I went to work one morning and met every one packing their loads. Upon further inquiry, I was told that the landlord has sold the place. We were given just two days to vacate the place. For me, it was like the sun has set at dawn.

I didn’t know what to do. For about a month, I was roaming the streets, searching for workshops to no avail. I later went to the mechanic village, but the money they were charging was much. It was one of such days that I stumbled into my colleague.

“lyke my man,” he hailed me.

“N.D what are you doing here?”

“My brother, this is my new hustling location.”

“I don’t understand. Are you trying to say that you own this place?”

“Yes”

I could not belief my eyes. I was amazed. The place was filled with cars.

“N.D please tell me how it happened.”

“My brother na God oo.”

“I already know that every good and perfect gift is from God. Please tell me how he did it or who he used to do it.”

“Anyway it was one of my customers. His name is Mr. Daniel Ikoku you will not know him because he doesn’t come to our former workshop. He was one of the customer I offer home service for.”

“Did you say Mr Daniel Ikoku?”

“Yes.”

“He lives in Up street. “

“Yes. So you know him.”

“Yes, he is my church member.”

“Wow! your church people are good people o. That man is so nice and kind; God will bless him. But wait, did you said he is your church member?”

“Yes, I said so.”

“I was already considering attending Mr. Ikoku’s church. But hearing that you are a member of his church, I may not come again it means the church is not as good as I thought.

“Ndubuisi! what kind of insult is that,” I called out his full name in anger.

“I am sorry. It was a joke. Can’t someone play with you?”

I regretted shouting at him. I should have allowed him say what was in his mind. At least I would have known why he wouldn’t attend church because of me. N.D was a very calm person who would not want to hurt someone. Having noticed that I was angry, he quickly changed the topic.

“As I was saying ,Mr. Ikoku was the person that lent me the money I used in renting this place . The good news is that it was an interest free loan.”

On hearing that, I smiled to myself. If Mr. Ikoku could give a non-church member an interest free loan, then my problem is over . After all, I am his brother in Christ.

The evening of the next day, I went to visit the Ikoku’s. Mrs. Ikoku was so happy to see me, of course it showed in the resounding welcome given me and the sumptuous meal I was served.

“Iyke, welcome once again to our home. Thank you for remembering us today,” Mr. Ikoku told me.

“Thank you daddy for welcoming me and even for the meal .God will continue to bless you and mummy.”

I paused in my speech for a while before continuing.

“Daddy I have a challenge. That is why I have come see you.”

“What could that be?”

“For about a month I have been out of job. The place I was using as workshop was sold. I need to rent a new place but my challenge is money. Please sir, I need a loan from you.”

As I was talking, mummy Ikoku stood at my back and was signaling her husband not to mind me. She didn’t know that the big mirror they placed in the sitting room was exposing her. I thought that the woman was an angel. I never knew that she was so wicked. All the same, I waited for daddy Ikoku’s response.

“Iyk, I don’t have money to loan to you. However, I will give you some cash to assist you.”

He went inside and emerged with a flat white sealed envelope which he handed over to me. I appreciated him and rose to leave.

“Iyk it is well with you. God will see you through,” Mrs. Ikoku told me with smiles.

“Amen ma,” I smiled back at her. Do I have choice?

“This woman must be a witch,” I thought.

All the same, I wondered why someone who could assist someone who was not his church member would turn me down. I could not understand why my case would always be different. I was told that if I join church my problem would be over. But it seemed it was getting worse each day.

Watch out for the next episode