by Jane Aimee
"God has been faithful in guiding and providing. Many times I worry about what remains to be done, but when I consider what has been accomplished so far, I'm just overwhelmed. All these buildings and the furnishings, plus the land, have been made possible by divine provision through people of goodwill. Sometimes it gets tough but God has been good as you can attest to it."
~~~~
In the evening, Daphne helped bathe some of the little ones and coordinated the bible studies. If Bethany didn't have Sunday school classes to teach the next morning, they would have spent the night there. Daphne promised to be back sooner than expected. "Ms. Loretta, when I shall return from visiting with my mum, I will come and spend the rest of the holidays with you."
Before they left, Ms. Loretta showed them the uncompleted manuscript of her next book. A part of it was her life testimony and the inspiration for running the Home. The following portion captured Bethany's attention:
Some give the impression that a woman's mission on earth is incomplete without marriage and settling down, and any who fails to attain that perceived standard is sometimes looked upon as a failure or having an incomplete and unsatisfactory life. I feel complete and satisfied just being who God created me to be. I wonder if I would be happy doing something else than seeing the lives of these young girls transformed by the love of God – right before my very own eyes!
There was awe in the car on the way home. "You were right," Bethany confessed. "Ms. Loretta is an inspiration. I sincerely want to get married, but she's made me see life from a whole new perspective."
Daphne concurred and pushed on the accelerator; the evening was far gone.
Chapter Thirteen: Flying on Eagles' Wings
For some months after the visit to the Home, Bethany didn't visit anywhere apart from work and church. Ms. Loretta's story had left an indelible mark on her and she felt she needed to get her life going on the right track. She had come to love the children placed under her, but deep within there was that nagging feeling that said her life ought to be taking a different focus. There were things she believed the Lord had told her years back about the music ministry but she had just kept them on hold –or willing to abandon them when Barry came around. She had said to herself that when she would get married and settle down, she would then focus on God's specific will for her life.
She had been comfortable with her position as the unofficial music minister at the church, and the events of the past eight months having increased the burning desire to fulfill her first dream, had caused her to further push the vision to an unknown future time.
She was still hurt from the ill treatment from Pastor Felicity, but she was resolving to not let the pastor's nor anyone else's opinion hinder her from going all the way with what God wanted her to do.
At work, she did not go to the coffee room. She only talked when absolutely necessary. As she stayed alone, contemplating and praying, she became convinced that it was time to step into what God wanted her to do.
But there were apparent difficulties. Every female was under the spiritual leadership of the female Pastor. The young lady severally considered leaving the church to another one, but she couldn't override the refusal in her spirit against such a decision.
She decided to go meet Pastor Felicity. If the spiritual leader would support her decision to get going with the vision God had put in her heart, she was willing to stay in the position in church as a kids' teacher, since it would not truly hinder her from being a singer.
With apprehension, she knocked on Pastor Felicity's office, after having secured an appointment with her through the church secretary.
"You've been quite calm," Pastor Felicity greeted. "I hope all is well."
"All is well, Pastor Felicity."
Pastor had a smile on her face as she swung from side to side on her office chair. "When single ladies ask for appointment with me, I suspect greatly there's some guy who's got their heart kicking."
The statement made Bethany's courage begin to fail. What she had in mind was far from what her Pastor was thinking about.
"So tell me, Bethany, is he from our church or another. Do I know him?"
Bethany cleared her throat. She had come, she must talk. "Pastor Felicity, it's not about a relationship."
A silence followed. Pastor Felicity rested her elbows on the sides of her chair, and clasped her hands on her tummy, waiting for Bethany to talk. The young lady fixed her gaze on her own fingernails. What is wrong with you Bethany? You are convinced this is what you should do. Just say it!
Pastor Felicity listened as Bethany explained how she felt God was leading her to focus on His specific will for her life, and that she was convinced it was time for her to start going that direction.
"Bethany, is this just a tactic you are employing to run away from the children's church back to the choir or you are really sure this is what God wants for you?"
"Pastor Felicity, I don't mind remaining with the kids."
"And you are sure you can handle the public reactions to your ministry? 'Cause it's not just about having a good and anointed voice. You need spiritual stamina to face the challenges of public ministry."
Pastor Felicity was right. Bethany had read Charlette's book, The Prepared Music Minister. The celebrated singer wrote about the challenges of the ministry and how to get prepared to face them and overcome.
Bethany didn't respond to the question. Saying yes, might be misunderstood as being presumptuous. Pastor Felicity judged the silence differently.
"Bethany, I don't think you are ready. Concentrate on your present assignment for a while."
"Pastor Felicity, I think (--)"
"All right. This is what we will do for now. You bring all the songs you've written and I'll screen the theology. You don't want to go out there and sing error, do you? But in the meantime, you cool down. I am ready to work with you."
Bethany left the office confused and having mixed emotions which she could not understand. Bringing her songs to Pastor Felicity was not a problem. The problem was that the songs may remain in that office for many more years to come. Dear Lord, I don't know what to do now.
She never had to bring the songs because the Pastor couple received a transfer notice that week. They were to move in a fortnight, in time to get their kids ready for school in the new location.
No one could be more excited for the news than Bethany. She immediately met with the children's Pastor and he happily let her go back to the choir.
The new Pastor's wife was not a minister but she offered herself as a spiritual mentor to the aspiring artiste.
~~~~
For many months Bethany worked tirelessly with the Touchstone Music® studios in the city to produce her debut album. Daphne gave her all the support which only a Big sis can give, opting to be her executive producer with no expectation of a reward or gain. She called it a freewill offering unto the Lord.
"God rightly brought you into my life," Bethany said. "You are such a wonderful person."
"One thing I have realized, which I have come to accept as my spiritual gift or call of God if you want me to put it that way, is that I love helping and encouraging others. When I see someone fulfilling God's purpose, it's like I should give in all I can to help them realize that purpose."
"That is true," Bethany agreed. "Sometimes what we think is our personality is actually God's calling for us."
"So dear, forget about the money and concentrate on your work."
It was a great work, receiving a stunning reception upon release. The young lady immediately became busy, going beyond the bounds of the city to include other cities and towns.
The two individuals she paid special homage to, besides Daphne –for that was her life icon – were Ms. Loretta and Nancy Doga.
When she sat at the long table in the living room at the Home, she still savored the memories of her first impression a year back. Whatever she could offer seemed not enough to say thank you and to appreciate the impact of a simple b
ut powerful woman who had laid down her life, to cater for vulnerable and abandoned girls.
"St. Loretta," Bethany said "your impact goes way beyond changing the lives of these girls. You might not have known it, but your life was the last influence God used to show me that I was neglecting what He wanted me to do, and that He had all I needed to get going. Thank you for your obedience to God."
"Bethy, I appreciate your coming and your words. Someone once told me that we should always look at passion and purpose beyond simply getting satisfaction from what we do. He told me that our decision to go ahead with what God tells us gives an encouragement to other people, who might have buried their dreams, to go dig them up and pursue their fulfillment. Little did I know when he said that, that I would one day meet you and have you say the same – not by your words but by your actions."
~~~~
Nancy, seven months gone into her first pregnancy, and David were delighted to have the singer come spend a week with them at Beachmond, the first time after the wedding. Within the week, Bethany ministered at the church the Doga's attended.
David took the two friends for sight-seeing. The first stop was at a zoo, which kept several species of wildlife. The next stop was at the national museum.
One evening, they visited the sandy beach of the Great Lake to eat large fishes and bobolo while enjoying the breeze from across the sea.
Bethany thought to herself: I have lived for four years in Beaumont, just eleven miles away from Beachmond, a stone's throw from these touristic sites, but I had been so engulfed by the cares and pressures of my life that it had never crossed my mind to see some of these features that bring whites and other nationals from overseas. She expressed her gratitude to Nancy and David.
Before she left for Beaumont, Nancy spoke to her, as usual, from a sister's heart. "I can see you have blossomed. And I know it's not just about the music and what comes from there. It has to do with the satisfaction that comes from being your true self as God desires. The stress is gone."
Bethany just kept staring at her friend's face. She had understood by experience the truth in those words. Once again, she admired her dear friend. Wisdom, she told herself, is not always found with the grey-haired.
Nancy continued. "I have not stopped praying for you. I want to see it happen soon."
Bethany understood what she meant. She responded with a simple smile.
Chapter Fourteen: A Nervous Breakdown
Samantha had given birth to a baby boy. Neither Daphne nor Bethany saw her for a very long time, each busy in their respective corners. Mavis and her husband had relocated to Cité a few months after the wedding.
One Saturday morning, Daphne decided to pay a visit to Samantha. Though she had sinned and had been unrepentant, Daphne believed the lady still needed their love and attention.
She was met at the door by Samantha's mother. The sight at the apartment was depressing. Samantha lay on the couch, half-awake, frail-looking and with tears' track on the sides of her face. The ten month old boy was on his feet, leaning on the couch, crying and furiously pulling at his mother's hair and blouse. His bottom was bare, with most of his buttocks covered in severe burns on which an ointment was applied.
Daphne didn't know what to make of the situation. She took the child up and lay on her laps with his stomach down. The little fellow wriggled until she put him down to be with his mother.
Daphne tried talking with Samantha, but the sick lady could hardly utter a word. After several minutes, Samantha's mother explained.
"She suffered post-partum depression, which was resolved and she went back to work while keeping the child at a Day Care center. I returned home to Belle-Ville. I would call often to check on her and the baby. Three days ago, I called her number and she didn't pick the call. I then called the neighbor and the lady said she'd heard the baby cry since morning but because he usually cries a lot, she hadn't paid attention. She was out and would only check later when she returned. I became afraid that something bad might have happened to her, so I left to come immediately. I arrived here two days ago. The baby had been in nappies unchanged for days. That's why you see those burns."
Baby Samantha didn't care a thing about his mother's condition. He continued to cry and pull her blouse with all his strength.
"The doctors say she has a nervous breakdown. They have put her on anti-depressants. She's also on anti-hypertensives. If not for the checkup scheduled for next week, we would have left. I want to take her home with me."
"Why didn't they keep her in the hospital for observation?"
Samantha's mother replied that she had declined the option because of the baby's condition. "He's off the breast because of the medication, he cries a lot, and with movements to and fro the hospital coupled with the soreness of the burns, I could never cope. I am sixty-two. He's freer here."
"Has anyone been here to see her?"
"Yes. A colleague left here just before you came."
Daphne felt bad when she discovered that no member of Samantha's church had been there. But she couldn't verbalize her anger at their lack of concern. She too was guilty of the same attitude. Ever since the day Samantha told them she was pregnant, they'd never checked on her again, even though she, Daphne, had been concerned about the pregnant woman's emotional state. She had prayed for her to the point of weeping. But after that incident, over a year ago, she had not come checking. She'd only seen Samantha once, in the market, and from a distance.
She decided to redeem herself. "Mum, please allow me take her to the hospital. I will stay with her while you take care of the baby here."
"O Daphne, do you have to do that?"
"Yes, mum. I'd love to. Samantha needs to be in the hospital."
"Thank you so much. God bless you."
~~~~
From the hospital, Daphne called the church secretary at the Springs of Joy Chapel to inform the church of their erstwhile member's condition.
By Tuesday the following week, when no one showed up, she decided to visit the church office herself. Pastor Luke admitted he was informed by the secretary but the news was not welcome by the church because Samantha was reaping exactly what she had sown.
"Here at the Springs, we do not condone sin," he said calmly. "If the church suddenly jumps up because Samantha –who hasn't repented of her evil, and hasn't been to church for more than a year and half–if we suddenly get worried that she is sick, we are endorsing her act. How then would our action be a deterrent to others who may want to emulate her?"
An extended hand of love towards the errant and emotionally-needy lady, Daphne said was what she was asking for, not a compromise of standards. The guilt, feelings of shame, hopelessness and worthlessness which Samantha was experiencing should not be overlooked by a church which she had faithfully served for seven years.
"You may have a point Daphne," the Pastor replied, "but still, the blame must go where it belongs. Let her feel the pain of her actions. In that way, it would not only deter her next time, but others would learn from her experience. She was mature enough to know the spiritual and physical consequences of her actions. She was not the only single lady in the church. Her first husband is the Lord, not the church."
"Pastor Luke (--)"
"Sister Daphne, the church needs to show love, but when someone like Samantha, knowingly commits sin, what do you expect the church to do? Give a blind eye? There's much talking these days about grace and liberty in Christ. But we need to emphasize the fear of the Lord too."
"Pastor Luke, Samantha is sick, not just in her body and mind. Spiritually, she is also sick. She regrets her act, but she is being overwhelmed with negative emotions. If she's not coming back, the church can go look for her. Please, make the healing process easier for her."
"Why? Because she now has her baby, mission accomplished? So we can restore her to fellowship and everything continues from where it stopped. What is she regretting –the sickness or the baby? I know it is hard, but think of the long term r
epercussions on the church."
"Pastor, I am born-again. I do not condone sin. But I equally know the situation Samantha is facing right now. It's not like the church was never going to reinstate her to fellowship?"
"The church is ready to reinstate her into the family, but first, let the prodigal daughter come home and acknowledge she sinned. This issue is already a blot on our witness concerning the standards of God's Word.
"I repeat it, it would not be right for the church to go looking for Samantha. She was not a baby in the Lord. Someone born-again for many years should have had the opportunities to grow and mature."
"Pastor, I accept that the prodigal daughter needs to come home, but the Lord also talks of the shepherd going to seek the lost sheep. I admit I am asking for too much, but I believe Samantha would believe the Springs family still cares about her. You might not know exactly what that would mean to her."
"Sister Daphne, this is a complicated situation. If you have me emphasizing and maintaining our indifference to Samantha's situation, it is because of the environment we have today. We can't just have people sin blatantly, just so they can turn around to confess their sin. Where is the fear of the Lord?
"When she stopped coming to church, I personally went there, with my wife. You needed to hear what came out through Samantha's lips. It was nothing short of disgusting."
Pastor Luke and Daphne were not able to find a point of compromise. Each person's views seemed right from their own perspective.
"We would reinstate her into the family, but first she must come acknowledging her sin." Pastor concluded. He, however, promised to table the issue to his elders for their final decision. Samantha was in the hospital for a total of ten days but the church did not come.
