A scholar in Vatican City decided to write a book about churches around the world. He first flew to Switzerland, and started working west from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued by the sign which read "$10,000 a minute."
Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches all around the world, he found more phones, with the same sign, and got the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Atascadero, California. Upon entering a church in this little Central Coast town, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 25 cents". Surprised, he approached the pastor.
"Reverend, I have been in cities all around the world, and in each church, I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God. But, in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads 25 cents a call. Why?"
The pastor, smiling, replied, "Son, you're in California now. This is God's country...it's a local call."
Sigh...ain't it the truth? I miss home.
Posted by Mary at March 30, 2005 10:39 AM