So, You Came to Die on Us? – A Story of Faith and Compassion

So, You Came to Die on Us? – A Story of Faith and Compassion

As tears streamed down his cheeks, he narrated his ordeal to the Pastor. “I won’t lie, Sir. I’m not perfect, but I fear God. I wouldn’t sit before His servant and make heavy accusations against people, knowing well that you will verify my claims.”

Pastor Gbeve had just inaugurated the welfare committee of his church, giving them six weeks to produce a working document to address the church’s growing needs. The committee conducted various studies and presented a document, but the Pastor, busy with other matters, hadn’t yet reviewed it.

Papa Muyiwa’s Arrival

On a fateful day, Papa Muyiwa arrived at the church premises, looking frail and shaky, with a bandage on one leg from an accident a month ago. As he slowly approached the chapel door, he met two people coming out.

“Greetings!” he said. “I want to have a word with you. I am already tired, but let me ask you a few questions. I haven’t been a Christian all my life. Despite my children preaching to me, it never made sense. However, three weeks ago, I had a terrible dream that scared me. I finally gave my life to the Lord, but unfortunately, I had an accident the same day.”

They offered him a seat outside so he could continue his story. “I am out of the hospital now, but I feel I need a place to fellowship. Am I welcomed here?”

A Hurtful Encounter

Read:SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 1)

When he finished, there was a tense moment he couldn’t understand. “Have I said anything wrong? Don’t you want new members?”

“You are welcome, Sir. We appreciate your coming,” one man said, though something seemed off with the other gentleman who had remained silent.

Papa Muyiwa stood up, ready to enter the auditorium, when he overheard the quiet man speaking. What he didn’t know was that Papa Muyiwa was weak in body but not in his ears.

“So he wants to come here and die on us? Then we will bear the cost of his funeral.”

“Don’t say such a thing,” his friend interjected sharply. Papa Muyiwa slowed his steps to capture more of their conversation.

“I don’t trust what this old man said. This is why I was telling the welfare committee members not to entertain such people. If he dies tomorrow, his family will write a letter saying our member has died. Which member?”

The words hurt deeply, and Papa Muyiwa quickened his steps into the chapel.

Also Read: SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

 Reporting to the Pastor

After the service, seeing the pastor for the first time, he went straight to him and reported the incident.

“I am very sorry for this sad day,” the Pastor said. “A sad day because I feel I have not done well by my members—to value life and respect the elderly.”

Papa Muyiwa continued, “If I were a rich old man, would I be treated this way? The young man would have immediately offered me a seat with a smile. I am glad I didn’t decide to follow Jesus because of such people. And who says I am dying now? Who says I am so poor that my children cannot organize a befitting burial for me?”

“Pastor, I am ready to show you the young man, but there is a great work on your hands: to teach your flock manners and the true virtues of Christ.”

 Confrontation and Resolution

The Pastor accompanied Papa out of his office. As God would have it, the young man was busy chatting with new members who had stayed behind after the service.

“Pastor, that’s him. He is the one who wants me out of the church of Christ because I am too old and sick. I leave him in your hands.” Papa Muyiwa then left for his house.

The events that followed were significant. The young man was sanctioned and asked to repeat the foundation classes of the church. The Pastor took the time to review the welfare document and made inputs that would help further God’s purposes for his church.

**The End**

For the love of God society ad nations

Seth Agbeli Kunkpe

Pen from Afar…writing to make things right

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