The incident lit a fire under Bob in dealing with people. Up till that time he had assumed that you almost had to hog tie and drag someone to get them to come to Jesus. Darrell had been a witness to him that if someone saw the goodness of God he would want it.

Darrell and his neighbor Phil Markey had been feuding for over ten years, the original cause had long been forgotten but the feud went on. The following Sunday afternoon Darrell walked up on Phil’s porch and knocked on the door. Phil came to the door. The animosity between them was so great he didn’t say “Hi”, he just asked, “What’s your beef now?” He expected Darrell was bringing a complaint.

Darrell smiled, “Actually, you’re right, I have some beef. We want to invite you and your family over this evening for dinner. We’re having roast beef. Maybe I can begin to show you I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you for the last ten years. Please come over about five.” He turned without comment and walked away. He didn’t give Phil a chance to accept or refuse. Phil had no way of knowing if this was for real but he decided to try. He too was tired of the feuding. Maybe it could stop now. Darrell made the first move, the least he could do was accept it and see if it would work.

The meal was good and it was followed by apple pie and ice cream. Darrell was obviously making an effort to put things behind him. When the evening was over Phil thanked Darrell and the Markey family went home. Over the next few weeks other small acts of kindness by Darrell and his family followed. Phil couldn’t understand the change but he found himself being drawn in by it. When his raspberries were ripe he considered asking Darrell if he wanted to pick some for his family but after some thought he took four freshly picked boxes to the Jones home and gave them to Darrell. “If you could use more, let me know.”

“I’m told they’re the best around. How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing, just consider them a down payment toward settling up for anything I’ve done in the past.”

“You don’t have to do that. I wiped the slate clean the day before we invited you over but I’ll say thanks and accept them. I’d be stupid refuse.”