Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D.

Inside First Church, Ellis and George find Owen Birch hurling empty bottles across the sanctuary. Owen has been living in the parsonage for two years and is furious that the church is renovating what he calls his house for a new pastor. He threatens to swallow the broken glass, but Ellis firmly gives him a choice: stop, clean the church, and attend the next meeting, or be removed by the police. Owen grudgingly agrees. George is astonished to learn that this unstable, unemployed man is also one of the church’s deacons.

At the Birches’ home, Jimmy and Donna refuse Amy’s alcohol. Amy accuses them of judging her and leaves to meet her friends. Jimmy is upset that someone so beautiful can be so troubled, while Donna wonders why Amy will not make the best of her circumstances. Both begin to recognize that Pokenberry Falls is not merely strange; its young people have been left without the guidance and hope the Barclays have received in Odyssey.

The next morning, Ellis finally shows the family the parsonage. It is a huge former Lionel home, but the pastor is expected to run it as a bed-and-breakfast in addition to leading the church and serving as college chaplain. Vivian decides that the Barclays deserve the complete truth. Only about five families - roughly thirty people - remain in the church. It cannot afford a full pastoral salary, so the college work and bed-and-breakfast income must make up the difference.

Ellis apologizes for trying to create a favorable impression. The church is desperate, and he feared the truth would drive George away. George answers that his family did not come for a good impression but an accurate one. Instead of leaving, the Barclays borrow a car and explore by themselves. They see a community in decline, much like Odyssey might become if its fortunes suddenly changed.

From a road high on the mountain, the worn town looks as lovely as the old postcard. George points out the new houses rising on its outskirts and the people who will live in them. Pokenberry Falls has deep needs, and its need for Christ seems to call out to them. Jimmy admits that he could live there if God asked it. Donna hates the thought of leaving Odyssey, but she wonders whether her place might be among young people like Amy.

When Amy later invites Jimmy to join her friends at the falls, he again refuses. He says that drinking until she forgets where she lives will not repair anything. In anger, he calls her beautiful and popular on the outside but twisted within, then regrets how harshly he has spoken. Donna explains more gently that Odyssey’s young people are not perfect; they have simply learned to respond to problems differently. Amy challenges Donna to live in Pokenberry Falls for six months before judging her choices.

At the deacons’ meeting, George meets Harry Nicholson, Owen, and Barry Lionel, the powerful businessman who dominates much of the town. Lionel declares that the question is not whether George accepts the church but whether Lionel accepts him. He blames former pastors for weak leadership and asks why George deserves the position. George answers just as directly: neither man’s approval is final. God is responsible for the town, and the Lionels have only been entrusted with it. George will come only if God calls him.

Instead of taking offense, Lionel respects George’s courage and announces that the job is his if he wants it. That evening George preaches about Jesus being called into the wilderness, where Satan tried to distract him from his identity and purpose. The Barclays promise to pray before answering the offer and fly home the next day.

During the flight, Jimmy says that growing up in Odyssey may have prepared the family to help people like Amy. Donna has reached the same conclusion. Leaving still hurts, but the decision must be based on more than what they like. The family prays together for direction, knowing the sacrifice will affect them all.

Their answer becomes clear when movers arrive at the Barclay home. Before going to a farewell gathering at Whit’s End, the family finishes its recording for Stuart. They are saying goodbye to Odyssey - and hello to Pokenberry Falls.