FROM SHADOWS TO SANCTUARY

 I AM GALAVAN LODEC

(From Shadows to Sanctuary)

An Epic Monologue 

By:

ANDREW PENTOH

Introduction

This epic monologue brings to life the voice and mind of Galavan Lodec, a man whose life journey is a testament to the unyielding spirit of human resilience and the transformative power of faith. From the streets of Kisumu to the hallowed halls of ministry, Galavan's path was fraught with challenges, yet illuminated by moments of divine grace and unexpected kindness.

Born into a world of uncertainty and raised in a home where he was not truly welcomed, Galavan faced abandonment, hardship, and homelessness. Yet, his indomitable will and unwavering faith guided him through the darkest of times. With each trial, he emerged stronger, his resolve fortified by the belief that his life had a greater purpose.

Galavan's journey is marked by a series of extraordinary encounters and providential opportunities. From being taken in by a compassionate Ugandan trader, Mohammed, who provided him with a new home and the chance to pursue an education, to his serendipitous acceptance into Makerere University, his life is a vivid tapestry of perseverance and divine intervention.

The narrative follows his transformation from a struggling student to a dedicated monk in the Greek Orthodox Church, and later, his return to Kenya where he faced further trials, including betrayal and loss. Yet, through it all, Galavan's faith never wavered. His encounter with Apostle Darlan Rukih, a visionary leader and Bride of the Lamb, was a turning point that led him to his true calling as a priest in the Bride of the Lamb Ministries International.

In these pages, Galavan shares his heart-wrenching yet inspiring story with raw honesty and profound insight. His tale is not just about the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, but also about the relentless quest for identity and belonging. As you read, you will be moved by his courage, inspired by his faith, and reminded of the boundless potential of the human spirit.

This monologue is a tribute to all those who have faced adversity with grace and strength. It is a story that resonates with the universal themes of hope, redemption, and the search for truth. Whether you are seeking inspiration, solace, or simply a story of incredible human endurance, Galavan Lodec's journey will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

The title encapsulates the transformative journey from hardship and uncertainty to a place of peace and purpose.

Galavan Lodec's story is a beacon of hope for all who believe in the power of faith and the possibility of redempti

Endorsements:

"An extraordinary journey of faith and resilience. Galavan Lodec's story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit." ~ Apostle Darlan Rukih

"A moving and inspirational narrative that reminds us of the boundless possibilities of faith and pernseverance." ~ Dr. Jane Doe, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University

"Galavan Lodec's monologue is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all who read it." ~ Rev. John Smith, Anglican Orthodox Church

DEDICATION 

This monologue is dedicated to all who believe in the power of faith, resilience, and the human spirit. May it inspire others to overcome their challenges, seek their truth, and embrace the boundless possibilities of their own journeys.

(Through the voice of Andrew Pentoh)

To all the souls who have faced adversity and emerged stronger,

To the unsung heroes who offer kindness and support in the most unexpected ways,

To those in search of their true identity and purpose,

And to the unwavering spirit of faith that guides us through the darkest times,

This monologue is dedicated to you.

(Rev. Lodec's masterpiece)

To all the souls who wander in search of belonging,

To the resilient hearts that continue to beat despite the harshest trials,

To the guiding lights of faith that lead us through the darkest nights,

And to those who find strength in the stories of others.

The dedication also sparks the memory of my beloved mother, whose love and sacrifice I may never fully know, but whose spirit has always been with me.

To my foster parents, Mohammed and his wife, whose kindness and guidance transformed my life.

To Apostle Darlan Rukih, whose unwavering faith and support showed me the true path to redemption and service.

And finally, to all the readers who embark on this journey with me. May you find hope, inspiration, and the courage to face your own trials.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(Through the voice of Rev. Lodec)

In sharing this monologue, I am deeply aware that my journey has been shaped and supported by many inviduals and communities. I owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have guided, encouraged, and inspired me along the way.

First and foremost, I thank Apostle Darlan Rukih, whose unwavering faith and compassion provided me with a spiritual home and a renewed purpose. Your guidance and friendship have been a beacon of light in my life, and your vision has transformed countless lives, including my own.

To my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mohammed, your kindness and generosity in my time of need were instrumental in my survival and growth. Your decision to take me in and provide for my education laid the foundation for the man I have become.

To my dear sisters and brothers at St. Darlan Rukih Mission, meeting you has filled a void in my heart that I had long carried. Your stories and memories have connected me to my roots and given me a deeper sense of identity.

To all the educators and mentors at Kabalege SSS High School, Makerere University and Moi University, your dedication to teaching and your belief in my potential have been invaluable. Special thanks to the then Vice Chancellor of Makerere University for recognizing my potential and providing me with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

To the community of the Bride of the Lamb Ministries International, your faith and support have been a constant source of strength. Together, we have built a family that transcends bloodlines and borders, united by our shared commitment to serving God and humanity.

To my former wife, Linn Addah, our time together was marked by both joy and hardship. Despite the challenges, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience and forgiveness.

To the countless individuals who have crossed my path, especially the writer of this monologue, Andrew Pentoh ~ friends, colleagues, and strangers—each of you has contributed to my journey in ways both big and small. Your kindness, wisdom, and support have been crucial to my growth and success.

Finally, I thank God for His unwavering presence in my life. Through every trial and triumph, His guidance and grace have been my anchor.

Purpose of Writing

The purpose of writing this monologue stems from my own tumultuous life journey, one marked by torment from spirits and demons. Throughout my struggles, I believed my past to be irreparably wrecked. It was during this dark period that I met priest Galavan Lodec, who would become a dear friend.

In sharing my sad story with the Priest, I discovered that his own past was filled with trials and tribulations far beyond my imagination. He revealed to me the depths of his suffering, from being abandoned and rejected to enduring homelessness and uncertainty about his true identity. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Galavan emerged from his past with unwavering faith and resilience, ultimately becoming a priest.

What touched me most profoundly was learning that Galavan never knew his own parents and his home. His story, filled with moments of divine grace and relentless perseverance, needed to be told. Inspired by his strength and the transformative power of his faith, I decided to script this monologue.

This monologue serves multiple purposes:

To Share Galavan's Inspiring Journey 

Galavan's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome immense adversity. By sharing his journey, I hope to inspire others who may be facing their own struggles, reminding them that hope and redemption are always within reach.

To Reveal the Unseen Sacrifice

 Galavan's life is marked by the sacrifices of those who took him in and guided him along the way. This monologue acknowledges and honors their kindness, compassion, and the role they played in his transformation.

To Highlight the Quest for Identity

 Galavan's story underscores the universal quest for identity and belonging. It raises important questions about origins, family, and the search for one's true home, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected.

To Preserve an Untold Story

Galavan's narrative is unique and powerful, deserving to be recorded and shared with the world. By documenting his past, I ensure that his experiences and lessons are preserved for future generations.

To Inspire Faith and Resilience

Through Galavan's unwavering faith and resilience, readers are encouraged to find strength in their own beliefs and to persevere through life's challenges. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for all who seek redemption and purpose.

In scripting this monologue, my aim is to bring light to Galavan's incredible story, providing a source of inspiration and strength to all who read it. It is a reminder that no matter how tumultuous one's journey may be, faith and resilience can lead to redemption and a life of purpose.

Andrew Pentoh.

Prologue 

In a world where the past often casts long shadows over the present, the story of Galavan Lodec emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. Born into uncertainty and thrust into a life marked by abandonment, hardship, and unrelenting trials, Galavan's journey from the streets of Kisumu to the sacred halls of ministry is nothing short of extraordinary. This monologue chronicles the life of a man who, despite being denied the warmth of a biological family and the comfort of a stable home, found strength in faith and purpose in service.

Galavan's path was neither straight nor simple. From the moment he was taken from the hospital by a mysterious woman, to his upbringing in the home of Mzee Edward Okwiri, and through the turbulent years of homelessness and survival, each chapter of his life tested his spirit. Yet, it was in these very moments of darkness that the seeds of resilience were sown. Through education, chance encounters, and the unwavering support of unlikely benefactors, Galavan's life was transformed.

As you delve into this narrative, you will walk alongside Galavan through the dusty streets of Kenya, the bustling markets of Uganda, and the revered sanctuaries of Italy. You will witness his struggles and triumphs, his moments of doubt and his unwavering faith. You will meet the individuals who played pivotal roles in his journey, from the compassionate Mohammed who became a father figure, to Apostle Darlan Rukih, whose spiritual guidance became Galavan's beacon of light.

This is not just the story of one man's journey to priesthood; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith, the importance of community, and the unyielding spirit of human resilience. It is a story that speaks to the universal quest for belonging, identity, and purpose. As you listen to Galavan Lodec's tale, may you find inspiration to face your own challenges, seek your own truths, and embrace the boundless possibilities of your own journey. The narrator plays the position of the protagonist; he voices and characterize the Galavan Lodec.

Welcome to the story of Galavan Lodec, a journey of faith and redemption.

I AM GALAVAN LODEC

Andrew Pentoh 

Phase I 

I am Galavan Lodec, the endorsed priest at St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International. My journey to this sacred vocation is a tapestry woven with threads of sorrow, resilience, and an unwavering quest for truth. It is a story of a soul cast adrift in a sea of uncertainty, yet finding its way to the shores of purpose.

I was born in Hospital Russia in Kisumu City, a place shrouded in the mist of forgotten years. My birth, an event marked not by the joyous cries of a welcoming family, but by the hands of an unknown woman who took me from the hospital. This woman, whose name is lost to time, entrusted me to her sister before passing into the realm of the ancestors. Her sister, burdened with the weight of another's child, faced the wrath of her husband who rejected me outright.

Thus, my earliest memories are of the home of Mzee Edward Okwiri and his daughter, Elizabeth Okwiri, in Kano, Kisumu County. I believed them to be my biological parents, their home my own. It was in this place that my eyes first opened to the world, a world filled with the warmth of the sun and the laughter of a sister who shared my early years. We attended primary and later secondary school together, but even in those formative years, a shadow loomed over my existence.

The kindness shown to their daughter contrasted sharply with the harsh treatment meted out to me. The beatings, the false accusations—each act of cruelty a silent confirmation of my deepest fears. I did not belong. One night, past the witching hour, I overheard Elizabeth speaking to her father, "Don't chase the boy away; he should be beaten to death. After all, he doesn't belong to us." These words, whispered in the dead of night, ignited a spark within me—a burning need to uncover the truth of my origins.

My search for answers was met with dead ends and silence. The faces of my real parents, mere ghosts in my dreams, offered no solace. The somber moments of my boyhood were spent in the grip of this unending quest. In 1995, the fragile peace of my existence shattered. Mzee Okwiri, incensed by a minor mistake, chased me from his homestead. "Do not let me find you here again, or I will end your life," he warned, and with those words, I became homeless.

Homeless, yet not hopeless. My determination to continue my education burned brighter than ever. Nights were spent on trees and fields, the stars my only companions. I persisted through the hardships, driven by a force greater than my suffering. In 1997, I sat for my KCPE exams, a milestone reached through sheer will and divine grace.

After completing my KCPE, I was determined to continue my education despite the odds. I sought out those who claimed to be my grandparents, hoping to find some semblance of family. They told me I didn’t belong there and that my parents were unknown. Faced with this harsh reality, I made the difficult decision to carve out my own path in life. My plan was simple: raise enough money to enroll myself in secondary school.

In 1998, I found work as a caretaker of an apartment in Kano, Kisumu. The job provided a roof over my head, but it wasn’t enough to fund my education. In 2001, I tried my hand at drilling boreholes, hoping this would be the breakthrough I needed. However, fate had other plans, and my attempts to join secondary school continued to fail. 

By the year 2000, the weight of my circumstances became unbearable. With nowhere else to turn, I became a street boy. I wandered the streets, begging for food and sleeping wherever I could find shelter. It was a harsh existence, but it was during these trying times that I learned the true depth of human resilience.

One day, while wandering the town, I saw a Muslim man, a Somali hawker, at a cafeteria. He had many pairs of shoes he was selling. I approached him, hoping to ask for leftovers. To my surprise, he left some food on his plate and walked away, leaving a pair of shoes under the table. As I cleared the leftovers, the thought of selling the shoes for money crossed my mind. However, my conscience prevailed, and I decided to find the man and return his shoes.

It took almost an entire day, but I finally found him. I explained that he had left a pair of shoes behind and asked him to come with me to retrieve them. Initially, he judged me by my appearance and declined, but my persistence paid off. When he finally came with me and got his shoes, he was impressed. 

He asked what I needed. I could have asked for food or money, but instead, I asked for help. I narrated my story, explaining that I was homeless. He asked if I could hawk, and I agreed. This man, Mohammed, was Ugandan. He took me to Uganda to be his sales partner.

When we arrived in Uganda, Mohammed introduced me to his wife. Childless and compassionate, she proposed that they parent me. It was then that I was given a new name, Mohammed, symbolizing a fresh start. They enrolled me at Kabalega SSS High School in 2000. My determination and intelligence allowed me to skip classes, and in 2004, I completed my KCSE.

Fate smiled upon me once again when the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University visited Kabalega SSS High School. After his function, the principal introduced him to me, explaining my situation. The Vice Chancellor saw potential in me and recommended that I be admitted to Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. It was a stroke of luck, as the university needed to fill that course at the time.

In 2006, while at the university, the Greek Orthodox Church Missionaries came to Uganda to establish their church. They needed a university student to serve as a monk, and I was chosen. My training towards becoming a monk began, marking a new chapter in my life.

Phase II

The years that followed were transformative. My time at Makerere University was not just about academic growth; it was a spiritual awakening. The teachings of theology deepened my understanding of faith, and my training as a monk imbued me with a sense of purpose and discipline. The Greek Orthodox Church became my sanctuary, a place where I could channel my experiences into service and devotion.

In the embrace of my new family, I found the love and acceptance I had longed for. Mohammed and his wife became the parents I never had, guiding me with wisdom and compassion. Their unwavering support allowed me to thrive, and their belief in me fueled my determination to succeed.

The journey to becoming a monk was a path laden with unexpected turns and profound transformations. It was a journey that began with the trust and hope placed in me by a group of Greek Orthodox Church missionaries: Alkan Dotertess, Hadaya Polimio, Cartalio Darmian, Artilio Ariosti, and Vincenzo Borgini. They chose me to serve as a monk in the Greek Orthodox Church in Uganda.

In November 2007, the time had come for me to leave my foster parents and officially take on my role as a monk. The Greeks, respectful of my foster parents' guardianship, asked them what they needed to fully hand me over. My foster parents requested wealth and a better homestead, and the Greeks granted their wish. With this agreement, I was set to embark on a new chapter of my life.

In August of that year, I traveled to Italy, where I was to be enthroned as a Lordress of Pope Benedicto Rosie Gel Parsuel. However, before this sacred ceremony, I underwent a rigorous three-month drug test. My youthful appearance, marked by a lack of beards and a baby face, had raised suspicions about my age. Once I passed the test, I was accepted and formally took on my new role.

During my time in Italy, I worked diligently, growing both spiritually and financially. By 2009, I had reached a level of financial stability and felt a calling to return home. However, the Pope denied my request to leave Italy. Determined to return, I began making plans to escape, which led the Pope to install a tracking device in my body.

Despite these challenges, I founded Gransa Academy in 2009, an institution that quickly grew to serve 1,800 learners. Yet, my desire to return to my roots persisted. The Pope, wanting me back in Italy, handed over the administration of the academy to the Government of Uganda amidst a period of chaos.

When I finally managed to leave Italy, I encountered American missionaries who welcomed me into the Anglican Orthodox Church. The church’s doctrine required me to be married in order to serve fully. This requirement prompted me to return to Uganda in 2013, seeking my foster parents’ assistance in finding a suitable partner.

To my dismay, they sent me back to Kenya, claiming they had no authority to preside over my wedding since they weren't my real parents. With a heavy heart, I returned to the home I had once escaped from, where I was met with surprise. Despite the unresolved anger from past molestations, I proceeded to ask them for land. They had none to offer, so I turned to my supposed grandfather. He too denied any familial connection but offered me land in Kano, Kisumu.

With the help of a kind lady named Nyar Oduol, I acquired a Kenyan Identification Card and began to build a new life. I constructed a house in Kano, finding a semblance of stability amidst the turmoil of my past.

Each step of my journey has been marked by trials and tribulations, yet also by moments of profound grace and unexpected kindness. From the streets of Kisumu to the sacred halls of Italy, and back to the heart of Kenya, my path has been one of relentless pursuit for truth and belonging.

The land in Kano became more than just a place to live; it was a symbol of my resilience and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. With each brick laid and each wall erected, I was building not just a house, but a sanctuary where I could finally find peace.

My return to the homeland, the land of my birth, brought with it a sense of closure and new beginnings. Despite the challenges, despite the rejections and the betrayals, I held onto the hope that I could forge a new destiny, one defined not by my past but by the possibilities of the future.

Phase III

In 2014, life took yet another turn. I returned to Makerere University, and amidst the hustle and bustle of campus life, I met Linn Addah, a campus beauty queen from Nigeria. Love knows no bounds, and soon, Linn and I were wed. With my newfound love, my urge to serve as a monk in the Anglican Orthodox Church began to wane. Instead, I shifted my focus towards education, enrolling at Moi University for a bachelor's degree in Education Arts in 2014.

Linn and I began to build our lives together. I opened a laptop retail shop for her while I continued my studies. We built an apartment in Kisumu, a symbol of our growing success. But beneath the surface, dark currents were brewing. Linn became involved in drug trafficking, selling cocaine through international networks. One day, without my knowledge, she sold all the stock from the shop and left for America, enticed by a lucrative opportunity. There, she found a new suitor.

When I discovered her betrayal, my world crumbled. I reflected on my tumultuous journey and was consumed by thoughts of ending my life. But in my darkest hour, God held my hands, guiding me through the storm.

In 2018, I met Apostle Darlan Rukih, a servant of the Almighty God and an extraordinary individual who had seven different physical appearances. He preached the good news to me, and I poured out my heart, sharing my wrecked life story. His compassion and understanding were a balm to my wounded soul. He proposed that I serve as a priest in the Bride of the Lamb Ministries International, and I accepted.

During this time, my apartment in Kisumu was invaded by burglars. Torn between restructuring the apartment or abandoning it altogether, Apostle Darlan Rukih summoned me to the mission. He asked me to forget my past and all my belongings, and to serve God wholeheartedly. With only three clothes in my handbag and a few other belongings, I left everything behind and committed myself to the mission.

Meanwhile, Linn, the wife who had fled to America, was arrested and deported back to Kenya due to her criminal activities. She sought me out but could not find me. Eventually, she settled in our apartment in Kisumu, a stark reminder of the life I had left behind.

For years, I lied about my birth date, claiming I was born in the 90s. But Apostle Darlan Rukih prophesied that I was born in 1983, the same year my mother died after failing to find me. In the mission home, I found Mama Halen, who offered to be my mother, filling a void that had long been empty. While I still had no father, I had found a family in the mission home—people who served God with their hearts and souls, becoming my family in Christ and in body. I am well-off in spirit and in community.

As I stand here, sharing my journey with you, I realize that these questions may never be answered. Yet, my life is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. Each chapter of my story, filled with trials and triumphs, has shaped me into who I am today. 

To everyone here, let my story remind you that our past does not define us. It is our faith, our choices, and our perseverance that carve out our path. We may not have all the answers, but we can find purpose and meaning in our journey.

I stand before you as a survivor and a beacon of hope. My story is one of relentless pursuit, of finding family and faith in the unlikeliest of places. And while the questions of my origin remain, I have found peace and purpose in serving God and my community.

May my journey inspire you to seek your own path, to hold fast to your faith, and to believe in the boundless possibilities of the future. Together, we can create a world where every soul is valued, every dream is possible, and every life is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.

As I continued to serve in the Bride of the Lamb Ministries International, my heart began to heal from the scars of my past. The community I found here was not just a refuge but a source of strength. Each day was a testament to the power of faith, the grace of God, and the support of a loving spiritual family.

In the years that followed, I dedicated myself fully to my role as a priest. The mission home became my sanctuary, and the people there, my true family. We worked tirelessly to spread the message of Christ, love, hope, and redemption to all who would listen. The church grew, not just in numbers, but in spirit. We built schools and other social amenities, providing for the physical and spiritual needs of our community.

I am filled with gratitude for the trials that tested me, for the people who supported me, and for the faith that sustained me. My journey is far from over, but I am no longer driven by the questions of my past. Instead, I am guided by the hope and purpose of my present.

Phase IV

The journey from that point was fraught with trials, each one a crucible that forged my spirit. Fostered by Halen, a beacon of compassion in my turbulent life, I found a semblance of stability. She nurtured me, providing the support I desperately needed. Under her guidance, I began to see a path forward, one that led me towards a calling greater than myself.

My path to priesthood was neither straight nor simple. It was marked by moments of doubt and despair, yet also by profound revelations and spiritual awakenings. Each step was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering faith that guided me. As I delved deeper into my studies and spiritual training, I discovered a sense of belonging within the walls of St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International. Here, I was not just accepted; I was celebrated for who I was and for the journey that had brought me here.

Becoming the director of St. Darlan Rukih Academy was a culmination of this journey, a role that allowed me to give back to the community that had embraced me. It is in this capacity that I strive to be a beacon of hope for those who, like me, have known the sting of rejection and the ache of searching for their place in the world.

The journey was far from easy. There were moments of doubt and despair, but each challenge was a lesson in resilience. The streets had taught me to survive, but the church taught me to live with purpose. Every sermon, every act of service, reinforced my commitment to a higher calling.

Author's Remarks

 My sincere gratitude to Rev. Galavan Lodec for sharing his life story with me. To anyone who reads or listens to this documentary, know that no matter where you come from, no matter the trials you face, there is always a path forward. Embrace your journey and hold fast to your faith. We are all part of a greater story, one that is written with the ink of our experiences and the light of our dreams.

May this narrative inspire you to find your own path, to rise above your challenges, and to create a future filled with hope and purpose. Together, let us build a world where every soul is valued, every dream is possible, and every life is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.

About the Author 

Andrew Pentoh was born in  Suba, Homabay County in the year 1998. He completed his primary and secondary education and joined Kisii University in 2020 where he persued a bachelor's degree in Education and Human Resource Development. He specialized in Teaching English and Literature in secondary schools. He also undertaken anthology studies alongside literature. Currently, Pentoh is an accomplished anthologist who writes various documentaries designed to inspire his readers. Through his work, he continues to share stories that uplift and motivate, shedding light on the resilience of human spirit.