CHAPTER 4—PASTOR MIKE
“Hello, this is Pastor Mike. How may I help you?”
The voice on the other end said. “Yes Pastor, this is Marko from Mexico. Do you still remember me from the last time you were here? We need your help. Pedro has been acting strange. He is calling himself a king and ordering people to worship him. Some of the people are not in control of their body. The things he is making them do it’s…” He hesitated. “It’s so evil. I cannot even say. I remember you came at Christmas and brought gifts and boxes. You spoke to us about God. We need you to come and bring your God to help us. Please sir, I do not know what else to do or who else to call.”
A lot of Christians do not realize how strong they really are. The power that is in the tongue is not confined to ministers, but all who have faith in God. Yet instead, they allow fear to block their memory of the position they hold in Christ. Anyone can have victory through the Lord, as long as, we do not call Him in fear, but in faith.
“Marko, I will fly out in the morning.”
Just like that, I am going to Mexico.
“Gracias, Sir, Thank you.”
“I should be able to get a flight for eight and make it there at… The phone went dead.
In addition to pastoring a church, I am very involved in missions around the world. Thankfully, I have Associate Pastors who are always ready and willing to step in during my absence. At any moment, I may receive a call, letter, or email and have to leave to help someone outside the country.
Sometimes I wonder if the higher incidence of demonic possession is increased outside the country due to the strict control of religion. If we continue to strip away our religious freedoms, I fear what may begin to happen on our own soil. We continue to hide God, as if, He isn’t necessary in our lives. I pray the day doesn’t come when we are unable to find Him. Days like this have already existed for some. We can’t just call on Him when we need Him. He wants more than that. I would want more than that. Yet, His love is everlasting and He will remain merciful until the end of time.
The phone is ringing again. It must be Marko. It was weird how the phone call terminated so quickly.
“Hello?” I expected to hear Marko on the other end, but instead it was a woman.
“Yes Pastor, this is Gensella.” She said as her voice cracked and showed signs of recent emotional outpour.
“How are you doing, Gensella? Is there something I can help you with?” I replied cautiously. I am very concerned by her state. Not to mention, I don’t normally get calls from women. Usually, they feel more comfortable speaking with my wife.
“Pastor, I just found out Ben is cheating on me. After twenty-five years, he is cheating on me. How could he do that? We were so young when we fell in love. We got married at eighteen. He was my first boyfriend, my only, my everything. It was foolish. I used to think we were foolishly in love. But now, I just think I was dumb. I gave him everything. Now I can’t remember why?” She started sobbing loudly.
This is such a delicate situation. It’s hard to counsel while the wound is so fresh. Yet a fresh wound harbors the most pain and emotion making this moment a danger zone for uncontrollable anger.
“I am so sorry to hear this is happening, Gensella. Have you talked to your husband? Would he agree to counseling? My wife and I would be happy to sit down with you guys.”
She didn’t respond; only continued crying.
“Gensella, where are you? We could come over now and sit with you. You don’t need to be alone right now.”
Still no response. Then, a few moments later, she started talking again.
“You know how I found out? It was Mrs. Templet. Of course, it was Mrs. Templet. She sees and knows everything. And she couldn’t wait to tell me. She saw him one day going into the girl’s apartment. What are the odds, the girl lives in the same apartment complex as Mrs. Templet--low income housing. He cheats on me with a girl that can barely take care of herself. Oh, and guess what else?” She asked the last part with a bit of a sarcastic laugh. Answer not intended.
“The girl goes to our church. You know Nikki; the one who wears the skimpy dresses all up in her tail. She’s always twisting, bending and throwing her cleavage all around. And those fish net stockings; it is simply appalling and disrespectful. But I used to feel sorry for her. Sorry that her lack of self-esteem and self-worth would cause her to degrade herself for the attention of a man. I never expected that such tactics would bait my husband. That he would be drawn to such obvious desperation. That she’d take my man. I wanted to help her and all the while she was helping herself to my man. I am such a fool.
Is that why he doesn’t want to be with me anymore? He wanted me to be desperate? I was under the impression he liked nice things, especially considering he just bought a brand new Porsche. Was I not supposed to get comfortable and secure in our marriage, in our life? Am I not loose enough for him? Not young enough for him? He stole my youth and made me a mom and now it’s too much for him. Silly of me to think a mother of two teenagers should be modest. I guess I should have just let it all hang out. Then, maybe he would not have lost interest in me. I should have gotten plastic surgery and turned into a Barbie.
And I bet she sees him as her white horse. She probably thinks she will be living the high life. What attracts her to him is my hard work. He wasn’t always so shiny. Alone…alone he will not be so shiny. After he loses the house, the cars and the money, she will drop him like a bad habit. He can’t afford that lifestyle without me. All she has done is ruin my marriage for no reason. Her fairy tale will not last, but mine could have. Our fairy tale could have lasted. Our kids are in high school. This will break their hearts. This girl is only three years older than our oldest. How could he do this to us?
And when I asked him about it, do you know what he said? He said that he had outgrown us. He is falling in love with her. He never wanted to hurt me or the kids. What a load of dump! Outgrown, seriously, does he think he is a child? Has he forgotten he is over forty? There simply isn’t that much more growing to do. He should be settled by now. I can’t believe he would leave me for that. Lord knows I don’t want to judge. That’s why I called you, Pastor. I know I am angry. I need you to remind me of how good God is and how He will get me through this.” She started crying again.
I decided to give her some scripture based encouragement.
“I know right now you are hurting and you don’t feel His presence. You feel alone, but God sees your pain. He said He will restore the years spent in tears. He said if you wait on Him you will have a renewed strength, you will mount up with wings like eagles; you will run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. Gensella, you will rise above this situation. He said come to Him all who are weary and He will give you rest. He will give you the strength you need to make it through. You cannot put your trust in man because man will let you down, but God will never leave you or forsake you. Place your trust in Him, and everything will fall in place. Where are you Gensella? We would love to come and minister to you?”
I could barely hear sounds on the other end of the phone.
“Pastor, I can’t. The truth is I don’t want to feel good in artificial happiness. I am so tired of trying to make it work. He doesn’t deserve it. He never deserved it. I bet he’s over there smiling with her right now. I am crying my heart out over the loss of our marriage and he is grinning in that tramp’s face. I have had enough. He will pay for what he did to me; to us. I hate him for this.”
Now she is angry. I know it is just one of the stages to accepting grief, but it can be dangerous to harbor such emotion.
“Gensella, you have to stay calm. You are right he doesn’t deserve it. But think about how much God has done for us, even though, we don’t deserve it. I know you don’t want to hear about forgiveness right now because it’s so soon and the w
ound is still fresh. But don’t do anything you will regret one day. If nothing else, remember you have kids that need you... Gensella?”
It sounded like her phone fell.
“Gensella?” There was still no response.
“Goodbye Minister” The voice was not Gensella’s.
It’s too late. I knew the demons would be drawn to her unstable state. She is possessed. The spirit is probably going to kill her husband, Ben. I have to get to him first. I rushed out my office and went to the church’s secretary.
“I need you to tell me Mrs. Templet’s address?” She could sense the urgency in my demeanor and tone. It made her nervous.
“Ok Pastor, is something wrong?” She asked while typing on the computer to search the member’s database.
“I just need the address. I can’t really say right now.” I didn’t have a moment to waste.
She read the address off to me and I ran out the church. I know exactly where that is and thankfully it’s nearby. I rushed to the apartments. When I turned in, I saw Gensella walking on the sidewalk. She had almost made it to the door. I parked my car and ran towards her.
The steel door of Nikki’s apartment flung backwards off the hinges when she stepped close enough to walk across the threshold. It was as natural as walking through an automatic door. I looked around to see if anyone was outside observing this supernatural confrontation. There wasn’t anyone in sight.
When I looked back at her I noticed she was holding a knife. Most of the time something sharp was the weapon of choice for a demon. I don’t know if they just like the old school method or what. Perhaps, it is the slow agonizing pain and dramatics the knife yields. A gun would probably be much faster, but I’d never suggest such.
The husband, in his boxers, walked out the bedroom to see what caused the loud noise.
When he saw her, he said “Gensella, what happened to you? Put the knife down. You don’t want to do this.” He had his hands up.
I was behind her now. I touched her back and said a prayer for her release.
“Shut up, Minister. This is none of your concern.” The spirit said and did a spin kick which knocked me outside the apartment. “And you, you don’t care about Gensella. All you care about is your pathetic flesh.”
Nikki angrily came out the bedroom to see what was going on in her apartment. She was wearing Ben’s dress shirt which she had only partially buttoned. Her hair messily fell over her shoulders.
“Why is she here? Why she all up in my house? And what happened to my door? Did she do that to my door? If you got a problem, we can deal with it? You don’t come up in my house disrespecting me and mine.” Nikki said pointing her finger and rocking her head about her neck as she attempted to get physical with Gensella.
She is way feistier than the image she portrayed at church. I guess it’s the situation. Regardless, her taunting is dangerous considering Gensella is now being controlled by a demon. This is definitely not a fair fight.
Ben lowered one of his arms in a protective, guarding manner. He turned his head slightly to the side, but his eyes never left Gensella. “Go back to the room. She is here for me.”
The spirit cocked Gensella’s head to get a better look at Nikki. “So this is what the commotion is all about,” She laughed. “I’ve seen better. What a sad creature you are? Oh well, you all burn the same. Time to die.”
The depthless black pupils in Gensella’s blood shot red eyes dilated. What little life remained in Gensella was absorbed and replaced with a cold, dead blue. Her lips turned black and retracted beyond her cheek space revealing an abnormal, evil joker smile.
She charged for them.
While I was outside, I had already asked for help. My angel was with me. I jumped over Gensella landing in front of her close enough to kick her backwards. Then, I ran to her before she regained her balance and jumped on top of her. My angel reached inside her and removed the demonic spirit. He flew outside the apartment and threw it back to Hell, before disappearing. I realized I was still on top of Gensella and moved to her side.
As I touched her face I asked, “Gensella, Are you okay?” I tapped her a little. “Gensella.” She became alert.
“Where am I?”
I didn’t want to overwhelm her with what had just happened so I hesitated in my response. Ben had already come to her side. He grabbed her hand, crying.
“Gensella, honey, I am so sorry. I am so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I never meant to hurt you. I fell. I messed up. I thought I didn’t need you, but I do. I was weak and selfish. I never should have taken a second look. It never should have gotten past Hello. I never should have entertained the thought. I never should have betrayed your love. It was never about her. It was you. After I fell to the temptation, I knew I didn’t deserve you because I never should have hurt you. It never should have happened. I thought it would be easier for you if I didn’t try. I am so sorry. I’ll do whatever it takes for the rest of my life to build your trust back. I know I don’t deserve it and even if we can’t mend the broken pieces, please forgive me?”
His eyes had overflown with tears. He was either hopelessly seeking forgiveness or relentlessly selling a wave of deception. Considering the recent events, either one would be appropriate.
As Gensella looked at him, tears filled her eyes as well. She loved him. She has always loved him. Even though he messed up and doesn’t deserve it, she will always love him. I could appreciate the moment as well because it is with that same love God loves us. Gensella didn’t say anything she just held his head that was now buried in his chest. As long as they are both willing and dedicated, their marriage will sustain.
“I know a lot has happened today and there is a lot to be considered. If you decide to continue in your walk together, my wife and I have successfully counseled many couples in the mending of brokenness and restoration of marriage. It is possible to work it out, but there must be a genuine effort because it isn’t an easy task to rebuild trust. I can suggest other ministers within and outside the church also. It is not my intentions to sway your decision, but to offer assistance should you need it.”
Ben looked at Gensella, before responding, “Thank you for everything Pastor Mike. It means a lot that you came out here and helped us. We have a lot to talk about and hopefully, we can contact you soon to follow up and go on from there.”
The answer didn’t suggest anything and Gensella seemed okay with it.
“It’s not a problem at all. That’s what Pastors are for.” I said with a laugh, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
They both smiled, but laughing was still too premature in light of the events that had transpired.
Gensella stood up with the help of Ben and looked around. She realized she must have done something bad. Before she was able to ask, the police walked in.
“What happened here?” one of the officers said.
Nikki came running from the backroom. “I called because that crazy psycho came up in my apartment knocking down doors and threating to kill us with a knife. Y’all need to arrest her and get her up out of my apartment.” She sounded like she was on some level of intoxication.
The officers looked at Gensella, with her short and tiny build, and looked at the door and decided it best to leave the door part out of the report. They did recover the knife and arrested Gensella for coming with the intent to hurt her husband and his mistress. I talked to Nikki and some other people and got the charges dropped. I told them she had a temporary overload of emotions and no one was hurt. She also has no previous history or arrests and the “victims” didn’t want to pursue it any farther.
Once we got everything straightened out, I followed them back to their house. With the arrest and outpouring of details, I want to double check the stability of their relationship.
“Thank you so much, Pasto
r Mike. I can never repay you for how much you helped us.” Gensella said giving me a hug while Ben watched from the arm of the sofa.
“No problem. Gensella I know you have been through a lot today, but before I leave, I want to make sure you are not holding any unforgiveness. As we saw today, all Satan needs is a crack to come inside us and pollute our bodies with everything ungodly. It is very important to resolve and remove anything that Satan may be able to use.
You know how sometimes your sink drain may get clogged. It starts with one thing getting stuck on the side and obstructing the path. Then other things try to go down, but bits and pieces get stuck to the obstructing lump. Eventually, nothing will be able to go down because the small lump has become a big clog that creates a major backflow of everything attempting to go down. That is kind of how we are.
Something may happen and we just can’t really let it go. Because that thing is stuck there, even though, we try to accept things, it becomes harder and harder to swallow. More and more little things that irritate you or make you mad will try to go down, but they just get stuck. Before you know it, you have had enough and you don’t want anything at all, good or bad. Then you blow up and everything, old and new comes out in one massive confrontation.
We have to be careful not to let anything get stuck inside us. We have to resolve all conflicts and issues so that we can have healthy relationships. Regardless of how you choose to proceed with your relationship, you need to make sure you have forgiven Ben. I would like to pray with you for direction, as well as, the strength to forgive. I want you to ask God to reveal to you any area of weakness that needs to be addressed.”
I turned to Ben who was still sitting on the couch. “Ben, would you join us in prayer? I know you have already apologized for your actions, but I want you to ask Gensella for forgiveness. By doing this, you are also telling her you will do whatever is necessary to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
After I prayed with the two of them, I spoke with Ben again. “Gensella deserves your renewed commitment. Don’t break her heart again. The Bible tells us to flee from temptation for a reason. None of us are strong enough to toy with such a desire. Even Jesus didn’t allow Satan to tempt him. Don’t think you are strong enough to play with fire. The task has nothing to do with strength, but obedience. It’s like a trick question; if you play with fire, you will be burned.”
The couple seemed to understand me. I know we are all tired so I will follow up later and check the status of their relationship.
“I hope the two of you will decide to undergo counseling. It can be with me or I can arrange it with another pastor. It would be very wise to assume the underlying issues have not been resolved. Let’s work on rebuilding your marriage.” I walked to Ben and shook his hand.
“Yes sir, we will discuss what you have suggested and let you know. If we continue in our marriage, we will definitely undergo counseling. Thank you again for helping us today.”
I left and headed for my car.
“Pastor” I turned to see Ben had followed me outside. “Gensella was possessed wasn’t she? That was all real. You, the angel, the demon, it was all real.”
I had wondered if he would let me leave without asking. It was obvious he has had something on his mind since we left Nikki’s apartment.
“Yes, Ben it was real. The battle between light and darkness is very real. It is happening every day. The spirit was able to inhabit Gensella because she had gotten so angry and full of hate. That is why it is important we are careful. You and I both know how bad it can get, Gensella doesn’t remember. So let’s work together to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
He looked like he had a revelation. “I’ll see you at church Sunday.” He said as he turned and walked back to his house.
One day it will be apparent to all, just how real it really is. Now I have to go home and tell my beautiful wife and kids I have to leave in the morning. I decided to buy flowers and candy to ease the news.
“Hi honey. How was your day… and the meeting?” Melayla asked.
Her face was glowing and her smile lit the room. She is so beautiful. Part of her hair was tossed up and the rest flowed down her back in beautiful waves. Twenty-five years later and she still takes my breath away. I’d call it amazing, but anyone that laid eyes on her wouldn’t be amazed at all.
“It was great,” I replied. I knew the response wouldn’t be enough. She would require many more details and an in-depth conversation, but I needed to tell her about tomorrow first. “And I brought you these.” I added trying to keep the excitement while revealing the flowers and chocolate behind my back.
“My favorite,” She said. Then she tilted her head a bit and looked into my eyes that reeked of, “And”.
She decided to say it for me. “And…”
I exhaled. “And I have to leave for Mexico in the morning.” Whew, that felt so much better. Yet I know the feeling won’t be shared with her.
“In the morning?” she echoed with a ring kind of like when kids say “Aw man”. It’s like they can’t just say those words without a special tone.
“Yes, sweetheart, in the morning. I’m sorry, but they need me.”
Her forehead wrinkled slightly. She immediately started thinking of everything that had to be done and how she’d do it without me.
“Phillip has a basketball game tomorrow night. He was looking forward to you being there. Missy has piano after school. I have to go visit Mrs. Celant because she hasn’t been feeling well the last couple of days.” She was reciting everything like she was speed reading a paper.
Then, she stopped with a quick thought. “But you have to go, I understand. The kids will too. It will be okay.”
This is only one of the reasons why I love her so much. She understands me even when she doesn’t. Her faith in God is so strong, she trusts me knowing no matter what happens God has her back.
“I love you” I seized the moment to say it out loud. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and used her hands to pull my head besides hers. I wrapped my arms around her waist to seal the hug as she whispered in my ear
“I love you, too.”
As soon as we released, she was at it again. “In the morning…we have to pack. I’ll get the suitcases. What time is your flight? I’ll have to bring you to the airport before I meet with the ladies at the church in the morning.”
She can’t help it, always planning. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her, she completes me. I’ll tell the kids about the trip when we sit down together for dinner.
CHAPTER 5--MISSY
Epic Testament Page 5
