Departure Points Vol.2

I would not think of writing another volume of my autobiography at least until I turn 70 years old. But now I think I might do it when I turn 65 years old. I have much materials to share and this time my approach will be a psycho-analysis of human behaviour in Christ’s service. Even last night I experienced a whole range of emotions as if in a roller coaster.

I offered to resign to my elders before the meeting started and at the end of the meeting I offered to resign in front of all the newly elected deacons and deaconesses. I am normally a very calm and collect person. How would one survive in ministry in my current situation unless one is tenacious and persevere? But it was near breaking point. 

Fiery arrows were shot at me just one hour before the most important meeting commenced. I was like lamb ready to be slaughtered and sacrificed and offers of support were supercificial but swords were out to cut and to kill. 

The level of hyprocrisy and treachery were at another level. The base sinful human nature was laid bare for all to see. But msny are blinded by their self interests and base desires. They were like devouring wolves ready to tear me apart while pretending to be my friends. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. 

But the Lord has a way to turn things round. I rejoiced for the historical milestones as for the first time 51 children turned up and attended Sunday School. I rejoiced that we are averaging 100-120 adults in a one shop unit. 

So I asked for a vote of confidence or no-confidence. I asked all leaders to speak up honestly. Only four leaders chose to speak. But I was encouraged by the fact those who spoke up represented 70 percent of the church membership, the two majority groups are youths and women (many single mothers snd even those with husbands attend church without their husbands). 

One new deacon spoke up and said he was ready to defend me at the highest level, the only one to say so. The most senior deacon said “Pastor is above everyone (in authority)” and that gave me a shot in the arm. In the end the church council decided to reaffirm my appointment as pastor “sebulat suara” with no objection. But I felt the battle has only begun. May God’s will be done.