The Devil in Pew Number Seven

The year was 1969, Robert and Ramona Nichols journeyed to Sellerstown, North Carolina to conduct a series of revival meetings. The close-knit, small community was very welcoming. The current pastor of the local church was officially retired and it wasn't too long before Robert was asked to take on the job. Robert was a very likeable and practical pastor who had time for individuals, often working alongside them, without pressurising them to come to faith.

One man, however, took a dislike to Robert. He didn't like the way Robert was running things, even though the church grew and prospered under his leadership. This person had a lot of control over the church in the past, but with Robert taking over leadership of the church many things were changed and this man found he had little or no influence in church matters any more. This rankled so much that he embarked on a one-man campaign to rid the town of Robert and his family.

The methods chosen were threatening phone calls (often late at night), anonymous letters, bombings and shooting. All these were intended to frighten and intimidate the family to such an extent that they would leave town. Robert was sure of God's call and refused to go unless God told him to. They had expected opposition but nothing like this.

The resulting emotional trauma to Robert, his wife and two children was horrendous. It reminded me of how families in a war zone might feel: constantly on the alert for danger, living on a knife edge, never knowing if you would be safe in your bed, or dead or alive the next day. And yet, despite all this, the family continually responded with the love of God. Their constant love and forgiveness towards this man was in no way easy, but was demonstrated regularly as they prayed for his salvation, refusing to become bitter or revengeful. 

Rebecca, author of the book, is Robert's daughter. She is quite forthright about how the intimidation affected her, her parents and her younger brother. She explains how she finally came to peace, through forgiveness, and the sustaining and enabling power of God, and the wise counsel of other relatives, particularly her Aunt Dot.

About the author
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo is a speaker on betrayal and the power of forgiveness. She has been involved in ministry, including a church plant, youth outreach, and missions, for over a decade.  She and her husband live in Franklin, Tennessee, with their two children.

Here is a short video which gives a little more background to the book: