In the small town of Ahero, Kisumu County, Mercy Atieno was known as a prayerful woman. Every morning before opening her food kiosk near the bus stage, she prayed. Every Sunday, she sat on the front bench at New Hope Ministries, listening carefully to the word of God. Life had not been kind to her lately. Her marriage had collapsed quietly, her business was struggling, and peace had left her heart. Still, she believed prayer would save her.
The one person she trusted most was Pastor Daniel Ouma. He was respected, well-spoken, and always dressed in a clean suit. When Mercy cried in his office during the day, he prayed for her with confidence. He told her God would restore her joy. He told her tears would not last forever. Mercy believed him. She did not know that while she was kneeling in prayer during the day, betrayal was being planned in the dark.
