Authors: Rebecca Martin

The Treasure Hunt (16 page)

BOOK: The Treasure Hunt

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“Ah. I know Ben. How can I help you?”

Joe showed him the list, and Mr. Merkel bustled off to get the items. Wandering down the aisle, Joe noticed another room at the back of the store. In it sat an old man with a purple blanket spread across his knees. He had a book and was reading aloud to himself.

As Joe passed by, the old man looked up. Suddenly his wrinkled face broke into a smile. “Why, if it isn't Joe Yoder!” he said with a voice that cracked.

Confused, Joe stopped in his tracks.
How does this stranger know me?
Then he recognized the old man. He was not a stranger at all. “Willie!” he said, going into the room.

“Didn't you know me at first?” the old prospector said with a chuckle. “I probably look older than I did the last time you saw me.”

Joe recognized Willie.

“You were pretty sick the last time I saw you,” Joe said. “Are youâ Is your last name Merkel?”

“Yes, I'm Tillman's oldest brother. Had I never told you my last name?”

“I don't think so.”

“What brings you way over here to Ordway?”

Joe told him about the hailstorm and the trip with
his sister-in-law. Willie listened quietly and then asked, “Could you do me a favor when you get back home?”

“I can try.”

“My Bible is still there in my den. Tillman lent me his, but I'd enjoy having the one my mother gave me when I left home,” Willie said.

Only then did Joe notice that the book on Willie's knees was a Bible. “I'll find yours for you, but it might be a while until I go home.”

“That's all right.” Willie's eyes took on a faraway look. “I only wish I'd read my Bible more in past years. That's what my mother asked me to do when she gave it to me, but I didn't listen.”

Not sure what to say, Joe shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“My mother didn't want me to go off hunting for gold,” Willie explained, “but I was stubborn. I wanted to get rich quick. So Mother gave me a Bible, and in it she underlined this verse.” Willie turned some pages in the Bible that rested on his knees. “Here it is, Matthew 13:44. âAgain, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.' ”

Willie looked at Joe and said, “I didn't pay much heed to those words. I didn't understand them even though Mother had tried to tell me. âFaith in Jesus, Willie. That's
the greatest treasure of all. If we have Jesus, we don't need earthly treasure. We are willing to give it all up for His sake.'

“But like I said, I was a headstrong fellow. I went and did the opposite of what this verse in Matthew tries to tell me. I wasted my whole life in search of earthly treasure.

“Then when I was sick in the hospital, a minister came to visit me nearly every day. I asked him about this verse, and he said pretty much the same thing Mother had. Faith in Jesus is the true treasure. When He saves us from our sins by His blood, we are ready to give up earthly treasure.”

Joe said, “That's what my parents say too.”

Willie looked searchingly at the young man. “Do you remember how I once warned you not to let gold ruin your life?”

Joe nodded.

“And do you understand now why I said that to you?”

“I think I understand,” replied Joe with a smile.

Other Great Harvest House Books by Rebecca Martin

Blossoms on the Roof

The year 1894 brings hard times to the Yoders. When Father reads that free land is available in faraway North Dakota, the family packs up, says goodbye to family and friends, and boards the train for what they believe will be a better life out West. As soon as they step from the train onto the windswept prairie, however, they realize they have much to learn about homesteading.

They hurry to build their thatched-roof, sod house even as they plant a garden and till the fields. With each new experienceâincluding the wildfire and long cold winterâthey learn to trust God, embrace the pioneer spirit, and watch hardship turn into valuable life lessons.

Based on actual events from a time long ago, this unforgettable story from The Amish Frontier Series, perfect for ages 8 to 12, brings to life the Yoder family's move from a close-knit community to a pioneer life where they quickly discover how God is faithful to help in every situation.

About the Author

Rebecca Martin is a mother of four children, wife of Cleon, and author of numerous books. She and Cleon are members of the Old Order Mennonite church, semi-retired, and together they enjoy helping their married children. Rebecca also enjoys quilting as a pastime.