21 THE TRUTH

"I know the truth because Jesus Christ showed me and I will say it loud and clear. He saved me and whatever you heard me say is the truth. Those powers fought against me because I left them but Jesus stood for me and rescued me. I am sorry for everything but I have decided to right all wrongs." Mandolin voice became louder.

"God has forgiven me and I am determined to serve him the right way. I decided to make this open confusion to you because you have the right to know everything and be mad at me. I am sorry and ask for your forgiveness. I have come to see the difference between the power of God and Satan." He smiled.

He backed out gradually from the altar with these few words. "This church is now relocated from here. To a better and undefiled place and will now be headed by Pastor Joshua of the house of faith mission. He will tell you everything. He will be in charge of handling the affairs of the church until my return.

"We have decided to destroy this place because it was built on a wrong foundation. God has given a direction to do this and we are already working on his instruction. I am sorry for the inconvenience but all this is for our good and to shame the devil. Thank you and May the Lord be with you all."

He wasn't bothered about what impact his confession will make on the body of Christ. But he knew the truth must be said.

As he walked down from the altar his eyes caught a well dressed Ruth who nodded in tears and started clapping. And suddenly, everybody joined her, clapping. Pastor Peter looked at the crowd and walked away.

The only thing he knew that had happened to him now, was that. A huge burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

Stepping further away from the church, he sighed. He knew in life, God has a plan and purpose for everybody and how to fall into the plan of God is what everyone should seek to do.

He remembers minutes ago when he stood by the gate waiting—waiting for either Eric or his wife, Prislla to open the front door and didn't quite understood why they delayed.

Now staring into their eyes, he knew he has to do this. Straightening up on the chair he sat, he began, "It sounds strange to accept but that's exactly what I have been through and how God saved me. I now know that there is a God who rules over the earth." He kept quiet as if remembering something but later changed his mind and continued instead. "I am sorry about the past Eric. I was stupid at that time, just being driven by a strange spirit, a spirit of lust especially. And your wife—"

He stopped talking as his eyes fell on Prislla who sat opposite him but beside her husband, Eric.

She was listening and staring at Mandolin. She noticed he didn't say much about her and when he spoke again his tone changed and his words filtered through like a man who has truly found the Lord. "I know I have brought trouble your way in the past. I am truly sorry, please forgive me." He stopped talking as his eyes walked around the sitting room as though it was his first time visiting.

His eyes suddenly meant little Paul. "Is that your son?" His finger pointed to Paul playing with some toys at the far left corner of the sitting room.

"Yes, he is our son. God gave him to us after so many years of tears. You know Dralex was first and now Paul, so we are grateful to God." Eric eyes still on him.

"And where is Dralex?" Pastor Mandolin found his voice again.

"She is fine, she is a big girl now and I am sure you won't even recognise her when you see her—"

"Stop Eric, I am sure he will." Prislla cut in quickly with laughs.

And as Pastor Mandolin started talking about his past again, Eric stopped him. "Please don't, we believe you and we have no right to accuse you of anything now seeing you have truly repented." He glanced at Prislla and then turned to Pastor Mandolin.

"So where do you go from here?"

Prislla was expecting that question and to Pastor Mandolin it never came as a surprise either. He stood up and grabbed his suitcase as well. "I am taking a leave. To have a quiet time with the Lord and to ask for forgiveness from those I have wrong. The ministry has been a battlefield for me but it has made me tougher—"

They watched him walked past the door and never stopped listening to him talk.

"Pastoral ministry is only for those called by God and never a platform to become rich. It took the mercy of God to keep me alive otherwise I would have been burning in hell."

Eric followed closely with Prislla behind him. "Pastor—Pastor Peter, I heard that's your new name. I am glad you changed your identity—"

"God changed it, not me. He revealed why and I accepted it, so—" He shuddered and walked on.

Soon his words faded as he walked ahead of them and later, he turned around and waved. "So long Pastor Eric, love your wife and family. They are all you got. Thanks—bye."

He backed them walking on and moments later when his car engine roared. Eric knew Pastor Peter will be back.

His eyes followed the Jeep until it was out of sight and suddenly his right hand found the shoulder of Prislla.

Walking her inside the house, they both knew they had to talk. Not about Dralex who is now in Braton's high school and doing well or Paul, but about love.

As they stared at each other for a while, they drew their heads closer and suddenly their lips meant.

Prislla knew if marriage is all about forgiveness and love there would have been no divorce. Their marriage has gone through hell but the act of forgiveness gave them victory.

Kissing him more, her thoughts soon faded away as soon as she noticed there was something unique about this kiss—it wasn't just a special kiss from a special man. But reminded her that the past has ended and it is time to move on as one lovely and united family.