Written by: Glorie Adepoju

THIRTEEN

Pastor Sam drummed his fingers on his office table and tensed.

“Something is fishy about them. Reveal it to me sweet spirit. Holy Spirit, you only gave me a hint, you refused to reveal the full story to me. I took time to intercede for this family because they are very dear to my heart, yet the heavy cloud over them got even thicker. Sweet Spirit, You just instructed me to call him over to my office, and I did just that. What exactly am I supposed to say to him when I don’t understand the situation myself?”

“Judgement is coming. Proverbs 9:17-18 is the scripture to give to him” came the soft whisper of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Sam quickly searched through the pages of the bible on his table, he found the scripture and read it. His heartbeat was incredibly fast.

“Oh my God, this is not looking good. Could it be that__” a sharp knock on his door startled him and interrupted his thoughts at the same time

“You may come in”The door opened and Minister Kofi stepped in.

Regardless of Minister Kofi’s usual calm countenance, Pastor Sam could feel the thick dark cloud again. A dark mask suddenly popped on Minister Kofi’s face, it was gone in a flash, Pastor Sam couldn’t deny seeing it. Countless times, that was how God revealed the spiritual status of people to him. Pastor Sam felt even more worried for Minister Kofi.

“Good afternoon, Pastor, you asked me to see you in your office, sir.”

“Yes, Minister Kofi, please take a seat”
Minister Kofi did.

“Minister Kofi, your service to God in this church is highly commendable. You have been of great help to us. Asides from a few Pastors here, you are the most outstanding minister. God bless you and your wife.”

“Thanks so much, sir. It’s all to the glory of God.” Minister Kofi said humbly.

Pastor Sam had the gift of discerning people’s intentions, Minister Kofi had shown no sign of guilt or nervousness. Pastor Sam continued to put that gift to use.

“Minister Kofi, I called you here because an issue is bothering me seriously. I can’t seem to comprehend it.” Pastor Sam said, disturbed

“What is it, sir?” Minister Kofi asked, concerned.

“Every time I pray for your family. I feel a very strong heaviness. I see a spiritually thick dark cloud. For this reason, I took time out in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit gave me a message for you, JUDGEMENT IS COMING. He also asked me to give you this scripture. Proverbs 9:17-18.”
Pastor Sam turned the already opened bible towards Minister Kofi. He read it out loud.

“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell.”

Pastor Sam had encountered this during several counseling sessions and even meetings. The people’s countenance contradicted what he discerned about them. His discernment was never always wrong in the end.

Guilt. That was it.

Physically the Minister remained calm, however, a deep sense of guilt and anger was oozing out of him,

“Pastor, sorry, I think there’s been some mix-up somewhere. This scripture has nothing to do with me.” Minister Kofi said confidently. His voice gave no emotion away, yet Pastor Sam could still sense it.

Something is going wrong. I am sure of it.

“Oh, really? Are you sure there’s nothing you are doing that the Lord is asking you to stop immediately? Minister Kofi, pls think carefully.” Pastor Sam said convincingly, giving more room for Minister Kofi to open up.

Instead, Minister Kofi stood to his feet abruptly, “Sir, I really thank you for taking time out to seek the Lord’s face concerning my home. Thank you, sir, but the word was not for me, maybe you will need to pray again sir. Have a good day sir.”

“Minister Kofi, you need to…”

“I beg to take my leave sir,” Minister Kofi said, without waiting for his reply, Minister Kofi walked out.

This time Pastor Sam saw the truth in his body language, Minister Kofi was lying.

What is he trying so hard to cover up that he is continually denying?

It was scary to Pastor Sam that a Minister he greatly cherished and trusted had conveniently and perfectly told a lie.

What was worse? It didn’t seem like this was his first time.

…to be continued…

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FOURTEEN

Ama enjoyed the feeling that came with successfully completing an event. The client had been ecstatic given the excellent service they provided.

A referral was imminent. This particular one had been physically and mentally draining, despite the collaboration with Akua. It was worth it anyways; the satisfied client and their full payment was compensation enough.

Ama drove towards the gate, Akua seated next to her. She was about to honk to alert the gateman, and just then he opened the gate. Surprised, Ama drove in, just at the same time another car was driving out.

The car stopped briefly just by her car giving her time to see those in it. An older man was driving and Jackie was seated in the passenger’s seat. Jackie waved at Ama from the car, Ama greeted her with a smile. The car drove out, Ama parked her car in the compound.

“I knew she would make friends fast.” Ama commented.

“Friends indeed, do those look like friends ehn?!” Akua retorted.

“Well, we already know that Jackie’s way of life isn’t exactly anything to write home about, judging from the kind of friends she brings over, and her approach to so many things. She is not much of a Christian either. She is not a child Akua, I can’t stop her from dating.”

“Really? Even if it’s a married man. Because that man in that car, Mr. Opoku, is very married.”

“How do you know that Akua?”

“His wife ordered a cake from me, for their grandson’s birthday. I remember his face well.”

“Jackie might… just… be…friends…with him.”

“Why do you play blind every time Ama?”

“Yoo. All I know I can say is that all these small girls. Pls Ama, watch this girl, especially with your husband. Since this girl is specializing in married men.”

“Akua! Jackie might lack some morals but she has a good heart.”

“Good heart Maame, yoo. On a lighter note, how are we celebrating the success of the event? We are many more CEDIs richer now!”

Ama was more than grateful for the change of subject. Akua could be so opinionated.

If only Akua could stop judging this girl, and instead take her time to know her, she would see how sweet Jackie is.

But of course, there’s no chance of that happening. I just have to keep up with my friend’s constant jabs at the innocent girl.

Ama rolled her eyes and joined Akua to offload the things from the car.

…to be continued…

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FIFTEEN

“Jackie! I can’t believe you just said there’s nothing wrong with dating married men!!” Ama said completely shocked, the two-step cake she was baking was momentarily forgotten.

“Because it’s true, see Aunty with married men its sweeter, less commitment. And its so much fun.” Jackie said with a shrug.

“By fun, you mean sex.” Ama said making a face, she could almost see Akua smirking with an I-told-you-so-face, had she been present.

“Well, yea…amongst others.” Jackie said delightfully.

“But that’s a sin Jackie, sex outside marriage is a sin, and with another woman’s husband. Coveting another person’s property. Jackie that’s another different sin on it own!” Ama said sternly.

“Aunty, you are blunt and honest, and I love that. You won’t hesitate to hit me with the truth no matter how bitter it is. Honestly, you are so easy to talk to.”

“Aunty, it’s not news, we both know that I’m not a practicing Christian. I just live my life the way I like. Whatever makes me happy.” Jackie said with a shrug.

“Even if you are making the wives of those men sad?” Ama asked, concerned.

“I can’t imagine my husband involved in such a thing.” She muttered, thinking aloud.

“And I wouldn’t mind your husband, he is so cute.” Jackie said feigning dreamy eyes, it was then Ama realized she had thought out loud. She stared at Jackie in obvious shock, Jackie burst out laughing.

“Common, Aunty I’m just kidding. I could never imagine doing something like that with Uncle Kofi, I’m not a monster ” Jackie said on a more serious note and Ama relaxed a notch.

“Jackie, Jesus loves you too much, and He is offering a better source of happiness. Pls choose Jesus.” Ama cajoled lovingly.

“Awwn, ok fine, I would at least think about it. I can’t promise more than that.” Jackie said her hands up in mock surrender.

“I will manage that and intensify my prayers.” Ama added and they both laughed heartily.

Ama desired to truly do as she has said, though as usual, there might never be time to spare for that.

…to be continued…

pEn&pApEr
GLORIEADEPOJU
……

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