It's been a long time I have kept this to myself but I think it is time for me to tell this story. Please read, so it won't happen to you too.It all happened on Sunday morning; it rained the previous night.I slept late on Saturday night and thus, woke up late. My church service starts by 8am but when I opened my eyes, it exactly 8:12am.I sprang up from my mattress, removing my blanket as quickly as I can and didn't even bother to bathe. Brushing my teeth within ten seconds, I wore my already pressed clothe sand ran off to church.My roommate was still sleeping but I didn't think he planned going to church at all. So without saying goodbye or waking him up, I left the room.When I stepped out, I saw some young students of the fellowship who meet in front of my hostel. They were just setting up in preparation for their service. I think they start theirs around 9am. The way the weather was, with the clouds dark and heavy, everywhere looked gloom and quiet but in my hurry, I took no time to observe or relish the remarkable atmosphere. As I walked and ran on the tarred narrow road, just some distance from my hostel, I saw two girls sitting on a pavement and crying. They were dressed for church but with the way they sat and clinged to each other, weeping, I doubt if they would still go to church that day.Though many passers-by like me walked to stare at them, they were clearly unconcerned. They cried uncontrollably that even their shouts of pain made my heart flutter.I thought about going to them and trying to console them but I was late for service myself.My conscience tortured me a great deal but when I glanced at my wristwatch, it was already 8:32 am.'I am late. I have to go'. I told myself as i continued on my path. Well, after few minutes, I made it to church eventually.Except for a guy I saw who rested his head against a wall by the road, I didn't notice anyother strange thing till I got to church. But when I entered the church, it was another sight I beheld.The backdrop of the altar and the designs of the pulpit and walls of the venue were already set up but I didn't see the Pastor. In fact, I didn't see any of the church leaders.The church was scanty. Except for two ushers and three choristers I saw, most of the workers I knew were not present. There were some members present though. But every single person in the building was looking lost. The brother beside me was even fluttering tears without crying.I too was getting afraid.And then all of a sudden, a lady cried out just behind me.It was so sudden and the sound was so laced with pain and fear that I was afraid the worst had happened. This is when I dropped my Bible on a chair and had a deliberate look of the whole church. In the left corner of the front which was designated as choir stand, three sisters placed their heads on the table in front of them; shaking their heads and body in that manner some people do when praying silently. Just behind them was yet another sister who sat on the bare floor, with one of her shoesnowhere near her. Even her scarf was hung around her neck. I recognized the sister...
....... TO BE CONTINUED
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