That's how the dictator pays him. Of course, your army is disbanded and foreign soldiers are stationed in every neighborhood. Your church can only operate under the direction of the dictator. If your church leaders want to propose a new program, they must appeal to the dictator for permission. Those who oppose the new government are summarily disciplined or executed.
Circumstances seem to indicate that they are the worst of times.
Let's move ahead 30 years. A man comes on the scene who seems to be a savior. Finally, someone arrives who might be able to deliver the nation from this oppression. But just as you think he's going to make his move, he is publicly executed. All but one of his followers forsake him.