Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Acceptance (01/12/04)
TITLE: SEGUN'S LIFE By Bukola Jimoh 01/18/04 |
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Satisfied he had put everything in order for the day’s business, he settled in his chair. The first customer then walked in, with a strange expression.
He was a tall broad shouldered man in his late forties.
“You’re welcome sir,” said Segun. “I hope everything is alright with you?”
Without a conscious attempt, the man grinned wildly, and then replied: “oh, thanks! All is well.”
After purchasing some CDs, on his way out of Segun’s shop, he began to ponder, ‘what kind of man is this, to ask me if all is well?’ he shuddered and said to himself: “I’ve never thought a stranger could go as far as showing that much concern to another stranger.”
It was hot in the afternoon. Segun looked at the wall clock. It was 3.00p.m. He felt a sharp twine round inside his stomach, and knew it was time to go for lunch.
He walked into a restaurant about half a mile away from his own shop. And to his surprise he saw his very first customer this morning. He was sitting in the midst of a group of men, with bottles of drink before them and the air filled with smoke coming from their cigar. He looked happy this time unlike this morning, or so it seemed. When he sited Segun, he waved his hands towards Segun beckoning him to come and join them on the table. There was an empty seat left out by their table.
A bit reluctantly, Segun went towards them feeling bad though, yet reminding himself, that after all Christ dinned with unbelievers. He got there and sat on the empty seat.
“Nice meeting you again,” said Segun.
He welcomed Segun and following was a formal introduction.
“What do you want?” the man asked him.
“Just a plate of rice would do, thanks,” Segun replied.
“Go ahead and order for it, you’re my guest this afternoon.”
After taking the sumptuous meal, Segun asked to take his leave. But the man insisted he stayed, and then said:
“Oh, no why, won’t you have some drink?”
Shaking his head, Segun replied, “No, thank you, sir. I’m alright”
“But why?” Asked the man again.
He probably expected some flimsy excuse from Segun, but was shockingly disappointed when Segun replied.
“I am born again, sir.”
“Oh! I see. Sorry then.”
“No, don’t worry.”
Segun bade them good-bye and walked out of the restaurant. The man kept on patronizing Segun. Then came a faithful day.
Just when he was about to close for the day, his phone rang. He felt ill about answering a call, being too tired and longing to go home. He resolved to answer the call, anyway.
“Hello! It is me, Paul,” came a man’s voice. It was the same man, Segun’s regular customer.
“I would like to see you in my office tomorrow, it is very important. Please do not say no. Come by 8.00a.m.
Segun wondered for a few seconds what on earth could it be the man wants him for or from him. He agreed, and then rang off.
Segun was at Paul’s office at the set time. He welcomed him, sat him down and then began.
“I do not know you well, but one thing I know is that I respect you so much. You are so bold. You do not hide your belief in Christ. You may not know what you have done for my family and I, but I will tell you.
Segun began to wonder, and patiently listened as Paul continued.
“Since the day we met at the restaurant, and you professed your faith, which also makes you not to drink, I gave up drinking. I went home that day and made a change.”
He told Segun of how he asked his wife if there was any bible-believing church apart from the Catholic Church. They all went to church that same week he met Segun, and during the altar call in service, he and his family went out to accept Christ.
Segun’s eyes were filled with tears. He felt so unworthy to have been able to reach out unknowingly to a man and afterwards, his family.
“You have brought light to my life. Do not hesitate to tell me whenever you’re in need.”
“Just let all glory be to God.For no man cometh to Christ except the Father draws him."
He stretched out his hands and held the man. Then he prayed for him.
“May this light of God continue to shine forth even unto a brighter day. Amen.”
.