10.05.05 How Gloria’s Conduct in Youth Ministry Revealed Her Character to Martin – A Fictitious Story

How Gloria’s Conduct in Youth Ministry Revealed Her Character to Martin

A Fictitious Story

Pastor Martin had just landed in Entebbe Airport after completing his four-year-long Ph.D. in Architecture in the UK. Apparently also, a girl by the name of Gloria happened to be one of the stewardesses on that flight. Although Martin and Gloria did not know each other, they were actually members of the same church and their Senior Pastor, Ezekiel, had come to pick them.

As they drove from the airport, Gloria could not help but feel her heart race whenever she glanced at Pastor Martin. “Life is spiritual; therefore, this cannot be a coincidence,” she thought; convinced that God had orchestrated a rendezvous for her and the handsome architect-cum-youth pastor. She was so convinced to the extent that she texted her prayer partners that evening: “I think I met my husband today. It felt too divine to be ordinary.”

Two weeks down the track was the Annual Thanksgiving Sunday and the day set aside to officially welcome Pastor Martin back. Gloria parked her BMW then made her way into the hall with a large bouquet of expensive flowers. She had been given a few minutes to share on gratitude. So after Pastor Ezekiel’s welcome note, Gloria strutted to the pulpit. “Brethren, before I speak, I feel led by the Holy Spirit to say something first. I am always flying to and from London and I know how harsh cold winters can be. Pastor Martin, we most dearly welcome you back to the warmth of Kampala,” she said; hugging the Youth Pastor before handing him the flowers amidst great applause.

The youths were in charge of the function; led by their leader, Miriam. Martin could not help but notice how the highly composed woman made sure that everything was going smoothly and on time.

Then came the International Youth Convention where Pastor Sidney from the UK was coming with a team of twelve. Miriam was to chair the organising committee with Pastor Martin as the overseer. This meant frequent meetings between the two; which did not go well with Gloria, feeling that Miriam was getting too close to her future husband. Whenever Gloria dropped by Martin’s office for whatever reason, the Pastor would be busy with Miriam and therefore unavailable; a thing which pushed her jealousy to an all-time high. To retaliate, Gloria would adamantly criticise Miriam’s suggestions during committee meetings. Plus she would leave tasks undone and complain when asked for updates. “My dear, I barely sleep. Flights, layovers, delays. You people don’t know how draining flying is,” she would respond with open sarcasm. As if that was not enough, Gloria would be on her phone during the meetings and refuse to help with clearing the hall thereafter, claiming that she had to prepare for a flight.

Fortunately, the Convention went so successfully that Pastor Sidney openly invited a team to the UK. Plans moved quickly and finally, a delegation was announced one Sunday morning: Pastor Martin as team leader; Miriam as his assistant and five other young people representing various ministry areas. Gloria was not on the list. That night, she hardly slept. The thought of Miriam and Pastor Martin together in London for three months was next to unacceptable.

The following morning, Gloria walked to Martin’s office; begging him to put her on the list; since, unlike the inexperienced Miriam and other members, she knew London inside out. When Martin did not budge, Gloria went to Miriam’s workplace, warning her to stay away from Martin or else risk facing God’s wrath. “God told me that Pastor Martin is my husband and that you should drop the UK trip… And to be honest, anyone with eyes can see he is already in love with me.”

In the weeks leading up to the mission, the youth ministry agreed to meet regularly for prayers, led by one of Gloria’s friends. Miriam was shocked to hear her pray in a raised voice: “Lord, remove any distraction from Pastor Martin’s life. Anyone standing where they shouldn’t stand, pull them down…” Pastor Martin had to demand that they stop such ‘witchcraft prayers’.

Soon thereafter, the team departed for the UK and the mission went very well. Martin was able to observe Miriam’s character and commitment to ministry firsthand. They discussed callings, family backgrounds, lessons learned from past mistakes and life in general. Martin found himself listening closely to Miriam’s heart. By the time the three months were over, Martin knew that Miriam was the partner he had been looking for. So, before they left the UK, their courtship had begun.

Back in Kampala, the church welcomed the team with joy and testimonies were given. The following Sunday, Pastor Ezekiel disclosed that it was Miriam’s birthday. And as the entire church sang “Happy Birthday, dear Miriam…” Martin went to the microphone. “Thank you for your ministry. We honour you today,” he said before giving her a bunch of red roses and a visibly warm hug. The congregation clapped in delight.

After the service, a teary Gloria rushed to Pastor Ezekiel complaining that Miriam had snatched Martin from her. But there was nothing that the senior pastor could do since Martin had made his decision. And that was how Gloria lost an opportunity to marry the man of her dreams.