Samuel was a pastor in Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He had been married to Laurette for over ten years, and God had blessed them with five children.
The couple seemed perfect: love, complementarity, and a deep faith in Christ marked their union. Laurette had a radiant smile, the kind of smile any man would wish to see on his wife’s face. Their home was warm and welcoming, a place where guests always felt at ease.
Samuel, on the other hand, was a devoted servant of God. He often traveled from Butembo to Kampala, Nairobi, and Goma to spread the gospel. As a responsible man, he made sure his family never lacked anything, even during his absences.
He often testified proudly:
“I have never seen a woman as perfect as my wife, Laurette.”
He even blessed young couples by wishing them wives like his own. But behind Laurette’s beautiful smile and spiritual appearance lay a hidden truth.
Unknown to Samuel, Laurette was having an affair with their gateman, Kasereka. He never suspected it; her life looked too perfect: her Christian tone, her sweet voice, her words always about God. She encouraged women to pray, to submit to their husbands, and young ladies to wait patiently for God’s timing. To the congregation, she was the very image of a faithful pastor’s wife.
One afternoon, Laurette rushed out to attend a women’s program at church, forgetting her phone on the table. A message notification popped up. Curious, Samuel picked it up. The message read:
“I just want to say thank you for being in my life, even though you aborted my child. I understand. Now I’m fired from my second job. If you hear of any openings, please tell me.”
Samuel froze. A hollow emptiness filled his chest. He wished it was a nightmare. Moments later, Laurette walked back in to collect her phone; only to find her husband pale, furious, and trembling.
“What is this?” he demanded, reading the message aloud.
Laurette stammered, “Babe, it’s not what you think”
“So the gateman got you pregnant? I go on missions, I work myself to the bone to make sure you lack nothing, and you’re here betraying me with the gateman? What lesson could you possibly teach our daughter now?” Samuel’s voice shook with anger.
“I’m sorry… I wanted to tell you, but you’re always busy,” Laurette whispered.
Samuel’s eyes burned with tears as he reminded her of Scripture:
“Colossians 3 says, Husbands, love your wives… wives, submit to your husbands. I’ve done my best. I’ve loved you, provided for you. And this is how you repay me?”“It was a mistake,” she murmured.
“A mistake? Were you raped?” Samuel shot back. His blood boiled. Taking a deep breath, he removed his wedding ring and held it up.
“Remember our vows. You placed this ring on my finger and promised to be faithful before God and people. But you broke that vow. You committed adultery… and then you aborted the child. Two sins: betrayal and bloodshed.”
He could no longer hold back his tears.
Laurette pleaded, “We can sort it out, babe…”
But Samuel shook his head. “Laurette, I loved you more than anyone. My family warned me, but I defended you. I even helped Kasereka financially, yet you chose him over me. You’ve destroyed not only our family but the ministry God entrusted to me.”
From that day, Samuel never wore his wedding ring again. The joyful family that once inspired the whole congregation collapsed in tears.
Laurette’s true colors were revealed, and the damage was irreversible.
Some people display kindness, joy, and spirituality only to mask dangerous secrets. Be vigilant. Samuel loved and protected Laurette despite opposition, but she repaid him with betrayal.
