Moulding, Inspiring, Nurturing and Empowering Teenagers FREE OCT/NOV 09 M A G A Z I N E
bi “I am n seventeen years ‘tuold…I'm currently in my final year in the University of Lagos…I started reading the bible at the age of four…By the time I was fourteen, I had read through the whole bible eight times.”
“Is it really wrong to have “I'm a boy of fifteen. I want a boyfriend even if it doesn't to be close to God and still involve any dirty stuff ” ? look normal, not as an S.U.”
HAPPY 49TH ANNIVERSARY TO OUR BELOVED NATION - NIGERIA!!! CONTRIBUTORS
Modadeoluwa Titilope Osita Oluwatoyin Tolulope Akinwande Oladepo Anisiobi Ogundana Awobiyi
is a consultant and is a Pharmacist; a is a young Nigerian is the secretary of is a graduate of the motivational speaker. graduate of Obafemi from Anambra state. Dansol Tutorial Center. University of Lagos. He A graduate of Awolowo University, He is in his final year She is the assistant presently works with Management Science Ile-Ife. She is (SS3) in Excellent HOD, Teens' Standard Chartered from Ladoke Akintola currently the Vice Foundation College, Fellowship, CAC, Bank and has a strong University of President of the Lagos. He attends the Fountain of Comfort. passion for Nigeria. He Technology. He runs Youth Aflame Triumphant Teens' E-mail: is married and blessed his consulting firm, Fellowship, RCCG, Church (RCCG, Acme, [email protected] with a daughter. based in Lagos. Solid Rock parish. Lagos). Tel: 08032227028 Email: E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 08023043878 Tel: 08087005300, Tel: 08035751800 Tel: 08064911271 07028777752
Ifeoluwa Leke Sinmisola Olawale Queen Ogunkanmi Johnson Adigun Adenugba Ejimbe
is a 400 level law is a Human Resource is the proprietress and is a final year student of is an OND holder in student of Obafemi Development principal of Yeshua the University of Lagos Law. She is the Awolowo University, Practitioner. He is the High School. She is a studying Geophysics. He assistant welfare Pastor of RCCG, The marriage counselor is presently one of the Ile-Ife. She is a Hub (a youth church). officer of the Anglican member of the and a model to many. executives of the youth Youth Fellowship, He is the President, The church "The Hub”, RCCG, Department of Vessels International She is married and Calabar. Acme parish. He is a Adolescent Resource, Outreach (a non blessed with four E-mail: certified Associate in OAU (a secondary denominational youth children and a grand [email protected] Project Management. outreach ministry). He daughter. Tel: 08034326636 schools' outreach (CAPM). team). is married and blessed E-mail: with a son. Email: [email protected] E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 08023187306 [email protected] Tel: 08023799290, Tel: 08053450646 Tel: 08033604885 08068711546
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EDITOR'S NOTE Dearest reader, Welcome! Welcome!! Welcome!!! It's always a pleasure and delight penning down words on this page 'cause it just reminds me that another edition is out again; many lives around the world are going to be blessed again. God indeed be praised for MINE Magazine's 9th edition. There are not many words to say than to ask you to read every article here with an open and seeking heart. God will definitely fill you to overflowing. ALL the articles, as usual, were written just for you. Please take your time to read them all. I want to use this medium to thank everyone who responded to our call for support; thank you and God bless you. You will not lose your reward. As you're helping us reach thousands of lives for Jesus, you can be sure He'll take care of your own needs. Many goodies are being prepared and would soon be revealed. Please be on the look out. A novel, compromising all the previous Novellas I have written, featured in MINE Magazine, would soon be out. La Conferencia (the novel) would also be out very soon! Other programs that would bring MINE to your doorstep live. Please join in prayers that God will perfect the great work He has started in and through the magazine. Enjoy your read, subscribe if you haven't and pass on to a friend afterwards. After subscribing, please check www.minemagazine.blogspot.com to see if there's any Collection Center close to you. If not, your mag would be posted to you. By the way, subscribers are over two thousand at the moment; Halleluyah!!! Things can only get better… You're loved! Adigun Oluwatimilehin (08023458880) QQuuiiz & Feedbbaacckk The answers to last edition's quiz are: The word 'love' appears for the first time in the bible in Genesis 27:4 and for the last time in Revelation 3:19 The word 'hate' appears for the first time in the bible in Genesis 24:60 and for the last time in Revelation 17:16 Malchus is the name of the high priest's servant whose right ear Peter cut off; found in John 18:10 9 0
And the winners of last edition's quiz are: Folarin Joseph (Lagos), Wole Peters (Lagos), and Florence Osemene (Abia). They would be 0
contacted and given a Best-Selling Christian Book each (Fiction or Non-fiction, as recommended in Sights and Sounds of previous 2
editions) of their choice. We want to build your library for you!!! R E
For this edition, we would take a break from quiz questions to do a survey. Please do us the favour of sending your responses to B
[email protected] or 08023458880. Thank you. M
1. How did you get to know about MINE Magazine? E 2. Have you gained anything reading this mag (present or past editions)? V
3. Which article(s) has been your best so far? O
4. Would you want us to start charging a fee for this mag or to leave it free? N 5. What would you want us to include in the mag that we are not including presently? / R
6. How early does the mag get to you when each edition is out? E
7. Would you want us to organize a program in your city/state where you'll have an opportunity to meet MINE B O T C O
TABLE OF CONWhyTE ArNe TYouS Doing This To Me? 4 24 War In The Heart Of Man E N
When My Tummy Rumbles 5 25 Comic Zone I Z
Girls’ Chat 6 26 Is It All About Money? A G
Bobos’ Yarn 7 A 28 Very Hard But Possible Teen Celebrity 8 M Role Models 10 29 Career Guide
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Ifeoluwa UMMY Ogunkanmi TUMMYT
As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the world that ye may grow thereby. 1Peter 2:2 (KJV) The baby cries and cries until you think his lungs would burst. At the sight of his mother, he stretches his arms, waiting to be carried. The mother puts on a smile and cradles her child, kisses his tiny cheeks and says “My sweet baby, Mummy's here”. The baby knows this but wants something else so he cries more, as if in communication with his mother. Suddenly, she understands. She prepares to nurse him as his cries turn to small whimpers. She knows she is responsible for this little one's welfare and has to do all she can to make him grow big and strong; give him the right food and make sure he is satisfied. She has to love him and care for him too. When she is ready, the baby gratefully and eagerly grasps his source of food as he suckles hungrily, drinking his special milk. After a while, his whimpers stop. He has eaten satisfactorily. If he doesn't fall asleep, he looks at his mother with a smile as if to say “Thanks Mum. That was great!” all the while, the mother watches in contentment and happiness, thankful for her bundle of joy. Have you ever been so hungry you thought you could eat four times your normal ration? How did you feel then? At that point, it probably didn't matter to you what was served. All you needed was for your stomach to be filled. Right? You, as a child of God are a spirit (Romans 8:9). Yes, a spirit housed in a body. We see the body but cannot see the spirit of a man. When you give your life to Christ, nothing happens to your physical body. Your nose does not grow longer or your eyes, bigger or your ears, smaller. No! The change that comes from accepting Jesus Christ is on the inside, in your spirit man. When you become born again, your spirit is regenerated. It becomes new. It is young and in need of food. It needs to grow. This spirit man cannot eat rice or beans or eba or even drink milk. So what does it eat? Very simple The spirit man eats THE WORD OF GOD. Now let's go back to our story. The baby is your spirit man. The mother is you! Yes, you heard me you! And the milk is the Word of God. However, unlike the natural mother of a child, you don't have the milk in you but you have been given the milk by your heavenly father in His word. So, it is your responsibility to feed the word to your spirit man. How do you do this? Unlike your physical body that can only eat through the mouth, your spirit man is fed majorly through the eyes, ears and mouth. THE EYES AND EARS (What you see and hear):- This includes what you read, watch on TV and listen to. Study your Bible, read motivational books and edifying literature, watch Christian movies and Christian programmes. Avoid what would poison (corrupt) your spirit man. Things such as pornography and the like should be abstained from like a plague. Listen 9
to sound Christian music, not just any song that has 'Jesus' in it, but songs that propagate the gospel of Christ and uplift your spirit. Music has a way of 0 0
connecting with your spirit, so, you have to listen to the right kind of music, not just anything that is in vogue. Also listen to messages on tapes and CDs 2
of ministers of God who preach the pure Word of God. R E
It is important to note at this point that the word of God is the BIBLE. Inspirational books, songs and messages are derived from the Bible. B
So, any book, song, message or theory that is not based on or contradicts the Word of God is not the Word of God. M THE MOUTH (What you say):- This includes praying, talking and singing. E V
Have you ever heard the computer term “GIGO”? It stands for “Garbage In, Garbage Out” and is applicable to almost all spheres of life. O
Whatever you feed yourself with is what comes out. When you feed yourself with the Word of God, consequently, the Word of God comes out of you. N /
When you study your Bible, almost naturally, you are led to pray. Praying also feeds the spirit man. It is like water after a heavy meal. Do you remember R this song from Sunday school? “Read your Bible, pray every day if you want to grow”. Well, that's it. Prayer is important in a Christian's life and helps E B
growth. O Just as listening to edifying music, singing songs that glorify God also help your spirit to grow because when you sing to God, you get an T C
uplifting too. Make a joyful noise! O
Another way through which you can feed your spirit man is by having friends that love God too and fellowshipping with God's people. “Not E N
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...but exhorting one another...” (Hebrews 10:25). Sharing God's word with friends and other believers I
goes a long way in feeding your spirit man. Z A
Remember how you eat anything when you're very hungry? Once you stop feeding your spirit with God's word, it begins to die. It feeds G
itself with things of the world and degenerates. So, you have to make a conscious effort to feed your spirit man CONSTANTLY with the WORD OF GOD. A
(Romans 12:2). M You can do ALL things through CHRIST who gives you strength. (Philippians 4:13). Listen carefully now. Is your spirit man's tummy rumbling? What are you waiting for? Feed it! SHALOM! 54 6 believ meaning. man the r (should dictionary especially with ev has A: wr just ar univer need in Q: believ meaning. man the r (should dictionary especially with ev has A: wr just ar univer need in Q: elationship M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9 elationship volv volv e e eryone eryone Hmm…. 4 Hmm…. ong ong Is Is definit definit Cooked dictionary dictionary marry marry wir wir N it it people. people. or or a a *Not ques Y e e e e sity sity re re to to 1goa 1 t ou ha boyfriend boyfriend in in ed ed an an be be ally ally male male 1lt/2pints s I Isi-ewu(spiced GoatHead) dat dat has has this this easpoon ofpepper But But when when this this y y ely ely sa sa Now Now but but G tionsofmine@y lik lik e: Thef a a us us dirty dirty ys ys lady lady t (headandlegsonly) with….sincer with….sincer e. e. ve ques wr wr e e 200ml/7flo to to not not , , side side Ther Ther since since question question And ServedIn I I to to 3 fr that. that. a a that that E I I 4tbs. t don't don't ong ong to to chopped wildmint y y go go boyfriend thought boyfriend thought stu stu ou ou in in just just ev ev 3tbs. lemonjuice desir desir 8 fr the ques the ques of of eatur esh chillipepper e R e in, in, this this to to 1 onion(sliced) ar ar the the en en ff? ff? I I is is tions y the the is is think think wan wan INGREDIENTS going going esh toma e e during during tock ha ha e e omat 1 g I y y if if Someone Someone r r in in con con so so ed ques our our dictionary dictionary salt t eminds eminds A world, world, ve ve you you I I
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Bobos’BBobos’obos’ YarnYYarnarn With P.Leke
Q: I'm a boy of fifteen years. I want to be close to God and God is the most beautiful. Getting close to God can only still look normal not as an S.U; please advise me. make you more beautiful, (or more normal, if I may say that), or what do you think? A: I am so happy to meet you and to also know that a fifteen year old desires to be close to God. I commend you for this. Friend, take note of these: However, I noticed from your question that you have some reservations about some assumed implications (or results) 1. It is no sin to look or smell good, I mean, you just need to of being close to God, one of which is the possibility of “still check me out. looking normal and not as an SU”. 2. In the business of looking good, there is dire need to Please, note that your desire to get close to God which can maintain decency and moderation (1Corinthians 14:40…..Let only be realized by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ, i.e all things be done decently and in order), and this is vital as being born again (John 3:16….that whosoever believes in people will address you according to your dressing. Him should not perish but have everlasting life) is the greatest thing any man can ever achieve on earth and it is the 3. Indecent dressing is the type that exposes body parts that only way through which the original purpose of any man can could cause others to sin. Simply put, it is the type of dressing be realized and fulfilled (John 15:5….for without me you can that makes people think that you don't even know God, talk do nothing). I am sure you want to be great by realizing and less of 'being close to Him'. fulfilling God's original purpose for you on earth. Therefore, let nothing stop you from achieving this! Please, get close to God give your life to Him and I assure you that you will look better (more normal) than you are right now. Concerning your not wanting to look like an SU, but normal, I am sure that you are worried if you can look and smell good Enjoy, Jesus cares!he might feel inside. as a Christian. Let me quickly mention that you are made in the image of God, and there is no doubt that
You have questions you want to let out of your heart, right? Send a text to P.Leke on 08033604885 or an e-mail to
[email protected] and indicate if you want the question(s) addressed personally or through the magazine 9
*Note: The featured question was asked by a teenager like you (it wasn't formed by MINE; feel free to ask your own questions! 0 0 2
R E B M
Daniel Amokachi E
Daniel Owefin Amokachi nicknamed "The Bull" (born December 30, 1972 in Kaduna) is a former football striker V
from Nigeria. O N
Professional career / While playing for Ranchers Bees, Amokachi was discovered by Nigerian national team coach Clemens R Westerhof, who brought the talented player to the 1990 African Nations Cup, and soon Amokachi moved to E B play for Club Brugge in Belgium. He competed in the new format of the Champions League, and became the first player to score in the O T competition, after his goal secured a 1-0 win in the opening match in the group stage against CSKA Moscow. C Performing well in Belgium and at the 1994 World Cup, Everton F.C. became interested in Amokachi and their O
manager Mike Walker signed him for a fee of £3,000,000 ($4,700,000). He went on to win the FA Cup with Everton in 1995. He remained at Everton until the end of the 1995-96 season, E when he was transferred to Besiktas of Turkey for a fee of £1.75million. N I Z
Managerial career A
Amokachi managed Nigerian side Nasarawa United F.C. and later Enyimba Aba. In April 2007 he quit his role as G
assistant coach of the Nigerian national side. Amokachi was on April 10, 2008 re-appointed to Nigeria's national A team, the Super Eagles, as assistant coach to Shuaibu Amodu. M
International career He played many international matches for Nigeria, and was part of the team that participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1998 FIFA World Cup and won the 1994 African Nations Cup. He also helped win the Olympic gold medal in 1996, scoring in the Gold Medal game itself against Argentina. 74 ee ttC E eLeE B R I T Ynn Can we meet you? I am Samuel Oluwaseyi Oluwatunbi. I am from Kwara state; the last born out of four and the only boy. I am seventeen years; turning eighteen shortly.
What are you up to now? I'm currently in my final year; 400 level, Architecture in the University of Lagos.
Wow! At seventeen! Please tell us more about that? I started education the regular way. Was an average student in my nursery school days. Soon after, my family changed location, and due to the financial challenges we had then, I couldn't complete my primary 1. So, I was home-schooled throughout primary education; what my father calls, 'A professor to a student'. Because of this, what I should have done in four years, I did under two years. The curriculum was strictly Mathematics and English, with other extra-curricular activities; driving and farming lessons I actually started learning to drive at six (laughs). I then joined a primary school in Primary 5 to do my common entrance. That was at age seven. I got into secondary school at eight. I ran a normal course in secondary school and finished at thirteen. My father made me do SSCE (WAEC) at twelve, which my mother opposed because she felt I was too young. I did it and made all my papers but they didn't register me for Technical Drawing which I needed for Architecture, so I had to do it again the next year. I made all my papers with the exception of Yoruba. I did JAMB that same year, 2005, choosing UNILAG as first choice, and FUTA as second. It was in my set that Post-JAMB started. Scoring 210, I qualified for UNILAG Post-Jamb. It was really hard getting my Jamb result slip because it was impromptu. The crowd at the JAMB office was so large that I collected my result slip at past midnight. I slept at the JAMB office and went from there for my Post-JAMB exam, without having a bath (laughs).
9 I got the second highest result in English in Post-JAMB for Architecture. With the
0 result, they said I was one of the top ten. The admission process however took a 0 different turn, which is a long story, but in all, God was faithful. I joined my 2
colleagues two weeks to exams of the first semester. So, I had to draw and read R
E day and night to catch up on what others had done for four months. My results
B came out good.
M It was between the time between WAEC and UNILAG admission that I E perfected my driving skills and started drawing. V My mum told me, after the first semester, that I had just gone 1/12th of O the way, because of the two years Masters programme required for N
/ Architecture students. I continued, and towards the end of my 200- R level second semester, we were told we would do IT in the first E
B semester of 300-level.
O I requested to do my IT in Netherlands (Holland) and I was
T accepted. I was offered a good payment but was denied visa C at the embassy on basis of my age; I was below eighteen O
years. They asked me to re-apply when eighteen, but that E won't be possible because I would be doing my Masters N
I then. I'm glad however that I have some job-security;
Z the offer from Holland is still valid when I'm done with A my masters. G Being young in class has also had its side-effects but it A has been a nice experience all the same. M
Very very impressive. How has your spiritual growth been also? I started reading the bible at the age of four and was able to finish it back-to-back for the first time at the age of six. I 8 succeeded in reading the bible once a year after that. By the time I was fourteen, I had read through the whole bible eight times. Afterwards, I started reading the bible by books, not accordingly, so I don't know how many times I've read it through all together now. I daily live by God's grace, remembering the scripture that says, 'Let him that stands take heed lest he fall.' It has been the hand of God in my academics and all. Without Him, none of these would have been possible.
Hmm. That leads to the next question. What church do you attend and what's your involvement there? I attend Christ People's Assembly at Ajuwon, Ogun state. I'm the assistant youth leader of the branch, and during service, I take on a couple of roles; bible reading, leading hymns, and playing musical instruments, sometimes.
Okay. Looking at your fast movement; you're now in your final year, have you been having pressures to have a wife? (laughs). Yes. I have thought of it at different times but I know that now is not the time. The pressure is there, especially since most of my classmates are about five years older than I am.
So, at what age do you see yourself getting married? Earliest, twenty-two. Latest, twenty-five.
What role has your family played in all of these? Obviously, without my family, all of these wouldn't have come about. My mother supported and still supports me spiritually, mentally and emotionally; she is like my wife (laughs). My father gives the muscular and financial support. He has been of help professional too, being an architect himself. He has been there for me at all points, especially during my admission processing. My siblings have been good. They've all given me enough support. They kind of made time available to me; freeing me from too many activities, so I had ample time for God and my books. And for that, I'm grateful! 9 0
What are your hobbies? 0
I play badminton, draw, paint, and sing to myself. 2
R
What makes you special or different from other teenagers? E The glory of God, I believe, makes the difference. Then, I put so much hardwork into my B M
academics; I just don't play around. I also have a creative imagination for drawing, painting, E
and abstract thinking. I also believe that 'the computer can never be smarter than me' so I V
make deliberate efforts to find the latest softwares and improve myself. O
I'm already looking for 2010 softwares to master. I always say that my particular breed has N not been born; I'm the first of my kind. I tell myself 'I'm the best God ever thought of / R
offering Architecture for this generation.' E B
What advice do you have for fellow teenagers reading this? O They should always keep their head up and forget about this boyfriend-girlfriend issue for T C now; it never helps. They should focus on reading now and making the best of their teen- O
age, so they could rest and enjoy at the right time. There's time for everything. E N Thanks for your time, 'tunbi. Was a pleasure having this interview with you. I Z
It was a pleasure for me too. A G A M
Is there something very unique about you or that you've achieved and you want to be interviewed on this magazine or do you have a teenage friend who you know is very special and should be interviewed? If yes, please send the name(s) and ee contacts (e-mail and phone number) to us at [email protected]. We'll ttC E eLeE B R I T Ynn get back to you and after listening to you, you might just be chosen as our next 9 Teen Celebrity teen ole S o . r L ..S E inm is D ola D A O dig O un M Many times when I listen to motivational speakers, they talk about mentorship. They ask us, who is your mentor? I have pondered on this question over and over and have asked myself, WHY DO I NEED A MENTOR? The examples that are given to buttress the need for a mentor include Joshua learning under Moses, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, and the list goes on By the way, some parents call their children JUNIOR!!! I think this is an anomaly. Any parent should want his child(ren) to be greater than him or her. So, they should be called SENIOR!!! Secondly, the name 'Junior' is given because the father believes the child is like him and I actually wonder, if he was to be really sincere with himself, would he really want to see his character traits replicated in his son the good, the bad and the ugly traits? Even as believers, don't we still have the little foxes that spoil the vine? Would we want this reproduced in our children? Any selfless parent would want his child to be himself; to be the person God made him to be. Not his father's image. Back to mentoring, I am not really against young people looking up to adults who they admire but there is the need for caution. I have seen many people idolize their mentors and when these mentors fall, by the reason of one error on the other, many of their admirers fall with them and what a great fall it usually is. We cannot afford to idolize a man. The reasons are not too far-fetched. He is limited. He cannot see beyond his nostrils (if he could, it is because God made him to, not because he has the ability to). Man is mortal. He is alive today and tomorrow, like a flower, he dies off. Man's tomorrow is determined by his maker and sustainer. When it is time to remove the breath (life), man does not have a say. What is my recommendation? Hebrews 12:2a, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of 9
0 our faith”. 'There she goes again', I can hear you say. But it's true. I have come to that conclusion by
0 reason of my experiences in life. Jesus is the only example you can never fault or find fault in. 2
Please do an exercise. Write your accusations about Jesus. Read the scriptures around that R
E record in the bible for which you are accusing Him. Read His explanations on His activities and B words. If you are very objective in your analysis, you will agree with what Jesus did in EVERY M circumstance! E
V So, the question now is how do you make Jesus your mentor?
O Just as you spend time listening to the advice of your earthly mentor, reading books on
N him/her, attending seminars where he/she will be speaking, practicing the steps he/she /
R took that you admired, so do you need to do with the Lord.
E Take time to stay in His presence, worshipping, adoring and praising Him. Take B time to study the scriptures so that He can teach you the way to go and then, be a O
T doer of the things you learn. If you will practice God's presence and obey His
C instructions, you would discover that you are even more successful than O
your friends who have human mentors. E He created you and knows His plans for your life. Jesus came N
I and fulfilled purpose. Matthew 1:21. The world is still Z celebrating Him today. Make Him your role model and A
G do whatever He tells you to do. The result will
A be definitely grand…the world will
M celebrate you too!
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to s bet m Shade ag to put those t came them o been “Can ectly each o than s a ov they eam that that a u w him her e and had and her The ain. t she she e the the n m ge t t y art kill d n be ed ed he ell as to er er in in l a, it d e ' a y t . , ,
w earlier t fr w thoughts. t Utibe been would hospit host dinner wer da r n session, gr and r r cook though bak r knew knew needed ther and months, Uche simply an Without he knowledg shar doing sincer r he wasassigned Aft Ahmadu. her childishness an ef go. in up, As wonder nice” alking ell ather eluct eminded eally ead e om as alk f oup y y ymor ort. e the f er talkingwithall other self , e one elt e pick She d another lif r e sa ed but el, ery e-r . pas a 's
her and ant e ely this with how lov She al. behind . ying. told how it wer sh ha dir 'T that book about. y his as is leader e. ed ead ed with r now o sh As e to ask w phil hoped unbosun, t he could s e', eading y 'I ed meeting ve full “…he “Na When xperiences, C How Uche ------to ection u wonder e. him. He she Geor as ev cook had y e him look girl mind wonder if o her all ” know to , he ed had she
to 3 . Uche sa to nf oso That was cooking shar , ening!” an
y in the behind of things when slow he books. ou'r their , them pla took ev y he U i thought them to ed nev maximum r He ge con ything that f the t int design s is alr it that said m ph ound c ak while knew all drift er till . bes the ed she to y h their t ed a ed e One had i would er alk f then eady e , hear y gr n e er made f I musical or what her , only fr pas he vir er . sorts displa with she
g t don't ev dependence. to learn w if he eat Uche his ed ee and him, a what Shade ed five session
had netw seen he ence w it In gin” could his partner bet bet as also it eryone of t sa h to seat web r o short k r time. so to books. pace with i had ounding thr didn't could ead t what skill ept minds s participantsthat u y other be one of alk baking. t himself of gr the ying', the t the his
been under er l int hear er his to har orking the disco enjoymen him fr d file they ins ee t eat sit beside upset . ed
had h om been r 10 up worth or be each errupting so knew ecipes. What ended, guys s, o friend d w h es; truments. r see passion months. shorte is s past es and d u they es fr a she new gift know to a about with they longing in worth ve she That s if them had had g v . someone diff own. y t them t told possible. That t ht e and another another that other she the off believ r gift per Geor he ed
how mov F to he said bef all s er books in atima s could three them b t , r been wer E tood
they son, that guy met ent, e w him one had and and had y just She this ve she her or the the the the h f f his He , e ou ed by ge or or as to to to e. “I i A n n e e s .
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He Uche them muscular The mov and rd As Uche “I “ “I'll “ “ “So, “ “Sounds “I “What's “Na t h girls Uche and this girls earlier f Okpar w th Y Y That e, at ” would to told our? she name. i know night, ou es. a to Uche would the t as host with lik unbosun's atthe conf wished r o needed y Uche undefiled bug and called
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ely a know ar ” the unbosun mor r then that. ki d to e happened ” ' da would name. me let epla t identifie sto a coming ” name Uche's going ds what of his n
that ve at ys?' y the the oached s t “By hoped the y r that girl, wer g tomach. his Y h bef , ather f? alis to p ry of con a him. short fr toda ou y inten ” the e and name y they p added. I'll ou his ” theguy ab om
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he need er eaction ha br to all serious “I tinuing but d of be o y n e” y ask It songs name is d. how come
some ence. ther heart eath. t u ve . baby fr their ha said, a than with him. they w w a one one one had and and had t t Y out not the m om all, He He n't n on ou he ed ve as as to “I t, d e e a I I
George. 'Oh no! Not this pretty, intelligent Nurse Maureen's phone rang. and studied her thoughtfully. “What girl'. He couldn't imagine that tall guy She looked at the caller ID. It was her baby?” ruining this girl. He only wondered if there colleague at the reception; Nurse Fatima swiped at a tear that had was anything he could do to stop it. Maureen had informed her to notify her found its way out of her eye. “That unborn whenever Doctor Festus arrived. child.” As she said it, she saw the look on “Hello!” his face and knew she had hit him below CHAPTER FIFTEEN “Doctor Festus just walked in” the belt. “I had a dream,” she continued. “Thanks dear.” She said and “There were many dead babies. Most Nurse Maureen was perplexed. looked at Fatima who was giving her a painful was the bodies that had been She sincerely couldn't understand why questioning look. “Doctor Festus is here!” severed heartlessly. There was so much Fatima was so agitated. “Yipee!” Fatima exclaimed. blood. I was full of both sorrow for the “Calm down Fatima. I'm sure “Please tell him I need to see him” she said aborted babies and anger at the he's okay.” then paused. “Please tell him it's a life-or- perpetrators of such an act. It was then I “You don't understand. I must death situation”, she added, winking. saw a gloved hand about to start another reach him now!” Fatima was worried. The nurse smiled as she exited abortion. The teenage girl was lying on the After the dream she had had, she hit the the room. Fatima smiled too. Anybody bed, waiting for the procedure to emergency button until Nurse Maureen would have thought she just lied but she commence. showed up, panting. She had immediately knew it was actually a life-or-death “Angry and wishing I could do demanded that the nurse call Doctor situation. She looked at her room mate something to stop it; I looked at the face of Festus. Confused, Nurse Maureen had and saw she was still sleeping. Fatima was the doctor. I was dumbfounded. It was done so, only to return to tell Fatima that happy the woman had found peace once you.” She paused and looked at him. His the doctor wasn't in the hospital premises. again. face was down. “It was you, Doctor Festus. Fatima had demanded the nurse try his She sat up and started praying, I was so distraught, I couldn't move. It was number. She tried and it was switched off. as she replayed in her mind the dream that then I woke up and knew I had to stop you That was the last straw. Fatima was dead had woken her up. She needed wisdom to from doing it to that girl.” worried for the doctor. talk with the doctor. As she prayed, she Fatima wondered why his head “Relax! I am in control. It will all heard the door creak. It was Doctor Festus. was still down and why he wasn't saying be fine,” came the familiar voice and only “Hello dear. How are you anything. “Doc, please talk to me.” then could Fatima ease up a bit. 'I'm sorry doing?” he asked as he approached. When he lifted his head, Fatima Lord for being overly worried when all I “Nurse Maureen told me it's urgent. You saw what she had never seen in a man's needed do was cast my cares on you' she look quite okay”. He sat down. eyes. She saw tears glistering on the prayed inwardly. Even Nurse Maureen “I'm not the patient this time surface, waiting to flow out. “I have been could see that the atmosphere had around sir. It's an emergency involving haunted for the past five months.” The changed. She marveled; Fatima was just another patient.” pain was so much he bowed his head again weird. The doctor looked back towards and the tears flowed out then. “Why do you want to see Doc? the other patient and saw she was sound Fatima reached out and touched This is the umpteenth time I'm asking you” asleep. He faced Fatima with a bemused his shoulder. “It's okay sir. What Fatima tried to make light of it. 9
look. happened?” 0 “It's top-secret” she said, smiling but “Who's the patient?” he asked. “Two years back, my doctor 0 remembering the stress she had put the 2
“I'm looking at him, sir” friend who I respected so much told me nurse through, she added, “I'm so sorry for R “Who?” he paused, trying to how he was making big extra pay. He lived troubling you. There's something I really E
understand. “Me?” large and I knew it wasn't his salary footing B need the doctor for urgently but God just
“Yes doc. You” those bills. He took me to an abortion M told me all would be well”. Doctor Festus was beginning to clinic, somewhere on the outskirts of this E
“Hope you're not having any V wonder if Fatima was suffering some side state. When I knew where I was, I told him pains though?” O effects from the drugs. clearly that I could never do it.
“Nothing outside the ordinary” N
Fatima guessed what he was “Two weeks after, my wife had to / she said, smiling. thinking. “I'm very okay sir” she said, do a surgical operation abroad, and I R
“You're strange you know?” the E patting the side of her head, and doing a needed some more money to pay the bill. nurse asked rhetorically. B thumbs-up. That elicited a smile from the That was how it all started. I made so much “Kinda!” Fatima said with a O
doctor's face but didn't clear his doubts. money from the clinic but I had no peace T sheepish grin, then added. “That's what Fatima's look gradually changed of mind. But something happened five C happens when you have Jesus as a O
into a sober one as she remembered the months ago.” He looked at Fatima,
boyfriend.” She paused, put both hands on E message she had to pass across. “Please unashamed as tears flowed down his her heart, and dramatically tilted her head N
don't do it!” She said with so much pain in cheeks. I backwards with her eyes closed. “I'm so in her words. Doctor Festus looked at her, “Something happened that has Z
love!” A really worried. He hoped she wasn't going caused me sleepless nights and days of
Nurse Maureen couldn't help G off balance. horror.” He wiped his face. “I got to the laughing. “Maybe someday, I would feel A He reached out to touch her. clinic this Wednesday. By the way, I used to that way about Jesus too” M “Are you okay dear?” go there Wednesdays and Fridays. When I “I hope so too. Your life will be She held his gaze, eyes now got there, I had just finished with a rookie worth living. Even in crisis, you'll be at filling. “Please don't kill that baby” prostitute who wanted the pregnancy peace. It's just so cool” At that, he withdrew his hand, aborted. The moment I ushered her out of 13 the room, the next girl came in, and for the were both with wet faces. “Now I have pouring his heart out to his maker and first time in my one year plus of doing it, I money, and some fame but I'm barely saviour. met a girl who said she didn't want to do living.” He looked intently at Fatima. As Fatima heard him pray, she the abortion. All others had come of their “Seeing you when you were rushed in and had a strong sense of peace and knew she own volition. hearing you tell me what you did a few had accomplished God's purpose for her “She said her boyfriend had told hours back, hope was restored in me for being in the hospital. It was time to return her to do it and she refused but said when the first time in a very long time. Do you to her folks at the conference. One day had her mother found out she was pregnant, know what?” seemed like a year to her. She missed them she literarily dragged her to the abortion “What?” Fatima asked. badly. clinic.” Doctor Festus shook his head. “My wife and children don't even “'Please doctor, I don't want to have this have a clue about any of these things I'm ------abortion' she told me that day, weeping telling you. Maybe God indeed brought “That's the one I will have hysterically. 'As a Christian, I know what I you here because of me, and I feel so tonight” did just once with my boyfriend was wrong awed.” He said and buried his face in his “Stanley, just like that? You but I know this would be worse. I've hurt hands. haven't even spoken with her yet” Okpara God enough', she had said. On a normal “But if we confess our sins to said. Looking at the girl again, he added. day, I would have told her it was okay and God, He will keep His promise and do what “Isn't she the girl from Utibe's school that would have asked her to leave and possibly is right: He will forgive us our sins and danced last night?” counsel the mother on accepting the purify us from all our wrongdoing.” Fatima “Yes, she is, Utibe told me a little situation. said. “That's God's word. All you need do is about her. Her name is Faith.” “However, I was so money crazy confess these sins to God, and propose in “You're sure many guys are not on that day, as every abortion brought me your heart not to do them again, and God on her already?” twenty thousand naira. So, the more I did will forgive you; making you new and “I have my ways.” Stanley said. on a day, the better for me. I convinced her whole altogether.” Dinner was almost over and it was time to it was okay. I lied to her telling her I was a “I wish it were that easy” Doctor act. Utibe was already seated with Shade, Christian too; I claimed to be a deacon. I Festus said. preparing for their escapade. “It's show also assured her there would be no “It is that easy sir. Jesus died in time. I'll see you in the hall”. After dinner complications and she would never regret our place, taking our sins on Himself. He was the only convenient time for it. As I was saying all these, I knew I was only needs you to come to Him and receive escapades as facilitators and group leaders lying to her but I didn't care. His righteousness in place of your sins.” ate then. Any other time was either during “She asked about the pain and I “But that doesn't undo the the day or a time when they would be told her not to worry about it. I assured her wrongs I've done. I can't give those girls closely monitored, and that wouldn't do. that I was a very good doctor I guess that and women their children back.” he Okpara watched as Stanley was the only truth I said to that young girl.” argued. walked to where Faith was seated. There He paused. “As I began preparing, she “That's true and you need to was another girl talking with Faith when he started whimpering until the anesthesia settle that in your heart. You can't undo got there but Okpara noticed that after a got the better of her. When I was through, the past but you can prevent it from few minutes of talking to both girls, the
9 and she woke up, remembering what she ruining your present and future. As for the other girl left them, laughing. Okpara was 0 had come for, she began crying profusely abortion victims, you could pray that God still a virgin but was addicted to 0
2 again. Weeping uncontrollably, she stood will reach them and heal their emotions. pornography and masturbated. He had
R up and looked in the direction of the fetus. And if you meet any of them, you could been told it was wrong to do both but he E My eyes followed her gaze. She then apologize to them. That's the best you can didn't care. His brother was a faithful B looked at me and at that moment, I knew I do sir. Don't let the devil eat you up with Christian and lived a clean life. He secretly M was a monster. Her look, the sight of the guilt. Jesus became guilty so you could be admired his brother but felt he had gone E
V fetus and her sobs on that day have innocent. Just receive Him into your life too far to turn back. He had found it hard
O haunted me ever since.” and run away from sin henceforth.” however to do the real thing, wondering if
N The room was so quiet as Doctor “Sounds too good to be true, any girl will allow him. / Festus made his confession. Fatima could Fatima.” But as he saw the Faith girl jell R
E visualize the horror the young girl must “That's my boyfriend for you”, easily as Stanley talked with her, his desire
B have faced that day and even afterwards. she said, smiling through her tears. “He's to have the physical experience mounted. O “I have only been to that clinic just so tripping.” He remembered his brother's words to T once after that,” he continued “and it was Without Fatima saying more or him one day when they discussed C
O to see if I could get the girl's address so I inciting him, Doctor Festus knelt beside fornication. His brother had quoted from
E could apologize to her for making her do her bed. “Please pray for me” the bible, saying 'Stolen waters are sweet,
N what she didn't want to do but I was told “I would be glad to do so”, she and bread eaten in secret is pleasant'. His I they couldn't divulge that information to said. “But you'll need to talk to Him brother had said the enjoyment was very Z
A me. That was the beginning of my yourself first.” temporal and the suffering eternal.
G nightmares. Now, I hear screams of girls “Okay” he said, and began He had been sober that day but
A and see animated fetuses haunting me. It confessing his many sins to God. He prayed had finally returned to his vomit. Now
M has been terrible. I even tried killing myself in tears and as he did that he could seeing Stanley's exploits, and Utibe's once but it didn't work out.” literarily feel burdens of his past lift off progress with Shade, he felt he had Doctor Festus looked at Fatima him. Fatima knelt beside him and nothing to lose. He was going to try it out. and saw she was feeling his pain. They strengthened his faith as he continued He looked round, hoping to see any girl 14 that looked like she was approachable. He stuck with this Christiana girl. His heart “There is something very unique didn't have to look too far. Two tables from beat fast with a combination of two strong about George. I'm still trying to place a him was a pretty girl and she was actually emotions; excitement and fear. hand on it” Tunbosun said when she was staring at him. left with Uche. Okpara couldn't believe his “Mm-hmm” fortune. He had gotten a far better bargain CHAPTER SIXTEEN “I need more than that Uche. You than he had planed for. He looked away can't be shy around me o! You had better 'This is fun.' Tunbosun thought to and looked back. She was still looking at start talking o” she said, poking him. herself. 'I never knew helping others could him. She then smiled, and Okpara was “Okay.” He said, smiling. “I think be this much fun.' She had just finished momentarily lost, admiring her. It was like it's the fact that he is a Christian.” clearing the dishes. She had done it with she was calling him over. “Aren't you a Christian Uche?” George and Uche as they had done in the He stood from where he was and she asked, mockingly. afternoon. She had been with George walked over to her. As he got closer, he “Not in George's way. I'm a through the afternoon session and had almost turned back. It seemed too good to Christian by religion but with what I've learnt about his dreams. George wanted be true. She was making some body seen in George and Fatima…” to be a politician eventually, able to m o v e m e n t s t h a t m a d e h i m “ W h o ' s F a t i m a ? ” s h e influence the governance of Nigeria in a uncomfortable. It was like she knew what interrupted. godly way. She was indeed impressed at had been on his mind and was as ready as “George's best friend” how he spoke about the possibility of he was. 'Is it this easy to have girls?' he Tunbosun wanted to faint. So, Nigeria becoming a godly and prosperous asked himself as he sat beside her. Sitting there was even another friend that was nation. beside her made him see things he hadn't close to George; close enough for Uche to She told him about her vision of noticed from afar. Her second button was call her George's best friend. The reality starting the first free private co- loosened and her skirt was short. was dawning on her gradually that what educational college. She felt it was “I'm Christiana” she said she needed from George was not exclusive possible to give people good, and quality extending her hand, even before Okpara attention or anything special. She just education without them paying a kobo. said anything. Okpara accepted the needed to be his friend and learn “It's high time we stopped being overly handshake and noticed she let it linger as whatever she needed to learn from him. It money conscious” she had said. She could she held his gaze with the most enticing was a hard truth to stomach but she had tell that George had been impressed. look Okpara had ever seen. to. She had to stop herself from getting She had wanted to share the When she let go of his hand, she jealous. terrible dream she had had with him but spoke up. “I'm lonely and I need a guy”. “Okay” she said, responding to the timing had seemed inappropriate. As Okpara was dumbfounded. If Uche's answer. she stood with both guys now, she felt it someone else had told him about this, he “Their lifestyle is so different might be a good time to find a way of would have said it was a lie. She was from any other Christian I've met. They are pulling George apart to hear her dream; it actually the one making the moves on him; consciously trying to please God in all they was actually a nightmare. But before she a guy she had never met in her life. It was a do. I'm personally contemplating could speak out, George did. “Guys, I need sickening thought for Okpara that a girl becoming like them; that is, getting that to see someone during this free time 9
would make herself that cheap, but for the committed to Christ.” 0 before the film show.” sake of what he wanted to achieve that “Really?” 0
As he said that, Tunbosun was 2 night, he put his sentiments aside. “Yes. But I'm waiting for
deflated. She was almost sure it was the R “I have been watching you for a something” Uche said. girl she had noticed with George earlier E few minutes and I just know you're my “What's that?” B on. Her next concern was where they, guy” she said. It was at this point Okpara “It's confidential!” he said, M George and the girl, were going to see. She began to get scared. He wondered if the seriously. E
had heard of escapades that were meant V girl was okay. He didn't expect this kind of “Nonsense. What do you need
to happen today; she hoped George was O behavior from any girl at the conference. It secrets for?” not that kind. Even if he wasn't, she feared N seemed just too much. He was Uche thought a while. “Okay, it's / what that girl that looked attracted to contemplating standing up and running actually not a secret, just that it has R
George could do. E for his dear life; he felt such things only nothing to do with anyone else but me and “I would see her in the hall” B happened in home videos when a witch God.” He looked at her and saw she was George said, as if he knew what was on O wanted to seduce a pastor or something. waiting for him to talk. “I made a deal with T Tunbosun's mind. “Uche, please take care She was actually begging and throwing God, that I would give my life to Him if C
of our young lady” he said, excusing O
herself at him. Fatima returns to the conference
himself, but not before noticing that Uche E As if she could read his mind, she tomorrow.”
felt uneasy. He had discovered in the short N said, “Don't think I'm a cheap girl, I just Tunbosun pondered on that a I while of meeting the boy that he was very need someone to love me.” while. “Why did you do that?” Z
shy. He only hoped Uche would get out of A Okpara wasn't still convinced. “Because I have felt at different
his shell soon enough. G Just then, she placed a hand on his hand, times that God doesn't care about anyone. He hadn't looked at Tunbosun's A pleading with her beautiful eyes. “Please These two made me see differently but I face. If he had, he would have seen a look M don't go away. I need you badly!” need some confirmation. Fatima is in the that would have confused him. Her face As she said those words, with her hospital and she said she would be out was sullen. eyes holding him bound and her hand tomorrow. I find it rather impossible, so I ------setting him on fire, Okpara knew he was want to test how serious God is about 15 having me.” Tunbosun' he said to himself. “Father, please make me a blessing to this Tunbosun smiled. “You're shy With that, Uche dismissed the girl and help me not to lose my head”, he but hard inside” thought. He would later wish he had said to God as he descended the aisle “If you say so.” spoken up. steps. “But I heard a preacher say it ------“Watsup Tara” he said as he got isn't right to put God to the test.' As Okpara sneaked behind the close. “I didn't know that. I've already dining hall with Christiana beside him, he “Hi George. I'm good, thanks.” done it; the ball is in God's court now.” couldn't calm his heart. It was beating so “You're quite early. Don't you eat “God must have really dealt hard fast. The girl didn't even know his name at all? Didn't see you at the dinning hall with you for you to be this callous about and didn't seem to care. As he tried to find throughout today” Him” a convenient spot in the dark area, he “I don't eat out normally, so I find “Kinda.” could see couples in different locations it hard eating the food they give us.” “What happened?” Tunbosun though he couldn't tell who was who. “So, what have you been eating asked. He wondered how come the since we got here?” George asked, Uche couldn't see himself telling authorities hadn't found out about the curious. another person. The only person he had activities that took place. Were they that “Buscuits” she said, smiling. told was Fatima but there was something blind or that careless? When they got George shook his head; he he had omitted and that's what he wanted somewhere he felt was okay, it occurred to couldn't believe it. “I'm glad I found out to tell Tunbosun, he was going to leave the him that he was about to lose his virginity about this before you collapsed. That's other details out. “My sister died in an in a place many had lost theirs; both boys about to change. You'll learn how to eat accident. I later learnt that the car that hit and girls. out when you have no choice” George the okada on which she was seated, was a Something deep within him told said, trying to sound big brotherly. church's car. It had the logo of a church on him he was about to make the mistake of “I hear you” she said and then it. People said there was a driver and his life but he subdued the thought. 'I have looked at her wristwatch. George someone at the back; who they supposed come this far. I have to finish what I have understood. They had about thirty would have been a pastor. Onlookers said started.' Okpara told himself. minutes to the start of the film show. They if he had stopped and taken her to the ------needed to get to business. hospital, she might have survived but he It was just a few minutes to eight “I'm listening, go ahead”, George sped off.” Uche paused. “That was the day but Fatima was really fagged out. She had said, making her know he got the message. I began seeing God as a despot who just just eaten dinner and taken her drugs. “I'm not proud of what I'm about did as He pleased.” Doctor Festus had left the room a new and to tell you. I just feel I need to let it out. I “I can imagine your pain” happy man. Though tired, she couldn't hope you won't hate me when I'm done” Tunbosun said, and Uche could see that contain the joy that she felt at being an “Sure not!” she meant what she said. “I'm a Christian instrument through which God touched She nodded, doubtfully. “I grew by religion. I hardly even go to church her room mate and the doctor. She could up in a very strict family. My parents, myself but I have not seen God as wicked, see God had started a work on Nurse especially my mum didn't give us any
9 just as a boring big man upstairs. But that is Maureen but she had this conviction that breathing space. We couldn't voice out our
0 changing gradually” God would perfect the work Himself. She opinions about anything. It was so 0 “Guess we are in similar shoes.” had played her part already. suffocating. I can't remember ever 2
“Seems so” Tunbosun paused. Before Doctor Festus left, she thinking well of myself. My self-esteem R
E “There's even something I wanted to tell had told him that she felt alright enough to since when I knew myself was zero. We
B George” be discharged. Knowing her better now, he couldn't go for our friends' 10th birthday
M “Guess you'll tell him when you hadn't argued but asked to examine her. parties or other relatively harmless E see him.” By the time he did, he smiled. She was fine occasions. No one even wanted to visit us; V “Yep” Tunbosun said. She looked and ready to go. He told her he would take we were practically in jail. O at Uche and asked herself if she should just her back to the conference himself. That “I even remember a day when N
/ go ahead and tell him the dream she had was indeed very tripping. “God is indeed my friend in primary four gave me a fine R had the night before. She changed her wonderful!” he had said, awed at both biro; I had never seen the type. She said E
B mind and decided she would keep it for how God had healed his patient so fast and her mother brought it from Canada when
O George. Little did she know that Uche had how He had planed it as a means for saving she traveled. I was so happy I showed my
T the solution. Her silence had just a dying doctor. mother immediately I got home. Do you C endangered her some more. Fatima was not left out. She was know what my mother did?” she asked O
------still basking in the wonder of all God had rhetorically, facing George. E Uche was struggling. As he spoke done. He was indeed a God worth living for “She broke it and threw it into N
I with Tunbosun, he debated with himself and she was bent on pleasing and serving the trash can.” She said and saw George's Z whether or not to mention to her that he Him for the rest of her life. Still smiling, she expression. Anyone would wonder why. A heard some guys talking about a Tunbosun lay down to rest, looking forward to seeing “She said I must have gone begging my G
A that they wanted to have. They really her friends the next day. friend for it. She was so cross with me that sounded like they were going to do ------day. I cried my eyes out.” Tara said, blinking M something terrible to her. He convinced As George entered the hall, he back tears. “It seems like yesterday. It was himself that it couldn't be a decent girl like could see Tara. She was seating on the just awful.” this Tunbosun they would want to take same spot she had sat in the morning George listened carefully. He advantage of. 'It must be another when they had their first conversation. decided not to interrupt her with 16 comments or sympathies. only guy that had ever showed me love in the ball rolling. Tara swiped at her tears. “That was just one occasion out the way I understood.” George touched her hand lightly and of numerous others. My father didn't help Tara noticed students had withdrew it, a sign of comfort in the most matters as he was hardly at home, and started entering the hall; she knew she decent way possible. “I'm so sorry Tara” whenever he was home, he left his wife to had to speed up. “It started with kissing, She nodded. “I'll finish up take charge of his children. We are five then smooching, till he did things to me I tomorrow. I just know I have to finish children. I am the third born and the first never knew I could ever allow. Then, he telling you this story as it would help me.” daughter. But things changed for me when popped the almighty question about George nodded. He would have we moved here. My father started a seven months ago when we just started wished she continue but he knew she business here in Port Harcourt and we the new session. He asked me for sex and I won't be able to keep talking during the moved with him. said no.” Tara buried her head film show; those sitting near would be able “I was enrolled in Rumuokoro momentarily in her hands, then raised it to hear her. And immediately after the private college to start SS1. That same up, smeared with fresh tears. show, all would be expected to file straight week I met a fellow student who just “I wish I had kept it at no. I wish I to their hostels; no talking or loitering seemed to pick interest in me out of the never even allowed him to touch me in the would be permitted at that time. many new students. I was flattered by his first place.” She shook her head in regret. He longed to hear the remaining attention. He kinda did some orientation “He pestered me for a whole week. I part. 'Lord, even before tomorrow when for me; putting me through some things so couldn't think straight throughout that Tara will finish opening up, please begin I could get familiar with the environment week. I cried over and again. The pressure your work in her life. Touch her and make and procedures in the college. It was like was so much because I thought he loved her whole' was George's prayer as the film that for about three weeks. I was on cloud me. I eventually gave in and cried began. nine; I had never felt so loved before. I throughout the whole ordeal. He didn't looked forward to going to school, and seem to care however. ------found reasons to leave school late, so I “When I left his house that day, I Shade was staring blankly at the could keep gisting with him.” She smiled as cried till I got home. I had gone to his house motions on the screen. She couldn't think she recalled those moments. from school, so I was still in my uniform. I straight. She had just done things that “He introduced me to his friends, cried myself to sleep. I hated myself for made her feel dirty. What some of her so I had many people I was talking with. My what I had just done. I told myself I would friends had made so much noise about self image began to improve gradually. But never do it again. I asked God to forgive now seemed like nothing after all. Utibe I soon noticed changes in him. The first day me; I prayed for forgiveness a whole had wanted to go all the way but she didn't I noticed was the day he looked so hard at week.” let him. He did practically every other me; I was very uncomfortable under his “Did he just let you be?” George thing with her body and she felt like trash. peruse. He then said, 'you're the most asked, feeling it was high time he asked a The only consolation she kept beautiful girl I have ever met in my life'. I question. giving herself was that he loved her. 'He was so shocked to hear those words, I “For a while. Seems he was still loves me. He loves me' she kept repeating couldn't even reply. He must have noticed enjoying his conquest. We kept talking but to herself over again, convincing herself
my surprise; so he went on to make more never talked about what happened that what she did was okay since it was with 9 comments, even those I thought a boy day. Two weeks after, he started behaving someone she loved and loved her back. He 0 shouldn't pass at a girl. and saying things that made me know he was seated beside her; holding her hand as 0 2 “I was so lost in his words; I didn't wanted to have me again and I told him they watched the film. The lights in the hall R want him to stop. It was the first time in my plain blank he would never touch me were off, so no one could see them. E life anybody would say something so nice again. I told him what we did was wrong Moreover, most were engrossed in the B to me. One thing led to the other, and I got and that we should never do it again or any film. The gesture itself was a source of M to trust him with my life, telling him about of the kissing or touching thingies until we comfort to her. E V how I felt my parents hated me and all.” were married.” Tara laughed. “I actually As the pictures of what she had O
She paused. “Looking back now, I think thought we would get married silly me.” done flashed through her mind again, she N that was when he decided to capitalize on “He agreed but I noticed our wanted to throw up. She held herself, but / my weaknesses. Shortly after I confided in relationship began to turn sour. He her greatest fear was that she was going to R E
him, he asked me out, and I gave him an snapped at me often. Most painful then lose it all the next day. She could tell that B answer immediately, scared he would was his flirting with other girls right in my Utibe wasn't going to take no for an O change his mind if I waited a minute. He presence. I wondered what he was doing answer on their next escapade. Her head T was the first reasonable guy asking me behind my back if he could go to that spun. 'I came to the conference a virgin. Is C O out. Others had been neighborhood touts extent in front of me. I was still wondering this how I'm going to let it go; just like E or unserious uncles.” She smiled, a sad how I would handle his taunting when I that?' It was a question she was afraid to N one. “At least, I thought he was found out, five months ago, that I was answer because she knew the answer. I reasonable” pregnant. My world turned around in that Z A “After one month of the moment.” Her hands instinctively found ------G
euphoria of dating him, by the way his her belly. The moment they got to the hall, A
name was Douglas; he began demanding George's eyes went there too, Christiana said bye to Okpara and walked M things I knew I shouldn't give in to. I had and he could guess what had happened, away. He had been thinking she would gone to church all my life and I had a but he wasn't going to guess. Just as she want to sit with him. Disappointed, he relationship with God, so I knew some wanted to continue, the anchor for the found a seat two rows away from where things were wrong but I feared losing the film show picked the microphone and set Christiana was seated, where he could see 17 her easily, but not too clearly. She still wonder what was wrong with Shade. She condition on which He would give his life didn't know his name. They had just slept was still in bed at past 6. She tapped her to Him but now, he knew he didn't need with each other. It was obviously not her Bunkie. “Shade!” Their bunk was at the that anymore. He knew what he had to do first time but was Stanley's first time. extreme end of the room, beside a wall. what he must. He knelt down beside his He felt a void in his heart that he Shade's face was to the wall so Tunbosun bunk and confessed his sins to God; couldn't explain. It was like something in couldn't see her face to know if she was apologizing for all he had done wrong, his life that had been there all along was awake or not. especially the blasphemous statements he now missing; it was a feeling of being She tapped her again, and this had made against God at different times. incomplete. The only thing that excited time, Shade turned. As Tunbosun saw her As he prayed, he could literarily him was the thought of telling his friends face, she instinctively reached out to touch feel peace seep into his heart; gradually that he too had done what they boasted her face. “What's wrong?” she asked, filling him up. He didn't yet know how to about. trying to wipe at the tears on her bunk talk to God well, but he talked with him as He stole a look in her direction, mate's face. best as He could. He still wasn't sure if he and what he saw made him pause to take a “Nothing” she lied. did it right but he knew God heard him and better look. The ongoing film scene was a “Don't say that. Tears don't just had forgiven him. He was refreshed and bright one, so it lit up the hall and he saw come out that way.” couldn't wait to share the news with what knocked out the breath from him. “I had a bad dream” she lied George, and Fatima, whenever she Christiana was already flirting with again but that seemed to satisfy returned from the hospital. another guy! Now, he was convinced there Tunbosun. “I'll be alright” was more to that girl than met the eye. “Okay then. Hurry up, so we ------Okpara bit his lips in regret. He could make the briefing on time.” George Ahmadu was lost in wished he could take back time a few “Alright, thanks.” Shade said. thought. He hardly had been about to minutes, but he knew it wasn't possible. Deep within, she knew she wasn't alright. think of anything else apart from the He decided he would tell the guys about it. The pain she had felt about going all the conversation he had had with Tara the 'At least, Stanley would know how I should way with Utibe was intensified when she evening before. As he laced his shoe, handle it', he thought to himself. Okpara woke up at about 5am and the first preparing to go for the morning briefing, had no clue what he had just gotten thoughts on her mind where the words he could feel a tenderness develop in his himself into. she had spoken to her late mother shortly heart for her. He felt he had an obligation after her twelfth birthday. Her mother had to care for her and protect her. He wanted ------felt it was high time to give her daughter to be there for her; to help her overcome Stanley was slouched on his seat. some sex education. this pain of her past. He wanted to do all in One down, four to go. He knew Faith After the lengthy talk with her his power to make sure she was alright herself was a player when he had walked mother, she had promised not to ever again. up to her in the first place. So, her type allow anyboy touch her. She had even She had said she was pregnant, wouldn't even want to be with him again, advocated it while in school at different and he could see that there was no life in and he wasn't interested either. His mind times. But now, she'd just fumbled. She her belly. It was either she had a went back to Tunbosun and his desire was glad however that she hadn't lost it all; miscarriage, which George desperately 9
0 mounted. her ultimate pride, her virginity was still wanted to believe or she aborted the
0 He decided he would ask Utibe intact. unborn child. The latter option wasn't a 2
how much progress he had made with As she got ready to go to the pleasant one as George knew it was a R
E Shade. If he had made satisfactory bathroom, she promised herself she terrible sin against God, the unborn baby,
B progress, Stanley would tell him to ask her wouldn't allow Utibe touch her again. She and even the body of the woman who
M to help him get Tunbosun where he wants was going to try to make right the wrong aborted, not to talk about the E her. Till then, he would wait patiently for she'd done. She still wanted him as a complications that are known to plague V the time his prey would fall into his hands. friend, but nothing more. But if he the victims afterwards, mentally, O 'You are wicked!' Stanley's heart insisted, she would have to cut off totally emotionally and physically. N
/ pumped hard. Where did that come from? from him, and the thought of that brought T h e r e w e r e s o m a n y
R His conscience hardly pricked him when more tears to her eyes. assumptions he could make, but he E
B he did the nasty stuffs he did. He was really decided to keep his mind open and wait for
O surprised that any part of him actually ------Tara to tell him personally what happened
T abhorred what he was about to do. But This morning was just so to the baby that she carried. 'I will be there C before his conscience could get the better different. Uche was trying to understand for you Tara, till your hurts are healed and O
of him, he silenced it. 'Girls are not worth why he was this happy. It was then he you're restored' he thought to himself. But E the stress of love. They are to be used and remembered the dream he had had. In the even as he did that, he felt a cautioning in N
I dumped' he said to himself and continued dream, he had given his life to Jesus and his spirit.
Z watching the film. was all together refreshed and joyful. That A scripture came to his mind. 'It's A feeling followed him into reality. There not by power, not by might, but by my G was a deep sense of urgency within him Spirit, says the Lord.' God was reminding A that he needed to surrender to Christ him not to try to do it in his own strength. M CHAPTER SEVENTEEN immediately. The message was clear. DAY 3 Uche couldn't explain how he George went on his knees. “I'm It was Tunbosun's turn to was feeling. He felt like he would burst; he so sorry Lord. I know you've put in me a was so full of joy. He had given God a desire to see that Tara becomes whole 18 again but I'm sorry for thinking I could play to have fun.” joined the train. Even during the well God in her life. Please let me just be an “I don't agree. I felt an celebrated Calabar Christmas Carnival in instrument in your hand to touch this undeniable void in my heart yesterday, which he was always actively involved, he hurting soul and to help her find joy again.” after losing my virginity; my pride.” had stayed away from getting himself That was his prayer. Those few lines “You dey talk like woman” involved with the many lewd acts that restored peace in his heart. He was sure Stanley said, laughing at him. characterized the activities. things would go fine. He did not foresee “You can't tell me a part of you After holding on for so long, was however, a very big obstacle that was doesn't hate this lifestyle and at times, you he ready to lose it all; spoil everything, just about to get in the way of Tara's just want to opt out?” Okpara asked, in the bid to show prove that he was a big redemption. directing his question at Stanley. boy and capable of having girls. 'This is not “Never!” Stanley said. why I came for this conference.' He ------“Whatever!” Okapara said, thought. As he analyzed a little more, he “Guys, I never knew that was dismissing Stanley's words. He was came to a conclusion. It couldn't and what I had been missing”, Utibe said, after beginning to wonder if the guy had a heart wouldn't continue one more day. 'I'll call it updating his friends on the progress he at all. He had not felt this adverse to sex quits with Shade on the touching part but made with Shade the previous night. “The before. In fact, he had always wanted it we could still be friends if she wants' was experience was just outta-this-world” and had been the chief advocate of his decision. And when Utibe made up his “Those were just preliminaries. wanting Stanley to forcefully have mind about something, no one could stop Wait till you get inside proper.” Stanley Tunbosun if he had to, but his experience him. said. with Christiana had put doubts in his “Yes o!” Okpara said. heart. ------“Okpara, I saw you with one chic “Stanley, you've had many girls, Christiana looked in the mirror. yesterday, did you have her?” right?” She smiled. She knew she was beautiful “Yes, I did” he said, trying to “Sure” and very attractive. She was from Bayelsa sound exultant. His friends hooted. “Have you ever felt that anyone state but lived and schooled in Lagos. She “Now, we're getting closer. I still of them was the one using you instead of had qualified to come to the conference have four more to go” Stanley said. His being the other way round?” because she was the dinning hall prefect of mind went back to how easy it was for him “Never. Girls die to have me. her school. But she had chosen to come for to have Faith, how easy it was for Okpara How can they now be the ones to use me?” a different reason altogether. It had taken too, and the progress Utibe was making. Okpara was still not satisfied but her time to begin executing her plan but He laughed. he couldn't ask Utibe because the boy was she was glad she had started. “What's funny?” Okpara asked. new to all these stuffs they were talking Her plan was very grand and to “Just seems so ridiculous that a about. “I actually feel like Christiana used achieve it, she needed to sleep with as girl would just give a guy her body like that. me last night?” many guys as she could in the ensuing days Some girls are simply fools. Can't they see “Why do you think so?” it was of the conference. She had started with that we're just using them? But I won't Utibe voicing out this time. the guy that had walked up to her the day allow anyone do that to my sisters. You “The way she went all out with before. That was just one. She would have should see how much I try to protect me, after meeting me for just a few to double up on her tactics if her objective 9 0
them.” minutes and didn't even bother to know was to be achieved. The guy she had flirted 0
“You're cruel” Utibe said. “You my name. Worse was she started flirting with during the film show was going to be 2
can mess up other girls and then prevent with another girl once we got into the the next. R others from doing that to those you love” hall.” Still looking at the mirror, she E B “That's life men!” he replied. “You be mumu!” Stanley said. giggled. 'Those guys will wish they had M
“Moreover, I only go for girls who are “Faith wasn't any better. I told her my never given me a second look.' She was E stupid enough to allow me or who dress in name, but I'm not even sure, she'll going to give them the shocker of their V ways that make me know they have no remember, but I was the one who was lives. O value for their bodies.” He paused and doing the using, not the other way round.” N /
looked at Okpara, who seemed distracted. Okpara still wanted to voice his R “What's up buddy?” fears about the way things were going but CHAPTER EIGHTEEN E B “I'm actually beginning to decided to shut up. Stanley was just going The briefing had been indeed wonder if it's only girls that are stupid to demean him if he bothered trying. O brief, giving some more free time before T when they give in to sex.” Unknown to Okpara however, he breakfast. George was seated with Tara. It C
“What are you trying to say?” had already succeeded a bit. A seed of O
was time for him to hear the rest of the Utibe asked, curious. doubt had been sown in Utibe's mind, and story. “Hope you slept well?” he asked her. E “I think guys are fools too doing the boy was beginning to wonder if he N “I tried” she said, sincerely. I it. I felt like a fool yesterday after I got back wanted to continue with Stanley's advices “We have a short while before Z to the hall, Christiana walked away and I anymore. He wondered if he wanted to breakfast. Would you want to continue A was left alone to think” take away from Shade what belonged to now?” G A “We're not fools man! Did you her husband. He indeed wondered. “Yes” she said. “Where did I lose anything?” Stanley asking, scoffing. Back at home in Calabar, the stop?” M “It's girls that have everything to lose. They promiscuity level was really high. “At the point of discovering you are the ones that get pregnant, do Somehow, possibly because of his were pregnant!” abortions or carry the babies. Ours is just dedication to his academics, he had never 19 “Okay”, she said. “When I so much.” and move on with your life.” discovered I was pregnant, I was so scared Tara wiped her tears. “Let me not “I'll try to work on that!” she and distraught, I cried for hours non-stop. bore you with the details of that day. The said. When I could think a little clearly, I called summary was that she forced me to the “One more thing?” George said. Douglas and told him I needed to see him abortion clinic. When it was my turn, I “What is that?” she asked. Her urgently. When he came, I told him I was went in and thought I would be able to beg expression showed she was very open. She pregnant.” Tara shook her head. “When I the doctor not to do it. He however told wanted to do all she needed to do to saw his reaction, I wanted to die. He me it was okay. He told me he was a become whole again. seemed so non-chalant, I felt like killing Christian and stuff. Listening to him made “You need to forgive those who him then killing myself. He said I should me simmer down on my resolve and he offended you.” abort the baby. I was so angry at him, I went through with it.” Tara's expression changed so reached out to slap him but he held my Tara held her head and gritted drastically. She laughed through her tears. hand and asked me why I was getting her teeth. It was all she could do to keep “Now, you've gone way off George. That is angry. 'Girls do abortions daily. What's from screaming. “When I woke up and the not possible!” your problem?' he said. I couldn't believe reality of what I had just done hit me, I “But…” my ears. became emotionally numb. Tears flowed “ D o n ' t g o t h e r e ”, s h e “It was that day I knew he had out of my eyes especially when I looked in interrupted. She wasn't going to listen. She never loved me. And it hurt more than the direction of what had been evacuated. had been living in bitterness against her words could say. The only person I had But it was like my emotions had been mum. And though she saw her everyday, ever given myself to, thinking it was love shutdown. As I walked out of that room, I the bitterness was getting stronger. Same we shared, turned out to be my greatest looked at the doctor and my look was a with Douglas whom she saw at school. The nightmare. I didn't want to hear more. I combination of many feelings. Anger, only person she hadn't seen in five months was scared I would hurt myself if I stayed Regret, Despair and Sorrow. and she wondered what she would do one minute longer. I walked out of the “I hate Douglas for what he did to when she saw him was the doctor that eatery. An eatery was the most neutral me. I hate my mother for what she made killed her unborn child. Forgive them? place I thought we could have met 'cause it me do, and I hate the doctor for taking my That was impossible. was a weekend and I didn't want to go to baby from me.” She said, the sobs now his house. intensifying. ------“I walked away with tears George wanted to reach out to Tunbosun found Uche outside streaming out of my eyes. I hoped Douglas her but because of the way she was bent the hall and they were both talking when would run after me, begging me to forgive over on the chair, he couldn't reach her they saw George and Tara walk out of the him, promising to stand by me through the hands. Could only reach her back or her hall. Jealousy wanted to have the better of ordeal, assuring me he would be a great knees and he knew both were not too Tunbosun again but she reminded herslf of father to our child but he didn't, and he appropriate for the moment, so he chose her resolve and just as fast, she discarded didn't call or text afterwards. I was in a to speak the words that came out of his it. George introduced Tara to them and terrible mess. mouth. vice versa. As they stood there, Uche “When I got home, I went “I'm so sorry Tara. Things will get noticed a Black Lexus jeep approach the 9
0 straight for my dairy. I needed to vent my better.” He took some time assuring her hall. The other three were also attracted to 0 emotions somehow, and my dairy was the that it would be alright. He asked her if she the car. They assumed it was one of the 2
most available. After expressing myself in had asked God's forgiveness; she nodded guest lecturers that was arriving. R
E the diary, I had the call of nature.” Tara without raising her head. But to their surprise, coming
B said, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. “Do you believe He has forgiven down from the passenger's side, which
M “And I made a terrible mistake. I left my you?” George asked. She shook her head. was facing them was a short hausa girl E dairy open on my bed.” “If you've truly repented of your sins, and with a broad smile on her face as she got V “By the time I came back into the asked God to forgive you, He has. You don't down. Two guys were already on their O room, my mother was waiting for me, eyes need to live under that load of guilt again.” heels. It was a breath taking embrace. N
/ aflame. She beat me silly and rained all With that, she raised her hands, Fatima was back! George and Uche were R sorts of abuses on me; words I chose not to and tried fruitlessly to wipe at the tears indeed thrilled. E
B mention; they were simply horrible. I tried and mucus that marred her face. “Are you Tunbosun and Tara who had
O to beg, or explain. She wouldn't listen. sure” been momentarily abandonned, walked
T When she felt she had beaten me enough, “Yes I am. As far as you've towards them. Tunbosun, who hadn't met C she told me I was going to have an accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, Fatima but had heard about her had a O
abortion.” whenever you sin, all you need do is better understanding of what was E The tears now flowed. Tara sincerely repent of your sins; not intending happening than Tara who was totally lost. N
I bowed her head. The memory was painful. to ever do them again and then ask God's As the girls reached the three excited Z It seemed like yesterday though it forgiveness. That settles everything, and friends, the driver of the jeep turned A happened five months prior. She lifted her He makes you new again.” She nodded, round the car to join them. G
A head and continued. “I told her I couldn't her face showing some relief even with the “This is Doctor Festus” Fatima have an abortion; that it was ungodly. That tears. said, introducing him to her friends and M was when I saw a part of my mother I had “The next thing is to forgive started introducing the others one after never seen. She actually seemed ready to yourself. I'm sure you've been angry at the other. By the time she got to Tara who kill me; she was practically mad that yourself for allowing these things happen was standing closer to her than Tunbosun, afternoon. I still wonder why she hates me to you.” Tara nodded. “Forgive yourself she was about looking at George to tell the 20 name but quickly looked back. The girl needed to do. He needed to pray; that was ------seemed like she had seen a ghost. She was what Fatima was doing at the moment. Stanley waited for breakfast to staring at Doctor Festus and Fatima 'Lord, please have your way in all these; be served in the dinning hall. Okpara and couldn't decipher what the stare was all whatever it is that is happening. And thank Utibe had gone to the gents and would be about. Fatima looked at Doctor Festus and you for making me meet Fatima.' He said, back soon. As he was looking round, he saw the same look. She looked back at the and then felt silly about the next thing he saw Shade seated alone on a table. He girl, and saw her eyes were filling. Looking wanted to say to God. 'Would you be angry started imagining what his friend would back at Doctor Festus, he had bowed his God if I ask Fatima to be my girlfriend have done with her the night before. Just head. today?' He desperately hoped God then, Stanley got an inspiration. Fatima then knew that the girl wouldn't mind; Uche looked forward to 'This girl is ready to do it, abi? must be the girl Doctor Festus had told her popping the 'almighty' question at his Utibe plans on having her tonight. I must about. The atmosphere was emotion- sweet friend. look for a way to make sure I have her laden. 'Would he be able to make right all before him.' It had been a while he had had his wrongs at last?' Fatima asked herself, ------a virgin. He wanted to have this one. 'Utibe hoping the doctor would be strong and Tunbosun had been able to I'm so sorry but I'll have to double-cross humble enough to do so. stomach everything else. But this was too you tonight', he said to himself, with a much to bear. George had come around to smile. A devilish smile. ------stand between her and Tara, and had then George could feel Tara's reached out to hold the girl. She soon struggle. He didn't need to be told what noticed Uche and Fatima's hands were ...to be continued next edition. was happening. Fatima had introduced together. She felt neglected. She was the guy as a doctor. Tara was about to cry, contemplating on what to do when she unable to control her emotions. There was noticed a soft palm touch hers. George no guessing. He was the guy that was offering to hold her hand. She couldn't performed the abortion. George moved believe what was happening. Her heart quietly away from Fatima and stood soared with joy. beside Tara. He took one hand of hers in She wasn't asking for more than his. That was the best he could do; stand friendship from this great guy she had just by her and give her the support she met but she was glad he felt she was still (If this is your first time getting this needed at this crucial moment. George somewhat important. There was magazine and you haven’t read our then prayerfully waited to see how the something about his grip; it wasn't the previous novellas, please visit our blog; drama would unfold. type of a guy that wanted to arouse a girl, www.minemagazine.blogspot.com and neither the type of a guy showing you’ll be able to read them all.) ------possession, it was a grip that spoke a Uche looked round and could language; a language Tunbosun had Please remember to subscribe if you see he and Tunbosun were the only ones longed to understand. The language of haven’t, so you could receive the next left out, not understanding what was True Love; pure and undefiled. edition. Only subscribers would be 9 happening. It felt kind of awkward and he As she basked in that, she receiving editions on a regular basis. 0 0
wondered what he should do. His eyes noticed Uche reached out his other hand Don’t forget either that subscription for 2
momentarily found Fatima who was and took Tara's free hand. They hand this magazine is free. All it costs you is R beside him.. She was intent on the succeeded in forming an arc of five with either a text, browsing time or a postage E moment so she didn't notice he was Tara in the middle. Tunbosun was awed. stamp!!! See ‘Free Subscription’ for B looking at her. She had never seen such a cord of love details.) M E
He had missed her in the few before. She looked at Tara and saw she V
hours she had been away. He couldn't wait could feel the same. Tears were flowing “I could do this too; I love writing stories”. O to tell her about the decision he had just down her cheeks unabated. If that’s you; a teenage fiction writer, N taken a few minutes back by his bed side. Tunbosun felt rather privileged please send an e-mail to us at / R
He longed to have some time alone with to be in this company. She noticed [email protected] with your E her and tell her about all the struggles he movement and turned towards it. She details and attach your story. If your story B had had and how God had used her and couldn't believe what was unfolding is chosen to be published, you’ll be O George to set him free. before her eyes. The rich, aging doctor informed and we’ll work together on T C
He looked at George's hand moved a step closer and went on his knees editing your story - the next Novella. This is O
knitted with Tara's and he felt that was in front of the Tara girl George had just your opportunity to become a published E
exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted introduced to her. He too was crying. author. N to hold Fatima's hand. He longed just to Tunbosun couldn't resist the I Z
have a connection with her. Before power at work. She was sure beyond A
thinking himself out of it, he slipped one measure that it was Jesus doing this work. G hand towards Fatima's hand. To his She was awed by it all. A tear found its way A delight, she accepted the gesture and down her own cheek. She longed for this M squeezed his hand, still not taking her eyes too. 'Jesus, I need your love', was her off the moment. prayer as she heard Tara's sobs intensify. That meant the world to Uche. She wondered how it would all turn out. Still looking at her, he knew what he 21 sights&sounds
F I C T I O N
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0 Sound The Alarm Rise up people, put on your strength. It's time to recognize. 2
When The Enemy Comes In Like A Flood There's a war going on and we will win. The war it's in disguise.
R The Spirit Of The Lord Will Raise Up A Stand up and fight, let the kingdom No time for compromise.
E Standard Against Him prevail. Wake up open your eyes.
B I See The Enemy Coming In Like A Flood With power and might, we will stand out. (Together) The Devil Is A LIE!
M In Our Houses, In Our Churches, In Our You Must Be Hot Or Cold.
E Families Stand out! You Can't Blend In The Crowd.
V But What I Don't See Is The Standard Stand out! It's Time For God's People Ta - People Of God Where Is The Standard At? Be not conformed to this world. O We In A War Ya'll Stand out! [CHORUS] N It's Time To Stand Out! Be transformed, renew your mind. / Stand out! Let me hear your war cry! R Verse 1: Just like the three Hebrew boys, Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! E It's About To Go Down Stand out! Let me hear your war cry! t B The Battle Has Begun Ooh! (Let's Stand Out! ) Ooh! (Let's Stand u O It's Time For You To Choose God is playin' it cool, Out! ) Ooh! T Whose Side Your Gonna Be On Don't wanna rub nobody the wrong way. Little bit louder. O
C The Devil Is Recruiting Almost like we're trying to fit in. Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! d g O Tempting Every Man Acting like we don't know the name. One more time!
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E But He's Already Defeated It's time for us to stand out and go against Ooh! (Cry out loud! ) Ooh! (Stand out! ) n
All We Have To Do Is Stand the grain. Ooh! a N t o I No Time For Mixing Light With The Forget tryin to be down, l S
Z Darkness Let the world know you've been changed. STAND OUT!
A :
A Be Black Or Be White How you gonna be the praise leader?
No More Shades Of Gray But you listen to R & B? t G t
Be Seperate, Be Holy And hip-hop is on your ringtone. g A No Matter What You Do I'm trynna tell you God ain't pleased. e n b i M Don't Bow And since when did it become cool for you
And Even If You Stand Alone to live together unmarried? b S i
Stand Anyhow Men with men? r
Women with women? T s ’ [Chorus:] I'm tellin you God ain't gonna have it. t e e Rise up! [CHORUS] y 22 L T Can We Talk About Our Families? Every teenager doesn't have the power to choose the family he or she wants to be a member of. I am sure that if you had the opportunity of picking a family, you wouldn't even want to be a Nigerian to start with, you would rather prefer to be an American where life seems a lot better. Or you may prefer to be a member of a rich family or better still, the child of President Barack Obama. I'm sure that at some point we must have wished we belonged to another family instead of the family that we belong to. There is a reason why you belong to that family you are presently. The bible makes us to understand that even before we were born, God knew us, meaning that He had a plan for us and part of His plan was, and is, for you to belong to that family of yours. I remember clearly, while I was one of the heads in a teens church, there was a constant challenge teenagers complained about, and that was the issue of their families. Some teenagers told us that their parents hardly spent time with them, and as a result of that they got abused by the house help. Some complained that their parents were always fighting and by so doing, their siblings were also cultivating the habit of fighting with the opposite sex in school. Some complained about the inability of their parents to provide for their education. A lot of teenagers say since God knows what I'm going through, why can't He send help? Remember what Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord''. Verse 9 says “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'' This tells us that God has a plan and that the way we think is completely different from the way God thinks. God sees the end from the beginning. Also remember 3 John 2, '' Beloved I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health even as thy soul prospereth''. So that tells us that He wants us to prosper, He wants us to flourish, and He wants us to have the best of everything. The reason why you are a member of that family is to make a difference in that family of yours. Learn to always stand out. Because you are from a broken home doesn't mean you will equally have a broken home. Because your father and mother are always quarrelling and fighting doesn't mean you can't make them to be best of friends. The fact that you are not from a rich home doesn't mean you can't prosper in life. The fact that your parents are not Christians doesn't mean God cannot use you to convert them. Your prosperity in life is never stuck to the kind of family that you belong to. If that was so, then our daddy in the Lord, Pastor E.A Adeboye, would not be where he is now. This is a man that was named the 49th most influential person in the world. He was the only one from Africa in that list, and this is a man that got his first shoe about the age of 18. Like people say, you cannot determine the kind of family you will belong to but you can choose the kind of life you want to live irrespective of your environs. God made me to realise something some time ago, which is that a lot of people are out there praying and fasting everyday to be in that family that you are, and you are complaining about that family of yours. Let me make you understand something, there is a saying that all fingers are not equal, but I want you to understand that they all work together. Every finger has its function. One may be bigger than the other or longer than the other but they all are important. When one is missing, the whole hand is affected. So that's how it works, we all have reasons for our existence and if you don't understand your purpose, you will continue to feel intimidated by what the world has to offer. For the teenager that feels he or she can't succeed because he or she comes from a poor home. I will like to tell you that it is your stepping stone to greater heights. I know a lot of people that do not have qualifications and all they have is good attitude and character 9 and they are making it out there. All you need to do is to build yourself, seek the face of the lord. Remember what Matt 6:33 says, seek ye 0 0
first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you. Just seek Him day and night and He will 2
surprise you. R
For the teenager that has been abused due to a broken home: My dear, it's not the end of this world. I have a friend that was E abused by her nephew, gateman and also her uncle while she was very young, but she had to move on with life, knowing fully well that as B far as she is now born again, old things are passed away and all things are become new. As a matter of fact she is still a virgin because Jesus M has already paid the price for her. She is presently doing well. All glory to God. Don't let that hold you back, put it behind you, I know that it's E V a bit difficult but you have to let go and move on with your life. Jesus has set you free and you are free indeed and until you accept that, you O will continue to live under that bondage. Always remember that there are a lot of people that have worse stories to tell. N
For the teenager that feels that his or her parents don't understand him or her and they don't have time for him or her, I want you / to always put them in your prayers and any little time you have them around you, just try to build a relationship with them and God will see R you through in Jesus Name. Try to make them be a part of your life because if you don't do that now, it will be very difficult to do that when E B you are much older. O
For the teenager that your mum called you a mistake and you feel rejected and that nobody cares about you, I want you to know T that God loves you more than you think, and all you just need to do is to put those things behind you and reach for greater heights. Those C things are there to make you stronger but it all depends on how you handle them. Remember the story of Joseph? He could have given up O
on his dreams but he handled all the situations very well because he knew they were stepping stones into greatness. And you know the end E of his story. Just focus on God and know that He will see you through no matter what you are going through with your family. N I
Dear teenagers, it's only those that have a relationship with God through His son Jesus that all His promises will work for. If you Z
don't have a relationship with God, you will continue to struggle with the issues of your family but I can assure you that if you rededicate A your life to God, He will sort all your challenges out and you will begin to live a new life by His grace. If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord G and personal saviour, just say this simple prayer with me. A
Lord Jesus, I thank you for this great privilege you have given me, I accept that I am a sinner and that you came to this world to die M for all my sins, I pray that you will forgive me of all my sins and cleanse me from all my unrighteousness, please write my name in the book of life, I accept you as my Lord and personal saviour, in Jesus Name I pray. Amen Congratulations my dear teenager and always remember that with God all things are possible. Please feel free to ask me questions either by e-mail or by text as regards anything that bothers you and you will be sure of getting a quick response. God bless you. 23 in the WARWAR HEARTHEART ...tOYIN oGUNDANA
1st Voice:Let me hint you about the latest happening in me at a particular time in one area of my life. I struggled town now. with the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error. I was so afraid, You:What could that be? lonely, disturbed and destabilized, and to crown it all, there 1st Voice:They are new ways of doing things; the new way was war in my heart. You might have passed through this to pass your exams, have new friends, love two girls/boys at before or you are going through it presently but I must tell same time, and get quick cash. you the whole truth and here it is, as long as you and I are on You:How can all these things be possible and stress free? this planet earth; we will always have war in our hearts. Yes, 1st Voice:So easy, all you have to do is agree that you'll that's the simple truth. Can you remember how many times hearken to everyone of my words. you've struggled with God in your heart before doing His You:Ok, I'm all hears will? Telling Him to try and understand and He should be 1st Voice:You have to do things in your own way; don't ready to take you back if you mess up. Meanwhile, the devil allow anyone to control or correct you over what is right for as well wants to have his way. The 1st Voice connotes the you. You need to inculcate the little habit of lies (remember, devil while the 2nd Voice connotes God. You'll see that the not really lies but I call it scope) gradually we move to the 1st Voice is more aggressive than the 2nd voice. This means next step. God will never false you to do anything, and He has given You:This is becoming interesting but… you the power to choose that which is right. You can't see, (Interference of another voice) with human eyes, these two great forces but the joy is that 2nd Voce:Do you think this is right for you to do? one is superior to the other. You:But I can't see anything wrong in it. 2nd Voice:Really? This is sin in disguise, you must not Don't be sad, you are not the first to experience it. We have welcome it. Remember, you are the book that others read. numerous examples of those that have gone through it. You:What will I do? Paul had the struggle; he said, 'who shall deliver me from
9 (The previous voice) this flesh, when I'm willing to do good, evil comes and that 0 1st Voice: I've already explained to you, not as if you are 0 which I don't wish to do comes my way.' I was there as well,
2 going out of line but you're just trying to put some touches
bent but not broken. Jesus our perfect example was there; R into your life for new development. Don't you get? He struggled with it, pleading with God to let the cup pass E
B You:Wait a minute, are you sure I'm safe and it will not cause over Him but He eventually succumbed to the will of God.
M others to misunderstand me or misbehave?
E 1st Voice:Nothing of such will happen. How can you overcome this time? V You:If that is the case, there's no problem with it. You need Higher Authority (God) to intervene O
N (The second voice) Speak up like Paul who did not silently nurture it. Open up / 2nd Voice:My dear, all unrighteousness is sin and if sinners to someone you know is of God's spirit who has been there R
E entice you, do not consent. to encourage and pray with you. B You:You should try and understanding. I'm just trying to re- Mostly, make sure you are always in the (WOR-SHIP) of O brand myself, I think. Notwithstanding, if I try it and it fails I
T God so that the WAR in your heart will be won.
C will find my way back but I just have to do it first.
O 1st Voice:Good, so far everything you need to implement
Listen, it's a lie from the pit of hell that the war in the heart of E your plans are in place, you don't need anyone to tell you man will stop while we are here on earth. For we are not N
I what to do. fighting with blood or water. Z You:Let me ask for the last time, are you sure it will not hurt? A 2nd Voice:It has been shown unto you son of man what is G You need the One (Jesus) who knows the end from the
A good and evil, the decision is for you to chose but beginning to see you through. There is not a friend like Him.
M remember, the thief comes to steal, kill and to destroy. You need His grace (so sufficient). He is the present help in You:O God, I'm confused, I don't know what to do. time of trouble. Dial His number NOW.
Yes my dear, that's the point: CONFUSION. It happened to Love you so much. 24
HILARY’S QUEST ...continued from last edition
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25 Tolu Awobiyi
out IIss iitt ab
In 1997, the famous rapper, Notorious BIG (I actually that time and even till now to find justification in their don't know his real name) popularised a common minds to engage in the ailing yahoo-yahoo crime. saying in America and amongst a lot of youths, when Quick money, needed to be spent on girls, blings, he brought out his hit single “it's all about the rims and timbs. I can still hear the song of a new-to- Benjamin's baby!” If you don't know the song or the the-scene Nigerian artiste ringing in my? head from watching channel O some hours ago.? “Maga don man, at least you know Sean 'Puffy' Combs; BIG was ? his mentor in Music entertainment and they formed a pay…shout Halleluyah…Owo! (Money) Owo!! group called “Bad boy Entertainment label”. Their (Money) You see how it gets in? Quick money! group rivalled the already established West Coast Crew, lead by the dreaded rapper “Tupac” Amaru I am not against the intention to make money, Shakur. The end of this tale of two rivals (if you don't because I can already hear you thinking “hey don't
9 already know it) is a story for another day. even think I'm not going to be rich!” I agree that 0
0 money is needed but the means and to what purpose 2
In this song 'It is all about the Benjamins', BIG was is what I question. The effect of the kind of thinking R referring to the all controlling influence money has on manifested above is disastrous. An intense and E
B people and our quest to quench an insatiable thirst uncontrollable desire to have money unleashes a
M for unending pleasures. In the song, 'Benjamins' human weakness called greed and when greed grows E refers to Benjamin Franklin a former American up, it becomes corruption. V
O president whose face is shown on the $100 dollar bill,
N the highest dollar denomination. I was in my late Greed is what we see in children at an infant age, / teens then and like many of my mates at the time, I when a child wants to keep all his toys to himself and R
E knew all the songs the Bad Boy Entertainment crew not share any. Corruption is what we see in an adult B could roll out, off head…even though I couldn't read who did not have parents who spanked him for being O
T my Physics textbook beyond the 4th chapter. Not too greedy. Today men and women (like children) who
C smart, I must admit though. BIG's message to the want to keep all the toys to themselves walk around O
youths was simple…get money, get more money get our streets. Men and women in Agbada and Gele's E more money at all cost. The message is still the same driving hummers, sucking on their thumbs crying N
I now. 50 Cents the modern day equivalent of the BIG “mummy I want more…” Z class's first message was “Get rich or die trying.” A
G Sounds to me like a guy bent on landing in Jail or These men steal from their offices; steal with their
A worse. positions in government, creating networks of greedy
M connections, throwing all dignity and honour into the This mentality is what drove many of the youths from bushes and sing 'Owo! Owo!! Owo!!!' They are ready 26 to dance naked in public for money. They readily their pockets? These things happen every day. import chalk and sell it as panadol to make money, mix paint and sugar in water and sell it as Eva Wine. Is it all about the money? Is it right to sacrifice a nation Package deadly chemicals as teeth powder for babies of people so that only you can be rich? Every day to make money? Or abi you did not hear of the drug many people are faced with this question; civil 'My Pikin'? servants, police men, Senators, footballers, conductors, cleaners, governors, and may be even The mentality of Quick money has eaten into the you and I. fabric of our society to the point that we would eat ourselves to our own destruction. The effect of our uncontrolled love for money is the destruction of our personal and social values that Unfortunately money only gives temporary support society and the common good; Values like satisfaction, and I can prove it to you. Go ask your Dad Trust, Faith, Unity and ultimately, Love. Every day or Mum if they have all the money they want. Go and people are choosing either to destroy the values of ask them right now. I'm not a magician but I know the this country or to uphold them. answer to that question even though I did not ask your father or mother in person. They said they don't, What do you choose? right? Let me give you an example. Every day when I leave It is not Daddy's or Mummy's fault, and it is not my office on Ring Road in Ibadan, I have to drive to a because they are not working hard or smart enough. roundabout intersection before I can go back in the The answer is the same even for President Yar Adua's opposite direction to get home. Many times there is a Kids. Money is never enough. Or why do you think a hold up at the round about and a couple of times man who has 10 cars buys 6 more. during this time, I had seen others turn quickly before getting to the roundabout, doing the wrong thing Trying to have enough money is like trying to catch (actually it was my boss who did it the first time I the wind and putting all of it in your pocket and noticed; see what bad examples leaders can be?) and ensuring that it stays there. Very funny! Wind in your shamefully I joined them thinking 'this is not Lagos pocket…how foolish! But that is what the mentality is joo, nobody will catch me'. I did it once in a while until asking us to do. Chase money…Chase money men! one day when I was talking about Dream-Nigeria to some colleagues in the office and they made fun of For many people they chase money and give up their me saying, “See this man who preaches about a 9 souls and when they do, they find out that their soul dream Nigeria, didn't we see you turn quickly before 0 was far more expensive than the money they got in the roundabout yesterday. Is that part of your dream 0 2
return no matter the amount. People no longer sell Nigeria?” R their souls to the Devil; they sell it to Money. E I was terribly ashamed, and promised myself never to B M
How much will we be bought for? N10 million, 100 do it again, and on many occasions after, I always E million, 1 billion! How many people will have to lose restrained myself from turning back at that point V there lives so that we may have our dream of “too even if everyone was doing it. That was last year and I O N
much money”? How many more will not have access have always gone round the roundabout since then. / to health care, because someone in power wants to R E
buy a bigger jeep. Will you sacrifice your soul when This may seem like a small and trivial issue, but it is B
you get to that position of power? The choice has to things like these little choices that make up our O be made now. overall character and who we will be tomorrow. T C We must think now, what would the future of Nigeria O
Sadly it is this exchange that is killing our country look like? What will be my contribution to that future. E today. Many people in this nation have lost their Would we be good or bad? We must choose now. N I
souls. Or why would a man's house collapse and Z people will go there and steal his property in the I choose a good and greater Nigeria, without A guise of helping him? Why would police men put on corruption and greed. A Nigeria of Justice and Peace. G A the streets to guard us give the guns we paid taxes to What do you choose? M buy for them to thieves who rob us? Why would Governors we elected, get to office and money Let's all Dream a Great Nigeria and be a part of it. supposed to be used to generate power, build good roads, provide good water, security etc be swept into 27 HARD POSSIBQueenQueenLE EjimbeEjimbe... Ada was a young Christian girl who loved God so much. She excelled both in her academics and her spiritual life.but She was in SS1 and a very bright student who wanted to end up as a medical doctor. She had great plans for her life. One evening as she was going back home, she was attacked by some boys who carried her into a bush and gang raped her. Some passers-by on hearing her voice rushed to know what was happening. On getting there, they saw her in pains and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Her parents were later called and after the necessary check-up she was discharged. Two weeks later, she started felling ill. She was taken to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that she was pregnant. That was a big blow to Ada. After being gang raped, now she was pregnant; she wondered what would happen to her dreams; what people would say, who would believe she was raped and not sleeping around, how she would be a mother at her age and who would be the father to the baby. Now pause and ask yourself, if you were Ada, what would you do? Some of us would think of aborting the baby, or committing suicide, if eventually there were no way we could abort the baby. We may end up hating the child, ourselves and boys as a whole. Some may hate God and refuse to serve Him again. That you find yourself in such a condition or similar condition and you attempt abortion does not stop it from being murder. That you kill yourself does not stop it from being suicide. That you refuse to forgive yourself, the baby and boys does not stop it from being unforgiveness and a sin, that you hate God and refuse to serve Him does not stop him from being God. But guess what? Nevertheless, the 9
0 foundation of the Lord standeth sure. 2Tim 2:19.
0 No matter what happens to us, God is God, His 2
standard remains firm, He never changes that is why R
E He said He is the same God yesterday, today and forever
B Heb 13:8. Know that He will not let you go through more
M than you can bear and that He will always make a way of E escape for you when you are faced with trials.1Corinths 10:13. V
O SORRY it happened that way but instead of running to the devil
N who will definitely cause more harm, you better run back to JESUS who will heal / your wounds and turn your garment of tears into that of praise. R
E Now in this perverse and changing society where so many things are going wrong and
B Christians are adapting to this change; forgetting the ways of old, thinking that God is also O adapting to the changing society. Malachi 3:6. That almost everybody tells lies does not stop it T
C from being a sin. John 8:44. That most teens/youth indulge in sexual immorality does not stop it
O from being a sin. 2 Corinths 15:33b,OR that a man of God is doing it does not make it right and
E does not change it from being a sin. N
I One thing God made available to guide us is His word. He will judge us by the standard of
Z His word, not by the experiences we have had, the reason we did what we did, or by who misled
A us. G WITH ALL THIS WHAT AM I SAYING? What reason have we given ourselves for the kind of A life we are living? What did you go through that made you turn your back on God? Would it M change God's judgment on us when the trumpet sounds? He has done His own part of the contract by giving His life for us; it is now up to us to finish up the contract by surrendering our lives to Him and we who have surrendered need to remember that he who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62 28 CAREER GUIDE: NURSING
“Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.” Nursing careers offer a wide variety of roles and a broad scope of responsibility. There are many different types of nurses, and several different ways to obtain nursing careers.
Nurses work closely with physicians as an integral part of the patient health care team. The doctor makes some key decisions about the diagnosis, treatment, and medication, and it is Also, many nurses like the rewarding nature of nursing the nurse’s role to administer that care on an ongoing basis to ensure successful recuperation work, which allows them to truly impact the lives of others of the patient. Because they may actually spend more face-to-face time with a patient than who are most in need of assistance. Also, nursing can be doctors, nurses must be particularly adept at interacting with patients, putting them at ease, very lucrative especially if you move into more and assisting them in their recovery, and overall well-being. specialized roles or move up into leadership and management roles. Where to Work as a Nurse: Just about anywhere doctors work, nurses do too, including but not limited to hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, hospice, emergency rooms, intensive care, What’s Not to Like: government agencies, corporations, and more. In fact, nurses also work in other areas where Due to a shortage of nurses, burn-out can be an issue, physicians typically do not, including home health, and schools. caused by stressful hours, and being stretched too thin. Also, keep in mind that as a nurse, you may be working Responsibilities & Work Schedule for Nursing Careers: Nurses are involved with nearly during the hours of the week when your friends and family all aspects of a patient’s care, from providing comfort and hygiene to administering are off work. As a nurse you may be working nights, and injections and IV’s, updating medical records, as well as minor therapeutic and diagnostic weekends, so even if you have a regular 40-hour procedures and processes. Schedules and duties vary based on the type and level of nursing workweek, you may not see much of your family at times, role. Surgical nurses assist in the OR with equipment and supplies from pre-surgical prep, to if they are on different schedules such as a 9 to 5 Monday post-operative care. Nurses can be generalists or obtain Master’s degrees and additional through Friday situation. Also, depending on what type of certifications to specialize in a specific area such as pediatric, cardiac, neonatology, nurse you become, you could be dealing with very sick oncology, or just about any medical specialty. people, and their families who are under duress, so you Although there are many different types of nursing careers, each with a different set of must have the type of personality and drive to deal with responsibilities, there is one primary consistency among all nurses serious issues on a regular basis. of any type, which is the “nursing process”, according to the ANA. The nursing process outlines how a nurse approaches each patient encounter, and includes five steps: assessment, Nursing may be for you if: If you love helping others, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. you are truly passionate about the human spirit, and really want to make a difference in the lives of others. If you are What’s to Like: very hard-working, have an excellent attention to detail, As with many careers in the healthcare industry, nursing offers very high job stability, as well and are able to analyze data in addition to behavioral cues, as a wide variety of options in terms of schedules, locations, and levels of responsibility. nursing may be a viable option for you!
For more details on this career, please visit: http://healthcareers.about.com 9 0 0 2
R E B M
Sometimes women are overly suspicious of When a mother saw a thunderstorm E
their husbands. When Adam stayed out very forming in mid-afternoon, she worried about V
late for a few nights, Eve became upset. her seven-year-old daughter who would be O
1 "You're running around with other women," walking the three blocks from school to N
she charged. "You're being unreasonable," home. Deciding to meet her, the mother saw 2 /
Adam responded. "You're the only woman her walking nonchalantly along, stopping to R on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam smile whenever lightning flashed. E fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone Seeing her mother, the little girl ran to her, B poking him in the chest. It was Eve. "What do explaining happily, "All the way home, God's O T you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. been taking my picture!" C "Counting your ribs," said Eve. O
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A teenager was sitting in church, and when the collection plate was passed A around, he quickly pulled a dollar bill from his pocket and dropped it in. Just then, G 3 the person behind him tapped him on his shoulder and handed him a $20 bill. The A boy smiled, placed the $20 in the plate and passed it on, admiring that the man was M being generous. Then the boy felt another tap from behind and heard a whisper: "Son," the man said, "that was your $20 bill that had fallen out of your pocket." 29 Get Ready
Dade ALREADY Akinwande Day by day dear Lord for these three things i pray come. You need to have done all you can do that will help you to To see thee more clearly overcome it. And since nobody gets a mail or text or letter or Love thee more dearly instruction notifying you that a certain temptation is coming, Follow thee more nearly then you must be ready already. Temptation can come at Day by day anytime,so you must be ready at anytime. So I think I will be right Anyone remembers that....in primary school! On the to say you must be ready at all times for temptation, else you will assembly every morning! A song we sing as a prayer!! One of be messed up badly and am sure you know what I mean when those lines we repeat daily without even understanding what we you remembered the times you failed. say! The instruction 'get ready' for a soldier at war is not Oh am talking to another generation. I thought meaning start preparing. It means increase your alertness. It everyone will remember that song from way back but I now means he is ready already but he is simply double ready now. By remember we are all not so way back. Am I so old? Oh mine! And the way, the soldiers only get that instruction when they can see all of you that went to this tush new schools I'm sure you don't the enemy coming. Most often, at the war front, they never get have a clue. that priviledge. They simply have to be ready already. You are a Anyway that song came to my mind very recently when soldier at war with the devil and he'll give you no priviledges. So I was thinking over my life. That song is a prayer we all ought to when you think of how bad and scary and messy trials and pray every morning, everyday. I did not pass a test recently when temptations could be, don't freak out or don't start wishing it my stand in Christ was tested. I mean temptation came and I away. Simply ask yourself, “Am I ready?” didn't come out in flying colours like Jesus in Matthew 4:1-10. What do we do then do to be ready already i.e to be And that was what the Holy Spirit used to correct me. ready at all times? We again look at Jesus, our perfect example. Temptation is the trial of our faith; of our confession Can we together see all of the experiences of Jesus from and belief; of our stand in God. And so it's not up to you to be Matthew 3:16 4:1 in another perspective? What if all of that tempted, its up to fate. You will not be the person to determine if happened to prepare Jesus for the coming temptation? Can you you will be tempted or not, you simply will be tempted. Christian now make sense of why the Spirit had to lead Him to the place of or not you will certainly face moments and situations and temptation? It is only the enabling of the Spirit of God that can circumstances that will make you take hard decisions that might make a man overcome temptation. There was a set time for Jesus
9 not be what you would have done if those situations never arose. to be tempted and whether He was ready or not, He would be
0 Those are temptations. Particularly when they come tempted. 0 regarding your christian faith and what the word of God says you So the Holy Spirit helped Him to get ready. And that 2 should do. I'm sure we all have an understanding of what same Spirit is available to you if you yield yourself in obedience R
E temptation is. But my emphasis is on the fact that you will be to Him. Infact, that is His role on earth. Christ said when He B tempted or tried as long as you are living, even more as long as leaves, the Holy Spirit will come to teach us all things and bring
M you are a Christian. all things to our remembrance. He is our enabler and God's E Luke 4:1-2 says “Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left strength is made perfect in our weakness because of Him. So His V the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit to go out into the role in your life is very important. And you can only have Him if O
N wilderness, where the Devil tempted Him...” (NLT). Wow!! When you fully obey God. You not only need Him, you need to have a
/ Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit then the same Holy Spirit led Him consistent walk with Him because you have to be ready always. R to where He would be tempted. He did not shield Jesus from He's ever ready, if you are. E
B temptation. He led Him to it. This same story from Matthew's You need a large dose of the word if you will obey Him
O account in Matthew 3;16 4;1 explains it better and even brings a fully. You need to read it regularly, daily. You need to pray too. T new angle to this. And you need to work for God. C Jesus had just being baptised and God Himself spoke So if you can learn that song and sing it with O
from heaven proudly calling Him “My Son in whom I am well undestanding daily, you will be doing ypurself some good. “To E
N pleased”. The Holy Spirit too had just physically descended on see thee more clearly”- to understand and appreciate God more I Him. What more can ever show God's love and acceptance of a and more. What you see you love. “Love thee more dearly”- you Z man than these. It was a complete heavenly approval of Jesus, will always do all you can to make the person you love happier A
G yet He was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted. than ever. “Follow thee more nearly”- that's when you can enjoy
A Hey, just believe it whether you like it or yes, you will be the benefits of sticking with Him, when you're close enough to
M tempted. Yes you will. If Jesus, who is our perfect example and Him...... Imagine you do all three daily! How beautiful life even fully approved of God and filled with the Holy Spirit was led would be. to be tempted, yes you will be tempted. And ironically, trials and Sing it, Desire it, Pray it and Live it. We are more than temptations are never nice, never. What then do we do? conquerors, Amen. So the question is not to pray against temptation but 30 to be ready/prepared/alert/on guard for it because it will surely Here is a chance to wish your friendsS aS happyh hbirthdayoo. uSendu ttheirt full names,OO theiruu birthdays,ttss and your message(s) to [email protected] (if their birthdays fall in the months of the next edition; for the next one, if their birthdays fall in December or January). Please send in your Shout-Out(s) latest November 7th. Hurray!!! Nigeria, a land full of natural and human resources, a land of aquatic splendor, God's own land is 49. I wish Nigeria more peaceful and crime-free years ahead. God bless Nigeria...great nation, good people. From, Osmond Daniels Madueke Uchenna Henry (Oct 11th), you are the reason I want to go on, I love you so much. Happy birthday. From, Sharon your wife. Timilehin Oluwatise (Oct 23rd), Ibukun Olokode (Oct 27th), Ayo Awopegba (Oct 30th), Fifunmi Adetimehin (Nov 7th), Precious Ante (Nov 14th), and Segun Ayoade (Nov 26th). May your lives bring such resounding success that the world can't resist celebrating. I love you all. From, Olamide Oluwatise Bola Adenihun (Oct 16th), Temide Otusote (Oct 24th) and Sumbo Akala (Nov 19th). Happy Birthday My Loving Pals. From, Temide Otusote Happy birthday to you all; Oluwayomi Oluwatoyin (Oct 11th), Adenuga Titilayo (Oct 26th), Ajibode Adetola (Nov 1st), Opeyemi Ololade (Nov 7th), Oni precious (Nov 8th), Fayose Rebecca (Nov 18th), and my dear sister, Okunlaya Taiwo(Nov 26th). Wishing you long life and prosperity I love you all. From, Okunlaya Eniola Happy Birthday to Eseose Itama (Oct 4th). Isaiah 11 vs 2 is yours. Amen. From, Mum, Dad and Oseyi.
NIGERIA October 1st Segun Olusanya October 14th Mobolaji Temmitayor October 31st Omole Babatunde November 17th Taye Owodunni October 1st Theresa Bassey Ekpong October 14th Christiana Isang October 31st Kumolu Adeyemi November 17th Christiana Tembe October 1st Oluwatosin Adijat Sanni October 14th Akingboye Oyesina October 31st Rajunoh Okori Oria November 17th Priscilla Salami October 1st Etim Etim Edem October 14th Eniola Akinyemi November 1st Igweonu Tobenna November 17th Odiaka Eromosele October 1st Adesina Kehinde October 14th Tobilola Adegoke November 1st Oresanya Jesutomisin November 17th Ogundare Temitope October 1st Victory Akpan October 15th Mosunmola Odole November 1st Wala Chizom November 17th Ogbonna Jennifer October 2nd Funmilayo Gbadebo October 15th Otusote Motara November 1st Evelyn John November 18th Omsehin Tolulope October 2nd Ayobami Kolade October 15th Osegale Anselm November 1st Teminiade Agboola November 18th Bolanle Okuyemi October 2nd Princewill Samuel October 16th Rebecca Emmanuel November 2nd Daniel Ekpo November 18th Oluwadamipe Oladiyun October 2nd Amah Gloria Omoye October 16th Opeoluwa Oyewole November 3rd Adeyelu Funmilola November 18th Damilola Osuntope October 2nd Jeje Kolapo October 18th Adekunle Adebanjo November 3rd Oyelowo Oluwafemi November 18th Tabeson Emilia October 2nd Onadeko Oluwatosin October 18th Iwuese Yankyaa November 3rd Kalu Sylvester November 18th Jummai Bulama October 2nd Adewale Clement October 18th Babalola Tolulope November 3rd Rebecca Eteng Bassey November 18th Wanyanwu Kingsley October 2nd Mercy Oiyehi October 19th Wosu Nkechi Cynthia November 4th Nnenna Ogechi Udu November 18th Agesin Oluwaseun October 3rd Siyanbade Temidayo October 19th Olamide Adeyemi November 4th Uzoka Catherine November 18th Rhema Olowu October 4th Mariam Salawudeen October 19th Emmanuel Ubokudom November 4th Olasumbo Akala November 18th Jonathan Osagie October 4th Oludolapo Makinde October 19th Ifeanyi Caleb Udeh November 4th Bukola Da-costa November 18th Kelechi Sharon Obi October 4th Oyama Boniface October 19th Adekunle Temitope November 4th Olatunji Oluwatomisin November 19th Ajayi Temiloluwa October 4th Faith Ijeoma Onyesoh October 19th Ifeoluwa Ololade Alonge November 4th Ubong Anthony Jackson November 19th Stephen Edomobi October 4th Lemo Omotayo Dotun October 19th Opebiyi Elizabeth November 4th Olugbile Dayo Ibrahim November 19th Basil Bassey Edet October 4th Aloro Oluwatimilehin October 19th Opeyemi Oyetoro November 5th Oluwasheyi Oyeyemi November 19th Oniyitan Oyebisi October 5th Akinola Abiola Elizabeth October 20th Solomon Anzenge November 5th Ajoke Mercy Fadiya November 19th Omueti Roseline October 5th Olaolu Frederick Coker October 20th Sunday Essien November 5th Demilade Dinakin November 19th Gladys Samuel Ukiwo October 5th Dolapo Olajuyigbe October 20th Gboneme Ewere November 5th Salimon Kolawole November 19th Okhuihievbe Lois October 5th Ogunwuyi Temitope October 20th Omolola Daramola November 5th Confidence Edison November 19th Nwaokocha David October 5th Sunday Aroyehun October 20th Adewale Freeman November 5th Bassey Asuquo Asuquo November 20th Joseph Okolie-osemene October 5th Kefas Oluwafemi Wilson October 21st Omotoso Funmilayo November 5th Franklyn Nnolum November 21st Edima-pearl Ekpo October 5th Emmanuel Aremu October 21st Daramola Omolola November 5th Christopher Akwaji November 21st Akingbola Fiyinfoluwa October 5th Eze Queendalin Adaeze October 21st Bassey Victoria Effiong November 6th Kingsley Bassey November 21st Akingbola Omorinsola October 5th Olawale Oloko October 21st Oriyomi Jacob November 6th Adie Janet Agionim November 21st Giwa Ololade Aishat October 6th Olawale Oloko October 21st Adaeze Ekeocha November 6th Omotolani Bakare November 22nd Michael Damilola October 6th Kefas Oluwafemi Wilson October 21st Sinmisola Adigun November 6th Sarah Okoi November 22nd Blessing Odokwo October 6th Ekpenyong Maltida October 22nd Adesina Victor November 6th Suberu Oluwatoyin November 22nd Helen Aro October 6th Osemene Florence October 22nd Sanni Olabisi Fatima November 7th Sodunke Oluwaseun November 22nd Damilola Egbewole October 6th Onafori Kuale October 22nd Ayeleso Toyosi November 7th Bello Omotayo November 23rd Olamide Babayemi October 6th Sosanya Oluwatobi October 22nd Seun Deborah Nalla November 7th Chioma Akabike November 23rd Dasola Adebusuyi October 6th Gift Chinazor Igwe October 22nd Sijibomi Ogolo November 8th Adika Debby Rose November 23rd Adedipe Esther Olamide October 7th Saviour Uwem Nigel October 23rd Adeleke Mojisola November 8th Dupe Precious Lawal November 23rd Mercy Princess Adams October 7th Omo-olivia Isikhuemen October 23rd Okoduwa Joshua November 8th Sarah Odutayo November 23rd Nwankwo Onyerhi October 7th Omolade Oguntoyinbo October 24th Mayowa Fagbamila November 9th Damilola Adebayo November 24th Miracle Onyedikachi October 7th Eugene Ojang Ojisi October 24th Temitayo Bankole November 9th Oluwatoyin Akanbi November 24th Oyatoki Oluwakemi October 7th Hope Aniekan Moses October 24th Motunrayo Mustapha November 9th Ebiteh Uzorchikwa November 24th Sarah Dusu October 7th Bayo Faremi October 24th Akinefe Tolulope November 10th Segun Shodunke November 24th Kemi Ayanwale October 8th Fabiyi Kenny October 24th Ogu-egege Joseph November 11th Amusan Abiodun November 24th Kelvin Ngwu Edet October 8th Eugene Ojang Ojisi October 24th Victoria Okogbo November 11th Aisat Jenmiowo November 24th Temitayo Ayoola October 8th Maryann Nwaneri Chica October 25th Esther Omotoyosi November 11th Akanbi Christianah November 24th Kikiowo Olayinka October 9th Glory Ibhaze October 25th Ugochukwu John November 11th Adeniyi Olakiitan Ibukun November 25th Alakija Adetunji October 9th Damilola Ibikunle October 25th Jacob Akogwu November 11th Osondu Uchechukwu November 25th Feyisola Ajiboye October 9th Adibiye Oluwadamilola October 25th Olayinka Agboola November 11th Doris Adolphus Peter November 25th Tunde-yara Mercy October 9th Awofisayo Adenike October 26th Blessing Okon Asanga November 11th Amakodi Starr November 25th Linda Obigbor October 10th Wole Peters October 26th Olabiyi, Oluwafeyikemi November 11th Ogundare Olumayowa November 26th Inaolaji Oluwakemi October 10th Adegoke Alade Yusuf October 26th Ifebunandu Paul November 12th Maria Inah Eno November 26th Alfred Serah Inya October 10th Abigail Inang October 26th Jesutoyin Alabi November 12th Olaosebikan Samuel November 26th Patient Omede October 10th Irueze Lawretta InnocentOctober 27th Bipialaka Nengi John November 12th Eyitayo Oluwatosin November 26th Pastor Moses Njoku October 10th Biliqis Abiola Oreagba October 27th Christian Chukwuweolu November 12th Ololade Netufo November 26th Joseph Edidiong October 10th Temilade Adeniran October 27th Feyikemi Adagunodo November 12th Tayo Ayepola November 26th Tunde Olapoju October 10th Olayombo Baruwa October 27th Temitope Kehinde November 13th Alabi Abosede Adebola November 26th Finian Egbe Ebon October 10th Blessing Monday Ekpoh October 27th Victory Onyenachiya November 13th Enang Bassey Mbang November 26th Madueke Henry October 11th Ikebudu Ifu October 27th Udoh Abasiama November 14th Onyinyechi Victory November 26th Olawumi Ayomide Esan October 11th Abraham Olorunsogo October 27th Adenugba OluwanifesimiNovember 14th Oluwayomi Adefeso November 27th Henry Madueke October 11th Eniola Omotoyinbo October 28th Oluwayemisi Satope November 14th Jabaru Esther Folabomi November 27th Oluwaseun Awotobi October 11th Eniola Oladepo October 28th Oyinlola Omolere November 14th Arubi Linda November 27th Agboola Ebenezer October 11th Daniel Emedom October 28th Ndikor Stanley Osita November 14th Dogo Shuna Jemimah November 28th Aju Precious Simeon October 11th Miracle Obasi October 28th Mary Onyarin November 15th Aguda Abidemi Helen November 28th Jackson Esther October 12th Asuquo Ekerette Okon October 28th Adu Oluseun November 15th Alice Babatunde November 28th Kenneth Ohiomoje October 12th Idongesit Akpabio October 29th Nike Akinyemi November 15th Eniola Damilola November 28th Sarah Eyeku October 12th Ijiyemi Ayotoyo Victory October 29th Odefemi Oluwafunmito November 15th Olugbade Tomiwa November 29th Oluyemi Owolade October 12th John Alabi October 30th Oladipo Damilola November 16th Aribisala Olaoluwa November 29th Fatodu Abiola October 12th Giwa Titilope October 30th Mrs Iquo Offiong November 16th Kafayat Adeola Ojomu November 29th Legbal Fair Enya October 13th Osifeko Teddy Seun October 30th Michael Ogunkoya November 16th Aribisala Olaoluwa November 29th Esther Oluchi Okoro October 13th Ozoegwu Onyieye October 30th Anuoluwapo Badmus November 16th Satope Olawumi November 29th Icha Rosemary Ozohu October 13th Ugwu Chiamaka October 30th Omotoso OluwatumininuNovember 16th Ada Onyebuchi November 30th Olasinde Ayoyemi October 13th Ajiwoluwa Yetunde October 30th Solomon Eme Edward November 16th Chukwuyem Okeleamaka November 30th Sanni Abiola Oladele October 14th Ezra Kelechi October 31st Blessing Isewede November 16th Joseph Oshowobi November 30th Wobo Peace October 14th Bukola Fikayo Alegbe Octoter 31st Florence Nelson Okon November 17th GGoooodd NNeewwss!!!!!! Have you been wishing to read previous Novellas of MINE Magazine or itching to see the end of La Conferencia?
You won’t have to wait too much longer.
Coming out soon are the following books...
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