked again. "Amen, ...now, Brother Steve, let you be healed of your stuttering.  Speak, Brother Steve, speak!!"

From behind the curtain, could be heard, "P-r-ea-ch-e-r-r ..."

The Preacher called out loudly, "Now, Brother Steve ...this thing is holdin' on to you, because you don't have enough faith.  Now, just believe ...and accept the healing!!  Now, speak, Brother Steve, speak ...let it come out!!"

From behind the curtain, "L-e-t you c-o-me b-a-ck here. S-i-st-er Ber-th-a f-e-ll on my ch-e-st ...a-n  I c-an-t b-r-ea-the!"