Pastor Ejiro preached like one of those men who sold herbs and insecticides in the town market. The way he spun words and strung them together like art, painting it with pretty, promising words, of God and His glory, and of condemnation to those who turned away from him. And everyone who heard him speak had to stop and listen, and pray and sing praises to God whenever Pastor Ejiro decided it was time to pray and sing praises to God.
Pastor Ejiro did not have a church of his own, but he was looking to expand. All he had now was a large tree in the village square, where people gathered to listen to him, but he wanted more. Dorcas told me he wanted a land in the village, to start building his church before he grew too old. She said he had set his heart on Mama's land, and he had approached Mama numerous times, seeking her hand in marriage, but every time Mama said no.
Mama did not like Pastor Ejiro. She said Pastor Ejiro was only a politician weilding a bible and a devilish tongue that conjured seductive words. According to Mama, he had charmed everyone in the village, but not her. She could see right through his theatrics. This is why Mama always dealt with me each time I went to the village square with Dorcas, to listen to Pastor Ejiro. Mama said his words are poisonous and I should stay away from Dorcas too.
But I could never. What did Mama know anyway?
Mama only hated Pastor Ejiro because his teachings did not align with her Catholic doctrines—in fact, he condemned the catholic church every Sunday and said they were idolaters who worshipped Mary and her statues.
Pastor Ejiro said he would build a church on the land and name it after Mama, when she agreed to marry him. He always seemed so certain that Mama would succumb eventually. He said the church would be so large, dark clouds would cover the top of the building, like the mountain Sinai in his bible stories, and God would come down to rest on the building every Sunday. He said he would take care of me and Mama—we would be one big happy family and Mama would never lack a want again.
Still, Mama said no.
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Jonathan and Other Weird Stories
Short StoryA collection of short stories 1) THABISA Tunde is gay, and Jabulani has his eyes on him. Angry eyes, filled with weird desires. All his life, Tunde has felt bound with shackles, longing to taste freedom. Real freedom---to walk down the streets, smil...
