The Priest Vow

I pray see survive [hr] [b] LINK TO AVAILABLE EPISODES [/b] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/the-priest-vow/page/2/ ][b]Episode 2-5[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/the-priest-vow/page/3/ ][b]Episode 6-7[/b][/url]

go on...

@hazaro boy18 oya show

Nice

I hope dis same daughter of Eve wudnt bring ur downfall??? Continue!!!

Carry on

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 2. Treatment commenced immediately on her. She was in a serious condition and was bleeding from her head. I gave all the details to a doctor who knew who I was. After the details, I hanged around a little while until the doctor came out to inform me that she was stable. I left with the hope to check up on her the following day. I kept awake all through the night, interceding through prayer on her behalf. Very early the following morning I stood and went for morning mass, I knelt before the holy sacrament praying. I believed wholly in God’s mercy and divine grace and I had this confirmation in my spirit that she will be alright. After the morning mass I went back home, I was supposed to be in church very early because it was a Sunday and we usually run four services all around our dioceses. I couldn’t attend the first or second mass, I told father Patrick who lives in the nearest block that I won’t be able to attend the first and second mass but I will be around for the third. I told him to relay my message to the bishop. He asked to know what the problem was and I explained to him in brief, making sure that my explanation was clear and short. He understood what happened and the reason why I have to be in the hospital that morning. Patrick wanted to go with me but two of us can’t be away on Sunday at same time. I told him not to bother that by God’s grace everything was already under control. I just wanted to reach the hospital, check and pray for the lady with many others lying ill in there. I drove down to the hospital, greeted the workers I met on duty both the Doctors and nurses. I have visited the hospital severally to pray for patients, some of the nurses and doctors are already familiar with me. “Good morning father! They chorused at me, immediately I stepped in. “Good morning, you are all blessed” I greeted back with a deep smile. “Amen” They chorused back. Those that attends Catholics among them made a sign of the cross with their hands before returning to their work. Doctor Krane, who was among the doctors that attended to the lady yesterday when she was admitted, he approached me. “Father James, the patient you brought in yesterday evening… went into coma. Before she got here she has already loosed lots of blood and it was a miracle she survived. Her case was pretty serious…very serious. And the condition which she was into complicated everything, we try to stabilize her yesterday like I told you but she is still in coma with a few weeks pregnancy… I looked at him with a puzzled face at his last statement. “She is Pregnant?? I exclaimed “Yes father, she is almost three months pregnant because our scan reviewed this morning that she was 10weeks gone. But the fetus is unhurt, it can only be a miracle father because she loosed forty percent of blood which makes her condition very critical. We have to put her in the intensive care after administering treatment the best way we can but the shocking thing is that the child remains unhurt. I gasped out in safe relief. I was glad to know that despite she was in a coma her unborn child was saved miraculously. “Can I see her now? I asked the Doctor, who nodded affirmatively. He led me down the corridor to the patient ward, then straight down to the intensive care unit. I entered quietly and walked to her beside. I stared down at her motionless body, only her chest was moving up and down with many tubes attached to her body and one was on her nose like a mask, it pumps oxygen into her, enabling her to breath. I made a sign of cross in the air across her body before bending my head in a silent thanksgiving to God for sparing her life because I know without doubt that she will survive. After sometime, I looked over at her again before turning to leave quietly. I went into other patients ward, some were in a helpless condition. Most of them had been abandoned by their relatives because they taught that there was no hope of survival. I took their hands into mine and prayed with them, assuring them that there was hope even when everything around them seems hopeless. I took a peep at the pediatric ward before going in. children lay in different sick bed. It was not a good sight to behold. I quietly sat by their bedside and tell them some angelic stories. It was satisfying to bring back smile on their faces as I went from bed to bed doing almost the same thing until I felt is time to leave. I thanked the nurses and doctors for their great work and promised to return back the next day. I couldn’t meet up with the second or third service but I was lucky to be in time for the fourth mass. I met the bishop after the mass was over and we talked about what happened. I told him everything about the accident and how the lady was still in coma, I mentioned that the lady was also pregnant and the doctor attending to her assured me that the unborn baby was unhurt. The bishop said I should let him know if I need any kind of support. I went back home after I was through with church activities and when I retire for the night my mind was centered on the lady’s unborn child. I don’t even know her name and she is yet to be identified. I wondered why she was she trying to kill herself. Running into the middle of the road without care, she was probably running from somebody or somebody was running after her. Who is responsible for her pregnancy? Is she married or just got pregnant for a man? I have question with no answer. Her people might be searching for her but won’t know that she was battling between live and death. The world is a cruel place to live, a good example is the man that hit her with his car and without remorse he pulled out his middle finger, puff out smoke from his cigarette before driving off. For whatever reason God wanted me to witness it all and save the poor lady and her unborn child from untimely death he alone knows why and will perfect his plans in her life.

THE PRIEST VOW Episode 3. Days turned into weeks then a month came and as we were about to enter the second month I visited like I have always done. I was present the day she moved her hand and from moving her hand she blinked her eyes severally before opening them. I called out to Doctor Krane who came in immediately to check on her. I watched her trying to understand the kind of environment she was in. She looked over at my side, stare at me for a very long time before looking away. I later left that evening as the Doctor kept a close watch on her. It took almost two month for her to become responsive. I was joyous knowing she was finally awake and I was opportune to witness it all. I drove back to the church with a grateful heart and all I did was to kneel before the holy sacrament with a heart of gratitude. For five days I did not go to the hospital because of the outreach that all the reverend fathers in my parish had. I was there on a Saturday evening after my block rosary. Doctor Krane came to me immediately he saw me. “Good evening father…. I responded cheerfully before proceeding with my question. “How is she…did she mention anything about her relative or where she came from or even the father of her child? Did she say anything? Doctor Krane looked at me sadly before saying. “She suffered from amnesia... which is loss of memory. She can’t remember anything both facts, information and experience. Her mind is blank. During the accident she happens to hit her head hard on the ground which caused a great damage to her membrane, her pellicle was completely damaged. The right cerebral cortex no longer supply information to her brain. And the one word for you to understand all this medical terms is that she suffered a memory loss and cannot remember anything, her names, where she came from and if she has a relative or not….she can’t remember anything. I was dumb founded and bit at my lips for some seconds before saying to the Doctor. “Does it have a cure…or for how long will she have to go on with a total loss of memory? Doctor Krane was quiet for some time, he breathed in and said. “There is no cure for some, like dementia which is short term memory loss. Her own is also short term and with time she may began to flip out and in. it won’t be steady but it will take time before a tiny recognition about herself will flip in and when she is about to catch a glimpse it will flip out. Her survival was a miracle, the fetus forming in her womb is still to our bewilderment because none of our medical practitioners can explain all that so therefor it will also take a miracle for her memory to return to normal. She can only remember from the moment she wakes up from coma and it will continue like that but she can’t remember who she was before the accident happened. She is not insane, she can converse and speak fine. The only problem is that she may not be able to remember what her past life used to be like. After talking with the Doctor I walked into the lady’s room and saw her laying so still. Her eyes was fixed on the television screen which was showing a program. The bandage on her head have been changed to a different color. It was white before and now is blue with a green mark on it. I moved closer to her without a word, not even knowing what to say to her. She may not even understand anything. But as I moved closer she lifted her eyes to me and looked up at me. i gave her a smile but she did not smile back as she kept looking at me. I took a stool and draw it closer to her bed, sat down and said to her. “My name father James…. She curved her mouth into a smile and said to my amusement. “I saw you in my dream yesterday standing by that door and watching me with a chaplet in your hand. I have seen you twice in my dreams this week, you are as handsome in the dream as you appear to be in real life, I almost thought you are an angel. You just said that you are my father….I don’t understand. Do you mean that you are my real father? You are too young to be my father…how old are you? I didn’t even know how to reply to that question but it was a good thing that she can converse. I felt good to hear her speak. “I don’t mean your biological father. I’m a reverend father and I’m thirty five years old. She did not look away as she said. “Is that why you are dressed in a clerical collar… overall dress? Are you married? I almost laughed at the last question but I kept the conversation going. “Reverend fathers do not marry. They remain celibate, dedicating their entire lifetime into service to God and mankind. What should I call you…like what name will you like to be called? She looked away, closed her eyes for some time and looked at me again. “I can’t remember anything, not even my name. I can’t remember how I got here and the reason…the doctor said that I have been here for two months and I am pregnant but sincerely I can’t even remember how the baby got into my womb…. I smile at her last statement, I take one of her hands into mine and said. “Everything will be alright, your life is a testimony and nothing ever happens without the knowledge of God. I tapped her hand gently before releasing it. She smiled at me and said. “You are too fine to be single. You are handsome and speak so well. I’m beginning to wish you will tell me that you are the father of my unborn child. I will not have anything to worry about if only you will tell me that you are my husband or boyfriend or normal friend and also responsible for my pregnancy. It will be a great relieve to know that. Because I have tried to think but everything is blank…totally blank. I listened to her talk without interrupting and when she was quiet I began to speak to her. “Don’t stress it. I believe in miracle and you should too. Miracle happens to those that believe. If you don’t believe in anything just believe there is a God watching over you, a loving God who has your interest at heart and saved you from dying. So your memory will be restored like a miracle and you will begin to remember everything that you can’t remember before. You were involved in an accident, you ran across the road and got hit by a reckless driver who drove off leaving you lying in the pool of your own blood. I was coming back from a block rosary which usually take place in the church premises when I saw it all. I rushed you to the hospital and you went into coma for over a month. You are alive and that is all that matters and everything you lost will be restored back, both family, friends and most important your memory. Do you believe that there is no impossibility with God…? She did not respond, she quietly turned and returned her eyes to the television. “We have to give you a name for now, a good name to call you. I have few list on my mind. I have some female names, like Anesthesia which means “rise again. Beatrice which means “joy bringer. Anna which means “grace. Abigail which means “father is rejoicing”… She quickly interrupted me. “I like the Anna….call me Anna. The other names you mentioned are confusing. Anna sound sexy and cute. I don’t care about the meaning but I like the sound of it. “Anna…Anna…” She began to repeat the name continuously. I smile and rose from my seat, she stopped talking and looked up at me. “Where are you going? Please don’t leave, spend some more time with me…pleaseeee…. She said looking from my eyes to my lips then down below my clerical apparel. “I will be back tomorrow or next to check up on you. Whenever you are afraid or feel lonely remember what I said to you earlier that God is watching over you. God is your heavenly father and he has sent angels to shield you from all harm, you don’t have to be afraid. You are safe. She did not respond and kept looking at me as I took my leave. I walked to the door before turning to look back at her and she was still watching me. “You are always in my prayers. Good night Anna”… That was my last word to her before I walked out of the door. I spoke with Doctor Krane before leaving. I drove back home, singing along my hymnal which was playing in my car. I felt God entrusted a soul to my care to lead and that person is Anna. I don’t know what the next phase will be but I hope the road will not be too stony to walk on.

Father,u ve got to be careful oo cos I don't see a bright future with u n dis lady oo,in fact she has already fallen for u sef!!!

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 4. Arrangement has to be made concerning where Anna will be staying until she regains her memory and return to her people. I spoke with father Patrick concerning Anna before taking the situation at hand to the bishop who said the reverend sisters can take care of that. He spoke with the reverend mother and she said they will look out for a place for Anna to stay. Anna’s hospital bills was covered by the church and a place for her to stay was been looked into. After a week I visited her again to inform her that once she is out of the hospital she will be taking to the sister’s convent and they will take her to the house which she will be living until she is able to remember where she comes from. As I got there she was not looking happy. I did not bother sitting down, I stood beside her bedside. “It took you so long to come back and see me…Why? She asked siting up from her bed. “Sorry about that Anna, I was busy with many other things and also preparing a place for you to stay. And by next week you will be moving into your temporary home. Anna sat up properly from the bed with a shock on her face. “I don’t want to go anywhere else. You can’t just send me away to an unknown place. I am not going and I mean it… I was silent for some time without saying a word. I folded my hands in akimbo style and watch her rage. When she was calm enough I began to speak to her. “Anna, there are many things you should be grateful for right now and not complain over. Being alive and sane is one of it. I know you will regain back your memory but you have to show gratitude than worries. You said you are not interested in going to live where the reverend sisters got for you….why is that? Will you rather live in this hospital?… I asked her while releasing my hand. She looked up at me for a long time and her next word came like a gunshot to my ears. “I want to live with you father James. I don’t want to be far away from your sight. So I will rather live with you. Please don’t say no. “You can’t live with me. I am a reverend father, I can’t accommodate you Anna. Do you even understand what you are asking for? Such is not allowed. You are pregnant you need a place where you and your unborn child will be well taking care off. Everything we are doing is for your own good Anna. Your hospital bills has been paid off by the church and we have been on deliberation in providing accommodation for you. You have so much more to be thankful for. Don’t worry you will be cared for and no harm will come to you. I came to inform you about the new development and by next week you will be out of here to your new home. Some reverend sisters will be around to take you to where you will be staying. My physical work with you ends here but through prayer I will keep interceding for you. With time you will learn to love your new place and make it a home. I’m sorry if this is not what you want but is the only option we have left. We are all looking out for your good Anna and by God’s grace everything will be alright. I breathed in, turned my back and began to walk to the exit door. Her voice halt me to a stop. “Living with you is not allowed because you are a reverend father and practice celibacy, you dedicate your life to serving God and man but what happens in a situation when the baby I carry belongs to a reverend father? I turned and looked at her with a puzzled face. I did not understand what she was getting at. “How do you mean Anna? I don’t understand you. She carefully put her legs down before standing up with the support of a walking stick which she has been using to balance her tired legs. She leaped closer to where I stood and looked right into my eyes. “Father James, I appreciate everything you did for me. For saving my life and following up with my health report and well being….I appreciate everything. The moment I set my eyes on you the darkness in me disappeared and all I wanted was to be with you. I don’t really care if you have never been with a woman all that matters now is that I want to live with you. I want to wake up every morning with you by my side. I know it sound crazy but somethings in life do not make sense until Is done. And the only way to achieve that is through this pregnancy… She stretched her hand to touch my chest but I caught her hand and dropped it back at her side. I was hoping she is not going crazy to be thinking the way she was. I refused saying a word because I want to understand what exactly Anna was getting at and I will rebuke that devil that have come to possess her mind. “You have to let me stay with you please father James. i will do anything you want me to do all I asked is to be with you. I cleared my voice and said to her. “Anna, you don’t really know what you are asking because if you do you will not be saying this. My call is with God and he placed me right where I have always desired to be. If I wanted to get married and raise children I’m sure I would have a family of my own now, but that is not what my purpose on earth is. Pleasure, enjoyment of this world do not interest me, it never have and never will. listen Anna, the bible said in Philippians “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable….if anything is excellent or praise worthy, think only about such thing and the God of peace will be with you. That is what I focused my mind on day by day. Anna, do not allow your mind to be corrupted with ill thoughts which only bring condemnation and death. A path is set before you to walk in, you did not survive the accident just to fall back into sin. No, God has a plan for you and you have to free your mind and let God perfect the plans he has for you. I hope you will think about this little conversation that we just had and refocus. I turned to leave and she spoke behind me but I did not bother to turn back. “All I want is you and nothing will stop me. I’m ready to do anything to achieve that. But be certain that I won’t accept the offer of living with some holy nuns. I refuse to live around some boring reverend sisters. I won’t accept that. I have a choice and is to be with you James… I was out of the door into the corridor in no time and straight to my car. I sat in my car, place my head on the headrest, shut my eyes and say few prayers. The plans of the wicked will not prevail over me and over Anna who is trying to make herself available for the devil to manipulate. “Whatever cup is coming… Lord please let it pass over me”. That was my last word before I drove out of the hospital premises

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 5. “How did you get here Tagbo, what really happened? I asked looking straight at him as we sat opposite each other. “…We did a business together and had an agreement that the money will be shared equally. After the business this friend of mine and my business partner tries to outsmart me. He was bringing in different method so that he can have the lion share. I contributed so much into the business more than he did and I refused to allow him to cheat me. It ended in a fight and I allowed anger to get the best of me. He brought out a dagger which he wanted to use and stab me but I was strong enough to collect the dagger from him and stabbed him instead. It was just one stab on his stomach, I never knew it was a poisoned dagger. He was rushed to the hospital and I was arrested. After few days he died from the injury which was infested. They accused me of killing him and even said the dagger was mine. Thank God for eye witnesses who saw what happened and knew the knife wasn’t mine but belong to my late friend. If not for the eye witness who saw it and wasn’t biased or judgmental with their confessions… I could have being a dead man too. The case ended with “self-defense is not murder” and I was given nine years in prison instead of a lifetime or death sentence. I have serve seven years already and I still have two more years to go…” All I saw was pain and regret in his eyes as he speaks to me. This was the third time I was speaking with Tagbo during our prison visits. I have many other of his follow inmates that no matter the years of hardship they still holds on to hate, revenge, anger and sadness in their eyes. Tagbo was different. He opened his heart to receive salvation and he became a new man. “…father James I did not know better then but I do now. I have live one of the most important part of my life in this prison which could have been avoided. Anger got the best of me, if my late friend had succeeded in stabbing me I could had been dead. I come to realize that no matter the pursuit of wealth and fame when you die you will not remember anything anymore. All our sacrifice are all in vain because my friend is in the grave while I’m here in prison with no wife or children. If I come out of here I have to start from a scratch and I’m willing to start all over again. I’m electrical engineer, I will get myself fixed up in that field or go back to trading but I know that whatsoever I lay my hands on I will succeed because I know the God I serve now….thank you father James for leading me out of darkness into light. I smiled at his words and said. “God will not allow temptation that is higher than our ability to consume us, He knows how much you can bear and steps in when the burden becomes unbearable. Tagbo, he sees your repentant heart and will make a way for you. We held hands together and prayed before I stand up to go. Father Patrick was with me as we checked on other prisoners and also prayed with them. Is another Saturday and it was almost time for block rosary. I was with father Patrick in the car when I got a call from the hospital. “Hello father James, this is Doctor Krane from cross road hospital. I parked the car by the road side to speak with him. Today was supposed to be the day that Anna will be discharged and I know two reverend sisters went to the hospital to get her. I did not concern myself with that again because she will be in safe hands under the reverend sisters watch but when Doctor Krane called I knew something must be wrong. “Yes Doctor. How are you doing today…is everything alright over there? “Not really father, we are having little trouble which we will need you around. Please, if possible can you come now…please very urgent? After the call I told father Patrick and he agreed to go with me to the hospital. We were close to the church for the block rosary but have to reverse back and to the road that leads to the hospital. When I got to the hospital I rushed in immediately. I noticed the nurses greeted me with a strange look on their faces. They were usually cheerful whenever they sees me but it was different that day and the moment I asked of Doctor Krane he was informed and I was asked to meet him in his office. Father Patrick followed behind and when Doctor Krane saw him he kindly asked him to wait outside that he wish to speak to me alone. Since I did not have anything to hide and Patrick knows everything about me already so I insisted he stays. When we sat down in Doctor Krane’s office he started with. “The lady is clamming you as the father of her unborn child. I know is sound crazy but she was making some sensible point with her accusation. i wanted to ask if you know Anna before the accident? The question was unreasonable so also is the accusation. Patrick laughed out sarcastically before asking Doctor Krane. “Isn’t she the same lady with loss of memory? How possible is it that she can now remembers who got her pregnant or have she suddenly regains back her memory? Doctor, did you even understand the question you are asking father James? I was quiet and did not say a word. Doctor Krane breathed in, he turned to me and said. “I’m sorry about all this father. I know the implication of this and that was the reason I wanted to speak to you privately. Like I explained to Father James before that Anna’s memory loss was not a permanent one and as time goes on she will start having flip in and out. She will remember who she truly is at a moment but after some time it will disappear. It goes on like that until it becomes stable. I checked her yesterday and her memory was stable at that time. She can actually remember. Her recovery is faster than I thought and she was not affected mentally. I spoke with her yesterday, asking few question about where she came from but she refused to answer any of my question. She has been saying this for some time now about father James but I did not take her serious until yesterday night and this morning when the reverend sisters came to get her and she said she was not going anywhere with anybody until she sees the father of her child which she insisted was father James. The reverend sisters are still in her room as we speak and she refused to go with them. They thought she was crazy but I assured them she that she wasn’t, she is sound. I shakes my head pathetically and said. “Despite how insane all this seem and sound I will request for a paternity test. Can you just do a DNA test to ascertain this accusation? This is baseless and pathetic. God have mercy! I don’t know this lady before until the day of the accident and all I wanted to do was to render help. I can’t be like everybody who turned away from her body, I couldn’t stand there and watch her bleed to death. I never knew she was even pregnant until you said so. All this coming up now is the reason why many people will never want to help but I’m not “many people” and I will never stop rendering services to man because of one person’s mistake. Please go ahead and run the test right away. The doctor relaxed back and did not speak right away, after sometime he said calmly. “Father James I understand your pain. But running the test will be able to prove your innocence because few staffs and patience here might have heard the news and take it to heart. We need to clear your name but that will be after the baby is born so that we can run a proper test but I hope you will be able to live with whatever comes until then…. I nodded and we all stood and went to check Anna. Two reverend sisters were sitting there. The moment she saw me she sat up from her bed and pointed at me. “I told you I will never go with the reverend sisters. I said this last week when you came, I said that i will rather live with you than anybody else. You are the father of my unborn child. I may suffer memory loss but I’m not crazy. We both had affair which resulted to this pregnancy and at the cause of you trying to cover up the shame we got into a fight, you hit me with a wooden stick and the next thing I know is that I’m lying right here in a hospital suffering from having my full memory this minute and not having it at all the next minute. Don’t deny this father….because if you do I will kill myself, my blood and that of my unborn child will be on your head. Is better we settle this rather than creating a scene and making people to know that their well respected and godly father had an affair and got a lady pregnant. I will not relent until I get what I want… The sisters looked up at me with a confused face. I thought this was going to be just an ordinary threats when she first came up with the accusation but it was taking another dimension. The road was not just going to be stony, it will be filled with sharp rocks and dangerous crawlers. Where do my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth, he sees the content of every man’s heart and he will not allow me to stumble. The more Anna stays in the hospital the more she incurs more bills, I would have suggested that they leave her there until she gives birth and DNA test is done but such suggestion will not go down well so I told her to go with the reverend sisters and by tomorrow everything will be resolved. Anna refused and said she must go with me to my house. It took me, the reverend sisters, father Patrick and even Doctor Krane’s pleads before she agreed. We left the hospital. The reverend sisters took her while I and Patrick went to meet with the bishop. This was more than what I can handle on my own. The bishop needs to be aware before things gets out of hand. ********* LIKE. COMMENTS

Chaii see wahala oo... Dis is really getting serious oo,I think derz something wrong somewhere!!!

Let's wait and see sha

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 6. We met with bishop and explained everything that was recently going on. He did not look happy with the strange development. “…This doesn’t look good and is not just about you father James is also about the church of God…the catholic as a whole. Before the world will begin to think and see the catholic priest, bishops, reverend fathers and sisters differently. Many faith will weaver and many will turn from their believe. Their are people who only seek the downfall of others. They think nothing else but to destroy. In the bible, do you remember the story of a man who planted wheat in his large farmland? While the man sleep the wicked came at night and sow thorns of weeds so that it can kill the farmer’s crops. The farmer’s servant noticed the strange weed growing in the farm and informed the farmer who asked them to leave it so that it will grow with the wheat because if they plug off the harmful weed the real crops maybe plugged off too or affected. They waited until harvest time came and they were able to identify the real wheat and the weeds. They plugged it all off and burn the weed. The wicked are always on the lookout, looking for any little opportunity to strike. That is more reason why we should pray without season. Even Christ said there are temptations that will not go away except through prayer and fasting. Tell the reverend sisters to bring the lady to me on Monday morning. And father James you have to be here too. I greeted the bishop and left with father Patrick to inform the reverend sisters. When I returned home that night, I couldn’t sleep, I was deeply troubled. Why should this be happening to me? It started so ordinary but is getting out of hand day by day. I will never allow my problem to bring shame and disgrace to the God’s own people and to the church of God. Just as the bishop said, is not only about me is also about the entire body of Christ. If the devil succeed in penetrating through Anna a lot will be damaged. I have served and I know I did well with the help of God. I did not covet, lied, cheat, steal, fornicate or indulge in anything ungodly. I did everything that was required to stay holy. I put people’s needs ahead of mine, when I took the vow to serve, it was no more about me but about God and about his people. When I took a vow of celibacy, a vow of obedient and royalty to my priesthood I was not confuse, is exactly what that I had always wanted and I tried never to break any of those vow. I sat on my bed trying to study my bible that night but I was distracted, I decided to pray instead, I spoke to God like I was talking with my earthly father. I felt more at peace that night. The following day was a Sunday and went on with my usual work but on the third day which was a Monday, I was at the bishop’s office. When I stepped in, I saw the reverend sisters and Anna seated opposite the Bishop. I took my seat after exchanging greetings. Anna was looking at me but I focused my attention on the bishop’s crucifix which was on his office wall. Anna was letting the devil to consume her mind and manipulate her, if she understand the implication of what she was doing she would not even consider such thought. Her lies may cause me everything I have ever believed in. it may cause me my priest role, it will bring shame and disgrace to me and even to the body of Christ. Is beyond what she can see and my wrongdoing was that i cared for her just like I have done for many others. My only fault was to take her to the hospital when she was helpless just like I will do a thousand over again if I encounter such. Despite those was my innocent deed which was causing me pain and shame but it will not stop me from being who I am. Anna insisted that I was responsible for her pregnancy, she insisted that she met me in the past and we got entangled which resulted to her pregnancy. And when she discovered that she was pregnant and confronted me with it I denied, we had a serious fight where I hit her with a stick and she passed out and was later rushed to the hospital. Lies flow out of her lips freely, it was as if she practiced what to say before coming to meet the bishop. I was dumb founded at the strong accusation she leveled against me. I couldn’t even argue because it was pointless. Just as the bishop said about the enemy sneaking into a farmer’s wheat yard in the night to sow thorns of weed just to destroy the good crops but the weeds was later separated and burned up. This too will be exposed and burned to ashes. At the right time God will vindicate me. The bishop knows that I wasn’t capable of such evil and he knew it was the ways of the devil trying to destroy me and the church of God. The bishop asked Anna if she knows the implication of what she was saying and she replied that she was only saying the truth and if nothing is done she will let people know what the so called men of God are capable off. “What if after the baby is born and the hospital test confirmed that the baby do not belong to father James? The bishop asked Anna and she quickly replied. “The DNA test cannot lie but if such happens then I will know that the doctor came up with a fake result because I know who the father of my child is. I’m not going back with the reverend sisters. I will be going home with James. This case cannot be swept under the carpet. I know I suffered loss of memory after the accident but I can remember everything that happened that day. I am not lying and I’m not crazy. I will never lie against a man of God. Father James was my secret lover and things only got out of hand because he discovered that I was pregnant. This truth will not be hidden and I will never allow anybody to shut me up from speaking the truth. I know you are trying to protect the church and men of God under your parish but if father James refuses to take up the responsibility then I will expose that which you all try to hide. I held my head in my hands and heard the bishop said to her. “Father James is not capable of any of this and I know every hidden lies will be exposed. You desired to be with a priest of God whose life has been dedicated to service to God alone and to man. You desire to destroy the name of God for some selfish reasons after he helped and cared for you after your accident, is a dangerous road you are trading daughter. Very dangerous. I wish and hope you will have a rethink and not do this. It will be doom…nothing good will come out of it…only doom. Think again daughter, are you sure this is what you want and very sure of all your accusations? Anna was not ready to change her mind. She stood on her word and refused to be threatened as she thought the bishop’s word was a threat to her. The bishop asked the sisters to wait outside with Anna so that he can speak with me. The bishop looked at me and to save him the trouble I stood and said. “I will step down for some time, is better that way. I will not give room for the devil to shine through me. I will step outside until all this is resolved. Since all her wish is to live with me then so be it. If after the months or a year of living with her and i happen to take her to bed then I will return here and drop every form of priesthood title, I will resign from my priesthood work and start a family…God cannot be deceived. He is God and we are his creation. He sees every secret deed and nothing is hidden before him. If after the period of living with her and nothing happens, no form of intimacy…she may even start feeling frustrated and will want to move on with her life, if that happen I will return to the Lord’s vine, Take up my priesthood garment again and continue to serve God like I have always done. This is where my happiness is found…is not out there, is right here but I won’t compromise other believers’ faith because of my happiness. I took a vow before God and before man to serve all the rest of my life, I have done so for fourteen good years without doubt and I know this trouble will also pass. I will move to a faraway land and stay there for the period of trials and I will bring news just at the right time. Bishop…I don’t I know how it will all end but I trust God in all of this. He will see us through it all. The only thing I seek is prayer and intercession… We had more discussion and the Bishop nodded to my words, he said will also make some findings about Anna. It was all well agreed before I left. I came outside and asked Anna to follow me let’s go. She was surprise but followed me anyway. She entered the car and I drove off in a total silent except for the Ave Maria’s hymn that I never stopped playing in my car. Life is taking me to another tour, a strange and different lane that I have never experience or ever thought off before. I don’t know what the outcome will be but for the sake of the innocent child that Anna carries, for the sake of God’s people who may lose faith because of a wrong cause, for the sake of God’s church and the servant of God who dedicated their lives to service I will not allow my own trouble or cross to bear down on them. God will give me strength to carry this heavy unexpected cross. I remember what I told Tagbo in the prison yard. “God will not allow temptation that is above us because he knows our ability. He will step in when the burden becomes unbearable”. I don’t know where this road with Anna leads but I’m certain that no secret will be hidden forever.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 7. I opened the spare room, took few steps away from the door and said to her. "You will stay here tonight, very early tomorrow morning we will be leaving, so please get ready. The kitchen is over there, you can prepare whatever is available for yourself, and there is a bathroom by the other side. Please have It in mind that before dawn we will be out of here".. " to where? Where are we going? She asked looking round the house. " This block is owned by the parish and majorly for reverends but I stepped down for the moment. I can't accommodate a woman or live with one and still be a Reverend father. I can't serve God and mamor. I was forced to choose and here we are. Since this is what you want then is fine by me. That is more reason why we have to move to a faraway city. I will not allow the enemy to shine through me by bringing shame and disgrace to God's people. Please we will leave very early, get prepared because it will be a long ride. I turned to leave and she said. "This house is big enough for us, I wish we can live here. Tell your parish or Bishop to let us stay here. I did not say a word as I turned to leave. When she saw that I was walking away she said. "You said something earlier about "enemy" wait a second, Are you indirectly referring to me as the enemy that wants to disgrace God's people. What exactly did you mean? I ignored her and walked to my room, I locked the door and begin to arrange my things for the journey ahead. I work all through the night, checking for good houses online in the city I planned to move to. I used the remaining hour to pray and seek God's face in such a time as this. Very early the following day I carried my luggages into my car trunk. I checked my room to made sure that i wasn't leaving anything important behind. I went to knock on Anna's door for her to get dressed. She doesn't have any luggage except for the few wears that the Reverend sisters gave her which was in a leather bag. I kept knocking and later heard her saying. "Come inside, the door is not locked. I ignored her offer and kept knocking. she later came to answer the door. She appeared in an undies and I quickly looked away. " I asked you to come inside and you refused. Are you scared of me? Father James I don't bite remember... I focused on the door handle and try to avoid looking at her. " Is time Anna. Get dressed because we are leaving now. This is 4am, I want to be out of here before 4:30am. Please hurry. She gave a heavy sigh before saying. "I told you I like it here. This place is cool. Why can't we just stay here. I haven't slept well too... I turned to leave and she grabbed my hand. I pulled back my hand with a rush and said to her. " Don't make this more difficult than it is already. I will be waiting outside for you Anna. Quickly get dressed, we don't have all day. I walked away leaving her standing. Father Patrick came out that morning to bid me farewell and he promised never to stop praying for me. Anna was out in no time, I went back to make sure everything was in order before locking up the doors. I handed the key over to father Patrick and he said. " This house keys will be kept for you until you decide you don't want it anymore. I know you can overcome this father James, it may not be easy but I have seen your dedication to God's work and knew that God is always with you. I have worked in your steps and never get mislead. You thought me things that I did not learn in seminary school. Kindness and love is in-built in you. Maybe God allowed this for a purpose. There could have been another way out of all this mess but I know whatever God allows is for a reason and he will see you through it. All this will someday become your story but if along the line you fell as many men will do then there is no harm in it. I will remain close by you. Remember when we were kids, growing up in the fenced yard... your whole desire was to serve both God and man. You took your Faith more serious than any of us did back then. We are better men of God because your perfect lifestyle which we emulated kept pushing us towards the right direction. God will see you through this. Your place is with the church of God and not in building a family but I don't want to sound selfish. let only the will of God be done and may he alone vindicate you and exposed every hidden thing at his own perfect time. Please update me when you get to wherever you are going and I will keep in touch brother. I hugged father Patrick and also thanked him for everything. I entered the car, Anna was sitting in the front seat. Immediately I striped my seat belt she said. " You hurried me out of bed only for you to waste so much time talking with that Reverend father. Without looking at her, I turned on the car ignition and began to drive out. I waved at father Patrick who was still standing and waiting and he waved back. " my apologies Anna. I finally said to her before zooming off that morning. I have a city in mind, and I have made enquires overnight and also a place to stay. I transfered the money needed and I know everything will be set before we arrive there. This is not the journey I chose, I never imagined that I will be embarking on such a journey but here I was speeding down the express road with an early morning sun. Life took a drastic turn on me. It came so unexpected. I never thought that just one act of kindness could bring so much harm and sadness to me. Anna sat beside me, she was asleep in no time and snoring loudly like the car engine. I looked over her and looked straight ahead. Whatever fate awaits us it will be made known soon. I'm certain that God will not forsake his own. Right from my mother's womb he knows what my begining and end will be like. God set up my path and him alone knew that this day will come.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 8. The house was okay and was well furnished. I had my own master bedroom just the way I wanted it and Anna's room was very close to mine. a breeze block which was filled up with sea shells was demarcating the two rooms. I can hear her clearly from my reading table and she can also hear the noise coming from mine whenever I'm praying. I wished it was a far seperate room like the one I lived in back at my parish. The house setting here is different from what I'm used to. it was not as big as my former room back in parish block but the room here was comfortable. Before we finally arrived, the journey was a long one. I had to stop on the way to get enough food and drinks for me and Anna before we continued. She complained of the oversize clothes that the Reverend sisters gave her. She hates the cloth and wish to get something new for herself. I didn't reply until we arrive at a boutique. I parked, counted some cash and hand over to her. She was looking at me when I told her to go ahead and buy the kind of clothes she likes in the boutique. I told her to buy something moderate and not cloths that will expose her body. She nodded and left. I have to wait for almost an hour before she came out with three leather bags. " I hope I didn't waste time, I was trying some of the clothes if it will fits perfectly well into me before selecting. I bought some maternity dress too, that's what I will wear when my stomach starts protruding. I didn't spend all the money, The cloths in there are very cheap but I will use the money for something else. I nodded silently. I entered the road again and speed off. We arrived very late and moved into the apartment. I spent almost two days without stepping out of my room. I was resting. I heard knocks and Anna voice calling me but I ignored her. The week has been stressful for me, the troubling situation I found myself gave me sleepless nights but right here I found reasons to rest my aching head. I rested for two days and only came out in the evening of the third day. The whole house was smelling of burnt food. "Hey...I thought you passed out or already dead. I did not want to disturb you but I ended up knocking and screaming your name when you refused to come out. I sneezed out and did sign of the cross. The house was stuffy. "What is burning? I asked looking round. She smiled and said " I cooked, I'm not a great cook but i tried in my own little way. Some of the food got burnt. Should I get some food for you? I looked at her and shakes my head. "Anna, where did you get money to cook? I thought you are eating the food and drinks we bought on our way here? "The balance I got from the money you gave me at the boutique. I asked around while you were on your three days sleep and I was able to get few things for food. Are you hungry? " No, I'm not. I will give you extra cash just in case you want to get something for yourself. She nodded before thanking me. I went back to my room. Very early the following day, I was up and did my normal early morning prayers. I have only fed on fruits, snacks and nuts which I parked from my parish house and filled my room mini fridge. I wasn't used to much food, I can spends days with fruits and water. I was used to spending more time in praying and fasting rather than in feasting and eating elaborate meal. I went into my car that day and drove out to look round the city and get a better food stuffs for the house. I droved down to the only Catholic church in that City. It wasn't so big like the one I came from but I was happy to find a place of worship. I spend hours in the church before driving back to the house. I was about to go into my room that night when Anna who was watching the TV rushed to me " Why can't we be in one room. Why are we living like strangers or flatmate. You used to be so much fun to be with. I enjoyed spending time with you until you became violence after the baby announcement and I woke up in the hospital only to find you in a clerical attire. A Reverend father...but far more handsome than your old self. At first I thought you were different person but later realized that you are the same but maybe a younger, handsome, descent, caring version which you never posses before. I know alot of thing is confusing but we can continue our lives since we are back together. I can't stop saying you are far more handsome than I can imagine. younger and sweet more than I have ever known you to be. allow me to share a room with you father James even if is for one night, let me wake up with you by my side. Father or should I call you your old name... I stood by few feets away from my door looking at Anna and trying to make sense out of all she was saying. What exactly is she talking about. " please, call me James. Leave the"father" aside. we can't share a room together Anna. we are not married. Only married couples has the right to sleep in the same bed... "Then let's get married. By the way you are not a virgin, you have laid with me severally in the past. What's stopping us now. We are living together as what exactly. Anna asked moving closer to me and focusing her eyes on my mouth. I took a feet back from her. "Anna, you wanted to move in with me and that's why we are here. This is never what I bargained for. Everything happened so fast... unexpectedly. I never met you before until the accident. I really don't know or understand what you mean by laying with you in the past and getting you pregnant. I don't know where those ideas are coming from and sometimes I think you need a psychiatrist help. You are already acting insane with this crazy thoughts of me fathering your child, hitting a hard wood on your head when you revealed it to me. Those are crazy thoughts. Anna, I'm a servant of God, a priest, a minister and I have dedicated my whole life to God's work. I took a vow to remain celibate, a vow to serve humanity and I never derail. I accepted to become a godly father to your unborn child but I'm not the baby's biological father Anna. I'm doing all this for the sake of God's people whose faith will fade out if the fake news get into their ears. I'm doing this for the sake of the baby in your womb who deserves a better life. Anna, we are flatmate and I will take care of your needs until you put to birth. Don't think pass this line that I just made clear or you will end up hurting yourself. She moved back from me and I guess I was harsh in my actions and used of words. I turned to unlock my door but suddenly pause and looked back at her. "I'm sorry for my tone. Anna, get a grip over yourself and start filling your head with beautiful and godly things rather than unnecessary ideas or been with me in bed because that will never happen. I unlocked the door and went inside with a bag in my hand which contains snacks and fruits. My room has a mini fridge were I stored food and drinks. bathroom and toilet is right in another corner of the room. I don't have much business outside except to use the kitchen or ironing table. Time will come that I may have to pick up a job to be able to pay bills. I'm not under my parish care anymore even though I still get support from my Bishop. In this new city I'm on my own. I have enough money which will take us year or two but I don't have to depend on that alone. I spend days, weeks and months moving from my room to my car and driving down to the Catholic Church which was far from where I live and also touring the city. I spend more time in church before returning back home. Anna did everything to get my attention but I was too focused to notice. She was sitting half naked one day as I got back. I ignored her as usual. I refused to pay any attention to her. Her pregnancy was becoming obvious as the month fly. I drove her down to a hospital and she got registered. I usually take her there sometime for check up and bring her back. I was on my bed one night, praying with my chaplet when I heard a tap on the breeze block which demarcate me and Anna's room. I didn't respond as she kept tapping the wall. After sometime she pause and said. " Father if you can hear me I have a confession to make... I remained quiet and listened. " My confessions goes this way.. She was silent for some time and later continued. " First, I have a question to ask you. Are you sure that you are still a man? Do you have manhood or you have become impotent ever since you became a priest? Why do you spend so much time praying, don't you ever get tired? I know you will ignore me as usual but kindly check if your manhood is still active. I'm available if you need to test run your machine. Hope you understand.. I ignored the funny question. "Father, here is my confession. We have been here for several months now but for the past three weeks my memory has not flipped out. I can remember who I am and who you are too. She was quiet and later continued. "My real name is Nikita and I'm in love with you now more than ever, I respect your wishe of being left alone but sometimes I wish you can loosen up. Because you are missing a whole lot of fun. don't call me Nikita, I don't like that name anymore. Just as you you changed yours from Gumi to "father James" I love the name you gave me "Anna". I don't know if you are also suffering from memory loss because I sometimes wonder why you can't remember. Maybe you are pretending no to know. You don't want anyone to know your past but I remember everything now. Let me remind you of the first day we met at dinosaur night club... I gave a heavy sigh. When I thought she was beginning to make sense she will drift off, talking about things I don't understand. The first time I met her was the day she was hit by a car. She ran into the road without care and was knocked down. It was not in a club but by the road side where her almost lifeless body lie, bleeding heavily from the head. my priest apparel was socked with blood when I lifted her to my car but I wasn't bothered all that I cared about was her life. Anna, or should I call her "Nikita" was beginning to sound crazy again but I listened to her anyway without a word.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 9. "... you told me that I was a great dancer and very beautiful. You said I looked like the queen of the coast. You introduced yourself as Gumi and asked for mine. I was always shy to say my full name out so I ended up telling you "Kita" Instead of Nikita. You paid for my drinks and I started liking you from that first day. We ended up in a motel which was close to dinasaur night club. We had our first night and many more sweet nights. I only visited your place once and the second time was to inform you about the pregnancy which got you mad. I thought the news will interest you, I thought you loved me like you usually whisper to my ears whenever we are together. You treated me well and gives me enough money. You said I should leave all my lovers and focus on you alone and I did exactly that. You got angry and jealous anytime a man calls me. You became violent too but you will later apologies. You were nice until I discovered that I missed my flow and came to you with the news thinking you will also be happy but you became so violent and hit me with a....a... She paused and I was waiting for her to continue but she didn't. I listened and was surprised when she began to snore so loudly. She slept off suddenly in the midst of her supposed confession. I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, the chaplet which I was praying with was hanging on my neck. I breathed down and kept staring at the ceiling. Few Psalms dropped in my heart and I began to say them out. "Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. you have always been my helper, don't leave me now, please don't abandon me O God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me the Lord will hold me close.... I became quiet as another Psalm dropped again. ".. even in darkness I can not hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and night are the same to you Lord. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and you knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you Lord for making me so wonderfully complex. I stood up and began working around my room with my Bible as more Psalms poured into my heart and out it came through my mouth. "... you saw me before I was born, every day if my life was recorded in your book...how precious are your thoughts about me. I can't count your numerous blessings for they outnumbered the grains of sand... A tear drop from my eyes and another followed by. I didn't bother wiping the tears I was filled with his presence. I began to talk to God in my broken state. "...The condition I found myself do not look good but I will trust you. Even if you struck me harder than this I will never stop trusting you. If it gets worst and everything around me began to crumble, even in death I will keep trusting, for you have the key to life and death. If you do not approve, it will never stand. I'm only your servant please help me through this and at the end all glory will return to you alone. Anna... no matter her past mistakes she belongs to you, you knew her before she was born and knew this day will come, help her pull through this. grant her safe delivery and help me to see her not as the enemy for she is also a victim of the devil, help me to see and relate with her better than before. I don't have any reason to condemn her or appear more righteous than she is because we all answers only to you. Either Jew or Greek we belong to one God. For we are the righteousnes of God through Christ Jesus.... I prostrated on the ground and that was were I remain till day break. I felt free, i felt relieved and when I got out Anna was not yet out of her room. I went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. I waited hoping she will be out but she didn't come out I walked to her door and knocked. "Good morning Anna. How are you today? I asked. I have never bother to know how she was really doing ever since we moved to this City, I was consumed with anger and pity but after last night I became The Man God chosed fifteen years ago to serve and lead his people. I became the priest that took of vow of obedience to God's call. In both rain and sun, in good and in bad situation, in hunger and in plenty, in sickness and in health I vow to serve no matter the condition. I was back at being myself again, God did not choose me for only the good times, he alone knew bad time will strikes. "Anna... Anna... I called again. Her response came but I sensed something wasn't right. I decided to open the door, I stood by the door side and saw her lying down on the floor instead of her bed. She wasn't sleeping but was looking weak. I took few steps close to her side. This was my first time entering her room. I stood beside her before going down on one knee to where she was lying. "Are you alright... what's the problem. Do you need anything? Isn't this ground too cold for you? I asked. She turned and looked at me surprised at my sudden kindness. " I made breakfast... should I get you some? She nodded. "Then try and get up and wash your mouth. "I can't, I'm too weak to get up. I have tried getting up but fell back. I'm feeling dizzy... "Okay, no to worry. I will help you. Anna is heavily pregnant but I try to help her to her feet before leading her to the bathroom. I added paste to her toothbrush and handed over to her. I turned on the water heater for her hot bath. She was brushing her teeth when I left. She spent over an hour using the bathroom I brought breakfast and placed on her room table while she was still in the bathroom. When I checked up on her later, the food was untouched. She was lying down on her bed "I'm sorry, I couldn't eat it. She said calmly. "No problem Anna. Will you like to eat something else or should I take you to the hospital? She mentioned what she wants to eat. I drove out to get it for her. She was able to eat and I lead her out to the sitting room. She lay at the couch as I try reading some Bible stories to her. I made dinner and serve her and she ate little before going to bed. Every night I made sure I pray with her before she goes to bed. After two weeks, one cool afternoon Anna screamed that her water broke and was rushing down her legs. I quickly drove her to the hospital and she gave birth The following day. Anna gave birth to a baby boy. She stayed few days in the hospital before returning home. I try to be there and support her all the way, holding the baby in my arms and caring for him like a father would do, makes me forget my trouble. The baby grew with every passing day that turned into weeks and months. Anna was a good mother, and I made sure she and the baby lacks nothing. I thought of the DNA test but left it for later. I may not be a biological father to the baby but I will be a father figure to him. Anna asked me to give him a name and I called him Joel. Joel and I bonded together and every night before bed time, I made sure we all prayed together before going to our seperate rooms. Even after I retire to my room I will still have my own quiet time. I never knew who my biological father was but I will become a spiritual father to many kids like me. So that they can have a normal life growing up. The bishop and father Patrick never stop to check up and pray for me through phone calls and messages. I later got a part-time job, which runs for five hours at a grocery store. I made sure I buy things for Joel and his mother whenever I'm coming back. Anna was changing to a better person because of my sudden change towards her. I cared for her like I will do for a sister. Kindness speaks many languages, love was my deal breaker. I found myself in the verge of serving humanity again. I'm changing what seem like a sad tale to a testimony. At the grocery store I smile, I remain friendly both with the young and old. I started having people coming down only when I'm on shift. The old wants to tell me about their family, children, grandchildren. While the young are mostly having, relationship, career or family problems. I booked time outside work with them at a coffee shop where we sit, talk, cry, laugh and most importantly pray together. I was serving again even in my own little way. The city which holds only memory of a childhood past and tales of a dear one was changing to something magnificent. Everyday I return home to Joel and Anna. Joel will giggle immediately he hears the sound of my car driving into the compound. He is always happy to see me. I will take him from his mother's arms and gently throw him up into the air. It was satisfying watching his toothless mouth giggle so loud. I don't know where all this will end but I'm allowing God to lead. Where he leads I will follow until he says is time to go back to where I came from. I'm beginning to enjoy every day at a time. Counseling, ministering and leading people to God after my every shift. The coffee shop was having more people waiting to talk and pray with me. We sometimes sit round a table with our coffee in hand as I went on doing the only thing I'm called to do which is to serve. After each meeting I return home to Joel and listen to him giggle innocently. Everyday is becoming fulfilling because I'm back to serving mankind just as God has intended for me.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 10. Time fly so fast and months turned into a year and was flying to the second year. Joel was beginning to take a step and it was something beautiful. Watching him grow everyday makes me feel a certain kind of fatherly love for the child. I don’t work at the grocery store on Saturdays and definitely not on Sunday except on emergency calls which will only be after morning mass. Even the people at the coffee shop knew about my timing. They understand I can only be available during the week. I usually attends all the Sunday mass. I may not appear in cleric or priest attire, I may not administer the holy water, or communion bread and wine to the congregation, I don’t go on a priest visitations to prisons, hospital or homes. Despite I don’t do any of those things which I use to do back in my parish I was still serving in my own way. I took Anna and Joel to church on Sunday and brought them back after the first and second mass was over. In the evening I got dressed again for service which is generally known as adoration. I asked Anna if she will like to come along and she said yes. I was in the car when she came out and join me with Joel. We drove down to the church for adoration that Sunday evening where we all raised our voice in singing, clapping and dancing together. I asked Anna to watch and follow my lead during burning of the incense time. She was free as she sing along and dance with the crowd. Joel wasn’t left out in the adoration worship. That evening when we got back home and she put Joel to bed, she came to join me in the sitting room. “Why did you come here, I mean this city….why did you chose this particular city among many others? Anna asked taking her sit in a close by cushion. “I was told my mother came from here. I never get to meet her but I heard stories and the city reminds me of her. We became quiet as I fixed my eyes on the television again. “Who raised you…since you never get to know your mother then who brought you up? Your dad, grandma, relatives…who trained you and how do you became a priest? Anna asked me. I breathed down and knew I will have to go down the memory lane to answer Anna’s questions. I talk very slow and calm and that was the way I began. Picking at my word as I flashed back to my early boy days. “I was raised in the catholic orphanage home….that was where I met father Patrick. He was also an orphan and wanted to live the rest of his live serving God. We both want almost the same thing. Our care giver were not much back then but they were kind only one was brutal but was removed after the bishop heard of his wicked and ungodly act. I don’t know my father, I don’t have blood relatives except the people I grew up with in the catholic children home. Many children wanted to be different things, some wanted to pursue their career and dreams and right now some are married with children, some are living their dream but only few were willing to dedicate their lives into serving God. No body forced me, I was asked severally if I’m sure of choosing this part of priesthood and I assured them all that I knew what I wanted. Same with father Patrick and lucky for us we were posted to the same parish after rounding up with our different seminary and priest school. Moving to this city is just to feel close to the woman that bore me who I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet. She died after child birth….after giving birth to me. She wasn’t really married to my father, they were courting and he disappeared along the pregnancy period and moved on with his life. He may be alive or dead I really don’t know. I try searching in the past to know him but the little information I got did not help with anything. I may have an earthly father who doesn’t exist anymore but I was raised by my heavenly father who will never disappear or abandoned me in difficulty. So, Anna…you see why me and Gumi…that’s Joel supposed father. We don’t relate in anyway. I have never gotten involved with worldly pleasure. Never…you mentioned Dinosaur night club, you mentioned being hit with a wood…is unfortunate that you think I’m the person that did all that. I will never hurt a woman or a man intentionally, I was called to guide, and serve all mankind and not to abuse. I’m not a perfect being, I’m a human like you, I make mistakes too. Only God is perfect…I’m only working towards perfection and hanging on the grace which God made available for us through Christ. Such grace shouldn’t be abuse and the privilege should not be taken for granted. My calling is different from many out there. I hold my priest vow to my heart…so dearly. Sex, money, fame all sort of worldly pleasure do not and will never interest or entice me because I’m focused in my calling and I have being groomed to remain celibate. We can still do the DNA test to ascertain if I’m truly Joel’s father...maybe this week or anytime you feel ready, just to assure you that I’m not who you think I am. I’m father James not Gumi…but I will always be a father to Joel. I never had one but I have become a spiritual father to many and not only Joel. Even if the DNA test reviews the truth of my innocent it will never stop me from being who I have always been. I turned and looked at her and she was staring at me, tears glistered in her eyes. “Are you alright Anna? I asked her with a concerned tone. “Sure, I am fine. Do you at some point hate me…I mean dislike me for all the trouble I put you through? “I was only angry at how things escalated so fast. I innocently saved you that day from that accident and kept praying. I did not stop checking on you because it also gives me opportunity to meet and pray with many others in the hospital. I never expected the way things turned out. The Doctor attending to you informed me that you were few weeks pregnant but the unborn child was alright. I kneel at the holy sacrament three times in a day praying for you, your unborn child and many others going through different phase. When you woke up I was happy but I did not come immediately to see you until after a week. I visited and we got talking where you picked the name Anna for yourself among all the names I mentioned. You chose Anna which is a Hebrew name and it means grace. So despite your mistakes and short coming God grace is abundant in your life. You are only a victim of life uncertainty and I don’t blame you for anything that happened. It only happened because God allowed it, for many reasons him alone knows. Maybe for the souls that are been saved at the coffee shop, for returning to the only city I had only memory of my mother… for any reason God allowed this, is all for the best and to his glory because we are his workmanship…. a pencil in his hand. If he decide to take life away from us tonight, we can’t question him because he molded us in the beginning, we are only clay in his hands… Everywhere became silent, the night has worn on. I knew it was time for bed. “I need to go bed now. Remember to pray Anna before you sleep. Goodnight… She sniffs severally, and try to clear her choked voice. “Goodnight father James….thank you for everything. I breathed in, nodded and walked down to my room. I left her sitting alone in the parlor reminiscing over her life. The next morning I was up and left for work at the grocery store after which I went to join my small gathering at the coffee shop. After two months flew by, the bishop wanted me to really go for the DNA test so that I can return home in due time. I decided to do that. I drove Anna and Joel to the hospital where the test was conducted. When the result came I wasn’t Joel’s biological father. Anna said we should try in another hospital and we ended up going to four different hospitals and the result was the same. My DNA did not correspond with Joel. I was not his biological father. I kept my word to be a great father to Joel. “We can both search for his father if you want. We can travel to wherever you think Gumi may live and search him out…but is only when you feel ready for such task. Do not be afraid, he will never hurt you again. God will go before us and make every crooked ways straight. After another months moved by, it was two years already in the city. Anna felt is time. She was willing to go in search of Gumi. We started preparing for the task ahead.

hmmm? irony of life, there's a reason for everything, God is never an author of confusion, ride on writer.

Derz some kind of mix up here,or father James n Gumi are identical twins??? Hmmmm time will tell...

hmmmm nawaoo

u are really a God fearing man father James

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 11. I noticed she was shivering in fear and stood at the door “You are scared? Why…? I asked with a concerned tone as I adjusted Joel in my right arm. “Gumi…he made it clear to me that he doesn’t want the child. He can be very angry and unleash terror on anyone who stands on his way. He looked harden, older and shrewd. He shares deep resemblance with you…maybe he just an older version of you….let me say your doppelganger, your look alike. I don’t know why he is terrifies me right now. I don’t want any harm to come to me, you or Joel. That is why I’m having a double mind about this whole trip. I know where he lives. Is going to be a long ride…I wish we can just cancel and stay the way we are here. Joel pulled off my face cap and try to fit on his head. The face cap fell off his hand and he struggled to come down to get it. I gently dropped him down and watch him pick up the face cap and giggle loudly again. “paapa…see….papaa…seeee meehh…. He called my attention, when I looked down at him, the cap was covering both his head and some part of his face. I laughed at his funny look before tickling him. He strolled away and began to run with his tiny legs while laughing. I returned my full attention to Anna. “You don’t have to be afraid Anna. Gumi will not hurt you…and nothing will happen to you or Joel. This is not just about meeting Joel’s biological father is also getting to know the man that shares same resemblance with me. I want to know why you mistake me for such a man as that. But most importantly, I want to go back to being a priest, I want to return to my main calling. I love this city and had already made friends and fellowship members. It will be hard to just leave them like that but whatever plans God has for them will come to manifestation. Anna, I can’t live here forever, working at the grocery store and meeting up few people at the coffee shop. God chose me for a greater work. To help the needy, to lay hand on the sick and they shall recover, to minister to those behind bars and show them the right part to light, to serve in obedience to all his commands, to love and forgive all man and live exemplary life for many to emulate. I can’t achieve all this here, I’m limited and confine to a cycle since I have being in this city. I miss visiting some of my friends in prison, people like Tagbo who wholeheartedly accepted Christ and was very willing to start life again. Being here is very comfortable and nothing much to do except the five hours work at the grocery store and the meeting at the coffee place and I return home to you and Joel. Is less troubling but I was chosen to calm every troubling situation and be in peace with all mankind. I can’t achieve much here until I become free again, where I can move around as the priest that took a vow with the holy sacrament. We need to get all this done so that we can all move on. I guess you don’t want to remain with a man who will never be romantically involved with you, a man who sees you as his own sister and nothing more than that… but we can cancel today and reschedule for another time when you are fully not ready for it…” She felt relieved and said we she reschedule in about a month or two so that she will be fully out for the journey. She said we can wait for another month to pass before going for Gumi and I agreed. I continued my work at the grocery store and will go to the coffee shop as usual. I leave 8am in the morning and return back every 6 to 7pm in the evening and I will remain home. Anna knows the time that I usually come home and will call me if the time passes and I wasn’t home. I began to notice that Joel was always running temperature whenever I come back. I noticed half eaten pizza and drinks and I sometimes see an empty pack of pizza lying in the kitchen table. I asked Anna about the sudden eating of pizza three times in a week and she said she enjoys it with Joel. I began to drop more money for her to order for whatever she want. I complained about Joel’s body temperature and she said that he will be alright. Joel’s body temperature only goes down whenever I carry him, he will feel relaxed and become himself again. I did not take anything to heart and continued with my normal routine. One day, while I was at the grocery store I felt the need to go home. I waved it off and continued my work. The urged became strong. I paused and looked at the time it remain an hour and my shift will be over before the coffee shop. I said few prayers and continued but this tiny whisper came again asking me to leave whatever I was doing and go home. For over a year that I have been working I have not left work and drive home all of a sudden before but today became different. The more I try to resist the stronger it comes. I picked up my phone to call Anna but suddenly changed my mind from calling her. I told my colleague on duty that I need to rush home for some sort of emergency which I don’t know what it maybe yet. He agreed to look out for me. I picked up my car keys, changed off my uniform into my normal wear before driving home. I couldn’t place what was wrong but I was on my way to find out whatever it may be. I did not bother driving inside the gate since I was still going to be out in no time. I only wanted to check on Anna and Joel to make sure that they were okay. I noticed a power bike parked at a far end of a wall, close to the gate. It was rare to see such except if it happens to be a delivery guy. I began to wonder if Anna ordered for anything or maybe the pizza which she suddenly developed interest in. I quietly walked inside the gate and straight to the door. The door was locked, I brought out a bunch of key which also has my room key and unlocked the door from outside before going in. Everywhere was calm, nothing was scattered or turned upside down. I saw pizza empty carton lying carelessly on a table. Joel was not even making a sound, he was probably asleep. I began to wonder what the serious urge was, since everything looks normal. I strolled pass the fire place and that was when I saw a man’s shoe, then a shirt. Everything became suspicious, I crossed over to the sitting room and saw Joel, he was sleeping on his baby couch right there in the sitting room. The baby couch was like a cage, even if he wakes up he won’t be able to climb out of it. He hardly use the couch whenever I’m around. I checked him to make sure he was fine. I noticed that he was running serous temperature. I looked around the sitting room and saw baby syrup. When I read the content, it was a sleeping medicine to make the child to sleep. I gasped out in shock before dropping the syrup. I made a sign of the cross. I was hearing some noise coming from Anna’s room. A mumbling quiet noise. I moved closer and try to knock but I found out the door was not even locked. It was half closed. I knocked anyway, waited for some seconds before pushing the door aside. After taking few step inside I stood staring at a strange man in bed with Anna. They appear even more shocked to see me as they both paused from their act and stare at me in disbelief. I was surprised. I looked from Anna to the man before turning to leave. I went to the sitting room and placed my hand on Joel, I shot my eyes and said few prayer and he suddenly began to cough which lead to a vomit. He threw off all the syrup content that he was feed and awaken. I carried him out of the cage held him in my arms, he was delighted to see me as usual. He smells of urine, his diaper was socked up. I went to where his new diapers are being kept and started changing and cleaning him up. I can hear Anna and her lover quarreling over something. I waited for them to be out and in no time the man came out first and looked at me with Joel in my arms. “Is her fault….she never told me that she was married. Is been over a month we have been seeing each other but she never mentioned about being married. She said that she live here with her son. I told her everything about me, I did not hide my full identity because I liked her. I told her that I’m married with two kids and worked at the cray pizza which I always bring some to her. I did not lie about anything. She asked me to come within a certain period of time and I made sure I don’t disappoint. She lied to me….I’m not at fault, she is…. Anna came out from the room readjusting her hair and said. “Fred, I did not lie…believe me, I’m not married. He is a father…. Fred turned and looked at her as if she was going insane. “A father?? What does that even mean? Your son’s father…or what? You are a liar…get lost. I’m out of here... He picked up his shirt and his shoes and head to the exit door. Anna called after him but he did not turn, he kept walking angrily without looking back. “…Fred, he is a reverend father and has never touched me. Fred…believe me….I’m not lying. He takes me as a sister and never touched me like you do. I like you a lot Fred. Please don’t go….Fred…Fred…. In no time Fred was out of the house and out of the gate I gasped out in disbelief, even Joel was watching the drama without understanding what was going on. She turned but did not look at me. She looked at her son and said. “How did he wake up? He was supposed to sleep for five hours…he has only gone for two hours and wasn’t supposed to wake up now…. I shake my head with pity. “Is that why you drugged him…? You gave him a sleeping syrup so that he won’t disturb you and Fred? That was very bad Anna. What kind of mother are you…. The syrup was eating deep into his system and making him to run a high temperature. Why Anna…? She frowned and walked to a sit. “Don’t judge me. You once told me that nobody has the right to judge except God so please don’t judge me. You were celibate and will not even hold or kiss me. Your priest vow was so dear to you than my feelings. I wanted you so much but I dared not ask because you made it clear that you will never touch me. I try to seduce and make you cuddle me up like I desired but you will rather cuddle your bible. I ordered for Pizza one day and Fred delivered it and we got talking. I invited him over another day and we had a good time…that was how it all started. Is just for a month and he doesn’t come every day. It only happen when I’m sure you will be at work… Fred makes me feel like a real woman. I couldn’t stop asking him to come over. Don’t judge me….. I swallowed hard before sitting down. Joel’s body temperature was back to normal. He yawn severally which means he was hungry. I quickly stood up and made a fruit cereal that I usually buy for him from the store. I mixed it up and gave him to eat and in no time he finished it and requested for more. I diced fruits inside plate and handed over to him with water. He got busy with it while I return my attention to Anna who was still trying to defend her actions. “Anna, I’m not judging you…I’m only disappointed. I did not expect such from you. I thought by now you have groomed your faith and kept off from anything sinful. Fred is a family man…he is married with children. He is cheating on his wife with you and you are okay with it. Where is your conscience? If he gets you pregnant again like Gumi did and disappeared you will end up painting it on me for the second time. You will tell those who cares to listen that father James is responsible for the pregnancy again. They will believe you this time, did you know why? Because we live together and anything can possibly happen. I hope he has not already gotten you pregnant? Anna…I…I don’t expect this from you. Why drug Joel when you can lock your room and put on the cartoon for him to watch or even get him busy with his toys. Look at him he was so hungry, his diapers was sucked up and I’m not sure you remembered to feed him since morning before giving him the sleeping syrup. Anna! I guess is really time to know who Gumi is. Don’t give me another excuse or reasons why you don’t want to go. We are both going by next week. Anna was quiet, she looks like she wanted to cry. “You said I should let you know when I’m ready but I’m not ready yet. Why did you even come back to the house…is unlike you. What made you come home…? Are you angry with me…are you jealous? I stood up from the chair and looked over at Joel, he was chewing the apple in his hand. “i…I’m only disappointed Anna. I provide everything you and Joel needed. Maybe not everything you need which is getting romantically involved with you. I made it very clear that such will never happen. Is been three years already, all I did was to love and care for you and Joel. I did not expect such act from you. That was wrong. Did you want to get pregnant again, that is if you haven’t? Did you want to be the reason for a happy family to suddenly break up and start seeking for divorce? Don’t you want a good future for you and Joel with a man who will be both a husband and a father to you and Joel someday? Please Anna, you have from now till next week to make up your mind about visiting Gumi. Anna suddenly felt like throwing up but held it back, the urge came again and she rushed to the visitors bathroom, I waited until she was out I breathed in. my phone was ringing, I checked the time and back at the caller, it was meeting time. They are waiting for me already. I looked at Joel before leaving. “I have a meeting at the coffee shop… I don’t want to keep them waiting” I said before walking out leaving her in a state of dilemma. She will have to make up her mind soon about what exactly she wants from life. I need to get back to my priesthood. A life I lived so well before I was thrown off guard. I just pray and hope Anna is not pregnant for Fred.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 12. Anna was acting strange but I pretend not to care even though I wish to know what was eating at her. Anna needed to sit up, she was too relaxed and thought she can get away with every sinful act. she forgot there is a consequence for every action. I was not happy with the way she treated her own child or even mingled with a married man. If she has gotten involved with a single and responsible man I will not be worried but Fred was married with kids. He has been visiting for over a month and I never knew until I listened to the urge of the holy spirit which directed me home that day. I try to be a bit strict with her and kept reminding her about our upcoming journey to meet Gumi. As the said day draw near I went to her to remind her again. "Anna, our journey begins tomorrow or next. Get yourself and Joel ready. We will be leaving very early. She gave a heavy sigh before saying "Can't you see that I have not been feeling fine. Why didn't you observe or the holy spirit did not tell you this time? But it told you to come home and destroy my relationship with Fred. I'm not feeling well so I can't go anywhere. "Are you pregnant? I asked the question I have been wanting to ask her for days. She gave me another annoying sigh before saying. "I'm too smart to get pregnant for Fred. You thought I'm pregnant.... c'mon, what do you take me for? Please, I'm not pregnant. I'm only love struck and I need a real man in my life. I'm not going anywhere near Gumi. I can't even remember where he lives. I losed my memory again. You made Fred to leave me. How do I get another man that will make me feel like a woman. Is obvious that you are impotent or you lack a manhood. But bear it in mind that I'm not stepping out of this house. I'm having memory lose and can't remember a road to Gumi's house. I was not going to hear another excuse from her. She was still angry with me because Fred left her but I won't beat around the bush or make her feel comfortable that it was okay to do whatever she pleases. I told her my mind. "I'm sorry if you are not feeling well or suffering memory loss, I can get you drugs or pray for you to get back your self again only if you are interested but Fred is not an antidote to your health. You need to grow up Anna. Don't derive joy in other people's pain. We are going to see Gumi tomorrow and that is final. If your memory is lose then start searching for it. You will be in the car and there is nothing much for you to do rather than tell me how to get to him. get ready, after today, by tomorrow we will be out of town to meet Gumi. I left her and entered my room. Very early the following morning I tapped on her door but she did not respond. I waited, hoping she will be out but Anna did not come out. I knocked again and called out her severally but no response. I opened her door and went inside and she was lying naked and smiling at me. I quickly turned my face and walked out. Joel strolled out to meet me and i got him ready and wait for Anna to be out. Anna came out but not dressed. She bared her breast out and walked round the house with only pant. " Is this the best idea you came up with so that you won't show me the way to Gumi. You can do better than this please... She started laughing sarcastically. And surprisingly pulled off her pant and throw it at me. i quickly dodged it and looked else where. Anna began to cat walk round the house with her nakedness. I sat down and stare right at nothing. "You said I can do better... and I'm trying to show you how much I can do. Why are you looking away? Take a good look at me James.... am I not desireable? You want me to live in this house with you as a Reverend sister... hahahaha. You chased away the man that gives me satisfaction. You think I care if he's married or not. All I cared about was the way he makes me feel and how he handles me in bed. If his wife was good enough he won't be coming here to smash me in bed those afternoons. Father James, Keep your holiness to yourself and leave me with my sin. I was never a saint. If you know how many married men I have slept with or the things that I have done before you met me you won't be under this same roof with me. I have dealt with a handfull of single men too and I can tell you that you are really missing a lot. If only you will allow me to handle you just once, you will go and testify of how good I am. I wish to know the size in between your legs and help you feel like a real man. What kind of stupid vow or celibacy that is keeping you from enjoying the sweet juice that a woman is ready to offer you. What kind of a man are you that will live with a woman for a good three years without a touch or a kiss. Do you even have manhood or you are impotent.... maybe you are a naive virgin who doesn't know how to handle a woman. I can teach you if you will let me. Listen James, you can sleep with me now and nobody will judge you or even know about it...it will be between us. You can even marry me if you want. My family probably thinks I'm dead and I hate them all because they referred to me as wayward and prostitute. Permit me to show you what real love feels like. You have being missing so much. Check me out.... take a long look at my sexy body" She moved her naked self to where I sat focusing at nothing. Joel was eating breakfast and playing with his toys. He was so occupied and did not care about the drama his mother was performing. Anna came to stand in front of me and widen her legs, dangling her breast right at me. I looked up at her and she was biting her lips, sticking out her tongue in seductive style. Anna did all this without minding that little Joel was sitting right there. I stood and try to walk away but Anna blocked me. " Hahaha... you are getting all hard and can't resist me. Let me unravel you and make you feel like a real man. We can do it right here or in the room. Nobody will know. I'm all horny and yawning for your touch. I have yawn for it for three good years. I guess is time we get it done. i can also back my actions with the scripture that says the kingdom of God suffereth violence and violence takes it by force. Yes I'm taking it by force from you today. Please touch me... allow me to kiss your sucklent lips. You are too handsome to be wasting away all in the name of serving God and keeping your vow of celibacy. Try it once and see what it feels like. The feeling is heaven on earth. You will enjoy it I promise you... I was praying all through this period not because I was afraid but because at a point along her seductive act and speech I became distracted. And getting distracted was a little space that the devil needs to penetrate into my heart. I was not going to flex muscle with the devil and show him how strong I am or how I can flee from temption no matter what. I can't contend with the devil carnally. I invited the power above all powers to make the enemy to submit to the authority. I was caught up by the holy spirit at that moment and quickly placed my right hand on Anna's forehead and began to rebuke. At first, she looked at me as if I was performing some sort of magic. She began to laugh but I kept rebuking with so much authority and did not stop until her laughter turned into a terrifying scream. The fire burn through her and she fell to the ground and started rolling all over. I kept praying as the holy spirit took over me, rebuking every seducing spirit, every marine and spirit of confusion in her. I asked them to flee from her and never return. This bad spirits were strong willed and stubborn. They refused to leave but I was not battling them alone. The presence of God filled The house and it looks like the whole building will collapse. I heard a cry of a baby, it was Joel. The little boy was terrified but I was too carried away with the heavy task at hand. I prayed until Anna became still on the ground. She was motionless and the seductive spirit was out of her. My Bible said for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities in the high places that are out to torment the children of God. When I recovered from what happened, Joel was lying still on the ground, he did not move and Anna lay naked. I took cloth and covered her up before tapping her. She stood from the ground. Covering herself up quickly. I went to Joel and check if he is was alright before lifting him to my arm. Anna was on her feet. "What happened... what did you do to me and what happened to my son...is he dead... father James? She asked moving away from me as if I was a ghost. " Anna, go and rest today. Our journey will start tomorrow to Gumi. I carried Joel to my room and lay him on the my bed he suddenly wakes up. I carried him back to the parlour and got him busy with his toys again. I needed to have a quiet time, so I returned to my room and resume praying. I did not come out until evening. I checked up on Anna and Joel. They were watching the television in silent. Anna was holding her son more tender than I have ever seen her do before. I returned back to my room till the following day The next day I was up. I got ready and as I was coming out Anna was also coming out from her room with Joel. They were both ready. She greeted me cheerfully and handed Joel to me. "Good morning father James. i have been up since... very early and was waiting for you. I also packed some food for the journey ahead" We left. I drove out of the city and Anna was my road map. I kept driving all through the morning till afternoon sun settled in. I stopped at a gas station and filled up my car tank before we entered the road again. It was mid noon before we finally got close. " He lives in this town. Take your left and turn right to the next street. Anna said pointing out the way. I followed and kept driving until we arrived at a building. It was already sun down. "That's his house. Right there.... that tall building. Yes, that one over there. I drove down and parked in front of the building. I got down but she was still in the car. "Father, I'm afraid. Gumi is also a drug Lord and very mean. I will just stay in the car. "You don't have to be afraid of Gumi. You are not alone Anna. We are together in this and I will not let any harm come to you or Joel. Okay? Let's go... She nodded and came down. She carried Joel and matched behind me as I followed her instructions and walked straight to the door. I ranged the door bell twice and a young man came to answer the door. "Hello! my name is James and we are asking for Gumi. I was told he lives here. "Ooh, he used to live here but not again. I breathed in and said. " Please, where can we find him. Is very urgent. The young man looked from Anna who kept a distance and then back to me before saying. "The government took over most of his properties after he was arrested. Gumi has been in prison for two years now. He is serving a life sentence and may die there except if the court of appeal decide otherwise or grant him a patrol. Whatever they like they should do with him because he was a pain in the ass. A serious pain in people's neck.... a hardened criminal who deserves to rot in jail..." I asked the man which of the prisons they kept Gumi and he described it clearly for me. I thanked him before leaving. I planned to go and see Gumi in prison but not today, it will be another day. We need to go home and get ready for another journey ahead. I'm glad we are making progress and Anna is no more a hindrance to meeting Gumi the drug Lord and Joel's father.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 13. I needed time to pray over this prison visit. I don't know what to expect but I was at peace in my inner man to proceed. I took off after two days, it was another long drive but I wasn't worried and I also wanted Anna to feel free. Gumi was behind bars and won't hurt her but even if he happens to be free he was not to be feared but loved. I assured Anna that she was safe because God is always going before us to make every rough way straight. I drove until I got to the prison yard. Anna came down but I asked her to remain in the car with Joel while I go in first. I wasn't dressed like a Reverend or a priest. Ever since i moved to my late mother's city I appear as an ordinary man before people because that is who God wanted me to be at such a time. Nobody knew I was a priest in the city. How will they even see me as one when I live in the same house with a woman. It sound very absurd. I miss being a priest. I miss officiating in God's vineyard. Yes, I miss the outreaches to hospitals, orphanage, prison and elderly homes. Those days I used to visit Tagbo and many others in prison. We will sit around a table and talk like we have known all our lives. I was called to gather and not to scatter. I was called to build and not to tear down and I was called to become a servant and not to rule over anyone. My calling is to serve mankind and I have followed every step of my duty diligently not because I was stronger than all or more spirit filled but because of the abundant grace God bestowed on me. "Good day officer, my name is James White. I'm here to see a prisoner....his name is Gumi. He looked up at me for a while and asked me to step aside and remove my face cap. I removed my face cap and stepped aside. "I almost mistake you to be him but you look very fresh, young, calm and disciplined. unlike Gumi, looking like an uncircumcised barbarian. What do you do for a living? He asked still staring at me suspeciously. "I'm a cleric sir. "I see. That was all he said and asked another officer to come and take over. Another prison guard came and did the search. I went back to the first officer who was filled with question. "What kind of visitor? Business, lawyer, colleague, friend, relatives or clergyman? He asked me. I breathed in before replying. "Relative sir. They showed me a place to sign in and I did. I was ushered in and asked to wait at the visitors waiting hall. I sat, waiting for the one man that was terrorizing many people. The one man that was a drug Lord, the man that Anna and even the officer mistake to be me. though some of Anna's story doesn't add up but I chose to ignore. I still wonder how Gumi will hit her with a wood after she announced her pregnancy to him. She was supposed to fall right where she was hit but instead she end up being knocked down by a speeding car on an express way. That did not add up but I feel she was telling the truth. I sat looking all around the waiting hall after asking God to take control. There were other relatives and friend visiting their love ones in prison. They were seated in the hall, talking quietly. Gumi seem to be taking forever to come out but I wasn't in a haste. I will wait forever if that is what it takes to meet Joel's father. Anna said Gumi was my older version, we shared same resemblance but I look very young while he looks older. I'm curious to meet this man and as time goes my anxiousness grew. After sometime I saw a man in chains, in an overall prison cloth. He was lead by an officer who pushed him forward like a dog on a leash. He looked around the hall as he tries to figure out who came to see him. The officer pointed towards me before pushing him forward again. As he stepped forward, I flinched in shock. I can see a clearer picture of him. And yes, Anna was right. Gumi looks mean, harden and has a rough dread lock. The most important thing is that I shared almost same resemblance with him. He looks older and fat too and had a long scar that run through his forehead and below his eye lid. He has a scorpion tattoo on his neck and wore a single earring on his left ear. He frowned and grind his teeth on seeing me. I guess he was dumb founded just like I was. It was a striking resemblance if not that Gumi was very rough in his appearance, and even fixed a gold teeth up and down, people will he was another of my version or maybe my older twin which I never had. He may commit a crime in a place before disappearing and if I unknowingly cross the crime scene I could be arrested mistakenly for Gumi's crime because of the resemblance. But our differences were much and very obvious. Gumi was a fat thug and had full long bear in his face which he waved together. He stared at me suspeciously before taking a seat beside me. " Who the hell are you? He asked with a hardened voice. "James.... James White and I'm here to see you... Gumi. "I gat no business with you man, get the fuck off from here. He barked at me but I remain seated and instead of him to get up he stared with a shrewd face. "Why... why.. the hell do we look alike... where are you from, how did you get to me white? "Call me James. Somebody lead me to you Gumi. A girl you picked from a nightclub, dinasaur night club... You both got entangled and she became pregnant. after telling you about her pregnancy, you hit her with a wood....I guess there is more to the story that i... Gumi interrupted with a hushed voice. "Kita.... Kita that was her name. she died because of her stubbornness. I remember that girl...she was a common whore. A prostitute with no sense. I wanted her to be mine but she went on sneaking around. I'm a busy man and don't want any girl to tie me down with a child and she thought she can. She was enjoying all the benefit that she was getting from me and thought a child will keep me all to her. I warned her not to mess around with me...I did warn her. She came with the news that day and I told her to get lost with her pregnancy story but the stupid girl wanted to try my patients. I was angry and the first thing that got into my hand was that wood. I grabbed it and smashed her empty skull but she did not fall there, suddenly she ran off like a crazy person. I guess the beating got into her brain and she took off and kept running. I was kind enough to go after her but she launched to the express road. I stood and watch from a distance as a car knocked her down and I took off. That was the end of her, when I checked back later if her dead body was still there it wasn't, it has been taken away probably to the morgue. I really did not know why she decided to run off like a crazy...mad woman and succeeded in finally killing herself. But that is in the past now. She is long dead...is been over three years. Are you a lawyer, you want to prop me further for killing her? Listen man... I'm already in prison and serving a life sentence for different charges leveled on me and I'm hoping they will give my lawyer a listening ear so that my punishment can be lessened. I don't like it here but I don't have a choice either and I never meant no get Kita killed. If you still want to add that to my charge then fine... get it done with. Do I look scared to you? I laugh in the face of danger.... hahahaha. He began to laugh loudly, expressing his two golden teeth. " I'm not a lawyer but a cleric and I'm here to let you that there is no sin too big that God can't... He interrupted me, getting up on his feet. "You expect me to sit here and listen to this thrash. I'm not gonna waste my time listening to some preacher. Go and look for another sinner not me. I dinne with the devil himself...we eat in the same table. God is too busy with the good and righteous people like you, he will not have my time. Get lost man and let me be... An officer announced that Gumi's time was up and he needs to return to his cell. I quickly stood up and said. "Kita is alive and she has a son....your son. He paused and looked at me. "Then that's good for her. I don't care and The news do not move me either. Tell her to quit prostituting herself and take care of her son. Marry her or make her your whore. Whatever you like do but don't come here again looking for me. Get lost fresh, fine preacher boy. Ladies will love you.... kiss my ass nonsense...hahahaha. He pulled out his middle finger at me before the officer came to take him away. Gumi was very rude but I wasn't offended. He will be a hard nut to crack and I will crack him not by my power but by the Lord's. I signed out and walked to join Anna in the car. And we drove back home.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 14. I drove back home and and continued with my quiet time. I still resume at the grocery store and had my meeting place at the coffee shop. I stayed home praying for the rest of my free hours for Gumi precisely. He was a difficult person, in action and appearance more than I can explain in words. I was neither afraid or worried because the heart of all men is in God's hand. I was only curious to know why we share resemblance. I prayed and did not cease, asking God to unravel the puzzle for me. I was back to the prison alone this time. I signed in and waited for Gumi but he refused to come out. I sat, waiting but Gumi did not come out. I left that day and returned again another day but it was same thing. I came the third time and decided to wait until he comes out. I got tired of waiting and stood up to leave On my way out the search officer said to me "You have to stop wasting your time coming here to see Gumi. He gat no business with a fresh looking and a soft talker like you. He obviously doesn't want to have anything to do with you...give it up man and focus on other things. Gumi may never want to see you. I guess he doesn't want a family or anybody visiting him. He is a lone cone man not the type you will want to come and see often and on. give it up and stop wasting your time with a man like Gumi. Is an advice man and it will do you lots of good. I quietly nodded and said "Thanks officer. I walked out and returned again after two days. The officer on seeing me began to shake his head pathetically. " James White you are back again? You don't want to give up?? I smile in response before signing in. I went to sit as usual to wait for Gumi. I wasn't going to give up because of his harden heart or refusal to see me. What seem impossible with men is never with God. For with God all things are possible. I will come everyday and sit and wait until Gumi decide to see me. If he wasn't part of God's plan to be saved I wouldn't have met him. I believe the purpose of meeting Anna is to also meet Gumi. Gumi is not too difficult for God to handle. At the right time he will come around. I bowed my head, held my two hands together and prayed to God, the yoke breaker, the only one who melt the heart of men. I prayed in silent without my mouth moving but with my eyes shut. I prayed because Gumi may appear difficult but not to God. I have even lost count of my visit here yet I wasn't ready to give up on it. "What in hell do you want from me? I was startled out of my quiet prayer by the strong voice. I looked up and it was Gumi standing and looking down on me with a very mean face "Only to talk. I replied quietly. " I don't have anything to talk with you. I gat better things to do rather than talk. Relaxing, exercising or sleeping in my cell is far better than sitting here and talking thrash with you. Is high time I tell the officer to stop letting you in here. I don't have your time. I'm sure there is a whole lot of people in your Church who will appreciate the petty talk. Don't come here looking for me or I will be forced to punch you hard on the face and disfigure this your fine fresh boy skin. I'm not one of your church members get that into your empty skull. Scumbag... and get the hell out of here. I remain seated unconcerned and kept looking at him as he spoke with anger. I wasn't bothered at all in anyway. He stared down at me thinking I will be threatened or scared by his mean appearance and harsh tune but I wasn't. "... You are only acting all stubborn like a little kidy. When you are done sitting then you kiss my ass and take your leave. I will never step out of my cell ever again to see you. Go to hell.... He started walking out and I said. " Have you ever wonder why we share some resemblance? I halt him with those words and he turned and look back at me. It was my opportunity and I decided to use it well. "... this is not coincidence or some sort of magic. I feel there is connectivity or probably a bond. Is not a mistake at all Gumi and I don't believe in magic either. He took few steps back and when I thought he was going to be reasonable he started with his usual way with a raised eye brows. " So?... and so fuckings what? What are you insinuating? Cut the crap man. We aren't connected in anyway and I don't bond with your type. stop being stupid and get the hell out of here. I stared right back at him unbothered. he walk back to where I stood and said. "...Did you think we are... I'm not a celebrity that people will want to reckon with. I'm locked up here...a prisoner and no hope of getting out to know what the outside word feels like. "What are you scared of Gumi? Are you afraid? I asked while sitting calmly and staring up at him. He began to laugh sarcastically. I watched him calmly. He suddenly stopped and took a seat in front of me. "Sometimes...but hardly. Sometimes I get scared of leaving this world. Scared of dying as a prisoner and not as a free man. Sometimes I look back and knew deep down I don't deserve anything good out of Life. I have done many things beyond human but I try not to be remorseful about it because in life you are either hard or soft and I chose to be hard.... I was quietly listening. "Do you have regrets? He did not reply me immediately but later did after sometimes. "Maybe few regrets but the deed is done I can't undo it. I looked at Gumi and breathed deeply. Beyond the tattooed body, the dreadlocks, the pierced ear, the golden teeth, the scar and fire in his eyes, beyond his physical appearance there was a softness somewhere in his heart which he try not to show. Gumi may look older in appearance but he is like a child trying to be tough and acting like a bully. "I'm glad to know that and to also know that there is still a human inside if you. Are you the only child... He was quiet and stared at his palm. I knew then God was at work. "Are you interviewing me or what? You ask questions like a nosy female gossiper. I laughed out and he surprisingly joined in. "I don't know if I'm the only child but it doesn't really matter. I grew up in the street after ruining away from an orphanage home. I hustled up to make a name for myself. My real name is Benjamin Cole. My street name is Gumi. Is a name I gave myself. I joined a gangsters as a teenager...we steal, smoke and did anything necessary to survive the tough street. I went into drugs and became popular. I made a name for myself and became wealthy man. I had whatever I wanted including women. I was a busy man and did not want anyone or anything to hold me down. Kita tried but couldn't succeed. She deserved whatever happened to her but is a good thing she didn't die. I don't know the woman that gave birth to me but I knew the man. He is irresponsible just like I am. You know like father like son...hahahaha. I got to know him after sending out different search gang to dig him up. He couldn't deny me because I look so much like him but he died many years ago. He had cancer of the lungs. He was a chain smoker too. I have taken different things, smoke different things, injected different thing Just to get high and nothing serious happened to me except maybe now that I sometimes have this breathing issue but is not a big deal, I have survived many things, I will survive this too. the old man dying off like chicken was probably because his immune system was weak. I felt no pity for him neither do I blame him for the road I took to become Gumi. Is the part I chose and I blame no one for it. I enjoyed it while it last but nothing last forever. Is my time to face the consequences for my actions so I have little or no regrets. We became quiet. I gasped out and said "I grew up without a father and never met my mother either. She died after birthing me. I grew up in the Catholic children home and I have been on this journey for almost 40 years of my life... Gumi interrupted. " You actually look like a 20years old boy. I guess you have never suffered or being in the street. Your type cannot even survive there. I'm almost 40 also but I look like a 70years old man. Hahahaha... isn't that funny. maybe is a mare coincidence about our resemblance and being orphans.. His time was up and he needed to return to his cell. I had many questions I wanted to ask but there was no time to ask them anymore. I was very happy that God arrested his attention It was beyond my imagination but God did it Gumi looks far too old than his age and I guess is because of all the drugs and substances he took that made him look older. He was also an orphan and ran away from the orphanage home to become notorious drug Lord. I was very curious especially now that I know we are almost age mate. "You can come in another visiting day. Talking with you made me feel at ease. And another thing I noticed is that you are a good listener and not quick to anger like I am but that doesn't change the fact that you have become a pest but I'm gonna see you as a good pest... He laughed out and I smile back in response as I watch him disappear into the corridor. I stood with a satisfying smile and left.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 15. I walked down the hospital corridor counting my every step. There was no memory of the past nor an idea to hang onto. The only details I got was from The orphanage home were I grew up. After my last meeting with Gumi I saw the need to dig deep. It was it as if God wanted me to find out the hidden things that I didn't know before. The secret that I may never know if I don't follow the leading of the holy spirit. When I visited the orphanage last week, I was there twice before they searched out the hospital that I was born in which was st.theresa hospital and the name was later changed to Dominic hospital. I took the details I was able to gather and here I am in Dominic hospital searching for an unknown answers. I don't know if there is one but God can never be wrong. If he wanted me to waved everything I have gotten from Gumi this past months off He wouldn't have put this zeal in me. I walked across the counter and asked to see the owner of the hospital. I was told he was not in the country but I can see the person in charge. I checked my breast pocket again for the confirmation letter I got from the orphanage home. I walked into the doctor's office after I was ushered in and sat at his command. I brought out the letter and presented to him. He was an elderly man and wore a medicated eye glass at the bridge of his nose. His white medical gown has a name inscribed on it. Dr Phil Adams. "Good day doctor Adams. my name is James White. That is a letter from the orphanage home were I grew up. I'm searching for my mother's file. Eunice Cane, she died in the month of November 8th 1967 after giving birth right here in your hospital which was formerly known as St Theresa. I wish to get a full file on her. The time of my birth, what caused her complication and the time she died. Please it is very urgent and I will really appreciate if you treat it as such. The doctor went through the letter before returning his look back to me. He stood up immediately and asked me to follow. I stood up and followed behind in silent. We walked down the corridor and he kept turning into a different direction until we arrived to a locked hall. He brought out his ID card and placed on the computerized lock and the door suddenly unlocked. We went in and the light was switched on. There were lots of cabinets and shelf containing different files. There was a long passage and each side holds a filled cabinet with dates and marks. He went straight to the year 1967 November and started searching for Eunice Cane file. It was not a long search before he slipped out a file from the cabinet. Eunice Cane was written boldly on the file. With the help of the passage florescent lights he started flipping through the file. I walked closer and stood beside him looking through the file to see if I can get clue of what I'm looking for. "Eunice Cane had birth complication, Excess bleeding and wrong stitches. She gave birth through caesarian section which is also known as CS at exact 5:30am and died exactly 7am in the morning. I stood quietly and nodded my head, I was about turning to leave the suffocating hall filled with different files when his last word halt me to a stop. "Eunice Cane, your mother gave birth to twince. Two boys...one came at exact 5:15am 8th of November 1967 and the other came at 5:30am. "Whaaat!!! I exclaimed in disbelief. "If you don't know before but you do have a twin brother somewhere...Mr James White. You were swapped at birth to different orphanage home... I turned and looked on confused. " Twins... aren't we supposed to share same DNA. I...I mean my supposed brother's son DNA does not match with mine. I... don't get it Doc... "We all share different and unique thumb print. Be it twins or not everyone has a different personality and so is our DNA... Doctor Adams try to explain it all to me I asked him if I can have the file and he said no. He refused by saying it was the hospital property but I can always come around anytime I need anything. I thanked him and left. I drove back to the prison to see Gumi the following day. Anytime he hears I'm around he doesn't keep me waiting anymore. Is been four months already that I have being visiting him none stop. He left whatever he was doing and came out. "Hey James....here you are again. What did you find this time. Any luck... "Yes, I was at the hospital yesterday. And guess what I found? We are twins...me and you. You were born on 8th of November 1967 and so do I.... in St Theresa hospital which was changed to Dominic hospital. We were seperated at birth to different orphanage home. Mother died few hours after given birth to us and according to you...our supposed father died of lungs disease due to excessive smoking. I told you this is not a coincidence... God wanted us to meet and He used Anna who you called Kita... with her son Joel to connect us back... Gumi shakes his head uncertain of what to say. When he found his voice he said. " All this sound like a movie or some kind of fiction. Can't believe is happening real...I may not live for long so don't get your hopes up. My breathing issue is getting worst everyday so don't get too excited about meeting a brother. I'm better off dead.... I'm of no use to anyone. " God may have a different say about that Benjamin. Don't give up yet. We will get through this... I said trying to encourage him. "God do not listen people like me. He listens more to you. I laughed in shock when you told me last week that you are a priest. You really missed alot in life. Can you imagine a world without a woman... eating and drinking out of their rich treasury. A world without alcohol or smoking, no clubbing, no games... c'mon James, such world must be very boring. I can't imagine how boring your life will be by praying at all time and doing only what pleases God...is not my kind of life. I can't survive it in a day. Maybe that's why God will answer you more than he will for me. Sometimes I have doubt but I believe you when you say God is real but I can never have the kind of your faith... I smile and said to him. "You don't need my kind of faith. A faith as little as a muster seed is enough to move mountains. God listens to everyone. No one is more special than the other be it Jew or Greek, black or white, sinner or righteous. We are all under grace but God bestows more grace to those who calls him father, who's way are just, who harbors no evil intention and are quick to repentant. Sin is a deadly disease that kills faster but when you repent and confess before him, God is merciful and ready to wipe off your mistakes so that even death can not make you a captive. Because we don't die we are transformed. While our body rots away in the ground our soul is lifted to heaven. Death is not our everlasting home... there is more after death. Is not a myth is true brother. He was quiet for sometimes. "I'm not scared of dying. I have lived long enough and indulged in different things. So dying now does not scare me anymore because everyone will pass on someday. Just like mother and father...we won't live forever. I wish I know the things I know now maybe I would have lived differently.... We sat talking about deep things until his time was up. I stood and went to my car. I sat with eye closed but my mouth kept moving. I prayed for one person that needs to be saved. One soul that I can't watch perish in vain. I prayed for Benjamin, who we do not only share resemblance anymore but are blood brothers. His soul is precious to me and more to God.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 16. It was early November 2007, two days to my 40th birthday. I drove back from my usual meeting at the coffee shop. I saw a strange car parked outside the gate. It appears somebody came visiting. I don't have people coming around to visit often. I'm always the one doing the visiting whenever necessary. I breathed in before driving into the gate. Immediately I stepped into the house a nice aroma greeted my nose. Anna came out from the kitchen smiling from ear to ear while wiping her hands with a kitchen napkin. She greeted me with a wide smile. "Whatever you are cooking makes my stomach churn. It smells good... where's Joel? I asked looking round. He is always the first to run to me anytime I returns. With him not rushing out to me today makes it suspecious. "He is at the sitting room with the visitor, reading his nursery rhymes and keeping the visitor entertained. I looked straight ahead wondering what kind of visitor was in the house. I walked pass Anna and straight to the sitting room. It was a man in a clerical attire. He wore a white priest overal with a long chain that has the crucifix big symbol. He appears to be consumed with what Joel was reading to him Without raising his head I screamed out his name. "Father Patrick!!!. He rose immediately laughing excitedly on seeing me. He took only few steps with his long legs and was standing at the very place I stood. We hugged like old buddies. Is been over four years I saw him, ever since I left the parish house with Anna we have only be talking over the phone. I and Patrick bond like brothers, we grew up in the same orphanage and he followed my every step and I never mislead him. He was only a year older than me but has always listened to my teaching and advice. And when he took the mantle to become a priest and a dedicated one at that, I was very proud of him. Seeing him again revived our childhood old memory were we study none stop at chapel and eat only when we are done. Empty stomach usually drives us on and we avoid getting into a fight with other kids. Patrick wasn't the only one that listens to me, there were several others. They were either married or in another country living their lives. "Is good to see you brother... He greeted still smiling. We took our seats. Anna returned to the kitchen while Joel came to sit beside me. I spread my hands out to little Joel and he relaxed back on my arm. "Good to see you too. What brought you to this city? "You off course. Is been a while father James...five years I guess? I searched out the address you once gave me and decided to pay you a surprise visit. I wanted to be here before your 40th birthday. Everybody misses you, the bishop inclusive and we can't wait for your return. But... we are exercising a little patient due to our last discussion concerning your twin brother who is reprimanded in prison. And that also remind me about someone. Did you remember Tagbo? I remembered Tagbo vividly. He was arrested for getting into a fighter with his supposed business partner and his friend died in the process. Tagbo was sentenced to 9years in prison. He was supposed to complete his prison sentence 3years ago. ",Yes, I remember him very well. We use to visit him and many others in prison back then. I guess he is out by now... "Yes he is out. Is been over two years he was released after completing his 9years behind bars. He attends church at the parish and also joined the block rosary every Saturday. He is on fire for God and kept asking about you but I informed him that you are on a mission and will return someday when your work is done. Tagbo is building his Life back. He started a electrical engineering workshop a year ago and he is doing well for himself. He is planning of starting a family soon. I exclaimed happily. "Wow... that is a good news. I'm glad to hear this. Anna came out of the kitchen with a filled tray in hand. She placed it on the table and went back again to bring fruits diced into pieces. She came and stand in the sitting room giving us some distance. With a smile plastered on her face. "Please, food is ready. Father James I made one of your favorite. I followed all the recipe just as you thought me. "Thank you Anna. You are a faster leaner. She blushed before walking away. I urged Patrick to the table and he followed. Joel came along. I washed my hands before dishing out some food for Joel in his eating bowl. The table was high for him, I guide him to his own eating table which I bought a year ago for him. I returned back to the table and said grace over the food before we started eating. After the meal, Anna who seems to be timing us came to clear the table. Father Patrick thanked her and I did too. After clearing the table she brought in a desert and placed close to the mini table were we sat. "Is this all you have being enjoying father James? I see why you refused to return to the parish. Look at your skin looking olive fresh like a new born child. Patrick teased, I laughed out. Anna joined in and we all started laughing. I ate little out of the desert so that Anna's efforts in making all the food won't be in vain. Me and father Patrick decided to take an evening walk. Were we get to talk more. He filled me in on all that has happened ever since I left. I also updated him on my journey so far both with Anna who miraculously led me to Benjamin who is generally called Gumi. Father Patrick and I went to visit Gumi the following day. "My childhood friend, we grew up in the same orphanage home. his name is father Patrick and he is also a priest. He came visiting and we decided to check up on you" I introduced Gumi to father Patrick. Gumi smile as he took his seat. "James, you make me feel like a celebrity by bringing another priest in this suffocating place. So, how is it that you both grew up in the same orphanage home and became a priest? One of you must have forced the other into this priesthood boring thing. I don't mean to be disrespectful but being a priest is a total boring game. Wait a second... what do you do when you see a sexy hot lady Walk pass you or what exactly do you guys do when you feel like meeting a woman...I seriously need to understand this and know how all this priest who are not spirit but men with hot blood running in their veins avoid women. I want to understand how you both survive in this same world that I live in. I sensed sarcasm in his voice and curved my lips into a smile. As I try to reply him father Patrick asked me not to bother that he got it. "When a real soldier joins the army, he leaves everything behind and become another man, both his families and friends. He is determined to serve his country at all cost. He took a vow of both rain, sun, good, bad, life and death to be obedient to the authority governing him. he will serve in all circumstances because he took a vow to save his dear country. Now, the Bible said if you are called to do a thing.. do it well. Not in strife, not in anger, not in any form of bitterness as if you are being forced. but in patients, endurance, unity, in love and in godliness not as the world pleases but as God pleases. Gumi, we all chose the part we trade...not by force but by choice. Father James chosed his part and no matter the challenge he faces he is obedient to his calling. I chose mine and not by might but by God's grace I have served and I will keep serving until i draw my last breath. Gumi, you chosed yours. It was not by force but also by choice. Many found grace and got saved while the rest fell right into the lions den but even in the lion's den God's grace can save them if only they will confess and repent of their sins. To answer your question, what we are focused on is drawing as many people as possible to God. We are focused on the work that we are called to do. Worldly pleasure do not entice us. Your mind is a powerful tool and is whatever you let into it that... will take root and germinate. The world maybe corrupt but we are incorruptible. We don't joke with our vow of celibacy, total abstainecy from any act ungodliness is our motto. God is not to be mocked, He knows and sees every secret thing. What interest and excite you do not affect us because we are sold out to the owner of the universe. Don't hold back Gumi... God is giving you enough time to confess and come to him. God is a loving father and won't reject you. Don't joke with everything in this life because tomorrow is never certain. Gumi was quiet staring at nothing while listening to Patrick. One may think the word was taking effect on Gumi but he can't be easily convinced. After father Patrick was done Gumi said. "If God is that merciful then he should make all the officers here blind so that I can break out of this boring prison in peace and he should heal me of this heart problem that has been tormenting me. If God is merciful he should give me enough time to think about the offer of returning to him. I may not be proud of many things I did but I really enjoyed my life outside here. leaving everything behind to become a Church boy is not really my thing. That's the fact... Father Patrick tries to talk Gumi out of his evil thoughts but Gumi was far more stubborn than I can even explain. We left and father Patrick decided to stay more days because of Gumi but his heart was at strong as a rock and not easy to penetrate in. Father Patrick traveled back after some days. I knew within me that my time in the city was limited. Anna found a job, Joel started a preschool. I was supposed to be making plans of going back to my priesthood but I couldn't leave Gumi the way he was. I kept praying for him but Gumi's heart was hardened. I watch him at the prison yard struggle with his breathing. He has being admitted in the prison hospital more than three times because of his serious heart diseases which was eating deep into him. Salvation comes freely, I can't forced it down on Gumi's truth. Gum needs to frealy accept and believe for him to be saved but he is proving more difficult with each visit. If it means staying extra year or two for my twin brother to be saved then I'm willing to do so. He is my only full blood relative which I never knew I had until early last year. I will keep praying without ceasing for his soul.

THE PRIEST VOW. Episode 17. When I thought the journey with Gumi was going to be easy I found it getting tough with each passing day. Gumi was not ready to accept salvation, Gumi jokes with every of my words to him. No matter what I say or do he remains adamant. It gives me sleepless night from the day I found out that we are related. He is my direct blood relative, my twin brother who I never knew existed. He may look older due to his intakes which consisted of hard drugs but we are blood related and age mates with same resemblance and I wish nothing else but to bring him out of darkness into the light. I don't want it to appear like he was being forced to do so even though I wish to drag him out of his old ways into the light that is beckoning on him. I want him to come willingly and accept the truth of the gospel but time was running. Benjamin Cole who is generally known as Gumi was very sick and each passing day is never certain. He has being in and out of the hospital recently due to his heart and breathing problem. All I did is to pray without ceasing for him. I pleaded with God to spare his life and make him believe. God was giving him enough time to do so but stubbornness and pride will not let him. He was part of the reason why I'm still in the city, I was supposed to return back to service, I was supposed to take up the role of my priesthood and serve God's people but how can I when one soul is about to perish in sin. I was called one day that Gumi was critically down in the hospital. I left everything that I was doing and rushed down to see him. I sat beside his hospital bed, he was asleep with different tube sticking to his body. I quietly bow my head in prayer, I gently placed my hand on his body and prayed. I pleaded to God to help Gumi out of his pain. He was in serious pain even though he hates to admit it. Gumi was suffering internally and dying slowly. He suddenly spoke, startling me in the process. "You have to take a deep breath and stop praying all the time. I'm not dying yet. Do you actually do any other thing aside to pray... isn't such life boring to you? If the God you pray to is so real why haven't he heard your prayers? Give yourself a break man and start enjoying life like I did before my arrest. I enjoyed Life to the fullest, I acquired wealth, I built houses I had cars and different assets but the stupid government ceased them all. They are all bunch of thieves....fools! I hate them all and if I have my way I will fucking kill them for taking over my wealth and locking me up here... they watch me get tormented with this sickness and do nothing, only to bring me to same cheap prison hospital, chaining one of my hand to this bed like a condemned criminal. I supposed to be out of here and running my life. James do you know who I was outside this prison? I was popular, I was a drug Lord, a wealthy man. I command fear and respect wherever i go. Me and my boys...my squared were famous until those lazy men in uniform put up my name as a wanted man. I was not afraid of them, I went about with my boys without care. They finally got hold of me and arrested me for different crimes, even my lawyer couldn't talk me out of their hands... they locked me up ever since and took over everything in my possession. All of them are bunch of lazy fools... I listened to him rant on and on. Gumi boiled in anger as he speaks. His body vibrates and I wish he can let go of anger and his dubious past life which he obviously missed and focus in the future. The new life Christ was offering him. "You desire your old life so much than a son born to you whom I called Joel. Benjamin, you want wealth and your famous lifestyle than a new begining that God is giving you. His arms are opened wide beckoning you to come unto him with your heavy burden and he will give you rest. Why are you scared of accepting God's free gift... what are you afraid of Benja... He interrupted me. "Point of correction James I'm not afraid. The only thing that scares me is dying as a prisoner. Even if I have to die let me die a free man, in my mansion with a cigar sticking to my mouth and giving a middle finger to the world as I signed out. That's the way I desire to dye not with this sickness terrorizing my whole body and definitely never in prison. About the boy that Kita had for me... that is less of my worries. I'm a business man and I hate anything that will hold me to a spot. I warned Kita but she decided to do her wish so she will have to carry the cross. I don't have the time or patience for babies and is a good thing you took charge of that, so stop disturbing me with it. I got better things to worry about but definitely not any of the things you mentioned. They are less of my problem and yes I desired my wealth, my freedom and popularity back...I desired my old self back... I left him and did not stop praying. Gumi was later discharge from the hospital. He returned back to prison and continued his sentence. I reduced my constant visit and dedicated more time into praying for Gumi. He said I bore him with my continues talk about God and walks away anytime I bring that up. I decided to visit him once in two weeks. Few months later Gumi was back to the hospital again. He collapse in the prison yard and was rushed back to the hospital. I was called and informed. I drove down to see him. But couldn't do much because Gumi was struggling with words and movement. He drag his breath even with the help of the oxygen. I went back after a week and he was still there. His words came but i can see his fear and struggle in his eyes. I didn't want him to speak but he started talking anyway. "James, death is knocking faster than I bargained. It seems I can't escape from it no matter how I try. Can you pray for me... I'm not asking you to pray for healing because if that was possible your prayers could have healed me. I'm asking you to pray to God to forgive my terrible deeds. I have nothing to boast off. Maybe I was a little foolish not to have seen my own stupidity. I feel so weak with every passing hour and I really do not want to die this way. It really doesn't matter to me anymore where I die... I don't care if is in prison or a free man. all I'm concerned about is never to end up as a terrible sinner. Please, I know I have being a pest, overlook my wrongs and pray for me before this terrifying darkness swallows me up. I was happy as I gently took his hand and prayed for him. Gumi responded to my every word and accepted Christ from that day. I sang with him and read bible verses for him. I kept visiting and he smile anytime he sees me. He was looking pale, as white as a flake and was so weak. There was strength in his voice and he seems stable with my every visit. Our everyday word was centered on God. We get to laugh and throw jokes at each other then get back to studying the word. I asked him if he wanted me to bring Joel, his son for him to see. Gumi was quiet for sometime and later said he doesn't want Joel to see him the way he was. It will break his heart to see the face of the son he rejected. On one of my visit he asked me to bring Joel and Nikita that he wants to see them. I told Anna and she got Joel ready. I drove them to the hospital where Gumi was. He had tears rolling down his eyes when he set eyes on his son. He was weak and couldn't lift his hand to touch Joel. I assisted him in doing that. He looked at Anna and began to apologise to her for the way he treated her that almost got her killed if not that God made me to be at the accident scene just in time. Gumi died after a week. I knew within me that he did not have a long time to live. God was only giving him several chance to come to Him and embraced the light. I was happy he did at the end. He made peace with both God and man before passing away. I wish he did it earlier but stubbornness and pride kept him captive but finally he broke free. Gumi did not die a prisoner to sin or his past life. he died in freedom from chains and sickness through Christ. Even after a month of his burial I still wish he has lived a little longer. I visited the cemetery and stood at his burial ground wondering what life would have being like if I knew I had a brother earlier. Maybe I could have saved him, he wouldn't have gone deeper and deeper into drugs and sinful lifestyle. I still appreciate the little moment we shared. It will linger in my memory forever. I returned to my car and sat staring at nothing. Tears clouded my eyes and I gave way for it to flow. I sobbed quietly, releasing all the emotions I stored up. Benjamin Cole also known as Gumi was gone. My twin and only brother was no more. He has gone just like mother and father did. I'm left with his son Joel, my nephew. I wish Gumi has lived differently and not the part he chose. He would have probably be alive. But in all of this he embraced light and accepted salvation at the end. It was better late than never.

THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE PRIEST VOW. Without wasting any more time I packed up my belongings few months later after informing the bishop and father Patrick that I was returning. They were happy and started planning a welcome back party which father Patrick told me even though it was supposed to be a surprise. I laughed when he said everyone was looking forward to seeing me again even church members who heard of it are looking forward to my arrival. I was also looking forward to returning back after my main work was done in my mother's city. Anna said she was coming with me, she couldn't keep up with the house expenses and also Joel with her little pay. I told her not to worry about Joel, I will take care of my brother's son as if he was mine. Even before knowing I had a brother I have already adopted Joel like my child and we had a greatrbond. Anna said she will return to her family instead of staying back in the city. It was a great news and I encouraged her to do so. We all got set, I had time to say goodbye to all my people in the Church, the grocery store, the coffee shop and many others who I have come to know within the years of living in that City. It was a long ride which last for a day and half before we finally arrived. Father Patrick was the first to meet us before other reverends fathers came out to welcome me. Almost everyone was aware of who Joel's real father was and they all heard he was my brother who died during his prison sentence. We had a little gathering of people living around my old apartment which was still kept for me. Since we arrived on a Saturday Anna have to stay over with me until Sunday. We both went to church together and news has gotten to the bishop about our arrival It was after service that the welcome party commence. I got to meet and greet with my old parishioners, we had a glorious time as the bishop started with a welcoming message. I met with Tagbo, he was very happy to see me again and I also introduced him to Anna. Their were singing, dancing and merriment for everyone as I mounted on the pulpit again, wearing my priesthood apparel and address the whole congregation. I told them of my encounter in brief which also led to meeting a brother who I never thought existed until his death. It was a long sermon, a message filled with hope for everyone present. they all listened and we glorified God who revealed all the secret things during the period I was away. Anna later return to her people, I resumed my usual routine again. My block rosary meetings wasn't left out. I continued my outreaches to prisons, hospitals, orphanage homes and several other places. I was back to doing same thing I love as usual. Anna came back with Joel at my request and stayed over at the Reverend sisters quarters. I got Joel into school and took up paying both school fees and upkeep. I still create time to sit with Tagbo and few others who are eager to hear the word. Tagbo enquires about Anna and I gave him my assurance that she was good woman. Anna and Tagbo got talking, they also went out on several dates. Anna and Tagbo came to me seeking for my approval for their union which they intend to take to another level. I gave them my blessings and their love life kicked up and in no time marriage preparations set in. I showed them a great support and also officiated during their wedding. After their marriage they moved to a nearby city with a better accommodation. After two years Anna conceived and brought fort a daughter. They brought the child for christening and baptism and I was glad to baptise her. Years went by and Joel remained in my care. Anna and Tagbo had another child, a boy. God blessed their home and I was happy to witness the goddess of the Lord in their lives. I wasn't going to train Joel to follow my step of priesthood, I will watch and guide him grow into a man after God's heart. He can chose whatever he plans to become in future, nobody will make that decision for him. The bishop became old and couldn't do much anymore, the mantle was thrown at my feet. After he stepped down, I traveled out for a course and spent over two years. When I returned I was made the bishop. It was a great honour. serving God and humanity in whatever position I find myself was my calling and I find Joy in what I do. Joel grew into handsome man, he was a perfect picture of his father, Benjamin Cole also known as Gumi. Let say he had my almost same features as a young man and little if his mother. He was studying to become a medical doctor. Joel was God fearing and followed every of my teaching. I have watched him grow from childhood and feel blessed that he did not follow worldly step or like my late brother who was a drug Lord but God saved him at the end. The hairs on my body has turned gray yet I feel energize everyday to carry on even after the bishop later passed on to glory. I'm going to my heavenly someday but I will keep pasturing God's own people right here on earth, guiding them to the light. God has blessed me with so much blessing. when I was a priest I vow to serve with my life and when I was made a bishop I did not forget my priest vow. I will serve until my last breath on earth. Joel finished with Medica school and became a doctor, I was very proud of him. Anna couldn't hide her Joy watching her son grow into a man. Tagbo and Joel's step siblings celebrated him too. Joel was a kind man who put God first in all his dealing, I'm not worried of what the future holds for him. If God can save him during his early stage, when Anna, his mother was in coma after the accident, I have nothing to worry about because he belongs to God. I knew within me that Joel was a special child and he has proven to be so. Joel introduced a lady who he intend to marry. She was also a medical doctor. I prayed for them and seek the face of God on their behalf before giving out my blessings. Within the following year they both got married and after a year of their marriage she gave birth to twins, two healthy boys. It was a wonderful news and beautiful to behold. Joel and his wife gave one Benjamin and the second one James. I laughed during the christening, indeed God has restored and multiplied us through different means. I know Joel and his wife will be a great parents to the boys and none will go astray. I'm enjoying my old age and few years from now I will retire so another active soul can take over. I may retire but not totally, I still hold my priest vow dearly and I will continue to serve until I draw my last breath. Me and father Patrick still sit out and talk about our youthful days, glorifying God for how far we have come. I never knew the journey of Life will take me to where I am but if God did not approve any of the things that happened to me none of it would have been possible. I'm called to serve and I have served and still serving. I'm nothing without God who gave me grace to forge ahead I overcome several temptation through God's help and never by my ability. As I sat in my office today, I began to count my millions blessing, I name them one by one and I'm surprised of what the Lord has done. Our lives may not always go as planned, disappointment may kicks in and make you loose hope but with patients, faith, prayer, supplication unto God and humility, our lives will turn into a testimony. Just like mine and many others. I'm a living prove of God's graciousness. Call me a priest, a bishop or by my name... James. I was a servant to God and man. I kept my vow of celibacy, my vow was my bond. I do not boast of anything because I have nothing on earth to boast in but I'm glad I allowed God to lead. It brings fulfilment and joy to me in this my old age. I was active in my youth not just now when my hair has turned gray. May we all find our calling and serve well whenever we are called to do so. As I signed out I leave you all with this prayer !Let the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of holy spirit abide with us all... now and forever! THE END

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