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.

TANGLED S2 EP3

Season 2, Episode 3

The knock on the door was persistent, leaving us all to wonder who it could be.

"Who is that oo? My mother asked but she felt too lazy to go and open the door. My uncle decided to help with the door.

"Good day, peace be unto this house" Pastor Alfred said.

I ran towards the door to give him a hug.

"Daddy Pastor" I screamed with all excitement. The children in church are used to calling the pastor "daddy pastor" 

Pastor Alfred was the Regional Pastor of our parish, he was one of the caring people we have ever met. He loves children and he always takes interest in the affairs of the teenagers and young people too.

He comes to church every Sunday with pack of sweets, chewing gums, biscuits and fruits while his wife do come to church with extra food to give those that may likely wait for the second service.

"How are you all doing?" The pastor asked as we offered him a seat. He could see how everyone in the room was looking tired and fagged out.

"We thank God, it hasn't been a smooth ride but through it all, God remains faithful" my dad replied as my mom interrupted. 

"What should we offer you sir?" My mother asked. 

"I am fine actually, I have been at the door knocking for a while now but it was as if there was an intense fight going on in the house" the pastor said.

My uncle already left for the living room since the pastor entered after greeting him. His wife also followed him. So, we (my dad, mom and I) were left with the pastor alone. 

"Yes sir, it was a battle and God saw us through by breaking the covenant" my dad responded.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

"Praise be to God who has given us the Victory. My message to those who are waiting on God for the fruit of the womb or anything at all is that, God may come late but he is always on time" my mother said.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" My father added.

"This is indeed a great testimony, God saved you from the accident, gave you another chance to preach about forgiveness, you experienced a practical forgiveness between you and your wife and now breaking the covenant! God is Good" pastor Alfred said and my parents chorused "All the time" that was an affirmation.

"I will love to get to the other members' house before going back home, shall we pray before I take my leave" the pastor said.

"But daddy, you won't now take anything enn? My mother asked but the pastor smiled and thanked my mom for the offer.

The pastor prayed for us and he left.

Finally, we can now rest and get our lives together. My uncle already slept off when I went to check on him in the room while my aunt was doing some kitchen cleaning and dusting.

Mom made us rice and plantain for lunch. Everyone ate and we all went to our rooms to rest.

Our house is a 4 bedroom flat. Despite that mom and dad do sleep in same room, mom still has a room to herself where she kept all her stuff. One funny thing about my mom was that she can keep anything keep-able even the not keep-able things, she still keeps them.

She has some of the books she used in higher institutions in her room and some of the ones she used way back at college too. She will keep as little and not really important things as the manual of a blender and carton of cutleries. Oh my God! Sometimes it can be annoying especially when she asks me to go find one small thing. I'll search and search, scattering almost everywhere before I'll find it because she doesn't know the exact place it is she just knew it is in the room. And after which I'd have to re-arrange again. 

Irrelevant things like shoes that she used years ago that is no longer her size, were still in that room for reasons best known to her.

 Sometimes I just think, what if we don't have our own house or what if our house wasn't as big and spacious as it was. How or where would she have put all these things? 

We normally have Friday vigil in church, it starts at 10pm and ends at 4am, six hours. For those who live close to the church, they can easily go back home after the prayers but for those who live far away and are not mobile, they stay back at church till it's 6am when transport system begins the day's work.

It was few days to Christmas. We decided to attend the Friday vigil for that week we returned from the hospital

My parents, been workers in the church made sure to get to church 30 minutes before the commencement of the program so as to pray and put some certain things in place.

As we approached the church compound that night, we saw people everywhere. Well, it was normal for people to be scattered abroad at that time in church since there was a vigil and almost everyone if not everyone would be present but the reactions, the side-talks, murmurings and gesticulation generally left us wondering. It wasn't just right or normal. What exactly is going on?

"Brother, what's happening?" My mother asked a short dark brother at the church's entrance.

What happened?

Watch out for the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP2

Season 2, Episode 2.

It wasn't like we have rested a minute before all this drama started and with the instructions from the hospital, we are supposed to get home and rest.

My uncle on the other hand, had been away from his family, his wife too. His intention was just to take us home that day after which he could go back home too. The journey from our house to his house is over 7 hours and he couldn't afford to travel late into the night.

With the unexpected drama we met at home, I know it will be very impossible for my uncle to travel back that day and also, we may not get enough rest as instructed.

Before we knew it, the whole negotiation was taking longer than we expected. 

"Let's take it back a bit so you can understand what we are here for. You may have your seat when you are tired of standing" Katurina said but my father wasn't ready to sit infact it wasn't necessary. 

I could feel my dad's countenance changed. I knew he was very angry now both in the spirit and in the physical.

"I can't leave you to handle this alone. We may need to wait till tomorrow before we leave" uncle Jude said out of concern.

I still don't know why my dad declined the offer of sitting down when he knew that we all are tired already and we needed to rest.

"Kate, your mother belongs to this Fitina group and her name was Yaramina. Let me ask you, do you know the story around your birth?" Safina asked my mother.

"No! No! I am of the LORD and the LORD gave me to my parents. Infact, I was born in the church's mission house" my mother said hurriedly.

The 3 women laughed hysterically and annoyingly and this went on for about 2 minutes nonstop. I really can't figure out what the laugh was about but I was curious to know how much they had to say and what they had to offer.

Eventually, my uncle suggested that we all have a seat as it seems the meeting wasn't going to end anytime soon.

"Mission house? That's worth laughing at because if you know the story around your birth, you won't be spewing thrash like this" Jimakia said.

"I won't take any insult from any of you, not in my house and not to my wife" my dad was beginning to get furious even amidst his curiosity.

"Shut up young man and listen to all we have to say, do you think we have all day?" Safina said and instructed Katurina to continue the story they were about to share.

"Many years ago, your mother came to us that she was at the verge of being sent out of her husband's home because for 5 years, she has been looking for the fruit of the womb and she hasn't find one. We promised to help her but with a but" Katurina was interrupted by my mother.

"That is not true, my mother prayed and God gave me to her. It is true she had a bit of delay but all these you are saying is not true" my mother said.

"We don't have time to waste, so just listen to the end" Jimakia cuts in.

"The but we gave her was that she must initiate you to the group because you are our own and our blood runs through your veins. Before your mother died, she tried every possible means to initiate you but it kept failing. The last attempt she made was what took her life" Katurina continued.

"Your mother came to visit you about 2 years ago and she died immediately she got back to her house. We got angry and took her blood for renewal of the annual party. You had a befitting burial for her but her meat and bone was shared amongst us. Your mama's blood tastes so sweet" Katurina concluded laughing. 

"Ewww, disgusting something" my aunt didn't know when she responded. She hasn't even said much since the whole drama started because she was scared as well as confused.

"Enough of this nonsense!" my dad got up angrily and this time I knew he could do and undo. No one really knew exactly what was going through his mind.

"Listen and listen well, we stand on the Blood of JESUS and his Name, my family doesn't have anything to do with you any longer because he has redeemed us and calls us his own" my father said with confidence. 

I didn't know where the confidence came from but I knew it wasn't by power or by might but by the Spirit of God.

"For there is nothing darkness has to do with light. For this is the reason why the son of God was manifested to destroy the work of the devil"

We all got up and held hands together as my father was talking and we started praying. 

"Blood! Blood! Blood!" the 3 women started shouting.

"The name of our Lord Jesus is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and they are saved" my father said as we all kept on saying "Amen".

"He has given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" my father concluded.

"The Blood of Jesus!" my mother screamed and she fell on the chair.

The 3 women were badly injured as we pray. Minutes later, we couldn't find them again.

"Kate! Kate! Dear, open your eyes" my dad rushed towards my mom while my aunt was fanning her with the scarf in her hands.

My mother eventually opened her eyes and she felt different.

"Something strange moved out of my body with full force and it rendered me weak till I blanked out" my mother said.

"The LORD has given us VICTORY and this time, it shall be permanent in Jesus name" my father said and we all echoed AMEN! 

Then I remembered one of the songs we were taught in children's church. I started singing and everyone joined me.

"Victory, Victory, Hallelujah, Jesus conquered the devil patapata" we all danced and kept on praising God.

A knock on the door interrupted our moment of praise.

"Who is that again?" My mother murmured. 

Who was it?

Find out in the next episode.

TANGLED S2 EP1

Season 2, Episode 1.

"Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" my mother was shouting. I tried to hide behind my aunt who was last to come in. I couldn't behold such a scary sight. I needed to be far from it.

We were just getting over the shock of a narrow escape accident and then getting home to the news that a family friend, our neighbour, Mr Olatade lost the wife and now to come in to meet another shocking incident. It was draining. 

"Who are you and who are you looking for? What do you want here?" My father summoned the courage to start up the conversation and also reduce the tension and fear written on everyone's faces. He stretched to check the windows and ceilings if any was broken open, but there was none. 

"Who sent you here? What do you want from us? How did you get in here?" My mother kept throwing questions at them.

We await a reply but all we heard was a laugh of mockery. We didn't know what the laugh was about actually because nothing there was funny.

How they managed to get in was a mystery because the door has been locked all the while we were away. We just opened it and stepped in. Imagine what welcomed us.

Oh, I guess you're wondering what we saw too?

It was 3 old women; not just old but looking unkempt. They were unfamiliar and I was sure none of my family members have ever come across scary looking unkempt old women like that.

"We have an unfinished business and that's why we are here" one of the old women with a straight face replied my dad. 

Unfinished business where? I was already close to peeing on myself as I didn't want to imagine anything negative. I was short of words, prayer wasn't even coming to my mind.

The joy that filled my heart few minutes ago that we just scaled through an accident that fixed my family back together has faded in an instant. 

Deep down, I've been craving my bed, the hospital discomfort opened my eyes to know that there is no place like home. And now this. Somebody can't even rest peacefully after the journey back home.

"What business is that and with who?" my uncle interrupted. 

The more we talked with this unfamiliar women, the more courage we all started getting.

I became quite bold to look into their faces for the first time. It was really horrible. I wouldn't know if they had their faces painted or not. Their hairs were all grey and scattered. Only one of them had a few black hairs amidst the grey ones while the other two were all grey hairs.

One of them I noticed was holding a stick. I didn't know if it was just a tool for holding or if it was meant to assist her in walking. But I decided to believe it was meant for walking. But then I thought why will an old woman that couldn't even walk without being supported on her stick embark on such a mission. 

"You better shut that your stinky mouth up because we are not here for you" one of the old women replied angrily facing my uncle. It was her shout that brought me back from my realm of thoughts.

"Okay, we are sorry. What exactly do you want and who are you?" my father apologised.

I was wondering why my dad was apologizing.

I could hear my mother muttering "Blood of Jesus" under her breath. I could see fear on her face too. 

The 3 women laughed out loud again and I was wondering why they laughed at intervals but I knew they were up to something evil and mischievous or maybe someone sent them to us.

"Before we go too far, we will introduce ourselves to you one after the other so we don't get to be total strangers to you" one of the women said.

"Safina is my name" the light skinned, short but most reserved out of them introduced herself. I could count the number of words she has said since the whole drama started. I knew people with that kind of gentle look and fewer words are the most dangerous. 

"Katurina is my name" the other woman introduced herself. She was dark in complexion, looked quite chubby at least than others who were very lanky. From the way she has been talking, she sounds more like the most angry one. Whenever she talks, it's a shout. The brave and dauntless one you may say.

"Call me Jimakia the mouthed" this name with which she introduced herself can easily tell one that she's the most eloquent amongst them. The talkative you may say.

"Okay we have heard your name, can you go to the business of the day?" dad asked out of curiosity and impatience.

I really wondered where my dad developed that sort of dauntless spirit from. It was amazing. But I was quite scared that they shouldn't hurt him with this overnight boldness he developed and the way he was reacting to them.

"Name your price, let's know how much you weigh" my uncle added angrily.

"We are not here for you. That is the second warning" the angry Katurina said.

I became scared for my uncle. I hope they won't hurt him. I just wished I could take him out from the scene but who am I to even think of that?

"Let's go to the business of today" Safina said facing my dad.

What do they have to offer?

Watch out for the next episode.