TWO WEEKS FINAL EPISODE

Mike was discharged from the hospital and Posh begun serving her six months public service term as punishment for her offense against Mike.
Gregory and Miley begun making preparations for their wedding and the Faith band’s CD was out.

A couple of days after Salvation song was released to the public, the dean of students, along with the student government council, called together the Faith band in their office, and organized with them to officially launch Salvation debut in the Ortegun campus so as to promote the song.
So, when the day came, the whole campus filled the open square in front of the fountain.
Banners of the band in yellow and white colors, surrounded the campus, advertising the event and the song. The class 100 members had volunteered to be agents of the Faith band and sell the Salvation CDs.
They sold more than 1000 copies in 2 hours alone, even before the band walked to the stage to sing.
Vicky was very excited as she climbed up the stage with the rest of the band, wearing white T-shirts with bright yellow bolded words of Faith at the front.
The record company crew was with them and they wore the company shirts, checking the instruments and mikes on the stage.
The people cheered when the Faith band took their positions. The band smiled, waving at the multitude that appeared like ants, spreading all over the campus lane.

The producer saw Kyle behind the brass and asked if he was alright.
“Set.” Kyle replied.
“Your friend was right," the producer said, loudly for the noise that the spectators made on the ground.
“Yes. This really is a hit song.”Kyle agreed.
“Jesus, hits.” The producer admitted. “You should write Gospel songs, always.”
Kyle laughed and nodded.
The producer abandoned the stage and Kyle looked at the others to see their condition.
There was no one behind the Keyboard.
“We're gonna have to do without.” Fred, who seemed to notice Kyle’s worry, called to him from the drums.
Kyle nodded sadly. “But, I texted him.”
“Do you think, he’d come?” Deborah asked, turning to the guys from the front.
“Let us hope so.” Another guy, Kendal replied from another mic.
Vicky looked at her friends and sighed. She realized who they were talking about.
“It’s alright. Intro, Vicky?” Kyle said.
Vicky turned to the crowd and gave them a bright smile before beginning. “Thank you all for your coming.”
“YEAAH!” The crowd shimmered.
Vicky laughed a little. “The Faith band is highly encouraged by your presence. We are so honored to have you all here and support us, pushing the Gospel of Jesus forward,” she added.
People just cried, “Faith! Faith! Faith!”
She smiled looking around the heavily flocked field. “We hope that, this song would touch and transform you. Because, there is no Salvation in anyone else except in Jesus who loved us so much, enough to die for us.”
There were mild reactions. Probably not all the crowd were convinced.
As Vicky looked around, by chance, she caught sight of Wayne.
She became puzzled to see him again after the while that he was away.
He made his way through the crowd, wearing a white shirt and dark trousers.
He begun taking the stairs at Vicky’s left side, to the stage where, the rest of the band was.
Vicky had a lot of questions in her mind at that time. Wayne was back, when did he get back? Did he know that they would have the launch of the Salvation song?
The rest of the band smiled, feeling happy to have him again.
The crowd cheered.
The crew shrugged and were amazed until someone from campus tipped them that the ununiformed man approaching the soloist on the stage, was the Keyboardist.
Vicky was happy but, her joy was replaced with worry, when she could recognize the sadness expressed on Wayne’s face.
More than that, other than the keyboard, he followed her.
Vicky swallowed and reckoned, “Wayne," when he drew closer to her.
She drew back a few steps and he didn’t look at her rather than, at the mike stand, taking hold of it.
Tears flowed from his eyes and the crowd became silent, surprised at the turn of events.
Wayne sighed first, shutting his eyes and collecting himself to say to the quiet field. “My, my mother was sick.” He said and his voice shimmered through the huge speakers that were on the opposite sides of the stage.
He opened his eyes again and glanced at the confused crowd. Most were wondering why he had to say that and some, felt sorry.
“She had cancer.” He added.
There were many gasps.
Victoria gulped. She begun to feel bad, thinking that Wayne’s mother, died.
Kyle, and the rest of class 100 were shocked.
The producer and his crew were concerned with why the newcomer had to say that. And if, he was confused. 
“This Jesus who, we are preaching,” Wayne went on, disregarding their reaction. “He healed my mother.”
There were more gasps of joy.
Vicky broke into a huge smile, beaming at Wayne who stood just a few feet from her.
“I was a waste until a couple of weeks ago.” Wayne went on, as though, he didn’t notice the elation on people’s faces. “When I received Jesus Christ, my life changed. He gave up to me what he gives to all who turn to him; the free gift of love, the free gift of healing, the free gift of peace.” He said and there were many nods.
Many people who did not believe in Jesus in the compound, were touched to accept him then.
“There is Salvation in no one else,” Wayne said. “Except Jesus Christ who died for us.” He concluded and turned to Vicky, grinning at her.
Vicky smiled and though she wouldn’t, she gave him a hug.
“Thank you Vicky,” he said before they parted.
“Glory to God.” She replied.
The crowd cheered and once again, Vicky took the mic and Wayne assumed his position behind the keyboard, greeting his friends with light hugs and arm shakes as he did.
“Amen. Thank you Jesus for healing Wayne’s mom.” Vicky said. “God is able to heal. He is able to save you. It doesn’t matter who you appear to be now. God has a purpose for you and he is able to heal you.”
“Amen!” The crowd roared. They were all convinced.
“Thank you.” Vicky said and the beats begun playing.
The song rouse a great reaction from the spectators. It became more spiritual and touching to them then.
Some people who had gone to be part of the event, were healed and they confessed Jesus as the savior of their lives.
The band sold more than 10000 copies to the approximately 14000 students and teachers who came to the launching.
They also had many viewers online and soon, the song begun to sell in Africa because of Vicky’s nationality.
Soon, what begun from an evening contention about producing a gospel song, became the most popular hit song in America, being played in Gospel and non-religious radio stations.
The record company made a lot of money, and so did the artists.
Soon, they shot the video and made concerts in West-Virginia, Texas and Europe, getting the chance to sing in front of the nobles.
Vicky already purchased her laptop, phone, bought her real-estate and a car.
She was ever thankful to God for transforming her life and indeed, it was transformed completely.
Sasha was healed and she could conclude her studies and become a doctor.
                                                                #
Now, Two weeks.
Can a man encounter God and his life not change?
Why don’t you answer that yourself by trying it out?
Accept Jesus Christ as the savior of your life by following this prayer sincerely from your heart.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving me your message of Salvation.
I am willing to accept Jesus today as the savior of my life.
You died for me and took all my sins.
Please transform my life and help me live it toward you.
Please lead me to notice the important things in my life.
Thank you Jesus. Amen.

After you’ve said this prayer, know that you are saved. Just read the Bible.
You can start from the book of John.
Or begin from Genesis.
I will leave you with one word from Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow; and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

More to come…

Can you guess what happened with Annie Earl?
How about Gregory and Miley?
And Wayne?
Chris?
Mike, Posh?
Oh and Vicky?
Emeka?

The story doesn’t end here.
There’s more to come so please, stay tuned for the next part of this book, titled.

“27 YEARS” Can a man remain with God even after being rich?

STAY BLESSED in Jesus’ name. Amen.

                                                             
End

TWO WEEKS - Episode 27 (Fangs-turned-Faith)

Downstairs, Chris watched his brother as he raised their radio volume.
They stood inside the large living room of their house and Wayne stretched his hand with the remote, toward the Music System, controlling the tempo.
“The song is good.” Chris commented.
Wayne turned to him. “Yeah. We thank God for that.”
“We? You and?”
“The team. We have a band in college. Together, we made up this song.”
Chris was amazed. “Wow. I can’t wait to hear your part.”
“Oh. You’ll be amazed to know that, you are hearing it.”
Chris furrowed his eyebrows in queer.
Wayne only grinned at him.
Chris laughed when he realized it. “Oh bro. How could I have missed it? Wow. The beat right?”
Wayne nodded, smiling.
“You’re good. Seriously bro.”
Wayne thanked him. “You hear the lady singing the chorus?”
“Yeah. She’s cool.”
“Her name is Vicky. She’s the one who composed the song. I’ve never met a person so God-fearing like Vicky before. She is the true example of how a person should live toward God. She knows the Word of God, she is so kind and humble. God has made her that way.”
“And gave her a talent as well. A New Yorker?”
Wayne shook his head. “On the contrary, she is an African young lady coming from East Africa. A place called, Dar.”
“Oh. From Africa. Amazing.”
“So special.” Wayne said, remembering her.
“Dar, Dar. Is it in Kenya?”
“No, no. I don’t think so. The state starts with T.”
“Oh. Tanzania.”
Wayne nodded. “Have you ever heard of that place?”
“I’ve been to Arusha. It’s in the Northern part of Tanzania." He shared at length and added, "we were with the embassy for a conference in ICC. Dar must be the short form of Dar es Salaam.”
Wayne smiled. “Yeah. She told me that.”
Chris turned back to the radio. “And the boys are great.”
“That’s Kyle. He used to be a bad guy. God changed us all.”
“I want him to change me.”
“He will make everything work for your favor Chris.”
He smiled hopefully. “Amen.”
“So, will you please help me make something?”
“I’m open.” Chris replied with out-stretched arms.
“Yeah. It’s pasta but, no ordinary pasta. Vicky pasta. She makes the best pasta, ever. I only tasted her pasta once. I hope, I would be able to make anything close to it with our ingredients here.”
Chris rubbed his chin, following his brother, who was already exiting the room, to the kitchen.  “So, she also cooks, ha?”
“Yeah.” Wayne replied, comfortably.
They entered the kitchen and Wayne walked to the cupboard. “Now, do we have any spices, here...?” He wondered aloud.
Chris leaned on the threshold of the wide kitchen of maroon floor and white tiled walls. “Tell me more about this Vicky.”
“Well… She cooks, she loves God. She is a giver as well. She is very kind and could advise you in anything.” He said, opening the cupboards and turned back to Chris, “She is the one who introduced Jesus to me.”
“She sounds very awesome.”
“Yes.” Wayne agreed immediately. “You should meet her.”
Chris nodded slowly with his lips pouted forward.
Wayne narrowed his eyes at his brother. “Why do you look at me like that?”
Chris drew from the wall, stretching his hands in defense. “Nothing, nothing.”
Wayne shook his head and turned back to the cupboard.
“What happened with Sasha Cruise?” Chris asked, purposely.
“Oh. You remind me to call her today and tell her that I’m home. She’s doing better in Boston General Hospital.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Wayne shook a tin of spices in his hands. “Full. You haven’t cooked for a while.”
“Check if they haven’t expired.”
Wayne did. “Too old.”
“We have to get fresh spices I guess.”
Wayne turned to him. “Yeah. Can I borrow your car keys?”
“Let’s drive together bro. There’s a lot of catching up we need to do.”
Wayne smiled and followed him out.

                                                                              #

The two left the house and acquired the ingredients in a market downtown. Many of the neighbors who saw the brothers together, were amazed.
They ended up getting more than enough groceries to suffice for a whole month. Carrying the bags in the house, Wayne thought of extending his leave. He looked forward to a lot of great things with his family. He thanked God for the change of his heart and for the renovation of his home.
             
                                                                #

Back in Manhattan, Victoria arrived the record company with the rest of the Faith Band.
She stayed outside the office of the producer with Deborah, waiting as Kyle and the original crew of the band, briefed the producer about the change of songs.
The whole band was fasted that day, to overtake the will of the producer and of the label company.
As Deborah and Vicky hovered anxiously in the waiting hall, the office door opened and the heavily built producer walked out with the Salvation CD. His face was red and wrinkled and Vicky crossed her fingers when he halted in front of her and Deborah.
The boys stood worriedly behind him.
“You are?” He asked Vicky.
“Victoria.” She replied, confidently.
“You insist that, I will love this song?”
She widened her eyes in assurance, nodding. “Yeah. Try it out.”
“Do you realize that, the market demands specific contents despite the beats and voices?”
“They will love it," was her response.
He sighed. “Follow me.” He said and instantly increased pace to a door at the end of the hall.
The band followed him, murmuring about what the producer spoke to the boys in his office.
“Keep praying in your heart guys.” Kyle whispered.

The producer led them to a large recording studio which also had more guys wearing the company shirts.
There was one other guy behind a glass wall, separating himself from his voice instructor, who stood in front of a set of controls.
At his entry, the crew turned to their boss and greeted him.
He signaled to the artist and faced the instructor, waving the CD to him. “Play this.”
“Okay boss.” The man replied and pressed a button at the bottom of the control machine. He inserted the disc when the compartment opened and they all waited as it loaded.
“It’s no rock.” The producer begun, discriminating the song when the beats started,
Vicky’s voice came with the refrain.
The crew stayed quiet, being fond of the voice.

There is salvation in no one else!
Except Jesus Christ who died for us.
For there’s no other name given among men!
By which we might be saved.

The crew smiled at the interjection of the boys’ voices in the first verse and as the song went on, some of them were cheering.
The producer had his eyebrows furrowed in queer. He did not expect the song to be that good.
The artist behind the glass had to abandon his post, in order to hear closely what the others were enjoying.
The rest of the band sighed with relief when at the last verse which Kyle sang, the whole room clapped and cheered.

“Kyle. I didn’t know that you could sing.”  The instructor said as the song ended.
Some of the other crew members pat Kyle’s shoulder.
He smiled modestly, thanking them.
“Who composed the beat?” Was the producer’s first question, before the instructor took out the CD.
“Our friend. Wayne Harts. He’s left New York though.” Kyle replied.
“Aside from minor acoustic corrections, the song can be produced as it is. What do you say boss?” The instructor said.
“It preaches about Jesus but, I’ve seen the reaction it causes in everyone’s heart.” The producer said to Kyle and turned to the crew. “We will produce the song.” He announced.
“YEEY!!” the band shouted, embracing each other with joy.
The crew laughed, being happy on their behalf.
“Thank you Jesus!” Kyle exclaimed.
“Amen thanks God.” Deborah, Vicky and the rest of the band said in turns.
The producer awed their faith. It touched his own heart.
“Okay. Back into the booth, Jeremy. Boys, girls? Please wait outside; we’ll do re-recording and make the corrections but, we will use the original beats.” The instructor told the artist, and directed the Faith Band.
“And one more thing boss,” Kyle said. “We would like a change of name.”
The producer arched his eyebrow in queer. “Yes?”
“We want a change of the name Fangs to Faith.” Kyle said.
His friends nodded.
The producer did not seem pleased by the proposition.
“You’ve changed your faith?” The instructor asked, before the producer said anything.
Kyle turned to him and said, "Yes."
“That will be a lot. Do you plan to always compose Christian music?” the producer asked.
Kyle turned to the others for support and they nodded to him. He faced the producer. “Yes.”
“If they will be as good as this then, alright.” The producer agreed.
The band exclaimed again, thanking God.
“Amen, Amen.” The instructor called aloud. “Faith band!”
The room laughed.
The producer took out the phone from his jeans pocket. “Let me call Counselor Martin. He’ll handle the paperwork.”
“Thank you boss.” Kyle said on behalf of his group.
“It’s fine.” He said simply and exited the room, talking with the lawyer.
The artist returned into his booth and the rest of the band, left the room, waiting for their turn to record.

                                                                              #

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TWO WEEKS - Episode 18 (Holy Spirit)

Sunday morning, Vicky dressed up in a new purple knee-length dress. That was the first dress that she bought in America. She purchased it after setting apart tithe from her food business and sending 100$ to her sister’s account through Western Union, for her mother. She was so happy to have such a success in the food business. She knew that, soon she would be able to buy a phone and collect money to buy her new laptop.
She pampered her braids in front of her bedroom mirror and turned to the bed where she picked her shoulder-bag and left the room.

As she neared the church, she lowered her motion, amazing a handful of familiar guys hovering outside the church doors. 
She walked closer and greeted Wayne, Gregory, Kyle and the rest of the band members.
“You’re late." Wayne said. 
“No. The service starts at 9.” She replied and checked her watch. “Right, it’s 9:15.” She turned back to them. “Why are you outside?”
“Your pastor invited us to sing in your church.” Kyle replied.
Vicky smiled. “That is great. Were you waiting for me?”
“Wayne actually.” Gregory answered.
“Suddenly, they can’t sing without me.” Wayne added.
Vicky agreed to that. “That’s right. No one can play the keyboard like you.”
“I support Vicky.” Greg said.
“It’s also great to have you all for the mass.” Vicky said looking at Greg and Wayne. “So, are we going to rehearse or something? Where’s Debby?”
“She is inside, leading the service.” Kyle replied.
“The guys are all kinda anxious.” Fred, the oldest guy in the group told Vicky.
Vicky glanced at him and back at them. “Relax. We will be fine. It’s like, we have been practicing for this, the whole week.”
Kyle sighed.
“Are you unconvinced, Kyle?” Wayne asked, patting Kyle’s shoulder.
“Ah it’s alright.” he agreed, reluctantly.
“So, let’s go in.” Vicky suggested.
They followed her inside and Wayne for the first time in his life, stepped into a church.
When he did, there was some music playing and Deborah stood at the stage, singing a slow song with her eyes closed. Members who had already arrived, stood in front of their seats with their hands raised.
Wayne was captivated by the words of the song.

“We give you all the glory
We worship you O Lord
You are worthy to be praised.”
The chorus was numerously repeated.
He bluntly followed the guys to a bench in the back rows while, Vicky walked to sit at the front.
Wayne shut his eyes and raised his hands to the air, following what the Christians were doing. He hoped that, they were worshiping God.
He did too, thinking about how God had given him peaceful nights and a second chance to do his group assignment.
As he sang, he felt his hair strands standing, it was divinely refreshing to recite those spiritual lyrics, sincerely, from his heart.
When Deborah begun to pray, he uttered his own words of thank you to the Almighty God and eventually, requested for his intervention in his assignment, mother’s and Sasha’s health.
He found himself having more words to pray than other times. By the time the prayers ended, he clapped his hands saying many Thank you’s to Jesus.

“Amen.” The pastor walked forward and said, holding a mic and an opened Bible. “Thank you Deborah. Our God is good?”
“All the time.” The church chorused.
“Amen and all the time?” The man of God asked again.
“God is good.”

Wayne was smiling, nodding to that true greeting.

“Please open your Bible quickly to Mark 16 and let’s read together from verse 16 to 18,” the pastor directed.
Many people begun to shuffle the pages of their Bibles and at that time, Wayne blamed himself for not bringing over his Bible. However, he took out his phone and opened his Bible app. When he found Mark, he added another tab to launch a recording app. He did not want to miss anything from the service.

“The Bible says in Mark 16 from verse 16; whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Verse seventeen says; and these signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues; verse 18; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” The pastor read and begun to pray. “Father in the name of Jesus. We thank you for this opportunity of coming before you today. Father we would like to learn from you and we pray that you may teach us. I destroy and destruct any power or thought of darkness that is acting against this service, in the name of Jesus. As the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:5; we destroy all arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Thus, I destroy every obstacle to the knowledge of God in this room and take the thoughts of everyone captive to heed your voice Jesus. We pray that, we may learn from you LORD; in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
“Amen.” The church chorused.
“Praise the Lord.” The pastor greeted.
“Amen!”
“If you are writing somewhere, please note as the head of today’s sermon; to exercise faith.” The pastor instructed and paused. “The Bible says that, whoever believes and is baptized will be saved but, he who does not believe will be condemned. The belief that is being talked about here is that faith in Christ Jesus. That is; he who believes in Jesus and is baptized, will be saved but, he who does not believe will be condemned. Now how many here have believed in Jesus? Just raise your hands.”
There were many hands. Wayne raised his hand as well.
“Amen. Thank you. So, the Bible goes on saying that, the signs will accompany those who believe_ in Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus, in Jesus’ name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing; it will by no means hurt them. They will their hands on the sick and they will recover.” He paused, relinquishing his Bible on the altar. “Praise the LORD!”
“Amen.”
“We have already believed. And because we do, these signs mentioned in the Bible ought to accompany us. We ought to exercise the faith that we have in Christ Jesus, otherwise it will be like, a turned off switch. If you won’t turn it on, no power will it give.” He paused for ‘Amen’ from the crowd and went on. “The Bible says that; in the name of Jesus, we will cast out demons; demons causing sicknesses, infirmities, depression, poverty; opposition to serving God to the standards that he deserves. Also, it goes on saying that, we will speak in tongues. Now, speaking in tongues comes after being filled with the Holy Spirit. When you receive Jesus Christ as the Savior of your life, the Spirit of God enters your heart and begins to instruct you about the Way of following Jesus. Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens when that Spirit of God abounds and overflows in your heart.” He taught and asked. “Can someone please open the book of John, chapter 4?” He walked to the altar and stood behind it, opening his Bible. “In the Book of John, chapter 4, we see Jesus, encountering a Samaritan woman.”

Wayne, recalled to have read that Chapter. He opened the book of John in his Bible app and perused it, listening to the pastor.

Kyle, who sat at three men past Wayne, glanced at Wayne who was tapping his phone and, furrowed his eyebrows. Does he have a Bible app or something? He wondered.

“Now, Jesus is telling the woman… Please, read verse 14; But, whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water, welling up to eternal life.” The pastor read and shouted. “Hallelujah!”
“Amen.” The church shimmered.
“When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, out of your heart flows rivers of living water. Amen? Please read John again; chapter 7 verse 38.” The pastor said and opened his Bible to the page. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” He turned to the congregation. “These words may be too hard to understand but, please bear with me for a second.” He paused, darting his eyes around the congregation. “The Spirit of God helps us in our weaknesses for we do not know how to pray as we ought. The Bible says so in Romans 8 verse 26. The Spirit of God also helps us in all of our daily endeavors. He bears all of God’s judgment about our actions. If you are filled with the Spirit of God, you can study better because it will be God teaching you. To exercise faith, you also need to be filled with the Spirit of God.”
There were some nods.

Wayne wondered who the Spirit of God was and what he did to people like him.

“The gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out to all who believe in Christ Jesus. That is why the Bible says; in my name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues. Say Amen?” The pastor went on.
“Amen.” The church repeated.
“The Bible goes on and says that; they will pick up serpents. That means being fearless. Also, in prayers, we pick up the serpents; serpents causing strife, enmity, envy and all manner of evil. Please let us go to Luke 10:9.” He said and turned the pages of his Bible like the rest of the congregation. “Amen, the Bible says in Luke chapter 10 verse 19; Behold I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Amen?”
“Amen.” The mass replied.
“So, in prayers, we tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of darkness causing diseases, distraction, poverty and all kinds of bad feelings or situations that we may be facing.” He paused to lay emphasis. “Listen, our battles are not against our friends or people that we see. If you see your friends quarreling, do not go among them and join the quarrel or, if a friend quarrels with you, do not go punching him or her like a carnal person.” He begun and raised his voice afterward. “Bind that spirit trying to cause strife amidst your friends or with you in the name of Jesus and cast it out!”
“Amen!” The church roared.
The pastor chuckled. “I see that, some of you are not getting me. Please, let us go to Ephesians 6:11.”
The congregation murmured with joy while shuffling the Bible pages.
“The Bible says; put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood,” he paused, stressing the following words, “but, against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. HALLELUJAH!”
“AMEN!” The Church shimmered.

Wayne was nodding, understanding the preacher.

The keyboardist played some notes to add up to the excitement.
The pastor laughed, pacing in front of the altar. “I don’t think that, you still get me.”
The church laughed too.
He paused. “Okay. Open second book of Corinthians, chapter 10 verse 4. We’ll read up to verse 5.” He said and returned to the altar, where his Bible was. “Tell your neighbor, the weapons of our warfare are not of worldly fashion.”
“The weapons of our warfare are not of worldly fashion.” The members told each other.

Wayne told Greg so, seating next to him.

“Amen. The Bible says in 2Corinthians 10:4; for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ!”
“Amen!” the church roared.

“Amen.” Wayne agreed. He felt the power in the words.

“The Bible says in Mark that; if those who believe in Jesus drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them, Amen?” the pastor went on.
“Amen.”
The pastor sighed with exhaustion, lowering his tone. He wiped the sweat that was already wetting his face. “What is the remedy for poison?” he asked.
There were many answers.
“Okay. Let me put this straight. What is the local and common remedy for ingested poison?” He asked and called, “Vicky, can you try that?”
Vicky, sitting at the front seats grinned and rose. “Milk.” She replied audibly.

Wayne nodded to that.

“Thank you. You may have your seat.” The pastor said and turned back to the congregation. “Milk is the commonest and also the most active remedy for poison. It has got many nutritious elements and etcetera. She takes Bio, she understands more than me. But, behold, Jesus detoxifies any toxin!”
“AMEN!” the church exclaimed.
“Amen!” the pastor shouted. “Man of God. The Bible says; those who believe in Jesus; if they drink any deadly thing; IT WILL BY NO MEANS HURT THEM!”
“Amen!” many people shouted, rising and clapping their hands.
“So pray before you eat!” The pastor added funnily and the congregation laughed.
The pastor nodded. “Yeah. You gotta pray before your meal, else this word will not apply to you.
"If anything to destroy you is put in a drink or food, against your knowledge, it will have no effect on you!"
“Amen!” The crowd roared.
The pastor smiled. “Lastly, the Bible says in Mark 16 verse 18; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.”
“Amen.” The congregation agreed, nodding.
“If you lay hands on your friends or on yourself for the sake of healing of that person or yourself; in the name of Jesus; there will be recovery!”
“Amen!” The church exclaimed.
“That is exercising Faith in Jesus Christ.”
“Amen.” The crowd chorused.
The background music begun playing as the pastor went on. “Now, we are going to stand up and ask God to give us the ability of exercising the Faith. We are also going to ask him to fill us with the Holy Spirit. If any of you can’t yet speak in tongues; please come forward.” He said and paused for a few seconds.
A person showed up.
“Amen. Please keep coming. We need the Spirit of God to teach us. He will unravel the mystery of God to you more than any minister would. He is with us when our pastors or preachers can’t see us. The Bible says in John 4:26; the counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Those are Jesus’ words.”

More people showed up. Wayne still wondered if he wanted to go forward.

“Amen. That’s it. We will also destroy the evil spirit that is causing strife, wars, envy. We will cast it out in the name of Jesus. If there is any evil spirit, bad feeling, fear bothering you, we’ll just cast it out and deny it in Jesus’ name. Amen?”
“Amen.”
“Amen. Deborah?” The pastor called and moved back, giving space to the people that walked forward to the altar.

Wayne lingered in front of his bench. He was moved inwardly however, when Gregory passed him, going forward to join a couple of guys as Deborah sang a worship song.
Wayne swallowed, literally swallowing his pride and begun to take the steps across the aisle to the altar.

“Thank you. Thank you.” The pastor said. “Whoever has come forward and everyone here, I want to assure you that; God has a purpose for your life. He wants to teach you his ways. He wants to show you his trust. Please lift up your hands to the heavens and repeat after me; Father who is in heaven,”
“Father who is in heaven.” The crowd chorused.

Wayne sighed first and repeated in anguish. “Father who is in heaven.”

“I thank you because you love me.” The pastor sounded.
“I thank you because you love me.” The crowd at the altar repeated.
“Thank you for sending your only son to die on the cross for me and take away all my sins.”
“Thank you for sending your only son to die on the cross for me and take away all my sins.”
“I believe in Jesus Christ and acknowledge him as the savior of my life.”
“I believe in Jesus Christ and acknowledge him as the savior of my life.”
“God I want to follow you.”
“God I want to follow you.”
“Please fill me with your Spirit that he may teach me your ways and all about how I should live.”
“Please fill me with your Spirit that he may teach me your ways and all about how I should live.” They rephrased.
“Okay. Now, start thinking about God; tell him how much you need him and tell him thank you, so many times. When the Spirit of God overflows inside you, you will just know it. When you no longer have control of what you are saying, do not worry, you are speaking in tongues.”

Wayne felt tears tingling his eyes when he recounted to God how much he needed him. He acknowledged just how empty he was and felt without God. Eventually, he followed the pastor’s word to say thank you and he kept repeating thank you Jesus, continually.

“Receive the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name! Receive in the name of Jesus!” The pastor shouted as Deborah raised her voice in the worship song.
At one time, Wayne felt his thirst quenched like he had drank very cool water. Before he knew it, in an instant; he was shouting in languages that he did not understand, like more other people in the crowd.
He was amazed. He felt so refreshed as he kept on speaking in new tongues.
There are no words to describe the feeling that one experiences when the Spirit of God overflows in him. It’s a divine encounter.
Suddenly, Wayne felt tears fall from his eyes as he thought more about God. At that moment; he felt more complete. He did not feel alone; he felt fulfilled. He could think that, for the first time; he really experienced God’s love.
He did not hear what the pastor said or prayed afterward. He felt a hand on his shoulder and lowered his voice, getting to pray back with his own words. He noticed the pastor.
“Amen. God bless you and keep praying in the spirit.” The pastor said.
Wayne did not respond. He kept praying until when he noticed other people in the crowd, beginning to retire to their seats. He did too and bowed his head, sitting on the bench, concluding his prayers.

“Thank you. Thank you Deborah.” The pastor said and paused till the music subsided and the church became more calm. “Amen. Tell your neighbor; do not be amazed, it is the Spirit of God flowing.” He said and smiled, as the members of the church told each other. “Amen. Today, we have the honor to have the Faith band.” He begun and darted his gaze around the hall. His gaze landed on Kyle. “Kyle Johnson. It is great to see your band glorifying God.”
Kyle laughed, rising.
“Amen. I believe that, you all know Kyle. Their band will be singing today. Right now, actually. I heard their song from the Derby, taking my evening theology class. Truly, it was like hearing a seraph song.”
Kyle laughed, with the rest of the church.
The pastor smiled. “So, welcome Kyle, and the rest your band. I also heard that, Vicky is with you and…” he searched the room for Wayne. “Astrophe! Our mascot leader! This is definitely a seraph song.”
The church broke into a louder laughter.
Wayne himself rose, shaking his head.
The band walked forward to the stage and Wayne went behind the instruments with Fred, getting acquainted with the keyboard while, Vicky made the intro.

“Praise the LORD? This is the Fangs-turned-Faith band. We are going to sing a song called Salvation. We hope that, you’ll like it and it will transform your life.” Vicky said and begun humming.
Shortly, Wayne started the music and she begun to sing.

“There is salvation, in no one else!
Except Jesus Christ who died for us.
For there’s no other name, given among men!
By which we must be saved.”
Kyle and the other boys, joined the refrain with unique voices, causing excitement from the crowd.
Deborah, with her high pitched voice, sang the bridge while, Wayne played the keyboard notes with distinct professionalism. He never felt that happy and useful before.
The spectators rose when Vicky raised her voice, singing the following verse, shutting her eyes and feeling each word.
Some people gathered outside the church after hearing the song that already took fame in the campus over the past week.
Lastly, Kyle, feeling the vibrancy, took the floor with the mic, singing the last verse with his own graceful voice.

Greg had risen from his seat, taking videos as his buddies performed. He turned around with his phone slowly, to capture the spectators.
He paused at the sight of Miley. She was standing with more other girls, outside the door of the church, watching the band.
Their gaze met and the two remained staring at each other for some seconds.
He did not know what to do but, he took the first advice that came to his mind.
“Come over," he whispered to her.
She furrowed her eyebrows in queer.
“Come over” he called, louder this time.
She shook her head, pointing at her skirt. It exposed a large part of her legs.
“Just come. Jesus is calling you.”
“What?” She called back.
“Jesus is calling you!” Gregory called.
She took a minute debating with her herself about entering the church and, when the song stopped and the people were cheering, she dashed inside and sat with him.

“Thank you. Thank you. God bless you.” The pastor said between the cheers.
“Thank you.” Vicky said on behalf of the band.
“Such a blessing. I believe that, God in heaven, is very much happy.” The pastor went on as the band retired to their seats.
Noticing Miley at his place, Wayne followed Vicky to where she sat.
“You should be singing every week.” The pastor suggested and turned to the crowd at the church’s threshold. “Please, welcome. God is calling you and, he has a lot in store for you.” He said and turned back to his congregation. “Now, may I return the floor to the leader of the service? God bless you.”
“Amen.” The church chorused.

                                                                              #

“That was great!” Emeka told Vicky at the end of the service.
The crowd had begun dispersing and many people came to congratulate the band.
Vicky, who stood with Wayne, smiled at Emeka. “Thank you.”
Emeka grinned and glanced at Wayne. “I need to learn some of those skills. I used to play the keyboard in my church back in Lagos but, I wasn't as good.”
Wayne gave him a lopsided smile. “It’s alright. Amh, just memorize the keys. I know that I was good at it when I was a kid. It's amazing how it came back to me recently.”
“It’s God.” Vicky said.
They went on chatting for a while.

Kyle went to meet the pastor. He smiled at Kyle after seeing him and stretched his hand for an arm shake.
Kyle shook it. “Pastor. I want to receive Jesus.”
The pastor raised his eyebrows. He was clearly appalled. But, Kyle's decision was joyful. He nodded saying, “It’s good. That, will be the wisest decision you’ve ever made.”
Kyle nodded too. “I don’t know but, I just found myself thinking that, all I’ve been doing in my life, was not important. Today, though, I am not really part of your flock, God has made me feel important. I thought in myself that, if this is Jesus, then, I want to receive him.”
The pastor agreed. “Amen and Jesus wants to use you in even more exceptional ways and before even more high profile men and women of his. Just shut your eyes.”
Kyle did.
The pastor led him through the prayers of repentance.

In the back benches, Gregory stood with Miley.
“The band was great.” She said, looking around the church.
“Yeah. It’s even more great that, you agreed to come.”
“Are you kidding? I mean, Fangs is singing a Faith song but, it’s so cool.”
He smiled staring at her bluntly.
“Oh.” She sighed, stretching her dress. “It’s my skirt right? Do you think that, you pastor will get angry?”
“Miley. That will come later. You have to know Jesus first.”
“Greg. I don’t know if I want to be like you.”
“But, why? You don’t lose anything. In fact, you gain everything that is important.”
She sighed. “I can’t be a Christian. What about my friends… and family?”
He took her hands. “Miley. Jesus is the best friend more than anyone could ever be. Better yet, I want to be family with you.”
She eyed him for a while wondering whether to accept him or not.
“Miley?” He called her again. “I love you. I never stopped thinking about you since the minute I left your apartment. I want to marry you.”
She sighed. “I guess that, I also realized how much I love you ever since that minute.”
He broke into a smile. “So, let us get married.”
“Greg. I don’t know if I’ll be doing what is right," she said, shaking her head and then added, “marriage has got a lot of things.”
“Yes but, we know and we understand each other; more importantly, God will lead us through everything. Miley, please?”
She drew her hands free. “Please, give me some time to think about it.”
He sighed and nodded. “Alright. Will you keep coming to church?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.”
“Make an effort. It is good for you.”
She smiled and said, “Okay. Good day.”
“Same with you. I will see you in class tomorrow.”
She nodded and they parted.

                                                                              #

TWO WEEKS - Episode 17 (love)

Wayne slowly lifted his eyelids the next morning. He was disturbed by some music, coming from under his pillow. He shut his eyes again but, the sound repeated itself.
He recognized it then that, it was his phone.
He sighed with exhaustion and put his hand under the pillow to pick it up. “Hello?” He greeted, sleepily.
“Where are you man?” It was Greg.
Wayne frowned. “I’m on my bed. Why?”
“Do you realize what time it is? Everyone is already here except our mascot leader.”
Wayne widened his eyes and turned on the bed to glance at the radio clock on the night stand behind him.

5:35am

He jumped out of the bed. “Gosh. I’m on my way.”
“What happened to you man? You never sleep in.”
Wayne’s mouth parted in marvel. Actually, he never slept at all.
He begun to laugh, hanging up and threw the phone on the bed.
“I don’t believe it!” He exclaimed. “God! Thank you!” He shouted and shut his eyes for the next few seconds. “God. Thank you. I haven’t had a real rest in more than ten years. I was already going to see a psychiatrist but, you did it.” He sighed, getting very sentimental. “Thank you God. Please, help me to stay with you always.”
With that, he dashed to the closet at the end of the room and took out his sweatshirt and shorts, getting ready to go for the jog.

                                                                              #

Vicky was getting better with each run. Also, with the loss of weight, she could manage not to be in the last groups like the last two weeks.
She jogged in the scattered group, humming a tune that she came up with the previous night. She was working on developing it for the Fangs-turned-Faith Band.
“So, did you come up with something?”
She turned on her side without pausing, and smiled at Kyle. “Good morning.”
“I really hope that, there would be any good about the morning. I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened last night.” He replied.
“You are not convinced that, a gospel song will hit?”
“I can’t deny that I'm not.”
“C’mon. Follow this tune.” She said before another person joined them, coming behind her.
“Vicky. Your plan worked.” It was Wayne.
He came to her side. “Hey?”
“Hi. Wayne, how was your night?” she turned to him.
“I haven’t slept so beautiful in ten years.” He replied.
She smiled. “I thank God for you. That is how marvelous He works.”
“Okay, Vicky, give me the tune.” Kyle interjected.
“Okay.” She agreed and begun to hum.
The two boys stayed silent as she did.
Kyle grimaced, joining the wordless chorus.
Wayne did too.
“Yo guys, what are you doing?” Gregory appeared, joining them.
They did not reply.
Gregory took his time to learn the tune and hummed along.
“There is Salvation, in no one else
Except Jesus Christ who died for us
For there’s no other name, given among men
By which we must be saved.” Vicky sang, adding a quick verse in the rock tune.
“I like the beat. But, you are singing too quickly, I can’t get the words well.” Kyle said.
“Okay. There is Salvation is no one else except Jesus Christ who died for us. Again, there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved.”
Kyle frowned. “What does that even mean?”
“Kyle it’s all about Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for the remission of our sins and henceforth, ushering our salvation,”  Vicky explained.
Kyle seemed disappointed.
“I too love the beat.” Gregory said. “It’s also fast, that’s your type Kyle, right?”
“I am amazed that Vicky, you already came up with a rock song. But, I don’t know if it will be interesting.” Kyle expressed his opinion.
“Hey, can I help in making the beat?” Wayne asked, passing over Kyle’s comment.
“We usually work with the record company.” Kyle replied, looking at Wayne, past Vicky.
“So, how do you rehearse without instruments or beats?” Vicky asked.
“The music hall has a recording booth for that purposes.” Kyle explained.
“So then, give me a chance man?” Wayne asked again.
Kyle took a moment and then agreed. “Okay but, only during these rehearsal days. The official beat will be composed with the record company.”
“It’s okay.” Wayne said. “But, tell me that when you see my skills.”
“You’ll go for their rehearsals, Wayne?” Greg asked.
“Yeah. What time Kyle?” he replied and asked Kyle.
“7 to 9pm. In the music hall.” Kyle announced.
“Okay, I’ll come along then.” Greg said first.
Vicky was silent. She did not want to stay out late with guys, even though they were going to sing gospel music.
“Alright. But, since we’ll be singing Gospel, Deborah can still sing with us.” Kyle said.
“Who is Deborah?” Vicky asked.
“She’s a third year baccalaureate student of law.” Wayne replied. “Talking about her, Greg, can’t we request her contribution in our assignment?”
“Good idea. We should.” Greg replied.
“And she lives in the same building as you, Vicky. You can be escorting each other back to dorm after rehearsals.” Wayne suggested.
“Oh. Thanks.” Vicky replied shortly. God is good. She had company!p
“Guys, I’ll stop here.” Greg said, beginning to lower his pace.
“Yo, why?” Wayne asked.
“I’ve gotta grab something quickly.”
“Greg, if it’s gin, don’t.” Wayne warned him.
“No, no. I stopped drinking since last night.” Greg assured him and immediately stopped.

The rest went on with the jog while he ran to Backster building.
He climbed up the stairs to the eighth floor of the flat and halted outside one door at the end of the corridor of that floor.
He knocked.
“Who is it?” A lady sounded behind the door.
Greg did not reply. He knocked again and waited.
There were some footsteps and then the knob tilted and the door was opened.
A young lady appeared in a dark suit. She smiled at him and reckoned. “Gregory.”
“For this reason man shall leave his family and be joined with his wife, and the two shall become one flesh, Genesis 2:24. “ He begun, reciting the words that he had crammed from the scriptures, the other night. “Miley, I want to marry you.”
She dropped her mouth open, being puzzled by his declaration.
He nodded strongly. “I want to set my life straight. I know that I am young and that, we are both young but, I don’t care. I can’t stand a life without you and if I am going to make it proper then, we are gonna have to be married. So, Miley Johnson, will you please marry me?”
She raised her eyebrows and asked, “What happened to you?”
There was a feeling of depression inside Greg but, he tried to suppress it and replied, “I am very serious. If you want us to be together then, let us get married.”
“Gregory? You are joking right? I mean, I enjoy what we are having but, you can’t say that we rush to marriage. How do you know that I am the right girl for you and how do I know that you are the right guy for me?”
He sighed deeply. Maybe he had too much expectations.
“I’ll see you tonight.” She concluded, about to close the door.
Greg had already made a decision. He held the door back. “Wait.”
She raised an inquisitive eyebrow at him and waited.
“I have taken a new lease on life.”
She shook her head and begun. “Oh Gregory–”
“Wait.” He interrupted her and went on. “I’ll say it so that, it helps you too.”
She sighed with impatience and rounded her eyes. “Yes?”
“I won’t continue with what we are having because, it doesn’t agree with God.”
She laughed. “Since when have you become a fellowship member?”
“I’m in a fellowship with God and I am going to do what he says.”
“Oh and he told you to damp me?”
“I thought that, he wanted me to marry you.” He said instead.
“Well then you thought wrong because, I have a life to live.”
“Yes," he agreed nodding. “I agree now that he is going to give me a good wife. If it is going to be you then, he’s going to change you.”
“You know what? Take your poems elsewhere, alright? I am not that type of girl that you are looking for.”
Gregory sighed and turned around, ready to leave.
He heard her laugh when she slammed the door at him.
Walking out, he thought, she is going to be your wife.

                                                                              #