The Amazing Baptist

In Knoxville, Tennessee, if you attend the Lavander Baptist Church you will find Reverend Tom Kiley, known as "The Amazing Baptist" working miracles. He reads the Bible, motions to the ceiling, kicks at the floor. And a puff of smoke jumps out of his coat and circles the congregation. The smoke whispers in peoples' ear the most delightful things.

And everyone is happy. And then there's that light that shimmers up inside Reverend Kiley. A heavenly light that turns the altar upside-down. The flowers on the altar cling to the table. It's all a mystery.

A gust of wind passes through the sanctuary. It seems to come from the Reverend. It's a wind that calls each member of the congregation by their name. Birds fly out of the Reverend's pockets when he's about to pray. He lifts his arms high.

He smiles. His voice is that incredibly beautiful sound that makes the ladies' toes curl. And the men sit up straight. The sound of a peacock comes from the choir. The sermon is an extraordinary burst of revelations. One after the other. Fireworks. The words sparkle and gleam from a world of darkness. Suddenly made bright.

He performs magical tricks for his congregation. The dancing Bible trick is a real pleaser. The Bible floats in mid-air and circles the congregation.

Sometimes The Amazing Baptist is so good he mesmerizes the congregation. They stare at him. He leaves them breathless. Reverend Kiley can pull a rabbit out of his Bible. In recent weeks he has been handcuffed and after saying a prayer suddenly escaped.

He has been stuffed into a shoebox. Vanished and then popped up. He has been suspended by his heels over the pulpit. And has been known to disappear entirely into thin air.

Once, he leaped into the air and reportedly flew out the window. Only to return. The Amazing Baptist is an outstanding example of what faith can accomplish.

Angels have visited his sermons. And often sit in the third row, left side. They are striking. White wings and noble faces. They enjoy Reverend Tom and understand his commitment to the Lord.

People love The Amazing Baptist for his gift for surprise. He has made a tiger and two bears appear in the sanctuary. Also, he has any number of the times healed the crippled, made blind see and the dumb speak.

He believes that everyone in the city of Knoxville is a good person. He believes that if they have only to pray more often to possess the great promises. If they believe in the Bible, all things will be possilbe.

Next week: The vanishing Deacon and an Elder will be sawed in half.