MENDED WINGS... episode 5

     Oceania Eatery was posh. It was the type that warded off the poor by its mere appearance. The reception had people seated in groups of two and more, here and there. And many came in, placed orders, got their requests, paid, and left. Joel and Ella sat on the left side facing each other.

     Joel dabbed his lips with a serviette and smiled. “Look at you. Do you think the widow wasn’t wise to have obeyed Elijah and made him a meal from her last? She trusted in divinity. An average person of today asks how offering is spent. Definitely, one could have asked Elijah why he must be the first one to eat,” he said. 

     “You’re right. Another person could have insisted on eating the quantity left and dying thereafter or could have told the prophet to multiply the flour before she made his meal. People believe more in what they see now, even the so-called Christians.”

      “You can’t be less right. What a paradigm shift.”

      Ella drank from her cup. “We’ve been talking scripture since we came and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I never could have thought it was possible to do Bible study in a place like this. Thanks for sharing your time with me. A beautiful time, it has been. Thank you.”

     “You made it beautiful, dear. Something like this is common in the UK. We go on a date like this usually, even with total strangers, and teach the word over meals. Glory to God. Many souls have been won.”

     “Hallelujah. You’re doing well, sir. I can’t pray less of more grace upon you.” She smiled and supported her chin with her hands, her elbow resting on the table. “What do you do when you’re not teaching the word or ministering in songs? Do you have something else in Nigeria?”

      He smiled and glanced at the half-eaten pie on his plate. “I’ve told you before that my parents are based in Nigeria. We have a family’s business and my siblings and I are on the payroll. The church supports with a definite stipend monthly. I also have a business here in Lagos, which someone is managing for me. When I’m not doing the kingdom work, I dash into my business and sometimes I check on the family’s business. Before I travelled to the UK, I was fully involved in the family’s business, although I served God as well. But since I came back, I’ve been busy, speaking engagement here and there, ministrations unending. But it’s good. I’m doing all for a bedazzled crown in heaven.” He burst into laughter and she joined.

      “I’m happy for you. I’m sure you’d be in God’s platinum list, if there were anything like that.”

      “Meaning?” He smiled.

      “Never mind.”

      “Okay.”

      “But you could have stayed in the UK. Why come home?”

      “I need to settle, get married and raise kids, and so on. I prayed about it and I heard Nigeria. That was when I made up my mind to return to Nigeria. So, my church in the United Kingdom gave me a transfer to the parish here.”

     “Hmm. That’s good. What are you doing about your plans that brought you here?”

     “I’ve been praying about it. But I’m yet to get a name.”

      Ella smiled. Her eyes betrayed her and disclosed her joy about his confession. “Well, praying is important, especially for someone like you. You need someone who is like-minded and spiritually sound, who will support your ministry in every way possible. Not someone who will be a future burden like many ladies we have around now.”

      He searched her eyes. “You’re not a part of them, are you?”

     “God forbid. That’s why I’ve also been taking my time to pray for the right partner. I don’t want someone bringing me down either. I want someone who will charge me, who will be the pastor, priest, prophet, and head of my home. Someone we can grow together. The Bible says iron sharpens iron. You know, someone souled out to Christ that I will submit to and love for the rest of my days.”

       He watched her with heightened interest as she spoke and gesticulated with her hands. “That’s a good goal. Beautiful women like you have a flock of men swarming around them. If care is not taken, it might be...”

      “That is why I’m not letting down my guard. Holiness is priority. I won’t give in to any man until he’s endorsed by the heavens. Why do you think I’m not already married?”

      “I’ve not thought about it actually. But I think I have an idea from all you’ve said. You’re waiting for the right man.”

      “Exactly.”

      “You don’t look that old to me, anyway, although physical appearance can be deceptive.”

      She smiled. “I’m not old. I was twenty-seven on the 10th of July.”

      “Really. You look even younger than that. Your beauty is fresh and unique.”

      “Thank you,” she said and giggled.

      “You’re welcome.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “Oh! I have to go now. I have a meeting with the choir this evening.”

      “Alright. Thanks for everything.”

      “All thanks to God. Would you allow me drop you home since you didn’t bring your car?”

      She laughed. “Of course. A beggar has no choice.”

      “You’re not a beggar, my dear. You’re a god with small g. That’s how the Bible describes you. Never talk less of yourself.”

      “Hmm. Thank you.” She smiled. Every of his word was pleasant in her ears. How could he speak so well? She discarded her thought, rose up, and followed him to his car.