Episode 27

I spent the greater part of the almost never-ending journey daydreaming—again—since I wasn’t ready to share my cogitations with anyone. It seemed the road stretched longer than normal. The afternoon sun beating hard on the bus made the heat unbearable yet I managed to keep a radiant face as I listened to those who had things to say. As if in a conspiracy to prolong my suspense, the weekend travellers had caused a gridlock on the highway. But this isn’t the first time we’re passing through this route. I wondered.

When we finally reached our destination, I fronted the team. Tayo had suggested that we all meet at an eatery but I’d objected. “I would be better if we met at Mrs Okafor’s house. She may have one or two motherly pieces of advice to give.” I had said, partly because it was true, and also because I would get to see the one my heart longed for. Everyone had consented to my advice.

Maria watched me with suspicion as I made all the moves and I knew if asked, she could tell that something was fishy.

“You are a good friend, Brother Femi.” Sister Mercy remarked.

“He really is.” Maria added. I gave them a squinted look, then paused to weigh their comments. I sensed a mixture of sarcasm and sincerity. ‘Whatever they meant.’ I said to myself, smiling thinly. I was too excited to worry about them; I just wanted to set my eyes on Debby.

I reached for the doorbell then suddenly withdrew my hand before I could press it. I was hearing strange sounds from within so I listened carefully. Snoring. Who could be snoring at this hour of the day?

“What is the matter?” Tayo asked. He was a snorer too so the sound couldn’t have meant much to him if he’d heard it. I remember how hard I used to hit him in his sleep whenever he started snoring. He snored so loud that I developed a strong hatred for snoring.

“I thought I heard something.” I answered, reaching forth to press the button before the ladies who were busy chatting behind us could suspect anything.

The lock turned from inside as Debby welcomed us. So, Debby was the one snoring like that!

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” She rubbed her palms on her face as if to drive the sleep away. “How long have you been here?”

“Not too long.” I replied, holding the door for all to go in.

“Did you have a stopover? We’ve been waiting for your arrival for the past 2 hours. I didn’t even know when I slept off.” She muttered as she made her way to tell of our arrival, not waiting for an answer.

I sat in a corner of the living room ruminating on what had just happened. Really? Debby was a snorer? I was pondering on that when Tolani walked in with Ben in her arms. Maria quickly stood up to embrace her. I’d overheard her say she’d love to meet the face behind the lovely voice she heard over the phone. She took Ben from Tolani’s hands and pecked him on the forehead.

Mrs Okafor came out of the room with her characteristic smile on her face. If one looked away from her protruding belly, she would look more like a teenager. Her contagious smile forced me to smile too.

“Hello everyone.” She greeted as she leaned on the sofa for support. We all responded in different ways. My mood swing worried my friends; the bubbling and active Brother Femi was now suddenly calm and not-talking. Two things were actually bothering me. First was the reminder that someone ran past me in the dream heading towards Debby. Could that mean I’d lost her to another person? The second thing that troubled me was that she was a snorer. If things worked out between us, was I going to spend the rest of my life with someone who will repeatedly do what I disliked the most, though unconsciously?

On a normal day, I would have done the introductions but when I didn’t, Tayo did. “This is Mrs Okafor,” he said, “She has been a mother to us in many ways. She’s a counsellor in the Youth Counselling Centre of the State Psychiatric Hospital. She’s also the wife of the youth leader in the church Tolani’s father pastors.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you ma.” Maria and Mercy chorused. “It’s nice to finally put a face to the name. I’ve heard so much about you ma.” Maria added.

“Whatever Tayo told you, I hope he didn’t overhype the details.” Mrs Okafor fixed her eyes on Maria. “You must be Maria,” she said, “And you are Mercy,” pointing in her friend’s direction.

“How do you manage to do that?” Tayo queried. “You didn’t need anyone to introduce us to you when we first met, and yet you knew I wasn’t Femi? How do you do it?”

“Trade secrets, my dear. Trade secrets.” She laughed it off.

“Well then, I’ll tell you what you may not know about them. Sister Maria is one of our beloved sisters in the fellowship and we recently discovered that she is also the daughter of my mother’s childhood friend.”

“That is an interesting discovery.” Mrs Okafor commented.

“Indeed. And this is Sister Mercy the choir director. She’s a PhD student, and she’s engaged to our Prayer Coordinator, Brother Festus, who is in his final year of medical school.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sweethearts.” She came closer and patted their backs. “I see Maria and Ben are getting along so well,” she added when Benjamin chuckled as Maria tickled him. “I’ll let you discuss among yourselves while I take some time to relax.” She headed towards the kitchen which had a door that led to the backyard.

“Femi.” She called from the kitchen, “Could you please help me with my garden chair?” I excused myself from the gathering as I carried the chair and joined her at the backyard. The backyard had a small garden of vegetables. A short fence made of bamboo tree barricaded the portion from the walkway. “My hubby’s hobby is gardening.” I smiled and set the chair under the shade of a mango tree.

“Bring a chair for yourself too.” She added. “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” I’d feared this moment would come after the conversation I overheard her having with Debby some months ago. I’d noticed that Debby hadn’t shown up in the living room since we arrived, which was a big relief for me. I returned as quickly as I disappeared settling my chair in front of hers.

“How much are you going to charge me for this session?” I joked.

“How much can you afford?” She teased, adjusting in her chair. “How were your final exams?”

“Fine, so far. I have just one more paper to write but that comes up in two weeks’ time.”

“Two weeks.” She smiled, nodded complacently and looked away.

“Yes, two weeks. Why did you smile like that?”

“Did I smile? Well, maybe because my due date is in two weeks too.”

“Early congratulations ma.”

“Thank you.” She sat up as if to make herself more comfortable, then turned to me and cleared her throat before asking, “What are you doing about marriage?” Even before she asked, I could almost guess what her question would be.

“Watching and praying.” I answered as we both giggled at my response.

“So, what open visions have you seen and what still small voice have you heard?” She relaxed back into the chair, trying to take a more comfy posture. She shut her eyes and pressed her lips against each other. “I’m listening to you.” She reassured.

“At this time, I need more of your prayers. I’m perceiving some things but I don’t want to be too forward.” I paused to hear her reply but she gave none. I misinterpreted her silence to mean that she wasn’t satisfied with my answer, so I continued, “I had a dream—”

“Help me call Debby.” She interrupted.

“No ma. I don’t think that is a good idea.” I protested softly. “I saw her in just a dream but I can’t say I’ve prayed through on it.”

“Femi!” She barked, “Call me Debby. I think my water just broke.”

“Which water?” I asked, utterly confused. “I mean—”

“Debby!!” She screamed. It was then I understood that it had to do with her pregnancy.

Debby rushed out of the house at the sound of her name. I stood up as others came outside too asking different questions. “She’s fine,” Debby answered, “But we need to get her to the hospital immediately.”

We all assisted to get Mrs Okafor to the car. Debby drove while Tolani accompanied them to the hospital. The rest of us had to wait till they returned since we couldn’t leave with Benjamin.

“Let’s listen to Tayo’s love story.” I proposed.

It Continues...

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-27/

Pls u are making me love this more. I real need this because my own story is also in that story . I really want to have this piece to ponder on pls , if possible can u pls send me @bellojoseph@rocketmail.com tanx in anticipation and more update too

Olajhidey22:

Source:[/b] http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-27/

Well done for this nice post of urs. The story is so inspiring to me . I love ur ideas and preciseness

Joe4luv:
Pls u are making me love this more. I real need this because my own story is also in that story . I really want to have this piece to ponder on pls , if possible can u pls send me @bellojoseph@rocketmail.com tanx in anticipation and more update too
Well done for this nice post of urs. The story is so inspiring to me . I love ur ideas and preciseness

Am glad you find this worthwhile .......Please leave us a mail at info[at]gospelbreed.com..God bless

Episode 28

“I’m not very good at story telling but I’ll try.” Tayo started, taking the centre position in the living room as we circled around him to listen. “It all started during one Sunday Service in my second year; it was as if a sudden realization of Maria dawned on me. She had been in the fellowship all along and she’d been an usher too, but it was as if I was noticing her for the first time that Sunday. Honestly, it was difficult for me to concentrate on the remaining part of the service to the point that I had to caution myself and refocus on the preaching.

“The service ended that day and I went home thinking the feeling would go away. In unexplainable terms, my heart started yearning to see her again. I anticipated the next service more than my next meal. When I took it to God in prayer, I could almost feel the Holy Spirit sit beside me and was reading a recommendation letter about her to me. The more I tried not to think about her, the more I found myself thinking about her. My eyes began to open to certain things about her, like her dedication to God’s service, her love for orderliness, and her charming personality.

“Eventually, I can say, God won. I knew He was passing a message across to me and to ignore it would be self-deluding. So, after praying about it, I accepted that God was saying something to me about her concerning marriage. The day I surrendered to God, I experienced a peace in my heart that I had not had since the struggling began. It came to my understanding that struggling with the will of God takes away one’s peace of mind. It wasn’t that I disliked her, in fact, she’s beautiful and if I were to choose by sight, I would have chosen her anyway; the main issue was that I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t consider entering into a relationship until I was done with my Masters’ Degree.

That sudden knowledge spurred up the emotional part of me that I began to feel a need for partnership—with her. The emotional connection was so strong that I thought God wanted me to get married at that instant, so I built friendship with her hoping it would lead somewhere one day. But as I tarried in prayer and meditation, I understood from the word of God that the vision was for an appointed time. Habakkuk 2:3 says ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ I can quote it by heart today because I read it every day for many days.” He chortled.

“Back then,” he continued, “I wondered why God would reveal His will in marriage to me when He knew I wasn’t ready. But today I understand better.” He sighed, then continued again. “Acts 15:18 says ‘Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.’ The rest, as they say, is history.” He concluded.

As the self-appointed moderator, I turned to Maria and said, “Over to you.”

She smiled and answered, “I’ve already shared my testimony with Brother Tayo. Maybe he should share it with us.”

“No!” I protested. “We’d like to hear it from the horse’s mouth.” Others nodded in agreement.

“If you insist,” she shrugged, “I had no dream. I saw no open vision. I heard no still small voice either. I just felt an impression in my spirit that he was the one. Praying about it made the conviction stronger. Plus, he’s cute, brilliant, and spiritual; so I didn’t have any hard time believing that God was speaking. I’d known that he was the one about six months before he had his first thought about me.

I did have dreams about him but they were not concerning marriage. The dreams I had about him came during his internship, and they were scary nightmares. I knew something had gone wrong with his spiritual life and I tried to reach him on phone but he didn’t answer. I took it upon myself to intercede for him and as I prayed over those revelations, I understood a little of the details. That’s why I wasn’t so surprised when he told me about Tolani and Benjamin.”

Little Ben stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes at Maria’s mention of his name. I gestured to her to pause and allow Ben go back to sleep before she continues. The silence gave room for some meditation which was cut short when Tayo’s phone rang. It was Tolani.

“Hello Tolani.” He answered the phone and put it on loud-speaker, perhaps showing us he had nothing to hide anymore.

“Hello!” Tolani screamed from the other end, “Mrs Okafor has been delivered of twins; a girl and a boy.” We all screamed with excitement and started singing praises to the God who had put an end to barrenness, while Ben slept on unconcerned. We sang till they returned from the hospital later that evening when we took our journey back home.

It Continues...

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-28/ ‎

Episode 29

As soon as we finished our final exams and convocation, Tayo applied to the engineering company where he had his internship and was employed as a graduate trainee. Two months into the job, he was sponsored abroad for a 4-month training.

Mrs Okafor, after her maternity leave, resumed back to work with a promotion letter. She became the new Director of the Youth Counselling Centre after Dr Andrews retired. Though most of her duties were administrative yet she continued to influence and transform lives of young people around her. She took personal interest in cases of young people suffering from depression and various types of addiction.

Life literally flung us in different directions. Tolani didn’t allow being a single mother to hinder her from furthering her studies. She applied for and won a scholarship to run her Masters’ Degree overseas. When the challenge of caring for Ben came up, Maria, on hearing the news from Tayo, offered to take care of Benjamin in Tolani’s absence.

Maria enrolled for an Online Master’s in Business Administration while running her own business alongside. Within a year, her business grew geometrically that at the end of the year she’d won three different awards of one of the best female entrepreneurs.

Mrs Okafor was gracious enough to offer me a job as her associate. It was after I accepted her offer that I realized she’d written to request for an associate and the former director had told her to hire anyone she believed could fit. The pay was good and I felt a sense of fulfilment in practicing what I’d studied.

One of the earliest cases I handled barely a month into the job was that of a teenager, Steve, who was addicted to pornography. “I have promised myself time and again that I wouldn’t watch it again, but every time the urge came, it was irresistible and I soon found myself breaking my promise.” Stephen confessed.

I tried to find out if he’d shared his struggles with anyone but his response was almost what I expected. “Share with someone? NO! I don’t know what to expect when I share with my friends in the youth church. I came here because I felt I could open up to a stranger than to a familiar person. I also heard the director of this centre is a Christian and felt she might be able to help in some way.”

“Do you want to stop watching porn? Why?” I asked.

Surprised at my question, Steve paused for a moment then replied, “I know it is a sin. I know it is wrong. I want to stop but the harder I try, the more I am trapped in its web. Apart from that, it drains my spiritual life. Reading the word of God and praying becomes very difficult for me after I watch it. In fact, there is a heavy load of guilt that descends on me and I lose every confidence to approach God in prayer. I want to stop because I don’t want to continue living in secret sin. Though no one knows about it, I am sure God does and He isn’t happy with my actions. Please, how can you help me? Can I be free?”

“You can be free, Steve.” I said. “I want you to know that secrecy is the strength of sin. As long as you keep this habit to yourself, it will continue to dominate you. I also want you to realize that you cannot struggle your way out of an addiction all by yourself—you need help. The blood of Jesus is efficacious enough to break every addiction from your life. You just have to yield yourself to God and allow him to renew your mind.

“Also, when breaking a bad habit, you should replace it with a good one. Every time you feel the urge to click that link, bring out your Bible and read, or close your eyes and begin to pray. Form the habit of meditating on God’s word. You’ll have to do away with objects of temptation like pornographic magazines, erotic novels and videos, otherwise, they’ll keep dragging you back to your past.”

“I once destroyed those things but I found myself downloading them again.” Steve interrupted.

“That is why you need someone you can trust.” I said. “He may be your pastor or your friend, but share your challenges with him and tell him to ask you regularly about your progress. If you know others struggling with addictions too, you can form an accountability group where you share how you deal with your various temptations. That sense of accountability also helps in the addiction-breaking process.”

After discussing at length with him, we joined hands and prayed together. I was excited beyond measure when Steve called me a month later to say that he had been experiencing victory since our last discussion. He added that his openness about his addiction encouraged others who were struggling to come forward too, and they were able to start a youth accountability group headed by their youth pastor, where they shared and prayed together. There and then, I knew God had a purpose for me as a Christian counsellor.

I was still in the middle of my euphoric feeling when I went for lunch that afternoon. As I settled my lunch at my usual spot, I spotted Doctor Sarah across the hall discussion with Debby. I watched till Doctor Sarah stood up and left, then I came close while Debby was almost finishing her drink.

“Is this seat taken?” I asked like a gentleman.

Debby looked up with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same. I work here and I believe you know that already.”

“Well, I now work here too. Doctor Sarah was just giving me some necessary information about my work here. She’s my mentor.”

“That is good news.” So, I would get to see Debby every day? Maybe this will be my chance to know her better. I said to myself. I did see Debby every day at work after that day, and even sometimes when I went to Mrs Okafor’s house. However, I no longer saw in her the eagerness she used to have around me. I could only wonder if she was just ‘pretending’ or if she had been ‘taken’ by someone else. I shared my worries with Pastor Adekunle, Tayo’s dad, and he counselled that whatever God had said if it was the will of God, it would be fulfilled; if not, God will open another door for me.

Life went on and I decided to wait for God’s timing. I was relieved that Mrs Okafor didn’t ask me about it until after about 8 months of working with her. When she did ask, I simply told her that I believed God would make all things beautiful in His time.

About 3 months later, Tayo informed me that his wedding would be coming up the following month, and he wanted me to be his best man. I agreed joyfully and the preparations began in earnest.

To Be Continued.....

Watch-out for the Final Episode.

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-29/

_____________

[size=15pt]We'd really love to entertain your comments, questions and criticisms as regards this story directly on our website. In respect to this, please check this link http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-30/ for the FINAL EPISODE and leave your comments. This is aimed at encouraging the story-writer,thanks in anticipation
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God bless you for your time!

story don finish. Femi will surely marry Debby. let's just wait and see

hefelove:
story don finish. Femi will surely marry Debby. let's just wait and see

Final Episode: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-30/

God bless you for your time

all ye Ghost reader receive power to comment

saxwizard:
all ye Ghost reader receive power to comment

Thanks Boss! Really appreciate your time. God bless you big time

Very interesting. Keep it coming plzzzzz :DVery interesting. Keep it coming plzzzzz

all ye Ghost reader receive power to comment Hope I'm not a ghost

Olajhidey22:

Final Episode: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-30/
God bless you for your time

What a romantic ending!

hefelove:

What a romantic ending!

Thanks, I really appreciate your time

showmethemoney:

all ye Ghost reader receive power
to comment
Hope I'm not a ghost

Nah! You ain't one

this topic: Thriveplus , talk2odim ( m), showmethemoney ( m), Olajhidey22 ( m ), Folaoladapo ( m), saxwizard ( m), Anagibown and 5 guest(s)

ghost oya dey comment sharperly

Wow!! I'm enjoying every beat of the story, very edifying, made sense, good work!!

I am with you all the way, lets go please!!

Thriveplus:
I am with you all the way, lets go please!!

Am done with the story, scroll up a bit for the link to the final episode. God Bless!

Thankyou, wonderful story with great lessons,

Olajhidey22:


I never said it was, and besides its not too long, we have just 3 to more episodes left.
Thanks for stopping by

Yes you said it was short. That place in the topic where there is Full story, what was there b4 is 'a short story'.
And who said I just stopped by? I read till episode 11, that's not stopping by.

CuteChiluv:
Thankyou, wonderful story with great lessons,

Am happy you found this worthwhile God bless!!!

donhils:

Yes you said it was short. That place in the topic where there is Full story, what was there b4 is 'a short story'.
And who said I just stopped by? I read till episode 11, that's not stopping by.

Oh! So sorry please, i never knew... I really appreciate your time friend, God bless

Olajhidey22:


Thanks, I really appreciate your time

I started and finished the story this evening....i've commented on ur site. Pls don't forget to mention me when u start a new story.

Still waiting...

SPDAZZY:


Présent

SPDAZZY oooh



Let me be brief so I won't derail the thread. Please friend I want you to help me vote for Refiner as Miss Nairaland Tomorrow, I will mention you in a thread tomorrow to tell you how to go about the voting. You cool with it yeah?

Lolaabokoku:
Still waiting...

Am done with the story .....Here's the link to the final episode http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-30/

Countrygirl:
I started and finished the story this evening....i've commented on ur site. Pls don't forget to mention me when u start a new story.

Very Well noted Ma'am

donkross1:



SPDAZZY oooh

Présent monsieur

SPDAZZY:


Présent monsieur

Je t'en prie ..... (You're welcome)

Olajhidey22:


Je t'en prie ..... (You're welcome)

Ah oui, c'est ça

SPDAZZY:

Ah oui, c'est ça

J'espère vous revoir God bless

very interesting well done