The tension in the village reached Samuel's home. Though Grace remained steady in her faith, Samuel wrestled with doubt, and their difference began to show. What once was quiet agreement now became whispered arguments when they thought I could not hear.
One evening, after dinner, Grace spoke softly to Samuel as the children played in the corner. "Your heart is troubled. Why do you let Elias' words shake you? Have you not seen Alfred's prayers answered? Have you not felt the peace in this house since he came?"
Samuel sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. "Grace, I see all that. But I am also a man of this land. I have lived among these people for years. I know their fears, their questions. If Alfred is truly sent, then let God make it undeniable. Until then, I cannot silence the doubt."
Grace's voice grew firmer. "And what if denial blinds you when the truth is standing before you? Must you wait until the trumpet itself before you believe?"
Her words cut through the air like a blade. Samuel had no reply. He stood and walked out into the night, leaving silence behind him.
I remained seated, listening but not interfering. The burden I carried was not only for the village, but also for this household. They had taken me in, and now they too were being tested by the weight of my mission.
Later that night, as I prayed quietly, Grace knocked on my door. Her eyes were tired, but filled with determination.
"Alfred," she said, "do not let Samuel's doubt weaken you. I believe God sent you here. I believe you are meant for this time. Even if the whole village mocks, you will not stand alone."
I thanked her gently, assuring her that I bore no resentment toward Samuel. "Doubt is like a storm," I said. "It shakes the trees, but it also reveals which roots are deep. Samuel will find his root in time."
The next day brought an unexpected challenge. A group of villagers came to Samuel's house. Among them was Elias, and with him two other elders. They demanded to speak with me.
When I stepped outside, Elias spoke first. "Alfred, your presence has stirred this village. Some say you are a prophet, others call you a deceiver. We cannot allow division to grow unchecked. Tonight, you will come to the council house and speak before us all. There, we will judge whether you are truly sent—or whether you should leave this place."
Samuel looked startled, but I nodded calmly. "If that is what must be, then I will come. But remember this—truth is not judged by numbers. Whether you believe or not, the trumpet will still sound."
Elias' eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more. They left with solemn faces, leaving behind an air of heaviness.
That evening, Samuel's home was quiet. Grace prepared the children for bed while Samuel sat silently by the fire. Finally, he looked up and spoke to me.
"Alfred, I did not want this. I do not know what the council will say. Some may call for you to leave. If they do, I…" His voice faltered. "I don't know what I will do."
I placed a hand on his arm. "Samuel, do not fear. If God sent me, no council can send me away. If He has not sent me, then I deserve to leave. The test is not for me alone—it is for this village, and for you."
Grace entered then, standing beside her husband. She spoke with quiet strength. "We will go with you. Whatever happens, you will not walk into that council house alone."
The fire crackled as silence settled once more. I lifted my heart in prayer, knowing that the path was narrowing. The house that had once been a shelter now stood at a crossroad, divided between belief and doubt. Yet I knew the division was not the end, but the beginning of a greater revelation soon to come.