Matt and Alejandro arrived at a church within the favela. It possessed the looks of an average church; a bell at the top, medieval architectural design and a good number of decently dressed Christians going in and out of it.
Alejandro took off his straw hat as they walked in. It was spacious in the inside with several benches arranged in rows. A large glass cross hung on the wall straight ahead. The church was, however, not even half full. It was expected, considering that it was a Wednesday.
Matt and Alejandro took seats in the back. Alejandro bowed his head and said a prayer to himself while Matt had his attention on a little child. Her back was turned to the pulpit with her small and fragile knees rooted to the bench. Her innocent green eyes did not even blink as she looked right at Matt. Matt smiled faintly at her, but she maintained her straight face.
Shit, it's like she is judging my sins or something. He thought to himself.
The girl's mother gently turned her face front and whispered something into her ear. Without her uncomfortable stare, Matt was able to redirect his attention to the pastor at the pulpit.
He walked around it with so much energy in him. He spoke with aggression and the audience nodded their heads in agreement. Some even went as far as clapping their hands. Alejandro mouthed 'amen' to himself but Matt looked on in silence. He flashed a look at his wrist watch and realized that only five minutes had gone by since he sat there yet it felt like an eternity.
Matt fidgeted in his seat. He couldn't understand the man because he was preaching in Portuguese. His eyes wandered around and spotted the church's wall clock. Only two minutes went by since the last time he checked. Matt sighed and crossed his arms.
This is going to be the longest hour of my life. He breathed out through his mouth in agony.
He was only 14 the last time he went to church. His mother was always a strong believer of Christ. As a Christian, she raised Matt and Mark according to the Christian ways. Missing church was a huge taboo in her house.
"Mama, I don't want to go to church today." his young self said to his angry mother.
"And why not?" she asked him.
"Because it's nonsense. Last week we learned about the parable of the rich man. He harvested so much and planned on storing his corn in new store houses right after smashing the smaller old ones. He was assured of living an easy life only for God to tell him that he was going to die."
"Matthew, here we go again with your pointless arguments." His mother defensively admonished him.
"No mama, it is not pointless. Why did God kill him? I mean, the man worked hard and his hustle paid off. What was wrong with him wishing a good life for himself? So if I work hard in future and have tones of money in the bank, God is going to kill me for opening several bank accounts and wishing that I live a good life?" Matt stressed his point.
His mother snatched his hand annoyed and pulled him out of his room. "I don't have time for this. We will be late." she uttered annoyed.
Matt pulled his hand back. "No, I will not go with you. I don't want to worship a wicked and cruel God. If he is so good, why did he let daddy walk out on us when we needed him the most?"
"Matthew!" his mother screamed after him only to see him bang the door in her face.
The sweet melody of the organ graced the church and pulled Matt out the memory he had suppressed for so long. His eyes landed on the female player. She hid her face underneath the hood of her coat and played beautifully.
Matt shifted his eyes back to the pastor as he retreated to a seat on the stage. Another man in a black suit got up and buttoned his jacket. He fixed his glasses and picked up his bible.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I greet you all in the name of our lord Jesus Christ." he started as soon as he was at the pulpit.
At least this one speaks English. Matt thought.
"For those of you who don't know me, I am Pastor James Wick. I am honored to be here in your presence." his humble words continued. "Today, I will talk about faith. Faith is the strong belief that something that hasn't happened will happen. As a Christian, your faith in God is of utmost importance. It is what delivers you because God works well with those who believe in him. Let's take a look at Abraham. He and Sarah had no children together. God told Abraham that he was going to bless him and Sarah with a child. Abraham found that a little hard to believe due to their old age but God told him in Genesis 15:5 and 6,
‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’
And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteous.”
The church clapped their hands lightly to the word they had received. Pastor Rodrigo wiped his forehead and placed the microphone to his mouth once more.
"Abraham believed God. He had faith that what he said was going to come to pass. His age no longer mattered to him and neither did Sarah's. Years went by, they aged even more, possibilities were slimming but still Abraham believed. Sarah finally conceived and bore him Isaac." James walked away from the pulpit and faced the people. "Things may seem impossible, it may appear to be too late with all chances for a brighter day gone but do not despair! The lord is with you all the time. He knows your struggles."
Matt thought about how he didn't even know exactly where Ruth was. He had assembled a good team to track her down but the question of where to begin lingered constantly in his mind.
"He knows your needs."
Matt pictured holding Ruth in his arms again. The memory of her warmth still fresh. His lips twitched at the sensation of her soft lips on his. Her tender touch was always available when he needed it but not anymore.
"He keeps to his word. Seek him first and he will grant you your desires. Trust in him and he will do the rest. Ladies and gentlemen, children of the Most High, sometimes you just have to Abraham it up!"
The church erupted in applause. Pastor James Wick returned to his seat and a woman stepped forward to give the final prayer. Everyone was dismissed soon after. Matt kept his eyes on James who was busy talking to his fellow pastors.
"Come on, we need to go." Alejandro said to Matt while he stood facing the direction of the exit.
"I thought we are here to seek the help of a servant of God."
"Yes, we are and that's what we are doing." Alejandro confirmed and got his feet moving.
Matt looked back at James. "I thought we would be seeing him."
"Who?" Alejandro looked at him confused.
"James Wick," Matt stated.
Alejandro dismissively shook his head. "No amigo, we are not here to see him."
They got back into the bright sunlight. Alejandro sought shade from his hat. Matt glanced at the small happy crowd of people before him. None of them struck him as 'the one'.
"We are here for her." Alejandro pointed at a woman.
The moment Matt saw her, he froze at her beauty. She had the form of a slender curvy Spanish woman. Her long curly hair went all the way down to her waist.
Covering her flesh was a long sleeved brown dress that went up to her knees. Her legs were in tights and on her feet were ankle boots. She had a cloak draped around her body and in her hands was a bible.
She whipped her silky smooth dark hair to the side. Her light brown eyes with thick lashes locked with Alejandro’s who immediately took off his hat.
Matt recognized her as the organ player. He didn't quite see her face properly in the church due to the hood of the cloak that covered her head during the service, but he was sure that it was her.
"Who is she?" Matt asked, still shaken.
"She is the bulldog Prophetess and true servant of God, Fernanda Maria Gomez. She has performed more than a hundred exorcisms in this country. If anyone can help us, it is her." Alejandro said with pride.