BUT Episode 3

Story by O'nezer

Episode 3

"I am from a Christian home attending a bible believing church" Deborah started talking.

"My father is an easy going person who doesn't like public displays. He tries everything within his power to avoid anything that will show him off to the world. 

"My mother is the direct opposite. There is virtually no department you won't find her. As she is leading in the children's department, you will see her in the welfare department. Before you know it, she is attending to sick people at the first aid unit and many more".

"The company my father worked with was sold out, so they had to lay off their staffs. As a result, my father lost his job. This new development really affected my family. My father was downcast. To make matters worse, my mother was a full house wife, so she could not provide financial support".

"We are 3, you all know that part and there's 4 years gap between me and my siblings. Part of the privileges we had back then was that once you are a member of staff of the company, you get a discount in school fees charge at the staff college owned by the company."

"Wait oh, is it Royal Mill?" Selina interrupted and for a minute, there was silence.

"You know the company?" Beatrice asked to clear her confusion.

"Yes its Royal Mill, what's up?" Deborah asked.

"No, continue what you were saying" Selina said with a smile on her face as she paid rapt attention to what Deborah was saying.

It was obvious that Selina knew something about the company, but we can't be so sure until she talks about it. 

"I was in senior class 3, while Becky my immediate younger sis was in junior class 3 when my father lost his job. As a result, he couldn't afford to pay for our final exams. In no time, we were asked to move out of the company's house. We were no longer entitled to any benefit.

"People can be wicked oo, they should have at least allowed you to live in the house nau." Selina cuts in

"My dear, that's not all oo" Deborah replied immediately 

"Continue, we are with you" both said as they kept munching their food at intervals. 

"So we moved into the church compound and we were only allowed to stay there for a week. We were hopeless and the struggles and pain was telling on my father. He will put on his suit every Sunday to carry out his ministerial duties, pretending all is well. 

"Dad tried running around to make sure that I at least finish from school and have my result but all to no avail. My mom had to sell some of her jewelries and cloths so as to feed and cloth us for a while. Dad was already looking older than his age within weeks"

"I was beginning to develop this hatred for the church because I was wondering how no one could come around to help us during our struggles. 

Activities inside the church varied. We would quickly wake up before people starts coming in and also be the last to leave church so that people won't know. Days like that made me wish mom didn't leave her job after giving birth to become a full house wife. She would have been an alternative to assist dad in his broke days"

"At a point, eating became a problem. Mom would starve so we could eat, I would also eat little so that my siblings could eat and not go out to beg. My dad loves his self esteem so much that he will rather die of hunger than beg for food and he will rather do all he has to do alone, so that no one will tell him they helped him. These and many more were the humiliations we had to go through, but as the usual saying, what doesn't kill you will make you strong"

"Yes! you are right, I am really trying to picture all you are saying right now. I may not feel your pain as much as you did but this is painful mehn" Selina said.

"See don't let me bore you with my story jare" Deborah said. 

But Beatrice definitely would not want a half story. Everyone knows how much she loves stories and this time, she had all the time to herself.

"Babe, continue it isn't boring" Beatrice said.

"Anyways, one afternoon like that, something happened" Deborah continued. 

"What happened?" Both chorused out of curiosity.

What happened?

Watch out for the next episode.

BUT Episode 2

Story by O'nezer

Episode 2

The convocation hall became silent that no one could believe it was the same room that was as rowdy as a marketplace a few minutes ago.

Beatrice opened her left palm and unfolded a small piece of paper which some words had been inscribed on it. She started reading immediately she acknowledged God for seeing her through her school life. 

She started narrating the struggles it took her to get into school after writing the entrance examination about 6 times. 

"There is a way in which the family paints the failure on one's face so much that you will feel like the most hated person on earth.

At every single mistake, the song from my mother's mouth was the song of "that's why you are still home." Days when I feel so sad and angry at the whole situation, I would reject the food but dad will always come around to make me feel a bit better"

"Whenever I start to eat, mother will start with one of her songs that if you had worked harder the way you are eating now, maybe your grade would have been better and I will angrily leave the dining room to my room" 

"On many nights, I wet my bed with tears and my pillow with sweat that accompanied the tears. Many a times, I kept on asking if God has forsaken me but trust me, God never forgets"

"I was at the dining one of the nights with the family when a family friend called with her mother's number and my parents hurriedly picked the call. My friend Bolade requested to talk to me and that was when she told me to go and check the school portal the following day"

"Lo and behold, my name came with the last list and I'm finally getting to study one of the most competitive courses in one of the best school in town"

"I want to appreciate God for the family that God used for me. On the other hand, brilliancy isn't enough but hard work with burning of midnight candles also added to this" she said as she tried to look at the clock right above the podium. 

"I wish my parents were here today to witness all that God has done for me but I will always be grateful to God for all He has done for me" 

"I know I don't have all day. I want to make a shout out to my roommates, Selina and Deborah, to brother Phillip, the fellowship coordinator, every member of Light of Hope Church- student wing and everyone who contributed to this journey. I pray the good Lord of heaven bless and keep you all, see you all at the top" she concluded and everyone in the hall started clapping.

She walked down the podium and she was able to manage the minutes given to her. Some other activities of the day took place and pictures were taken to keep the memory alive.

It's a memorable day as people moved from one place to another to get food packs and make connections with different families and friends. 

"Hello Beatrice, I am moved by your story and I will like us to meet sometimes soon so we get to know each other better" a deep unfamiliar voice said.

She was confused as to connect if the person is someone she has once met before or seen but after a few attempt to recall, she realised that nothing seem coming at all.

"But excuse me sir, I am not sure I know you sir" Beatrice said 

"I know right" he dips his hand into his chest pocket and hands over a complementary card to her.

"Call any of the lines here, we will take it up from there" he said as he made his way out of the canopy close to where photo session was ongoing 

"Baby girl come let's snap" Deborah called out to her to join their other friends and they moved from one place to another to have different snap shot.

"See, don't clean my makeup jere" Selina snapped out when Deborah tried to cover her eyes from the back just like their usual way of playing whenever they get to see. 

Deborah was the eldest amongst the 3 friends and she was the most reserved while Selina was the youngest but as they always say to themselves that "age is just a number," this has helped them to shove off any age difference thing that should come between them.

They became roommates in year 3 and spent the last 2 years of their time together till the graduation day. They knew that Beatrice rarely went home during short breaks or holidays and she always either hide under fellowship work or just don't feel like going home cause she needed to study.

The convocation day was the first time they heard her mention that she wishes her parents were to be alive.

"Baby girl, what's your plan tomorrow, we should hang out oh, Is 10am okay?" Deborah said

"Yes, that's fine by me and we will love to talk about things we don't know about ourselves" Selina added 

"Well, school is over and we are only waiting for our call up letters so tomorrow is fine by me too" Beatrice said.

They all bid each other goodbye. Everywhere was getting less crowdy as many cars had left the compound. Everywhere was littered with disposable plates and cups while some people were beginning to pick the used plastic bottles along the line. 

Beatrice got home tired that day with excitement written all over her but deep down, she was not totally happy. 

She put off her heels and fling the wig she was putting on across the bed. She shifted the cloth scattered on her bed to one side and she slept off.

The call that came through the phone was what woke her up...

"It's 9am already!" she said as she used her left palm to wipe down her face. She rushed to the bathroom, showered and few minutes later, she rushed out of the house.

"I am on my way already, that eatery right? Okay then" Beatrice said and ended the call.

With excitement, they all hugged each other as they secured a space that could take up 3 people at the corner of the eatery. They made order and since school days, Beatrice was the picky type and rarely ate much. She requested for sausage roll with Hollandia yoghurt while Deborah ordered her usual Jollof spaghetti with salad and Selina requested for fried rice mixed with plantain and chicken.

"So who's going first, cause I feel there are things we don't know about ourselves despite staying together for 2 years in the same room" Selina started the conversation.

"Well, Deborah is still the eldest here, she should start" Beatrice suggested and they laughed it off. 

"If it is money now, they won't say I'm the eldest ooo," Deborah said.

"Mummy Deborah, oya oo. We are listening" Selina said.

Deborah cleared her throat as she was about to share with them things they didn't know about her.

What would she say?

Watch out for the next episode.

BUT Episode 1

Story by O'nezer

Episode 1

"The best graduating student is...." the vice Chancellor was about to call out names when the noise in the graduation hall started in hush tones and quickly it became loud to the point of interrupting him.

Oh, not a noise from anything else but excitement of graduands finally having to leave the four walls of the university after several years of different mixed experiences of joy and sadness.

Some were excited that they were finishing strong, some on the other hand were excited for the fact that they struggled to graduate with their mate while some people were not happy because they had one issue or the other that delayed them and hindered them from not graduating a year or 2 before that day.

The transparency with no hidden privacy was why everyone else in the departments had access to each other's results as it was always pasted on the notice board close to the office of the Student Advisor's office. 

It was as worse that people in other levels can as well see your result if they have anything to do around the offices close to the notice board.

It was so easy to know who is doing well and those that are struggling to get an average mark. Directly or indirectly, everyone knew the matric numbers of the ones that were doing well in the class and they can either use the best students' results as yardstick or consolation to themselves.

On many occasions, the staff adviser had repeatedly robbed the best students on our faces as the pride of the department and this comparison either made the average student feel bad or less of themselves.

It is exciting to know that it was graduation day and out of 150 students in the department, 85 students were graduating while others have one issue or the other that was making them stay behind while others were graduating. 

One of the major things that can make a student have an extra year is the mismanagement of students' scripts. Many times, some Lecturers get so careless that they misplace students' script and the only song they keep telling the student is to "try again the next session".

Only on a few occasions does a student with cases of missing script get to be helped. If the matter should now get out of hand, you should be that student that the Lecturer doesn't like at all or the lecturer likes you with the aim of sleeping with you and then you turn him down.

We have many students who later had to change University after repeatedly failing a course because the Lecturer wanted to sleep with them or have a relationship with them and this was almost becoming a tradition in the department.

As much as everyone craved to leave university so they can start a new life, the more the memories from the school will never leave their mind. It's a journey that definitely needs to come to an end and that day is finally here.

Many parents graced the occasion in different catchy expensive clothing. From those on matching cloth to those on flying gowns and colourful native wear while some were on suit and others on casual wear.

The parking lodge was filled to the brim and some other parents were asked to park close to the road side with the assurance from the school management to send security officers to look over their vehicles. 

Talking about food, snacks and drinks. Everything was in excess that at the end of the day, we had some student that didn't get any award but went home with plenty pack of foods. 

Aroma of foods were calling each other, as you turned to the left, you will see porridge garnished with dried fish and crayfish while turning to the right you see pounded yam wrapped in leaf laying calmly inside a well packaged container with varieties of seven-in-one-kind of vegetables.

The pack of rice with different styles were moved from one place to another and the drinks were so much. Some families came with cake and snacks while those that didn't come with anything at all still ate till they were filled.

As we saw some people sharing handkerchiefs with their names on it, some sharing pens and jolts and some others shared keyholders, Handfan and many more.

The vice Chancellor had been calling names per department of the outstanding student across the campus, claps and cheers from the audience also added to the beauty of the roll call.

"The best graduating student for this academic session is Beatrice Ali a student of Accounting department" the vice Chancellor finally called the name after the noise was reduced but immediately after the name was called, the noise, cheers and clap doubled the initial one.

Beatrice walked down from her seat to the podium and she was going to be giving a speech in a few minutes before they moved to other things left on the order of the program.

"I want to give God the glory because this is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it. I am giving just a few minutes to talk but I'd love to share a bit of my story with you" she said and the whole room became silent.

What does she wants to say?

Watch out for the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP10

Season 2, Episode 10.

After the death of the twins, news started going round the town that my father used them to renew the charms he used in bringing members to his church. I was wowed! How on earth did anyone think of that?

Gradually, we started losing members of the church one after the other. Before the year ran out, our number went from 350 to 150. This got my mother worried and severally she tried to talk to my dad to retrace his step and then have some personal retreat. But everything my mother suggested fell on deaf ears.

"Woman, if you can't support me in this struggles, then leave it to me and see if God will not bring a replacement!" my father said angrily in one of his conversation with mom.

When I heard that, I wondered where it came from. A replacement of what? "It better not be what I thought it was" I said within me. It was very obvious dad has missed it but his refusal to retrace his steps made matters even worse.

I finished secondary school a year after that incident and I kept on trying admission but it wasn't just working out. The first examination I wrote, I failed one of the major required subjects and when I tried again, I passed the one I initially failed and failed another major subject again.

Well, I thanked God and I resulted to making use of both results. Result combination was something I never liked but here I was helpless and left with no choice but to accept it as my fate.

I wrote the entrance examination to the tertiary institution of my choice 4 times but I couldn't get admitted. I never envisioned all this all my years in secondary school. I always believed I could write an exam once and go through. But here I was hopeless and helpless.

 It is true of the saying "Whoever wants to dine with the devil must prepare a long spoon". I dined with the devil but without a long spoon.

Out of frustration, the supposed fifth time I was to take the entrance exams, a friend introduced me to a guy that works at a cyber cafe. He promised me heaven and earth along side the long awaited admission. He promised to help me get admitted in the university. According to him, his uncle was a professor there and he could easily give him my name and on a platter of gold without stress I'll be admitted even on first batch.

That sounds nice. Five years fighting for admission wasn't a thing of joke. I was ready to do anything to get it this time. I accepted his offer but little did I know that it came with a price. Before long, he made his intentions known about liking me. I was angry at first but I later gave in, knowing fully well he will be of help to me. 

I weighed the two options ; turning my back on him and risk not getting admitted again? Or playing his game or mine whichever, get my admission and quietly walk out on him. Of course I chose the latter. I thought I could get my admission after which I call it quit with him. 

I thought I was using him but I was played instead.

I was in church one Sunday morning and was leading a praise session when I suddenly slumped. I had bled throughout the night but I couldn't tell my parents at home. 

I was rushed to the hospital. And before we knew what was happening, news went round. From one media house to another. Different captions and painful tags that was put on what happened. 

Some said my dad used his only child for sacrifice renewals when he has no one left in his church to use while some others tagged some other strange things I can't even remember.

"She has been badly injured during an abortion and it seemed she has had several before now; like this is the 5th or 6th abortion" Doctor Edward said.

My mom started shouting and crying. She moved to the side of the bed where I laid and asked who was responsible for all the mess I've gotten myself into.

They never knew I've been playing a double-faced game for them at home. The angel at home and the devil outside. A perfect description for that would be a green snake under the green grass.

After so much persuasion, I told them I was pregnant for Jacob, the cafe guy, my mother was crying with her hands on her head while my father was just pacing round the room. 

I gave my parents the address of the guy's cafe and in case they don't meet him there, I also gave them his house address. But the news of what happened to me had gone round. He heard it too and he picked a few of his belongings and ran away.

It was later discovered that he was only helping them at the cafe while learning how to operate computers. He wasn't the owner of the shop but he made me believed he was.

My parents tried their best to find him but all attempts proof abortive and they eventually gave up trying.

The doctor came with another news and that was the last straw that broke the camel's back. 

"The last abortion she did ruptured her womb badly. It was greatly damaged and I'm afraid we will have to remove her womb" the doctor ended sadly. 

"So, she can't bear children again?" My dad asked 

"I'm afraid yes" the doctor replied.

My father eventually was asked to excuse the church and he was stopped from all activities. My mom couldn't bear the shame of all that happened.

We relocated to a far City and there, God restored my father as he retraced his steps back to Him. God gave my family another chance which I know was very rare. Indeed God works in mysterious ways.

God saw me through my challenges too and gave me a second chance and I decided I wasn't going to get married but give all my life to God and His service. 

I opened a Charity centre and gave help to orphans as I was led.

That was what gave birth to 'Zion Charity and Orphanage Home'.

It was indeed 'TANGLED' but God wrote the script of my life and brought the MESSAGE from my MESS.

This is the story of my life. The only consolation I have now is from His word in Psalm 126: 1 to 3

"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, the LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD has done great things for us, whereof we are glad."

I remain Lady Evangelist Benedicta Badmus.

Say the following prayers with me as we round off.

1. May I never take God's Grace for granted.

2. May it never be too late for me before I retrace my steps back to God.

3. Every spirit of pride and unforgiveness, may Jesus wash it away with His blood.

4. We cancel all the devil's plan over our lives and ministry.

5. And may God give us the last Grace to reign with Him on high.

"In JESUS name we pray" I said as we shared the Grace and called it a day!

THE END.

List of O'nezer Stories. 

1. Pamilerin

2. The wedding reception

3. Last Sunday evening

4. End of the tunnel

5. Dark path

6. Adopted

7. Adebimpe

8. Facebook fiancé

9. Corper Wale

10. The wait

11. Lily

12. Shattered

13. Boomerang (story of brother bode)

14. Beyond the shade

15. Happy child with many sorrow

16. Sleevless 

17. FOLA

18. The Leap Year 

19. TANGLED 

If you miss any of this stories, you can read through on osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com or check Facebook: Osunniran Ebenezer stories by O'nezer 

TANGLED S2 EP9

Season 2, Episode 9.

The shout woke us up around 3am. Naturally, two things wake my mom. Sound and if you put on the light. The only time this failed was when she was hospitalised that time of the accident. 

Suddenly, we heard a bang on our door. It was loud and a bit scary, we weren't sure whether to put on the light at that moment or leave it off.

In our state of confusion and fear, there was thunderstorm, it was about to rain. The confidence that there was a light was still there until our country people showed us their real color.

A little breeze, they've taken the light and the heavier the rain, the narrower the chances of having light for the next few days.

Combination of thunder and lightning out there was a sign that a heavy rain was coming, now the shout and then the bang on the door. It was a scary moment that took me a while to get over.

In the bid of trying to figure out what was happening, I tiptoed to the sitting room after leaving mom's room but on mom's way to daddy's room, they coincidentally collide and fell. Out of fear, they both screamed out.

Dad pulled himself up and mom too. He walked towards the door and summoned courage to open the door but that wasn't after he peeped through the small hole in the door but that failed him as there was no light to aid in seeing through it. Everywhere was dark. Inside and outside.

"Who is that?" My father asked.

"Yes sir, please sir, we've been knocking since" the unknown person replied but the voice was familiar.

"Is that not Sister Lois Bassey? Mommy twins?" My mother asked to be sure. My mom with her skills of keeping people's voices in her head.

"Mommy twins is that you?" my father needed to be sure since anyone can act another's voice as well. He suspected a set up.

I don't know where the funny thought dropped in my mind that, what if there are thieves outside, holding a gun to her head and asking her to talk so we can open the door? Well it was just a thought I hoped it wasn't true.

"Yes sir, I am the one. I am, please help us sir" she started pleading amidst tears. My mom quickly reached for the rechargeable lamp that was on the centre table and switched it on while dad opened the door.

"What's going on? Where is your husband? This is 3am and being out by now could be dangerous." My dad said.

"It is twins oo, I cooked this evening and we all ate. Their dad is part of those doing watch in church tonight; he will be back tomorrow morning" she started to explain as my mother told her to sit down first but she refused that what she came for is more than sitting down.

"We went to sleep after eating, and that was how Goodness shouted from her sleep and immediately she couldn't walk or raise her hand again" she burst into tears.

"Wait, what of her twin sister Mercy?" My dad asked but this time around, my mom wasn't comfortable with further questions rather solution and the way out.

"Please sir, come and help me pray for my child. Please sir".

The lightning hasn't stopped and it hasn't started raining too. Immediately, my dad reached for the anointing oil that has been prayed on and his Bible. I wasn't going to stay home alone so I joined. We all rushed out and followed mommy twins home. 

On getting to the house, Goodness, the one with the hand and leg issue was just on the floor and not moving while the other one was crying.

"There is nothing too big for God to do, stop crying ehn" my mother tried to calm the woman as well as the other twin sister.

"Miracles, signs and wonders has been happening since I became the pastor of the church and I know today also won't be an exception as it will be added to the history, news and testimony around" my dad started with his self glorifying attitude.

My dad laid his hand on the child and started praying. He was sweating even in the cold weather. The sweat wasn't from the stress of praying but from praying and not seeing the usual and expected result.

Over time, God has helped dad in such a way that, it was a call away calling down the heavens and heaven will give us the peace and assurance with faith that he will do it. But this time around, it was obvious God was about to resist the proud and exalt the humble.

After countless attempt, nothing happened. It was fruitless. This left dad to a bigger shock and disappointment. Checking the time was when we realised that we've been in their house for about an hour and 30 minutes.

We left the house while dad gave her his word to come back and check on her, also that we will keep praying for them as soon as we get back to our lodge. 

Dad and mom couldn't sleep back that night but the moment I entered my room, I slept off and it was the early morning prayer song from my mom that woke me up.

Mommy twins lost both kids almost same time and this got to me. Imagine the pain brother Bassey and his wife will be going through loosing two kids almost same time. This was a dark time of their lives.

Of a truth, when the head is faulty, the whole body is in trouble.

Something else happened that crowned this story of mine and that's why we are here today.

What happened?

Find out in the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP8

Season 2, Episode 8.

My dad served as the pastor of Akerewaja branch church for 5 years and so much growth happened.

The first thing my father did was to focus on the church building so that worshippers can have a completed and a befitting temple to worship, praise, pray and serve God.

My dad, not minding how much it will cost first completed the roofing of the church and also plastered the wall. He felt the terrazzo floor befits the church better with a Louvre frame on the windows and that exactly was done. There were ceiling fans across the church. My dad was concerned about the comfort of the members of the church.

Anyone that has been in the church before when it was yet to be completed would never had imagined that a beautiful edifice like it can spring up in an environment like that.

Flowers were planted round the church and the fence was raised a bit above the knee level. You will always want to come to church.

One of my father's favourite topic was on unity. He always remind everyone of us that when we work and walk in unity, the holy spirit will work freely amidst us and miracles with wonders will keep happening amidst us. We were truly blessed and we could see the evidences everywhere. To God be the Glory, great things he has done.

Testimonies started flying from our branch to the headquarters and other small branches in the town. As some were proud of what God was doing through my family, some others were envious about it.

A woman who has been praying to God for a child for 15 years ended up giving birth to quadruplet. The news was everywhere that a woman gave birth to 4 children at a time and it was at Akerewaja branch church.

Another man that has mental issues for 7 years regained his sanity and now he is living healthy and strong.

Those praying for good jobs got new and better ones. The self employed were praising God because there was an enlargement of their coast. This made people want to serve God more and more. Testimonies abound for what God was doing with and through us in the church.

My mom continued with her generosity. She'll always cook food and take to church to be served after service to the needy and less privileged. But on special Sundays, she makes as much as will reach everybody. Sometimes, when she can't cook she'd buy snacks and drinks. She gathers the little ones after service and teach them something new and different from what they've learnt in children's church that day. 

This drew her very close to the children and as time went on, their parents as well. She was always easy on them, help resolve matters amicably, she brought the Gospel of Christ to Akerewaju people through love and kindness in its simplest form. Soon her name went round the whole village and more people were added to the church. Not just to see her or eat her food(tho mom's food was always very delicious; you wouldn't taste it once and not want to taste it again) but to come learn from her wealth of knowledge. 

Soon she formed a prayer team for the women every midweek. And as far as our house was from the church, she will always be in attendance. Indeed a leader by example. God was helping her. She was a very useful tool in the development of Akerewaja branch church.

It wasn't for long before the people of Akerewaja got accustomed to us and we too to them. I would say it was a work of collaboration. As dad was doing the surface work, the building and all mom was doing the inner work, winning their hearts and then turning them to Christ. It was indeed wonderful. 

I also wasn't left out. I soon began to mingle with the children especially my age-mate in children church. I made friends and soon forgot our headquarters church were we came from though not completely. We didn't move from our house so, I still got to see some of my friends. I felt at home at Akerewaja. There was this feeling I had I couldn't explain but it was much peaceful.

My parents found me to be a very brilliant child and at the time i was in senior school 2. I was already 15 and my parents asked me to try out the external examination to boost my entrance into tertiary institution.

On the other hand, my parents believed in making sure every child joined a work force in church to keep them active. And as the pastor's child, I wouldn't want to be left out so I joined the teenage choir in the church.

Soon, they started to call my father to radio and TV stations to share the word and to tell of his ministry so far. As well as publication on magazines trending the name of the church. Everywhere or every page you turn to and every station you tune to, it's "Gospel Light Church".

As I earlier stated that something happened along the line and that was when my dad started praising himself rather than praising God for all that has happened through him.

In one of the radio interviews he had last, he was asked about all that was happening in the church. I was home with my mother and we tuned to the radio to follow the interview as usual.

"Well, I am happy I was brought to the local church. Initially, I thought it was a punishment but we started from the bottom and now we are here. I'm happy we did it and we made it" my father said.

You know how tricky some of this journalists can be but my father wasn't careful enough as he took all glory to himself. He has stopped going to the pastor's monthly meeting at the headquarters, he hasn't been participating in the headquarters combined program because he felt his level has passed their own there.

One evening, we had just gotten back from church. As tired as my mom was, she still went to the kitchen to make us wheat and okro soup. That was how much my mom doesn't joke with caring for her family.

But it made me wonder though. Aside caring, she has this inability to send someone on errand. She loves to do everything herself; rather than resting, or sending someone else, she still went to the kitchen to cook.

We finished dinner that night and everyone went to their room. 

A shout woke us up. My dad checked the time and it was just about 3am in the midnight. 

What happened?

Watch out for the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP7

Season 2, Episode 7.

"What happened my dear? You can always talk to me" my mother said as she walked to join dad  on the couch.

I didn't know how sensitive the conversation was going to be but there was something about my parents. They had a way of talking to each other without mentioning names as they already had an attached code to everyone and everything. This always gives them less of worry to talk while I'm around.

I still decided to excuse them so they can have the space to themselves to talk but my dad wouldn't let me. Immediately I faced my room, he called me back and asked me to sit.

"You may be small by age to understand what is on ground but you are not too small to pray" my dad started with me before facing my mother.

"You asked me in the car the other time if I was fine and I said I was fine right" my dad asked me and I affirmed his question. Now he faced mommy.

"I was at the board meeting when I heard that there was mismanagement of church funds. Some of the estimated amount from church tithe and offerings didn't correlate with what was taken to bank. Also, some church project budget money was more to what was reported" my dad expressed his worries.

"But you know nothing about it right?" My mom asked.

"Don't you trust me? I have my own records which I was able to tender as evidence of what I know about it but brother Kamal the head of Unit couldn't really defend the allegations" my dad explained further but curiosity wouldn't let my mother stop interrupting at every interval. 

"What's now the way out ehn? My mom interrupted again.

My dad was looking more worried and my mom wasn't helping issues with her questions and interruption. It was obvious there was more to what he was saying.

"Talk to me dear" mom persisted.

"They have put him under investigations and they asked him to step aside from all his duties in church" dad said and sighed heavily. Can you guess what worsened the case dear?

"Ah! Too bad" mom shook her head pitifully.

"Dear, you know I'm bad at guessing, tell me please"

"An evidence was wrapped against him for sexual scandal alongside embezzling the church funds!" my dad said. 

"Ah! Jesus! This is unbelievable!"  Mom shouted. I guess the case was getting greater.

"Don't you have any assignment from school that you ought to do?" My mother asked facing me. Not because she doesn't know that we haven't started the new term but she just needed something to take me away from their conversation. I too understood the case was getting more sensitive and I knew what she meant already so immediately, I stepped out.

I didn't want history to repeat itself because there was a time they both were talking and they didn't want me to know what they were discussing about. After I've done all the necessary assignments and the portion of my own house chores, my mother asked me if I have picked the weevils in the rice she bought weeks back. "Weevils in rice ke? Where did it enter from?" I just knew she wanted me out; I understood her and I let them be but that wasn't after laughing at her and dad joined in my laughter too.

Actually, the real name of the Head of Treasury department was brother Michael Jiboso which I found out years later. I didn't know where and how my parents came up with the Kamal they called him. My parents and their code names ehn.

So I excused them that day and I didn't know how the whole conversation ended but I knew that our church has so many rules guiding top most officials for any misconduct and the consequences of it was always grevious. 

The day soon passed and night finally came. We had our night prayers after taking dinner.

The weekend after dad had handed over every necessary thing, we were set for the first service at the new branch. 

Our former branch which is the headquarters was like 20 minutes drive from home but the new branch was like an hour drive from our house. We had to leave home earlier than usual that Sunday morning.

It looked even farther because it was the first time. 

The children had a short program to welcome us to the church. They held bouquet while singing and it was presented to us. They made me remember our headquarters children church again and I cried. I always enjoy being in programs like this. I remembered when we had a program to welcome our overseer few years ago.  It was always an interesting one and now to think that other children were singing to welcome me. I just let the tears flow freely.

Akerewaja branch church has a part of the roof opened because the church was still under construction then. I learnt the branch started gradually from the house of the former pastor and the more people joined, the more they kept looking for a better place that can accommodate them until they got to this present location.

As always, some persons weren't sure my dad will be like the former pastor while some others where highly expectant of what we could offer. The former pastor died few weeks back and the assistant pastor has been the one acting as the pastor till my family was transferred there.

Like my dad will always say, no two persons can be same. But thank God we have Him as our Father and Leader.

The first service ended and everyone went home. I didn't know how I will cope with the new system or let me say with the change of branch but I knew it was all going to be about time.

They told us about the whole environment and the issues they've once had with the church land. How some land owners came to harass the church that the land they built the church on was for their grandfather. God helped them to win the case and they quickly began building and that was how they had the church now.

Days turning to weeks, weeks to months and months to years that my father has been pastoring the church. 

Until a time along the line, something happened. 

Mind you, when the battle is close to finishing, it gets tougher.

What happened?

Find out in the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP6

Season 2, Episode 6.

"Brother Felix! Sister Kate!" the person shouted the more and was running towards us. The brother that was taking us home in his car had to stop and wind down the car window so as to see the face of the person calling us.

"Brother Bassey, do you know this person running towards us?" My dad asked the brother that was taken us home. 

Brother Bassey was a very calm brother. He was single. He works in the ushering department of the church and he was very faithful. He lived not very far from our house. He was one of the persons we do pray for that God should settle him soon. He was a very good man and he deserves everything good including a good wife that will make a good home.

"I don't think I can see the face very well but when he gets here, we will know who the person is" brother Bassey replied.

"Good morning sir, I hope I haven't delayed you or interrupted your plans?" the brother that called my dad said.

At a closer view, my dad recognised the brother. "Oh! Mr Olatade, Good morning, no not at all. We are heading home" my dad answered.

"Please sir, can I join you? I'm going home too" Mr Olatade asked

"Yes please, you can join us. We are all going to the same direction" Mr Bassey said. 

Mr Olatade joined my mother and I at the back seat while my dad was already sitting in front. We drove out of the church compound and the journey started. It was not really a journey but no matter the distance, it is worth committing to God.

"Go with us and take the lead, grant us safe arrival home as we pray in Jesus name" my mother prayed and we all chorused "Amen".

We haven't moved very far when I started to hug sleep. I didn't even know when we reached our house, I was dragged into the house half awake and half asleep.

Everyone got in and retired to bed. We didn't wake up till it was around 11am when one of our neighbours came knocking on the door to bring us new year food.

The new year celebration always makes us eat all sort of food even what we aren't used to. I remember a particular new year when one of our neighbours brought Starch and one soup I've forgotten the name. It wasn't our familiar dish, we have never tasted it before but my parents had to eat it for the first time. It wasn't that bad for dad but mom didn't find it interesting. I didn't even bother to taste it because I had more than enough rice already and there was more to still eat.

This new year was a special one for me and my family. We were celebrating God's goodness and mercy in our lives, for keeping us alive, safe and sound, for all the victories of the past few weeks and for the promotion.

Mom made us fruit juice and chin chin that we can munch at different intervals. My mom has phobia for killing fowl so dad helped her that morning with killing the fowl and cutting it. I assisted mom with frying. Food was soon ready. Mom served the food and we all ate.

I moved from one place to another visiting friends and church members within the neighbourhood so I won't have to walk too far. I was tired already. Not just I but we. I wasn't going on that new year tour alone. We had a group. We used to be seven in number. 4 boys and 3 girls. We were all in the children's department but two years ago, we lost one of us, a girl. She was terribly sick, was in hospital for weeks but she couldn't make it alife. Now we are six. We never missed a new year tour. 

We've gone to almost all the houses in our list and we were tired but it wasn't obvious because any house we enter gives us new vibes to go further. As there will always be something to gain; if not food to eat, there will be drinks to drink and as well take home or money to buy snacks. This made us never want to stop.

Mr Olatade gave us each a pack of juice and three thousand naira to share. He also gave me two bottles of wine for my parents.

We finally finished our tour and went back home in the evening.

Mom also dished out food for our neighbours and all the children in the neighbourhood for the new year celebration and we received food from some of them too. There was a lot to eat, give out and remain.

For about two weeks, my father kept going back and forth to the headquarters to drop the church documents pertaining to his former department and to attend the mini pastor's training held at the headquarters for one week.

He made sure everything was in place and all necessary documents signed and submitted to his former department before he assumes the new office.

One of the days in the second week, I had the opportunity to follow daddy to church while mom was home resting. 

I saw some of my friends in church and they told me how much they will miss me and my family. I knew I will miss them too. I love the children church and I was going to miss it very much especially daddy pastor; no more sweets, biscuits and many other goodies for me on Sunday. I cried and my friends joined me too.

Dad soon finished and we went home. On our way home, I realised my father wasn't lively but I assumed maybe it was because he might have been over stressed for coming over and over for about two weeks for the handover process and training exercises.

Oh I forgot to mention that God laid it in the heart of one of the church leaders who has an extra car that he rarely use. He gave it to my family the first week after dad was declared as the new pastor. That was another bonus new year gift. What a faithful God. They was nothing more to remind us of the accident we had. God has restored all.

I wasn't comfortable with his mood any longer. He was driving slowly, moody and looking worried. I had to voice out.

"Daddy are you fine? You don't look happy" my question was what brought my dad to the consciousness that I was in the car with him. All along he was saying nothing, but his mind was saying a lot and his face actually sold him out. I knew something was wrong but I don't know what it was.

"Akerewaja branch" my father said and sighed. I didn't see any correlation with what I asked him and what he replied with. 

His response actually made it more easier to guess that he was thinking about the new branch.

"Daddy, but that's not what I asked, are you fine?" I asked again and my father gave a faint smile.

"All will be well. I am fine, we will soon get home" my dad said as he started driving a bit faster than before.

We got home and mom had prepared yam and garden egg sauce for us for lunch. Could I even call it lunch? It's already few minutes to 6pm. We ate anyways.

My dad was eating and saying fewer words compared to how much we know he talks. 

"My dear, what's going on? You've been moody since you got back. This is not your usual self. Talk to me" My mom said but dad smiled it off.

We finished eating and I helped mom clear the table and we both did the dish washing while dad went straight to the sitting room.

We finished in the kitchen and joined him shortly.

"Something happened in the board of directors meeting in church this afternoon" my dad started. 

What happened?

Watch out for it in the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP5

Season 2, Episode 

It was New Year's eve, one of the exciting moments of our lives as it's more of thanksgiving night to praise and worship God for seeing us through the year.

Other activities are always been carried out in the eve that makes it very interesting and worthwhile. From the praise and thanksgiving session, the choir singing as well as the congregation. The testimonies; that was one of my most enjoyable session. Hearing what God has done for people. The challenges he led them through and the victories won. 

The sermon for that night, is not always as long as our normal Sunday sermons but very powerful, inspiring and thanks-filled. What a beautiful way to end and begin a year. 

There is also a get together session were foods brought by different people are eaten by everyone. It was always a moment of love, thanksgiving, sweet fellowship and unity of brethren just like the times of the Apostles. 

I remember our family call for the last day of the year. That year wasn't different. Before we left home for church, we have spoken with almost all our family members those reachable on calls.

Thank God dad was able to get another phone after that accident. I couldn't have imagined missing the last family call of the year. I got the opportunity to speak with my cousins, aunts and uncles after a long time. I had told one of my big cousins what he will get for me when coming over after the new year celebration and I was already anticipating my new year present.

People come from far and near parishes to ours because it was the headquarters; my parents attends the headquarters. Our house to the headquarters church was just about 20 minutes drive and using bike would take us lesser minutes, because cars will try to be careful with the potholes as well as stopping passengers at different spots, while bikes wouldn't mind jumping on all holes and making your head ache after coming down from the bike and also bike carries only you so it may likely not do that stopping at various points this makes the bike a quite faster means.

The church activity always starts from 10pm which is the first service while the second service starts from 12am. 

The report from the previous year will be read out from losses to gain, from victory to success stories and many more. Also, the church's leadership restructuring was always annually and that night was always when the announcement is made. So, it gets to decide the fate of some members for the next year.

"Brother Femi Kindra is now our new head of follow up unit" Pastor Alfred started calling out names of the new officers that will serve the church for the new year. 

"Brother Jesse Peteru, head of welfare department. Sister Sarah Sanusi, head of youths and teens department" Pastor kept on calling the names along side their positions. 

As some were crying when they heard their names, others were smiling with the optimism that God will go with them.

As the pastor calls each person, we clap for them and they move towards the pavement close to the main podium where the pastor normally stands for services like this.

No one expected any of this leadership seats to come to my family at all. No one saw it coming, I wish my father was hinted on time, it would have been less of a shock.

"Brother Felix Badmus" everyone started clapping and shouting the moment pastor mentioned my father's name. Some where standing. It was more like they expected it or should I say they wanted it.

My father has been the Assisting Head of Treasury and finance department. With all expectations and assumptions, he was supposed to take over from the former head that has now been promoted to be a senior minister and Assistant Regional Pastor.

Everyone loves my family because of my father's generosity. My mother always take extra food to church every Sunday to give to people. 

A few number of people had been assisted by my dad. He uses his influence to secure people job opportunities, admission in schools and many more.

The reason for the loud clap became clearer to me as it might have been from the fact that my family was the type that was accommodating and hospitable.

I may not be able to talk about my father's expectations of what position they may call him for but I guess he was looking forward to the promotions or maybe not.

"Amen somebody" pastor said as to reduce the clap and screaming from the congregation.

"If you don't allow us finish this phase of appointing the new leaders and head of different units, you will only extend the overnight program from 3am to 5am ooo" pastor Alfred concluded and the church became quiet again..

"Brother Felix Badmus has been very useful to this church and beyond. Infact he is a wonderful man of God" the pastor added and the church clapped with all excitement.

"When a man is doing so well at little things, they are lifted up and taken to a place that is even higher" the pastor said while smiling.

"Brother Felix is now the new pastor of our Akerewaja branch" the pastor concluded.

I could hear murmurs from the congregation. I couldn't place if it's the murmur of joy or something else. 

The clap wasn't as loud as it was before. The mention of Akerewaja branch has quite punctured the excitement. Why? I thought.

"Shall we stretch our hands towards these new leaders and pray that the Lord should back up their ministry and expand the coast" the pastor said and we all prayed for them stretching our hands towards them and the pastor concluded the prayers.

The prayer session was over and the pastor congratulated them all one after the other.

My father kept a straight face all through, I wasn't so sure whether he was happy about his promotion or not but the cross over service moved faster than I thought because I didn't know when I slept off after the service.

My mother found a place to lay me down so I could sleep well without developing neck and back pains and where she could see me.

"Wake up, it's time to go home" my mom's voice was what woke me up around 4am. 

There was a brother that lived not too far from our house and he chose to drive us home. 

As we were about leaving the church premises, someone shouted my parent's names.

"Brother Felix! Sister Kate!" the person shouted.

Who could this be?

Find out in the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP4

Season 2, Episode 4.

"Brother, what's going on here?" My mom asked again but this time we could see someone sitting on the floor at the main church entrance.

"I don't know ma, I just entered too" the brother answered.

"Iya Agbebi, why is she on the floor?" My father asked as he saw her face. 

The woman was sitting on the floor looking unkempt and tattered. 

The moment she sighted my father, she started talking and shouting but what left everyone confused was the fact that she has been sitting on the floor, crying and shouting not saying anything until my father got in and she set eyes on him. They were all surprised and we were confused as well.

I was fondly called my mother's handbag because everywhere and anywhere you see my mother, you will always see me there. Well unless when she's in the toilet or having her bath. I remembered she told me how I do cry after her when she's going to have her bath, then I was much younger. I would keep crying until she takes me with her to the bathroom even when she has already bathed me.

I got used to it and it became so bad that I won't allow her do anything while I'm awake without having me with her. She told me how she beats me and left me to cry while she takes her bath or do whatever she wants to do before attending to me. It was after much beatings I stopped. But I guess I didn't completely stop. I just got wiser and grant her permission to do some things without disturbing her.

Even in church, you can hardly find me alone unless I am in children's church while she's at the adult session.

It was a vigil. There was no children's session separately for the vigil so I had the opportunity to stay with mom that night and I got to witness this drama.

Let me tell you a little about who Iya Agbebi is. 

Iya Agbebi is the women leader in church and she always leads a Friday prayer team during the day for all waiting mothers, pregnant women and infants mothers.

The 'Agbebi' is the act of midwifery. Definitely, all the women who belong to the categories of child bearing must go through Iya Agbebi.

The surprise now was what might have happened to her that rendered her useless, looking all tattered and helpless at the same time. The Iya Agbebi we knew was a smart woman, a cheerful  mother to all. 

My family, my father to be precised was who she saw that made her started talking.

"I will confess. I will tell you everything" she was crying and shouting. The more she shouts, the more attention is being drawn to her. Maybe if she wasn't shouting, many people wouldn't have known something was going on in the compound because the church was very big.

"Right from start, I have been working in the church while I'm an agent in the 'Fitina group' and my name is Safina" she started talking and breathing heavily. 

Immediately we heard that we knew what it was but it was unbelievable. Iya Agbebi! What a life!

"We have always operated in the church and we always renew our strength with blood. That was why I volunteered to join the group of midwifery and first aid departments in the church" she continued. Everyone was murmuring with amusement and shock all written on their faces.

Pastor Alfred was already called upon to come and witness what was going on. He could relate and my parents too could easily relate with what she was saying.

"I want to apologize to Kate your wife because all the 7 miscarriages she had, we were incharge. Her case got us angrier because she was a covenant child which her mother came to seek from us" my father became angry the more he listens to what the old woman was saying. She continued anyways.

"The group and I has rendered many women childless even barren because we use their wombs for sacrifice. We've planted disunity in different careless families, knowing fully well that the family that prays together stays together. The moment we light up the quarrel gas, they will say hurtful words to themselves, leaving them to swim in the pool of unforgiveness and then we keep wrecking their relationship" she stopped crying and bowed her head.

"We have nailed some people's pregnancy to the palm tree and we have tied some people's destiny to the wall. Anyone who abuse us or doesn't give us the regard that we desire, we don't hesitate to handle them our own way. The last person that disrespected me was Mr Olatade's wife and we took her life at the point of labour" she kept nodding her head in affirmation to all she's saying maybe incase there are doubtful persons there.

"A lot had gone wrong and we have quenched the fire burning in different churches and homes. We have done so much harm than good, once a church gets too hot for us, we leave but we found so many lukewarm Christians in this church and that was why we made it our abode"

"The last encounter we had was what killed the last standing 2 founding member of the group, Jimakia and Katurina. I'm the only one left and for the past few days, I have been feeling pains all over my body as I am being flogged by an invisible hand" she rounded off.

Soon she began to vomit blood.

People started raining insults on her. Some were speaking in their local languages and I couldn't understand what they were saying. Thank God we were inside the church and not on the streets people would've carried stones, sands and maybe woods, whatever they find to stone her to death. 

"Let's burn her alive, very evil woman" someone shouted from the crowd but the pastor asked them to calm down because there may be more for her to say and also so we don't end up being murderers in the sight of God. 

She kept vomiting blood. It was gushing. Soon she started gasping, trying to catch her breath. Moment later, she passed on.

The vigil that night was totally different. Mixed reactions and feelings everywhere. Songs of Victory as well as fear of the unknown filled everyone's lips but through it all, the songs of praises was more that night.

The vigil was over and everyone went back to their houses.

Christmas finally came and we couldn't celebrate it as usual at our family's house but God gave us testimonies to end the year.

It was New Year's eve and there was news for my family.

What's the news?

Find out in the next episode.