The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant denomination with a significant influence across several East Coast states in the U.S.
Particularly in Campbell County, the number of believers is especially large.
In the small town of Lynchburg, there is a university—Lynchburg College. Its predecessor was a seminary, and to this day, it remains under the ownership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The church is located on the east side of Lynchburg, adjacent to the college. Compared to the university, the church appears humble and understated.
"This church was built during the colonial period," Desmond explained to Leo while pushing open the heavy wooden door.
"Desmond, my child, you've come!"
Father Lesterwin, dressed in a black clerical robe, quickly approached.
He gave Desmond a warm embrace, then turned and warmly hugged Leo as well, saying:
"You must be the miracle-maker Desmond always speaks of—Leo."
"That's me, Reverend Lesterwin. But compared to what Desmond has done, I'm hardly worthy of such praise. He's the one truly favored by God."
As Leo recalled Desmond's brave acts on the battlefield—charging through gunfire without a weapon to rescue fallen comrades—he spoke from the heart.
Father Lesterwin looked at Desmond in surprise and asked,
"My child, have you kept something from me?"
In the priest's office, Father Lesterwin took a sip of coffee to calm his emotions. He had always known Desmond to be a courageous and devout man.
But he never expected Desmond to adhere so strictly to the church's teaching of "Thou shalt not kill," even on the battlefield—choosing to save others without ever taking a life.
Seeing Desmond's scarred body, the priest was both heartbroken and filled with admiration.
"So, Desmond, what can I do for you?"
Desmond glanced at Leo, then after a brief pause, said:
"I want to run for the Council of Seven."
Father Lesterwin was taken aback. He knew Desmond well—this wasn't like him.
The old priest cast a doubtful look at Leo, his tone slightly displeased.
"So, Leo, this was your idea, wasn't it?"
Leo didn't deny it. He nodded and replied:
"Yes, Father. It was my idea. You've seen Desmond's condition—he can't handle strenuous work.
Given all he's done for this country, he deserves a job filled with dignity, honor, and applause.
Instead of leaving the town's future to politicians who speak in lies and riddles, why not entrust it to someone honest and dependable—like Desmond?"
Father Lesterwin fell into deep thought. Desmond had always been the most devout of his parishioners, someone he viewed almost like a son. Now, back from the war, blessed by God, Desmond was asking for his support.
Even if politics wasn't truly Desmond's dream, as long as the boy was willing, the priest felt a duty to stand behind him.
"So, have you thought it through? This is not an easy path," Father Lesterwin asked.
This time, Desmond didn't look to Leo. He nodded firmly.
He had Dorothy, his beloved fiancée, and he wanted to give her a better life.
"Very well," the priest said. "But I must tell you—I'm retiring from the Council of Seven this year. My influence in the current town council is limited.
However, when you run for election next year, I can use the church's reach to rally support.
If we build momentum for five years, by the time Patrick steps down as mayor, your chances will be much greater."
His tone was that of a mentor guiding a cherished disciple.
"Father, we plan to run this year," Leo interjected.
The priest's hand trembled, spilling coffee onto his robe. He ignored the stain and snapped harshly:
"You've shattered my impression of you, child.
What made you so arrogant as to believe a farmer's son could simply walk into the Council of Seven?
Do you think this is some kind of game?
Or do you believe I, Lesterwin, can just hand over my seat to Desmond? I have no such power!"
Though his words were blunt, Leo did not take offense. He smiled and said:
"Father, just as you were moved by Desmond's story, I believe others will be too.
People will surely admire a man so clearly chosen by God."
Leo's words were cut short by the priest's raised hand.
"You're too naive, Leo. Even after accounting for Desmond's heroism, I estimated five years.
Without that, he'd have no chance at all."
"What about this, then?"
Leo placed a manuscript of Hacksaw Ridge in front of the priest.
Lesterwin was a quick reader. Halfway through, tears welled in his eyes. Compared to Desmond's plain recounting, Leo's vivid writing captured the horror of war and the sanctity of Desmond's choice.
"This is... incredible. So you've already made plans, haven't you?"
Leo nodded.
"Yes, Father. Hacksaw Ridge has already been accepted for publication by the New York Herald Tribune. It should hit the shelves within a day or two.
Since the war began, books and reports about it have attracted loyal readers.
This one will surely draw attention to Desmond."
"There's some logic to that," the priest said, "but readers in Lynchburg are few. It won't do much to help his election."
"Then, Father, what if the church purchases a batch?
Some could be donated to the seminary at Lynchburg College, others sold cheaply to parishioners.
As you know, Lynchburg College owns a large share of the local newspaper.
Could we work with them to spread Desmond's story?
I'll write a serialized account. It'll help Desmond and benefit the church's mission."
Leo paused and added:
"In truth, I haven't mentioned—Hacksaw Ridge is being published because it caught the eye of Father Mendes in New York."
Lesterwin's eyes lit up at the name. Father Mendes was a titan in the American religious community. His endorsement signaled immense value.
The priest stood and paced. After a moment's thought, he slammed the desk and said:
"Now I see why Desmond holds you in such high regard. You're a clever young man!
I can arrange the book donations and sales, no problem.
But the college is managed directly by our church headquarters in Richmond. You'll need their approval to involve the newspaper."
He furrowed his brow and continued:
"But to convince the leadership, we're still missing something persuasive.
I know Bishop Harris—he cares deeply about background.
Even with Father Mendes' support, Desmond is still just a farmer's son. Harris may not want to invest heavily."
Leo and Desmond exchanged a look. Then Desmond pulled a beautifully designed envelope from his pocket and placed it on the table.
Leo pointed at it and said:
"Will this make up for Desmond's background?
It's an invitation from the Pentagon. Desmond is about to receive the Medal of Honor—the highest military award in the U.S.
And he may be the first soldier in history to receive it without ever killing an enemy."