As mortals, we sometimes have encounters which on a face
value may not mean much. But on deeper reflection, one discovers attributes
that confirm our humanity and perhaps help us strive to be better citizens of
the world ….
I had been invited to a program tagged “Apapa Praise” to be
held in a popular inner city in that part of Lagos. The invitation, which came
by text, also provided required details on how to get to the venue. With my
sufficient knowledge of most areas of Lagos, I chose to approach from a
different direction, and actually got an “Okada” to lead me for ease of
tracking.
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Anyone familiar with the infrastructural deprivation of that
area of Lagos, would not be surprised to read that I had to actually ride the
Okada, though for a short distance, to finally arrive the venue. It got to a
point where the bumps on the road would not accommodate the bumper on my car;
so I parked on a side-street considered safe and clear of traffic.
“Apapa Praise” was awesome, though a misnomer. Fair enough,
the praise and worship songs were there, dished out generously by a live band.
The community joined excitedly on the street right in front of the local church
that hosted the program; everybody was dancing. For me the program was ‘Guerilla
Praise’ to liberate the neighborhood and entire population from oppression and
bring the light of the gospel to them. Intercessory and repentance prayers were
held, the gates were lifted and the ground anointed for total freedom. The
program ran its full course from 9am to 12 noon and was brought to a close with
joy and fanfare.
As I made my way back to where I packed the car, I couldn’t help
but notice that this was a life changing event for me. It was a humbling, yet spiritually
uplifting experience for me. I began to understand why I looked forward to the
event. Sometimes it is good to leave our comfort zone and share fellowship with
others. Our church may be in the best part of town, with pew and alter laid in
marble, but there are those worshiping in dilapidated, makeshift buildings
with no drainage in front. Our neighborhood may have all the amenities, there
are those fetching water from boreholes with the water so hard that the brown has
caked all over the tank. I wondered at the level of greed of those in position
of leadership who allegedly have converted colossal sums of the commonwealth to
their personal use or locked same in banks where they are sentenced to minimal
value. What greatest good could have been done to the greatest number if such
monies are unlocked for development…?
Getting to my car, I notice a crowd had gathered and were
watching me closely. I couldn’t quite place it, until a woman spoke up and
lifted a driving mirror. I then looked at my car and discovered it was my
driving mirror in her hand; the car has also suffered some dent on the side.
She pointed to the culprit whom they have ‘arrested’ waiting for my arrival.
Then there was a dramatic silence, everybody was waiting for me to pronounce ‘judgment’.
The offender, with his truck of fizzy drinks, was also dreading the worst. I said
something to the effect of ‘Madam give me my mirror and let him go’. The crowd
exploded in applause; everybody was praying for me, pouring their blessings, appreciating
what they perceived to be unusual kindness….
But why did they expect me to (and why should I) hold him at
the jugular or drag him to the police or demand he fixes my car? Love and
forgiveness are attributes of humanity: we need them from others; others need
them from us.
Last Line: Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense. NIV
Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have
always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence —
continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who
works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. NIV
God is the giver of every good gift. To find out more about
God and how you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any
Bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2
Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja.
Lagos.
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