Chapter 22: The Visit

It was a cloudy weekday afternoon when Richard set out for Susan’s place. She had sent him the address earlier that morning, and as he drove through the uneven roads leading to the other side of Lagos, a rush of memories filled his mind.

He had been here before, years ago, when the ministry was still young, preaching from street to street, offering hope where darkness seemed thickest.

When he finally parked near a narrow street lined with small houses and busy faces, he stepped out quietly, clutching his Bible.

Children played by the gutters, women sold food by the roadside, and life moved on as though untouched by the chaos of the world beyond.

Susan’s house was a small but tidy a room and parlour apartment at the far end of the street. He knocked lightly. The door opened, and an older woman stood before him, Susan’s mother.

“Ah, Pastor! You must be the one my daughter told me about,” she said warmly, her tired face breaking into a gentle smile. “Please, come in. You are welcome, sir.”

Richard greeted her politely, bowing his head slightly.

She continued as she led him inside, “You see, I thank God for you. I have tried everything to stop that girl from the kind of life she’s living. I pray day and night, but she too stubborn.” She sighed deeply, her voice softening. “Maybe you are the answer to my prayers.”

Richard smiled kindly. “God works in mysterious ways, ma. Keep believing.”

Moments later, Susan walked in, looking more composed than usual. Her outfit was simple, a plain blouse and skirt but she carried herself with quiet grace.

“Good afternoon, Richard,” she greeted, her voice calm but laced with nerves.

“Good afternoon, Susan,” he replied with a warm smile.

Her mother excused herself soon after, leaving both of them alone in the small sitting room. The place was modest but clean, the curtains were neatly drawn, and a faint scent of soap filled the air.

Susan offered him a seat and a bottle of water she had bought earlier that day. “Here,” she said shyly, “I got this for you.”

“Thank you,” he said, accepting it so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about her surroundings.

They sat for a moment in quiet before Richard spoke gently. “Susan, before we pray, I want you to know something. If you really want God to change your life, it has to start from within. You need to accept Christ, not because I say so, but because that’s where peace begins.”

She nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on him. “I’m not sure if I’m ready,” she admitted softly.

“That’s alright,” Richard said with a reassuring smile. “God never forces His way into a heart. But Susan, when you open your life to Him, everything changes. There’s a peace that no pleasure can give.”

His voice was low, calm, steady and something about it pulled her in. She found herself staring at him... not just listening, but feeling every word.

The way he spoke, the kindness in his eyes, the warmth of his presence, it stirred something she didn’t expect.

Her gaze lingered longer than it should have. She wasn’t seeing Pastor Richard anymore. She was seeing a man,gentle, strong, and deeply captivating. Her heartbeat quickened, a strange warmth curling in her belly.

Richard noticed her eyes locked on his, unblinking, searching. His words trailed off, caught in the tension between them. For a moment, silence filled the room. Neither spoke.. they just looked at each other, the air thick with something that neither of them could explain nor deny.