Once in the town of Carmi, where the roads wind like a serpent and the hills nestle homes like swaddling babies, there lived two brothers: Issachar, a wealthy merchant, and Benjamin, an humble farmer. The people of the town were kind and lived harmoniously, extending love to strangers who journeyed through their town, for they abided by the sacred law from the scriptures of their ancestors. They believed that showing kindness to a stranger was akin to hosting angels in your home, and they lived by this proverb equating brethren love to sacred duty.

One day, their peaceful serenity was disrupted when the news of a neighboring village’s downfall reached them. The village was ransacked, and many were taken into bonds, ill-treated to felath the knots of tyranny. Carmi, too, was approached by these marauders, but the people of Carmi stood firm. They called to mind the teachings they held dear, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?” They stood united against the invaders, remembering the rule of their elders, the guidance of their spiritual leaders, and the undying faith instilled in them.

In these trying times, the indefatigable spirit of Carmi was tested. They were told to forsake their values and teachings and embrace the strangeness that was presented to them. But Issachar and Benjamin reminded their people, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and to-day, [yea] and forever.” Enraged, the marauders cast them out of their beloved town. Issachar, Benjamin, and their kin suffered outside, reminiscent of Jesus who sanctified the people with his precious blood. But the brothers weren’t discouraged; they believed: “For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after [the city] which is to come.”

Cut off from their homeland, the people of Carmi bore their hardships gracefully, their faith in God unflinching. They continued to live honourably, contented with what they possessed and free of the lust for riches. Even in these hard times, they maintained the sanctity of marriage and instilled it within their children. Their loyalty and faith were their heart’s sustenance; not the temporal pleasures of this world.

Those who served the tabernacle of the conquerors had no right to partake in the consecrated meat prepared by the brothers. The sweat and blood they sacrificed to attain the holy place were as significant to them as the sacrifices offered by the high priest. Consequently, they were encouraged: “Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.”

They were fondly appreciated by the leaders that were in exile with them. The leaders implored them to stand fast to their faith and pray for one another. They yearned for the good conscience and honourable life they had in Carmi.

One day, a freeman named Timothy came to them with news of the marauders’ defeat. The people of Carmi were overjoyed. They knew that this deliverance was none other than the great shepherd of the sheep, their Lord Jesus. Free from their oppressors, they returned to Carmi, praising and glorifying God for his eternal mercy, “working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hence, they continued living with love for their brethren and for the strangers who passed by, ever mindful of their ancestral teachings. And so goes the tale of the people of Carmi – an enduring testament to undying faith, the sanctity of marriage, contentment with what they had, sacrifices to God, prayer, and continuous praise to Jesus Christ henceforward and forever more.