Tears of an Orphan
Episode 19
© Mary Francis Solomon
Pastor James and his wife, Mrs. Peace, stepped down from the car and were immediately shocked.
The whole church premises was filled with people, and even the overflow areas were packed.
They looked at each other in surprise before walking quietly to the pastor’s office.
Inside, Pastor James sat down heavily on his chair while Mrs. Peace moved close and placed her hand gently on his shoulder.
“Babe…” she whispered softly.
“I am really surprised. We didn’t invite this many people. But God promised that this conference would be mighty. I didn’t expect this kind of turnout at all. I thought we would just work with the people we already had. I didn’t know God planned something this big.”
Pastor James nodded slowly.
“Yes, babe… I’m overwhelmed too. God has been doing great things already. Let’s praise Him before we step out.”
They held hands and thanked God together for the souls that would be touched that night.
When they finished, they stepped out.
The worship team was ministering softly as more people continued to enter the church.
When it was time for the message, Pastor James walked to the podium, collected the microphone, and placed his Bible down.
He closed his eyes for a moment and prayed quietly, asking God for wisdom, utterance, and boldness.
Then he began preaching.
As he preached, Mrs. Peace sat at the front, praying quietly in the Spirit.
She always covered him and the congregation any time he preached.
Pastor James spoke with deep passion:
“Tonight, we are talking about life generally. Young people sometimes struggle to make the right decisions. They find it difficult to stand for purity, holiness, and righteousness among their peers.
Your assignment on earth is not to please people. It is to serve God and make a difference in your generation.
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12: ‘There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.’
Depend on God. Walk with Him. Everything you desire as a child of God will come at the right time.
I also want to talk about the dangers of drug abuse, sexual immorality, gambling, and addictions. These things have been normalised. It is painful that even believers do not see them as sinful anymore. They have even renamed fornication as enjoyment.
Haaaaaa… dear child of God, where is what you learnt about purity and holiness?
Some say, ‘body no be firewooe.’ Where is the Holy Spirit that lives in you?
Why have we reduced the power of God in our lives?
If you truly have the Holy Spirit in you, you will show self-control.
Hmm… may the Lord have mercy,” Pastor James said, feeling heartbroken about what is happening in this generation.
“Some of you spend hours on your phones but don’t spend time with the Holy Spirit.
Many want God’s power, but they are not ready to pay the price or make sacrifices.
It is possible for a young person to burn for God and do great exploits.
Some think only those above thirty can serve God well. No.
God can use anyone willing to align with Him.
The devil fights hard, but with God’s help, we can overcome and shine as lights in our generation.”
When he finished preaching, he lifted his hands and said:
“Let’s all stand to pray.
We are in the end times. God is ready to do mighty things and pour His Spirit on men and women in this last generation — a type of grace never seen before.
But God cannot do it if we do not surrender our lives and live holy.
So let us pray seriously and open our hearts to Him.”
Immediately, the whole church came alive with prayer.
Youth prayed in the Spirit.
Some lay on the floor, some knelt quietly, and tears flowed everywhere.
The worship team continued ministering softly.
Mrs. Peace kept interceding quietly.
When the prayers ended, the youth who gave their lives to Christ started coming out one after another.
Pastors, ministers, and elders were already positioned around the church, ready to counsel and pray for them.
They listened carefully to the youths’ confessions and struggles.
Some things they heard were shocking.
A few youths even confessed they were struggling with pedophilic thoughts. It was hard for the ministers to hear, but they stayed calm and prayerful.
They encouraged them, prayed for them, and promised to follow up.
Some youths agreed to begin rehabilitation immediately, while others said they needed time but would come back.
Every youth was prayed for and reminded that God’s grace is available for anyone who truly surrenders.
When everything at the church was settled, Pastor James and Mrs. Peace drove out of the church premises and decided to stop at Shoprite to buy drinks and snacks for their hospital visit.
Later, they reached the hospital to check on Caleb, who had been involved in a minor accident.
The nurse welcomed them warmly and explained his condition.
Caleb lay weakly with IV fluids attached, but he was stable.
Pastor James introduced himself and his wife gently.
“My name is Pastor James, and this is my wife, Mrs. Peace,” he said softly.
“You had a minor accident earlier, but thank God you’re safe.”
They gave him the snacks and drinks they bought, and Caleb received them gratefully.
He felt relieved and thankful.
Pastor James was too tired to stay long, so he called a church member nearby and told him to check on Caleb early the next morning.
By 11:00 p.m., they said goodbye, went home, prepared a light meal, and ate.
Later, in the living room, Mrs. Peace sat quietly, thinking deeply about something on her mind.
She wasn’t sure if she should ask Pastor James immediately or wait for the right time.
Pastor James, who was also very tired, slowly leaned back on the chair.
Before he knew it, he started dozing off right there in the living room while Mrs. Peace was still thinking.
To be continued….
Inspired by the Great Teacher.
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Stay blessed, till we meet in the next episode.
Written by Mary Francis Solomon.