This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
As I reflect on my childhood, I recall the 'real' men of the cloth who left a lasting impression on me. These were the pastors and Christian Union members who embodied the true spirit of their faith.
My first encounter with a straight man of cloth was in my village, where I grew up believing that the devil was a hideous person with two sharp horns. The men of old would attend church every Sunday in sharp suits, accompanied by their wives and children. They were the real men of cloth who spread the good word before the gospel of planting seeds came.
One such pastor, who taught at Karugo Group of Schools, had a profound impact on me. He would walk around with a trumpet, blowing melodious blasts that made me feel closer to the prophet of old who went up to heaven in a horse chariot. He taught us a song called 'Binu Batata', which I still don't understand to this day.
Later, in high school, I encountered the Christian Union, a group of junior boys who were known for their impeccable dressing and well-trimmed nails. They were always impeccably dressed, kept short hair, and were more likely to report any signs of unrest to the higher authorities. We often joked that they formed a network of spies and traitors at the payroll of the headmaster.
However, not all Christian groups were as wholesome. The Young Catholic Students movement, affiliated to my denomination, was known for having trips to neighbouring girl schools, where some of the members kept a string of girlfriends. As a result, the movement attracted a huge following, including boys who had never set foot in a church compound in their entire lives.
Looking back, I realize that the 'real' men of the cloth were those who embodied the true spirit of their faith, without the trappings of wealth and power. They were the ones who inspired me to seek a life of purpose and meaning.
