*ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH:*

EPISODE 5

Reverend Leo sits in his office lost in thoughts, his wife already wrote the cheque of seven million naira from the church account and gave it to him to sign. He placed the cheque in front of him looking at it over and over again not knowing whether to sign or not.

While he was there contemplating on what to do, the door opens and Pastor Jim comes into the office. Reverend Leo quickly hides the cheque inside his Bible.

Pastor Jim greeted him and they shook hands before Jim took his seat.

*Pastor Jim:* Reverend Leo what happened? It's been long we saw you. Hope all is well? How is Mummy?

Reverend Leo managed to put on a fake smile as he answered that everyone was fine and okay.

*Leo:* Pastor, I heard about the wedding or marriage in church, why didn't you inform me about it?

*Jim:* I tried to do that, but you didn't pick calls and there was no way to reach you and Chief Ike wanted the wedding urgently.

*Leo:* Are you aware that it was his sixth wife that he got married to?

*Jim:* I am aware Pastor.

*Leo:* And you went ahead to wed him in the church? You know it's against the word of God and people may get the wrong impression that the church supports polygamy.

*Jim:* Pastor are you really going to start listening to side talks? These persons talking and complaining what have they contributed to the church. Who are they in the church. Relevant people don't have time for gossips, those poor church rats are the ones grumbling and complaining.

*Leo:* Why are you talking like this?

*Jim:* Pastor listen to me, we don't need those church rats in the church. The likes of Chief Ike and rich capable men are the types we need in the church. Persons that can support the church in times of need. Pastor imagine that I turned Chief Ike down and refused to go ahead with the marriage. He would have gone to another church and another Pastor would have gladly do it for him. Do you know how much we got from that marriage? We got almost a million naira from it because of the calibre of persons that came for the marriage. Those persons complaining now can they give kobo in the church?

*Leo:* Almost a million naira?

*Jim:* Yes o, nine hundred and thirty eight thousand naira. How many Sundays do you think we will use in gathering the fifty kobos and nairas from these self acclaimed grumblers. They have nothing to offer. I don't want anything to offend Chief Ike o, which was why I went ahead with the marriage o. The Bible says wisdom is profitable to direct. The church has needs and I just used wisdom to handle the situation.

Leo was silent as he didn't know what else to say to Pastor Jim.

*Jim:* In fact Pastor, I came to suggest to you that it is high time we make Chief Ike a deacon in this church.

*Leo:* Deacon?

*Jim:* Yes o Pastor, gone are the days when we put poor men in position, simply because they can pray. Their prayers cannot build the church or raise money for the church, we need men who are rich and capable like Chief Ike to be in position of things, their money commands respect.

*Leo:* But you and I know that Chief is not duly committed to the work of God. He is polygamous and drinks alcohol, he is a womaniser how can we make that kind of person a Deacon in God's house.

*Jim:* Reverend, it's God that is the judge and not you or I. The ways of God is not the ways of man. God said we should build His house, it's an assignment to us and Chief Ike can help us do that.

*Leo:* Honestly, Pastor, my head is not really clear at the moment and I can't think clearly, I have a lot in my heart bothering me, but I believe you will be able to make the right decisions when it comes to this church. And so for now, I will leave everything in your hands. But please make sure you pray and hear from God before you act please.

*Jim:* (smiling big) it's okay Pastor, trust me God is in support of everything I'm doing and I will not do anything to jeopardize His work. You can trust me my Reverend.

Leo tells him he wants to be alone to think and have a quiet time. And Jim gladly leaves him. He was happy that he was able to convince Reverend Leo with the money the church made from the marriage. The actual money he got was three million and some hundred of thousands. Together he and the treasurer had collected more than two million naira for themselves before bringing in the balance. He smiled again, satisfied with himself as he walks out of the office.

Leo who didn't even really think on whatever Jim had said, quietly removes the seven million naira cheque from the Bible where he had hidden it, took another look at it with tears gathering in his eyes as he signs it.

Leo was tired and exhausted from crying all through the hours in his office. When he got home he fell on the couch not bothering to check on Rachael whom he believes would be in their room.

He had signed the cheque and kept it in his bag. He was waiting for Rachael to come out so he can give it to her. He was not ready to look for her. She had been calling and texting him just to remind him not to forget to come home with the cheque. And when her calls was becoming unbearable he had texted her that the cheque was already signed and in his bag. He tries to take his mind off Rachael and rest a bit before she will come down with her troubles. And just as he was about to doze off, the gateman knocked and came inside the house.

*Rev. Leo:* Yes Usman, what is it?

*Usman:* Oga sorry, Aunty Alex bin dey ask for you.

*Rev. Leo:* Oh Alex, let her in.

(Rev. Leo tries to adjust himself on the seat.) 

Alex is a member of the prayer band in the church. Quiet and reserved and referred to as the fire brand kind of sister. It didn't take long before Alex stepped in.

*Rev. Leo:* Sister Alex!

*Alex:* Reverend, good afternoon sir. How are you sir? And Mummy?

*Rev. Leo:* We are very fine dear. Please take your seat. And tell me what I can offer you.

*Alex:* Oh thank you sir, I don't really want anything. I am on a seven days fast program and this is just the fourth day sir.

*Rev. Leo:* Oh beautiful, that's a nice one. May our good Lord answer every of your heart request in Jesus name. Amen!

Alex answered "Amen!"

*Alex:* Reverend, there is something our Lord Jesus Christ asked me to tell you.

*Leo:* Really? (Sitting up) And what might that be. Hope there is no problem?

Just then Rachael who was woken up by the sound of people talking and was coming out to join them stopped half way and listened to whatever Sister Alex was about to say.

*Alex:* Daddy, the Lord said I should tell you not to do it?

*Leo:* Not to do what? (Leo asked surprised)

*Alex:* I don't know sir, The message was to tell you, NOT TO DO IT! that in His time he will make things beautiful.

Leo put his head down as he quickly understood the message. He managed to smile as he knelt down and prayed thanking God for putting Him in his heart and then promising that he will do nothing to hurt the Lord.

Alex was very happy with the way Rev. Leo responded and even though she knew nothing of what the Reverend was going through, she prayed in her heart for God to see him through.

After the prayers she decided to leave and Rev. Leo stood up to see her to the gate. Rachael understood all that was happening because she heard every of the conversation they had. She quickly rushes to Leo's bag and searched for the cheque. Luckily for her she found it and quietly took it. Then, she sits waiting for Leo to return. Finally he came in.

*Leo:* Ah Honey, am glad you are awake, I was about coming to the room to get you.

*Rachael:* Well, I wasn't asleep and here I am. What is it you want to tell me.

*Leo:* Honey you remember Sister Alex from church, she was here and she just left. God gave her a message for us. He said we shouldn't do it and in his own time he will make things beautiful for us. Honey do you know what that means? It means God is answering us soon and we don't have to pay Alfred or collect church money for anything.

*Rachael:* What do you mean by that?

*Leo:* Honey listen to me, Alex came with a message from God. He said we shouldn't do it. God is not in support of this. He said we should wait on him. Do you know what it means? It means our waiting is over.

*Rachael:* Meaning?

*Leo:* Honey, it means we don't have to do anything. I will return the money back to church. I will have to tear off that cheque that I wrote for you and we will call Mr. Alfred and let him know we don't want anything from him.

Rachael looks at Leo from head to toe, and without saying a word, she steps out of the house with one of their car keys and drives off.

Leo was wondering why she didn't react or say anything. But he really didn't care. He knelt down and prayed for God to forgive him for almost falling to sin. He was at peace with himself for the first time in a long while. Tomorrow he was going to tear off the cheque and then try to find the family of that girl and confess the truth to them. He picks up his bag and walks into his room to catch some rest.

WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 6

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*ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH:*

EPISODE 6

Leo had slept off before Rachael returned. He had a dream that he was playing with three beautiful children. A girl and two boys, and the kids called him daddy. They were running around in a garden. Suddenly a woman came in and the kids ran to her shouting Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!, Leo was trying to see the woman's face when he suddenly started hearing his name.

*Rachael:* Wake up, wake up Leo.

He opened his eyes to see a long faced Rachael looking at him.

*Leo:* Oh sweet Jesus! So this was all a dream.

(Excitedly he jumps up and held Rachael by the hand) 

Honey, God has shown me, God has revealed it to me. I saw our children in my dream. A girl and two boys. I told you Honey, I told you the time was near and God would soon answer us and just now He in His infinite wisdom revealed it to me.

*Rachael:* You are just talking nonsense. Do I look like a fool to you? Leo listen to me, you can't back out of this. We are in this together. We are doing this together do you understand?

*Leo:* Doing what together.

*Rachael:* You can act naive for all I care. All I know is that we are in this boat to-ge-ther. Get that straight into your thick skull. We will get this done over and for all and we will move out of this place together. The plan is still in tact and nothing you do can change it. Do you understand?

*Leo:* What is wrong with you? Here I am telling you of the wonderful vision that God has shown me and here you are talking nonsense. I thought I told you about the Lord's warning through Sister Alex, why are you acting like you didn't hear when I told you the deal was off?

*Rachael:* You lie Leo, the deal is not off, in fact the deal is perfectly on. And if you must know, then know now that Alfred will be here anytime soon and plans will kick off. So, I came to tell you that if you know you cannot stand me with another man then you should step out of the house for a while. But if you know you can be a man then stay and let's get this over and done with.

*Leo:* I can see you are stupid. Alfred is coming to which house? I don't think it's this my house.

*Rachael:* It's this house and he is already on his way. So make your decision fast. You stay or you leave.

*Leo:* (laughing) Look at you, I will never give you that cheque. You will never be able to get that money. In fact let me show you something.

Leo rushes to his bag and searched for the cheque. He wants to tear it before her but he was surprised that the cheque was gone. He started contemplating if he had brought the cheque home or forgotten it at the office.

Rachael suddenly burst out laughing.

*Rachael:* Listen Leo, I am always one step ahead of you and you can never catch up. Are you looking for the cheque you have signed already? Please don't bother because I already caught the money and delivered it to Alfred.

My side of our deal is delivered. It's left for Mr. Alfred's.

*Leo:* Rachael you can't do that, you have to return that cheque, I want to return it.

*Rachael:* Ouch! So sorry Leo, it is too late. You will not be returning anything, because the deal has been signed, sealed and about to be delivered.

*Leo:* Rachael you can't do this, I will report you to the church and to your family.

*Rachael:* Go ahead Leo, go ahead and report me and watch what will happen to you. I already went to the police to complain that church fund is missing and we may decide to open the case or forget it but we want to give benefit of doubt to whoever took it for the time being. So, if you dare do anything contrary to our plans I will not only make sure you suffer I will make sure you spend the rest of your life as a prisoner.

*Leo:* What? So now it has come to blackmail?

*Rachael:* Even the Bible clearly stated that the violent takes it by force. I am only trying to take my children by force and anyone who would try to stop me would suffer deeply for it. So don't dare me please.

Just then the door bell rings and Alfred comes in. Rachael welcomes him with a big smile before turning and looking at her husband.

*Alfred:* Good evening Mama, good evening Papa, are we ready please?

Rachael looks at her husband before talking.

*Rachael:* What is it going to be? Are you staying or you are leaving.

Leo who was utterly confused couldn't say anything. He just picked up his phone and walked out of the house. While Rachael leads Alfred into their bedroom.

_______________________

Another Sunday and Rev. Leo was absent again. Pastor Jim who was always delighted and happy whenever Reverend was not in church gave a beautiful sermon. The Holy Spirit moved like never before. There was great deliverance, testimonies and miracles. This motivated the people to even give more than before because the man of God made them understand that giving opens the door to your breakthrough.

After the service, Brother Isaac the treasurer was seated in his office counting the offering and tithes and seeds sown by the members. He came across a huge envelope and he opens it. It was filled with dollars and a short note attached to it.

*''God has used this Ministry to bless my life and my family. Reverend Leo stood by me in prayers and encouragement and I wouldn't be where I am today if not for him. Today my family and I are in the US because of the lessons I learnt and followed from this great church. This is a token from my heart to God. Let the house of God be built from it. Once again, thank you Jesus and thank you my able Reverend Leo."*

Brother Isaac took a look at the envelope, there was no name or forwarding address attached to it. The money in it was huge and so he knew that it was a reasonable amount of money. He looked round to see if anyone was coming, and when he saw no one, he quickly dipped the envelope inside his bag and kept the bag a little bit far from him but at a very visible point where his eyes can always be on it.

Not quite long Pastor Jim walks in excited.

*Jim:* Isaac my man, how far? What do we have for today?

*Isaac:* Pastor I am still counting, the people really gave today.

An excited Pastor Jim sat down and helped brother Isaac with the counting, with Brother Isaac stealing a glance at his bag from time to time.

At the end of the count, a whopping sum of 1.7million naira was received. Pastor Jim jumped up and started dancing round the room.

*Isaac:* Pastor why are you dancing?

*Jim:* I should dance my brother, God has blessed us. Since the history of this church, never have we gotten this kind of money on a Sunday service. Never! Except during programs or raising of funds. Never!

*Isaac:* But we do get this kind of money sometimes. Not very often but sometimes.

*Jim:* Ehn! It's possible, you know I really didn't put interest in church money and offerings until last two years. I didn't care. You know na. That our Reverend is the only one in charge, collecting and syphoning all the money. Greedy fellow!

*Isaac:* Ah, ah Pastor, Rev Leo is not like that. He has never taken money from the church purse, except for a project in the church and he makes it open for all the committee members of the church.

*Jim:* See you, will you know? How will you know if he collects money. This is how someone outside will say, Brother Isaac has never collected a dime from church money since I know him. Or do you go out to announce that you took church money?

*Isaac:* No oooo, how can I do that?

*Jim:* O o o oh! That is how Leo will not tell you if he collects money. See ehm, Rev. Leo is greedy. He is making money from this church. Didn't you see he changed his car? And bought a new one for his wife? Do you know how much those two cars will cost? If I am not mistaken those two cars will cost nothing less than 7.5million. Where do you think he got the money from?

*Isaac:* I still doubt Pastor, all the money pass through me, and you and I always collect more than half of the money that comes into the church. So where and how did he gather that kind of money.

*Jim:* Shut up there you don't know anything. Okay fine, let's assume he is not collecting the money what is he now doing with it? He is not building the church anymore. There is no project on ground. What is he doing with all the money?

*Isaac:* He pays church workers na.

*Jim:* How much? How do you think I got frustrated to start collecting church money? It's because of Reverend's greediness. He collects huge offerings and tithes from church yet pays us meagre salaries. How much is my salary you think? N30,000, miserable thirty thousand naira. If I his assistant is receiving 30,000 naira, how much then do you think other church workers are receiving?

*Isaac:* Mine is N18,000.

*Jim:* Minimum wage, you see? You see what I am saying? How can a church be receiving hundreds of thousands every Sunday and yet paying peanuts to church workers. Is that not wickedness? And then you expect me to feel guilty when I am collecting church money? Never, I am only paying myself the salary I am supposed to receive. Abeg share this money let's leave here abeg.

*Isaac:* How much do we keep for the church?

*Jim:* Erm, bring 1.5million. keep 200k for the church.

*Isaac:* But that's too big sir.

*Jim:* It's like you don't want money. My workers are working in my site o, I need to pay them. Anyway, if you don't need money, you can leave your share with the church.

*Isaac:* Noo ooo, I have big responsibilities too o.

*Jim:* No you don't have. Two hundred thousand Mayra is too small for the church. What are they doing with the money? Abeg give me 900k and keep 600k for yourself.

Isaac wore a big smile on his face. As he quickly separates the money and keeps two hundred thousand in the church safe, keeps 600k for himself and gives Jim his share.

*Isaac:* My Pastor, the correct man.

*Jim:* Make sure you record on ground very well o, 200k do you understand?

*Isaac:* Trust me Pastor, that's my job. I know what to do.

*Jim:* Good, I am going home. Pack up and leave.

Jim steps out of the church and Isaac heard the sound of his car driving off. He quickly rushes to check his bag if the envelope of dollars was there. After making sure it was there, he smiled to himself as he packed up to leave.

He drives off quickly to meet his aboki friend that normally changes dollars to naira. And demanded that the dollars be changed for him.

It was a total of 5million naira. Isaac almost fainted, but he composed himself, lifted the Ghana-Must-Go bag in his car and zooms off.

WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 7

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