My pastor is Guilty (Episode 2)

"Does he look like he can manage this large congregation? Pastor Anthony was just transferred to our church four years and he does not have experience of pastoring a large congregation as ours ". I said.

"But you know Papa B will not just pass the mantle to another without seeking the face of the Lord" said Sope

" I don't oo but I don't think he is the pastor we are waiting for" I replied.

Just then Bro Gideon came smiling

"Hello Sisters"

" Bro Gideon,good afternoon" Sope and Chiamaka answered.

"How was service?" Bro Gideon asked.

" We thank God"

I ignored Bro Gideon greetings.

"Sister Adura, how are you doing today?"

" Bro Gideon, I am fine" I answered sharply.

" Permit me Sisters, can I talk to Sister Adura for few minutes?".

Before Sope and Chiamaka can reply, I interjected " what for Bro Gideon? I thought I have given you my answer to your proposal? I said I am not interested?" 

" Sister Adura,apart from the fact that the Lord said,I really love you."

"But I don't love you bro Gideon? Abeg let's go jare"

I dragged Sope and Chiamaka away from Bro Gideon who stood embarrassed as my shouting drew attention to us.

"But babe,u shouldn't have shouted at him na"

" Did I shout? I already told him I was not interested but he keeps coming back".

" But Bro Gideon is a nice guy na" said Sope.

" Please let's change the topic abeg. Don't spoil my mood". 

“Babe, to be sincere, what you’re doing to this brother is not good. Even if you don’t like him, there is a polite way of saying it. Look at him, he is so embarrassed!”

I felt bad because I could see Bro Gideon bow down his head, ashamed. But I won’t let anyone make me feel guilty “Well, that should teach him a lesson that I am not interested.”

“Babes, let’s just end this conversation” said Sope.

“But sincerely, why don’t you like this brother?” asked Chiamaka, not letting the matter rest.

“He does not fit into my list” I replied. 

“What list is that one again, iya  Adura?”, asked Chiamaka.

“The list contain the qualities I look out for in any man I want to marry”.

“Oya madame, what are these qualities?”

“I wrote them inside my diary. Let me show you.”

I brought out my blue diary. My diary is so personal to me and I don’t share it to anyone, even my best friends. So when I said I was going to show them, they were so excited. I call that diary ‘My secret book of records’. I opened the diary to the page I titled “MY KIND OF MAN”.  It stated that; he must be financially stable, Romantic, well dressed, able to see visions, prayerful, muscular, amongst other things.

“You see, Brother Gideon didn’t meet my qualifications. He isn’t spiritual at all. Don’t you see the way he prays in church? He is very cold. He is not aggressive in prayer atall. Have you ever heard his voice whenever we are having prayer meeting? He is always praying as if the moment he opens his mouth, he will die. Can’t you see brother Yomi, Ernest or Tokunbo? Don’t you always feel their CAPITAL LETTER tongues anytime they leads prayer? Chai you will see fire! Moreso, I was his teacher in Holy Ghost baptism class.” I said.

“But shouting does not mean such a person is praying neither does it make such a person spiritual” said Chiamaka.

“Have you not read, by their fruits you shall know them?” I replied.

“But remember Hannah at Shiloh, she was not shouting but she was praying.” Sope said.

“The same Bible also said that since the days of John the Baptist till now, the kingdom of God suffereth violence and only the violent taketh it by force. The Bible enjoins us to be violent”, I said “To make the matter worse, he is even only trying to survive. Can he foot my bills”

"Babe ,the fact that you were his teacher in Holy Ghost baptism class should not be a big deal na. Spiritual growth is not measured by how many years a person has been in church or bear the title Christian or even held position in church but his personal walk with God. I have engaged in discussions with him and I can say he is spiritually sound" Sope said.

“Seriously, is there anyone who can meet your listed qualifications?” inquired Chiamaka.

“Yes it is, atleast I know of one person who meet my qualifications.” I said blushing.

“Who is that oo?” Sope and Chiamaka chorused.

“Alright, enough of talking about me. Let’s hurry up, the church bus going to Yaba will soon be filled up.” I said so as to dismiss the discussion.

In my heart, I knew the person who fitted into the qualification on my list. I know the fragrance of his perfume a million miles away. His smiles melts my heart.

Looking at my best friends, as we rush towards the bus, I am grateful for such gift of friendship as every moments spent together are always memorable. We grew up in the same avenue at Alagomeji, Yaba and attends the same University. While Adesope is the gentle one who doesn’t like argument,Chiamaka will not accept defeat in any argument. Most times, the argument is always between myself and Chiamaka while Adesope is the peace maker. Despite our difference, the bond is still stronger.

(To be continued)