"He is a bit slow and clumsy".
Those words clung to Cletus' mind and refused to let go. Mum and Dad were catching up after so many years and a part of him was glad. Another part wondered what would become of Pastor Mike.
He was already warming up to Pastor Mike and had even planned to ask him how he felt about Mum. Now, he would never know what it was like to be a member of Pastor Mike's family.
Mum never ceased to amaze him. He could not believe how good she was with Dora. The girl practically worshipped the ground Syntyche walked on. She was so attentive and well-behaved when Mum was around her. Mum was so patient with her. Yet, the same Mum had no kind words for him.
Yes, he had a few problems with his school work and he broke a few plates. Still, it was an awful way to describe one's son to his long-lost father. Well, he just had to make do with his amazing Mama!
Dora's mum, Josephine, was a stunning woman. It was a pity she had to put her life on hold to care for the child. Maybe Pastor Mike would marry her instead?
His thoughts quickly turned to Aunty Sylvia and his cousins. He had messaged the group that his dad was back. Everyone was sending him happy emoticons. After what Mum told Dad about his slowness and clumsiness, he didn't feel so happy anymore. So he sent
"Mum says I'm slow and clumsy. So I'll just slowly and clumsily go back to my shell. Bye".
As he hit the "Send" icon, he wondered if he should have sent that. Unfortunately, one cannot retract a WhatsApp message once it is sent. Well!
As he was about to turn off his phone and go to bed, he saw a message from Pastor Mike
"Hey son, how are you doing? How are you getting along with your dad and mum? Hope you're keeping out of trouble. Let's talk after service tomorrow; I have a few things to tell you. You're always in my prayers and I love you son. Good night".
****************************************************
Euodia wanted to shout to let Archippus know she was back home but for some reason, she kept quiet. She was exhausted from the shouting match she had with Syntyche at the Leaders' Meeting. The meeting had gone well until Pastor Gabriel decided to ask if anyone had a comment or question. Syntyche allowed the devil use her at that moment. She started with how Euodia's treatment of Josephine and her unruly daughter was insensitive. She had the nerve to point out that if Euodia had kids of her own, she would have understood how difficult it is to keep kids in check and how tasking it is for parents of kids with special needs especially.
As if that was not bad enough, she went on to talk about how Euodia shot down her idea of starting BBM, Whatsapp and Facebook groups for the Women Fellowship. The idea was one of the crazy ones Syntyche had come up with during the last Women Fellowship Executive Council Meeting. Which decently married woman had time to spare for social media? 24 hours was not enough for a happily married woman to look after her household and still have time for the things of God. If Syntyche had a man to care for, she won't be bringing up such silly ideas....
She couldn't believe Syntyche would have done that! The same woman that was leading Pastor Mike on while trying to resolve issues with her estranged husband. She had even caught her in a restaurant with a man she called Samson. A scarlet woman like Syntyche was calling her out? She lost her cool and gave Syntyche exactly what she was asking for.
Pastor Irene took them both aside and tried to mediate. Euodia couldn't believe Pastor Irene was actually taking Syntyche's side and asking her to apologize. However, she had calmed down enough to catch herself and "obey authority".
She saw Archippus' phone on the sofa and just as she picked it up, a message came in. It was from Mama.
"Your son is in the hospital. We need your attention in the village"
****************************************************
Sylvia was tired. She was tired of the lies and cover-ups. She was tired of treating STIs. She was afraid of contracting a terminal disease from her philandering husband. She was also penniless. Everything "they" owned was in her husband's name. She was "submissive" like that. Any money she made went into the joint account and she always got her husband's approval before taking anything out. She was taught that her husband's love was dependent on how submissive she was. So, she put her all into being the most submissive wife in the whole wide world.
"So, what do you want to do now?"
"Syntyche, I sincerely don't know o. If I stay, I can contract HIV from this man and die. If I leave, I don't have anything to my name, except my clothes. How will I care for the children?"
"Hmmm, Sylvia, let's work through this rationally. If you stay, you can ask him to use a condom before having sexual relations... "
Sylvia laughed.
"Ask who? Someone that forces himself on me most of the time? And tells me to be grateful that he doesn't beat me when I try to deny him his marital benefits? Izuchukwu is a special human being o"
"Why am I just learning about all these, Sylvia? How did we drift apart like this? We used to be best friends, remember?"
"I know... It was just that when Stephen left, I didn't want to bother you with my marital challenges. I felt that if I continued to pray and fast, Izuchukwu would change and I'll also be able to use my testimony to encourage a young wife on how to persevere and build her home successfully"
They were both crying.
"Sylvia, we're in this together. We'll find our way around this. Let us pray and invite God to help us through this. All will be well"
****************************************************
He knew he would not last for too long before he reached out to her. Syntyche had taken over his heart when he wasn't looking. He had tried to warn himself that he was playing with fire but he just couldn't resist falling in love with her.
She had invited him for lunch two weeks ago and broken the news to him as gently as possible.
"Pastor Mike, I have decided to work on my relationship with Stephen. I am still his wife and the mother of his son. I'm sorry I didn't define the boundaries of our friendship clearly earlier. I'm sorry I got carried away and led you on. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for toying with your emotions", she said in her lovely matter-of-fact way.
"Do you love him?"
"Pastor Mike, please don't make this difficult. I value your friendship and support. It'll be nice if we continue as friends but I'll leave it to you to decide. I'll soon be leaving. I'm really sorry about the situation I put us both in"
She squeezed his hand and continued with her meal. He wondered if she would slap him if he kissed her and held her the way he had always wanted to. Perhaps she would walk away forever and take his heart with her. He had to stay strong.
"I didn't intend to but I've fallen in love with you, Syntyche. My ears can hear what you are saying but my heart cannot take it in. Thanks for being kind enough to tell me this in person. I hope this doesn't mean I have to stop seeing Cletus, though? I think I'm getting through to him"
"I don't think you should stop seeing Cletus, though the time will now be shared between you and Stephen, if you don't mind. They both need some time to bond".
As she got up to go, he gave her the hug he had always wanted to give her. He almost gave her the kiss but he quickly caught himself...
"Hello Syntyche. How is Stephen? How is Cletus? This is Pastor Mike (in case you've deleted my number, lol). Yes, we can still be friends. I'll send today's devotional in a few minutes. Have a nice day"
****************************************************
Stephen was overwhelmed by it all. He had gone from having his day all to himself and thinking only about himself to considering Syntyche and Cletus in all his decisions. He and Syntyche were finalizing plans to move in together and living as a family again. They had decided that it was more practical for him to move in with Syntyche and Cletus in order to minimize the disruption to Cletus' life. Besides, since he was venturing into his own construction business, it was easier that way.
He was happy to be back with his family but sometimes he was so unsure. What was he to do when Syntyche infuriated him with her "independent woman" views? What of when Cletus' clumsiness irritated him? For now, he could fake a smile through it since he knew he would go home and take a shower before going to bed. What would he do when it became his 24 hour a day, 7 days a week reality?
Syntyche hadn't even allowed him do more than kiss her. She wanted them to take things slowly and find passion again. Her requests were more than what he had anticipated. He had expected her to be relieved that he had come back to her and they would have just picked up from where they stopped. Still, kissing her set him on fire. That woman was something else.
He realized they had switched phones when the text message came in. It was from Pastor Mike. That guy still had designs on his wife. He had to find a way to get him out of their lives without coming across as being jealous...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 11.
Showing posts with label Feuding Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Feuding Women. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 May 2016
Saturday, 20 February 2016
Feuding Women Episode 9
"We lift our hands in the Sanctuary, we lift our hands to give you the glorray, we lift our hands to give you the praise. And we will praise you for the rest of our days, yes, we will praise you for the rest of our days"...
The vixen leading worship was all over the stage and all her curves and endowments were on display. Archippus could not concentrate on worship. His member refused to realise that it was not permitted to rise in church. He hadn't made love to Euodias in about 2 months. He couldn't imagine himself laying with her and thinking of his son in the village with Mama. He wasn't cut out for this double life but he had to do what he had to do... Euodia had been pleading with him EVERY night since that day when he first rejected her advances and told her that he felt terrible sensations whenever she touched him. She had almost caught him one night when he was "helping" himself in the bathroom. He had forgot to lock the door. He had barked at her and asked her to ALWAYS knock and wait for permission before coming in.
Somehow, the vixen in the choir was awakening the giant in him. She needed to complete what she had started..
*******************************************************
"That's how they'll be using Christianity to cover their wickedness. Tueh"
Pastor Irene could spot that voice from many miles. It was her mother-in law, abi mother-in-love.
She waited for the trouble that always accompanied Mama. Her grouse was that instead of staying at home to raise her children and bearing more grandchildren, Pastor Irene was going about travelling, either with Pastor Gabriel or alone. 2 granddaughters and a grandson did not matter much to Mama. She was the only one of her husband's seven wives that had less than 6 grandkids.
Mama was definitely spoiling for a fight. Pastor Irene quickly went to greet her.
"Did I tell you that my hands are paining me?" Mama snarled. "Please don't charm me with your fake niceness. I'm now wiser. Where is my son?"
Pastor Gabriel appeared, right on cue. Pastor Irene was very embarrassed. The women she had invited over for fellowship were having lunch in the dining room and must have heard all the nasty things Mama had said to her. She was in the middle of a lecture about dealing with in-laws when Mama showed up and provided a real life example.
Pastor Gabriel quickly took charge.
"Welcome Mama. How was your trip? I guess it wasn't too stressful? Let's get you settled then we can all talk. Honey, please round up with the women quickly so we can talk."
Mama looked like she wanted to ignore him and keep making a scene but she meekly followed him as he led her through the other entrance and Pastor Irene went back in to round up with the women. Today's lesson was as practical as it would get.
***************************************************
The number was an unfamiliar one. She rarely picked unusual numbers. For some strange reason, she decided to pick up.
"Hello, is this Syntyche?"
Even after so many years, she immediately recognized his baritone voice. Back then, he was a lady's man and his voice was a key selling point. Apparently, not much had changed about him.
"Yes I am. Who am I speaking with, please?"
"It's Samson, your ex-boyfriend and soon-to-be new husband."
"Oh. Hello Samson. How're you doing? How did you get my phone number?"
"I ran into Sylvia and her family at the art exhibition yesterday and she gave me your phone number. She also told me that your "good-for-nothing" husband left you pregnant and ran away. I'm here to stay, babe; I'm not going anywhere. Are you free for dinner?"
Samson was still as direct as ever. He had once told her that there was no point beating about the bush. The worst case scenario was that the person would say "No". Well, "worst case scenario" was coming up...
"No, I'm not free for dinner. I'll have to have a stern word with Sylvia about divulging personal information to strangers".
A tiny voice asked her if she didn't think this was a good opportunity to minister to Samson, so she added, "We can have lunch tomorrow".
They quickly made arrangements and Samson got off the phone. Sylvia's call would come in about 10 minutes. She always called at the same time every day to nag about the same things she nagged about the previous day. She just sat through each nagging session, taking notes on her soon to be published book, "Things nags say".
A text message came in from Pastor Mike. He also sent her daily inspirational messages and chats. She made a note to bring up starting WhatsApp and BBM groups for the Women Fellowship. They would be able to share inspiring thoughts daily and disseminate information quickly. She hoped Euodias would not try to shoot it down because it was her idea.
She sent a chat back thanking him and they started their daily session. He had been really helpful in getting through to Cletus. Somehow, spending time with Sylvia and her family also helped. She wished she was enough for Cletus but she was glad that well-intentioned people were connecting to him.
Sylvia's call came in at exactly 11:45am, just like it did on other days. Soon, she'll to nickname Sylvia "The 11:45 sister". Sylvia didn't sound like herself, though...
"Syntyche, I'm leaving him. I'm tired of this marriage".
"Who are you leaving? Why?”, Syntyche panicked.
The line went dead. Syntyche tried to call back but none of Sylvia's numbers was going through. Something weird was going on...
A lot of weird things had happened recently. First, Sister Agatha from the past had called her. She had been her prayer partner when Stephen first left. They had prayed together for 4 years for marital restoration and had lost touch when Sister Agatha and her family had to relocate. Sister Agatha said that the Lord laid it strongly in her heart that she needed to continue supporting Syntyche and Stephen in prayers. The set time had come. Then, Susan, her co-worker, whom she hadn't had much interaction with told her she had a dream about Syntyche's marriage. She described Stephen perfectly, though she had never met him. She described a few incidents that truly happened in their marriage. She told Syntyche that the set time had come but it was up to Syntyche to travail in prayer to birth the miracle. Now, she just heard from Samson and Sylvia was in distress. She quickly sent Pastor Mike a chat, asking him to pray for her and her family. She hurried to Sylvia's place.
*******************************************************
Josephine wasn't sure how she knew it but she knew she had to attend the church down the street. The dream was too vivid to be ignored.
The rigours of raising an autistic child as a single parent had caused her to drop church attendance from her schedule. Besides, she didn't miss the judgmental comments about Dora's autistic tendencies. There were those that insinuated that if she had disciplined Dora properly, she wouldn't have turned out this way. Some suggested that it was God's way of punishing her for leaving her cheating husband.
Earlier on, she had believed all that nonsense and tried hard to make Dora "normal". She had only accepted Dora as an autistic child about 3 years ago. It had been an enlightening journey so far.
As they got into the church, a very nice man with a nice smile welcomed her to church and directed her to her seat. He asked for permission to take Dora to the Children's Cathedral but she explained that Dora was a special needs child so she needed to keep an eye on her. The usher was unsure so he checked with his HOD, who absent mindedly okayed it.
The worship session was fantastic. Josephine felt at home. Even Dora's constant tugs didn't make the service less heavenly. It added its own flavour to the experience.
THEN, the possibility that scared her away from public gatherings happened! Dora had a meltdown! One minute, she was singing happily; the next minute she was throwing things, kicking and screaming. Apparently, she had tried to get Josephine's attention and she was caught up in the sermon.
THEN, a woman, whom she later learnt was Euodia came from the front to where they were, dragged Does out and motioned for the Head Usher to follow her. Josephine quickly followed them. Then the lady ordered the Head Usher to take Dora to the Children's Cathedral. She then turned to Josephine and started lecturing her on teaching her child to behave properly in public.
Josephine retrieved Dora from the lady. The good thing was that her drama had cured Dora's meltdown. Another lady, whom she later learnt was Syntyche came out, just as she was about to go in to pick up her things. Service was over for her. Syntyche offered to watch Dora while Josephine got their things. Euodia was still shouting at Syntyche when Josephine returned with their things. Syntyche got her contact details and even saw them out. She actually dropped them off at home before returning to church. Such a nice lady, Josephine thought
*******************************************************
"Euodia has finally lost her mind", Syntyche thought as she took the left turn that led to her house. How she thought it was acceptable to act like an idiot to a first timer and be backed by Syntyche remained a mystery...These were definitely interesting times.
Sylvia was fine. She was just heartbroken. She just found out that her husband had fathered another illegitimate child with the tramp that had the first one. Syntyche had asked Sylvia if she really wanted to leave. Sylvia didn't come across like a woman who could stay without being in a romantic relationship. As far as Syntyche knew, Sylvia had always been in a relationship since she was old enough to date...
She looked at the gate and saw him. He hadn't changed, even after so many years...
The vixen leading worship was all over the stage and all her curves and endowments were on display. Archippus could not concentrate on worship. His member refused to realise that it was not permitted to rise in church. He hadn't made love to Euodias in about 2 months. He couldn't imagine himself laying with her and thinking of his son in the village with Mama. He wasn't cut out for this double life but he had to do what he had to do... Euodia had been pleading with him EVERY night since that day when he first rejected her advances and told her that he felt terrible sensations whenever she touched him. She had almost caught him one night when he was "helping" himself in the bathroom. He had forgot to lock the door. He had barked at her and asked her to ALWAYS knock and wait for permission before coming in.
Somehow, the vixen in the choir was awakening the giant in him. She needed to complete what she had started..
*******************************************************
"That's how they'll be using Christianity to cover their wickedness. Tueh"
Pastor Irene could spot that voice from many miles. It was her mother-in law, abi mother-in-love.
She waited for the trouble that always accompanied Mama. Her grouse was that instead of staying at home to raise her children and bearing more grandchildren, Pastor Irene was going about travelling, either with Pastor Gabriel or alone. 2 granddaughters and a grandson did not matter much to Mama. She was the only one of her husband's seven wives that had less than 6 grandkids.
Mama was definitely spoiling for a fight. Pastor Irene quickly went to greet her.
"Did I tell you that my hands are paining me?" Mama snarled. "Please don't charm me with your fake niceness. I'm now wiser. Where is my son?"
Pastor Gabriel appeared, right on cue. Pastor Irene was very embarrassed. The women she had invited over for fellowship were having lunch in the dining room and must have heard all the nasty things Mama had said to her. She was in the middle of a lecture about dealing with in-laws when Mama showed up and provided a real life example.
Pastor Gabriel quickly took charge.
"Welcome Mama. How was your trip? I guess it wasn't too stressful? Let's get you settled then we can all talk. Honey, please round up with the women quickly so we can talk."
Mama looked like she wanted to ignore him and keep making a scene but she meekly followed him as he led her through the other entrance and Pastor Irene went back in to round up with the women. Today's lesson was as practical as it would get.
***************************************************
The number was an unfamiliar one. She rarely picked unusual numbers. For some strange reason, she decided to pick up.
"Hello, is this Syntyche?"
Even after so many years, she immediately recognized his baritone voice. Back then, he was a lady's man and his voice was a key selling point. Apparently, not much had changed about him.
"Yes I am. Who am I speaking with, please?"
"It's Samson, your ex-boyfriend and soon-to-be new husband."
"Oh. Hello Samson. How're you doing? How did you get my phone number?"
"I ran into Sylvia and her family at the art exhibition yesterday and she gave me your phone number. She also told me that your "good-for-nothing" husband left you pregnant and ran away. I'm here to stay, babe; I'm not going anywhere. Are you free for dinner?"
Samson was still as direct as ever. He had once told her that there was no point beating about the bush. The worst case scenario was that the person would say "No". Well, "worst case scenario" was coming up...
"No, I'm not free for dinner. I'll have to have a stern word with Sylvia about divulging personal information to strangers".
A tiny voice asked her if she didn't think this was a good opportunity to minister to Samson, so she added, "We can have lunch tomorrow".
They quickly made arrangements and Samson got off the phone. Sylvia's call would come in about 10 minutes. She always called at the same time every day to nag about the same things she nagged about the previous day. She just sat through each nagging session, taking notes on her soon to be published book, "Things nags say".
A text message came in from Pastor Mike. He also sent her daily inspirational messages and chats. She made a note to bring up starting WhatsApp and BBM groups for the Women Fellowship. They would be able to share inspiring thoughts daily and disseminate information quickly. She hoped Euodias would not try to shoot it down because it was her idea.
She sent a chat back thanking him and they started their daily session. He had been really helpful in getting through to Cletus. Somehow, spending time with Sylvia and her family also helped. She wished she was enough for Cletus but she was glad that well-intentioned people were connecting to him.
Sylvia's call came in at exactly 11:45am, just like it did on other days. Soon, she'll to nickname Sylvia "The 11:45 sister". Sylvia didn't sound like herself, though...
"Syntyche, I'm leaving him. I'm tired of this marriage".
"Who are you leaving? Why?”, Syntyche panicked.
The line went dead. Syntyche tried to call back but none of Sylvia's numbers was going through. Something weird was going on...
A lot of weird things had happened recently. First, Sister Agatha from the past had called her. She had been her prayer partner when Stephen first left. They had prayed together for 4 years for marital restoration and had lost touch when Sister Agatha and her family had to relocate. Sister Agatha said that the Lord laid it strongly in her heart that she needed to continue supporting Syntyche and Stephen in prayers. The set time had come. Then, Susan, her co-worker, whom she hadn't had much interaction with told her she had a dream about Syntyche's marriage. She described Stephen perfectly, though she had never met him. She described a few incidents that truly happened in their marriage. She told Syntyche that the set time had come but it was up to Syntyche to travail in prayer to birth the miracle. Now, she just heard from Samson and Sylvia was in distress. She quickly sent Pastor Mike a chat, asking him to pray for her and her family. She hurried to Sylvia's place.
*******************************************************
Josephine wasn't sure how she knew it but she knew she had to attend the church down the street. The dream was too vivid to be ignored.
The rigours of raising an autistic child as a single parent had caused her to drop church attendance from her schedule. Besides, she didn't miss the judgmental comments about Dora's autistic tendencies. There were those that insinuated that if she had disciplined Dora properly, she wouldn't have turned out this way. Some suggested that it was God's way of punishing her for leaving her cheating husband.
Earlier on, she had believed all that nonsense and tried hard to make Dora "normal". She had only accepted Dora as an autistic child about 3 years ago. It had been an enlightening journey so far.
As they got into the church, a very nice man with a nice smile welcomed her to church and directed her to her seat. He asked for permission to take Dora to the Children's Cathedral but she explained that Dora was a special needs child so she needed to keep an eye on her. The usher was unsure so he checked with his HOD, who absent mindedly okayed it.
The worship session was fantastic. Josephine felt at home. Even Dora's constant tugs didn't make the service less heavenly. It added its own flavour to the experience.
THEN, the possibility that scared her away from public gatherings happened! Dora had a meltdown! One minute, she was singing happily; the next minute she was throwing things, kicking and screaming. Apparently, she had tried to get Josephine's attention and she was caught up in the sermon.
THEN, a woman, whom she later learnt was Euodia came from the front to where they were, dragged Does out and motioned for the Head Usher to follow her. Josephine quickly followed them. Then the lady ordered the Head Usher to take Dora to the Children's Cathedral. She then turned to Josephine and started lecturing her on teaching her child to behave properly in public.
Josephine retrieved Dora from the lady. The good thing was that her drama had cured Dora's meltdown. Another lady, whom she later learnt was Syntyche came out, just as she was about to go in to pick up her things. Service was over for her. Syntyche offered to watch Dora while Josephine got their things. Euodia was still shouting at Syntyche when Josephine returned with their things. Syntyche got her contact details and even saw them out. She actually dropped them off at home before returning to church. Such a nice lady, Josephine thought
*******************************************************
"Euodia has finally lost her mind", Syntyche thought as she took the left turn that led to her house. How she thought it was acceptable to act like an idiot to a first timer and be backed by Syntyche remained a mystery...These were definitely interesting times.
Sylvia was fine. She was just heartbroken. She just found out that her husband had fathered another illegitimate child with the tramp that had the first one. Syntyche had asked Sylvia if she really wanted to leave. Sylvia didn't come across like a woman who could stay without being in a romantic relationship. As far as Syntyche knew, Sylvia had always been in a relationship since she was old enough to date...
She looked at the gate and saw him. He hadn't changed, even after so many years...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 10.
Friday, 15 January 2016
Feuding Women Episode 8
Syntyche was tired. The traffic jam was serious. She had estimated that it would take her about an hour to get Cletus from Sylvia's house. Wrong! She spent 3 hours getting to Sylvia's house. Sylvia had laid out a very tempting dish with every form of sea animal Syntyche could name. It had been a while since she had native soup.
As she cleaned her plate with the last ball of wheat, she heard Sylvia's soft voice asking her when last she had a well-cooked home made meal. Syntyche growled inwardly as she prepared herself for Sylvia's lecture on how the way to a man's heart was through his stomach and how a woman should never leave her husband hungry or horny...Well, her husband was living his life somewhere, oblivious to her existence as well as the existence of his son. Thanks to Sylvia, she wasn't hungry but the lecture was making HER horny. Her treacherous mind went to Pastor Mike and wondered what he was like in bed. She quickly captured that thought and subjected it to the Lord.
As much as she detested Sylvia's husband, she was so grateful when he came into the room and Sylvia automatically turned her attention to him, though she hadn't finished what she was saying.
Cletus chose that exact time to announce that he was ready to go home.
Syntyche quickly said her goodbyes and escaped before the spell was broken. The traffic jam back home was deadly. They finally got home at 4pm. She could only grab a bite and rush out for evangelism. Cletus seemed agreeable, the time away seemed to have made him miss home. He even offered to wash plates. Interesting...
*********************************
Euodias quickly served Archippus' meal. He had told her that he needed her to get his meals ready at 7am (breakfast), 2pm (lunch) and 7pm (dinner). She had slipped on that several times in the past and they had even laughed at his "time-table" a few years ago. He returned from his trip and let her know that he expected her to stick to the schedule. His attitude since he returned from this trip was puzzling. He was quick to take offence at whatever she said. She had immediately started speaking more positively about their marriage. Their sexual relations weren't as they were before the trip either. He was usually tired and whenever he managed to make love to her, she knew he was just being dutiful; his soul wasn't there.
"The salt in this stew is too much, Euodias. I can't eat it. Please make me some noodles. You can't even make good food anymore. Is this the kind of food you'll give our children when they come? Maybe that's why God is still keeping them; you better learn how to cook so the children can come quickly."
Euodias couldn't hold back the tears. Why was Archippus taunting her? He had been her pillar as she trusted God for children. She felt the walls around her crumbling... She couldn't afford to faint now and let Archippus stay hungry. She quickly pulled herself together, made the noodles, served him and rushed out for evangelism. The women were in charge this week. She had to deal with the dreadful Syntyche who obviously did not understand the concept of submitting to constituted authority. No wonder her husband left her!
*********************************
Cletus dropped his luggage and looked around his room. Apparently, his mum had tried to straighten the room but she had left most of his things as he left them. The house was also as empty as he left it. He felt lonely almost immediately after having so many people around him at Aunt Sylvia's place.
When he got there, his cousins had wasted no time making him feel at home. He only realised now that he hadn't kept up with the gang nor felt the need to watch porn while he was at Aunt Sylvia's place. His cousins were so cool. He had already started chatting with them in the WhatsApp group chat they started yesterday. Jane was suggesting that they add their parents but George was vehemently opposed to the idea. He agreed with George but he didn't say anything. Let them decide. He didn't mind having Aunt Sylvia in the group but he definitely did not want his mum in the group.
He liked George a lot and George made washing plates seem so cool. He started joining George to wash the plates and it didn't seem like such a girl's job after all. He also realised that his mum actually smiled when he offered to wash the plates. She didn't seem so distant when she smiled...
He saw the red light on his phone as he dried his hands...17 messages from 2 WhatsApp conversations... He quickly checked and saw 10 messages from his cousins and 7 messages from the gang...Yes, he was back home!
*********************************
Stephen was excited...The boss wanted him to be the manager of the biggest project in the company. He couldn't believe it! As usual, he thought of Syntyche first as he realised that was the dream he and Syntyche had laid on the couch a few months after their honeymoon talking about. Without thinking, he called her. After three rings, he terminated the call. Of course, she wouldn't want to hear his news. He had been talking with the pastor in his office fellowship, who was his assigned buddy when he resumed. He had mentioned to Pastor G, as others called Gregory, that he had a wife and son that he had walked away from many years ago. He knew he had wronged Syntyche and Cletus but he wasn't sure he could face them. They were better off without him. He couldn't imagine what he could do to make things right with them again.
*********************************
"Let's start from Apple street, then turn off at Olive street and finish up at Banana Avenue. Is that okay?"
Euodias looked around at the sea of women who nodded in agreement. Behind her, someone began to speak. Without turning back, she KNEW it was Syntyche...
"I don't think it's a good idea. You'll rarely find anyone to talk to there. I suggest we go to the market and talk to people there".
A few of the women began to agree with Syntyche and Euodias was suddenly tired. She had hoped evangelism would take her mind off her challenges; now she had to deal with Syntyche...
"We're doing as I said. Thanks, Deaconess", she said calmly though she felt like inflicting pain...
"I won't waste my time walking on empty street, marking time. I have a lot of things I could have done at home with the time, Deaconess", Syntyche fired back.
They began to throw verbal missiles.
After about 5 minutes, Deaconess Lydia came out of the meeting with Pastor to calm them both down. After listening to both sides, she recommended that a team go with Euodias in the route she described and another team go with Syntyche to the market place.
She had to discuss with Pastor on how to deal with the root of bitterness that was growing between these otherwise wonderful women. Each of them were pillars in this church in spite of their personal challenges...
*********************************
Pastor Mike heard Syntyche's voice as she came into the church. She had thanked him for his help the other day and had gone back to the polite conversations they had always had. The issue was that he really enjoyed spending the day with her at the mechanic's and would have loved to hear more about her job. It had been a while since he had a stimulating conversation with any woman. The last lady took his heart and ended up marrying another man. He longed to talk with Syntyche but he just couldn't figure out how to do so. He knew she was separated and was trusting God for marital restoration. At least, he'll like to be her friend, though he didn't mind being more than a friend if the circumstances were different.
He had a hard time listening to what Pastor was saying. He was listening to the exchange between Euodias and Syntyche. Syntyche was making a lot of sense, though she could have been more discreet. He enjoyed her logical conversation and her voice was divine, even when angry. The man that abandoned her needed to get himself examined. He wondered what it would be like if she was his wife.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 9
As she cleaned her plate with the last ball of wheat, she heard Sylvia's soft voice asking her when last she had a well-cooked home made meal. Syntyche growled inwardly as she prepared herself for Sylvia's lecture on how the way to a man's heart was through his stomach and how a woman should never leave her husband hungry or horny...Well, her husband was living his life somewhere, oblivious to her existence as well as the existence of his son. Thanks to Sylvia, she wasn't hungry but the lecture was making HER horny. Her treacherous mind went to Pastor Mike and wondered what he was like in bed. She quickly captured that thought and subjected it to the Lord.
As much as she detested Sylvia's husband, she was so grateful when he came into the room and Sylvia automatically turned her attention to him, though she hadn't finished what she was saying.
Cletus chose that exact time to announce that he was ready to go home.
Syntyche quickly said her goodbyes and escaped before the spell was broken. The traffic jam back home was deadly. They finally got home at 4pm. She could only grab a bite and rush out for evangelism. Cletus seemed agreeable, the time away seemed to have made him miss home. He even offered to wash plates. Interesting...
*********************************
Euodias quickly served Archippus' meal. He had told her that he needed her to get his meals ready at 7am (breakfast), 2pm (lunch) and 7pm (dinner). She had slipped on that several times in the past and they had even laughed at his "time-table" a few years ago. He returned from his trip and let her know that he expected her to stick to the schedule. His attitude since he returned from this trip was puzzling. He was quick to take offence at whatever she said. She had immediately started speaking more positively about their marriage. Their sexual relations weren't as they were before the trip either. He was usually tired and whenever he managed to make love to her, she knew he was just being dutiful; his soul wasn't there.
"The salt in this stew is too much, Euodias. I can't eat it. Please make me some noodles. You can't even make good food anymore. Is this the kind of food you'll give our children when they come? Maybe that's why God is still keeping them; you better learn how to cook so the children can come quickly."
Euodias couldn't hold back the tears. Why was Archippus taunting her? He had been her pillar as she trusted God for children. She felt the walls around her crumbling... She couldn't afford to faint now and let Archippus stay hungry. She quickly pulled herself together, made the noodles, served him and rushed out for evangelism. The women were in charge this week. She had to deal with the dreadful Syntyche who obviously did not understand the concept of submitting to constituted authority. No wonder her husband left her!
*********************************
Cletus dropped his luggage and looked around his room. Apparently, his mum had tried to straighten the room but she had left most of his things as he left them. The house was also as empty as he left it. He felt lonely almost immediately after having so many people around him at Aunt Sylvia's place.
When he got there, his cousins had wasted no time making him feel at home. He only realised now that he hadn't kept up with the gang nor felt the need to watch porn while he was at Aunt Sylvia's place. His cousins were so cool. He had already started chatting with them in the WhatsApp group chat they started yesterday. Jane was suggesting that they add their parents but George was vehemently opposed to the idea. He agreed with George but he didn't say anything. Let them decide. He didn't mind having Aunt Sylvia in the group but he definitely did not want his mum in the group.
He liked George a lot and George made washing plates seem so cool. He started joining George to wash the plates and it didn't seem like such a girl's job after all. He also realised that his mum actually smiled when he offered to wash the plates. She didn't seem so distant when she smiled...
He saw the red light on his phone as he dried his hands...17 messages from 2 WhatsApp conversations... He quickly checked and saw 10 messages from his cousins and 7 messages from the gang...Yes, he was back home!
*********************************
Stephen was excited...The boss wanted him to be the manager of the biggest project in the company. He couldn't believe it! As usual, he thought of Syntyche first as he realised that was the dream he and Syntyche had laid on the couch a few months after their honeymoon talking about. Without thinking, he called her. After three rings, he terminated the call. Of course, she wouldn't want to hear his news. He had been talking with the pastor in his office fellowship, who was his assigned buddy when he resumed. He had mentioned to Pastor G, as others called Gregory, that he had a wife and son that he had walked away from many years ago. He knew he had wronged Syntyche and Cletus but he wasn't sure he could face them. They were better off without him. He couldn't imagine what he could do to make things right with them again.
*********************************
"Let's start from Apple street, then turn off at Olive street and finish up at Banana Avenue. Is that okay?"
Euodias looked around at the sea of women who nodded in agreement. Behind her, someone began to speak. Without turning back, she KNEW it was Syntyche...
"I don't think it's a good idea. You'll rarely find anyone to talk to there. I suggest we go to the market and talk to people there".
A few of the women began to agree with Syntyche and Euodias was suddenly tired. She had hoped evangelism would take her mind off her challenges; now she had to deal with Syntyche...
"We're doing as I said. Thanks, Deaconess", she said calmly though she felt like inflicting pain...
"I won't waste my time walking on empty street, marking time. I have a lot of things I could have done at home with the time, Deaconess", Syntyche fired back.
They began to throw verbal missiles.
After about 5 minutes, Deaconess Lydia came out of the meeting with Pastor to calm them both down. After listening to both sides, she recommended that a team go with Euodias in the route she described and another team go with Syntyche to the market place.
She had to discuss with Pastor on how to deal with the root of bitterness that was growing between these otherwise wonderful women. Each of them were pillars in this church in spite of their personal challenges...
*********************************
Pastor Mike heard Syntyche's voice as she came into the church. She had thanked him for his help the other day and had gone back to the polite conversations they had always had. The issue was that he really enjoyed spending the day with her at the mechanic's and would have loved to hear more about her job. It had been a while since he had a stimulating conversation with any woman. The last lady took his heart and ended up marrying another man. He longed to talk with Syntyche but he just couldn't figure out how to do so. He knew she was separated and was trusting God for marital restoration. At least, he'll like to be her friend, though he didn't mind being more than a friend if the circumstances were different.
He had a hard time listening to what Pastor was saying. He was listening to the exchange between Euodias and Syntyche. Syntyche was making a lot of sense, though she could have been more discreet. He enjoyed her logical conversation and her voice was divine, even when angry. The man that abandoned her needed to get himself examined. He wondered what it would be like if she was his wife.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 9
Friday, 13 November 2015
FEUDING WOMEN Episode 7
Syntyche was up before 6am. Pastor Mike had dropped her off close to her house before going home. He had called her when he got home and had sent her a text message before she got up this morning.
She quickly freshened up and grabbed some bread and egg as she called her close-by cab driver. Pastor Mike had offered to come around to pick her up and drive her to the filling station to sort out the car. She had sent him a response thanking him for his assistance and asked him not to bother himself as she didn't want to disturb him. She had followed up with a phone call but he didn't pick the call.
Just as she finished her meal, the cab driver arrived. She quickly locked up the house and made a mental note to call Sylvia and Cletus. She had to go back in to turn off the gas and a few lights. Finally, she made it to the cab.
***************
Euodia woke up feeling heavy. She went through the events of the previous day and was heavily convicted when she remembered driving past Syntyche at the foot of Third Mainland bridge. She should have stopped to help, right? Well, she remembered that Syntyche called her a witch and that sealed her decision. She got home, watched some TV and fell asleep on the couch.
She saw 17 missed calls from Archippus. "This man was always checking up on me", she thought as she tried to call him back.
"You do not have sufficient call credit to make this call. Please recharge your phone or dial *472# to borrow airtime. You can send a voice message after the tone", the barely polite voice from her service provider advised her. She quickly ended the call as she didn't want to start unending headaches with her service provider; she was still trying to stop them from sending her annoying text messages and deducting money for frivolous things.
She quickly got up, freshened up and grabbed a meal. She noticed that Archippus had called her 4 more times. She really had to hurry....
***************
"Why isn't she picking my calls?", Archippus wondered.
Could she have managed to find out and left the marriage? He was sweating profusely.
He decided to send her a text message.
"Archi, what are you doing? Is it my daughter-in-law
Mama asked all her questions with a wide grin. Archippus knew which "daughter-in-la
He forced a fake smile and lied about his "wife" and son.
"So, what name are we giving my grandson? I'm thinking of Thomas, George or Donald. I'll let you know what I decide before the week ends"
Archippus stared at his mother in disbelief. She wouldn't even allow him name his child?
He just smiled and walked back to his room. He wasn't in the right frame of mind for Mama's drama.
His phone rang as he walked away. Euodia was calling him!
***************
Syntyche finally got to the filling station. She had called the office to let them know she'll come in late. Pastor Mike was already giving instructions and had come with a mechanic.
"Good morning Pastor Mike. What a pleasant surprise"
"It's my pleasure, thanks. I guessed you'll need a mechanic to look at the car so I called my mechanic. I hope you've called the office?"
"Yes, I have"
"Please can I have the key so the mechanic can look at the car properly? Will you like to wait in my car?"
"Thank you sir. I'll like to watch the mechanic work, if you don't mind. I hope I'm not keeping you from important appointments?"
"Actually, I'm on leave. I'm studying for my professional exams. I'll be writing the exams in two weeks time"
"Okay"
Pastor Mike went with the key to the mechanic while Syntyche went to sit in Pastor Mike's car. She had come with her laptop so she started working away. She didn't notice when Pastor Mike returned to the car. He cleared his throat and she jumped.
"I've been watching you work for about 10 minutes"
"Really?" She smiled, revealing her recently scaled teeth.
"You were so focused on what you were doing. Please continue; I'll just study for my exams without disturbing you"
They stayed in silence for about one and a half hours.
***************
"So, why didn't you at least send a text message to tell me what was going on?"
Archippus yelled at Euodia
"I didn't have enough credit. I already said that earlier, darling"
Euodia replied calmly, though she wondered if Archippus was beginning to lose his hearing.
She quickly cast down the negative thought. She had learnt not to lose her temper when dealing with her husband. Proverbs 31 women just didn't yell at their husbands, no matter how much the men tried their patience. The woman is expected to smile and endure. Only patient women had good marriages.
"So, are you saying I'm deaf?", Archippus yelled
"No, darling. Maybe I just thought I had said it before. Sorry darling. Is there a reason you were trying to reach me?"
"So, I'm saying nonsense, right?"
"No darling, I didn't say that"
"So, I'm lying ehn"
"I didn't say you were lying, Archippus"
"I'm not sure what has come upon you, Euodia. Since you became a Deaconess, you've been proving to me that you're more intelligent that I am. Is that what being a Deaconess entails?"
Euodia decided to keep quiet as her words seemed to be compounding issues.
"So, I'm talking to myself now, Euodia. Anyway, I was just calling to check up on you but it seems you're bent on proving your superiority. Let me leave you to continue with whatever it is Deaconesses do. See you when I get back"
With that, Archippus ended the call.
Euodia was quite surprised at how the call went. She knew she had to start praying. Whenever Archippus had those fits, it usually took a lot to get him to snap out of those moods. Maybe she should find a way to surprise him and get him out of that foul mood...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 8.
She quickly freshened up and grabbed some bread and egg as she called her close-by cab driver. Pastor Mike had offered to come around to pick her up and drive her to the filling station to sort out the car. She had sent him a response thanking him for his assistance and asked him not to bother himself as she didn't want to disturb him. She had followed up with a phone call but he didn't pick the call.
Just as she finished her meal, the cab driver arrived. She quickly locked up the house and made a mental note to call Sylvia and Cletus. She had to go back in to turn off the gas and a few lights. Finally, she made it to the cab.
***************
Euodia woke up feeling heavy. She went through the events of the previous day and was heavily convicted when she remembered driving past Syntyche at the foot of Third Mainland bridge. She should have stopped to help, right? Well, she remembered that Syntyche called her a witch and that sealed her decision. She got home, watched some TV and fell asleep on the couch.
She saw 17 missed calls from Archippus. "This man was always checking up on me", she thought as she tried to call him back.
"You do not have sufficient call credit to make this call. Please recharge your phone or dial *472# to borrow airtime. You can send a voice message after the tone", the barely polite voice from her service provider advised her. She quickly ended the call as she didn't want to start unending headaches with her service provider; she was still trying to stop them from sending her annoying text messages and deducting money for frivolous things.
She quickly got up, freshened up and grabbed a meal. She noticed that Archippus had called her 4 more times. She really had to hurry....
***************
"Why isn't she picking my calls?", Archippus wondered.
Could she have managed to find out and left the marriage? He was sweating profusely.
He decided to send her a text message.
"Archi, what are you doing? Is it my daughter-in-law
Mama asked all her questions with a wide grin. Archippus knew which "daughter-in-la
He forced a fake smile and lied about his "wife" and son.
"So, what name are we giving my grandson? I'm thinking of Thomas, George or Donald. I'll let you know what I decide before the week ends"
Archippus stared at his mother in disbelief. She wouldn't even allow him name his child?
He just smiled and walked back to his room. He wasn't in the right frame of mind for Mama's drama.
His phone rang as he walked away. Euodia was calling him!
***************
Syntyche finally got to the filling station. She had called the office to let them know she'll come in late. Pastor Mike was already giving instructions and had come with a mechanic.
"Good morning Pastor Mike. What a pleasant surprise"
"It's my pleasure, thanks. I guessed you'll need a mechanic to look at the car so I called my mechanic. I hope you've called the office?"
"Yes, I have"
"Please can I have the key so the mechanic can look at the car properly? Will you like to wait in my car?"
"Thank you sir. I'll like to watch the mechanic work, if you don't mind. I hope I'm not keeping you from important appointments?"
"Actually, I'm on leave. I'm studying for my professional exams. I'll be writing the exams in two weeks time"
"Okay"
Pastor Mike went with the key to the mechanic while Syntyche went to sit in Pastor Mike's car. She had come with her laptop so she started working away. She didn't notice when Pastor Mike returned to the car. He cleared his throat and she jumped.
"I've been watching you work for about 10 minutes"
"Really?" She smiled, revealing her recently scaled teeth.
"You were so focused on what you were doing. Please continue; I'll just study for my exams without disturbing you"
They stayed in silence for about one and a half hours.
***************
"So, why didn't you at least send a text message to tell me what was going on?"
Archippus yelled at Euodia
"I didn't have enough credit. I already said that earlier, darling"
Euodia replied calmly, though she wondered if Archippus was beginning to lose his hearing.
She quickly cast down the negative thought. She had learnt not to lose her temper when dealing with her husband. Proverbs 31 women just didn't yell at their husbands, no matter how much the men tried their patience. The woman is expected to smile and endure. Only patient women had good marriages.
"So, are you saying I'm deaf?", Archippus yelled
"No, darling. Maybe I just thought I had said it before. Sorry darling. Is there a reason you were trying to reach me?"
"So, I'm saying nonsense, right?"
"No darling, I didn't say that"
"So, I'm lying ehn"
"I didn't say you were lying, Archippus"
"I'm not sure what has come upon you, Euodia. Since you became a Deaconess, you've been proving to me that you're more intelligent that I am. Is that what being a Deaconess entails?"
Euodia decided to keep quiet as her words seemed to be compounding issues.
"So, I'm talking to myself now, Euodia. Anyway, I was just calling to check up on you but it seems you're bent on proving your superiority. Let me leave you to continue with whatever it is Deaconesses do. See you when I get back"
With that, Archippus ended the call.
Euodia was quite surprised at how the call went. She knew she had to start praying. Whenever Archippus had those fits, it usually took a lot to get him to snap out of those moods. Maybe she should find a way to surprise him and get him out of that foul mood...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 8.
Friday, 23 October 2015
FEUDING WOMEN Episode 6
Euodia was a raging fool! That was the burning thought in Syntyche's mind. Unfortunately for her, Euodia was asked to state her case first. The manipulative witch twisted the whole story and made her seem like a trouble-maker. She had to take the defensive position and it was an uncomfortable position to be in. To make matters worse, she lost her temper.
Pastor Gabriel seemed like he'll rather be elsewhere than in the meeting. Euodia had her best "virtuous woman who could do no harm" look. Her blasted anger chose to most inopportune time to show up. She was trying hard to restrain herself!
"Deaconess Syntyche, you need to apologize to Deaconess Euodia about calling her a witch", Pastor Gabriel said gently.
Syntyche felt no remorse. Euodia was a witch and they both knew it. However, she didn't want to be removed as a Deaconess; that was the one thing she had going for her. Her marriage may have hit the rocks, her son may consider her an incompetent mother, her family may consider her a disgrace and her company may consider her obsolete but as a Deaconess, she felt useful and valued most of the time. She didn't want to lose Pastor Gabriel's love and respect. So, she gave a half-hearted apology.
*************************************
Euodia was tired. If the Deaconess position wasn't the only thing she had going for her, she would have stepped down today. Syntyche was an unbearable, uncouth specimen. She didn't need this after the high she got from listening to G.O. earlier. She would have walked out if it wasn't disrespectful to Pastor Gabriel. She wished Pastor Gabriel was firmer with Syntyche. Apparently, he had enough influence over her to make her behave herself. She remembered the cheque and made a mental note to remember to drop the cheque before leaving church. She managed to forget on Sunday, thanks to Syntyche's drama.
"So, what do you have to say, Deaconess Euodia?", Pastor Gabriel asked gently.
Euodia's mind had drifted from the meeting so she had no idea what Pastor Gabriel was talking about.
"Whatever you say is fine sir", she responded with a sweet smile.
"So, you'll forgive Deaconess Syntyche and forget about the Sunday incidence?"
"Yeah, right. It always ends with 'forgive and forget'", Euodia thought as she said sweetly, "Yes sir".
*************************************
Archippus felt terrible lying to Euodia. If she was open to testing, maybe he would have stood by her, he rationalized. Cynthia wasn't a bad looking lady. She was also relatively well-mannered. She became pregnant almost immediately he had sexual relations with her. She wasn't a virgin but she told him that she made a mistake when she was younger. Who was he to judge in this case, considering the genesis of that conversation. He was so glad that he wasn't the one with the problem. He wasn't sure how Euodia would take it if he was the one who couldn't have a child. Now that he knew it was her, not him, he would stand by her as she was a good wife, really.
Euodia! His virtuous, God-fearing, submissive wife. She always did what he said. The only time she dissented was when she decided not to go for fertility tests. She had reminded him how she had always obeyed his orders. He was definitely cornered in this one. That was when he went to discuss with Mama about Euodia's refusal to go for tests. In less than 3 days, Mama had a plan. If she wasn't his mother, he would have sworn she had a plan immediately he told her but just waited for a while to fool him. Anyway, he was a proud father of a bouncing baby boy. He had to plan to see his son soon.
*************************************
Lydia was very tired. Pastor Gabriel had called her at 4pm and asked her to join him in the meeting with Euodia and Syntyche. She had heard about the drama on Sunday. The Welfare Unit had a group outreach so she had left with her team immediately after service.
She had to send Timothy a message, cancelling their date. Tonight was their date night. She'll have to find a way to make it up to Timothy. Timothy hadn't particularly complained about how Pastor Gabriel seemed to command more respect from her than he did, though he made ambiguous statements that seemed to suggest so. In the early days, she had demanded that he justify every decision he wanted them to take as a family. Meanwhile, she never questioned any of Pastor Gabriel's decisions.
Things had come to a head 5 years ago when Timothy had opened up to her about how he really felt about that. She had brushed off his concerns as the rantings of a control freak. As she spent time praying about the matter, the Holy Spirit exposed her shortcomings. She apologized to Timothy and they started ACTIVE DATING. When she gave up her need to always be right and in control, she started experiencing peace.
Lydia sighed inwardly as Euodia and Syntyche muttered their insincere apologies. She knew they'll be back as Pastor Gabriel hadn't spent the time required to get to the root. She was glad this meeting was over, though, because she could still try to meet Timothy at the new restaurant close to the house. They had the house to themselves tonight as Sharon and James were spending the night with Lydia's parents. It was definitely going to be a long night.
*************************************
Syntyche tried to start her car for the 3rd time but the car chose tonight to disgrace her. "Deaconess" Euodia had seen her struggling with her car and had conveniently pretended not to notice as she zoomed past her. Pastor Gabriel and Lydia had left before them. She thought of calling Sylvia but she quickly discarded the idea. She felt irresponsible enough to have sent Cletus to spend the weekend with Sylvia and her family.
Thankfully, she was already at the foot of 3rd Mainland Bridge. She decided to call her regular cab man to come get here. She had learnt to have these numbers handy as there was no one she could count on as a single mother when life threw her lemonades. In the early days, all she had to do was call Stephen, her superman. Well, no time for silly reminiscing; she had to get home.
As she pulled out her phone to call, she heard a knock on her window. Yeah right! So she was about to get robbed! She said a quick prayer and turned around to find Pastor Mike smiling at her. She heaved a sigh of relief.
*************************************
Euodia was tired. If the Deaconess position wasn't the only thing she had going for her, she would have stepped down today. Syntyche was an unbearable, uncouth specimen. She didn't need this after the high she got from listening to G.O. earlier. She would have walked out if it wasn't disrespectful to Pastor Gabriel. She wished Pastor Gabriel was firmer with Syntyche. Apparently, he had enough influence over her to make her behave herself. She remembered the cheque and made a mental note to remember to drop the cheque before leaving church. She managed to forget on Sunday, thanks to Syntyche's drama.
"So, what do you have to say, Deaconess Euodia?", Pastor Gabriel asked gently.
Euodia's mind had drifted from the meeting so she had no idea what Pastor Gabriel was talking about.
"Whatever you say is fine sir", she responded with a sweet smile.
"So, you'll forgive Deaconess Syntyche and forget about the Sunday incidence?"
"Yeah, right. It always ends with 'forgive and forget'", Euodia thought as she said sweetly, "Yes sir".
*************************************
Archippus felt terrible lying to Euodia. If she was open to testing, maybe he would have stood by her, he rationalized. Cynthia wasn't a bad looking lady. She was also relatively well-mannered. She became pregnant almost immediately he had sexual relations with her. She wasn't a virgin but she told him that she made a mistake when she was younger. Who was he to judge in this case, considering the genesis of that conversation. He was so glad that he wasn't the one with the problem. He wasn't sure how Euodia would take it if he was the one who couldn't have a child. Now that he knew it was her, not him, he would stand by her as she was a good wife, really.
Euodia! His virtuous, God-fearing, submissive wife. She always did what he said. The only time she dissented was when she decided not to go for fertility tests. She had reminded him how she had always obeyed his orders. He was definitely cornered in this one. That was when he went to discuss with Mama about Euodia's refusal to go for tests. In less than 3 days, Mama had a plan. If she wasn't his mother, he would have sworn she had a plan immediately he told her but just waited for a while to fool him. Anyway, he was a proud father of a bouncing baby boy. He had to plan to see his son soon.
*************************************
Lydia was very tired. Pastor Gabriel had called her at 4pm and asked her to join him in the meeting with Euodia and Syntyche. She had heard about the drama on Sunday. The Welfare Unit had a group outreach so she had left with her team immediately after service.
She had to send Timothy a message, cancelling their date. Tonight was their date night. She'll have to find a way to make it up to Timothy. Timothy hadn't particularly complained about how Pastor Gabriel seemed to command more respect from her than he did, though he made ambiguous statements that seemed to suggest so. In the early days, she had demanded that he justify every decision he wanted them to take as a family. Meanwhile, she never questioned any of Pastor Gabriel's decisions.
Things had come to a head 5 years ago when Timothy had opened up to her about how he really felt about that. She had brushed off his concerns as the rantings of a control freak. As she spent time praying about the matter, the Holy Spirit exposed her shortcomings. She apologized to Timothy and they started ACTIVE DATING. When she gave up her need to always be right and in control, she started experiencing peace.
Lydia sighed inwardly as Euodia and Syntyche muttered their insincere apologies. She knew they'll be back as Pastor Gabriel hadn't spent the time required to get to the root. She was glad this meeting was over, though, because she could still try to meet Timothy at the new restaurant close to the house. They had the house to themselves tonight as Sharon and James were spending the night with Lydia's parents. It was definitely going to be a long night.
*************************************
Syntyche tried to start her car for the 3rd time but the car chose tonight to disgrace her. "Deaconess" Euodia had seen her struggling with her car and had conveniently pretended not to notice as she zoomed past her. Pastor Gabriel and Lydia had left before them. She thought of calling Sylvia but she quickly discarded the idea. She felt irresponsible enough to have sent Cletus to spend the weekend with Sylvia and her family.
Thankfully, she was already at the foot of 3rd Mainland Bridge. She decided to call her regular cab man to come get here. She had learnt to have these numbers handy as there was no one she could count on as a single mother when life threw her lemonades. In the early days, all she had to do was call Stephen, her superman. Well, no time for silly reminiscing; she had to get home.
As she pulled out her phone to call, she heard a knock on her window. Yeah right! So she was about to get robbed! She said a quick prayer and turned around to find Pastor Mike smiling at her. She heaved a sigh of relief.
"Are you okay, Deaconess?"
Pastor Mike was the tall, dark and handsome, never-been-married pastor in his late 40s that many single ladies in church wondered what he was waiting for.
"Yes...Er, no...Er, I don't know. My car just gave up on me" She said with a feeble smile.
"Oh, can I help?"
Syntyche let him in and he spent a few minutes checking all he thought should work. The car refused to budge. By this time, some guys had come around to "help". Pastor Mike took charge and they got the car to the filling station where he had parked his car before coming to help her. He offered to take her home and return with her the next day.
As they drove home, they listened to a message by the G.O. , Dr. Felix Peter. G.O. prophesied "You are next in line for a miracle" and they both said "AMEN!", looked at each other and smiled.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 7.
Monday, 21 September 2015
FEUDING WOMEN EPISODE 5
"All newly ordained ministers should wait behind to see the Pastor..."
Syntyche groaned as she thought of the additional time she would spend in this meeting. Pastor Gabriel had no qualms starting another sermon as part of the meeting; the man loved talking! She was kind of hoping to finish watching the movie she had borrowed from her colleague and she still had a 40 page report to review. Well...
She looked to where she had seen Cletus earlier and he was gone. He couldn't even wait for the service to end. She felt the familiar sadness. After all she had given up to give him a good life, Cletus was bent on making her life miserable. Sometimes, she wondered if he had managed to track Stephen down and was learning how to annoy her from his father...He knew the buttons to set her off...As she scanned through the hall, she thought she saw someone like Sylvia but maybe her eyes were playing pranks on her.
****************************************************************************
As Euodia heard the announcement, she groaned inwardly. Who wants to spend two hours of their lives listening to Pastor Gabriel repeat what had already been preached during service? The man was incapable of having a brief meeting. She was really hoping to finish the 'business' Archippus started earlier. She was ovulating and this Pastor Gabriel's meeting may very well be an obstacle to her miracle! She quickly checked her thoughts and reminded herself that at the appointed time, the Lord would visit her.
She thought Archippus was acting strange but she wondered if it was her nerves. She had turned back to see him looking lost during the ministration. He seemed to be holding on to his phone a bit tighter than he normally did. She was itching to leave church so they could talk about whatever news he just received.
****************************************************************************
Stephen thought again about Syntyche. She was so nice when he first met her. He was the choir master and more or less Pastor's right hand man. It took a lot to keep the ladies at bay. However, his guards failed him the first day he saw her. He knew she had to be his.
She was such a free-spirited lady that laughed a lot. No matter what he said or did, she found something funny to laugh about. Which red-blooded man could resist a beautiful woman who found him funny? Every choir rehearsal only brought them closer. When he couldn't keep his hands to himself anymore, he figured out it was time to make it official. Church folks kept asking if he had prayed and he told them 'yes'. The truth was that he didn't need any prayers in deciding to move forward...
"Mr., please can I have my money? I need to get back to school."
The girl from last night brought him back to the present.
"Oh. Please hold on..."
**************************************************************************
Sylvia was so happy to have Cletus so close to her. She had definitely missed him and his active imagination. He was telling her a ridiculous story of how he and his 'gang' stole his stingy classmate's notes and made her beg for days before releasing them to her. She was thoroughly entertained. She wished she had been more supportive when Stephen left her sister to care for an infant. She was so caught up with people-pleasing.
She turned as she heard her name and look straight into Syntyche's icy glare.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 6.
Syntyche groaned as she thought of the additional time she would spend in this meeting. Pastor Gabriel had no qualms starting another sermon as part of the meeting; the man loved talking! She was kind of hoping to finish watching the movie she had borrowed from her colleague and she still had a 40 page report to review. Well...
She looked to where she had seen Cletus earlier and he was gone. He couldn't even wait for the service to end. She felt the familiar sadness. After all she had given up to give him a good life, Cletus was bent on making her life miserable. Sometimes, she wondered if he had managed to track Stephen down and was learning how to annoy her from his father...He knew the buttons to set her off...As she scanned through the hall, she thought she saw someone like Sylvia but maybe her eyes were playing pranks on her.
****************************************************************************
As Euodia heard the announcement, she groaned inwardly. Who wants to spend two hours of their lives listening to Pastor Gabriel repeat what had already been preached during service? The man was incapable of having a brief meeting. She was really hoping to finish the 'business' Archippus started earlier. She was ovulating and this Pastor Gabriel's meeting may very well be an obstacle to her miracle! She quickly checked her thoughts and reminded herself that at the appointed time, the Lord would visit her.
She thought Archippus was acting strange but she wondered if it was her nerves. She had turned back to see him looking lost during the ministration. He seemed to be holding on to his phone a bit tighter than he normally did. She was itching to leave church so they could talk about whatever news he just received.
****************************************************************************
Stephen thought again about Syntyche. She was so nice when he first met her. He was the choir master and more or less Pastor's right hand man. It took a lot to keep the ladies at bay. However, his guards failed him the first day he saw her. He knew she had to be his.
She was such a free-spirited lady that laughed a lot. No matter what he said or did, she found something funny to laugh about. Which red-blooded man could resist a beautiful woman who found him funny? Every choir rehearsal only brought them closer. When he couldn't keep his hands to himself anymore, he figured out it was time to make it official. Church folks kept asking if he had prayed and he told them 'yes'. The truth was that he didn't need any prayers in deciding to move forward...
"Mr., please can I have my money? I need to get back to school."
The girl from last night brought him back to the present.
"Oh. Please hold on..."
**************************************************************************
Sylvia was so happy to have Cletus so close to her. She had definitely missed him and his active imagination. He was telling her a ridiculous story of how he and his 'gang' stole his stingy classmate's notes and made her beg for days before releasing them to her. She was thoroughly entertained. She wished she had been more supportive when Stephen left her sister to care for an infant. She was so caught up with people-pleasing.
She turned as she heard her name and look straight into Syntyche's icy glare.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 6.
Monday, 14 September 2015
FEUDING WOMEN - Episode 4
"Women Ministry - Deaconess Euodia. She will be assisted by..."
Euodia was exultant. How could a childless woman head the Women Ministry? This was clearly God at work. She intended to ensure that those self-righteous women understood that one didn't have to have kids to be a woman. It wasn't like she didn't want to have kids; her time hadn't just come. Yes, it was rewarding to head the women ministry and watch those women who snickered and mocked her eat their words. It'll be nice to be assisted by someone like Deaconess Lydia.
"Deaconess Syntyche", Pastor Gabriel finished the statement.
What was happening? How could Syntyche be her assistant? No, she wasn't hearing properly? How could she work with THAT WOMAN? A woman that couldn't even keep her home?
*************************************
Syntyche couldn't believe her ears. How could a childless 'woman' head the women's ministry? How could she understand what mothers deal with? How could she be expected to work with Euodia?
On one hand, it was humbling that she, of all women, would be considered a women leader. Indeed, God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Where was it heard that a single mother would head the women ministry?
On the other hand, she had to deal with the "Holier-than-thou" Euodia. Well, she'll just have to find a way to work with THAT WOMAN!
*************************************
Archippus was happy and sad at the same time. His dream of becoming a father had been fulfilled but he wished Euodia was the mother of his first child. He loved her but he couldn't remain childless. Her position in church would keep her occupied and it wouldn't be too hard to keep his secret. Yeah, and he was proud of her too.
Mama had come up with the plan. No one would suspect anything. It was a bonus that his first child was a boy and that he was an American citizen. He had to find a way to attend the naming ceremony party Mama was planning. He would find a way to visit mother and child later.
*************************************
Sylvia had slipped into the church unnoticed. Syntyche hadn't even bothered to tell any of them about the ordination service. She was her only sister! She couldn't allow the gulf keep growing. One of them needed to take the step towards reconciliation.
She was sorry she had been cold to Syntyche; she couldn't see beyond the shame of having a single mother as a sister. She was thoroughly ashamed of the unkind words she had spoken to her sister. Learning about John's serial adultery two years ago had helped her change her views about what was truly shameful. They were seeing a marriage counsellor and she was learning unpleasant things about herself. She needed to find some time to see Syntyche and start showing her sister unconditional love.
*************************************
Stephen wondered if Syntyche was amongst the ministers being ordained. He knew she was committed to the Faith Family Church; she kept him up to date with useless details of her life. He had no plans of returning to her but he couldn't get her out of his mind.
The lady he picked up yesterday had gone to take her bath so he was just passing time with the TV. He tuned in just as Pastor Samuel began his sermon. The sermon stirred him. Then he was seriously considering falling on his knees when it was time for the altar call. Then, the lady came in and the moment passed. Then, the pastor started talking about giving to build a church auditorium and he remembered why he had walked away from that life and started a new one.
Just as he was about to change the station, he saw her! Syntyche!
*************************************
Cletus was tired already. He planned to spend the rest of the day with his computer. He was already missing an important part of the action. The gang had planned to have a group viewing at 12 noon. This was already 11:40am. Maybe he could sneak away. Yes, that's the best way to go.
As he moved towards the door, an usher accosted him and told him to return to his seat. No one was allowed to leave church once the (guest) pastor was ministering. That was a sign of disrespect for the anointing. Cletus rolled his eyes as he strolled back lazily to his seat. Maybe he'll even try to join in from his phone. Thankfully, his seat was secluded.
"CLETUS!"
That sounded like Aunty Sylvia. He turned in the direction of the voice and found his aunt waving at him. He was happy to see her but sad to miss his "appointment". Well, pornography would have to wait!
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 5.
Euodia was exultant. How could a childless woman head the Women Ministry? This was clearly God at work. She intended to ensure that those self-righteous women understood that one didn't have to have kids to be a woman. It wasn't like she didn't want to have kids; her time hadn't just come. Yes, it was rewarding to head the women ministry and watch those women who snickered and mocked her eat their words. It'll be nice to be assisted by someone like Deaconess Lydia.
"Deaconess Syntyche", Pastor Gabriel finished the statement.
What was happening? How could Syntyche be her assistant? No, she wasn't hearing properly? How could she work with THAT WOMAN? A woman that couldn't even keep her home?
*************************************
Syntyche couldn't believe her ears. How could a childless 'woman' head the women's ministry? How could she understand what mothers deal with? How could she be expected to work with Euodia?
On one hand, it was humbling that she, of all women, would be considered a women leader. Indeed, God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Where was it heard that a single mother would head the women ministry?
On the other hand, she had to deal with the "Holier-than-thou" Euodia. Well, she'll just have to find a way to work with THAT WOMAN!
*************************************
Archippus was happy and sad at the same time. His dream of becoming a father had been fulfilled but he wished Euodia was the mother of his first child. He loved her but he couldn't remain childless. Her position in church would keep her occupied and it wouldn't be too hard to keep his secret. Yeah, and he was proud of her too.
Mama had come up with the plan. No one would suspect anything. It was a bonus that his first child was a boy and that he was an American citizen. He had to find a way to attend the naming ceremony party Mama was planning. He would find a way to visit mother and child later.
*************************************
Sylvia had slipped into the church unnoticed. Syntyche hadn't even bothered to tell any of them about the ordination service. She was her only sister! She couldn't allow the gulf keep growing. One of them needed to take the step towards reconciliation.
She was sorry she had been cold to Syntyche; she couldn't see beyond the shame of having a single mother as a sister. She was thoroughly ashamed of the unkind words she had spoken to her sister. Learning about John's serial adultery two years ago had helped her change her views about what was truly shameful. They were seeing a marriage counsellor and she was learning unpleasant things about herself. She needed to find some time to see Syntyche and start showing her sister unconditional love.
*************************************
Stephen wondered if Syntyche was amongst the ministers being ordained. He knew she was committed to the Faith Family Church; she kept him up to date with useless details of her life. He had no plans of returning to her but he couldn't get her out of his mind.
The lady he picked up yesterday had gone to take her bath so he was just passing time with the TV. He tuned in just as Pastor Samuel began his sermon. The sermon stirred him. Then he was seriously considering falling on his knees when it was time for the altar call. Then, the lady came in and the moment passed. Then, the pastor started talking about giving to build a church auditorium and he remembered why he had walked away from that life and started a new one.
Just as he was about to change the station, he saw her! Syntyche!
*************************************
Cletus was tired already. He planned to spend the rest of the day with his computer. He was already missing an important part of the action. The gang had planned to have a group viewing at 12 noon. This was already 11:40am. Maybe he could sneak away. Yes, that's the best way to go.
As he moved towards the door, an usher accosted him and told him to return to his seat. No one was allowed to leave church once the (guest) pastor was ministering. That was a sign of disrespect for the anointing. Cletus rolled his eyes as he strolled back lazily to his seat. Maybe he'll even try to join in from his phone. Thankfully, his seat was secluded.
"CLETUS!"
That sounded like Aunty Sylvia. He turned in the direction of the voice and found his aunt waving at him. He was happy to see her but sad to miss his "appointment". Well, pornography would have to wait!
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 5.
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
FEUDING WOMEN Episode 3
"Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty
Who reigns forevermore"
The crowd went wild as Pastor Samuel mounted the stage. He was a charismatic preacher with a healing ministry. There were countless testimonies of those that had received their healing after his ministration. Some others had testified of other kinds of miracles. The church auditorium was always stretched beyond its capacity whenever Pastor Samuel was ministering.
As usual, Pastor Samuel delivered a soul stirring sermon on "Seed time and harvest". Then there was an altar call. Afterwards, he talked about increasing the capacity of the auditorium. He also talked about the need to expand the ministry's reach to the unreached people of the world. As he announced for those that would like to give a million dollars to support the work of the ministry, thousands flocked to the altar.
After the ministration, the ordination service began. Pastor Samuel exhorted the new ministers - pastors and deacons - on the need to care for the flock. He talked about the need to know church members BEYOND the walls of the church. He emphasized the importance of befriending members and knowing them intimately.
Then the ordination began. As Pastor Samuel came off the altar, all the new ministers fell, all slain in the Spirit. As he got to each minister, he prophesied. For some, he had a word of knowledge.
*************************************
Archippus tried to focus on the service. All the talk about ministers getting to know their members intimately was making him uncomfortable. He didn't want anyone to know him intimately. He couldn't afford having anyone blow his cover.
He could consider coming once in a while, though, if the pretty usher that welcomed him was going to attend to him every time he came. The generous amount of her cleavage she shared with him when she bent to ask him to move his Bible had him struggling to remember that he was still in church. He wondered what else lay beneath. He quickly focused on the choir ministration but he quickly got distracted with the mini-skirt that one of the choristers put on. She had everlasting legs. He wondered where those legs led...
He wondered if it was time to ditch the televangelist...
He felt his phone buzz and he checked his BBM message...
Should he rejoice or mourn?
*************************************
Cletus wondered if he should have stayed back home and do what he did whenever mum was away. The relief he got from his computer dulled the pain of rejection he felt. If his dad didn't want him, who else would? What was this preacher talking about? His mother lived in the same house and didn't care about him at all...And they're talking caring about others?
All she cared about was climbing the church leadership ladder. If she wasn't at work, she was in church attending so many meetings. Whenever she was at home, she was either cooking, watching church messages or working on things she brought from work/church to do at home. He only got her attention whenever he flouted her orders.
Her lack of attention used to bother him till Segun showed him the amazing things to do with his computer. He still got cheap thrills from upsetting his mum but most of the fun he got these days was from his computer and his phone.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 4.
Who was, and is, and is to come
Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty
Who reigns forevermore"
The crowd went wild as Pastor Samuel mounted the stage. He was a charismatic preacher with a healing ministry. There were countless testimonies of those that had received their healing after his ministration. Some others had testified of other kinds of miracles. The church auditorium was always stretched beyond its capacity whenever Pastor Samuel was ministering.
As usual, Pastor Samuel delivered a soul stirring sermon on "Seed time and harvest". Then there was an altar call. Afterwards, he talked about increasing the capacity of the auditorium. He also talked about the need to expand the ministry's reach to the unreached people of the world. As he announced for those that would like to give a million dollars to support the work of the ministry, thousands flocked to the altar.
After the ministration, the ordination service began. Pastor Samuel exhorted the new ministers - pastors and deacons - on the need to care for the flock. He talked about the need to know church members BEYOND the walls of the church. He emphasized the importance of befriending members and knowing them intimately.
Then the ordination began. As Pastor Samuel came off the altar, all the new ministers fell, all slain in the Spirit. As he got to each minister, he prophesied. For some, he had a word of knowledge.
*************************************
Archippus tried to focus on the service. All the talk about ministers getting to know their members intimately was making him uncomfortable. He didn't want anyone to know him intimately. He couldn't afford having anyone blow his cover.
He could consider coming once in a while, though, if the pretty usher that welcomed him was going to attend to him every time he came. The generous amount of her cleavage she shared with him when she bent to ask him to move his Bible had him struggling to remember that he was still in church. He wondered what else lay beneath. He quickly focused on the choir ministration but he quickly got distracted with the mini-skirt that one of the choristers put on. She had everlasting legs. He wondered where those legs led...
He wondered if it was time to ditch the televangelist...
He felt his phone buzz and he checked his BBM message...
Should he rejoice or mourn?
*************************************
Cletus wondered if he should have stayed back home and do what he did whenever mum was away. The relief he got from his computer dulled the pain of rejection he felt. If his dad didn't want him, who else would? What was this preacher talking about? His mother lived in the same house and didn't care about him at all...And they're talking caring about others?
All she cared about was climbing the church leadership ladder. If she wasn't at work, she was in church attending so many meetings. Whenever she was at home, she was either cooking, watching church messages or working on things she brought from work/church to do at home. He only got her attention whenever he flouted her orders.
Her lack of attention used to bother him till Segun showed him the amazing things to do with his computer. He still got cheap thrills from upsetting his mum but most of the fun he got these days was from his computer and his phone.
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 4.
Monday, 7 September 2015
FEUDING WOMEN Episode 2
Pastor Gabriel kept looking out for Sisters Euodia and Syntyche. Those women had him on his knees constantly. They weren't confrontational but he had learnt a lot about how women could sabotage each other without saying much very early in life. His mother was his father's third wife; this was one of the 'benefits' of growing up in a polygamous home.
For some reason, the Headquarter Church had decided to make them both the deaconesses in charge of the women ministry. He genuinely wished they had sought his input on this one. He would have paired either of them with Lydia; she was more accommodating. Well, Bishop Paul must have been led to pair these amazing, strong women. Actually, they were too similar to get along...
He heaved a sigh of relief as they filed in one after the other, Euodia first. Syntyche looked a bit ruffled but she appeared to be trying hard to keep calm. Euodia looked calmer and Archippus came with her. Phew...Thankfully, Pastor Apollos was ministering today. These amazing deaconesses...
*************************************
Syntyche saw Euodia and Archippus walking in, acting all cosy.
"Can't they wait till they get home?", She thought irritably.
If she was honest with herself, she would have admitted that what she really felt were pangs of jealousy. Even in the first 2 years of their marriage, all she experienced with Stephen was turbulence...She always wondered if she would have been happier with Samson, though he was an unbeliever.
Ah! Samson...She quickly pulled herself together and got ready for the business of the day.
*************************************
Euodia felt so thrilled. She was so glad Archippus came with her to church today. She was quite concerned about the fact that Archippus wasn't really into coming to church like that. He preferred "fellowshipping" with televangelists. She had asked him if he could call the televangelist in the middle of the night if he had a health challenge. He countered by asking her if she could call Pastor Gabriel in the middle of night if she had a health challenge. She couldn't say yes.
Pastor Gabriel was a good man. It was just that the financial targets kept him very focused on the seeds that members were sowing. Somehow, attending to midnight calls fell very low on his list of priorities. Similarly, caring for the people fell very low on the list of priorities of the leaders too. Everyone was trying to outdo the other with their seeds and win the prestigious church awards. Then, they'll be invited to every event and given positions of authority whether they 'qualified' or not.
Otherwise, how would a woman like Syntyche, who couldn't stay married, be ordained as a deaconess? She was ill-mannered and loud. Infact, she had once slapped a member of her house fellowship who spoke rudely to her. What was the church thinking ordaining someone like her as a deaconness?
If she was honest with herself, she would have admitted that what she really felt were pangs of jealousy. In spite of how well-behaved she was, she hadn't been able to birth a full-term baby in all the 15 years of marriage. She would have resigned herself to fate but the sadness that enveloped Archippus whenever he thought she wasn't looking. She was tempted to try fertility treatments but her understanding of the message of faith led her to believe that it would be an act of faithlessness. Archippus had hinted more than once that it won't hurt if they got tested to know what the issue was but she knew that God would honor her faith and answer them at the appropriate time.
Syntyche flashed a warm smile at Archippus and Euodias shot her a warning look...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 3.
For some reason, the Headquarter Church had decided to make them both the deaconesses in charge of the women ministry. He genuinely wished they had sought his input on this one. He would have paired either of them with Lydia; she was more accommodating. Well, Bishop Paul must have been led to pair these amazing, strong women. Actually, they were too similar to get along...
He heaved a sigh of relief as they filed in one after the other, Euodia first. Syntyche looked a bit ruffled but she appeared to be trying hard to keep calm. Euodia looked calmer and Archippus came with her. Phew...Thankfully, Pastor Apollos was ministering today. These amazing deaconesses...
*************************************
Syntyche saw Euodia and Archippus walking in, acting all cosy.
"Can't they wait till they get home?", She thought irritably.
If she was honest with herself, she would have admitted that what she really felt were pangs of jealousy. Even in the first 2 years of their marriage, all she experienced with Stephen was turbulence...She always wondered if she would have been happier with Samson, though he was an unbeliever.
Ah! Samson...She quickly pulled herself together and got ready for the business of the day.
*************************************
Euodia felt so thrilled. She was so glad Archippus came with her to church today. She was quite concerned about the fact that Archippus wasn't really into coming to church like that. He preferred "fellowshipping" with televangelists. She had asked him if he could call the televangelist in the middle of the night if he had a health challenge. He countered by asking her if she could call Pastor Gabriel in the middle of night if she had a health challenge. She couldn't say yes.
Pastor Gabriel was a good man. It was just that the financial targets kept him very focused on the seeds that members were sowing. Somehow, attending to midnight calls fell very low on his list of priorities. Similarly, caring for the people fell very low on the list of priorities of the leaders too. Everyone was trying to outdo the other with their seeds and win the prestigious church awards. Then, they'll be invited to every event and given positions of authority whether they 'qualified' or not.
Otherwise, how would a woman like Syntyche, who couldn't stay married, be ordained as a deaconess? She was ill-mannered and loud. Infact, she had once slapped a member of her house fellowship who spoke rudely to her. What was the church thinking ordaining someone like her as a deaconness?
If she was honest with herself, she would have admitted that what she really felt were pangs of jealousy. In spite of how well-behaved she was, she hadn't been able to birth a full-term baby in all the 15 years of marriage. She would have resigned herself to fate but the sadness that enveloped Archippus whenever he thought she wasn't looking. She was tempted to try fertility treatments but her understanding of the message of faith led her to believe that it would be an act of faithlessness. Archippus had hinted more than once that it won't hurt if they got tested to know what the issue was but she knew that God would honor her faith and answer them at the appropriate time.
Syntyche flashed a warm smile at Archippus and Euodias shot her a warning look...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 3.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
FEUDING WOMEN Episode 1
Euodia prepared for service. Her make-up was flawless. Today, she would be ordained a Deaconess. She had to look like a Deaconess. No creases.
...
She pretended not to notice the way Archippus had been stealing glances at her as she dished his meal. She couldn't afford to play his Sunday-Sunday game today. Last week, she had to drive like a maniac to avoid going late to church and spending 2 hours explaining to Pastor Gabriel why she was late. No, Archippus' libido had to wait till after the ordination service...
"Honey, you look smashing", Archippus started with the tone that still made her melt, even after 15 years of marriage.
"Archippus, you know today is ordination service...Why do you want to make me late?", She responded weakly
As he kissed her, she couldn't seem to remember what time the ordination service was anymore...
*************************************
"Idiot!"
Syntyche couldn't believe that she was truly the mother of the boy standing in front of her. He was so clumsy and slow. She truly wished she hadn't kept him. Only her christian values had made her keep the pregnancy after Stephen walked away from their 2-year old marriage.
She had initially thought she was going to die from the heartbreak. In the 13 years they had been separated, Stephen had only contacted her 3 times. She had contemplated moving on but she wondered if the next man won't be worse than Stephen.
She was tempted to go down memory lane but she didn't have the luxury of time. If she didn't hurry, she'll be late for ordination service. She was to be ordained as a Deaconess. Who would have thought she would have qualified? She couldn't afford to go down memory lane...She needed to put Cletus in his place too. He had started challenging her authority...
"How can you call yourself a Deaconess and be using foul language on your son? Are you a christian at all?", Cletus spat back at her.
She lost her cool and slapped him...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 2
"Honey, you look smashing", Archippus started with the tone that still made her melt, even after 15 years of marriage.
"Archippus, you know today is ordination service...Why do you want to make me late?", She responded weakly
As he kissed her, she couldn't seem to remember what time the ordination service was anymore...
*************************************
"Idiot!"
Syntyche couldn't believe that she was truly the mother of the boy standing in front of her. He was so clumsy and slow. She truly wished she hadn't kept him. Only her christian values had made her keep the pregnancy after Stephen walked away from their 2-year old marriage.
She had initially thought she was going to die from the heartbreak. In the 13 years they had been separated, Stephen had only contacted her 3 times. She had contemplated moving on but she wondered if the next man won't be worse than Stephen.
She was tempted to go down memory lane but she didn't have the luxury of time. If she didn't hurry, she'll be late for ordination service. She was to be ordained as a Deaconess. Who would have thought she would have qualified? She couldn't afford to go down memory lane...She needed to put Cletus in his place too. He had started challenging her authority...
"How can you call yourself a Deaconess and be using foul language on your son? Are you a christian at all?", Cletus spat back at her.
She lost her cool and slapped him...
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 2
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