Chapter 42: The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

…continued from 20 June 2026…

FIRST TIME HERE? NO PROBLEM – START AT THE BEGINNING – WARNING YOU WILL BECOME ADDICTED TO THE STORY.

However, despite them living about 20kms away in the affluent suburb of Blaauwberg Ridge, Stanley insisted that they attend the Parkwood community church which was comprised of a roughly 80% Coloured majority, the remaining 20% being black and white church-goers.

Aletta felt she could not object, lest Stanley think she was being racist. But, as it turned out, they both enjoyed the lively and engaging spirit of the services and the boisterous interactions of the church-goers. Stanley’s charisma attracted people to him naturally and soon he was being offered all kinds of leadership positions at the church. All of which he declined. He also insisted that Aletta decline her many offers to sing or read or participated in fund-raising activities for the church.

The community was aware of who Stanley was and nobody forced the issue with either him or Aletta once they declined the initial invitation. Now, however, Stanley saw the opportunity quite clearly. The pastor had asked the church to remember Whitney in their prayers and although she had been killed over a month ago, the wounds were still raw among the people.

Stanley stared ahead of him, not really focused on anything. He felt Aletta’s hand warm in his. If anyone had been looking at his face, they would have perceived an imperceptible smile as he marveled at Johan’s idea to involve the churches. Shawn had met with him just a week ago to deliver the first batch of cash, and to share the idea of using the church.

Themba insisted on going to church regularly as well, not every Sunday though, because sometimes when Whitey had a hangover or was in a bad mood on a Sunday morning, he would, just out of spite, Themba believed, demand that he not go to church. 

 On the occasions that he “allowed” Themba to go to church, or when he “didn’t give a shit about it,” he insisted that Lucky accompany Themba.  

Themba was okay with this arrangement as long as Lucky kept his distance and did not sit next to him during the service. Themba had made the acquaintance of a group of ladies at the church with whom he enjoyed regular girl talk which centred around scripture and generic girlie things.

Themba knew that the women were merely indulging him out of a fear to remain on Whitey’s good side, but he didn’t really care. He enjoyed pretending and sometimes they did actually discuss serious issues like one of the women who had succumbed to the demon of infidelity.

Continued tomorrow 22 June 2026, before 12pm

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