Pastor Kuchiva
As Pastor Kuchiva drove out his gate and headed to Baba Toravanhu’s house on the other side of the Chisipite neighbourhood, he replayed the argument he had had with his son. The boy had brought up the same excuses when he had confronted him about not coming to church. He had work. He had no time. But as soon as Pastor Kuchiva had threatened to kick him out of the house, he had fallen silent.. Who would have thought that the prattle of a woman like Amai Kudakwashe would actually prove useful?
He had no doubt that he would be seeing his son attending at least one of the services after this. If he had a humble or grateful bone in his body he would have thanked Amai Kudakwashe, but as it stood he would simply savour his victory over his son. His son’s attendance would hopefully kill some of the gossip that had been rising amongst the church members and help them focus more on him, Pastor Kuchiva, and his sermons. Focus more on being good and giving Christians.
He drove through the neighbourhood, glancing out the window he noticed how still and dark it was. He passed very few cars and caught only one or two people in the headlights of his car.
This was the best time to conduct meetings. He would pass no one from the church at this time of night and even if he did, the chances of them recognising him in this darkness were very slim. He didn’t have to worry about questions and speculations from the people as to why he was meeting with Baba Toravanhu and the others.
He drove for another few minutes until he reached Baba Toravanhu’s gate. His home was on a slope, so he had to drive up to get to it. When he reached it he pressed the intercom, knowing that Baba Toravanhu was expecting him.
There was a pause and a rustle, then a deep, gruff “Hello?”
“Ndini,” he said simply.
Baba Toravanhu would know who it was. Not many people made a habit of coming to his house at ten o’clock. The gate opened and he drove through. Baba Toravanhu was standing in the driveway, waiting to receive him.
“Mr. Pastor,” Baba Toravanhu greeted as Pastor Kuchiva climbed out of the car.
“Baba,” Pastor Kuchiva answered back, grinning. The two of them shook hands.
“It is good to see you,” Baba Toravanhu said. “Welcome, welcome. Let us go inside.” He turned and guided Pastor Kuchiva to the front door. He opened it for Pastor Kuchiva and gestured for him to enter.
As Baba Toravanhu closed the door behind him, Pastor Kuchiva wiped his feet on the mat and looked up to find that the others had already arrived and were seated.
“Baba Masiyanyika. Baba Kucheka,” he greeted. They nodded at him.
“As you can see, two eager birds were very early,” Baba Toravanhu said to him. “We were just talking through some matters while we waited for you. My wife was kind enough to feed us while we waited. ”
Pastor Kuchiva glanced back at the other elders and noticed the papers that had been spread on the table and a tray with sandwiches and glasses on.
“But now that you are here the proper discussions can start. Come, come. Take a seat.”
Pastor Kuchiva stepped forward and settled into one of the seats, placing his laptop at his feet. Baba Toravanhu chose to sit across from him on another chair.
“So,” Baba Toravanhu began. “How are things at the church?”
“Very good,” Pastor Kuchiva replied. “I have managed to maintain almost all the people who attended the meetings years ago. People have been coming consistently.”
“Mhmm, mhmm…” Baba Toravanhu hummed; pleased.
On the other side Baba Masiyanyika and Baba Kucheka nodded along, they too seemed happy with what he was saying.
“And tithing. Have the attendees been tithing?” This was the most important question. Pastor Kuchiva could not help the laugh that escaped from his lips.
“Yes,” he answered. “Eagerly.”
They never failed to part with their money at every service. What was more? The people in his congregation were not necessarily poor people; they were well off, middle class. They had enough money to part with and they parted with it in haste, believing that if they did so God would give them more. Ha ha, if only that were true.
“Excellent.” Baba Toravanhu said, “Excellent. Baba Masiyanyika was just informing me of some business men he has managed to find who are desperate for some money. As you know he works with the bank and comes into contact with a lot of business people.”
“If the tithing has been going well then we can start phase two of the operation and start looking for definite takers. We will gather up the final funds after your next service and then start loaning.”
He looked around to see if any of them disagreed with his plan. All in the room seemed to be in agreement. Baba Toravanhu returned his attention to Pastor Kuchiva.
“The money from the other services. You have been keeping it safe?’’ He asked.
“Yes,” Pastor Kuchiva answered. “It is very safe.”
He had made sure that he was the only one who handled the tithing money during the service and afterwards he was sure to pack it into small material bags and place the bags inside a safe in his room. It stood behind a clothing cupboard in his bedroom and only he knew its location and code.
“Good. Good,” he said smiling. Then he laughed. “Did I not tell you, my friend. This church business is where the real money is. Look? All these people just handing you their money believing it is going to some God when really, they are helping us become rich.” He laughed again. “Aaah yes.”
“Anyway,” Baba Toravanhu continued, “Let us finish up our discussion.”
They talked through the remainder of the night discussing what kind of people they would loan to, how they would approach them and when they would officially start their “business”. The men had set out to establish a church not through God’s calling but as a means to raise capital from innocent members tithes and offering which they used to start a rogue financial services and money laundering business.
It was agreed that Baba Kucheka would be their accountant and keep track of how much went out and what came in. Finally when everything was cleared up and settled the meeting ended and the two elders along with Pastor Kuchiva headed for their vehicles.
Baba Masiyanyika left first, followed by Baba Kucheka. Baba Toravanhu saw Pastor Kuchiva to his car.
“Things are looking up, eh?” Baba Toravanhu said.
“Yes,” Pastor Kuchiva agreed.
“Imagine we have been living like kings before but now? Ya. We will be like gods.”
His eyes took on a bright sheen as he smiled, gazing into the future of great wealth he could see in his mind’s eye.
“Alright my friend,” he said, breaking out of his trance, he slapped the hood of Pastor Kuchiva’s car. “You go home now. I will call you if there is anything new.”
He stepped back and waved as Pastor Kuchiva climbed into his car and started the engine.
Pastor Kuchiva reached the gate which opened when Baba Toravanhu pressed the gate key. He moved through and as the gate closed behind him, he turned left into the dark and headed for home.
