“Meet John, my younger brother; he is like a son to me. I got married at the age of 20 and he was 5 then. From that time till date, we have been together. He is a very nice person and most importantly he is a child of God.”

John was not comfortable with the praises that Mummy was showering on him. He tried stopping her but she did not bulge.

“Kid brother don’t try to stop me, I will say everything on my mind. For the fact, that you decided to serve God, you lived with me and never caused me heartache, you are obedient and responsible, God will bless and keep you. The Lord will promote you. You will never experience any pain I have ever passed through. You never despised a widow. Therefore, you and your wife will live together till old age in Jesus mighty name.”

“Amen!” I and John chorused.

Mummy informed me that John won an American visa lottery and will be relocating to USA together with his wife by next week. She also said that John needs someone that will buy his business, car and the properties in his house. She felt I might be interested since that was my line of business.

She turned and faced John.

“Please go and show Kelvin everything. Then come back for further discussion.”

John took me around to show me the business place, his tastefully furnished two bedroom apartment and an SUV car. Everything I saw was worth above ten million naira. I needed no one to tell me that those things were not for me. However, I decided to wait as the drama unfolds.

“Kelvin you have seen everything, which of them are you interested in?” John asked me as we returned to the house.

“He will take all.” Mummy interjected.

“Alright, how much are you willing to pay?” John asked me.

I could not utter any word. Even if I sell my father’s house in the village and all our landed properties, the money I would realize could not buy those things. I felt that silence would be the best answer in that situation.

“Come on son, speak up.” Mummy urged me.

Yet I remained mute. Mummy noticed my hesitation and decided to help me out.

“He will pay N100,000.”

“Hundred what! But Sister, you are aware that someone was willing to pay N8,000,000 for these things, yet I didn’t agree. You even encouraged me not to sell it for that amount. Why are you saying that Kelvin will pay N100,000? Is that an advance payment for the shop and house rent? What is that meager amount for?”

“John, listen to me. I need to tell you some things about Kelvin that you don’t know. He served his master for 8 years. All he could use to settle him after these years of hard labour was N.100,000”

“That is wickedness!” John exclaimed.
“Thank God, you understand me now. Someone that served a man for 8 years, is N10,000,000 too big to reward him with? John, I want you to wear the shoe of Kelvin’s master. Allow God to use you to reward Kelvin. My brother, God has been faithful to you. You studied in the best of schools from nursery to tertiary institution. When you indicated interest to do business, you had it on a platter of gold. Now you decided you want to travel abroad and it is already in your hands. That is why I am asking you to show Kelvin the love of God. Collect the money and hand over those things to him. Who knows? may it was because of Kelvin that God allowed you to win the visa lottery.”

“Sister, this is difficult. Do you really want me to do this?”

“Yes, I am asking you to do it; for Christ sake.”

“I’ve heard what you said. I need time to digest the request and to discuss with my wife. I will get back to you. But then, what is the need of collecting that ridiculous amount. If I will give it out, is it not better I don’t collect any money. At least I will know that it is a gift.”

“It is necessary that you collect the money because that will assure Kelvin that he really owns the business. Then a lawyer will prepare an agreement papers for us to sign. At least you won’t come back to lay claims on those things again.” Mummy joked.
“Ah! sister, don’t you trust me anymore?”

“Do not bother yourself. I was joking. The truth is that you are the best. God will promote you and enlarge your coast …”

“In Jesus name, Amen.” John concluded the prayer.

“John, allow me to finish praying before you conclude the prayer for me. Are you afraid of God’s blessings?”

“No Ma, I am only afraid of the request you will make. After the first prayer, you asked me to give out everything I had at the rate of next to nothing. This time, if I allow you conclude the prayer, you may ask me to give out myself.”