Six months later, much to my chagrin, Ugomma’s wedding was announced in church. She was getting married to one of our church members; a Chevron worker based in Port Harcourt. I felt insulted. It got dawn on me that it was an issue of the highest bidder not that of righteousness.

I, therefore, promised myself that I must revenge. My target was Chika. I planned to impregnate her and deny responsibility. I thought of how to go about it. Since they don’t accept gifts, I decided to use words. I was sending her love letters; little did I know that the wicked girl was submitting those letters to her mother. On a particular Sunday, after service, Mrs. Onyema requested to see me. By the time I met her, she packed out all the letters I had written to Chika.

“Johnson, what is the meaning of these?” she asked, pointing at the letters.

I was so embarrassed. I bowed my head and could not utter any word.

“Please, I beg you in the name of the Lord, leave my daughters alone. They are all that I’ve got in this world since my husband’s untimely death. You said that you loved Ugomma, now it is Chika. Is it that you don’t know what you want or you are playing pranks? If this kind of thing repeats itself again, I will report you to Pastor.”

“I am sorry ma; I meant no harm. It is just that I love your family,” I managed to mutter.

“Please, love rightly. Goodbye.”

I became embittered and each day, I wished Ugomma evil in her marriage. When you joined the church, I decided to become your friend in other to be getting information about them. I felt that will aid my quest for vengeance. But I changed plans when I discovered that Mrs. Onyema loved and took you as her biological son. The hatred I had for them was transferred to you immediately. I was envious that you were enjoying what I could not enjoy. Another was that whatever I do to you will affect Mrs. Onyema. She will surely feel the pain. You don’t know how angry I was when you informed me that Mrs. Onyema promised to sponsor your wedding. I became jealous, because I know how she does her things. She is a woman of class. I couldn’t just allow you to enjoy such a rare privilege.

Everything I told you about church members were lies. I was bent on disgracing you that was why I told you that the marriage counselors could be bribed. The truth is that they are set of incorruptible people. Even the purported letter from Chika was written by me. I paid her friend to deliver it in Chika’s name.

Mrs. Onyema is a true child of God. It is just that she is strict to a fault; especially when it concerns her children’s marriage. The only thing that I did not understand was why she showered you with love, notwithstanding that you are wayward. That was why I decided to severe the relationship by all means.

I knew that through her guidance, you will marry a godly girl and have a peaceful home. I never wanted that to happen. I have always wished that she will be disgraced. That I have achieved through you. At least one of her children needed to go through the pain they have made me go through. I don’t care whether it is her biological or adopted child.

All the while you needed money, I was buoyant, but I never wanted to help you. Any money given to you would be a waste. If not that Mrs. Onyema picked you and cleaned you up, you were a pauper. We don’t belong to the same class. The only reason I offered to rent a room for you was to keep you away from Mrs. Onyema. At least, that would protect my secret.

It was my quest for vengeance that led me into these. I never knew that you would find out. Since you are now aware, there is nothing to hide anymore. Right now my home is on fire. My loving and caring wife has turned to my nightmare. She lost the pregnancy. Because of that, she has been threatening fire and brimstone. She claims that nemesis of what I did to you was catching up with me.

I never knew that things would turn this way. All the same, I am sorry. You were not really my target.
Johnson.

After reading Johnson’s letter, I decided to go home because the content of the letter left me devastated. On getting home Jane was not around. On a closer look, I discovered that her belongings were not in the house. I was still wondering what happened when I noticed a note on the table.

Kel,
Consider whatever existed between us over. I am gone for good. I never planned to spend the rest of my life with you. You should even know that we are not in the same class. I have been hanging around you because of money. Now the money is gone.

Note that the pregnancy is not yours. I have already flushed it out. That was why I was admitted in the hospital two days ago. Don’t ever think of searching for me to ask of a baby that does not exist.

Five months ago, when I told you that I was travelling to see my mother; that was not the case. I travelled to Abeokuta to meet my fiancé. Later, when I discovered that I was pregnant, I called the supposed fiancé but he denied responsibility. Since you are the next on line, I had to make it yours. If you had asked the necessary questions or even done some calculations, you would have discovered that the pregnancy was not yours. Thanks for your carelessness; anyway. It was nice doing business with you.

Committing abortion was never in my plan. I wanted to give birth to the baby but your present economic state scares me. I cannot start suffering at this age when there are better opportunities out there.

I don’t regret whatever pain I have caused you; it is payback time. Remember how you nearly disappointed me, claiming that you have found Christ whereas you never knew him. Hypocrites will always reap this kind of reward.

Henceforth, look before you leap. But if you ever find your way to knowing Christ, then pray before you leap. Good bye Kel.
Jane.

After reading the letter, I could not control my emotions. I wept like a baby. I wished that I could turn back the hands of time but wishes were not horses. Suddenly it occurred to me that all hope were not lost. Jane may have done lots of harm but she passed through her letter to preach to me. Through her letter, I discovered that I was very stupid, though I claimed that I was wise. It became clear to me that Pastor and Mummy were right. I had been a hypocrite so the corrective measure meted on me was not out of place. As I thought of all these, I wept the more. I thought of the way out.

‘God’s mercy is the only way out. I have to run to him, and cling unto him. Even if I am going to die, at least, let me die in Christ, I concluded.

Throughout the night, I continued crying and pleading for mercy till around 4:30PM. It was after that time that I lay down to sleep. Then, I had a dream. I saw a man wearing a white robe and sitting on a throne. He called my name twice.

“Kelvin my son, Kelvin my dear son. Why did you take my mercy for granted? I patiently beckoned on you but you bluffed me? You removed the umbrella of protection I placed over you through your carelessness. Have I not shown you enough love? When you were lost, I searched for you, found you and brought you into my fold. I even commanded my daughter to nourish you. She tried her best to provide for you and ensued that you are comfortable. Spiritual food was also fed you adequately, yet you deviated. The worst was that you tried to cover your sins and when you were rebuked for it, you tried to fight back. I wanted to close my door of mercy on you completely but look at that woman.”

A picture of Mummy appeared in a kneeling position.

“I could not resist her tears; she cried to me day and night to have mercy on you. My servant, your pastor also stood in the gap. You have one more chance, go and sin no more. As for the person that led you into sin and the ones that spoke against my servant for disciplining you, they have their reward.”

The next morning, I ran to church and fell down at the altar still crying and begging for forgiveness. As I was there, Pastor came in. I ran and fell at his feet.

“Daddy I am sorry, forgive me. I am back, just like the prodigal son. Please accept me back.”

“Kelvin it is okay. I never gave up on you. I have been praying, asking God to help you to retrace your steps before it becomes late. I am happy that you have come back to God. My advice to you is that you should hold onto God and continue asking for His mercy.”

I resumed church fully. I never missed any service though I still sat at the back space reserved for me because of my offence.

Surprisingly, one Sunday morning, that was three weeks after I came back to church, Pastor called me out and relieved me of the suspension. He said God asked him to do that because there was genuine repentance in me.

Relieving me of the suspension marked a new phase in my life. Everything that had been standstill started moving again. Even the man that ran away with my N500,000 returned the money to me.

Finally my brethren, that was how God turned again my captivity. I have 4 main reasons for telling this story.
God is searching for men and women of pure hearts who will stand at the gap to intercede for the church. Will you be a volunteer?
To reveal the true meaning of suspension. I have discovered that many people don’t understand what it entails.
For new members to be careful of friends they keep when they join church. Some older members are not ready for heaven and they don’t want others to go.
To beam searchlight on men and women that deceive people in church. They need to know that their activities are not hidden. If they fail to repent, God will expose them.

My brethren, if you notice any man by your side, preaching another sermon, when Pastor is on the altar dishing out the word of God, keep off. He is one of them.

And that woman that claims that she knows everything that happens in church, including the number of blocks that was used for the church building. Run away from her, she is among.

Another is that young man that tries to convince you that every one is the same; there is no saint in church. Hei! He is their chief messenger. Quietly excuse yourself from him.

The worst of them all is that young lady that will encourage you to do as you like, after all, the worst that will happen is suspension. Beloved, flee from her. She wants to deliver your head on a platter.

My dear brothers and sisters don’t forget that we have mixed multitude in the church this end time, please be warned. God bless you.”

On the completion of my story, Pastor came up.

“Johnson, if you are in church, come out.”

Johnson slowly walked to the front of the church with a bowed head.

“Johnson, you heard everything that Kelvin said. Did he lie against you?”

“No daddy. He did not lie. However, everything that happened was the work of the devil. I was deceived by the devil.”

“No problem! You will come and meet the leaders of the church on Saturday by 4:00PM. Then you will explain to them where you and the devil met. But be sure that you will not go unpunished.”
THE END.

PARTING WORDS

Is God leading you to win a lost soul today?
Then give it all it takes.
It may take your time, resources, prayer and supplication;
Even if it seems your effort is not yielding result;
Do not despair;
Keep hope alive till success is attained;
Remember, that they that turn many to righteousness;
Shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3b

The end.