“Hmmm. This is very worrying. I didn’t know it was this serious.”
“Hmm, Rev. DMJ, it is. It really is. The way everything has become expensive, it’s seriously impacted the budget we drew up for the year. Now if we’re going to continue with the feeding schedule, medical activities, and all that, we’ll need to put more money into it.”
David sighed and placed his chin on his palm as he faced his two assistant pastors.
It was Tuesday afternoon, and Arthur and Gilbert had arrived for their regular meeting with the head of Reverence Ministries. As part of its responsibility to society, the church ran an orphanage and a drug rehab centre, and David had tasked his assistants with weekly check-ups on how the institutions were running. So every Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m., the two pastors gave an update on, among other things, what was happening with respect to the basic needs of the children and the recovering addicts.
Unfortunately, that afternoon’s update was not the best to hear.
According to Arthur, thanks to the struggling economy, the annual budget the church had drawn up for the year was now insufficient to cater to the basic needs of the children. A similar story for the rehab center was given by Gilbert. And the somber looks on the faces of the two made it clear that without quick intervention, problems would arise.
Perfect timing, David thought to himself sarcastically. It was only the previous day that he had been forced to spend money on getting yet another problem fixed on the car. The last thing he needed to hear was this.
But then again, what else could he expect? Prices of many items and services had almost tripled in value since the turn of the year. It would have been a miracle if they remained the same as they were.
“So we’re gonna have to increase the budget allocated for both the orphanage and the rehab centre?” he asked quietly.
Both pastors nodded. “It’s really serious, Rev,” Pastor Gilbert commented. “The director at the rehab centre said the monthly charges for the medical services have been increased exponentially, and it’s only because of you that they’ve tried to hold off for so long. But now, they have no other choice.”
“Hmmm. Because per our financials, offerings have decreased in the past few months. That makes things even more problematic. There’s so much too that needs to be handled. Amenities, paying the people who clean up the church, missionary support. This is really going to cause a strain on the church’s finances.
“At this rate, we might have to make an appeal this coming Sunday. Those who can afford to help out should kindly do so. Given how things are, it might not be much, but I’m sure it’ll help us while we seek a long-term plan.”
The two pastors nodded. “Yeah, that’s the best we can do for now,” Pastor Gilbert agreed.
“Yeah. It’s better than conjuring something up and manipulating people,” Pastor Arthur added. “Recently, one of my friends in another church was telling me that he knows of this pastor who actually plans in advance to tell his congregation the Lord said they should give this amount and that amount. I was shocked. Like, why would you tell your people something the Lord has not said?”
David shook his head. That was not the first time he had heard of such a thing, and it ticked him off every time he heard of such. “Hmph. Putting words in God’s mouth. That pastor better be careful.”
The trio discussed other issues for a few more minutes, then ended the meeting once six o’clock arrived. As the younger pastors left, he sat at his table, waiting to pray and reflect for a few moments before heading home.
David sighed and rubbed his face. “Lord, I look to You. I won’t be overwhelmed,” he murmured, quoting the lyrics to one of his favourite songs. “Give me vision…”
He was interrupted by the vibrating of his phone. He picked it up and checked.
A WhatsApp message from an unfamiliar number. And it looked like it was a video.
He frowned. “What video could that be?” he wondered aloud before opening it and playing the video.
As it started up, the image of a beautiful structure appeared on the screen, and the words ‘Sunshine Haven’ followed.
David froze. “What in the world?” he murmured.
Sunshine Haven was one of the newest orphanages in town that had allegedly been built by one presidential staffer. According to sources that knew the staffer before the government had come into power, the young man could barely afford a motorcycle in his earlier days. Now here he was, building an orphanage.
And a world-class one at that, apparently.
What in the strange coincidence?
Welcome to “Sunshine Haven,” a beautifully organized orphanage dedicated to providing a nurturing and loving home for children in need. As you step inside, you are immediately greeted by the warm smiles of caring staff and the laughter of happy children playing in a bright and airy communal space.
The physical environment of Sunshine Haven is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of comfort and security. Clean and well-maintained, the interior boasts colorful murals, soft furnishings, and child-friendly decorations. Each dormitory is designed with age-appropriate themes, providing a personal touch and a space for the children to call their own…
“Wow,” David breathed as he watched on, with the voiceover complementing the glorious images of the orphanage. Those who had spoken of it had not been joking; it was a magnificent artifice. From the reception to the rooms in which the children slept, everything looked perfectly furnished. The playground was beautiful, the pantry where the food was prepared was stunning… it was a sight to behold.
Overall, Sunshine Haven is an exemplary and nicely organized orphanage that prioritizes the children’s well-being, providing a loving home where they can grow, learn, and thrive as they prepare for a brighter future.
As the video ended, David sighed and placed the phone down. It was clear to see this children’s home had little to nothing to worry about. Everything was in place, and the institution had enough money and resources to run efficiently.
Still brooding over it, another vibration emanated from his phone.
He checked it. It was a message this time.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have enough money to make your church’s orphanage look this good?
He immediately tossed the phone aside, a dark look on his face. No need for trying to guess who that was.
And he was not interested. It didn’t matter how fantastic the video was.
“Please, please, please, I will not be moved by this,” he muttered. “It’s not worth it. It will never be worth it. I will NOT take it up, never. No way! God forbid such a thing!”
As he got up to prepare to leave, however, those voices came rushing back in.
But David, look at how things are going! The orphanage and rehab center are about to suffer. You know appealing for funds won’t do much. Just take the money!
This is bigger than your family ooo, David. Young children’s lives are at stake. People recovering from addiction are depending on you. Are you gonna remain this proud and go down in disgrace? Come on, David!
David stood at the door, hesitant.
As problematic as those voices were, he couldn’t deny the little truths in them.
Indeed, inasmuch as it was a short-term measure, seeking assistance from the flock of Reverence Ministries was not an assured way of sorting out the problem of helping out the institutions. All the souls in them were looking up to the church for their daily upkeep and maintenance. And if the reports were anything to go by, they could be in for a major problem if a solid solution was not put in place quickly enough.
Was it worth resisting the offer? Sure, it would mean that he’d no longer have the guts to call out the government’s wrongs, but… surely that wasn’t all he was meant to speak about, right? There was still the gospel to focus on, right?
Suddenly, the firm resolution to reject the offer wasn’t so firm.
“Hmmmm. Anaa I should take up Mr. Wakefield’s offer? Coz honestly, it’s going beyond me and my family at this point. Now these orphans and recovering addicts need it as much as I do. More, in fact. Hmmm…”
No, David, don’t fall for it. Please, please don’t…
