Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Prosperity (05/11/06)
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TITLE: Have you seen my Mercedes? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gregory Kane
05/16/06 -
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“Let me hear you say, “I can””
A cry of “I can” filled the hall.
“I can be a success,” he shouted. Back came his words in a roar.
“One more time – I can be a success by the power of God!” Pastor Macaneta waited a moment for the congregation, and then launched into his appeal. “Did you see that white Mercedes outside? I did not have to buy that. I did not have to borrow it. And I did not have to steal it! It is mine by the blessing and favour of God. And this morning, brothers and sisters, you too can lay hold of the treasures of Heaven.”
“Do you need a car?” he continued. “Perhaps a better job? A marriage partner? A cure for that disease that none of us dares mention? The desires of your heart can be satisfied today in this place. All that God asks is that you give him his due. The offering bags are about to come round and it’s time for you to show the Lord whether you are genuine. It’s entirely up to you: if you’re going to be satisfied with a small car, then go ahead and put in a small amount. But if you want a vehicle that’s fit for a child of God, then give with all of your heart…”
Later, after lunch, Pastor Macaneta met with his secretary to count the offering.
“Pastor,” she said, “I was deeply moved by your message this morning and I want you to know that I am seeking God for a bigger salary. Do you think that the Lord might put it into your heart to heed my petition?”
Macaneta paused, “The Lord is good, Thandiwe, but you know that his work calls for sacrifice. Often we, his servants, have to deny ourselves so that his work can go forward. But I will seek his face and let you know in his time. Is that alright?”
“Yes, Pastor. I am honoured to be able to serve.”
“Now, is there anything else before we finish up here?
“Only one thing, Pastor. You had a phone call on Friday after you had left. You remember the lease agreement on your Mercedes?”
“Thandiwe, we agreed not to mention that matter.”
“Of course, Pastor. It’s just that when you filled in the form, you had to say what your income was for last year.”
Macaneta looked quizzically at his secretary. “That’s between me and the car company. They needed to know that I could fulfil the payment terms. What about it?”
“Well, the clerk who handled your application has a brother in the tax office and they got to talking about your ministry here in town. It seems that the man’s brother became a little curious and he pulled out your most recent tax return. I don’t really understand it but it appears that the figure you gave the car company was four times what you told the tax office. So they’re sending down an inspector to see you tomorrow morning. I’m so glad I remembered to pass on the message.”
“I’m sure there’s a simple explanation. Don’t worry your pretty head about it, Thandiwe. Let me just sign for today’s offering so that everything is straight. Then I’ll see you tomorrow as normal.”
As Pastor Macaneta left the office, his confident manner belied the panic raging through his mind. “If I get to the bank first thing in the morning, I can probably withdraw most of the balance. Then a couple of hours will take me to the border where I can ditch the Merc. I’m sure that I can find someone greedy enough to jump at a low price and dumb enough not to check its credit history.”
“Yes indeed,” he thought to himself. “The Lord is good. I am truly rich in Christ Jesus. I will be a success - even if that means that it’s time for a move. Besides I’ve never really liked the name Macaneta.”
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