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Chapter 10: A Storm Approaches
Despite the group voting to keep Jake on as leader, Jake leaves the Explorers. The group starts to discuss what to do next; their faces sink into frowns. ‘What are we suppose to do now,” said Marissa. “Jake is the only leader we have ever had. He has led us through thick and thin,” Manuel sulks.
Meanwhile, Jake wanders over to a tree and slides down to the ground and just sits there feeling lower than he has ever felt in life. He had let the Explorers down by his poor choice. He knows that he has done the right thing to resign, but it feels awful. He leans against the tree and just stares at his feet listening to the leaves blow in the strong wind above.
Tobi tells the Explorers that his Dad always says that when you don’t know what to do, ask three people whom you respect for their opinion. Then, talk it over and vote. Page 2 of 5 © RCL Benziger
“That’s a great idea,” says Ellie. “Who should we ask first? “ Marissa says, “Let’s go find Officer Dias.” He is an expert on good choices and leaders.” They run down the street toward the police station and pass Jake leaning against the tree. They wave and yell, “Just wait there, Jake! We think we can solve this problem!” Jake looks to the sky and notices some big dark clouds and thinks, “Dark clouds for my dark mood.”
Officer Dias is outside the station getting into his patrol car when the gang approaches. “Officer Dias, when a leader chooses to do something wrong should he resign?” “Well, it all depends, kids. If he did it on purpose and didn’t care about the good of others, then he should not be their leader. When a sheriff or a mayor chooses to do a bad thing, they are asked to give up leadership because the town can no longer trust his judgment. But if he made a mistake and are sorry, he could remain in his job.” The group thanked him and walked away. “I’m more confused than ever.” says Rodrigo. Next, Keiko invites the Explorers to talk with her mom. Keiko’s mom listens to the question and tells them, “Disciples forgive people and give them a fresh start. Page 3 of 5 © RCL Benziger
Jesus forgave people.” Keiko ‘s mom said that Jake is a great leader and deserves a second chance.
“We need one more opinion,” says Marissa. “Who could it be? We are running out of experts.” Tobi says. As they walk back to the clubhouse. They notice Benjie sitting next to Jake. “Let’s ask Benjie what he thinks!” The Explorers huddle together on the curb a short distance from Jake listening to Benjie. Benjie looks up at his friends and tells them, “I have the best brother in the world. He cares about me even when I make it hard for him to love me. He has never let me down. He teaches me to do the right thing everyday just by watching him. Being a disciple can be confusing and takes courage. Jake faced the consequences for his actions, which is the sign of a real leader. Jake points the way for me every day by his good ways. No one could ask for a better brother!” The wind has gotten very strong and even though he is pretty far away from the group he can hear every word his little brother says. Page 4 of 5 © RCL Benziger
He never realized how Benjie felt about him. Jake starts thinking about how it is time to forgive himself just like Jesus forgives him. Jake prays. During his prayer, Jake realizes what he needs to do in regards to his involvement with the Highland Ridge Explorers.
As Jake begins to walk toward the Explorers, a storm threatens in the sky. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning hits a nearby tree. A fiery flash fills the sky and the Explorers run for cover. --------------TIME TO VOTE
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