Fiction

Churchabel or Jezebel?

by Mawuli Amekor
01/01/26
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It was the last Sunday of the year, and the praise and worship team was joyfully leading the congregation in singing and dancing. Many members had seen victories in various aspects of their lives, hence the exuberant dancing and profuse sweating. Deacon Fred was energizing the congregants by leading them in the crowd’s favourite song, “You are the reason why I lift my hands” by Mairo Ese. The young men formed a queue, performing a synchronized dance while the young ladies huddled together in a circle, each taking turns stepping into the center to display her best moves to the delight and applause of her friends. Amid the boisterous noise and lively cacophony, Amanda walked into the church and quietly took a seat at the back, as no usher was available to guide her. She sat quietly, observing the jubilant singing and dancing unfolding on the stage. After about 5 minutes—though it felt like a lifetime to her—Pastor Donovan mounted the stage, a signal for the choir to begin wrapping up. The head usher, now drenched in sweat, noticed Amanda and walked over to her.
“Welcome to church, it’s so good to have you worship with us. May I move you to a more comfortable seat or get you anything?” she asked, smiling broadly despite the surrounding noise.
Amanda mouthed, “Thank you, but I’m okay where I am. I don’t need anything”, offering a cheeky smile and hoping the head usher would read her lips.
“Enjoy the service then,” the usher replied.
By the end of the exchange, congregants were moving to their seats—embracing one another, walking down the aisles with joy and laughter. Still, no one had noticed Amanda, and she hoped it would remain that way.
The announcement came to share the upcoming events for the next week and the new year. They asked if there were any first-time attendees and requested that they lift their hands to be recognized by the church. Amanda hesitated—until the head usher stood behind her and said, “There is one here.” At that moment, Amanda wished the earth would open and swallow her, just as it did to Dathan and Abiram in Numbers 16. With no other option, she lifted her hands.
“Can you tell us your name and who invited you to church today?” the announcer asked.
“I’m Amanda Peters. I found the church online and decided to visit. I’m new here in Swift Current—I just moved from London, Ontario,” she replied.
“Let’s all give Amanda a warm welcome and remember to say hello to her after the service.”
It was at this point that Josh, the head of the technical department, who was sitting in the back, noticed Amanda. She was of average height and build, but with nates that were accentuated by the tight, body-fitting clothes she was wearing. He was so fixated on her that he missed the announcer’s cue to advance the slides and only reacted when his assistant tapped him on the shoulder. Little did Josh know that evil was crouching at his door, and its desire was for him (Genesis 4:7).

Backstory.

Amanda was a faithful member of the Grace Glory Gospel Church (GGGC) in London, Ontario, where she served as the head of the Hospitality Ministry and was also active in the choir and ushering ministries. She was diligent in her service and appeared to give her all to the work in the house of God. Her devotion, however, was shaped by unresolved trauma and not from a place of love for God. When Amanda was 15, she was abused by her uncle (father’s younger brother). When Amanda reported being abused, her claims were ignored by her father, Bishop Peters of the Evangelic Methodial Church, who chose to defend his brother, a man who had served in the parish since he was 5. This mistrust and trauma left massive soul wounds in her life and unforgiveness towards her father and uncle, gradually leading to deep resentment towards men, particularly those who served in church. In her wounded resolve, Amanda vowed to bring them down wherever she encountered them. She had already succeeded in Johannesburg, Amsterdam, and London. Her move to Swift Current was no coincidence; it was a search for her next victim.

Current Story.

“Hey there. My name is Josh. It’s nice to meet you,” Josh said to Amanda after the service ended.
“Nice to meet you too,” she replied, smiling.
“Do you have a ride home? I could drop you off.”
“That’s fine,” Amanda said. “I’ll hang around and wait for you.”
Josh quickly handed over his duties to his assistant, said his goodbyes, and soon they were on their way to Amanda’s apartment. During the drive, they talked about their nationalities, favourite dishes, occupations, and goals for the new year. The conversation flowed easily. As Amanda reached for the door handle, she paused.
“So… are you in a relationship?” she asked
Josh laughed softly. “No, I’m single. Still praying for the right person.”
Josh did not stop to wonder why the quiet, shy lady from church had suddenly found her voice, or why she was interested in his relationship status.
“I think we are meant for each other,” Amanda said gently. “I’m single too, and I’ve been praying for a loving God-fearing man.”
“Seems like God has answered my prayers,” Josh replied, smiling.
Josh stepped out of the car, walked around, opened Amanda’s door, and pulled her into a tight hug.
“Would you like to come upstairs and spend a few minutes with me?” Amanda asked.
Josh hesitated. “Unfortunately, I have a few things to take care of this afternoon, so I’ll have to take a rain check. But I could come by on Wednesday evening, around 6:30.”
“Isn’t that during Wednesday Bible Study?” Amanda asked, feigning uncertainty.
“Oh, I can skip it this week,” Josh said casually. “There are plenty of Wednesdays in the year.”
Immediately, Ephesians 4:27 dropped into his heart. “Do not give the devil a foothold.” He pushed the thought aside quickly as he heard Amanda’s voice.
“Alright then,” Amanda said with a smile. “I’ll be expecting you on Wednesday.”
From the doorway, Amanda watched him go. Her trap had worked. The plan was already unfolding—not through force, but through a small, deliberate compromise. She knew the pattern well. It always began with one skipped altar and a compromise. She hadn’t expected it to move this quickly, but she would take the victory anyway.