Let’s Talk To Easton

David Bondze-Mbir (DBM): Thank you for participating. What name would you want to go by? (It can be your real first name or any other name of your choosing)

Participant 120: Pastor Easton

DBM: Hello Easton. How would you describe yourself?

Easton: I am a young man growing up to become a true man of God. I wake up every day striving to keep my heart pure. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes as a human being, but as a Christian, I try my best to ensure those mistakes are minimized. I love the Bible, and I read it every day. The wisdom of God helps me into making good decisions, and I work hard at becoming smarter, and most importantly, a very disciplined young man.

DBM: How happy are you on a scale of 1 to 10?

Easton: 9

DBM: What do you want to talk about?

Easton: I have been following the conversations you have with people, and it’s been an interesting source of information for me. I want to use this unique opportunity with you to encourage anyone feeling down and alone, God loves you completely.

DBM: How old are you?

Easton: 46

DBM: Married?

Easton: Yes. I’ve been married for 15 years

DBM: Okay! Please continue with your message

Easton: Many of us are finding ourselves in situations that are making us feel like we’re lost and without compass. The love of God encompasses you wholly, and it’s so perfect a love – though some of us refuse to see and acknowledge it. The love of God actually has very little to do with us, Dave. It’s got everything to do with Him.

DBM: Why did you choose to become a pastor?

Easton: It wasn’t my first choice of interest. In fact, there are days I sometimes wonder how my life would have been by now if I had pursued my dreams of becoming a medical doctor. Because I had the grades and got into the programme alright. But after the first two years, it started to feel like I was running from God. I suddenly had no passion for science; I just wanted to preach the Word of God to people on campus. I became a pastor because I know it’s an honorable job. I love studying the Word of God and preaching from it. It’s actually fun, Dave. I get paid to study the Bible and in order to challenge the faith of others into understanding the workings of God. I do not take the Call upon my life for granted.

DBM: Tell me about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How has it impacted your everyday routine?

Easton: Accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior has helped me to be honest and just. I understand what it means to live to please God. I overheard my wife once telling my son that, ‘daddy (which is me) has a decent character and his conscience is clean. Because of my relationship of Christ, I know how to speak to people; I know how to always tell the truth.  Every move I make, I consult with The Lord in prayer; every decision I take, I look unto The Lord for guidance and direction. The love I have for Jesus, is similar to the love I express on my wife… It’s genuine and true.

DBM: How do you tell the difference between the Will of GOD and your own agenda for yourself and the church?

Easton: I am persistent in seeking and knowing His Will and guidance. And I know I’m growing spiritually each day with Him to strengthen our relationship. What I know is, whatever God wills will come to pass, regardless of what I think or do. Nothing I do or say affects God’s ultimate plans. I flow with God, and because of that I understand His nature and character. This has enabled me to go after what He desires of me in all situations.

DBM: What is your all-time favorite Bible passage?

Easton: Matthew chapter 6, verse 31 to 34, ‘So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own’.

DBM: Why this particular passage?

Easton: I am a believer of the fact that, my God shall provide, because He’s on my side. That’s why I hardly worry about things that are beyond my control.

DBM: Many of your colleagues are abusing their authority, embezzling church funds, are into sexual indiscretions; they’re lying, exaggerating on issues, giving false prophesies and interpretations; playing mind games on their congregants, all because they feel they can get away with it. Are you doing any of that, and what’s your take on what is happening with most church leaderships?

Easton: I live in a five-bedroom house built by my dad. It was willed to me. My late father was a physician in the UK. He had two children, I and my sister. My sister resides in his other home in London, with her family. It’s the money he left me that I used in building this church. Monies from the church does not come to me. The church has a board managing its affairs. The members of the board are all professionals with their individual careers, aside their love for the things of God. They are not paid by the church. They volunteer their professional services to keep the church running. Just like any other church, we need money to operate our facility, that is why we have a system to collect donations. These monies are partly used to pay me, the church staff, bills within the church, and some allocated for specific outreach programs. Departments and ministries within the church submit their budgets, and we give some of these monies to them to operate. 30% off the total financial donations is set aside to push the benevolence fund. It is strictly to help our church members in need. Our obligation as a church is to God, the neighborhood we fellowship in, and the members of the church.

DBM: How much are you paid a month?

Easton: Almost 4,800 Ghs

DBM: Are you part of those cheating on their wives and lying/pretending about it?

Easton: I have never known any other woman intimately, but my wife. I made a promise to God, in the presence of other witnesses to love my wife, comfort and honor her; I promised to keep only to her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others – by being faithful to only her as long as we both shall live. This promise, I have no intention of breaking. And it has nothing to do with me being a pastor or Christian. It has everything to do with me being a man of my word. A man can be trusted if he’s managed to keep this very important vow. I will trust a politician who has kept this vow. I will trust a church leader who has kept this vow. I will trust the ordinary man who is keeping this vow. My son ought to see his dad live in truth, so through it, see honor and integrity as an attribute worth chasing.

DBM: I know people who are trying to live an upright life the best way possible for GOD, yet are trodden underfoot. I see and know preachers using their authority to take advantage of vulnerable people.

Easton: God will judge every single one of them according to their deeds. They will reap whatever they’ve sown. They will get their due even if they seem to be progressing day in and out. Their days on earth are like a shadow; they will come but go quickly. You will find this scripture in Ps. 102:11

DBM: Why do you fear the Lord?

Easton: Because eternal life is my goal. I look forward to justice winning and evil being vanquished.

DBM: What do you make of what I do with my Facebook account?

Easton: There’s a calling on your life, David. And how you’re managing your Facebook space is part of what I believe God wants you to do. Allow people to share with you what is on their minds. Do not let them edit its details and contents. Let them speak their truth. Let them come as they are. For nothing at all, my wife and I prayer for each participant we read about on your page. You’ve developed the tenacity to keep on keeping on, and so David Bondze-Mbir, keep on keeping on.

DBM: I have this one important question on my mind. I don’t know how to ask it because I don’t want to talk about it. You’re a pastor, figure out what it is, and address it accordingly to my hearing.

Easton: There is no conditionality in God’s love for you. He loves you no less than He loves me. Just as you are, He will meet you in the place of your need. And when that need is met to your satisfaction, whether or not people approve, you’re still a child of God. God knows what you are like, He understand your heart and believes you deserve all that is beautiful to gladden your heart. That is actually the good news you need to hold on to. Nothing else matters.

DBM: Noted!

Image Credit: Cottonbro studio