Spoilt at the church
EPISODE 6
Martha dug deep into the well of Grace. She got herself drunk with the living water that can quench every thirst. Since the word of God gave the mandate for his children to rise and shine, she took God at his word and began to radiate his glory.
She was radiating the glory, as she carried the pregnancy for the remaining months. Still radiating the glory, when she gave birth to baby Testimony. She was full of glory as she engaged in trading activities, to earn what to use to care for her baby, not wanting to place unnecessary burdens on her parents. She would clasp Testimony to her back and sit patiently at a make-shift shop adjacent to a school, waiting for customers to patronize her snacks. She wasn’t ashamed of her hustle and resolved within her, that she wouldn’t allow anyone to intimidate her.
Her Mum almost blew her top, when she discovered what Martha was doing. “Are you insane?” She asked, pointing at her head. What do you want people to say about us? That you! The daughter of Prof. Aboderin, sits in front of a school to sell snacks. For crying out loud, I personally provide all you and your…need.” She dodged mentioning Testimony’s name.
“That’s the point Mum.” Martha took it up from there. “I wouldn’t want to always depend on you. Considering the fact that I even have a child, I want to fend for her and not put every burden on you. You are still bitter at me, so it won’t sound well for me to be using your money to take care of her.”
“Your Dad will not be happy if he comes back and see you doing that. It’s degrading.”
“No ma,” Martha shook her head. “It’s rather dignifying because, there’s dignity in labor.”
“Okay, okay,” her Mum raised her left hand. “I meant to discuss something with you before.”
“Yes ma.”
“As your parents, we want the best for you, even though you disappointed us. We have decided to give you another chance, but it will be conditional.”
“Okay.”
“We are willing to sponsor you abroad for your tertiary education. We feel a change of environment will do you good. We want you to put the past behind you.”
“My past is already behind me,” Martha smiled. “I have moved on with my life.”
“Not as a teenage mother selling doughnut.” Mrs. Aboderin looked at her disdainfully. “We want you to go and start a new lease of life abroad, but…”
“But what?”
“You have to give up your daughter for adoption.”
Martha turned sharply and looked at her mother as if she was seeing a stranger. She held Testimony closely to her chest, as if someone would snatch her away from her.
Mrs. Aboderin stood and held her by the shoulder. She pleaded. “It’s not a big deal. All we need to do is, look for one of the motherless babies’ homes around and make arrangement. There are always families willing to pick up babies like her.”
“But she’s not motherless. She has a mother that loves her. I will never give her up, even if it means me losing opportunities. I don’t care.”
“You can’t tag her along all your life,” her mother cried. “Give her up and live as if she never exist.”
“What you are asking me to do is wrong,” Martha replied with tears in her eye. “I will not do it.”
The discussion thus ended, with Martha determined more than ever to make something out of her life.
She gathered a neat sum and got JAMB form, since she already had a complete WAEC result. Her first JAMB score was not good enough to secure a place at her school of choice. The second attempt was better, but she wasn’t given admission. By the third time she wrote JAMB, she scored such a high point, which was unbelievable even to her.
On the day that Martha got admission into the University, she ran home to inform Mrs. Ndukwe; who collected the admission letter and danced round the compound. She released prophecies into the life of Martha and mandated her to tell her parents.
The parents were dumb founded, perplexed and shame- faced, when she told them of her admission to study Guidance and counselling.
How did you do it? How manage you were able to score a point that earned you a place at the highly competitive state University? They asked.
Martha answered them by reciting Philippians 4:13, that through Christ she can do all things.
Well, they humbled themselves enough to seek for forgiveness, for neglecting and sidelining her when she needed them. They confessed that it was their bruised ego that was pained so much that sought for revenge on her. For the first time since she was born, Prof. Aboderin carried his granddaughter, gushing over how she looked so much like him.
And another thing happened. Martha’s parents acknowledged the fact that they had all along been practicing religion without knowing Christ. Martha’s life and determination had challenged them, and they also want to start walking with Christ. They were not ashamed to request that their daughter lead them in saying the sinner’s prayer, as they gave their lives to Christ.
1, 2, 3 years passed. Life went on as usual at Beulah Salvation Assembly. People came and left. There were several births and few deaths. There were marriages, christenings, dedications and burials.
The Church continued to grow in numerical strength, but the spiritual atmosphere was dense. Even with the Pastor trying to bring an all-round revival to the Church, most of the members preferred remaining in their comfort zones of service in the flesh.
Revd. Bamiro had a stroke, but was miraculously healed with no physical disability. He had few years to retirement thus, the Church engaged the services of two associate Pastors. They would be his assistants and possibly take over the rein of leadership at the due time.
One was Revd. Alhassan, a tall, huge and no-nonsense man. He had a method of asserting and hammering on points, until he had his way. With track record of many years in Church planting and administration, he looked like someone that the Church needed at that point in time.
Needless to say, majority of the council members were skeptical at his appointment. They voiced out their misgivings, seeing him as someone that would listen to nobody and scatter the Church in little time. On that, Revd. Bamiro stood his ground, maintaining that what the Church needed was someone that would bring change. He had the support of the headquarters, and the council members had to handoff and watch events unfold.
True to their thinking, immediately Revd. Alhassan settled down and with the support of the senior Pastor, he began a process of sanitizing the Church of some perceived abnormalities. He started by formulating a plan on rotating Deacons, elders and officers that had served the Church for years.
Emphasizing that people mustn’t ‘sit tight’ on Church offices, he said every member should be given the privilege to serve. This did not go down well with the old hands, who felt that someone shouldn’t just come and start pushing them around.
If not handled well, Church politics could be worse than politics in the secular world. The process of selection of the officers was hijacked by the powers that be, and became riddled with manipulations and backstabbing. Less room was given for prayers, while more was given to favoritism and nepotism. At the end of the day, the motive for the action wasn’t achieved. People like Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Williams were retained as Church officers.
The other associate Pastor was a younger man. He was fresh from the seminary, unmarried and eager to carry out the mandate given to him. His good and youthful look, his simple and open character and his unmarried state, made the congregants think that he wouldn’t deliver. But, one just needed to be under his ministration to know the stuff he was made of. Pastor Kayode Olukorede, earned the respect of everyone before long.
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It was Revd. Alhassan that was assigned to counsel Jide and Kike, who were finally ready to tie the nuptial knot after years of: monitoring each other bumper to bumper, fighting and settling on an already defiled bed, breaking up and reconciling.
Deep within Kike, she knew the foundation of their relationship was too shaky to stand the test of time. She would have loved to opt out, but she was scared of where to start from. Already, she had finished youth service, and had gotten a mouthwatering job with an NGO. Life was good except for the fact that, her relationship was sour.
She had almost told her mum that she wanted out of the relationship, the day she caught Jide in bed with another choir member, a 15-year-old girl. It seemed the devil had commissioned Jide to scatter the lives of young ladies. Kike had almost told her Mum, but the latter had choose that moment to inform her that another Church girl, would be getting married soon. Kike should do Pa! Pa! Pa, and tell Jide to bring his people. In her words, “I had labored for many people. I want to reap the harvest now. Moreover, you are not getting any younger.”
So, it seemed Kike had no choice.
She wished things were different. She wished she could just garner courage and leave Jide. At 24, she was still young and marketable. Furthermore, there were countless eligible young men around, even in the Church. Men like Pastor Kayode. She started crushing on him the very first day she met him. She did all she could to catch his attention to no avail, rather, he was always polite and courteous to her and everybody.
Kike had proposed within her that, if someone like Pastor Kayode made advances at her, she would throw all caution to the wind, disregard her Mum and jump at the opportunity. Her Mum would make the usual noise and later calm down. She would soon be carried away with the euphoria of her daughter getting married to a Pastor. That would mean more power from her side.
Well, Pastor Kayode or someone else did not propose, and Kike had to make do with the bird at hand. She earnestly hoped and prayed that Jide would change after their wedding, which had been slated for four months.
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Jide and Kike sat before Revd. Alhassan, ready to give already rehearsed answers to questions that would be asked. They had been tutored by their mothers about what to say. The mothers also allayed any fear of retribution that could arise from misleading a man of God. It looked as if the series of deceptions over the years, had hardened the heart of the two mothers- especially Mrs. Johnson.
Kike was afraid and hid her trembling palms under her blouse. She prayed that the Pastor wouldn’t ask a question that would get her confused and make her say out all that they were hiding.
The Pastor looked intently at them, so intent that, Kike felt he could read into their prepared lies. However, they went ahead to tell him that they were both chaste and had lived clean lives.
The Pastor was happy and gladly took them through the Nitti -gritty of what to expect on the wedding night and in marriage generally. The counselling session would be for a month. Revd. Alhassan also made a note to use them as point of reference to the unmarried youths, if he would be the one to preach at their wedding.
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While the counselling session was on, Martha drove into the Church in her mother’s car to pick her daughter. She had earlier been dropped for a day starlight fellowship camp. Informed that they still had an hour to the end of the camping program, Martha decided to stay it out in the car, with an earpiece fixed to both ears.
She was deeply engrossed in what she was doing, shaking her head to the highly inspiring music of Ayuba Yakubu, when the door gently opened. Removing the earpiece, she starred into the not too familiar face of Pastor Kayode, barely managing to voice out a distorted good evening sir.
“Evening. I tapped on the glass for some time. You were carried away.”
“I’m sorry sir. I was listening to a song.”
“Who was that?” he pointed to her phone.
“Ayuba Yakubu.” He’s a Nurse musician. The Album is titled “Yabo”, and talks about giving glory to God because, everything belongs to him.”
“That’s great. Can I?” He pointed to her phone, the ear piece and his ear.
“You mean?”
“Yes please.”
Martha got down from the car to stand beside him as he fixed the earpiece on one ear and passed the other end to her. She collected it reluctantly and fixed on her left ear. They sang along with Ayuba.
Daukaka, da iko naka ne
Jehovah san yabe ka
Standing there and listening to the Gospel artiste, one would think they were siblings and not a Pastor and member. With Martha in a simple gown and the Pastor in a white polo atop three quarter jeans, his low cut hair ruffled and uncombed, passers-by gazed at them curiously.
When the song ended, Pastor Kayode removed the ear- piece and returned it to her, thanking her in the process. They exchanged numbers.
Pastor Kayode and Martha met again at the Church at his request. Before then, Martha had struggled with lots of conflicting emotions coupled with her inability to erase the memory of the little time they shared when they first met. The Pastor’s eyes kept surfacing at all waking and sleeping moments. The depth, the wisdom, the fire in them. They looked familiar, like eyes she had seen before.
They exchanged pleasantries, after which Pastor Kayode complimented her on her dressing. Martha blushed and looked away. Not mincing words, he stated his mission to her.
“I first caught a glimpse of you the day I was inducted as an associate Pastor in the Church,” he said. “I don’t know what drew my attention to you, as I stood to receive the hands of fellowship from the Pastors and elders. I saw a young, beautiful lady holding a child. There was an aura around you that I couldn’t explain. Your thought kept reoccurring after the service and thereafter. I started praying because, it seemed God was telling me something.”
Martha kept her face straight as the Pastor spoke. She was already preparing a polite rebuff in her mind. What could God have told him? She questioned and smiled slightly. She had erased anything that would have to do with relationship from her life’s itinerary. After the rape and the aftermath, she had kept all MEN except her Dad and siblings at arm’s length. Martha had rather focused on things that mattered most- her relationship with God, her daughter, her education and family. They came in that order. Her Daughter will be six in a month of time. Martha was in 300 level. What is this Pastor saying? She murmured.
“I have been praying since then,” she heard him say. “I was indoor last Saturday at the Pastorium, when I had a push to go out. It was very strong. I knew something pleasant was waiting for me, maybe an answer to a prayer. I obeyed. If you noticed, my hair wasn’t combed. I was even in bathroom slippers. When I saw you, I was convinced that you are the one that God has prepared as my wife. I got talking with the Senior Pastor, and he said I should meet you after praying with me. And here am I, to ask you to pray and think about becoming my wife.”
He landed.
Martha took her time in answering. Fidgeting with a button on her hand bag, she sighed and stated emphatically, “I don’t think you heard God clearly.”
“How do you mean? Why will you say that? He was surprised.
“Because he knows I don’t need a husband,” Martha answered boldly. “I don’t want marriage, and I want to be left alone.” She turned her back to move away, but Pastor Kayode’s next words stopped her.
“Don’t be rude Martha. At least, you can pray about the proposal, even if you don’t want it.”
Martha frowned her face and asked, “Why will God want you to marry me?”
“Who are you” Pastor Kayode asked gently. He focused on her face.
“Humph!” Martha breathed in deeply. “I’m my simple self. I’m a child of God but, I have an ugly past. Although I had waded through waters and fires to ensure my past doesn’t interfere with my future, there’s no how a scar can ever be like a normal flesh.”
“You are speaking in parables Martha.”
“Pastor! I know you must have heard of my story. That child you saw with me the first day you noticed me, is my flesh and blood. She has no father. I have resolved to use the rest of my life taking care of her, and serving God faithfully. I don’t want marriage.”
Pastor Kayode folded his arms across his chest, looked straight at Martha and prayed for God to give him the wisdom to get across to her. Gently he said, “I strongly know you are the will of God for my life. I have no doubt about it. I have also developed a kind of fondness for you. I just wish you will pray. At least pray.”
“Pastor,” Martha cut in, “The Bible tells me in the book of Leviticus 21:7, that a priest should not marry a harlot; or a woman who has been defiled; neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy unto him God. You see! I will be doing you a disservice by even promising to pray about the proposal, because I won’t.”
“Why?’ the Pastor asked.
“Let’s face reality. I will be a clog in the wheel of your progress as a minister, if you marry me. Other ministers would look down on you, for marrying someone who already has a child. If you remain in this Church, you might even be denied the right to become a senior Pastor. I have a child, a child that the father wouldn’t acknowledge. I beg you to let …”
“Sister Martha,” Pastor Kayode called quietly.
“You need an untouched woman,” she continued. “Someone that has never been with a man. Someone like Mary. She was used as a vessel to bring forth our savior because, she was pure and chaste.”
“Martha! Look at me. Have you finished your bible exposition?”
She smiled.
“It is true that Mary was used as a vessel to bring forth Christ. It is true that she was a virgin. But then, in the same lineage of Christ, there were women that were not so worthy, but God used them as worthy vessels because of their willingness.”
“Agreed.”
“Who would have thought that Rahab, a harlot, from a heathen country, would find Grace before God to be in Christ’s lineage? At least, you’ve never been a harlot.”
“Never.”
“Who would have thought that Ruth, a Moabite, a country whose people mustn’t enter the house of God, would find Grace? She was also included in the lineage of Christ. Bathsheba became David’s wife through manipulation and bloodshed. She also found Grace. At a point in their lives, God choose them to become vessels unto honor. Moreover, the Bible said in the book of Romans 8:30 that- those that God predestinate, them he also called: and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. Martha! No matter your past, you are a glorious woman. I see it in you.”
Martha felt peace descending on her as the Pastor continued.
“As for my ministerial progression that you mentioned, It is in the hands of God. He called me and knows where he will lead me. Nothing can ever stand in my way, if I remain in his will.”
“Sure!”
“Furthermore, I have heard about your past but it doesn’t move me an inch. I see your present and I love who you are. Everyone has a past, either good or bad. Our victory lies in the ability not to allow our past to mar the future. When we dwell too much on the past, it becomes a barrier to God operating in our lives. For you in particular, God wants to use the mess of your past to give a great message to the world. I hope you will allow him.”
“What of my child?” Martha asked. “I have a child.”
“I know,” Pastor Kayode answered. “I know you have a child that is as beautiful as you are. God knows you have a child, when he made me realize you are my missing rib. I will gladly accept her as mine if we become one.”
“I don’t know what to do,” Martha lamented. “Will it be right to accept your proposal? Am I worthy to be a Pastor’s wife? After all that had happened. I have always seen Pastors’ wives as honorable women with great assignments. I was made to know that I wouldn’t be worthy for a single man because of my child. I was equally advised to focus on marrying a widower or a divorcee. I made a resolution to remain single for life. I choose to train my daughter alone. But here you are, asking me to be your wife. I haven’t even graduated from the University. I see eligible, single and ready ladies in the Church, as well as vibrant sisters, but God directed you to me, a mother of a child that the Father won’t acknowledge.”
“That is Grace! My sister, Grace. It is the ability of God, at man’s disposal. I want you to pray about the proposal,” Pastor Kayode pleaded. “I will give you as much time as you want but please, don’t keep me waiting for long.”
“I will pray and get back to you, as soon as I have what to tell you,” she answered with drops of tears.
“I know God will guide you but, the choice remains yours. Even if you won’t accept my proposal, I respect you a lot. You will always occupy a special place in my heart. Cheer up!” He touched her lightly on the cheek. “You are a strong woman.”
After that, they walked side by side to the gate. Suddenly, Martha remembered something and stopped. Facing the Pastor she said, “Your surname sounds familiar.”
“It is a common name.”
“Yes but, there’s something about the…I think I remember now. There was a revivalist that came here years ago. That must be the name.”
“You mean a vibrant, fiery old man with grey hairs at the temple and a dark birth mark on the nose.”
“Wait Pastor, do you know him?”
“What do you think?” Pastor Kayode teased her.
“Wait! Your face, don’t tell me.”
“He happens to be my father.”
“Oh my God!” Martha screamed, then covered her mouth as the scream had attracted women who were cleaning the Church compound, with Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Williams seated and directing them. They looked curiously at the two.
“I gave my life to Christ under his ministration,” Martha said.
“You don’t mean it.”
“I wish to meet him again,” she said excitedly.
“You will. As his daughter-in-law.” Pastor Kayode smiled.
“Why are you so sure of this?”
“Because God has said it and I believe it. I can also see it in your eyes, that your answer will be a yes.”
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Mrs. Johnson glided to the Pastor’s office. Knocking vigorously, she entered and dumped herself into a chair. Revd. Bamiro looked at her curiously, waiting for a word from her.
“I saw something disturbing outside,” she said when she finally found her voice.
“Disturbing?”
“This is not the first time I’m seeing them together.”
“Who?” The Pastor asked.
“Pastor Kayode should put himself in a state of honor and stop sending wrong signals to the youths.”
“How? What did he do?”
“This is the second time I’m seeing him having deep conversations with that girl,” Mrs. Johnson tightened her mouth.
“What girl?”
“That one that gave birth to the child without a father.”
“You mean Martha?”
“That is her name.”
Revd. Bamiro turned his chair round and brought his face at par with Mrs. Johnson’s saying, “Pastor Kayode is an adult and knows what is good for him. Have a nice day Madam. Eku imura iyawo.”
To Be Continued
