Conversion - Part I

"But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language (Colossians 3:8 NLT)."

Slyvan looked over his small hometown of Wilkenheller and grinned. Today was the day he would make other people suffer like he had. He held magical powers his whole life, which had caused him to be shunned and rejected. Mayor Clayde Evermont demanded that the folks in town could only be saved by attending his personal church and bowing before him, and that magical folks like Slyvan were meant to be looked down on as corrupt beings. The people were manipulated into staying in the terrible conditions the mayor left for them, while he lived with everything he desired. Slyvan may have been driven out of town, but he efficiently learned how to use his powers in his four years of exile. Feeling fully confident with his skills, he was ready to make the mayor pay. He used some of his magic to make himself invisible, and then slipped into the mayor's extravagant church building during an active service.

"My friends, you can be forgiven of your sins, and you can live a great life forever. All you have to do, is bow before me and give your earnings to this church!"

Slyvan observed the mayor on a shiny golden stage, sitting on a giant throne. His audience was cheering in their places, which were ragged camping chairs. He cringed at how easily manipulated they were, then smiled a twisted smile. Slyvan then walked onto the stage before the mayor and became visible for all to see.

"You, I banished you from our wonderful town!" Mayor Evermont yelled. "Take your horrible magic and leave once again!"

"Sure Mr. Mayor, but let the crowd here see some of my horrible magic in action first. My friends, I am going to cast a spell that will impact many around the world. Those that are making poor choices will find themselves transforming into the monstrosities that they truly are. If the mayor is unaffected, then you may continue to believe in him. And here we go!"

The mayor fell to his knees, screaming in pain. His arms turned into vicious snakes, and fangs soon grew all over his face. The crowd screamed and ran out of the church.

"Apologies Mr. Mayor, it seems they don't care for the real you!" Slyvan jeered. "And no one is going to save you!"

"I will help him." A young man said as he walked into the church. "In honor of the name of my Lord Jesus, I will use my magical abilities to heal this man!"

The fangs vanished, and the mayor's arms returned to normal.

"Well done son!" Mayor Evermont exclaimed. "Now let us banish this troublemaker together, and bring my followers back to worship me once again!"

"No, I won't do that!" The young man countered. "It is true that Slyvan needs to change his ways, but so do you! My faith helped me to stop traveling down the wrong path, and it can help both of you as well! May I share my story with you?"

To be continued....