Kingdom Tales...

       His Love Tabernacle church was filled to its capacity. Many people who didn’t have a place to sit in the church sat on the porch of the church or under tents outside the church, watching the transmission of the ministration on large screens installed to feed the people outside the large auditorium.        It was the last day of the singles’ summit and the minister for the day was a widely known teacher of the word, Mrs Ella Mason. Little wonder the congregants doubled the previous day number. In spite of the thousands of people present in the auditorium, the drop of a needle could be heard clearly.        Many were crying and some were shaking their heads in pity. Almost everyone was listening with rapt attention to the preacher. Not only because she was an anointed, seasoned, sought-after minister, but because her message was rendering the hearts of many and opening the eyes of countless.        S...

      Joel sat behind the wheels, driving, with Ella in the front passenger’s seat beside him. They had travelled for a program in another state and were returning home.       Ella sat, facing the side window, her elbow against the glass and her palm supporting her chin. She stared absentmindedly at the fast moving cars and grass at the side of the road, her heart as heavy as always. She’d been praying and asking for God’s mercy but she still felt heaviness on her heart. So long had she been disconnected from God that heaviness of heart had become the norm.       Nothing weighed her down more than her marriage and the new life that was in her womb. Wonderfully well had she pretended in the public and suffered in the house. Confidence, charisma, and cheerfulness were words that had lost meaning and expression in her life. No wonder she was replaced in every post she had previously held in the church. The only special thing she did in church ...

     Ella sighed, the umpteenth time. Thoughts filled her head. She took a bottle, labelled poison, from the cabinet and poured its content into a cup, tears flowing freely from her eyes.      Joel walked into the kitchen to get a drink and saw Ella. He glanced at the labelled small bottle. “What is that?” he said.      Ella took the cup and raised it to her lips. “What’s your business with what it is? I’m going to kill myself and rid you of me. It’s not as if you wanted me here anyway.”      “Is that why you want to kill yourself?”      “Yes. It’s better to be dead than to live in this hell of a house.”      “I hope you know you’re buying yourself a ticket to hell.”      “Who are you to judge? Are you God? You are the hell’s candidate we have here. Not me.”      “Have you forgotten that whosoever takes his or her own life will be judged? The life we live is of ...

     “You’re pregnant,” Doctor Matt said with a smile, facing Ella.      Ella winced. “I am what?”      “You’re pregnant. It’s nine weeks.”      Ella froze, unsure of her next action. Was she supposed to be happy that she was eventually pregnant or sad because she didn’t even want the baby anymore?      Joel laughed and shook the doctor’s hands. “That’s great news. I’m so happy. Thanks, darling,” he said, bent and kissed Ella’s forehead disrupting the awkward moment.      “I’m so happy for you, Mr and Mrs Mason. But I’ll also encourage you to be more careful so that you don’t lose this pregnancy. Mr Mason, you have to keep an eye on your wife and keep dangerous things out of her way so she won’t fall again.” He cast Joel a pregnant glance. “And please, no violence of any sort,” he added and Joel nodded. “Mrs Mason, please be careful. You need to eat well and stay strong for your baby. And you’...

      Ella’s tears rinsed the plates as she washed them. The past few months had been hell in Joel’s house. Not just because she did all the chores, but also because Joel treated her with disdain. Hardly did he talk or play with her as usual. Only when they were outside their home did they act a perfect couple drama. At home, they slept in different rooms, ate separately, and did nothing together. Their morning devotion had become mourning devotion. His food must be ready, his clothes ironed, his shoes polished, and his room cleaned to time if she didn’t want to be beaten like a criminal. Even when she did everything, Joel was still not satisfied many times. She had become nothing but a maid in the house. And as much as she wanted to talk to people, she couldn’t for fear of her sex tape going viral on the internet. If Joel said it, he definitely would do it.      Little was the pain she got from the regular beatings and punishments compared to that she got...

      Ella woke up from her deep sleep. She turned her head to the left and saw a man sitting on the bed, with only his trousers on, his back towards her. He was in no way like Joel. He was fatter, shorter, and was bald. Ella eyelids fluttered. She glanced around, wanting to confirm where she was, and realized she was in her room. What was going on? She pulled herself to a sitting position and that was when she realized she was naked. She pulled the blanket on her chest.      “Who are you? What’re you doing here?” she asked aloud.      The man turned to her and scorned her. “You’re awake. I was waiting for you to wake up so my boys could have their share since I’ve gone twice.”      “What’re you saying? Are you crazy? What’re you doing in my room? Where’s my husband?”      He ignored her and walked to the door. “Hey guys, you can come in. She’s ready for you.”      Ella held the blanket in dea...

     Ella lay in bed in the room she shared with Joel, her pillow soaked with the tears she’d uncontrollably shed. Her head hurt as though thousands of drummers were seated on it, drumming. The pains in her body flagrantly disregarded her plea for relief. Her ribcage hurt. And only if she didn’t have to breathe deeply, would the pain in her ribcage be minimized. She whimpered as the event of the previous week flew through her mind.      Joel had never shown any sign of aggression. He’d been the meekest person she’d known. Perhaps she’d said too much. But didn’t she deserve expression of her mind? How could he keep such a thing from her? How did he expect her to spend the rest of her life with someone like him? How could he not tell her before they married? How she wished she hadn’t married him. Had she known, she’d have listened to her aunt. She wouldn’t have ended with a man like Joel.      Distaste welled up her throat. She would file a d...

     Joel switched off the light as usual of him whenever he wanted to bed his wife. He lay in bed atop her, a large duvet covering them.      Ella stealthily swiped underneath her pillow and reached for the flashlight she had carefully placed under the left edge previously. She didn’t care if putting on light would upset him. She just wanted the light on. If there were nothing to hide, there’d be no problem. She held the lamp in her right hand and turned it on.      Joel froze as though he was a thief caught in the act. “Switch it off,” he shouted and stretched his hand to take the lamp, which Ella quickly moved away from him while directing the light at him.      “Why love darkness?” she said, flashing the light at his body.      Joel shot up subconsciously to snatch the lamp, removing the blanket off them. Ella threw the lamp further and scurried off the bed, running toward the light switch on the wall, wh...

     Ella opened the door. She carried the groceries in her right hand and her bag in her left. She walked indoor, dropped the groceries in the kitchen, and dashed to her room. She turned her back to the mirror, her head turned backward to allow her stare at her reflection in the mirror. She stared at the large patch of bloodstain that stood out on the yellow skirt she wore. She hissed. How could she be having a heavy flow that defied all measure to keep it concealed, today of all days, when she had a presentation at work? Or was it the stress and anxiety she had previously that caused it? she wondered.      She removed the skirt and slid into the bathroom. She stepped out minutes after, dried her body, slipped into a brown negligee. She slumped on the bed and rolled in it, her mind filled with thoughts. Her husband of eight months had gone to a three-day conference, leaving her behind. She rubbed her face and sighed, her mind heavy with unshared thoughts....

     People moved out of the doors as the Sunday service ended, with few people left sitting in groups in the auditorium either talking or praying.      Rachael and Debbie prayed with the ushers and strolled toward the ministers’ chamber. Debbie looked through the window and caught glance of Joel and Ella standing outside the church talking to a couple.      “Thank God. Pastor Mason is around. I’ve wanted to see him for quite a while now, each time I tried gaining his attention he was either busy praying, counselling people, or doing something. I must watch and wait for him to finish the discussion. I won’t let today slip away without me seeing him,” Debbie said.      “Many people always want to talk to him. Even his wife is always busy nowadays. She’s the one all the sisters want to share something with,” Racheal said.      Debbie smiled. “That’s it. Every sister wants to be like lucky Sister Ella, especiall...

      Ella rushed out of the restroom to pick her ringing phone. She wiped her hands against her skirt and raised the phone to her ears. “Hello,” she said.       “Mason’s bride, how’re you?” Evelyn, Ella’s aunt, said over the phone.       “I’m fine. How’re you and the kids? How’s uncle? Hope you’re fine. Have they brought your goods?”       “Ella, which of your questions should I answer first? Anyway, we’re all fine and my goods have been delivered. How is your husband?”       “He’s fine.”       “Hope you’re enjoying the moon.” Ella smiled. “Yes.”       “Sorry I had to disturb your moon. I just wanted to keep in touch. I’ve been restraining myself since four days ago, but now, I can’t any longer.”        Ella laughed. “Just confess that you’re missing me.”       “I’ll get used to your absence here with time. You’re in your home now. And I g...

     A driver drove Joel and Ella to their new home in Verdi Estate after the ceremony that introduced them to the world as a couple.      Although Ella had wanted them to have their honeymoon in a posh hotel outside the city or at least anywhere special and different from Joel’s house which would serve as their home, but Joel had insisted having the honeymoon in the house. He’d told her that lodging at hotels for honeymoon wasn’t the best for them as Christians. How could they start their marriage on a defiled public bed? He had asked. And He’d finished it off by telling her they’d make no difference if they did what secular people did. Even though she had wanted to repudiate his opinion, she couldn’t, after all, she knew of no verse of the scripture to corroborate her own opinion. She’d agreed not only because it was no case but also because she wanted to prove to him that she’d be a submissive wife.      Joel alighted from the car and he...

     No one could be more excited than Ella was, not only because it was a beautiful day with the sun shining effortlessly and birds chirping with glee, but also because it was her day, the day she was giving her hand in marriage to Joel Mason. What more joy could she have?      She turned her head, allowing her eyes to wander briefly from one corner to the other, and smiled. How could so many people turn up for her wedding? she wondered. The church was full to its capacity. Perhaps because she wore a double cap in the church, first as the assistant head of ushering department and second as the sisters’ coordinator for the youth, or because she was getting married to the newly ordained youth pastor whom everyone loved. Either way, the day was beautiful. She smiled as she consented to marry Joel who in turn picked the ring on the Bible and slid it on her finger. If anyone cared to measure, her joy would overflow the measure.      The program...

     Joel stepped out of his room and walked into the living room. He sat opposite Ella, who was busy watching a program on the television. “Hope you’re enjoying yourself,” he said with a smile.      “I am. Thank you. That reminds me of a question I’ve always wanted to ask. Why do you always sit on that chair every time I visit?” Ella said in a clear voice.      Joel laughed. “You know, the Bible says we should flee from every appearance of evil. To me, holiness is priority. I don’t want any dirty thought crossing my mind that’s why I’m sitting opposite you. If we were in a public place it could have been different.”      “Hmm.” She squeezed her nose and smiled. “Pastor of righteousness.”      Joel gestured. “That’s one of the reasons why I’ve been saying we should take the next step and get married. We are mature in all wise. What’s keeping us?”      Ella took the TV remote and lowered the TV...

     The mid-week service had been anchored by Joel Mason. Little wonder it ended one hour after it started. He was a seasoned preacher of few words. He never needed a prolonged time to teach to inspire all. He always made use of whatever time he had so well despite the fact that if people were allowed to decide, they would have loved him to use more time. No wonder people sang his praise and rejoiced whenever he mounted the pulpit.      Rachael, a youth minister, walked toward Ella who was in her seat praying. She sat quietly beside her, awaiting her to finish saying her prayers.      Ella opened her eyes after some minutes of praying and her eyes met Rachael’s. “Sister Rachael, you are here. How’re you?”      “I’m very fine, Sister Ella.”      “Hope you enjoyed the service?”      “Enjoy? I was refilled. Pastor Joel’s ministration couldn’t have done any less. It was a wonderful time in God’s ...

   Ella lay on her bed, her elbow resting on the widely opened Bible beside her. Thoughts filled her mind. It couldn’t be a coincidence. She’d dreamt of Joel even before he expressed his love to her. He had to be the one she was meant to marry. He was all encompassing, lacking nothing. But why was peace absent in her heart, the kind of peace that washed over her heart when she eventually said yes to Kunle.    She sighed, the umpteenth time that morning. Her whole body and mind approved of Joel. After all, Joel was a believer who must have prayed intensively before deciding to extend a hand of love towards her. And he was one of those who heard God every second or so she thought. He couldn’t have heard wrong. That was the confirmation she was expecting. If he could tell her that he’d received God’s consent to marry her then nothing else mattered. After all, she’d been having good dreams about him recently, unlike when she had just started praying about marrying Kunle...

      Joel Mason opened the door to his apartment and held the door open for Ella. He closed the door behind them and walked into the living room. He pressed the switch boxes of the light bulbs and air conditioner. “You’re welcome to Mason’s home. Please make yourself comfortable,” he said to Ella who was busy whirling her head around, scrutinizing the whole place. The living room was big, with adjoining study and dining. Furniture, of perfect match for the painting of the room and the curtains were arranged in style, adorning the room. A mini rug lying underneath a glass table, holding a small waterfall pot, in the centre of the space enclosed by the sofas took her attention. It was her favourite colour and it was beautiful. Everything in the room was in the right place, adding to its sophistication, including a few pictures and paintings hung on the wall.      The house got a five-star rating from her. It was the kind of house she’d dreamed to live in. “...

     Kunle Adedoyin sat on one of the three black sofas in Mrs Olawoye’s house, his forehead thrown into furrows. He puckered his dry lips, seizing the moment to ruminate on Mrs Olawoye’s question, which was hanging in the air. He wasn’t sure if explaining everything to her would worsen the situation. He didn’t want anyone to see him as a person who would always allow a third party to mediate in his marriage in the future. But he knew that keeping to himself wouldn’t resolve the issue either. His problem was getting out of hand, and if he didn’t take appropriate decision, he’d be back to square one.      Talking to Evelyn should not be a problem. After all, Ella had been living with her since she graduated from the university and was very close to her. Moreover, Evelyn had been aware of his relationship with Ella from the very beginning and had given as much support as needed. He hushed, thinking of what action to take.      “You have not a...

     Joel held Ella’s hand as they walked down Crescent Street. The street was platted in gold. Flowers and ornamental plants adorned the sides of the road. She’d never walked in such a street. Although the sun had set, the arrayed streetlights made it difficult to believe what the time was. Persistent fireworks excited the sky. The sight was enchanting. Or was ravishing the perfect word?      Her dress was beautiful, like none she had worn before. Jewellery adorned her hair, ears, and neck. Her steps were punctuated with grace as she walked hand in hand with Joel, her husband, into the church. The church was overfilled. Everyone stood on their feet to welcome Joel and Ella, and sound of applause rent the air.       She couldn’t hide her euphoria. They walked toward the altar and a man handed them microphones to teach the church. Just as they collected the microphones, Kunle emerged from the congregation and stopped them. Despite the cheeri...