SIMC Partner: "Secrets of Love and Redemption"

Minister Drew Smallwood becomes a victim of love when Rose Goodman writes a single-page note apologizing for the anguish she knows her sudden disappearance will bring. Unbeknownst to Drew, Rose is leaving town to escape the secret of an unplanned pregnancy because a baby would only jeopardize his hopes of becoming the pastor of his grandfather’s church. Drew is devastated and searches high and low for Rose, but to no avail. Where could she be?

After fleeing to her hometown of Macon, Georgia, Rose takes on a new identity to start life as a single mother. She soon meets Deacon Jacob McClure, a much older widower who offers her his hand in marriage and promises to become a father to her baby. Decades later, when Jacob is stricken with incurable cancer, Rose feels that she must tell her son A.J. the truth. Now a pastor, A.J. is shocked to learn that Bishop Andrew Smallwood is his real father, especially considering the two men have met many times over the years as ministers of the gospel. Drew's tumultuous relationship with his wife Clarissa crumbles even more when she learns that he and Rose share a son. Years of lies, secrets, and deception are uncovered, and pandemonium shakes the prominent North Carolina church. In the midst of pain and drama, God helps Drew lead his family and church through a season of healing and forgiveness. And as a reward for his faithfulness to God, Drew receives another chance at love and happiness with the only woman he has truly ever loved.

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and santification, and redemption"
- 1 Corinthians 1:30