Last Friday, after more than eight years of attending court hearings, my pastor Dr Ben Mankhili was finally declared innocent of a rape charge.
The moment was extraordinary. As the judge delivered his final ruling, he quoted scripture: “Jesus was falsely accused, and Pilate the judge saw no wrongdoing on his side. In the same way, I see no wrongdoing on your side. The case is dismissed.”
The courtroom erupted in jubilation. Yet one figure stood out — a man who fell to his knees, overwhelmed by tears, whispering his gratitude to God. That man was my pastor.
The case that tested his faith
For readers who may not know the background: my pastor was accused of raping a young woman he had tried to help. She was stranded, walking alone, and in his heart — as a pastor — he could not leave her without offering assistance.
“To me, being a pastor is not a profession but a calling,” he explained. “That was how the devil tried to attack me. Remember, the Bible says: many are the afflictions of the righteous.” This accusation became the burden he carried for eight long years — until the truth finally prevailed.
A journey of tears and strength
“Pastor, this must have been one of the most difficult times of your life. Can you share some highlights of that journey?” I asked.
For the first time, I saw a side of him I had never known. Instead of answering, he wept bitterly. I hesitated, unsure how to console him, and suggested we postpone. But he gathered himself and said, “Please don’t go. Let’s proceed. Just remember — the case lasted eight years. I may not recall everything in one sitting, but I will try.”
Faith amidst public shame
I asked how he managed to remain calm and continue preaching throughout the ordeal, despite the rumours.
“You are right,” he replied. “The news was everywhere — even on national radio — filled with malicious claims meant to destroy my name. Wherever I went, conversations shifted to me as ‘the rapist pastor.’ I eventually accepted that as my new title,” he said.
“How I survived? Only God knows. I have been a pastor for over 40 years, with theological training and many other qualifications. But life itself is the greatest teacher. When the Bible says Paul and Silas sang in prison instead of crying, I now understand. God shielded me from the enemy’s attacks. That is all I can say.”
Wrestling with fear
I pressed further: “Did the thought of losing the case ever cross your mind?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “Not because I doubted my innocence — I knew I was innocent. But we do not live in a perfect world. Just as Joseph was falsely accused and jailed, many innocent people languish in prison today while the guilty walk free. Justice often depends on financial strength. Sometimes I feared, but faith always lifted me. Now I understand the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their bravery cannot be taught in school or theology — it comes directly from God. I too was strengthened by Christ.”
The family’s burden
When I asked how his family coped, his voice grew heavy. “That was the hardest part. I could endure personal attacks, but when people targeted my family, it cut deep. After the story was announced on national radio, the ordeal weighed heavily on my children. One of my daughters began to struggle, turning to alcohol, and my son — who had always excelled with A’s — saw his marks drop drastically. It was painful to watch, because the stigma reached beyond me and touched those I love most. Yet even in that valley, I held on to faith, trusting that God would restore what was broken.”
No bitterness, only peace
Finally, I asked if he felt bitterness toward his accuser.
“No,” he said firmly. “Instead, I feel a peace I cannot explain — the peace God promised, the peace that surpasses all understanding.”
We spoke for more than an hour, but space does not allow me to share everything today. Next week, I will continue with more insights from Pastor Ben’s remarkable testimony of faith, resilience, and divine protection.