Authors: Nancy Hopper
“Tim Rain, international Evangelist and Prophet, has been living in the home of wealthy socialite Tasha Taylor in Salt Lake City, Utah. Though Mr. Rain has been a proponent of what he calls “clean ministry”, he seems to have been heavily involved in something very much unlike what he preaches to the nations.”
“
Mr. Rain had been reportedly living with this woman for several days, in her home. Pictures show that Mr. Rain has been enjoying the view from Ms. Taylor’s bedroom, which looks north toward the famous Utah mountain resorts.”
"Mr. Rain first appeared publicly with Ms. Taylor at a Christian conference in Salt Lake City in January of last year. He was observed kissing this woman with obvious passion on more than one occasion at this conference. Obviously, romance was brewing, but look just how far it’s gone.”
There followed a series of pictures, beginning with Tim sitting on Tasha’s bed, holding her in his lap, very intimately positioned. The camera angle made it appear that he had nothing on, at all. His boxers were lost under the folds of lace flowing from Tasha’s negligee.
Then, there were pictures where they stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows. Tasha was melted against him. He had his hands on her face in one, kissing her like there was no tomorrow. In another, his hands were on her waist in a very possessive way.
The pictures were cropped, so that all you could see was a portrait cut, from the waist up. Again, Tim looked like he had nothing on, at all. And Tasha looked so seductive, it would be ludicrous to deny that something was going on.
“
It’s time to hold our church leaders accountable. We can’t continue to have this ‘do as I say and not as I do’ kind of scandal going on.
“
How many big television and other public ministers are we going to have to expose, (no pun intended) before this is over? They must be convinced that this lascivious behavior will not be tolerated."
“
Investigation of Ms. Taylor’s past reveals that she was the wife of a Charismatic pastor who recently died of cancer. Sources who knew deceased Pastor Gary Taylor, say that Tasha is the daughter of business tycoon Brent Charles, well known for his escapades with younger women.”
“
Perhaps illicit sex is a habit in the Charles household, but we can’t allow these people to minister it to us. We can’t allow it to come into our American homes, in the name of Jesus Christ!”
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Join me now, in making a protest to the ministry of this man. Make a statement! Stand up and be heard! Let’s tell Tim Rain that marriage is still important to the followers of Christ in America.
“
He must be held accountable. This cannot go by without response.”
Tim groaned, and put the magazine down. There was a photo of Tasha walking down the street in a beautifully fitted red suit. Her long hair was blowing around her in the wind, and she looked like a very young, very chic model with her above the knee skirt, her flawless legs and obviously swingy walk. She was wearing very tall heels that made her legs scream
sex!!!!!!
She was gorgeous.
Tears sprang to Tim’s eyes as he looked with despair on her sweet smile. He was so sorry for the hell this was going to cause her. It wasn’t right.
He picked up the phone and called. “Lucinda.” he said listlessly. “Tim Rain.”
“
Mr. Tim. It is awful!”
“
I know. Lucinda, I’m going to do a live television show
and talk about this. It’s got to be set straight. Tell Tasha to lay low and let me handle it. Tell her not to talk to the press about anything, for any reason. And tell her not to be afraid. It’s going to be all right.”
Lucinda groaned. “She’s so upset, Mr. Tim. Maybe you could talk to her.”
“
She’s up? It’s only seven! She
must
be upset. I’d be happy to, if she’ll listen.” Tim said wearily.
“
Well, she’s up this morning. She’s received a few unpleasant, anonymous phone calls. I’ll get her, Mr. Tim.” Lucinda said gratefully.
Tim waited silently, staring out the window. What was he supposed to say to her?
“
Hello.” Tasha said coldly.
“
Hi.” Tim answered gently. “So, Pattie got her story after all.”
“
I guess she did.” Tasha agreed flippantly.
Tim cocked his head, wishing he could see the expression on her face. He kept his voice calm and impassive. “Her timing was impeccable. Well, Tasha, I’m going to answer their questions. I hope you don’t mind. I don’t think there’s much else at this point that can be done. It’s important that I tell the truth, for your sake and mine.”
“
What do you care about me? You just want to save your ministry.” she accused bitterly.
“
I really couldn’t care less about my ministry in and of itself, Tasha. I’m not creating an empire for myself. But it would be wrong to let this woman dishonor the Lord. You know that. And it’s wrong for her to dishonor you.”
Tasha sighed. “I put myself in that position, Tim. It’s not wrong. I’m just paying the ultimate price for my stupidity.”
Tim bit his lip. What in the world could he say to that? “Tasha. Honey, you weren’t stupid. You were just trying to take a shortcut.” he said softly. “You’ll never know how tempted I was. But maybe now, you can see that I can’t. I don’t dare. I have to step carefully, I have to be absolutely squeaky clean, or things like this happen. People are on my tail, all the time.”
"And, the Patties of the world are out for blood wherever they can find it. Stories like this sell magazines, big time. Unfortunately, they also ruin lives and ministries.”
Tasha sighed.
“
So what can I say about you, honey?” he asked softly.
Tasha wiped away a tear. “What is it you want to say?” she asked brokenly.
“
If I had the freedom, I’d tell the world about you.” he said in a low voice. I’d tell them how beautiful you are, how sweet and lovely. I’d tell them that you’re going to be my wife.”
She was silent. “You still want to marry me?” she asked in disbelief.
“
Tasha, I won’t give up on you, ever. Not with my dying breath.” he said firmly.
She rolled her eyes, and wiped at the tears. “Tim ...” she objected.
“
Tasha, you can’t run away from this. Come on, give me a break. Let’s stand together in this, and not let them rip us apart. I love you, honey.”
She started to cry in earnest. “Tim, I can’t. I can’t ... live the life you do. I can’t start over, and try to live this life of ministry again. I don’t fit!”
“
You will, honey. You fit with me, just fine. Stop worrying and just give me half a chance. Everything will work out all right. All you have to do is say yes, and mean it. I'll take care of everything else.”
Tasha truly did understand why Tim had rebuffed her that night. She had been trying to use her feminine wiles on him. Not that she’d consciously meant to. But certainly, he couldn’t allow himself to be seduced.
She had just wanted him to go away. She'd wanted to make him run; and if he wouldn't do that, then he'd have crumbled. She'd have had him on her terms. He’d have broken down, and make love to her. If she couldn’t shake him, jumping from A to Z without the uncomfortable time in between would definitely be the next best thing – Without including his God, without taking the appropriate steps. With no commitment.
She understood, now. She’d tested him, and he’d come through. She hadn’t been able to move Gary that way, and she knew now she’d never be able to do it to Tim, either. He was firmly grounded in God.
And, she had to admit to herself that she’d thought she could drive him away. Hadn’t she been trying, since the very day they’d met? She couldn’t blame Tim for this. It had all been her doing. She had created this crisis with careful purpose, to drive Tim over the edge, one way or another. But as usual, it had all backfired on her.
“
Tasha, God has to put us together. He has to be Lord in our lives. You’re stunning, honey. You’re awesome. I’ve never known a more beautiful woman. But that’s not going to do either of us any good, if we establish our relationship in the physical before we are established in spirit. We are more than physical beings. When we get married, I want it to last. I want it to be right."
Tasha sighed. All she could do was cry. “Do whatever you think is best.” she answered tiredly. “I really think I understand this, now. I didn’t then, but I’ve learned my lesson. And, I’m sorry I did this to you, Tim. Please, forgive me. I just didn't realize that something like this could happen. I was being selfish.”
"You know, at the time I just remember thinking … either he’ll make love to me, or else he’ll run like hell. I was extremely shocked that you did neither of those.”
Tim closed his eyes. “I did run. I had to come home, Tasha, or I would eventually have come to you. Believe me, you get to me. But don’t feel guilty. I don’t want that, and I’m not that worried. Tasha, I wish I could hold you. Honey, don’t let her wound you. Don’t let this be a shameful thing. It’s not. We have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“
Maybe you don’t, but I feel like some kind of cheap ... whatever, trying to seduce you. All I did, was just about ruin your career.”
Tim growled. “Come on, now, you’re listening to lies. You’re not cheap, and I’m darn glad that you wanted me. It gave me hope. And I don’t have a ‘career’, Tasha. I stand by God’s grace and if I fall, I’ll be saved by it. You watch and see if He doesn’t turn this around, for good. Lift up your head, and just pray for me, all right? I’m going to need it tonight at the airport, and tomorrow when I face the accuser.”
“
Okay.” she agreed hesitantly. “Tim, when are you leaving to go abroad?”
“
Tomorrow after the television appearance.” he said with a heavy heart.
She started to cry, again. She couldn’t help it. It was all too much for her. “I can’t believe this is happening.” she said softly.
“
I know. Listen, can you pick me up at the airport?” he asked.
“
What? You can’t mean today?” she asked in amazement.
“
Yep. Today. If I can get a flight, I’ll be there.” he promised.
She couldn’t believe it. “My day is free.” she said in wonder.
“
I’ll call you right back.” he said, and hung up.
Tasha put the receiver down, in a mixture of wonder and fear. He was coming to see her? Today, after all that had happened? Despite his television appearance, and having to go abroad tomorrow? It was unthinkable!
It began to sink into her heart how much Tim cared. He truly loved her.
Lucinda walked up, and put a hand on her shoulder. “Darling, are you all right?” she asked worriedly.
Tasha looked up at her in wonder. “Lucy, he’s coming here. Today! You know, I’m beginning to truly believe he loves me.”
Lucinda laughed, and smiled down at her. “Honey, I could have told you that.” she said simply.
The phone rang five minutes later. Tim had found a flight. “I’ll be there at twelve-thirty.” he said with relief.
“
I’ll pick you up.” she promised. She got the airline and terminal number written down, with a shaky hand.
“
Honey, I’m sorry, but I don’t have a second to spare if I’m going to make it.” he apologized. “I’ll see you there. And don’t answer the phone.”
“
Okay. Bye.” she said, wanting to say, ‘I love you’, and not able to.
“
Bye. I love you.” he said softly, and hung up.
Tasha’s heart smote her. “What’s the matter with you?” It cried. “Pride, pride! You’re so full of pride. Face it! You’re not half worthy of him! Look at what he’s going through, all because of you! Your pride’s got to die. You let it rear up and take over again, after Gary died.” a voice inside her accused.
She laughed derisively. “Well; this ought to take care of it, for good.” she hazarded wearily.