It had started as one play, produced by the high school students for a parish summer gathering. But the talents of that particular group were gaining attention - even outside the congregation. John had watched his spouse, the congregation's pastor, marvel at the imagination of the writers.

"You must come and see this production Sunday evening, John," said Karenza. And so he did.

The play was set in a single room. It was Pilate's headquarters where he had addressed Jesus about his kingly aspirations. The students had based the play primarily on the exchange of Jesus and Pilate but another subplot was added and it kept them all keenly attentive.

In a cottage near the soldiers' quarters sat a young soldier's widow. Only two weeks before her husband had died in a raid on one of the province…