THE PREACHER'S WRATH

UNWANTED ATTENTION

INT. PASTOR AKOMOLAFE'S OFFICE - DAY

The preacher is inside her church office providing counsel for an intending couple. Miracle, early 30s, Ayotomide, late 20s. Eniola is in the background ensuring the office stays tidy and organized.

The preacher directs her speech to the lady

PREACHER

You know, I remember vividly three years ago. Miracle walked into this office looking downcast.

He told me he wants to Change department, that some members have reduced him to a mere drummer boy.

Miracle nods as he recollects

PREACHER

(CONT'D)

I asked what happened? And he said during sunday schools or perhaps group meetings, they don't give him any chance to render his opinion and when he manages to grab an opening, he just gets cut off.

He sometimes feel invisible and irrelevant. I expressed concern about the issue he brought up because the city of grace ministries does not condone that type of behavior.

Also, he was fairly new to the church at the time, so the coordinators he spoke of were possibly acting with bias or favoritism, as opposed to him being a mere drummer. Of which their behavior is still unacceptable.

She turns to miracle.

PREACHER(CONT'D)

And if you remember I condemned this behavior in front of the congregation.

Miracle nods

PREACHER(CONT'D)

Our new members are just as valued and cherished just as the old members. There's no department or role in the church that is less important than the others.

We all serve in the house of God, therefore we're the same in his eyes. Im glad til this day, he still beat the drum. Gracefully for that matter. So Ayotomiwa and Miracle... Did I? Is that correct?

Trying to get the lady's name right.

AYOTOMIDE

(Smiles slightly)

Ayotomide

PREACHER

Ayotomide. Why I am sharing this memory is to show the two of you that sometimes, life's journey can be likened to marriage.

It can bring inconvenience, neglect or disregard, which are all liable to make a spouse leave. If not, they start considering, checking if the grass is greener somewhere else.

Whereas all that is needed at that point is to examine the matter from a different perspective.

Ayotomide nods slowly.

Now, you both made a decision to be with each other. I feel it will be healthy for your marriage that your spouse knows at least one reason which informed that decision.

What is that one thing that made you say "this is the right man for me" or "its til death do us apart with this woman".

She shrugs, raises her eyebrows.

PREACHER

Miracle. You start.

He sighs heavily and swiftly taps on his knees with both hands.

PREACHER

Ah, kilode? You want to start drumming here too?

The engaged couple laughs.

PREACHER(CONT'D)

Sunday service is around the corner. Be patient.

MIRACLE

When we met two years ago or thereabout, and started talking frequently. She made me have additional confidence in myself.

PREACHER

Interesting. Eniola, plug this in for me.

She stretches her tablet to eniola's direction. He comes to get it from her

PREACHER(CONT'D)

Care to elaborate?

MIRACLE

Sometimes when i make a random statement, she will just burst into laughter.

His fiancee bursts into laughter. Miracle glances at the pastor Mrs, spreading his hands.

MIRACLE(CONT'D)

Also while preparing to join the neighborhood guys for a match, she'll go like "he's on his way. If you Can't stand the heat, leave the kitchen. He will show no mercy"

The atmosphere is filled with brilliant smiles, even Eniola.

MIRACLE (CONT'D)

Then I play along walking majestically.

PREACHER

Ehen now. Like the champion you truly are. Thats fantastic.

She faces Ayotomide.

PREACHER(CONT'D)

Wifey—over to you.

AYOTOMIDE

(Laughter dies down to chuckles. Her lips pressed together. Straightened up)

AYOTOMIDE

Since I was little, I've always prayed that when I want to marry, I want a man who is kind, as a way of nature.

Cos only when a man is kind can he truly lead, and serve at the same time. He can be present, he can share, forgive and love.

I discovered miracle's kindness even before he showed me personally any act of kindness. And that's real to me. So here we are.

ENIOLA

(Facing his office duty, but not really there)

Awww

PREACHER

(Distracted, detects Eniola's emotional state)

Is there anything you'll like to add?

ENIOLA

(Pretends he isn't listening, turns around)

Oh—not really! She just described my dad perfectly. So my mind traveled far far away

Everyone chuckles

ENIOLA(CONT'D)

Those type of men are treasures, unicorn. I experienced all those attributes with my dad. She's right.

PREACHER

We know. Thank you. So are you that type of man?

ENIOLA

Me? Ah! I like energy for energy. Aura for aura. Do me I do you.

PREACHER

What!

ENIOLA

Man no go vex!

The intending couple laughs.

PREACHER

(Shakes her head)

Its my fault. My lovely couple please. Ayotomide that's a wonderful insight and I'm glad that the two of you have given valid decision making factors.

You're not just getting married because....you're ripe. Pardon my choice of word.

She stretches her hands to their direction. Head slightly bowed.

PREACHER (CONT'D)

This union shall stand the test of time and the lord shall provide your marriage with all that you want and need to make it a blissful one in jesus name.

BETHROTED

AMEN

PREACHER

(Checks her wristwatch)

I guess Ayotomide automatically or should I say gradually becomes our member?

AYOTOMIDE

We will make it work ma.

PREACHER

God bless you dear

MIRACLE

She's a mighty pillar in her church. They will search everywhere for her.

Pastor Gloria chuckles. Fatigue kicks in.

PREACHER

Wahala! That's commendable anyway. I leave you betrothed in the hands of God. I think I might have other visitors.

BETROTHED

(Gets up)

Thank you mama. Thanks for seeing us.

PREACHER

You are welcome

The couple takes their leave. Eniola also. Moments later prosper comes in.

PROSPER

MA. There are two men at the lobby who have been waiting to see you. I don't know if you're available for them now.

PREACHER

Where are they from?

PROSPER

They are from Dantata associates. The same company that sent representatives here a few months ago.

PREACHER

Yeah! I remember. I thought I made myself clear about this matter. Okay send them in.

Prosper leaves. The preacher gets up from her seat. She quickly have a moment of deliberation.

Seconds later, prosper leads the men inside. Both dressed for business. One in a sharp suit, 50s the other in a senator outfit, 50s. The preacher is no longer seated.

PROSPER

You can take your seat. She will join you.

They took the guest seat. observing. Talking quietly. The preacher emerges mysteriously from their back.

PREACHER

(Tight smile)

Hello gentlemen.

BOTH

Hello. Good afternoon

1ST MAN

Thank you for seeing us, we should have made an appointment.

PREACHER

That's alright. Welcome to the city of grace ministries

She shakes their hands and takes her seat.

1ST MAN

I am Felix Idiaghen. My associate is Ahmed Umar. We believe you're familiar already with our company.

Our MD....first of all, I must mention that your church building is such an edifice

PREACHER

Thank you

1ST MAN

I can imagine the amount of years, effort and the amount of money it took to put up a structure such as this.

A place where god is worshipped needs the flow of money to maintain its attractiveness.

2ND MAN

That's correct. Big money.

1ST MAN

Like I was saying, our MD sent us here to check on your wellbeing. Or shall I say welfare?

2ND MAN

Welfare is better.

1ST MAN

Thank you Ahmed. He wants you to know, we want you to know that our company supports and serve as backbone for churches in various ways possible.

Let's talk about security. In a country like ours, where attacks on churches have been recorded across every geopolitical zones.

We cannot deny the fact that security is a major investment a church must look into.

2ND MAN

No lies detected

1ST MAN

Our company can provide security or better still, equip your security with gadgets and information about the environment your church operates.

PREACHER

Okay. So your company, I assume is an intelligence and security company?

Felix shares a look with his colleague.

FELIX

Umm.. Not quite. But the truth is when we start working together as partners, these are some of the benefits your ministry can gain from us.

AHMED

(Cuts in)

Felix. If i may...Pastor Mrs. From my assessment of your character, I can tell you're a smart woman.

I mean you've ran a church now close to a decade, you must know what you're doing. That's no child's play. So what we bring to you is a chance at continuity and growth. Safety as well. Right Felix?

FELIX

Yea. Of course.

AHMED(CONT'D)

The objective of our partnership is simple. We make huge financial donations to your ministry.

Because we understand that what you are doing here is important to the society. The teachings, salvation, prayers.

All that contributes to make people live a better life. So we support the church with our money.

There was awkward silence for some seconds.

PREACHER

(Smiles)

Sounds good really. But I have a feeling it doesn't end there. I'm talking about the "huge donations".

The two men glance at each other.

FELIX

Well, the way we go about our grants is: after we donate to you, we will require that you also extend the money.

PREACHER

Extend the money?

FELIX

Yes. A percentage of that donation will go to an organization. Lets say, a charity organization.

It can also go into project funding. Taking place anywhere. It could be in Italy, london, Brazil, Switzerland. Anywhere.

PREACHER

I see. So this organizations. Will my church select the beneficiar.....?

AHMED

(Interrupts)

NO. I mean no. We're going to be deciding who gets what.

PREACHER

Of course. My dear sirs. This is not the first time I've been offered this type of partnership or collaboration, precisely from your group.

I have made it known the city of grace ministries will not be going into such partnership. It isn't just my decision to make. There is a board. And they outrightly ruled against it.

They sighted suspicion of illegal activities bothering on money laundering and sponsorship of malicious groups.

So once again, its a no. Speaking for the CGM board members this time around. We are not interested.

Pastor Gloria begins to arrange files and items on her desk.

AHMED

Mrs. Akomolafe. You're letting go of a once in a lifetime opportunity here. And it's unbelievable at this point that you're throwing away a chance to be set for life, financially.

We are talking about private jets, exotic cars, luxurious homes.

FELIX

(Cuts in)

Speaking of homes Ahmed, some of our staffs reside at Greenfield estate.

The preacher pauses at the mention of her home location.

AHMED

True. True. Coincidentally, our dear pastor happens to live in that amazing estate as well.

FELIX

Small world.

The preacher rises wearing a straight face.

PREACHER

Gentlemen, its been a long day. Thank you for taking your time to visit CGM. But I have to prepare my order of programs for sunday. So if you don't mind.

AHMED

Sure. We are just about leaving.

They both get up. Proceeds to the door.

AHMED (CONT'D)

Thank you for your time. Pls give our regards to your family.

They exit the office. Pastor Gloria remains standing, wondering about the undertone in their pleasantry.