Christian WOMEN Matters Worldwide

The Bible is our standard

One day you will cry because God has finally answered your prayers 🙏🏻

A home without peace is the biggest prison in the world.
Be careful who you decide to marry👌

Good morning, Pls Post and hide my identity,

Pls is it wrong for a wife to ask her husband to assist in washing his boxer and singlet while she wash other cloth and including the kids cloth, this issue it cause problems in my marriage.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN MATTERS WORLD-WIDE

*VISION STATEMENT:* ```Building and maintaining godly marriage and relationships```

*MISSION*
```The mission is committed to reaching out to great daughters of Christ,both single, Engaged and married sister's with the aim of ensuring they have a happy home,be like Christ and make heaven by educating enlightening and admonishing them through exhortations, powerful messages,prayers, stories and sharing of real life experiences to build and enhance lives in all ramifications and this is set to be achieved through COUNSELING, SEMINARS,LIVE AND ONLINE CONFERENCES.

Motto
The Bible is our Standard```

CHRISTIAN WOMEN MATTERS WORLDWIDE is an interdenominational Christian women group.
That comprises great daughters of Christ, both married, engaged and single sisters, whose major aim is to be like Christ, have a happy home, make heaven and help others do same.

CWM is a ministry where Christian Women come together from across the globe through Live and online Conferences and Seminars to educate, enlighten, admonish, pray and show love for one another.

Exhortations, prayerful message, stories and real life experiences has been shared to enhance our life in all ramifications.

Our general group includes YouTube, Instagram, Telegram, page and Facebook group. While the need for us to know each other personally to further extend our love, knowledge, care and spiritual support to one another gave rise to the creation of Christian Women Matters Local Chapters across the Globe. Hence, we currently in over 20 State Chapters with different spiritually matured people as coordinators and executives.

Remember, we are Christian Women. Our life must be an exemplary one in all areas of our life.

We sincerely need to look at our lives presently and tell ourselves the truth, "Am I living a life that pleases God?"

If NO then we need to stop living for ourselves but for Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.

I beseech you to come to Christ, you are to pay nothing, the SALVATION is totally free, He is eagerly waiting for your call.
Heaven and Hell is real.
Repent and stay away from sin.

ALL ROAD LEADS TO WARRI in DELTA STATE, NIGERIA 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃
For our Live Prayer Conference this October,

One bad relationship could make you never want to fall in love again...
Look before you Leap

YES, I MARRIED FOR S*X

Women must speak out or what is your opinion. After reading let hear from you.
"Aaah!" He had an or**sm as he pushed himself deeper inside his wife.
He paused on top of her as he took in the pleasure.
He reclined on his side of the bed. Satisfied.
He pulled up the blanket and covered himself, about to sleep.
"Really? You are sleeping?" She asked him.
"Yes. Goodnight" he faintly said.
"What about my s*xual needs?" She asked.
He said nothing.
She pulled away the blanket from him.
"We need to talk" she told him.
He turned to face her.
"What is this about?" He asked.
"This is about me being s*xually frustrated. Why do you men turn s*x into just about you? Husbands like you make their wives feel used to only meet the s*xual needs of the man. So you have cm and now you have no use for me? You left my body in the cold, you didn't even cover me" she told him.
He looked at her.
"Don't you think women want s*x too? I need s*x. I need my or**sm. I need my pleasure. One of the big reasons I got married to you is for s*x. Yes, I married you for love, for companionship, to raise a family, to be help mates but also for s*x"
He sat up on the bed.
She sat to face him "I will not be shy about it. I am a s*xual and sensual woman. I cannot be married and not enjoy s*x. Come on, this is marriage, I am entitled to s*x with no inhibition. I am faithful to you and I thank you for being faithful to me. But faithfulness is not enough. I want an amazing s*x life. I want my body to feel things"
He showed her his p***s saying, "But honey, my commando is down. He is down"
"So what? If he is down you can't give me some sugar? You can't hold me, tell me how s*xy I am, lick me, rub me down, squeeze me? Besides, there are tricks you can do to delay your or**sm if you are mindful about me" she said.
"Like what?" He asked.
"Pause. Stop pumping when you feel you're almost cu***ng. Pull out , make me wetter, buy yourself time, prolong your pleasure. Don't just pump in a hurry as if you are competing with Usain Bolt to beat a world record"
He laughed.
"Haiya! You're laughing and I am s*xually starving? Take your time. Love making is an art, be my artist. Paint my body with your tongue, fingers and hard commando. Don't be stingy. My va**na and c**t has needs. I wish you men knew how a woman suffers when she is h***y and not serviced; it is hard to go away. A s*xually frustrated wife is a moody wife, but a serviced wife glows" she said.
"Eeh, today you have decided to speak your mind" he told her.
"I have to. I ain't too proud to beg. One day my body will age, s*x will be impossible. I have a limited time to know what great s*x is and only you can give me that as my husband. In Heaven, I don't think people will get married, so most likely there will be no s*x in Heaven. Give me a tiny heaven here on earth. Drive my body crazy" said she.
"I really love this side of you; s*xually aggressive. A woman who is bold enough to express her s*xual needs is a major turn on. I suppose us men tend to only focus on ourselves s*xually because women tend to be passive about s*x. A majority of wives are shy, too self conscious and just lay there. But when you talk with such passion, I am getting hot for you" he said.
She laid on the bed, spread her legs and said "Good! Now less talking and more action. I am a h***y woman in need of her husband. Tonight, take me to another world. Get creative"
He went between her legs and went down on her. He played with her body. Touching on her.
The more he touched her, the harder he became again. They had another round of love making, this time, both she and he enjoyed.!
May your marriage have a healthy s*x life. Enjoy it while your wetness and hardness lasts.

WOMEN PLEASE SPEAK OUT.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN MATTERS WORLDWIDE is an interdenominational Christian women group.
That comprises great daughters of Christ, both married, engaged and single sisters, whose major aim is to be like Christ, have a happy home, make heaven and help others do same.

CWM is a ministry where Christian Women come together from across the globe through Live and online Conferences and Seminars to educate, enlighten, admonish, pray and show love for one another.

Exhortations, prayerful message, stories and real life experiences has been shared to enhance our life in all ramifications.

Our general group includes Instagram, Telegram, page and Facebook group. While the need for us to know each other personally to further extend our love, knowledge, care and spiritual support to one another gave rise to the creation of Christian Women Matters Local Chapters across the Globe. Hence, we currently have about 20 State Chapters with different spiritually matured people as coordinators and executives.

Therefore, feel free to share your burdens, challenges with us as we will come together as a big family with emotional help and pray for you.

And also be free to call us if you need any advice as to what step to take in life, we are here for you with Holy Spirit behind us.

Remember, we are Christian Women. Our life must be an exemplary one in all areas of our life.

You can inbox any of the admin to post anonymously because this is not just a group but a family where CHRIST is the HEAD.

You can as well add GODLY women to the group
Stay Blessed!

CHRISTIAN WOMEN MATTERS!!!
👉The Bible is Our Standard.

So we (me and one of my counselees) got talking about her marital plans and she made a statement that got me thinking.
A statement that many ladies wouldn't consider until they find themselves in big mess.
She said: "I JUST NEED PEACE OF MIND IN MY MARRIAGE" knowing fully well that absolute peace can be found only in Christ and only Him can give her a man that will maintain Christ's peace in the home.

But it's a pity that many people are getting married for the wrong reasons. To some it's to get rid of loneliness, forgetting that you can be married and still be lonely while to some, it's because they want to escape parental control not considering that marriage is a place of submission for women.
And others want to be married because of the status, they really like the idea of being married and can no longer bear the disrespect of being single as some of their mates(including those who find themselves in circumstantial marriage) are already done with child bearing, neglecting the fact that God makes all things beautiful at His own time.
So my dear beautiful Queen, don't get married for the wrong reason(s), not even because you're tired of footing your bills alone. Don't marry for money, remember that the rich also cry.
Being single means you're strong enough to wait for what you deserve.
Work on yourself and be ready to build things up with the man that God would give to you as greater glory awaits you in Jesus name.

©Queen Bisola Daodu
August 2018

God is not a man that he should wash his hands with soap for 20 seconds.
God is not a man that he should sanitize his hands before he touches you.
God is not a man that he should self quarantine.
God is not a man that he should be screened.
God is not a man that he should be restricted movements.

Finally, God is not a man that he should wear a face mask.

Now that's the difference between God and men.

Nothing, and nobody can put our God under lock down.
🙏

*“IF WITCHES WERE HORSES”*
*A Novel Written By: Kolade Segun-Okeowo (KSO)*

*EPISODE 7*

Gbayike cut in “No problem, I understand.” She really did ‘understand’. Morakinyo was not the kind of man she will resist his visit. After praying for about two years hoping to get a brother to propose marriage to her, it was only right for her to welcome a man like Morakinyo; only God knows what he came for.
“I hope you won’t mind a cup of tea?”
“Ah please, don’t bother giving me anything. I’m okay, thanks so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ve come to discuss something very important with you. I wish we’ll round it up fast so that I can leave on time. I have a lecture with my students at ten and this is nine-fifteen besides, I can see you’re preparing to go out.”
“I’m not really in a hurry” She said it before realizing the implications.
‘Am I offering myself?’
“I mean to finish up my ironing before going out” She quickly said trying to prove she is not too free. “Just a minute” She stood to disconnect the pressing iron from the power source.
Morakinyo quickly used that opportunity to study the sitting-room. He was looking for signs of any form of a relationship with any man. He looked at the pictures on the wall and the shelf, there was none ‘incriminating’. She returned.
“Yes Bro. Morakinyo I’m all ears.” She was indeed all ears. She was almost sure he came to propose; what else could he have come to say? They were no longer in the same sub-group. No prior discussion, no former arrangement or talks. She prayed silently, her heart beating fast; that Morakinyo would make a proposal.
“I don’t want to mince words,” he started, damning all consequences. He had said to himself before leaving the house ‘if she will say no, let her say no! That’s the worst.”
“For some days now, the Lord has been ministering to me concerning you”
‘I said it, thank you Jesus’… “Concerning me?” She said putting on an almost too serious look while trying to suppress her joy. She wished he would go straight to the point. ‘I hope this is real’
“The Lord is making me to understand that He wants to assign me and you to a particular mission work”
‘Oh no, not again, mission work?’
“What kind of mission work? In the church?”
‘I’m not interested in any mission work, I’m doing enough already all I want now is my own partner’. Gbayike had prayed long for a partner. Fear was beginning to creep into her. Though she was just twenty-six, she had become skeptical. She had two older sisters who married quite late. That was the genesis of her fears; she hoped her case would be a difference.
“Not in the church” Morakinyo continued “The way the Lord has being ministering to me, the mission looks like a village outreach”
‘Village outreach?’ Gbayike’s countenance changed. ‘So that is why he came to waste my time, village outreach? No way!’
“But why is it that the Lord wants to use you and myself for this assignment, why not another person or some brothers in the church?”
Gbayike could not hide her anger. She had given up the thought of a proposal coming from Morakinyo. She knew he was the Director of Evangelism and Outreach; he had on a couple of occasions gone with the evangelism team to some villages for a weekend or more. Morakinyo was known to have called upon some sisters on different occasions to go into harlot joints and brothels to preach the gospel.
‘So he thinks am his next evangelism Aide de Camp! No way, I’m not interested’
“Sister Gbayike, don’t you understand? What I mean is that the mission God has placed in my hands is so big and it is my desire that you should be of assistance to me”
‘I see, he’s trying to raise funds’
“Be of assistance? Please explain better. Are you referring to financial support and contributions?”
Financial contribution for a mission work was not going to be a problem for Gbayike. She earns a good salary as a teacher in a high profile private international school where she works. Her monthly income would make a good offering to any of the sub-groups in the church.
“I am not referring to financial support of any kind.” Her heart missed a beat. “What I mean is simply that I sincerely love you, I have prayed about it and wish that you’ll become my wife”
Morakinyo could not believe the words could flow out so freely like that. He had spent hours trying to construct that single sentence. He memorized it while driving to Gbayike’s place that morning.
Gbayike stared blankly at him; the anger gave way to confusion. At last the Lord has answered her prayers but…not this way!
“Thank you very much” She said her voice shaking. “This is a serious issue I must confess, my vision does not tally with yours, so I really don’t know what to say. You’ll need to give me some time to pray seriously about it”
“Oh, no problem… but when should I see you for a reply?”
“Ah no! I can’t fix a time. Whenever I’m ready, I’ll simply call you and let you know.”
The tears started flowing immediately Morakinyo left. Gbayike knew she had got more than what she asked for.
“But, why God! Why? Why? Why a missionary! Why village outreach. I never bargained for that, Lord……. No o! I’m not interested! No way!”
“Congratulations Sister Gbayike” a voice from behind interrupted. She turned around to see where the voice came from. She knew it was her flat mate’s but she never knew Wonuola was still in the house. She had told Gbayike earlier in the morning that she will be going out to see some people.
“What Congratulations?” She said quickly using her palm to carefully wipe the stains of tears away.
“Ah! You think I’ve not heard all what he came to discuss with you? I see, you want to play hide and seek with me, you’re not serious.” Wonuola said jokingly sitting beside Gbayike.
Wonuola was always interested in gists. Just a few days ago, she had opened a gossip on couples in courtship in the church with Gbayike. Gbayike remembered Wonuola had said, “What if that brother leading the Evangelism Unit comes to propose to you, what will you say?”
“I’ll fall down flat for him!” Gbayike said as the two of them burst into laughter. But she was no longer sure if she could ‘fall down flat’ for him again.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been eavesdropping” said Gbayike “I thought you said you were going out to see some people? ...... Sister Wo-nu-ola…You!” Gbayike pointed a finger at Wonuola in funny accusation.
“I decided not to go again. I never knew I was going to be a witness to this great doing of the Lord” Wonuola said smiling mischievously. “Sister Gbayike, this calls for celebration. Just last week, I prophesied that he would come, and here he comes today! Oh hallelujah!” She spinned her head around, enjoying the joke. “Someone should recommend me as a Prophetess in the church”
“With specialty in courtships and marriages!” Gbayike added jokingly, the two of them burst into a loud laughter.
Gbayike was not really happy but she was grateful for the company of Wonuola. The tears had suddenly given way to smiles and laughter not because she liked the jokes but at least they provided her a temporary comfort. She loved Wonuola so much. You can never have a dull moment with her. Gbayike had invited Wonuola to stay with her in the flat when Wonuola was looking for a job.
Even when Wonuola got one, Gbayike had continued bearing the cost of renting the flat without asking Wonuola for any amount. They both buy the food stuffs but Gbayike spends more. They were really like twin sisters. Most people find it difficult to believe they were not related in any way.
“So what’s all these tears supposed to mean, tears of joy ehn? Or are you saying you don’t want that brother again?” Wonuola asked still in the mood of fun.
“Sister Wonu, on a more serious note, I think the issue has become complicated” Gbayike said, her countenance changed very fast. “I must confess, I like him and wish to have him as my husband. Sincerely, I’ve prayed about him before”
“So what then are you waiting for?” Wonuola asked wearing a puzzled expression. To her, Gbayike was trying to play hard as the habit of most ladies in the church.
“Sister Wonu, the brother said something that scared me” Wonuola drew closer appearing more serious now.
“He said God has called him into a particular assignment which appears to be village outreach” Wonuola’s countenance changed, squeezed her face in disdain. “Sometimes last week, I stumbled on a discussion Pastor was having with Professor Adarabioyo. They were talking about a brother wanting to resign his job on campus to go into the ministry; it just occurred to me today that it’s Bro. Morakinyo”
“Oh my God! Full time!” the words rolled out from Wonuola’s mouth unconsciously, her lips hanged open as she stared wildly at Gbayike.
“You see what I mean, do you think I can ever marry such a man. Suffering and hunger will kill us. I’m sorry; I’m not ready for that at all”
“That’s true! A full time ministry in the village, God forbid! I reject it in Jesus name!”
“Amen!” Shouted Gbayike
“But what are you going to tell him?”
“I’ll simply say I’m not ready”
“Suppose he asks you why?”
“Then I’ll say the Lord has not convinced me”
“But that’s a lie, why not tell him you’re still praying about it”
“That will give him some hope and assurance”
“Then you’ll continue praying until he gets tired and looks elsewhere” said Wonuola gesticulating with her head as if in prayer. They burst out into another round of laughter with tears rolling down their eyes.
Three days later, Morakinyo was ready with his resignation letter. He had taken pains to type out the letter himself. He sat there staring at the letter again and again. He had directed it to the Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academics) through the Dean Faculty of Technology.
Several thoughts flashed into his mind as he sat there reading the letter again. He looked around and saw his PhD research works and several other papers and research reports he had written over the years.
“So what are you going to do with this collection of books, it took you about ten years to gather all these together, will they become useless?” The thoughts rang out clearly. Morakinyo closed his eyes, pulled the letter out of the printer, signed it and enveloped it. He stood and went straight to the bedroom.
‘I must do whatever I want to do tomorrow’ He thought. ‘I must submit this letter tomorrow unfailingly’
He turned around on the bed again and again trying to get some sleep, but the sleep simply refused to come. He remembered Gbayike again and smiled. He hoped Gbayike would give a positive response.
‘But what if …..’ He stopped. ‘No what ifs tonight, the Lord is in control’
He knelt, prayed and turned off the lights…then, he started gathering firewood on a farm. He sings as he gathers a big bundle. He looked around for a rope to tie the bundle of firewood. He saw a good one and pulled at it but the rope would not give way, he tried again and a sharp thorn pricked his hand, he screamed and turned away from the rope.
He looked around for another one; he saw a thin rope not strong but was easy to pull, he pulled it out and tied the bundle all around. He pulled off his shirt and made it into head-rest. He carried the bundle to his head just then, the rope broke and the bundle scattered….
Then he woke from the dream!
“My goodness, so I’ve been dreaming and it appeared so real” He sat up and looked around for the table clock; he drew it closer and saw it was just five minutes beyond two. “But what kind of dream is this?” He asked himself “Firewood and rope?” He stood up and picked his Bible and read some chapters and slept again.
He had gone to pick his mail from the pigeon-hole when the Secretary to the Head of Department saw him.
“Good morning Sir”
“Ah Madam, good morning how are you today? Morakinyo greeted in his characteristics manner.
“I’m fine Sir and you?”
“Always enjoying the Lord” He said firmly!!!
Everyone in the Department of Engineering Physics knew Morakinyo with that statement. The junior workers always want to greet him to hear him say “Always enjoying the Lord!”
He picked the mails, two white envelopes with one marked ‘Ford Foundation’. He tucked the two into his pocket and headed towards the door, just then the woman called “Ah! Just a minute Sir” He turned back. “I need to share this funny dream I had over the night today with you.” The woman stood and came closer, smiling childishly.
“I saw you in our village, you wore a native dress and you were gathering firewood. You got a large bundle and looked around for a rope to bind it. You tried dragging one rope but it hurt you badly, so you left it and got another”
Morakinyo sighed heavily, his heart was beating faster. ‘This can’t be true!’
“After binding the bundle, you removed your dress and made an head-rest with it.”
‘I must be having another dream’
“As you carried the bundle, the rope broke and the firewood scattered”
‘Oh my God, can this be true?’
“When I woke from the dream, I laughed and laughed, it was such a funny dream”
‘You laughed, you don’t know anything’
“I asked myself what would a Senior Lecturer have to do with gathering firewood in the farm, our village for that matter. So I told myself, I must share the joke with you”
The woman laughed childishly, completely unaware of the impacts of what she was saying on Morakinyo. He was too shocked to know what to say. He simply managed to gather himself together, with an uneasy smile and said “Madam, that was really a funny one… Well you know dreams could be very funny?”
“And foolish sometimes” added the woman.
‘Not this one woman’
“Madam, by the way, what is the name of your village?” Morakinyo was already calculating.
“Onigba-Iwofa Sir… anything?” The woman asked curiously.
“No, nothing serious. I simply want to know the name of your village. You’re fond of talking much about the village. How far is it from here and how do you get there? Who knows I may find myself on a research mission there one of these days” Morakinyo said. He knew the Lord had used the woman to give him vital information he needed urgently; the similarities of the dreams are too real to be simple coincidence. It must be divine!
“Ah! It’s a very far place Sir” The woman said, smiling and holding her palms together childishly. “It’s one of the villages in the extreme part of Oyo State. It’s very close to Kwara State. It’s just about one hour drive from Shaki. From Ibadan, one can get a vehicle to Oyo town and from there……”
She gave all the details. Morakinyo returned to his office beaming all over with smiles, he closed the door and clenched his fist. “That’s it! I’ve got it right…. Onigba-Iwofa village, one hour from Shaki, very close to Kwara State in Oyo State of Nigeria! Beautiful!” He clenched his fist again.“That is exactly where the Lord wants to use me. That is the final confirmation I’ve been waiting for!” He started parking his files into the briefcase on the table.
Just then he remembered the letters in his pocket. He brought them out and opened the one marked ‘Ford Foundation’ and read the contents. His countenance changed, he squeezed his face and bit his lips.
“The Ford Foundation is glad to approve the sum off 16,000 dollars as take off grants for the proposals you submitted. You are to immediately….” He stopped reading, dropped the letter and sat on the table.
‘Sixteen thousand dollars as research grants for the proposal I sent over three years ago. O God! Why is the approval coming at a time like this?”
Then the thoughts rolled in again!!!
‘That’s some big money you know! If you convert that into local currency, it will run into several thousands’
The naira had crashed further in the last month to fifteen naira to a dollar!
‘Sixteen thousand dollars…That’s approximately 240,000 naira. If you collect the money, you can use part of it to do what God has called you to do, that will make the work easier you know….or won’t you use money?’
'Should I tear this resignation letter now?” He asked himself. His thoughts were ready with the answer ‘Yees! Go on, tear it. Think of this money and other allowances coming your way soon. Do you know that Gbayike may refuse to marry you because of this? Think again.’
*To be continued.*

*"IF WITCHES WERE HORSES"*
*_A Novel Written by Kolade Segun-Okeowo_ (KSO)*

*EPISODE 6*

He dropped the calabash gently adjusting it to sit perfectly on the floor. ‘Why don’t I open the calabash now and die. What enquiries do I know of now!’ He turned around, surveyed the palace and knelt beside the calabash; he placed a hand over the lid and set to open it.
“Death is better than shame!” He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. He opened his eyes and…
“Coward! Feeble hearted coward! So, at last you have brought the calabash of Onimomotirimo!” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru mocked as he entered the palace adjusting his trousers. “I went to answer the call of nature while you take your time to bring out the calabash.”
Folagbade could not believe his eyes. He stared at the old man with stern hatred. A minute more, he would have been dead! Yet the old man was enjoying his mockery!
He stood from his kneeling posture and returned to his throne leaving the calabash on the floor. It was hard trying to hide his anger. Beads of sweats were already forming across his face. Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru drew the feather-dotted calabash closer and opened the lid. Folagbade quickly turned his eyes away as Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru looked across just to be sure Folagbade was not looking.
‘If he must die, let it not be in my presence’ Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru said to himself. He brought out an object from the medicine bag hung across his neck, he chewed the object and spat into the calabash, and then he started to chant an incantation. Folagbade stole a glance to see what the old Priest was doing.
“Onimomotirimo, Onimomotirimo
The brave Spirit who bears Onimotirimo
O ye knower of all truths
Akiriboto the most senior of all demons
Who drinks pap with tortoise shell
The sharp and witty demon who dines with Lucifer
O ye Lucifer, Laalu Oganranganjan
Laburumbata, short but wicked!
You know all, yet I am full of follies.
Reveal to me the secret of what goes on in the village. Why are the villagers dying….? We desire to know, speak to us, Onimomotirimo knower-of-all-truths.”
He spat into the calabash again and gradually, the appearance of the Queen of the Coast emerged from the water filled calabash. Surprised, Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru crouched closer to the calabash as the appearance in the water began to speak to him.
“Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru! The deadly viper that lies across the footpath. The one who roars in the forest and fear grips passers-by. The one who steals from the farm and punishes the farmer….. Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru!”
“It is me you greet” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru said, not opening his mouth.
Apparently, the King did not hear anything. He simply turned his head away avoiding any eye contact with the water-filled calabash.
“Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru you seem not to have recognized the gravity of the situation at hand!” the Queen continued. “This case is beyond your intervention. I simply respect your person if not, I would have attacked you fatally. Now let it be known to you that I, the Honourable Queen of the Coast and my daughters are behind the calamity in Onigba-Iwofa!”
Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru turned around to ensure Folagbade was not looking at his direction, then he stopped, remembering that he would not see or hear anything no matter how much he tried to glance or listen.
“Must you claim ignorance of the fact that the Lord Lucifer announced at the last Conference of the Rulers of Darkness of the Earth that your village has been chosen as the base for the supply of souls needed for the next meeting of the Grand Council of Spiritual Wickedness in High Places.” The Queen said from the calabash her face squeezed as she fumes heavily with anger.
Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru changed his perch and dropped his horse whisk. “Honourable Queen of the Coast, I never knew all these, but why did you not inform me before starting the operation. You know an operation of this magnitude is not carried out except with the prior knowledge of all powerful herbalists of my worth. The mistake is yours” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru said the last word pointing at the face in the water.
Folagbade stole another glance and saw him pointing at the calabash he wondered why the old man was merely gesticulating and munching “I hope he is not drunk today” Folagbade said to himself. He quickly turned back as the Priest stopped his gesticulating.
“Are you drunk?” shouted the Queen, completely annoyed at the statement of the Priest. “Were you deaf when the King told you that all the victims were screaming my name as they die? Was that not enough a sign for you, must I attack your children before you understand?” The Queen’s anger caused some bubbles in the water, the calabash shook.
The conversation was next to reality. Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru stared wildly into the calabash; he knew the mistake was his. He had a long standing agreement with the Queen of the Coast never to treat any patient she afflicts. The idea of victims screaming the name of the Queen, though novel, should have delivered the message to him.
“Honourable Queen of the Coast, pardon me, my power of memory failed me. The loss of memory that rendered the chicken toothless, the same that befell the snake, thus leaving him without legs; forgive me….. So what can be done to appease you now that …”
The calabash shook violently causing huge bubbles in the water.
“You dare me! You dare my authority?” the Queen screamed, rocking around the calabash. “Are you deaf? I said the village was set aside by the Lord Lucifer himself! Do not trouble me again; nine hundred souls shall be taken in the village. Presently, only four hundred and a few more have rolled into our ovens here under the water, therefore, our operation continues!” The Queen said this with firmness that shook the Priest. He looked sheepishly around trying to form the right words.
“Em…. It is well, but then, what shall I tell the King who called me … please I must not be put to shame.” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru said pleadingly.
“That is your headache!” the Queen roared back “It is none of my business…… anyway, find some ways of deceiving him. Tell the villagers to appease Iroko Oluwere in the forest of Alupayida if they’re attacked by the disease…. This will work for the first few, at least for your own glory thereafter, we shall continue our operations!”
The Queen let out a loud hysteric laughter and disappeared from the calabash. Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru breathed a sigh of relief; he replaced the lid and packed the calabash aside. He returned to his seat and relaxed.
“How did it go Baba?” said Folagbade anxious to hear the report. He saw the gesticulations but could not understand what they meant.
“Folagbade, I congratulate you!” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru said beaming for the first time.
“Congratulations? How?” asked Folagbade his anxiety had mixed with fear and confusion.
“I have just spoken with the gods who held this village under bo***ge. They’ve been vexed and were on the verge of destroying this village but for my appeals.”
The Priest was speaking with such boldness, concern and seriousness that it will take a genius to detect his real intentions.
“The gods accused you of neglect and disrespect” continued the Priest.
Folagbade simply hanged his head on his palms concerned and troubled. He had truly neglected the gods. His training and experience as a court clerk of over thirty seven years had taught him not to believe superstitions and fe**sh ideas. Now, those experiences are negatively affecting him.
“The weekly sacrifices you were ordered to make to the gods at the time you were undergoing coronation rites has never been fulfilled.” Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru was enjoying himself. He knew the words were hurting Folagbade. “Have you forgotten? Obedience aids, disobedience kills!”
Folagbade stood; he strolled around the palace hall recalling his seven years as the King of the village. No sacrifice apart from the coronation rites was made. He turned to Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru with pleading eyes “Baba you are right, I have not taken the sacrifices serious. Forgive me! I will be willing to obey you now. What shall we do to avoid more deaths?”
“Sacrifice!” interjected the Priest. It was an opportunity he had been waiting for. Sacrifices were his own blessing. This time, not only the King will make sacrifices, all the villagers will be involved. He smiled to himself as he remembered that meat will soon become surplus in his house. Great!
“The gods have asked that whoever is struck by the disease should appease the iroko Oluwere in Alupayida forest.” Folagbade shook his head. He knew what that meant; a goat! “Moreover, you and the elders will make a special sacrifice”
“What special sacrifice again Baba?” He asked
‘I wish he is not going to ask for a cow’
“Walls have ears!” Folagbade rose and moved across the palace hall to hear the old Priest. Ajamolaya-Bi-Eru smiled, rejoicing as he remembered that once again, meat will become surplus!
Two days after his discussion with Professor Adarabioyo, Morakinyo went to see the Pastor again. Things have started moving faster than he expected. Having resisted the temptation of the Doctorate and the prospects of overseas trip, he knew more were likely to come. He had arrived the Pastor’s place as early as seven in the morning. It was an issue that gave him a sleepless night.
He had stayed awake all the night ruminating and wishing the day would break earlier. As soon as it was five, he stood up and started preparing to see the Pastor. He must see him before he leaves for the office. Not only was the issue an urgent one, he has to be on campus by eight, his students were to defend the proposals of their Long Essays that morning. Morakinyo was never in the habit of playing with time; if he says lecture will start by nine, it certainly started at nine. The students dubbed him ‘Time Freak’.
“Why have you come so early in the morning like this Doctor?”
That caught Morakinyo by surprise “Doctor?” ‘Who….who told him’ He asked himself. Morakinyo smiled. He knew Professor Adarabioyo could not keep the news to himself alone.
“I’m sure you’re surprised……. Anyway congrats” said Pastor extending his hand “Professor Adarabioyo spoke with me on the phone yesterday, he told me about it and the new department; praise God for that!”
Morakinyo stared at the Pastor with amazement. He wondered why the man of God was rejoicing. Can’t he understand what hindrance the ‘good news’ was to him? They shook hands.
“You remember my last discussion with you Sir?” He was almost sure the Pastor had forgotten the issues of the Lord’s call, thus his rejoicing over the ‘news’.
“Perfectly” The words rang out too clear to be mistaken. Morakinyo stared at him again in disbelief ‘The Pastor remembered everything?’
Pastor smiled and said “My son, I know why you are surprised at my reaction.” He leaned across closer to him. “You expect me to pronounce that the promotion is a stumbling block or a temptation to be resisted? Well I have chosen not to” He stopped smiling now and wore a serious look “You have heard enough words from the Lord to take your decision. To whom much is given, much is expected…Do you understand?”
Morakinyo breathed a sigh of relief. He understood why the Pastor took that stand; God called him not the Pastor. He knew he had to be responsible for his decision and convictions. At thirty-two, with nine years of knowing the Lord, he knew what it meant to be responsible for one’s decisions and actions. He smiled and shook his head confirming that he understood the Pastor’s decision and short exhortation.
“Sir, there’s another important reason why I’ve come to see you.” Pastor Kalejaye leaned forward to hear the young man. Morakinyo’s expression was enough to tell him the troubles he had gone through on the about-to-be-discussed issue.
“I have accepted to serve God, but what of my marriage? Is it not appropriate that I get married before going for the mission work or should I just start without an helpmate?” The Pastor sighed heavily; he knew Morakinyo was deeply depressed. He prayed silently that God will give him the right words to console the young man.
“I am glad you’ve decided for God….. The issue of marriage should not be allowed to hinder you.” The Pastor started with an assuring smile. Deep within him, he was pleased that Morakinyo could overcome the huge temptations around him. If things work out well, Morakinyo would be the first missionary from the church in two years. In recent times, the response of the congregation to missions has been very dull and discouraging.
Supports and donations did come in for missionaries but no one was interested in going on the mission field. He was proud of the young man who was willing to leave the prospects of a Doctorate degree for mission field.
“I have prayed concerning the sister you told me the Lord laid in your heart” Pastor continued, struggling to fight back tears of joy and gratitude to God for answering his prayers of many years. “I have no reservations concerning her. If am not mistaken, she is presently the Assistant Leader of the Welfare Unit?”
“You’re right Sir, Sis. Gbayike” said Morakinyo.
“Why not go ahead and speak to her, explain your convictions to her. Hhowever, don’t be disturbed or overwhelmed by whatever response she gives. If truly she is God’s will for you in marriage, she will soon join you in the assignment the Lord has called into….but don’t wait until you are married before answering the Lord’s call….. Marriage is not a condition for entering God’s service” the Pastor said with firmness.
“Thank you very much Sir” said Morakinyo beaming with smiles as he rose to leave. “I have to get to the campus Sir; my students have their defence today.”
Suddenly, the Pastor’s countenance changed, he looked straight into Morakinyo’s eyes and spoke “My son…exercise great patience! Do not mix the sheep with the goats!”
“Mix sheep with goats? I don’t understand Sir”
“Remember Abraham? Check through Genesis Chapter 16 and see how he derailed the Lord’s plan through impatience…stay blessed!”
For seven days, Morakinyo pondered over those words. He read Genesis Chapter 16 twice every day. The story was clear; Abraham impregnated a maiden with his wife’s consent and approval and had a child. “So in what way is that related to me?” He asked himself again and again, but the answers simply refused to come.
Another great hurdle stood before him; how to propose marriage to Gbayike. He knew her quite well in the church. They’ve once worked together as members of the Welfare Unit before he became the Director of Evangelism and Outreaches in the church. However, no close relationship existed. In fact, he had visited her place only once when she celebrated her last birthday.
'How do I know she’s not engaged to someone already?'
'What if she says no?
'What if she looks down on me?'
'What if she’s not interested in the vision?'
'What if she says no marriage for now?'
'What if her parents refuse to ……?'
'What if… What if… what if… '
The small alarm clock on the table went off at four in the morning. He stood up and looked straight to the clock as if to say “Are you sure?” He had slept off asking a thousand and one “what if’s”. He knelt and started his usual quiet time of devotion and worship.
Gbayike was planning to leave the house when Morakinyo came. Though on vacation, she wondered why he had to come in the morning. Her heart jumped when she saw him. Morakinyo had never visited her before. He came briefly during her birthday party simply to say congrats and drop a card. He did not even wait to eat. He gave excuses that he had some important field work with his students.
Gbayike had always admired Morakinyo in the church. She thanked God for Bukola when her engagement to Morakinyo was announced in the church. As a member of the Welfare Team, a big surprise was being packaged by the team for Bukola’s wedding with Morakinyo until the unfortunate happened. She died in an auto crash three months to the date.
It was a big loss to the church and the Welfare Team in particular. Bukola was nice, sacrificial and courteous. She would offer herself to do any available work in the Welfare Team, even sweeping; her job as a senior bank official notwithstanding. She was a model of what the Welfare Team expected her members to be.
But she died three months to her wedding!
“Please have your seat Bro. Morakinyo, it’s nice having you around though I must add it’s a bit odd to see you at a time like this; I hope all is well?” Gbayike said, not knowing exactly what to say. She was happy that he had come when her vacation was on, she would not have been able to attend to him if the session was on.
“I’m really sorry to have jumped on you without any formal notice, em….. I must say…. that....... em….. I’m sorry that…..” The words would not flow.
Gbayike cut in “No problem, I understand.” She really did ‘understand’. Morakinyo was not the kind of man she will resist his visit. After praying for about two years hoping to get a brother to propose marriage to her, it was only right for her to welcome a man like Morakinyo; only God knows what he came for.
*To be continued*