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LIFE ENCOUNTER DRAMA

‘It is fire for fire!’ I told my husband to my regret

Introduction: Hello listeners, today’s life story is how a couple allowed the devil to strike in their home when least expected - after 25th anniversary of their blissful marriage.  God bless as you listen.

RONKE’S NARRATION: Adesola and I got married after two years of wonderful and frictionless courtship. The Lord so favoured our marriage that I took in the very month of the wedding and within six years we have had four children in quick successions.

Inspite of my husband's low education, he climbed to the management cadre in his office and my trading business  also flourished. So it is needless to say that our family was living comfortably. Our children were doing fine educationally and gifted especially in spiritual issues.

The first 25th year of the wedding was blissful and the anniversary celeberation was testimony galore.

Joy, however as people say, has slender body. And as if the devil has been waiting at the peak of our happiness, he struck. The crack in our home came as the divergence in our physique. My husband maintained his boyish posture and handsome face: looking ten years younger than his age.  I  however suddenly put on more weight could not maintain my elegant stature and stunning beauty that used to be admiration of many.

This didn't initially bother me and I never thought it could break my marriage. I used to laugh it off and tell people that  it was a sign of good living. I even bluntly told my husband the day he mentioned it. "Look, my beauty is for the Lord and not to impress anybody". He shrugged his shoulders, put on one of his boyish polo short and quietly went out.           

For a long time, the matter seemed to have died a natural death, but by the time it resurfaced, I was shocked to the marrow. His family had sown seeds of discord to his already confused mind.

I was coming back from my shop on that particular evening when I overheard the voice of one of my husband's uncles from the gate. Uncle Ade was one of my inlaws that I like and respected. So I was excited to meet and I hastened my steps, but was halted to an abrupt stop when I over-heard the words of his conversation with my husband:

                                               DRAMA

UNCLE (Fugitively)..."Shola I’m telling you this woman doesn't befit your status and prestige. You have got to marry another wife.

SHOLA: (Weakly): Uncle, I am telling you it is against our Church doctrine to do that.

REGINA (Shouts) Forget it, Brother Shola. Against your Church doctrine my foot. Is it the only Church in town. ( Hisses) All we are telling you Mama Kunle has expired her benefits.

UNCLE: (Persuasively) O.k. Shola,  what I  just want to demand from you is to give me go ahead and leave the whole arrangement to me.

REGINA (Mockingly) Abi, what about that if you are afraid of your wife (Determinedly)  But, she cannot hold you to a ransome with her yeye old-fashioned stature.

 UNCLE: Of course, that will be over my dead body

RONKE’S NARRATION: My head ached and my body shook violently.   When I couldn't contain it any longer, I bursted into the room and charged at my husband’s Uncle like a demon-possessed person.

 RONKE: (Violently) You big fool, how dare you?

SHOLA (Shakily) Hold it, Mama Kunle, Remember that you are a Christian..."

 RONKE: (Harshly) A Christian? So what? I should open my eyes for your useless people to scatter my home?

UNCLE ADE AND REGINA: (Burst into hysteria laughter) your home!

UNCLE ADE : (Reflectively) look here, Mama Kunle, nobody wants to ruin you home. (Carelessly) Honestly, we mean no harm. All we are saying is that your husband should marry a young girl to take care of him and your children.

 RONKE: (Violently) Take care of him and the children?  Are you planning to kill  me or what? Jesus will not allow it.

REGINA (Injected bitterly) Nobody  wants you dead. ( Snobbishly) All we want for Brother Ade is a young  and beautiful lady that befits his new status.

RONKE: (Shouts)  You, R EGINA, or whatever the name you are called? You must be out of your senses to say that. (Dispisely) You little rat could not stay with any  man to build a home and all you want to break my mine.

SHOLA: (Peacefully) Hold your peace Mama Kunle. (Faintly) Uncle, let's close this matter. Okay? I've told you my wife is O.K. for me. (Unconvincingly) After all, she is the mother of my children.

UNCLE ADE (Mockingly) Mother of yours children? Is that why she must hold you to ransom? Don't we see chicks at the back of hen?

RONKE: (With clenched teeth) Look here, God will surely reward as many of you that conspired to ruin my marriage(Goes out and smashes the door forcefully behind her).

REGINA (Injected bitterly)             See you and you call yourself a Christian. Hypocrite!

SHOLA (Confusingly) Regina,that is all right for now . Uncle, please lets speak on another matter

UNCLE (Determinedly) yes, we close it for now, but we are still much on it. (Lowers his voice and wispers) Kunle, just leave the whole arrangement for me. All I need is your cooperation.

My husband and I did not say anything about the issue after his people had left. I could not sleep for many days and my mind was too heavy to pray. He did not behave as if anything had happened; he seemed mindless of my state of heart. When I could not stomach the silence any longer, I let loose my feeling one night:

                                    DRAMA

RONKE: (Softly) Baba Kunle, why are you so heartless about my feelings? Or should I believe that you are already under the influence of Uncle Ade and Aunty Regina?

SHOLA: (Unconcernedly) I, heartless? Well, nobody can influence me. It is you who should be sensible enough to see some reasons in their words of advice.

RONKE: (Surprised) What and whose advice?

SHOLA: (Shouts) Ronke, look at me and compare what you are seeing with yourself! (Shouts) Woman, you had better package yourself better to meet my standard.

RONKE: (Shockingly) Ade, what standard? I can't believe this!  (Bursts into tears).

 SHOLA: (Shouts) You better sheadding crocordice’s tears and do something before it is too late.

Shola, my husband of 26 years said and turned his back to me on the bed. Not long, he slept off and started snoring, while I remained awoke till the daybreak. The next day Shola didn’t return my greetings and neither took his breakfast nor bid me good bye before he went to the office.

I looked up and suddenly sensed there was fire on the mountain, but where to run to.

 I didn't know what next to do. As the Bible says, "Physicians heal yourself". Instead of prayer and love to win back my husband, I resulted to emotional and cheap blackmails. I  dumped the biblical counsel I had offered to and this unfortunately happened to be the genesis of the proverbial last straw that broke the camels’ back in my home.

I embarked on goose chashing of monitoring of my  husband’s movement and in no time got enough facts that  he was seeing another woman. I braced up for battle. I rushed to our Pastor to paint my husband black and expected the Pastor to call down fire and brimstone on him. But his response made my mind sank

PASTOR: (Quietly) Hmmm. Deaconess Ronke, I can't really say I'd not heard  what the devil's trying to do in your family (Pauses to clear his voice) But, it is you..."

RONKE (Cut in impatiently) Excuse me, Reverend. So you knew that my husband has been unfaithful and you kept quiet?

PASTOR: (Quietly) Sister, hmmm, yes. But you know this is sensitive issue and  one needs the wisdom of God before interfering into family affairs. (Persuasively) As I was trying to say, it is you...

RONKE (Shouts) Look pastor, you know I had never shouted and looked straight into your eyes for once. But I don’t have any apology if I’m doing that now (Bursts into tears) But, I'm disappointed, It is unfair.

 PASTOR: (Calmly) Eh, Sister, try to understand me. What your husband needs now is prayers and love so as to win...

RONKE (Aggressively) Prayer and love to win who? (Aggressively) Pastor, if the Church refuses to take severe actions on  that man, I'd take it up. He is not worthy to be a Church deacon. I've heard enough.

PASTOR: (Calmly) Please, Sister Ronke try and exercise some patience

RONKE (Angrily) No, I have heard enough

I went out and shut the door violently behind me. From then, I was more determined to return fire for fire with my husband.

Meet me next week for the conclusion of my story. God bless.

FIRE FOR FIRE (11 \

Introduction: You are welcome back to the story of a woman, Ronke that was about return fire for fire because of her husband unfaithfulness.

RONKE’ S NARRATION:

After I had confirmed that my husband was dating another woman in his office, I threw cautions to the air and exposed my husband to whoever cared to listen; believers and unbelievers. I thought that by the time his unfaithfulness became the talk of the town, he would come to his senses and apologise to me.

I was however wrong, the more I reported him to people the less Shola cared.             Instead one day,  he dropped another bombshell to reveal his total backslide.

                                                DRAMA

SHOLA: (Accusingly) So you have been reporting me? (Carelessly) No problem. You can continue!

RONKE (Yelling ) Who is reporting you? (Pauses) Do not you know that your secret illicit affair is an open book for people to read?

SHOLA: ( Chuckled) That is their problem

RONKE: (Soberly) Baba Kunle can n’t you feel the pain your shameless action is causing your children and I?

SHOLA: (Chuckles) Pains? What pain? I cannot feel anything. (Laughs misheviously) Anyway, that is your problem

RONKE: (Yelling) Can’t you see that strange woman you are running after is like playing with death. (Agitatively) And I advise you don’t allow your relations to push you to hell. 

SHOLA: (Snaps) I don’t think that should be any of your worry. ( Wisthles silently under his breath) It is my business, not yours and I don’t need your advice.

RONKE: (Mockingly) Yeye deacon. The Church will soon strip you of the title.

SHOLA: (Snaps) nobody can threaten me with any 'yeye' post. (Hisses)  Even if the Church management dares to poke nose into my private affairs, I will resign. Or am I born a deacon?

RONKE: (Desperately) And I don't want to see any of your useless and shameless people in this house again.

SHOLA: (Snaps) That is O.K. But it won't solve your problem.

RONKE’ S NARRATION:  I had to close the discussion as his response continued to send me gasping for breath. But I still determined to coarse him to be a responsible man he used to be. I intensified my emotional outburst and cheap blackmailing. I confronted and accused real and imaginary friends and relations for encouraging him. I poisoned our children's minds and took them to my side in the battle.

Musical BREAK:

RONKE’ S NARRATION: I later extended the battle zone to his office when I discovered that the intruder who worked in the same organization. One of his bosses who never loved him seized the opportunity to plot his sack.  The woman too resigned when she could not cope with the scorns resulted from the scene I created.

Musical BREAK:

RONKE’ S NARRATION: The peak of the cracks in my home consummated when one day I came in and discovered that my husband had packed out, even with some of my belongings. After many days of enquries, I finally located their love nest at the outskirts of the town and surfaced there like an enraged lion. I lost my temper when I met my husband with a strange woman seating in the same plates I bought with my money.

                                DRAMA

RONKE (Shouts in clenched teeth) Shola, is this the woman that has been holding you to ransom? (Claps misheviously) Shame on you.

SHOLA (Angrily) how dare you?

RONKE’ S NARRATION: Shola said in anger and sprang to his feet as if he was turbo-charged and landed a thunderbolt slap on my face. I collapsed violently against he wall. When I managed to stand, I spoke with authority I doubted came from my real self.

"Ade, you slapped me for a sin partner! A strange woman? You' II pay with your life." I faced the pregnant woman. "Whore, look here, neither you nor the baby in your womb will ever rival in my home."

The woman screamed as if I'd put a hot knife on her throat. She ran to me like a wild cat, but a neighbor quickly came between us and ushered me out.

I didn't hear anything about them for about two months till  I was sent for in a nearby hospital. I couldn't fathom what went aims, until I was taken to a 'bone-like" man' on the bed. It took me few minutes to recognize and accept him as Shola, my 'runaway' husband. Groaning in pains, he turned his skull sinking eyes to me. He spoke in a coarse voice I hardly believed belonged to him.

SHOLA (Groans in pains) my dear wife. I sent for you. I 've sinned against God and you. (Regrettably) I betrayed our marriage vow and allowed the devil to make me cheap meat... Please forgive me.

RONKE (In suppressed tears) that is all right, darling.

SHOLA (Pleadingly) Please… (Breathes in) My heart has been yearning for God to forgive me. And I believe He had forgiven me,  but I need your forgiveness the more, so I can rest eternally. Please…

RONKE It is OK dear, I forgive you. (Tearfully) Forgive me too that I gave the devil a chance. (Holding his cold hand) Now we shall reunite again and nothing will separate us.

SHOLA (Peaceful and relaxed voice) May God bless you. Tell my children  that I love them.

A gentle smile was dancing on his lips. His face remained so even some hours after the doctor came and certified him dead. I wept my eyes sore.

It was after the funeral that I was told the full story. I learned that his woman friend had collapsed immediately I left the scene and she was rushed to a hospital. The woman eventually lost the pregnancy and it was while that my husband was  caring for her that he too fell into mysterious sickness that defied cure.

 When Shola’s relations were sent for but nobody was ready to be committed, not even Uncle Ade and Auntie Regina who encouraged him to marry anther woman.

DOCTOR ( Angrily) Please sir, I don’t have to hide my feelings that I’m much disappointed in you. (Disappointedly) Or were you not sent for when this man was brought here?

UNCLE ( Shamefully) We are sorry, we didn’t know it was as serious as this.

DOCTOR ( Chuckles) No, it was not serious. So you even want to wait until your nephew’s healty  get wosen before you come to his help?

RONKE (Quietly) Sir, and the irony of the matter is that they are the people that pushed my husband to abandon his family and ran after strange woman

REGINA (Sobbing) Please, Mama Kunle, forgive us. It is the devil’s handwork.

RONKE ( Weeping)  Devil’s handiwork indeed. Shebi you were looking for the woman that befit his new status. Shameless people.

DOCTOR ( Inquistively) And where is the woman that inflicted him with the disease- I mean the new wife? 

UNCLE (Protestingly) No , she is not my late nephew’s wife. Mama Kunle is the genuine wife. The other woman is a demon incarnate. ( Sorrowfully)  We were made to understand that when the useless woman saw the development, she packed all her belonging in the dead of one night and vanished into thin air.( Silently) It was after that we secretly sent for mama Kunle.

DOCTOR ( Sadly) Now the man is dead and you want the innocent woman to run around alone for money  to bury his corpse?

RONKE ( Weeping) Doctor, you are just hearing part of  my life history in the hand of inlaws. (Cries) Oh, curse be the day  I’m married to this evil family?

DOCTOR ( Angrily) Look here, Uncle Kunle, or what  your name? You have purnished this woman enough (Raising his voice) Anyway, that is your family affair. Please, just go and get my bill paid, but please don’t involve the poor woman.

UNCLE ( Pleadingly) We will do. Just intervene for Mama Kunle, your wife to forgive us.

RONKE &  REGINA (SOB)

DOCTOR ( Mockingly) Your wife, indeed. (Dismissingly) please, just leave my office. I give give you just two hours to settle your bill and come for your corpse. Or I don’t mind to call in the police.

UNCLE & REGINA: We will …            `

The twist of the whole scenario was like a nightmare. The last moment we spent together at his dying bed surged back the memory of our wonderful relationship before the devil struck

The scale in my eyes fell and now remember the admonition of Apostle Peter to Christian women in 1 Peter 3:1  "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husband wants me to join him in the great beyond. But why God? and you know I have no hand in his death. Readers, I covet your prayers and welcome you advise.

BLOOD ON MY CONSCIENCE

This encounter is about a Christian Sister, Funso that lost her friend and convert to abortion. The incident has been hunting her heart during the day and steals sleep from her eyes in the nights even some months after. How did Funso come into scene of Aminat relationship with Peter? Here is her story.

NARRATION

Peter stayed in a flat very close to my parents’ house. He is such a gregarious and sociable fellow that it didn't take us much time to become friends. We exchanged views on many issues especially on  Bible doctrines:

   DRAMA Peter: (Lively) Funso, I often wonder why you have not paid me a visit since. I only do all the visiting. Why is that so?

Funso:   You know that we are not allowed to visit the opposite sex anyhow in my Church. Even exchange of gifts among those in courtships without the knowledge of the Church Marriage Committee like you people do,  is forbidden

Peter: (Boastfully) But we don’t believe in all those sentiments in: ‘Liberty Way Gospel Fellowship.  ‘Where  is Spirit of God, there is liberty’ is our slogan. We are allowed and encouraged to mix freely.

Funso: So that is your Church members swam around you like  bees to the honey.

Peter: (Boastfully) Yes o. The youth in my Church live to our confessions and name: ‘Liberty Way Gospel Fellowship. We are as free as air.

NARRATION: All these however didn't affect our friendships, in as much as Peter believes in the core message of Christianity which says:  "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

This mutual understanding and friendship continued for about two years, until one hot afternoon, Peter proposed marriage to me.

 I personally would have considered him, but I didn’t  pray much on it before it dawned on me that the relationship would not work.  When I told Peter, he took it calmly and our relationship continued as before. But six months later, I was surprised to see Peter at my place around 10 p.m. with a similar issue:

DRAMA

 Peter: (Greets) Good evening.

Funso (Frowns) Good evening. Anything…?

Peter: (Apologetically) Sister Funso, I'm sorry for coming at this hour?

Funso (Absent-mindedly) that is all right. (Forces a smile)  Hope no problems?

Peter: There’s something urgent I want to discus with you.

Funso (Frowns) Something urgent? And what is it?

Peter: (stammers) please, it is about your friend. Eh, that your prayer partner.

 Funso (Alerts) My prayer partner? Do you mean Aminat?

Peter: (Nervously) Yes, Aminat.

 Funso (Alerts) So, what about her?

Peter: (Nervously) I don't really know how to put it (Stylishly). You know that I was  interested in you, but you refused because of what I see as your "holier than thou" attitude.

 Funso (Impatiently) Look, Brother Peter, I thought we have settled that? (With some edges in her voice). And what brings in Aminat into it?

Peter: (Nervously)  I so much cherish her and I want you to introduce me to her.

NARRATION: I stared at Peter and suddenly burst into uncontrollable reeling laughter. I just wondered why Peter believed Aminat would accept him if I had turned down his proposal.

 Aminat was my childhood friend and  the Lord used me to convert her. Since then, Aminat had been sold out to the Christianity faith and embraced the doctrine of moderation wholeheartedly. Amina had even often criticized Peter open-ended doctrines in my presence.  I however considered it unnecessary to tell Peter all these. I just broached into the mild side of his request:

Funso (Humorously) Tell me, Bro. Peter, must you marry from my Church? Why not one of the sisters in your church -that visit you everyday?

 Peter: (Nervously) This is what I can’t understand too. But, I could not just resist the urge.(Quietly). This has made me to really believe in Tim Lydale book :  "Opposite Attracts". Funso, I admire you. But if I cannot have you, your friend, Aminat will do. I love her.

Funso (Laughs lightly) Thanks for the compliments and love for my friend. (Breathes in heavily) I have heard you, but I can't promise  anything for now. See you later.

Peter: (Happily) Anyway I appreciate you audience. Thanks and good night

Funso (Laughs lightly) You are most welcome. Good night

NARRATION: Immediately Peter left, I laid on the bed and meditated on the issue for about two hours. I said aloud: “I will neither discourage nor initiate the relationship. Marriage is a personal issue and every person should take the destiny in his hand”. I later muttered some brief prayers and drifted into a deep sleep.

The expectancy on Peter's face when he came to my place the third day revealed his eagerness.

                      DRAMA

 Peter: (Anxiously) Good day, Sis Funso.  So how far? I mean what…

Funso (Quietly) I understand you, Bro. Peter. (Weighing her words) But you would agree with me that marriage is vital - a life time issues.

Peter: (Anxiously) You have started again with your sermon. When am I meeting your friend?

 Funso (Calmly) please, just hear me out. As I was saying: marriage is vital decision- a lifetime issues and so everyone should personally take up the responsibility.

Peter: (Anxiously) That means what?

 Funso (Calmly)  I will suggest to find a way to see Aminat. As a man, unburden your mind and get to know Amina’s mind.

 Peter: (Anxiously) Is that so?

Funso (Calmly) Yes. And   for now, lets assume I know nothing of your intention. I believe if you are truly led of God, He would work everything out.

Peter: (Shrugged his broad-shoulder) O.K., thanks

NARRATION: I did not expect to hear much on the matter for sometime. I was however mistaken.  Peter suddenly surfaced while I was seeing Aminat to the bus Stop a week after. He greeted me casually and without wasting time, he was walking side by side and chatting freely with Aminat.

Peter (Freely) This is the pretty face and I have been watching from a distance 

Aminat Is that so? But we have met at Sis Funso’s place  on many occasions. Or what do you say Funso?

Funso: (Passively)  Hmmmm Yes….

Peter (Cut in) Yes; we have meet but not how I really want to meet you. ( Lowers his voice) I want to us to have some time to discus intimately.

Aminat (Quietly) Is that so? But that definitely cannot be tonight. As you can see, it is already late

Peter (lovely) Yes I know and I will be the last person to suggest that a pretty and responsible lady like you to stay out late. I just want to know when it can be convenient for us to see.

NARRATION

 When I noticed I was being edged out of the scene, I bade Aminat good night and went back home while Peter  stayed behind to discus with her.

You never know with women, Peter's two consecutive visits to Aminat's office proved me wrong that he would meet a stiff wall.

                                                  DRAMA

Aminat (Happily) I didn’t know that Peter is such an interesting guy. Do you know he had visited my office on four occasions and he even came to my place yesterday?

Funso (Quietly) Oh, that is great. But have you heard anything from God concerning his proposal?

Aminat (Excitedly) No. But as the Lord did not show me anything contrary, I want to believe the relationship should work. After all, the Bible says those that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. Beside I have started loving him

Funso (Jokingly) Aminat, do you know what? I knew from your face that something is in the offing the first time that you told me this guy proposed.

Aminat (Happily) Praise God! Prophetess Funso, I bow. If you had seen it, so let it be.

Funso (Jokingly) Eh, please get me right, Aminat. I didn’t say God told me, but I only perceived you have fallen in love with Peter.

Aminat (Carefree) Whatever, but I have given  him green light yesterday

Funso (Surprised) you have accepted his proposal?

Aminat (Carefree) Yes o. What else am I waiting for? One is not getting younger and that has been  our prayers.

Funso (Jokingly) you are already a bride and you were beaten the bush all along. So Sis Peter, when will the wedding bell be ringing?

Aminat (Carefree) Haba, we have not discussed that. And until then call me Aminat Bello, the beloved daughter of the Most High God.

                         (Both laugh)

Aminat (Smiles) yours will come in the name of Jesus Christ

Funso (Jokingly) Amen. The Lord makes everything perfect and beautiful at His  time.

NARRATION: I was happy for Aminat’s journey to settle down. Though I was a year older than her, but I knew from our discussion she was much eager to get hooked with a man. It had been my fear that the devil might use her anxiety to frustrate her faith.

My joy was however momentary, like a flash  of light, it registered in my mind that the end of her relationship with Peter would be disastrous. But each time,  I percieved it devilish thought and forced it out of my mind.

The relationship initially blossomed; I still maintained my normal friendship with Peter and Amina. Sometimes later, Peter however came to express his worry in the relationship and I took some steps to intervene:

Funso (Calmly) Aminat, Bro. Peter said you have never visited him even for one day.

AMINAT: (Helplessly) Yes

 Funso (Calmly) But how do you plan the future together?  

AMINAT: (Helplessly) Eh! Funso, and what do you expect? Shebi you know our church doctrine?

 Funso (Calmly) I understand. But God does not judge by any  Church doctrine, but a believer personal relationship with Him?  Anyway, the message of moderation and to depart from all appearances of evil are never any Church authority doctrine, but the Bible.

AMINAT: (Helplessly) Is that so?

 Funso (Calmly) Yes, our leaders made all the rules and restrictions so as not to fall into immorality and defile our body. Was that your reason for avoiding Peter’s place?

AMINAT: (Helplessly) Yes. You can never tell with those Church ‘Amebo’. One of them may see you and before you know it; the pastor will start asking embarrassing questions. You know I hate insults.

Funso (Calmly) What I’m telling is that  visiting the opposite sex does no necessary made a someone a sinner, but what come out of it. (Remembers something) By the way, have you intimated the Marriage Committee of the relationship?

AMINAT: (Helplessly) No I haven't?

Funso (Alarm) Why? When do you intend to do so?

AMINAT: (Helplessly) As soon as I'm double sure. (Casually) Beside, I'm not ready for the meetings upon meetings and probing questions from the Marriage Committee.

Funso (Alarm) I want to advice you to do so as early as possible

AMINAT: (Helplessly) I have heard you and I will try

Funso (Happily) Good!   And for your dear Peter, he is worried and I want to volunteer to accompany you whenever you want to visit him.

AMINAT: (Helplessly) Oh, Funso dear, I wonder I can cope without you. You are indeed my Mother in Christ

Funso (Happily) Oh daughter in Christ, just return all the glory to God. Now when do you want us to see Peter, my  wonderful son in law?

                           (Both laugh)

NARRATION

Peter almost hit the ceiling for joy the Sunday afternoon Aminat and I breezed to his place. It was as if Angels paid him a visit.

 He wanted to entertain us with everything in his house. But we only settled for 2 bottles of cold maltina. Later, Peter excused Aminat to the balcony of his flat where I could easily see them with her. I stayed glued to the Television and from time to time stole glances at them. Occasionally, Aminat shy eyes met mine and we winked understandingly.

These visits were repeated on three occasions and each time Peter behaved himself.

"He was fast learning and adapting to our ways". I told  Aminat, she smiled and nodded in agreement.

But what we were later to understand was that the days of holy visit had been numbered and the journey to disaster was fast approaching.

It happened they had a date. Aminat told me and I promised to accompany her. But I however had an urgent call so I dropped a note to explain and apologised to Amina. But she all the same went to see Peter that day which could be understandable. But what  baffled me was that since then she neither bother to invite me and the  times of coming to my place reduced, except occasionally, when she came; hand in hand with Peter when leaving for his place.

Her  visits to Peter suddenly became rampant and at any hour of the day. And each time, the thought of impending danger flashed to my mind.

 Later a friend and Church member approached me on the issue:

                                  DRAMA:

Sarah (Sadly) Whenever I see some so called Brothers and Sisters in relationship, the illusion of Christian courtship I used to have  shatter into smaller and smaller pieces.

Funso (Calmly) Is that so?

Sarah Yes, take for example, this your friend, Aminat's frequent visit to that man living near your house. Does it not bother you?

Funso (Calmly) Bother me? Should it? Anyway, they are in relationship and in as much as…

Sarah: Sister Funso, Stop pretending! You know what I mean and I  expected you  to have questioned your friend’s strange behavior. I learned the Church authority is not even aware of their so called relationship? Is that what you call a Christian relationship?

Funso (Calmly) I understand what you are are trying to say. And I have asked Amina to inform the marriage committee, but she keeps on dragging the issue. And so I  had to maintain a "non committal attitude" on her frequent visit to Peter for obvious reasons. 

Sarah: Non committal attitude?’ How do you mean?

Funso (Calmly) I just felt as a child of God, Amina should know what is right.

 Sarah: (Calmly) But, she is your, friend- your daughter is the Lord for that matter. Can’t you speak to her?

Funso (Calmly) So she says, but taking to my advice is another thing. Besides, I’m not the Holy Ghost. The Bible is there to guide her.

 SARAH But,  I believe you are mistaken. Remember the Scripture says Ezekiel 3:33: "When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand"..

Funso (Calmly) Haba, Sister Sarah, we are not even sure Aminat is committing any

sin  and you talking of wickedness. Don’t be a false alarmist.

Sarah So you want to wait till she commits in before you warn her?

Funso (Calmly) Lets just pray and trust God for Aminat. The Lord grace is enough for all our imperfections.

NARRATION: Sarah was however proved right some weeks later. Amina took in for Peter. I was dumbfounded. And to add to my amazement and fear, Aminat was so worried of how her parents and the Church Authority would see her immorality, while Peter was so much concerned about how  to cater for the pregnancy he was  obviously unprepared for. None of them was really sober or repentant of their sins to God. This grieved me and stole peace from my mind.

I was yet to recover from this shock when another more sad news hit me like a thunderbolt:

                     DRAMA: Telephone conversation between Funso & Sarah

Sarah  Hello

Funso (Jokingly) Hello, my beloved Sister. You voice sounds somehow. Hope there is no problem

Sarah ( ) There is o. Have you heard of Aminat’s case?

Funso (Jokingly) Yes, how did you hear…  or what are talking about?

 Sarah (Shouts) You have heard that Aminat is dead!

Funso (Jokingly) Dead! Who is dead? Aminat, no? Who is dead?

  Aminat is dead? You heard me. Didn’t you? Aminat is dead?

Funso (Hysteria) No! No! No!

  The phone set falls from Funso’s hand  

Sarah (Sadly)  (Phones back) Sister Funso, why did you drop the phone. Are you all right?

Funso(Sadly) Sorry, the set fell off from my hand. You said Aminat is dead. How and when?

Sarah (Sadly) Yes. She died on the lab of a quack doctor?

Funso (Shouts) Died on the lab of a quack doctor? How? What was she doing with a quack doctor? I don’t understand.

 Sarah (Sadly) but you heard that she was pregnant?

Funso (Shouts) Yes. So Aminat wanted to terminate the pregnancy or what?

Sarah (Sadly)  Yes, Peter took her to a quack doctor for an abortion. And she died in the process. You know I said it, that brother looks too  canal for my liking

Funso (Sadly) Yeee Aminat. What a sad end?

Sarah (Sadly) Sad indeed. But the only comforting joy is that Aminat confessed her sin and asked God for forgiveness. Peter also gave himself up to the police and had been arrested with the quack doctor.

NARRATION  I really condemn and loath Peter and Aminat immoral and suicidal decision, but they still epitomise the ideal friends. In Aminat written confession to her parents and the Church Authority, my involvement was deliberately ommitted. Peter's statement to the police, he also took  full responsibilities of his actions.

But days after days as Aminat's parents and the church members are wondering;  expressing who she had confided in  before she took such suicidal decision. (Obviously Amina never confided  in her parents too on his relationship with Peter).  And this has been hunting and paining my heart. My encouraging her to visit Peter and worst still, I  did nt  heed Sarah’s admonition to call Amina to order are my worst decision in life

Listeners, should I open up on my side of the story to our pastor and/or her parents or allow the sleeping dogs lie?  I’m sad and confused.

I narrowly escape death, but lost my fiancée on wedding day

Mary: (Weeps) Jerry, what are you trying to say? What do you mean that I should forgive you?  

Jerry:(silently) Yes, Mary, forgive me. Please, forgive me because I have really offended you. (Groans and writhes in pains) I have been deceiving you all along. (Hisses sadly) I’m a cult member.

Mary: (Shouts) Yeeeeeee! Jerry!

Jerry: (Groans and coughs) My cult specialises in ritual killing.

 You are the main target of the pre-arranged accident that 0happened to me. I wanted to use your blood to make sacrifice on our wedding day as the redemption of my oath. 

Mary: (Agitated) Ah! Ah!! Ah!!! Jerry. This cannot be true. (Weeps) Somebody to tell me that it is not true. This should be a dream I’m finished. Lord God, why meeeee. (Faints)

(The doctors and nurses run helters and sketcher to rescue Amina)

Introducing the story: Hello, listeners at home. You are welcome to another episode of life encounter. This week story is about a young lady, Amina who narrowly escape death on her day but lost her fiancée on the weeding day.  Listen attentively to her story:

Narrator: Mary the date of my long awaited wedding had been fixed before it really dawned on me that I was courting trouble. Not that I didn't know that Jerry was not a committed Christian, but had thought with time, all would be well. When we started the relationship, Jerry was a man of my dream; gentle loving and considerate. And the more I compared him with the so called Jim-Jimmy (dedicated) brothers, three of who had disappointed and broke my heart at the peak of my hope of settling down, the less I cared much about Jerry's spiritual life.

But when I told my Pastor about the relationship and he asked me to go and pray again.

Mary: I understood he knew something was amiss which he wanted God to reveal to me in prayers. But as I had made up my mind, I only asked God to bless my decision. And I didn't go back to my pastor on the issue again until the preparation had got to advance stage.

SONG:

And being fascinated by Jerry's charms of handsomeness and education: a young prospective practicing Lawyer, my parents were solidly behind me like the Biblical Rock of Gibraltar. They could not desire less or more status as husband for me: a Chartered Accountant.

 Jerry's parents were however a bit skeptical about the relationship on the tribal ground.

And his parents had to reluctantly swallowed their reservation when Jerry insisted to marry me with or without their consent;, stating he had a personal  reason.

And then the hustles and bustles (preparation) for the wedding proceeded. But as the months crawled to weeks, peace and joy suddenly eluded my mind. I began to see, in another light Jerry’s gentleness and love. Gone were the glows and sparkles in his face that used to turn me on. But beneath the handsome face and gentleness of Jerry, I could perceive cruelty and wickedness.

He had not only exposed himself as a crude unbeliever to the core a drunkard, but also a potential wife beater. A month to the wedding day, he came to my room very late in the night: dead drunk.

Jerry gave me the worst beating of my life and raped me brutally against my wish.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE;

Mary Narration: I was devastated and crushed in my spirit. I however convinced myself, the wedding had to go on. The wedding cards had been sent out and everybody was looking forward to the D- day. Nobody would believe any contrary story from me. And beside, age was not on my side. So I thought then. So we continued the preparation, relating through friends like total strangers. I could not stay alone in the room with Jerry and he too could not look straight into my eyes. I sensed he had more hidden wicked plans.

The day finally came and I woke with a frightening nightmare. In a dream, I saw myself in an utter darkness. Lonely, I could hear some strange voices and perceived horrible faces around me. I later felt a cold hand around my neck, I gathered the last strength in me and shouted the same prayer I had been reciting for some weeks. “God, have mercy on me: I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord." Psalm 118:17. Suddenly a shinning broad light shone and a mighty power snatched me from the cold hands of death.

Mary: My loud scream from sleep woke my friends and they quickly ran to me. "Mary, what is it?" Ngozi, my Best maid gently placed her hands on my shivering body. " I had terrible night mare and...." I answered tremling. "Forget it. You are just too anxious. Congratulation the D-day has come". One of my friends cut in and they all gathered around me to pray.

I took my bath and they started to dress me up for the Church.

 But from then things were working contrary to our plan. We struggled from one disappointment and confusions to another. We didn't get to the Church until around 11:00am.

Totally exhausted, I almost collapsed when I was told Jerry had not shown up. As I sat down expecting Jerry, I closed my eyes and hoping to be dreaming. I could experience the same loneliness and darkness I had in my dream.

Interlude:

When I opened my eyes and looked around, I could see confusions and sadness on many faces around me. I saw the officiating pastor, in circles, discussing in low voices and noticed people were leaving the Church one after the other.

It suddenly dawned on me that something was amised."Ngozi, what is happening?" I asked my bride maid. "Hold your peace, no ".

My body shook violently as I saw my pastor towards me, looking down cast coming and I was gently told that Jerry had an accident on his way to the church.  I collapsed and was quickly rushed to the hospital.

Musical interlude:

I regain consciousness six hours later. I furgtively looked around and burst into tears when what led me to the hospital dawned on me. But when I was told that Jerry wanted to see me in another ward of the hospital, I quickly cleaned eyes;  eager  and happy to see my love life. But, my joy soon evaporated inyo thon air when Jeey opened his mouth to revealed his true identity and  his evil plan to sacrifice me for ritual in the cult he belonged.

Flash back of prologue drama……..

The scales in my face fell and I  discover that I had dined with the devil for long at the risk of my life and soul in hell

SONG:

Amina: I'm grateful to God, for His infinite mercy, I escaped death by a whisker though I have to carry  a stigma for life,; the scars of the wound I sustained while out of his presence.The stamp of the aborted and disastrous relationship has now made my name a sad reference: a girl who lost her suitor on the wedding day. And I wonder if and when other men will ask for my hands in marriage. More so, the seed of Jerry's secret sin with me has germinated. From the tests I did in the hospital, I was diagnosed to be pregnant. When Jerry forced me to bed, I never thought of pregnancy because of the record of my menstrual cycle and I had banked on the wedding to cover up the possibility of such ugly incidence. Now it is a matter of months for everybody to know.

Interlude:

The result of the test has not changed the determination of Jerry’s parent’s to see my head off my neck. The story and fact of their son being a cult member, died in an accident didn't hold water with them

DRAMA:

Jerry’s Father:(with suppressed anger) Eh, if I heard you well, you said your daughter is pregnant for Jerry, my late son?

Mary‘ s mum: (Quietly) Yes, she said Jerry forcefully slept with her about four months ago and…

Jerry’s Mother: (Cuts in) That cannot be. No way, you  only want force your useless pregnancy on our family after you have killed our son.

Mary (weeps) Ah mama, that is unfair. I had no relationship with no one excerpts Jerry.

Jerry’s mum: Liar. You are all liars- the mother and daughter. So you are not only murderers? (Raises her voice). Look here, woman, I deny any further relationship with your daughter.  Not only that, I will surely take revenge of my son death. I promise you that. (Goes  out in annoyance)

Mary’s mother (Fearfully): Sir, you heard what mama said just now. And I don’t expect that words from a supposed mother  In law.  No matter the circumstances, we are also grieved by Jerry’s death. (Pauses and weeps) And I thought you would be glad that our daughter is carrying Jerry’s baby, your grandchild.  

Jerry’s Father:( cuts in) Hold it, woman. I never wanted Jerry to marry your daughter. (Faces Amina). But you, Amina forced yourself and at the end killed my only son. And you are here now with another cock and bull story. What an insult? Are you interested in killing any other person in our family again?, Gold digger! Killer!

Mary (sobs) Ah! That is unkind. Don’t pretend not to know whom Jerry, your son was and his wicked plan before God delivered me. Papa, you heard Jerry’s confession.

   Jerry’s Father:( Hisses) what confession? Do you think I ever believed those nonsense words you used your ogbanje charms to force out of my son’s mouth? (Pauses and faces Mary’s mother) Leave my house, please.  . Your daughter has murdered sleep and there is no way she would ever have peace. (Shouts) Get out!

Jerry’s Mother (calmly): Mary, lets go. The battle is unto the Lord. God’s mercy that has been with you so far is on the throne.

Jerry’s Father:( shouts) lets wait till then.  Now the battle line is drawn. Out

Mary’s Narration continues:

Since then Jerry’s parents had vowed to fight me spiritually and physically until the family sees I join Jerry in the grave beyond.

Even if I live to deliver the baby, the scar seems to be endless. I wonder what story I'd tell the child about his father. Notwithstanding, I have made up my mind to refuse and reject devil's suggestions of abortion or suicide. Experience has taught me to jealously guide my salvation.

20 yrs ago, I was in mob that almost lynched Moses for theft

Comfort Narration: My husband's 40th birthday was not only a day of joy and gratitude  God but also a package of surprise to me. A day of joy to appreciate God's grace for sparing his life, good health for our happy family and prospering us beyond  our wildest imagination. Gratitude to God for changing my husband’s life from prison to praise and of course, made me to accept him as my husband.

 Yes, my decision to accept Moses as husband was not easy due to his background. He was then a young convert who everybody knew too well; a former drunkard, smoker, drug addict and robber. Then, I was a fresh graduate, young  and charming from a reputable wealthy Muslim family, before I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ

Moses: (calls) Sister Comfort. (Gently) Please, can I see you?

Comfort: (Hardens her voice) Yes, what is it?

Moses: (Stammers) Hmmm. I don’t know. I just wanted  to  remind, eh, sorry or I rather to ask about the issue I have  been discussing with you.

Comfort: (Angrily)  Look, here Bro Moses or whatever they call your name, how many times have I told you to stop harassing me around and  stop pestering my life?

Moses: (Softly) Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I only wanted to know if you have started praying on my proposal.) Look …

 Comfort: (Shouts) No it is you that should  open your two ears and listen to me. Praying on what? No! No!! No!!! ( Pauses and laughs mockingly) Moses, what is it  you want me to pray on?  I should begin to ask God if you are my husband? (Sharply) That is not possible. God cannot make that mistake.

Moses: (Surprised) Ah,…

Comfort: (Cuts in) Yes, my God can never bring us together. We are just two parallel lines that can never meet. Think of where you are coming from and then compare your self to me.

 Moses: (Calmly) Well, I’m not saying it is a do or die affair. (Convincly) It is like  divine burden that has spread your love in my heart.

Comfort: (Shouts) Give me a break and spare me unecessary  sermon. If it is a divine burden, then carry it alone.  It is your Cross for God sake, carry it, but don’t drag me along.   Love? (Laughs misheviously) Wonders  shall never cease.  Moses, in love with Me? You cannot be serious. (Claps her hand in derision)  There is nothing this Church matter would not make one sees (Hisses) Moses stop dreaming  and direct  your love to somewhere else- I mean to someone of  your  level 

 Moses (Exclaims  embrasssingly): Ah, Sister Comfort…

 Comfort (Stubbornly) Yes, God cannot make that mistake. My brother, if you sit down and be honest with yourself, you will know that you are  only nursing on the dream that can never come true. River should  find its level. 

 Moses: (Breathes heavily and Calmly) Well, that is all right.

Comfort: (Prolonged hiss)  That is your headache

Comfort’s  Narration continues: I could then not imagine myself getting married to some body that I considered a nonentity: who had wasted his early years and just finding his feet into a decent Christian living. What would people say; a thief will always be a thief. So, I thought then and shunned his proposals until I caught a revelation that changed my life. I saw myself in a dazzling white cloth at the bosom of a MAN I could not fathom his description.

We were standing behind a cross. While I was basking in the joy of his love and care, I noticed a young man in a dirty garment with a heavy load coming towards the cross. He knelt down and the MAN took off his load and dropped it at the feet of the Cross. In a split second, the young man changed. He radiates the same joy I had. The MAN drew him closer. As we were both rejoicing, the MAN wanted to join our hands. I refrained out of contempt. My countenance changed and I began to see the young man in his old self. I looked at him closer I was surprised to learn it was Moses. And the man said in a thunderous voice: "who made you a judge over another person, what makes you think you are better than him now, think about whom you are before you were saved, cleansed, and made my bride".

Comfort’s Narration: I woke up and the unfolding meaning of this revelation became clear as I continued praying, I knew the Lord was confirming Moses marriage's proposal.

The scale on my eyes fell to see Moses as a new creature and not a nonentity.

As the LORD shown me in the revelation, I realized that I was not better than Moses was as an unbeliever was. I remembered how I had blasphemed the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and if God could forgive and accept me; why  can’t  I accept  Moses.

               (Knocks)

Moses (answers) Yes, who is it? 

) Really, I’m here to apologise.

 Moses (Calmly) Apologise?  For what? Sister, you have not offended me. Have you?

Comfort (Apologetically) Yes, I have  greatly offended you (Regrettably) I mean the way I spoke to you and behaved on the issue you discussed with me,

Moses (Chuckles) That? It is one those things. (Struggles)  I don’t hold anything  against you.

Comfort (Shylishlisly) Thanks. The  reason of my coming actually is concerning your proposal.  You see, eh, eh (Stammers) I have been praying and it is like, like God…  

Moses (C huckles)  Excuse me, you mean, you have been praying?

Comfort (Quietly): Yes. And the more I do, the more God  convinces me on it. ( Breathes in) You are right?

Moses (Curiously) Eh? You  mean?

Comfort (Clears her voice) Yes, you know what I mean. (Calmly) I believe God wants  us to  be together  as one and I  have started  loving  you every passing day. (Pauses and breathes in)  Moses, I will marry you. (With  a trembling voice) But, that is if you are still intere…

Moses (Anxiously)  You mean, you have agred to marry me?

Comfort ( Nods shylishly)

Moses (Happily)  This is the day I have been waiting for. I’m happy and I still love you even  more than  ever before. (Pauses and says playfully)  Someone should please tell  me if I’m dreaming. This looks  too good to be true.

Comfort (Joyously) it is  real. Thank God for your patience and enduring love. I’m now yours.

Moses (Excitedly)  This, then, calls for celebration. Praise the Lord.

               Both  laugh    

Comfort Narration continues: All these are now history. We are happily married with five children. The surprise package in our relationship came in the evening of his 40th birthday anniversary.

When all guests have  gone: My husband had  intimate discussion with me

 Comfort (Happily): Congratulations and happy birthdays once again my sweet heart.  

Moses (responds): Thank you my Precious. It is a fulfilling day. (Pauses) My dear, I have an important issue to discuss with you.

Comfort (Curiously): Yes, what is it?

Moses (Soberly) My dear, it is a secret I have been keeping for sometime. (Pauses and opens his brief case)  This Gideon Pocket Bible has much to do with the story of my life- much more my conversion.

Comfort (Eagerly takes the Bible): Story of your life? Y our conversion? I dont understand.

Moses (Lowers his voice): Yes, darling, this is copy of the Bible  I read in the prison that led to my conversion. (Emphatically)  It was the only property the warder  allowed with me in the prison but till today, I don't know how it got into my pocket. {Reflectively}. I made a vow to God to show it to the closet person on my 40th birthday. And who is that persons if not you?

Comfort’s Narration: I took the Bible with  an excitement, opened it and my eyes fell on the names carelessly inscribed at corner of the second page. "Aminat Mohammed, Government Girls College, S/L, Lagos. Class 2."

Something exploded in my heart. Like a film projector, the flash flooded into my memory.

It happened while coming from school one hot afternoon; I met a barely naked young man in the midst of a crowd.

I was initially moved to tears seeing people beating, kicking humiliating the chap. He was bleeding all over.

But on enquiry, I learned that the young man was nabbed for robbery. My pity turned to indignation.

DRAMA:

Comfort’s tiny voice, “That services you right, foolish boy",

Comfort:  I moved nearer and wanted to inflict my punishment on him. But the sound of the siren from the police van jacked everybody to attention and some took to their heels.

{Siren blast} – Studio work

Comfort Narration: I was desperate and determined to punish the boy; I searched around for an object, but could not see any on sight. Instinctively, I dipped my hand into my school bag and it touched an object. I quickly brought it out and when I saw it was a 'Gideon Pocket Bible'. I hissed and with all my strength, I threw it at the boy, it hit my target.

Happy and fulfilled, I dumped the memory of the incident  into the dustbin of history.

Now, as I stared surprisingly at the Bible, the reality stunned and shocked me to my marrow. This is the same Book that I threw out as a worthless object at a person rejected by the society and me. But at the end, the content saved and cleansed him to now become the man I love with all my heart. Praise God.