Story so far

We have met our general overseers and founders, Reverend Dave and his wife Zoe. We know Zoe is a 9-5 deputy finance head at a mining company that funds their lifestyle.

Pastor Jay, the new youth pastor is settling well in the church, he has not yet been granted the opportunity to preach. But hopefully, this will be soon

Three months later

It is a beautiful Sunday, Radiant Life Ministries is bubbling with excitement and hope. Another day of worship is here. The first service which has basically become the youth service lasts from 7 till 9am. Then there is the second service which is from 10 till 1. During the second service, at the Sunday school department, there is a special service for the teenagers. Pastor Jay has been handling that service very well, with the help of Mensima who heads the teen service.

Today, Pastor Jay will be preaching at the first service, most of the youth members in that service range from ages 20 to 35, as well as some adults that are young in heart.

PASTOR JAY

 Relocating back home and working with the church has been so rewarding. I just have to remember to ditch the jeans for Sunday and dress responsibly. During the weekdays, I work as a physiotherapist in my parents private clinic where my elder sister is the CEO. I love my job as well, most of my patients are recovering from stroke. I live with my parents who are retired and spend most of their time on other activities. My family is presbyterarian, my father is not exactly happy about my fellowship with a charismatic church. My mother on the other hand, is just glad I found my way back to Christ.

I wore a lovely emerald green kaftan my mother ordered for me for my first service of preaching. Something weird happened yesterday at the preservice meeting. Pastor Isaac asked to inspect my sermon notes and actually made corrections. He has basically written a sermon for me. I thought I will be free to lead the service myself. I was led to preach about identity, as I introduce myself. Instead, Pastor Isaac commanded that I preach Christ’s identity. Which to me is linked to my preaching, he insisted that I admonish the youth to identify with Christ or perish in hell.

The service was going well, Imelda the youth president and lead soloist of the choir tried with her song. I mounted the pulpit and prayed, my heart was confused about reading Pastor Isaac’s sermon or preaching what I had prepared.

I started with Pastor Isaac’s sermon, halfway through I noticed some of the youth members had a confused and exasperated look. There was a beautiful lady at the back who had a disappointed look on her face, she had a blond buzz cut with multiple piercings. She clearly did not hide her disappointment as I continued reading the sermon.

After twenty minutes, I noticed I was losing them. I closed my Ipad.

‘’Alright, let us lose the notes. Most of you know who I am and what I am here to do. You have seen me teach the teenagers. Today I actually wanted us to start with a knowing me knowing you section. I have forty more minutes to preach, so we will use twenty for this, ask me what you want to know about me. Let us break the ice, get to know each other’’ I said as I descended from the stage.

The session was engaging with interesting questions about my job, how I came to Christ and why I ended up with Radiant Life. At the end, I was led to preach about how my knowledge of who I am made it easy to answer their questions.

‘’When you know who you are in Christ, you do not stutter or get confused. That happens when you spend time with him. You are not discombobulated or dumbfounded. Next week, we will learn about how to spend time with God. Let us rise and pray’’ I concluded.

The atmosphere after the preaching felt clearer and I became more confident. I am used to this style of ministering, where I engage with the congregation. In my church, someone sings after I preach. But I have not yet fully settled to make such demands.

After service, I noted the buzz cut lady was already walking out. As soon as Imelda walked to me, I interrupted her.

‘’Imelda, be a darling and tell the lady with the buzz cut and red dress going to come back. I would like to see her’’ I said.

‘’Who? Shika?’’ she asked astonished.

‘’Yes, if that is her name’’ I said.

‘’Oh okay’’ Imelda said and sluggishly walked towards the entrance to speak to the lady.

After, speaking with new converts and handing them to Mama Zoe. I noticed the lady was still waiting for me at the entrance. I walked towards her.

‘’Apologies for keeping you waiting. My name is Pastor Jay, what is yours?’’ I introduced my self

‘’I am Shika’’ she answered dryly.

‘’I noticed you had a lot to say about the sermon but you held your tongue. I am very interested’’ I said.

‘’Oh, that, do not worry. You are the pastor, and I am sure you do not need my critique’’ she said.

‘’I do, we learn by listening. Let me get us a snack or something so we talk about it. I can see there is a refreshment stand’’ I gestured for her to lead the way.

‘’I do not think that is advisable’’ she said.

‘’Why?’’ I was confused.

‘’Look, you are new here. The last person you want as a friend or be comfortable chatting with in this church… is me. It is not good for your image’’ she said.

‘’Now, I am curious more than ever, let us go grab that snack and you tell me all about it. I am not taking no for an answer’’ I stated and walked us to the stand.

After we grabbed our snacks, we settled on one of the benches under the tress in the church compound, most of the members had left, and the second service will be starting in thirty minutes. She is so gorgeous and the floral scent of her perfume teased my nostrils in a fun way.

‘’I will have to leave you in twenty, but Shika, tell me why chatting with a member of the church will not be good for my image?’’ I asked

‘’Well, I have quite a sordid past. Maybe Google might help you a bit, but do that after I leave’’ she said, she seemed uncomfortable.

‘’If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. Didn’t you listen to the sermon? Know who you are in Christ, your past doesn’t matter. We all have sinned, and no one is perfect. Even the most perfect man we follow, dined with tax collectors and adultererous women. Once God is cool with you, I am cool with you. Okay?’’ I said.

‘’Thanks for the reminder’’ she said.

‘’Now back to my sermon review’’ I said and she smiled.

‘’It’s alright, in the beginning you sounded exactly like Pastor Isaac. I was tired of hearing him condemning all of us to hell every Sunday. I was like, oh no, they got us a junior Isaac’’ she said.

‘’Hahahhahaha, since we are opening up. Allow me to let you in on a secret. This is between you and I, pinky promise’’ I said and held out a pinky.

‘’What is with this American way of life?  Osofo, touch your tongue and point to the sky like an ordinary Ghanaian’’ she joked.

‘’I learnt it from some of the teenagers in U.S. Pinky?’’ I insisted and she indulged me

‘’Pastor Isaac actually reviewed my sermon and rewrote everything’’ I said and she laughed.

‘’Like an exam? he was marking it?’’ she asked surprised.

‘’Yep, but thank Holy Spirit for steering me in the right direction. So do not tell a soul, Shika, that I…Pastor Jay had my sermon inspected by Pastor Isaac’’ I joked and she smiled.

‘’Nice, your time is almost up’’ she said glancing at her watch.

SHIKA

I noticed Imelda walking briskly towards us.

‘’Nice, your time is almost up’’ I said to Pastor Jay.

‘’Not yet, I have about 10 minutes more, let me walk you. Unless you want to join second service so we catch up after too’’ he said.

‘’Oh no!’’ I blurted.

‘’It was worth trying’’ he said.

Just then Imelda caught up to us when we stood up. She scanned me for a while, looking at my dress with a judgmental look.

‘’Hi Shika’’ she greeted with a fake smile.

‘’Hi Imelda’’ I responded.

‘’Pastor Jay, it almost time for second service, Pastor Isaac wanted to see you before it starts’’ she said to him.

‘’Alright, okay Shika. Hand me those’’ Pastor Jay said as he attempted to collect the empty snack pack from me.

‘’No Pastor, I cannot allow you to do that’’ I said.

‘’I am heading towards the office, there is a bin on my way. You are on your way home unless you want to dump refuse in the car. By the way, how are you going home?’’ he asked

‘’I drove here’’ I said.

‘’Don’t worry’’ he said and before I could protest, he snatched it from me.

‘’Thank you’’ I said shyly, and noticed Imelda had a straight face.

‘’Goodbye and see you on Wednesday, bible study’’ Pastor Jay said.

‘’I will not be able to make it, so Sunday’’ I said.

‘’Okay, before I forget, let me take your number. Oh, I left my phone with one of the ushers. Give me yours’’ he said and asked for mine. I reluctantly handed him my phone and he saved his contact as ‘Jay’.

‘’Thank you once again for the snack, Goodbye Pastor Jay’’ I said.

‘’Whoaa…Easy..well, after our pinky promise, call me Jay or Jordan’’ he said, I noticed Imelda raised her eyebrows.

‘’Okay Jay, see you’’ I said and left.

As I settled in my apartment after church, my thoughts went to Jay. What does this pastor want? I am sure he will stop talking to me after searching for my name in Google. My dad was never in the picture, my mum was an aspiring musician who later turned into a backup singer for a touring band. She barely has time for me. I managed to study and make it to the university. I worked part-time as an event usher and that was where I met Honourable Kwesi Dikan, the minister for transport then, now a cabinet minister. I was able to focus and finish university, earning a degree in business administration. Unfortunately, I became his full time sugar baby.

It was an open secret, everyone in the political circles knew I belonged to him but not the general public. It was a flashy lifestyle, at that time I was known as Goldie on social media.

His generous allowances were what have kept me alive, this flashy penthouse apartment I own is because of him. My Lexus and currently the jewellery and fabric business I run and own now is due to those fat bank alerts.

For Purple Linen fabrics, not a lot of people know I am the owner. It is the main fabric source for a lot for Ready-to-wear companies and bridal fashion designers. But for the jewellery company, it is known, that is how I met Mama Zoe. Her company is where I buy my gold from, they have another outlet where they sell gold in small quantities to small businesses like mine. I usually design the jewellery and my goldsmith makes them.

I opened the jewellery business during my time with Honorable. One Saturday morning, after my nail salon appointment. His wife accosted me at the car park, she came with some thugs and they beat me up and destroyed my car, a Mercedes Benz honourable got me. There were bloggers present to film everything. I was the trending topic for about a week. My name, business, who I was was out there. I deleted my social media account, I was so embarrassed. I blocked Honourable and swore to avoid married men, or any sugar daddy of that sort.

After all, I am talented and have a business to run. Business with the jewellery company went down after that. My friend Marcus had a jazz band, I ended up singing with them to make money. But I had to be careful not to perform at events where I will cross paths with Honorable or his wife.

One day, I went for a conference organised by the mining company and that is where I met Mama Zoe. Despite my scandal, she was kind and treated me with love. she led me to Christ and because of her I started attending Radiant Life. I get judgemental looks from some of the married women in church but I do not care. She then made me design a necklace for her, which she posted on her social media. Since then, the jewellery business picked up. I design for most pastors and spiritual elders in the country. Their signet rings and those who love jewellery come to me. I stopped singing full-time with my friend Marcus, I only fill in when he has emergencies or special occasions.

The cloth business was later in life when Mama Zoe introduced me to a friend she met in Nigeria. Mama Zoe and her friend are silent partners in my business.

Just then, I got a message notification. It was from Pas…No..it was from Jay.

JAY

Meeting with Pastor Isaac went well, 😅! I have not been fired yet!

SHIKA

Hahahaha, good to know. Have you googled my name yet?🙁

JAY

Yes…so?

SHIKA

nothing to say? 😳Or ask?

JAY

It does not matter to God or me. Why should it matter to you so much? if you are so judgmental about your past, I do not know what you will say about mine

SHIKA

Hmmmmmm

JAY

Oh, do not bother searching for it. There is not a trace of anything on the internet.

SHIKA

Now, I am curious.

JAY

When the time is right, maybe …when you eventually make it to Wednesday bible study.

SHIKA

Osofo wants to use kokonsa to bring me to church🤣

JAY

Hahahaa, it is not gossip if the party involved is present. Speaking of past, when should I come for a jewellery consultation? What do you think will look good on me?

SHIKA

A nose ring 😂

JAY

😂🤣🤣😂😂😂😂 just say you want them to sack me from RLM.

SHIKA

Serious, a cute one like Lewis Hamilton since you both have similar features

JAY

Are you saying I am cute?😌…

SHIKA

Read again, the piercing is cute. Osofo wei pɛ fans papa

JAY

Who doesn’t like compliments?

SHIKA

True.

 Jay and I texted for a while about our lives down to workout, I realised we both go to the same gym. Just that he goes in the morning and I go at night. I didn’t want him to know we exercise at the same place. The gym is where I get to clear my head.

Jay is so easy to talk to, I wonder what he really wants from me. So far, the conversations have been innocent and free.

Wednesday

JAY

I was about to leave for work when my mother knocked on my door and entered the room.

‘’Do not forget to go for Mr. Boateng’s birthday party tonight. You know he is one of our VIP patients. Your dad and I cannot make it, and your sister too has other engagements. Since you are available, go on our behalf’’ she said.

‘’What about the other staff members? Doctors? Nurses?’’ I asked

‘’They will attend as well, but there has to be a Lawson at that event and your time is up. It comes with being part of the family and working for us’’ she said sternly.

‘’There is bible study…’’ I started and the look on her face answered my question. It was not up for debate.

I called Ps. Isaac and Imelda to explain my absence, they were cool with it. I felt very bad, but for peace to prevail with my parents. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made. My mother resent the invite and the dress code required a tuxedo or suit. What is up with some of these wealthy folks and their events? The things we do for family and money….

Later that evening

The party was held at the ballroom of one of the expensive hotels in the city. I sat with my colleagues at our assigned table and bonded over the event. Just as we were in the middle of dinner, the MC introduced a band. My back was turned to them as I enjoyed the tunes. It was a man singing, he sang so well till he got to a song that was a duet. It was the song ‘Obiaa’ by Akwaboah, just then when the lady started her part, everyone was amazed. Her voice was so silky, I turned to see who this lovely songbird is and to my surprise, there stood Shika. Dressed in a velvet black gown and accentuated her features, I overhead a colleague saying she has similar body features as the musician named Tems.

I had no idea she sang as well. Their rendition of the song was so good, I don’t think I will ever hear the original the same way again. After the duet, she took over the session, the atmosphere became energised. She got the guests on their feet in no time. Her male counterpart was now on the piano and they made magic. I decided to hide so she will not see me. She ended with love songs that got couples all mushy and her voice gave me goosebumps. My colleagues seated around me kept continually praising her vocal prowess.

After the party was over and most of the guests were gone. I chased after her in the car park.

‘’Shika’’ I called and she turned, she was alarmed to see me.

‘’Jay, have you been here all this while?’’ she asked

‘’Yes, and wow!! I did not know you can sing like that!!’’ I said.

‘’I try’’ she said.

‘’This is not trying, you were amazing in there!!’’ I said again.

‘’Osofo wei pɛ fans’’ she said and we laughed.

‘’Wow, so see you Sunday, I will be preaching on spending time and knowing God and I have the perfect song. Dunsin Oyekan’s, ‘To know you’. You are ministering it after the preaching, unless the holy spirit tells you otherwise. Thank you for your service’’ I said and walked away before she could protest. She was too dumbfounded to speak.

During the week, Shika tried calling and texting me to change my mind but I ignored her. She will be singing and that is all that matters. Her voice has passion and purpose, finally a voice I can resonate with.

Sunday Service

I hoped Shika will not disappoint, I noticed she was seated in the middle this time. After preaching.

‘’Let us invite our sister Shika to minister a song that has been on my heart, this song is a prayer, a call’’ I said

She got up and walked to the front, I was relieved she was dressed decently. Funny enough, we were both wearing blue, the shades complemented one another. I asked Tetteh, the pianist to assist her.

‘’Let us close our eyes, we need to know our God more, church sing with me, just one passion.. just one purpose’’ she started and her voice changed the atmosphere.

Some people looked alarmed to hear her sing, Tetteh was able to follow her key and they continued. I knelt down and prayed. In no time, the atmosphere had changed, everyone was singing along, the holy spirit descended, some were crying, others fell under the anointing as the ushers covered them.

It turned to a mini-worship session. Before I could walk to her, she felt it was time and wrapped it up. I saw her tear stained face, something had indeed shifted in her spirit. The service ended on time, I spoke to some of the members and had to counsel one of the young men who met me with a problem. I noticed Mama Zoe and Shika chatting.

Second service was about to start and I had to go teach the teen service, hence I did not see Shika before she left.

After second service, Imelda came to me about an emergency meeting in the pastors’ conference room. I got there, and there sat Reverend Dave, Pastor Isaac, Mama Zoe and Imelda. It felt like an intervention.

‘’Ermmm, Pastor Jordan, this meeting is not to create any problems. Every institution has order and I am sure as medical practitioner yourself, you understand due process’’ Reverend Dave started.

‘’Yes I do’’ I answered.

‘’It was a great service as usual, we felt the power of the Holy Spirit. But what informed your decision choosing Shika to sing?’’ Isaac asked.

‘’I heard her sing at an event, I felt in my spirit to tell her to sing’’ I answered.

‘’Yes, but next time speak to our acting choir lead, Imelda. So certain training and arrangements can be made’’ Revered Dave said.

‘’Apologies for that’’ I said.

‘’In addition, there are protocols, singers do not share the microphone with pastors. I saw you hand her your mic, that is why you speak to Imelda to train her. At least, today she was dressed decently’’  Isaac said.

‘’I understand, I will let her know’’ I said.

‘’So will she be singing again?’’ Isaac asked

‘’I am yet to confirm’’ I answered

‘’Is she part of the choir or not? You see.. that is why…’’ Pastor Isaac started.

‘’I will handle that’’ Mama Zoe interrupted, reassuring me with her eyes and I smiled.

‘’Good, but Pastor Jay, remember 1 Corinthians 14:32, the spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophet. Yes, the Holy spirit directed you to make these decisions but do it in an orderly manner’’ Reverend Dave concluded.

‘’I apologise again, thank you’’ I said.

After the meeting, Mama Zoe pulled me aside.

‘’How did you get my girl to sing? I have been trying for the past three years, always asking and pleading’’ she said

‘’Ah! That is the problem’’ I stated

‘’What problem?’’ she asked confused.

‘’You asked, I simply just stated it to her’’ I said and she laughed.

‘’God bless you Pastor Jay, do not worry about the choir thing, I know what to do, leave her to me’’ she said

‘’Whew! Thank you, because I really pushed my luck with commanding her like that. I doubt she will mind me the second time’’ I said

‘’Hahahaha, she won’t, Shika can be stubborn’’ she said and we joked for a while before Reverend called her away.

As I walked to my car to leave, Imelda called my name.

‘’Hello Sister Imelda’’ I said

‘’Stop calling me sister, it makes me sound old. About next week’s service, will Shika be singing again? Because if she joins the choir, there is a two month probationary period where you cannot be a soloist’’ she said.

‘’Hmmmm, as you heard in the meeting, Mama Zoe is handling it. So talk to her about it’’ I said.

‘’Oh…okay and one more thing. Did I do something wrong?’’ Imelda asked.

‘’No, why are you asking this question?’’ I was stunned.

‘’I wonder what I did wrong, what made it difficult for you to ask me to sing? If not to sing, even to tell me Shika was singing for you’’ she said in a sad tone.

‘’Oh Imelda, you did nothing wrong. I am so sorry. Looking at it, it was terrible of me to just make that decision.’’

‘’Hmmm, I was so sad and…’’ she could not finish her sentence and she started shedding tears. I pulled her to my side and placed one arm around her, with a light hug. I then opened my car and grab tissues for her.

‘’I apologise Imelda, this is all on me. The snack shack is closed, I will make it up to you next week’’ I said.

‘’The restaurant down the lane is opened, you can make it up to me there’’ she said

‘’Ouch, then not right now. It is almost 6pm, I have to rush home to do something for my mother. During the week, I will arrange something’’ I said.

‘’Promise?’’ she asked.

‘’Yes’’ I said

‘’Pinky promise?’’ she asked

‘’Pinky promise is for friends, you, Imelda, are family. No need to do all that’’ I said and tapped her head.

‘’We are all children of God’’ she said.

‘’Exactly, I have to rush now, sorry about everything. Thanks for letting me know how you felt about this situation, Imelda. We are in this together, I don’t ever want to hurt your feelings. You have been so kind and important to my integration here. I do not take that for granted’’ I reassured her and she smiled.

In no time, I drove off to go home. My nieces will be around, and Sundays evening are our bonding time. As soon as I got home, I saw a message from Shika.

SHIKA

Thank you for making me sing. I needed that…

JAY

Thank God, not me. God bless you for being a vessel.

Author’s note: Gossip corner

Introducing Mr and Mrs Tetteh, a couple who attend RLM too, Tetteh is the pianist and Mrs. Tetteh also known as Agnes is an usher in the church. They will be our church gossips and will feature in future episodes as such.

Tetteh and Agnes sunk into their couch after service, their 2-year-old daughter Amy played with her toys close to them

Agnes: What a powerful first service!! What!! Shika can sing ooo, I have heard she sings but I did not know she drags position with David in heaven.

Tetteh: Stop!! Even behind the organ, I felt the spirit. And she understands music rough, not like Imelda who will be changing keys by heart. No rehearsal but it went smooth.

Agnes: Did you see when she gave Imelda asala?

Tetteh: Where?

Agnes: Imelda and some other singers were about to walk on stage to back her up, and she gave them a small wave to sit down. Hahahaha! I did not want to laugh because I have to stay in the spirit.

Tetteh: Oh ho! Imelda pre dodo.

Agnes: Aprega ankasa. Who asked her? but the girl can sing, but Pastor Jay too be king kong oo. How did he get her to sing? This madam who just comes and disappears. Before you pick your bag, Shika is already at the car park.

Tetteh: I saw them chatting after service last week, maybe that is when.

Agnes: And their attires today matched too. They will make a cute couple.

Tetteh: Hmm, but brotherhood go shock give Pastor Jay, this girl that the minister has used. What if she had other sugar daddies? I can see Imelda has been following him around.

Agnes: if Imelda becomes osofo maame diɛɛ, we no go fit ooo. Oh but I like Shika ooo, she seems calm, the minister was in the past. These days she has changed paa.

Tetteh:  true, who are we to judge? Let us pray for them.

Agnes: Yes ooo

Author’s Note

What does Pastor Jay want from Shika? or is he just being nice?