Eli and the pirates

Eli was a small boy, just 7 years old, blond hair and green eyes, who lived in a tiny town by the ocean. He had three older brothers: Joshua, Gabriel, and Emminent. They always went on exciting adventures together, like camping or fishing with their grandfather. But Eli was often left behind because, as his brothers said, he was too young and small to come along. He did not like to be left out all the time but when he was alone, he had his special place—a cozy little treehouse high up in a big tree, where he could sit and watch the boats sail across the sparkling blue sea. One sunny Friday evening, Grandpa told the boys exciting news. "We're going fishing tomorrow, boys! Be ready at sunrise!" "I can't wait!" Eli said excitedly. "I'm going to catch the biggest fish of them all!" But Grandpa shook his head gently. "Oh, Eli, not this time. It is too dangerous, and we will be out at sea all day. You will get tired. Maybe next time." "But, but...!" Eli stammered. "No, Eli," said his dad sternly. "It's for your own safety. We'll do something fun together while they're out fishing." Eli was disappointed. He stomped off to his treehouse and climbed up into his favourite spot. From there, he could see the ocean and watch the boats, there he always felt comforted. "It’s not fair," he muttered. "I’m big enough." Then, a mischievous idea popped into his head. "I’ll sneak onto the boat! They’ll never know!"

Determined, Eli made a secret plan. He decided to sneak onto the boat when they returned to refuel and get lunch. The next day, after delivering the food, Eli hid on the boat. He waited quietly for the adventure to begin. Soon, they were out at sea.

Suddenly, a pirate ship approached. Grandpa warned of a legend about pirates searching for a lost treasure ship every September. He told the boys to hide. As the pirates boarded, led by the fearsome Goliath, danger seemed inevitable. Goliath taunted Grandpa and threatened to attack him.

Despite being small, Eli stepped out bravely and confronted Goliath. He declared that while he may be little, he believed in God’s power. Just then, a sudden storm hit, shaking the boat and terrifying the pirates. When the storm stopped, the pirates and their ship had disappeared. Eli’s brothers and grandfather realized that Eli’s faith and courage saved them all, and they promised to include him from now on.