Father, Forgive Us

By Sandy Erb

Summary

The work of the greatest Missionary, as seen through the heart of His Father. Modern day setting.

Characters

SON:  Dressed in shirt and slacks 
FATHER: Dressed in elegant dressy casual clothes.
BUTLER: Dressed in black slacks, vest, and white shirt with bow tie. 
ANNOUNCER: Good speaking voice.
REPORTER: Good speaking voice.
GROUP:  5 to 8 people with good speaking voices. (Number may vary to suit your group size.) Dressed in a variety of cultural and ethnic costumes and some in regular street clothes.

Setting

An elegant Library Room.

Props

Fancy chair, end table, lamp, desk, desk chair, phone, TV, book.

Script

SCENE I
 (Formal library room. Dignified looking gentleman sitting in high backed chair, with book open in his lap. He stares into space, looking sad. Young man enters.)
SON: Dad……. I'm ready to go…. I just need to say goodbye……  How do I find the words to do that ?
FATHER:  And how do I stand here and watch you go ? If you weren't needed so badly on the mission field, I couldn't do it. Each day you're gone will feel like an eternity.
SON:  I promise I’ll call as often as I can, so you’ll know what’s going on.
FATHER:  You'd better. I'll be living for the sound of your voice.
(They give each other a tearful embrace.)
 FATHER:  Now you promised ! Call every chance you get. Collect. Day or night.
SON:  I hear you, Dad. Especially the " collect " part.
(They hug again and Son exits)

SCENE II 
(Father sitting in chair, reading. Phone rings off stage. Butler comes in with portable phone.)
BUTLER:  Sir, I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's a collect call for you. I believe it's your Son.
FATHER: Oh, wonderful ! I've been waiting for that. Give me the phone. Yes ! Yes ! I'll gladly accept the charges !
SON: Dad ! ……… Dad, is that you ?
FATHER: Yes, but I can just barely hear you. You sound so far away.
SON:  Ok, I'll try to talk louder. I arrived safe and sound. The people gave me such a warm welcome. I am so excited. They really seem glad to have me here. The living quarters are very humble, and it's a lot different than home, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The hardest part is missing you. It's good knowing you're there, backing me up.
FATHER:  You know I always will be. I am so proud of you. It's hard having you so far away, but I know how necessary it is. The eternal souls of so many people depend on you being there. But...oh.. I miss you so much. Even though I knew in my head I would miss you, I really didn't know how bad it would feel, until you were gone.
SON:  But Dad. Think of all the new brothers and sisters I'll have, when I come home again. Isn't that what it's all about ?
FATHER:  I know, Son. It's just that you've never been so far away before. The loneliness is like an ache inside.
SON:  I guess it's always harder for those who have to sit at home and wait. At least I have the joy of getting to know and love all the     new people I'm meeting. Dad, I have to go now, but I'll talk to  you again as soon as possible. I love you.
FATHER:  I love you too, Son.
  (Father hangs up phone, leans back against chair, and shuts eyes. Lights cut.)

SCENE III
 (Phone is now on table by chair. Nobody is in room. Phone rings. Father hurries in, carrying several packages, and picks up phone.)
FATHER: Hello?
SON:  Dad, it's me. And not even collect. How about that ?
FATHER:  Oh my goodness. I just got home. Let me get rid of some stuff here. (Drops packages) It seems like forever since you last called.
SON:  Dad, it was only a month ago.
FATHER:  Oh, I know. I said it just seems like forever. What have you been doing ?
SON: Oh, Dad ! It's been so exciting ! A group of us have been traveling around, holding meetings in some of the outlying villages. It's been almost nonstop. We've hardly had time to eat or sleep. So many people have been coming that we had to move the meetings outside. And the miracles ! Dad, we've seen people on crutches completely healed ! We laid hands on them and watched as their legs straightened and grew longer.
FATHER:  Oh ! I'm so glad to hear that !
SON:  And people, completely blind from birth ! They can see ! Their families and friends can't deny the miracle because they've known them all their lives.
FATHER:  Oh my ! What it must be like to be right there, actually seeing lives changed like that ! I wish I were there with you.
SON:  Dad ! You are here with me. I couldn't have come if you hadn't sent me. You are as much a part of this as anyone on the team. These souls are your trophies, too. I've written down every name in my journal. I'll bring it to you, when I come home.
 FATHER: You don't know how much I'm looking forward to that………. Son,    we've been hearing on TV about the political and religious unrest in that area. How safe are you and your friends ?
SON: Well, like I said the last time I called, I can't say the opposition isn't strong. It is. So far it's been only minor problems, but we can feel it growing stronger every day. The strongest resistance is coming from the religious leaders. I think they're afraid of the way the people are opening up. And also, there's probably some jealousy because of the miracles. It's hard for them to explain how bodies are being healed when the people come to us, but when they pray to their false gods, nothing happens.
FATHER:  Yes, I guess that is a little hard to explain away. Truth always is. But you know what ? You are Truth, and Truth always wins in the end.
SON:  Dad, your faith in me is what keeps me going when I don't think I can make it. That's what I hang on to. It's getting a little harder to get calls through to you, but I'll do the best I can.
FATHER:  I'll be here.
SON:  I know, Dad. That's what I'm counting on.

[more to come]
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Copyright Sandy Erb, all rights reserved.
This version of the script contains only the first two of the five scenes in this play. The whole play may be obtained by contacting the author. He may be contacted at actupforjesus@hereigo.net
Other scripts by him may be viewed at www.actupforjesus.com