Pastor Mrs Johnson’s surgery was successful. She was recovering smoothly.
Reverend Johnson saw the need to inform his workers and church elders about Benita’s pregnancy. Therefore, he called a meeting.
All the workers and leaders of his church are gathered. After a short prayer, Reverend started…
“Good evening brethren. First I must say thank you to you all, for responding to this call. This has been a very critical time for me. As you all know, my dear wife just had a major surgery. She is getting better by His grace. Thanks to you all for your supports, prayers, visitation and care. You have been such a wonderful family. I’m so proud to have you all.
They all clapped…
Reverend Johnson: “Thank you.” Takes a deep breath… “I know you would all be wondering what could be the reason for this meeting. We all knew when robbers invaded my house. What I did not tell you was my daughter Benita was………raped.”
“Jesus!!! Blood of Jesus!!!! Oh my God!!!!! What?!!!!!”… And so many other exclamation filled the air. Some broke into tears.
Reverend continued…
“Though my daughter warned that I informed you all about the rape when she was in the hospital, I felt shame. I couldn’t stand before you all to say my daughter was raped. I never knew a bigger shame was on the way.”
One of the elders, elder Ben asked…
“Daddy, what bigger shame are you talking about. You are scaring me.”
Reverend Johnson: “Hmmmm, brethren,…” Tears rolling down his cheek “Its with a heavy heart I bring this information; MY BENITA IS PREGNANT.”
The whole hall was filled with tears. “Oh God why?!!! Jesus nooooo.” People were crying. For one hour, there was deep sorrow. Elder Uzo decide to break the silence…
“Chai!!!!” Shook his head… “This is too heavy for me. I don’t know about any other person. Daddy, we are very sorry. This is not your fault or Benita’s. It can happen to anybody. Please do not allow it weigh you down. Your spiritual alertness should not be tempered with please. Now the question is, what do we do?”
Elder Mrs Ijeoma stood up…
“Praise God. Hmmmmm, this is the saddest news I have heard this year. It is indeed painful. Everyone here knows Benita. Everyday, I pray for her kind of grace and anointing.” Crying… “I never wished or thought of this for her. Benita will not keep that child. It has to be flushed. God has to understand. That’s my point.”
Everyone in the meeting supported the woman. Except elder Ben…
“I beg to differ ma. Sin is sin. There is no excuse that justifies sin before God. Flushing that foetus is abortion. Abortion is second class murder Benita has always preached against. In fact, I can say in strong confidence that the Benita I know will not agree to abortion. It is painful, but she has to keep it.”
Elder Marcus stood up…
” Ben, you are very wicked. Do you know what we stand to loose? Respect? Honour, fame, that righteousness has brought us. Our daddy will be on the news headline of blackmail. A lot of souls will be lost. I am not ready to be part of any shame o. Benita must get rid of that pregnancy.”
Commotion everywhere.
Some were already threatening to leave should Benita keep the baby.
Only few supported elder Ben.
Some walked out of the meeting angrily.
At home, Reverend called Benita and Richard…
“My children, I never for saw this kind of temptation. It is too heavy. I’m at the verge of loosing everything. I had to call the elders and inform them about Benita’s pregnancy. It did not go down well. Benita, you can’t keep that baby.”
“Dad, Richard called. I said it from the unset. Now see. We could have done this without informing them and nobody will know, but your over holy daughter in her selfishness decides to make us a laughing stock.”
“I am surprised at you dad.” Replied Benita…”What has gone wrong with integrity you once upheld? The standards you set up. Dad how can you allow them play with your spiritual intellect. This is the devil dad. Do not give in.”
Reverend Johnson: “Benita I am loosing my people. My church is at the verge of ruining. I am about loosing my toil of 25 years in the ministry. Benny please.” Crying…
Benita: “Let them go. He who stands with multitude of men without God is standing alone. Not even your tears will change my mind. I am keeping the baby.”
“Then you need to get yourself a new home.” Reverend replied.
Benita: “What?!!!”
Reverend Johnson: “Leave my house.”
To be continued…
Click Here for part 1
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Click Here for part 3
Click Here for part 4
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Click Here for part 12
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