The bustling of the congregation filled my heart with gladness. We were more in number than we were at last Sunday's service. This meant more people were turning to God. Alas, my work was not in vain. The jingle of the bell signaled service was about to begin and we all settled down.

I kept zoning out during the service because I couldn't contain excitement. My husband stood at the altar preaching the Good News to the congregation. I felt like my heart might burst from the pride swelling up in it. He was the epitome of righteousness; pure and without sin.

It was this purity that attracted me to him. Gideon and I met 7 years ago at a holy convention. He was a young vibrant man who was dedicated to saving lost souls. When he spoke, I was enthralled by his aura and I knew he was the one made for me.

We talked after his session where I kept gushing about how his was a true calling and he responded with a shy blush. A few days later, we had our first date. Ours was a love that grew out of a common interest. We soon got married and when he told me 3 years ago that he was ordained as a Holy Man to head a Parish, my heart leaped for joy.

Our lives have been fulfilling as we have dedicated all that we were to the cause. I was proud of my husband. When we first came here, there were less than 50 members but today, we can boast of over 200 members.

The loud chorus of Amen woke me from my trance and I wasn't surprised to see that the service had ended.

“The sermon was great, Honey," I said, to which he responded with a peck on my forehead. He was my sweet man and I bless God every day for the blessing.

Some of the members came to say hello as usual before we left for home. Amongst them was Deacon Elijah who was the eldest man in our parish and a father figure to Gideon.

“Did you both hear about the man the police found recently?" He asked

Gideon and I looked at each other in confusion because we hadn't heard anything.

“The police found another man last night. Actually, they found his body parts in the garbage dump and from what I heard, they are still looking for his head.”

I gasped at the news, not because it was strange but because the killings were still happening. It all began about a year ago when dismembered body parts began showing up all across different towns, including ours. All without the head. Those poor souls killed in such a horrific way made my heart weep. I felt Gideon squeeze my hands and I rubbed his to assure him that I was safe.

“You both stay safe and if you see anything strange, don't hesitate to call the police.”

We thanked him for his care and said our goodbyes. After ensuring we had seen every member who had stayed behind off, Gideon and I went home. We lived in a cozy two-bedroom flat with a garden at the back not far away from the Parish. We were content with the simple life that we led. Every day was a miracle and we cherished our time together.

That night when we sat outside after dinner, Gideon conveyed his worries about the killings. He was worried about my safety and I made every effort to assure him that I was safe.

“Honey, nothing will happen to me. I never go anywhere alone and if it would put your mind to rest, I'll stay home tomorrow.”

He wrapped his arms around me as if to keep me safe.

“No, you have to be at the conference. This is important to you and I wouldn't hold you back.”

The conference he spoke of was meant for the regional women who were interested in preaching the word of God. It was one I'd been planning for years and was just approved by the Mother Parish.

“Hopefully, the police can put a stop to it by catching whoever is responsible”

The night when we made love, he was extra gentle. Treating me like a fragile doll that would break if he moved too hard. I spent the entire night and the better part of the morning putting his mind at ease.

We soon said our goodbyes as it was time to leave. The conference was held two towns away from ours and it took a total of 3 hours to get there. Gideon and I kept in touch the entire way. It wasn't until he had ensured that I was safely tucked in my hotel room that he let me prepare for the conference.

Night came quicker than I expected and the conference began. It was a success and the turnout was more than I could ever have imagined. I shared my happy news with Gideon who promised me a celebration once I got home.

Everything was going according to plan which meant my cause was a righteous one. I checked out of the hotel room and drove back to town to share the good news with someone else. I got to my destination with excitement brewing in my heart. The place was quiet and my guest was situated exactly where I expected her to be.

“Good news, young lady. My conference was a huge success." I sang

She remained silent and kept staring at me with disdain glowing in her eyes.

“I see you haven't learned your lesson yet"

She was stubborn. The others would start begging for their lives after 3 days but this one has been here for almost a week now and she hadn't begged.

I met Elizabeth by chance when I overheard her talking to her lover about having an abortion. I was so angry that when I ambushed them both, I killed her lover on the spot without giving him the chance to repent. A chance I was gracious enough to give this bitch, yet she threw it back in my face.

She had spent 7 days in captivity with little to survive on yet she didn't budge.

“Last chance, Sinner. Confess and let God purge you of your iniquities"

I was an avenger of God, punishing people who had committed horrendous sins and sending their souls to hell.

“May your soul burn in hell!" I spat and got ready for what was about to come next. I switched on the sawing machine and noticed that the sound of it got her to react. She screamed and tried to run but was too weak to do so. I dragged her by her feet and placed her on the edge of the machine.

“This is going to sting," I screamed before sliding her head first through the sharp metal blade. Her screams were music to my ears and she was dead within seconds with crumbs of her brain splattered everywhere. I proceeded to chop her body into smaller pieces and got ready to dispose of them. It was when I was cleaning up that I realized I hadn't taken a souvenir. All the bodies were without a head because I kept them in my refrigerator to keep count of the number of souls I had saved.

“I guess there's a first time for everything," I giggled

Well, that was that and until I found the next soul to save, I'd spend my time with my husband trying to make babies.