For years, Agnes, a single mother, had hoped and prayed for a loving husband, a peaceful home, and a secure life for her child. When she met a senior reverend on Facebook, she believed her prayers had been answered. The man, respected for his leadership in the church and renowned for his sermons, appeared to be compassionate, godly, and attentive a true spiritual guide.
Yet the relationship that started with hope and promise quickly turned abusive. Agnes shared that the reverend leveraged his spiritual influence to control her actions, isolate her from friends, and manipulate her emotions. “I thought I had finally found a righteous husband, but all I got was pain,” Agnes said. “I became someone I didn’t recognize angry, bitter, and doubtful about God and the church.”
Her painful experience underscores a concerning reality: some religious figures misuse their authority to take advantage of those seeking love, guidance, or stability. Agnes’s faith was deeply shaken; she could no longer pray or attend church without feeling hurt and betrayed. “Just hearing the word ‘pastor’ filled me with anguish,” she revealed.
Now, she is slowly rebuilding her life and sharing her story to caution others, especially single mothers, about trusting self-proclaimed men of God too readily. Agnes hopes her testimony will encourage others to be vigilant and protect themselves from similar exploitation, showing that faith and love must be approached with discernment and care.
By Nairobi