The death rampage in the church continued without abating. It started with Mrs. Femi, then Julius followed. Few weeks later elder Monday was crushed by a fast moving vehicle. Mr. Kennedy slept but never woke up. Mr. Ego was killed by a stray bullet, while Mr. Ifeanyi died of throat cancer.

Many people were sick, elder Femi was one of them. He was carried to countless number of hospitals but none could diagnose what was wrong with him. He spent some weeks in a particular hospital, when he was getting no better, the hospital referred him to another hospital. His son; Tobi who was taking care of him in the hospital arranged for a vehicle that would take them home. On their way going home, the vehicle was involved in an accident. Elder Femi had no scratch, the driver was wounded severely, but Tobi died.

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The new pastor of the church was confused. He had cried, wept and pleaded to God to intervene but it was like the end of the calamity was not in sight. At a point the pastor was helpless. He had to declare a three days fasting programme, tagged. ‘Let mercy speak’. All members of the church were mandated to observe the fasting and prayer.

The service to round up the prayer programme took place on a Sunday. A guest minister was invited for the service. Immediately after Sunday school and worship, the guest minister was ushered to the pulpit. The topic of his message was ‘Different ways of touching God’ the main text of the sermon was taken from the book of Psalm 105:13-15 and 1 chronicles 16:21-22

“From the day I received the invitation for this programme , I had been praying asking God to lead me. I did not really understand what made your pastor to tag the theme “Let mercy speak” Until God opened my eyes and showed me what is going on . Then I realized that you really need the mercy of God.

There is no one that touch God and remain the same. Is either you are blessed or you carry curse. The woman with issue of blood touched God in a spectacular way. Of all the perfumes available, she chose the costly alabaster for her master. Even the apostle thought that she was stupid. Because they know how many hollandais, aso oke and other trending wears that the alabaster can fetch her. However she chose to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness and also to work for the kingdom. Our Lord Jesus admired her good work and announced it abroad.
The three Hebrew boys Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego also touched God in a unique way when they refused to bow to the golden image set up by king Nebuchadnezzar in the plain of Dura, in Babylon.

The threat, that whosoever did not fall down and worship the image, would be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace did not make them change their mind. They chose to stand for their God even in the face of death. Little wonder that God appeared in the furnace to deliver them. Daniel 3:1-30.

Phinehas the grandson of Aaron the priest was another man that touched God positively. He was zealous for the name of the Lord and made atonement for the children of Israel. The lord was so pleased with him and declared “Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace” . Phinehas also got the covenant of an everlasting priesthood because of his positive act towards his God. (Numbers 25:1-13)
However, there are other set of people that decided to touch God in a negative way. Their actions also attracted a reward for them. However, it was a negative one. Judas Iscariot, Pharaoh, Goliath, Gehazi, Haman, to mention but a few, were among the men that fall into this category.

In the book of Jeremiah 3:15, God said, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” The Lord sent you a pastor according to his heart but some of you rejected him. The same Pastor was supposed to feed you with knowledge and understanding but some of you claimed that you are wiser. You have been manipulating former pastors being sent to you. Out of fear, some of them decided to allow you do as you like. Because this one said no, that the word of God must be upheld, you decided to deal with him.

You conspired against a servant of God and made him to live in tears. You despised God’s instruction that you should neither touch his anointed nor do his prophet a harm. You don’t know that the servant of God served as a cover for you. While he was here, he was always praying, asking God to forgive you, that you don’t know what you were doing. However, you did the worst by using your hand to remove the cover. You told lies against him which made him to be transferred to another church. Though, your former pastor was crying to God that you were ignorant of what you were doing. God declared a judgment on you. His verdict is that you knew all that you did and you have to pay for it.”

The guest minister turned and faced the resident pastor.
“Man of God, don’t feel too bad. You have been asking God, why all these is happening in your time. The truth is that everything happening is for your own good. Pastor Ephraim, a man after God’s heart, was the person that paid the price. Because of his sacrifice, the Lord decided to flush his church off evil doers in order for you to have peace. If not, what they will do to you will be worst that what they did to your predecessor. For they increase in strength each day. However, the mercy of the Lord is everlasting. It is  true that a verdict has been passed and a lot of people have been caught up in the Lords wrath, yet, the Lord can still have mercy on his people. I want you to rise to your feet and come before the altar. Raise your voice and cry for mercy. The bible said that God will never despise a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Don’t claim that it does not concern you. Your brother and sisters problem is your problem. Let’s all cry and weep until the Lord decides to look at us with eyes of mercy.”

As they were all at the altar crying unto God, elder Femi signaled the guest Minister that he has a confession to make. He was brought to the front of the church, while other members were asked to go and take their seat.