Because of Charles failing condition, his emotional wounds became more difficult to heal. He became greatly disturbed by small things. He took it personally when he heard of converts barking after the devil or following signs and wonders. As a result, he remained depressed most of the time.
Charles was still on fire for God even through his depression. The passion to do the work of God was still burning in him. Charles was asked to participate in an Easter convention for ministers and church leaders.
During the convention, he spoke on what he called his new burden, which was the identification with Christ through suffering. Many ministers and church leaders came to the convention. Charles had finished preaching in the morning. He was famished and went to find something to eat at the cafeteria.
He sat down thinking about what to say in his next meeting. “The church needs to be revived from its slumber,” Charles said to himself while sipping a cup of coffee alone. “Hello, Pastor Charles. That was a great sermon you gave back there. I was really touched by what you shared,” a woman said while pulling a chair to sit by Charles. “Thank you lady,” Charles responded bluntly.
“Please forgive my manners. My name is Mrs. Janet Johnson. I am also a minister, but I really thank God for the anointing on your life,” the woman said while introducing herself to Charles. “Okay. Nice meeting you lady,” Charles said. “My pleasure,” the woman replied.
Unknown to Charles, Mrs. Johnson was a socially influential and wealthy woman. Her ministry had been scorned by the believers in the nation due to serious doctrinal conflicts. They rejected her “suffering” teachings and abolished her ministry in the nation. When Mrs. Johnson heard Charles’ message on the cross earlier that morning, she wanted to align herself with him to gain his acceptance.
She spoke to Charles for several minutes. “You know something Charles, I don’t understand why people criticize you. Your teaching is excellent and you minister with great power. Why on earth should anybody abuse you?” Mrs. Johnson said.
Charles on hearing these words sat on his chair quietly and listened to every word Mrs. Johnson spoke. She was able to win Charles’ trust and confidence as Charles saw her to be an ally. Soon both exchanged their numbers and promised to stay in touch.
Charles succumbed to her influence due to his failing emotional condition. The two continued to communicate at the least given opportunity.
“Charles, what do you think of us working together for God?” Mrs. Johnson asked Charles. Charles thought about her request for some time and agreed. Charles thought of her as a friend who shared in his passion to spread the gospel. Joining forces would bring a greater impact. So from that Easter convention meeting, Charles and Mrs. Johnson worked together. Four months into their newly launched ministry, Charles suffered his fourth and most serious nervous breakdown.
Immediately Charles experienced his nervous breakdown, Mrs. Johnson moved into action. She had her real agenda for pairing with Charles. She used the name of Charles repeatedly while exhorting her own methods and beliefs. She will write her weekly newsletters and made it look as if Charles wrote them since the people believed in Charles’ teachings.
Criticism aroused when the conflicting newsletters were released week after week with Charles’ name signed under them. What was being printed were contrary to what Charles had been preaching for years. It was as if he was contradicting himself. Mrs. Johnson had her own beliefs about salvation and other foundational truths of the Christian faith.
These things greatly troubled Noah. He confronted Mrs. Johnson since he knew his friend would never write what was found in the weekly newsletters. He went early to Mrs. Johnson’s office that day. “Woman, what is the meaning of this? Why do you want to bring my friend’s name to shame? You have taken advantage of Charles’ absence to write things you know he would never agree to,” Noah blurted out.
Mrs. Johnson became furious when she heard those words. “Who are you to question me? Charles had been shattered, and he needs some type of gateway. I am the gateway for him. To lead him from his confused state. I am actually doing him a favor and you dare come here to attack me!?” Mrs. Johnson retorted.
“My God, I can’t believe this. You, a gateway? Are you Jesus or the Holy Spirit? I can’t listen to this nonsense anymore. I am here to warn you to stay away from my friend,” Noah angrily said as he stormed out of her office.
After Noah confronted her, other ministers in the nation also confronted her on the same issue. She knew then that her plan would fail if she allowed Charles to stay in the country. She responded to one minister who confronted her openly that she was so hurt by his opinion of her and her doctrine and that she wouldn’t return to their nation. She added that it was best for Charles to stay away from the nation too because he, like her, was too shattered to do anything.
The accusation towards Mrs. Johnson was growing in fervor. She became afraid and decided to sneak out of the country. But, she would not go alone. She had also planned to secretly sneak Charles out of the country along with her.
Charles had taken his medications and gone to bed as usual. The medication made him sleep. Unknown to everyone, Mrs. Johnson had hired some young men to kidnap Charles from his house.
As usual, the house was dark when they broke into it. Mrs. Johnson had told them of the place Charles was likely to be- on the bed. They used their torchlights and maneuvered their way to the bedroom. They found Charles soundly asleep on his bed. With little effort, they took him.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Johnson had arranged for transport. She asked the young men to put Charles into the car when they brought him. She successfully sneaked Charles out of his nation and the place of his calling in his sleep.
To be continued….
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