DINING WITH MY ANCESTORS

Episode 12: Ministry

      Two months later, Bro Theophilus took me for a program in Lagos state. He told me that I will minister in one of the session as the program was schedule. We lodge in a hotel close to Unilag (University of Lagos) because the program was to take place in the campus.
I was given my own room in the hotel, so that night, I spent it in prayers and I guessed Bro Theophilus did same. We didn't meet that night to discuss anything because the task ahead of us was great.
   The following day which was the D day, I was still in a prayer mood so I went on fast the whole day.
The program kick started by 6pm, I and Bro Theophilus were kept in the vestry while the worship team were performing a powerful worship session inside the church auditorium. Bro Theophilus was already on his knees praying in tongues.
Due to nervousness, my body was filled with goose bumps because that was going to be my first time of handling microphone to minister.
It was time for us to be taken to the podium, I was so anxious that I could tell that Bro Theophilus observed it.

"Calm down. God is in control and He will be glorified tonight. Just take a deep breathe. Breathe in and breathe out" Bro Theophilus whispered and I inhale air and exhale, then I felt a bit relieved. We got into the church auditorium and I put on a smile just to cover up my anxious mood. We were given special seat on the stage.
It was time for me to minister, as I got the microphone I became as bold as a lion. I sang "Ekwueme. You are the living God o" the whole congregation joined me and sang the song. I paused the song and I told the congregation the story of my life then I brought out another song "Men may not understand, how you brought me ". Everybody sang the song, some people were crying, some were just worshipping God on their knees.
In one hours time, I handed over the microphone to Bro Theophilus. He took the sermon and his message was powerful in a way that people were really nodding their heads in agreement.
After the message, Bro Theophilus conducted an altar call and people really turned out and surrendered their lives to Christ.
It was now time for deliverance and many were delivered and impacted grace upon, then miracles took place.
When the program ended, most people came to us for counseling and prayers. We attended to them in love. At a point, I got exhausted so I directed the remaining people to Bro Theophilus. A particular lady really wanted to see me as the usher said but they stopped her but the lady insisted on seeing me so I told the ushers to let her in. Lo and behold it was Anita.
She ran and hugged me and the ushers wanted to stop her but I signaled them to leave us. She released from the hug and went on her knees.

"Sister am sorry for all the insults I gave to you before leaving the house. I didn't know that one day you will become something good. Am very sorry " she pleaded with tears and I couldn't help and tears flowed down my eyes.
I couldn't utter a word at that moment because the last words she said before leaving that almost killed me was '_____Who knows whether all this sleeping around you may have been infected with a deadly diseases and you may soon die, so it is small me that will do your burial abi?  It will not work. Good bye and continue in your dirty and disgusting life. Ashawo'. Those words was hurting but I needed to stop the devil before he stopped me. I cleaned my eyes but she was still crying.

" I have forgiven you even though it's hard. Please stand up. I bear no grudge against you "
She got up and I gave her a hug. Then we sat down, she cleaned her eyes.

"Is that your husband? " she asked referring to Bro Theophilus

"No nowwwww. I can't marry without telling you. We attend the same church and we came for this program by invitation " I explained

"Ok "

"How is school? " I asked

"Fine "

"What level are you now? " I asked

"Am in my final year "

"Anita were you sick?  because you have drastically gone down "

"I wasn't sick. Just stress o. "

"How do you feed and who is paying your school fees? " I asked

"Am on scholarship and I sell small snacks so that is how I feed " she said and I felt so bad

"Now that I have seen you, I promise you will not suffer again. " I said and she nodded

"Sister sorry to ask. Are you still staying in that house? "

"No. I stay in one of the church apartment and they sponsor my feeding and they also give me monthly salary. So I have little money. Can I give you some? " I asked looking for approval.

"No problem Sister. I promise to believe in and also respect you as my elder sister from henceforth " she said raising her hands up in total surrender and I chuckled.

I got her account details and instantly transfer some money to her.

"Thank You Sister "

"You are welcome "

"Sister can I ________" she was interrupted as Bro Theophilus walked in.

"Good afternoon Sir " she greeted
"Good afternoon and God bless you " he replied

"Sir this is my kid sister" I introduced Anita to him.

"Wow I can see the resemblance. How are you doing? " he asked her

"Fine Sir "

"You must be a student here? "

"Yes Sir. "

"May your stay here be a blessing and may your academic performance be the best in Jesus name "

"Amen " we answered in unison

"We will be taking our leave now, take care of yourself and always remember to call your elder sister " Bro Theophilus said and she nodded. We walked outside the three of us and Anita stopped at a particular spot and Bro Theophilus gave her some money.

"Thank you Sir. Bye. I will see you people some other time. " she greeted us with much excitement but with tears

"Same here. Good bye " Bro Theophilus said while I only waved to avoid crying.

   The following morning we went back to Port Harcourt, everybody were excited to see us, they welcomed us warmly. The church overseer was around so he prayed for us and we dispersed back to our respective residence.

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*Something good can always come out of you, if only you believe in yourself.*