BOOK CONTEST: The Author is giving away one e-book copy of An Unexpected Blessing( Kindle or Nook Only) To enter go here: http://bit.ly/1v0qb9e

Book Title:  When You Let Go

Genre: Christian Fiction, Novel

Publication Date:  May 22, 2014

Genre:  Christian Fiction

About The Book:

An answered prayer. An unforeseen betrayal. A family healed by grace.

Amara and Ejike Dike had been married for six glorious years. Amara was convinced Ejike, was the perfect gift from God. Loving, charming and very easy on the eyes. They had a beautiful life. Well, not so beautiful. Amara’s inability to bear children made her feel like a less than the perfect mate for her husband.

Then after many years, God lifted her faith and had finally heard her cry. The Dikes couldn’t be happier.

A surprise visit from Chinelo, Amara’s long lost cousin, turns Amara’s world upside down and threatens to turn her once-perfect existence into ashes.

Ejike loved his wife with a passion. They shared a burning desire and faith in God that burned deep. However Chinelo’s appearance would open a Pandora’s Box that had purposely been kept shut.

Faced with the loss of all she holds dear, Amara finds herself at crossroads. Would she lean on God’s sustaining grace to let go and travel the rocky path to forgiveness? Or would she throw everything to the wind and walk away?

When You Let Go is a novel about people who know what the Word of God instructs but struggle with actually doing it when the chips are down

About The Author:

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. UnomaNwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is a romantic at heart and is passionate about telling stories of faith and hope about love. She hope to capture her readers through stories that are faith based with an element of love. After all, “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13

She is the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) and The Christmas Ultimatum (2013) and many published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai and well as numerous radio shows and blogs. She is currently working on her next novel When You Let Go (May, 2014) and A Scoop of Love (October, 2014).

Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. She calls them her God-given stories and strives every day to be a use her gift to His glory.

Social Links:

Website: http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/unwanwkorauthor

Twitter handle:  https://twitter.com/unwankwor

Email: unwankwor@kevstelgroup.com

Buy Links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1sMLGqg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1o02rk5

Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com

Let's Play...Catch Up!

I received an advanced copy of Vivian Kay's debut novella, Honor Among All - a story of actions, consequences and redemption.

Honor Among All follows the story of Ladi and Moni, a married couple who are in somewhat of a rut. The love they had has been replaced by coldness, anger and a lack of intimacy. To make matters worse, their daughter, Shekinah has embarked on a destructive path. Now, in addition  to their marital problems, Ladi and Moni are on opposite sides when it comes to Shekinah. What else could possibly go wrong?

Moni's past decisions on a sensitive issue make her feel like she owes Ladi something...so when he suggests they spice up their marriage, she overcomes her initial reservations and agrees. Little do they know they have bitten off much more than they can chew.

In Honor Among All, Vivian Kay weaves a tight and compelling story that hurtles towards a satisfying conclusion. The characters are so relatable, you feel like you could reach out and touch them. With an economy of words and a powerful narrative, Honor Among All draws you in and never lets go until the last word. And you know the best thing? You come away wanting more. A sequel is already in the works and I look forward to reading Debo and Adele's story (You'll meet them in Honor Among all). 

My recommendation? Buy this book and experience all the twists and turns for yourself. 

Read Vivian Kay's Author Spotlight below.

Thanks!

Onyih 

MOTS: Tell us a little about yourself

I'm a debut Christian author living in Canada. When I'm not writing or daydreaming about writing, I'm cooking, playing scrabble or snuggling up with a good book. 

MOTS: Why did you decide to write this book?

A conversation about Christian swingers led to the decision. Before that day, I had never heard of such a thing. After doing some research and finding a Christian swinging website, I realized it was an issue in the church.

MOTS: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

The message in the book is that of redemption. That there is no sin that can separate us from God as long as we’re willing to seek repentance. Also, that God is compassionate and faithful even we are not.

MOTS: Thanks for joining us, Vivian Kay. Best wishes with the new book.

HONOR AMONG ALL - SYNOPSIS

After many years of happiness, Moni Badmus's marriage is crumbling and she doesn't know what to do. Desperate to save her home, she goes along with her husband's suggestion on how to spice up their conventional sex life. 

Ladi Badmus gets exactly what he wants. But his thirst for excitement remains unsatiated. The couple find themselves drawn deep into a secret world until the risks they both embrace, exacts a steep price. 

In this emotionally charged tale of temptation, sacrifice and redemption, we see how love and faith erodes with promises not kept and how in the midst of man-made chaos, God's compassion stands sure. 

Please, click on the link below to purchase Vivian Kay's debut novella, Honor Among all

It was the screaming that woke her. Yet, she clung to sleep, desperate for rest after putting in a full day at her two jobs. But, the screaming wouldn’t stop. Desperate screams rent the air and finally yanked her all the way to alertness. What she saw galvanized her into action. Red, hungry flames licked at their precious furniture; greedily consuming everything in sight. Thank God everyone is okay, she thought after she and her brother escaped the gutted apartment. As they stood outside in the cool, night air, the blaze lit up the sky in glorious colors; the fire majestic, even as it fed on all their worldly goods. Relief at their miraculous escape was clouded by the realization that she would have to start all over again. “Lord, help me.”

Unoma Nwankwor is the co-owner of KevStel Group, a Christian entertainment company, specializing in movie productions, book publications and hosting events. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Banking and a Masters of Business Administration degree in Global Management.  She terms herself a “numbers person” whom God bestowed the gift of writing and storytelling. She writes Christian fiction and articles aimed at sharing faith, hope and love. When she is not working, writing or running the operations of her company, she spends her time with her husband and two kids. Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She now resides in Atlanta which she has called home for fifteen years.

A self-admitted numbers person, Unoma discovered her passion for stories at an early age, and she always knew she would become a writer one day. She finally seized the opportunity after an incident that occurred in 2012. She knew then that she could not – would not wait any longer to fully express the gift God had given her. In her own words, Unoma describes what keeps her going in the face of challenges like the devastating apartment fire she and her brothers experienced:

"Apart from the unconditional love of God, the one thing that keeps me going is my family. Without their love and support I wouldn’t have done half the things I’ve done or think I can do the things I hope to do. I listen to gospel a lot, so anytime I’m down, I put on my earphones and get lost in good gospel music. It has a soothing effect and reminds me of how blessed I am even though the outlook might be bleak. Unoma has achieved a milestone with the debut of her first book, ‘An Unexpected Blessing’, and she is hard at work on her next project."

When asked how she would want to be remembered, she responded in her usual straightforward manner:

"Wow that’s a tough one. You know it’s hard to think of your own mortality some times. But if I am to answer this question, I want to be remembered as one who impacted her generation.  Who kept pressing to the very end, so that when I meet my Maker, He’ll tell me “Well done.”

Excerpt: an Unexpected Blessing

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Feranmi weaved in and out of traffic as she headed up 400 North to Alpharetta.

“Before we get to that, can we resume the discussion where you tell me how happy you are that I’m getting married?” Kayla quipped on the other end of the phone.

Feranmi wanted to kick herself for not being more excited for Kayla. Kayla was her girl. She was genuinely happy that she’d found love with a good man and was getting married. But try as she might to be over the moon about it all her own pathetic situation was throwing shade. “Forgive me. I’m thrilled. Tell me all about the proposal.”

Kayla didn’t wait a second to do so. The details were painfully romantic and so representative of the Kofi Kayla had been describing over the months. Fancy dinner, horse drawn carriage ride around the city, roses in the park; down on one knee…it was all divine. The joy Feranmi should have been feeling had finally made its way to her heart. “That sounds like something out of a fairytale.”

“It was and the ring is to die for. I’m going to take a pic and send it to you.”

“You do that. Right after you explain how Alex Montgomery knew you were engaged before I did.” Feranmi’s tone wagged the finger she couldn’t make Kayla see. “Make sure you start at the part of the story where you explain how you and Kofi are even involved with Alex.”

“Okay,” Kayla said the word with a lilt of caution. “I told you Kofi and I ran into Alex a year ago at this networking thing.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Kofi and Alex hit it off. They did some business together. They play basketball and golf. Girl, I don’t know. I think they like best friends or something.”

“Kayla!”

“I tried to bring Alex up to you a few times and what? What did you do?”

Feranmi was steaming. Sure, she’s banned the name of Alex Montgomery from their conversations, but if he and Kofi were friends…

“Fera, don’t get angry. I didn’t really know how cool they were until a few months ago. I also didn’t know at the time that Kofi and I would be getting married, so… I tried to spare your feelings. I know how you feel about Alex.”

“I don’t feel anything about Alex.”

“Yeah, that’s why we’re having this conversation about him right?”

“I just didn’t like being taken by surprise like that. I didn’t expect it. You know I don’t like surprises.”

“Yeah, well let me get it out now then so you won’t be surprised. He’s in the wedding.”

“Kayla!”

“You’ll survive,” Kayla said. “You should try to holler. He’s getting finer with age.”

“Holler, see that’s what I’m talking about. American women pursuing men who should be pursuing them.”

“Don’t start that American, Nigerian stuff. You know I’m not trying to hear that. No culture is perfect, so stop being pious about American men.”

“I know it’s not all of them.”

“It’s not most of them. Besides Nigerian men aren’t all perfect. If they were you’d marry Bayo. Ouch.” Kayla teased.

Feranmi wanted to ring Kayla’s neck for bring up Bayo.

“I have to go. We’re calling Kofi’s parents before it gets too late over there. Wish us grace.”

Feranmi’s heat cooled. “Grace, Sis. I love you. Tell Kofi I said congratulations.”

They ended the call just as Feranmi pulled into her driveway. She stepped out of the car. From her approach she could see a long Federal Express box on the front stoop. She had no idea what it could be as she hadn’t ordered anything online lately that required shipping. She opened the door, put her things inside the foyer and scooped up the long, rectangular shaped box. She made her way into the kitchen. Pulled out scissors to slice it open and was shocked at what her eyes were looking at. Red roses. A dozen of them. She searched inside the box for the card. She had no idea who on the earth could or would have sent her flower. They weren’t from her brother because he only sent them for her birthday.

She removed it and read:

Feranmi – It was wonderful running into you today. I hope you’ll bend your rules and call me for that dinner. – Enjoy, Alex.

(c) 2013 Unoma Nwankwor

Unoma’s book is available for sale at Barnes & Noble: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-unexpected-blessing-unoma-nwankwor/1116744601?ean=9780989073806

Connect With Unoma:

Website: www.unomanwankor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unwankworauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/unwankwor

Goodreads, Google plus & Pinterest search for Unoma Nwankwor 

Catch Up!

Chukwuemeka Odunze (popularly known as Emmy) is a Gospel vocalist, songwriter, author and composer with the anointing for praise and worship. He is also the founder and CEO of Psalmist Music Inc. He is a passionate young man, a dynamic speaker/singer and a visionary.

Born and raised in a Christian home in Eastern Nigeria, his early musical influences include Fred Hammond, Commissioned, The Winans, Boyz II Men, and his father, Dr. Don Odunze, who was a Choir Director in their church. As a young boy, he would spend long hours in church watching the church band and choir rehearse. His family and friends soon realized that his interest in music was genuine and unwavering. Not minding the long hours spent on the road, he began to accompany his parents on their ministry trips for marriage seminars and crusades and even participated in some events.

“My dad would give me 5 minutes to sing a song before he would preach. I remember the first time I sang in front of a crowd of about 3000 people at the age of 12, something happened within me that day, which I still can’t describe. I knew I was born for this.”

By the time he was 13, his music teacher realized he could comfortably sing and differentiate all four parts of harmony, and suggested he be moved up to the senior church choir. Emmy’s love for music blossomed as he sang Acapella with his siblings, and led youth choirs and groups within the city of Enugu in Nigeria.

Emmy moved to United States in his early twenties and acquired a degree in Communications and Public Affairs, graduating with honors. Emmy continues to flourish in his life-long calling and currently serves as one of the lead worshipers at House on the Word Church in Houston, Texas.

The sudden death of Emmy's father in 2008 was devastating, especially because of the distance. "From the minute I moved to the U.S., I dreaded that call..." Emmy recalled pensively. Living so far away, he could not be by his father's side at the end and for him it was the end of an era. His father's influence lives on though...not just in Emmy's life, but in the lives of his entire family. 

Emmy's stage presence is undeniable. He has supreme confidence in the One who gave the gift and it shows whenever he sings. A close relative had this to say:

"Whenever Emmy takes the stage, something incredible happens. His energy is amazing and he definitely has a worshipper's heart."

Described by a friend as an anointed and talented worshipper, Emmy has completed work on his debut album '…But God' and an album launch concert - RAW - is scheduled for September 7th, 2013. RAW, an acronym for 'Radical. Authentic. Worship.' is expected to be a night of uplifting praise and incredible worship. The concert will also feature gospel artists Cohbams Asuquo and EmEm. When asked how he would want to be remembered, he paused and said:

"A man that gave his all to God, Family, life and went home empty.”

For more details and booking information:

Website: www.emmyodunze.com

Connect with Emmy on facebook: www.facebook.com/emmyodunzelive

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/emmyodunzelive

Emmy's new single: https://soundcloud.com/chukwuemeka-odunze/ibuchukwu

Liked it? Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Emmy's album. You know it'll be awesome ;) 

Emem’s expressively creative nature was nurtured from a young age. She has written poems since she was 10, and as a young girl, she loved acting in school and church plays. She also enjoyed singing so much that she memorized the lyrics to hundreds of songs! Emem has always been drawn to music. As a nine year-old girl, Emem longed desperately to be able to sing. So much so that she made a special request that God would give her the ability to sing. Funny enough, she never sang publicly until her last few years in college when her youth group put on a Christmas program. That was the beginning.

Emem was born in Los Angeles to high-achieving Nigerian parents who stressed the importance of education and wanted her to be a doctor. She initially acquiesced, getting a Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. However, she changed gears and decided to become a lawyer. She went on to obtain her JD (juris doctor) degree and also has an LLM in Intellectual Property and Information Law. Emem practiced law for several years and even served as an adjunct Professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. But, if you ask Emem which of her accomplishments means the most to her, you might be surprised by her answer “I’ve worn so many hats in my life, but my favorite, by far, is “Mommy” to my two boys.”

Emem’s life is built around her love for God, family and music. “I know it sounds cliché, but I love God because He has done so much for me, in spite of me.  He is good all the time.  There’s a verse in the bible that talks about how we love Him because He first loved us.  I used to be puzzled by that verse, because I interpreted it to mean that this is the only reason we love Him. 

Recently though, I’ve begun to understand that, because God loved me first, He sent His Son to die for me, He wraps me in His arms, He constantly amazes me.  He has demonstrated His love for me. Of course, I’ve got to love Him back!  So yeah, I love Him because He first loved me.”

For Emem, music is more than just singing; it creates a path to something bigger, and more profound. “Good music, to me, is music that edifies.  Great music is music that glorifies God.  Music can take you into His presence, can lift your spirits, teach you something new, and take you back in time.  My prayer is that God will use my music to encourage, to draw others to Him, and to bring glory to His name.”

Her passion is evident to others as well. Described by a close friend as "very passionate and dedicated to her music ministry", Emem is fiercely loyal, loves to give credit where it's due, and constantly seeks the will of God...even in the face of challenges. Especially in the face of challenges.

She is currently working on songs for her debut album; soul-stirring, upbeat hits like Flip the Page and Rebirth. Both songs are extremely special because they express Emem's perspectives on God's ability to mold us into His image and give us new beginnings.

According to Emem, "Flip the Page is to encourage everyone that, no matter where you are in the story of your life, it's not over.  You may be experiencing a bad chapter, but keep flipping the page.  If the next page still does not provide you the break you're looking for or the answer you need, keep flipping...keep going on. God is not through with you yet. There's a line in the song that goes "the pain you've carried, the dreams you've buried, the tears you've cried, the fear you hide and all the questions "why?" That describes where I was when I wrote the song, and though I still have some dreams that are yet to be fulfilled, many already have been and I'm so grateful to God that I did not give up.  Please don't give up".​

Emem fulfilled one of her passions and traveled to Ghana on a mission trip earlier this year, and there she encountered the young boy described in the opening paragraph.

Thinking about her trip and the impact it had on her, Emem is reflective and filled with gratitude. "I've never been more grateful for what I have and where I am in my life right now. Seeing how others live has really given me a new appreciation for all I have. May God give me a permanent heart for the nations."

​​Onyih Odunze

Download Emem's singles {Flip the Page & Rebirth} here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flip-the-page-single/id533642644

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ememcoker

Check her website for more details and booking information:

http://www.ememtheofficialpage.com/

Hannah's Story: Re-Imagined written by Toyin Malomo

Early the next morning, before the sun started to heat the skies she sent a message to her husband through Lepa.

“My mistress says that she is unavailable this evening. She said you would understand.”

Getting ready to start the work of the day, Elkanah nodded carefully trying not to show his disappointment as he bent his head to slip on his leather sandals.  The only time when Hannah was unavailable was that season of every month when she would be unclean.  Now it seemed he wouldn’t be able to be with her until after they returned from Shiloh.  He himself couldn't afford to be unclean for the next seven days which would be the consequence if he attempted to lie with her during this period, no matter his desire for her company. Trying to count her number of unclean days and when they would end, Elkanah wondered if she would still be to travel.  

“Will your mistress also be unable to go to Shiloh with us?”

Lepa nodded her head, a blush spreading up her pale cheeks.  She still found it embarrassing that she was very much aware of when it was that her mistress lay with her master as  she took care of organizing the baths that they both had to wash in whilst they remained unclean for a short period.  And now to be indirectly discussing her mistress' monthly impurity with her master, was also causing this shy servant girl even further discomfort. 

She followed Elkanah in quick short footsteps, hurrying to keep up with his steady stride through the boundaries of the compound. She stopped short and cleared her throat gently when she saw the male household workers and those employed from the village waiting for their master.  She didn’t miss the nudge given by one of the outsiders to another one of the employed hands whose tiredness dissipated at the sight of a pretty girl at the crack of dawn.  She felt like her ears were on fire and she cleared her throat louder this time to her master who was more than a few paces in front of her.

Having forgotten her, he turned back at the noise and beckoned her to him.  She kept her head low as she approached him. He bent down towards her diminutive figure.

"Master, she also told me to tell you, that she knows my other mistress will be available should you wish."  Elkanah straightened to his full height, feeling his back creaking as he did so.  He wasn’t getting any younger and his body kept reminding him of this fact.  He replied firmly but discreetly so the workers wouldn’t hear him.

"Your mistress is very kind, but if I am not expected with Peninah, then it is better for the sanity of this household not to pay her a visit unannounced." 

Lepa didn't dare respond as he promptly waved her away, but she understood his meaning.  Lepa's counterpart Sherah, Peninah's personal maid often complained about how unreasonable and demanding her mistress was.  There was little chance that she would welcome her husband's impromptu visit unless he was bearing a sizeable financial or unusual gift.

The family's visit to Shiloh was not different to any other, except that Hannah stayed at home as required, with Lepa waiting on her.  It was therefore in her absence that Elkanah, Peninah and their 3 sons and 2 daughters with the other serving members of the household made one of their thrice annual trips to the main temple. 

"Look at how feebly you are kneading the dough! No wonder you cannot produce children!"  

It was just a few days after the family had returned from their travels and Peninah was back to her favorite pastime of insulting Hannah.  The fierce afternoon sun made Hannah’s forehead gleam with beads of perspiration and she paused to mop her brow with the back of her hand.  Tendrils of hair floated loose from the tight bun she had tied it in and she could feel the lines of sweat dripping down her back. If it hadn’t required more effort she would have shrugged her shoulders at Peninah. The servants were well used to hearing her being abused by this woman so it was pointless getting upset by such a comment.

"Sister Peninah"- she always addressed her by this title in deference to her as the older wife.

"You know that I am happy to learn.  With your experience, if you would just help the girls and I to do this, I am sure this would be a much easier task." Instead of washing your mouth out on me, she thought, but didn't say.

Hannah glanced up at the woman who was only 7 years her senior and yet looked like there was a greater age gap between them because of the constant scowl she wore on her sharp features.  Hannah wasn’t surprised to see that Peninah was looking at her with disdain as if she were a bad smell.  It seemed that Peninah would never forgive her husband for the day that he announced that he wished to expand his household by taking on another wife “And look what good  that  brought him!"  Peninah often trumpeted. She didn’t hide the fact that she was glad that this younger woman, another Ephraimite from their own tribe had been as barren as a second wife deserved to be.   And of course, because of her own brood of children, it was obvious that the fault lay with his quiet, cowering bride as opposed to Elkanah himself.

"Experience?" she snapped haughtily. Her pale skin preserved by meticulously shielding herself from the sun, blanched ever so slightly.   "Yes I have experience beyond your simple years.  However you fail to implore me for the right kind of experience you need."

Hannah sighed and wished she could just retire to the shade to wet her burning forehead with some water.  But if she employed Peninah's approach, their household chores would never be done and the servants would be in turmoil under Peninah's instruction.  This was why she found it necessary to have a more involved role in overseeing the household business.  "I am listening."  She really was although she could already tell that it wouldn’t be something she would want to hear. 

"Yes my dear sister Hannah," she said mockingly and in a loud tone so that everyone around could hear.  "I can offer you experience as to which positions to try lovemaking with my husband.  That way maybe you will get your child- this gift that so unfortunately eludes you."  Her harsh laughter grew faint, signaling her departure.  With her ears burning with shame, Hannah kept her head bent and plied her frustration into the dough.  She knew that if she looked up, she would see the pitying, sympathetic looks of the servants who were within earshot of the encounter.

"Mistress, forgive me for saying this." It was Sherah  who touched Hannah's feet before she spoke.  There was a defiant look in her eye, but Hannah didn’t like to encourage insubordination no matter how much her ego would have welcomed it at that moment.  

"Sherah, please, if it is something against your mistress, then you know I cannot give you permission to speak" 

Sherah looked crestfallen for a moment, then looking around at the other 2 girls who were pretending to be working  their balls of flour with careful concentration.  She stepped in so that she could only be heard by Hannah.  

"Well I cannot get into trouble for telling you that while we lodged in Shiloh I overheard my mistress screaming at my master for insisting that she make intercession for you at the temple that you have a child of your own."  Hannah's eyes stung with grateful unshed tears. She didn’t trust her voice to express how happy she was to hear that, contrary to her beliefs, it seemed that her husband was still praying that she would conceive.  So instead she squeezed Sherah's arm in gratitude and found a tune to hum as she turned her mind as to what delicacy she could prepare for Elkanah's meal that evening.

That night was the beginning of the worst period that Hannah could remember in Elkanah's household. Unusually, just after sunset, Elkanah had come direct to her chambers instead of sending one of the servants to forewarn her of his return from the vineyard.  She had just finished bathing after her own hard day's work and was surprised when he informed her that he wanted them to take a walk. 

Having dressed with a shawl around her shoulders to steel against the cool breeze that rustled her hair, he led her by the hand in the direction of the luscious vineyards that had been tended by his forefathers.  The sweet pungent smell of grapes filled the air with intermittent wafts of the rapeseed which was planted on a smaller plot of land adjoining the vineyard.  The olives were not in season so she didn’t detect their potency in the breeze. She believed that the winding path of the vineyard was a nice place where they wouldn’t be disturbed, and that perhaps he wanted a level of privacy that was difficult to find in their bustling home.

"Beloved, there is something I want to tell you." They had stopped at the boundary of his red and white vines. The rich smell of the fruit alone was intoxicating. As the light of the moon shone strongly onto his face, she could make out his strong aquiline nose, the shadow of hair across his jaw and even the laughter lines at the corner of his eyes.  So he wasn’t the most handsome man in the area, but her heart filled with giddy joy whenever he smiled at her and on the day she was introduced to him she knew that although he was 15 years her elder, he was a man she would grow to love and respect as was common in most arranged marriages of her time.  But what was this she saw in his eyes as he took her hand in his? Was it a look of sadness or was that disappointment?  She couldn’t remember hearing anything in the house about his vines failing this year nor any bad news amongst the locals that anybody had recently passed away.

"You are making me anxious while you keep me waiting?  What is it my husband?"  She focused concerned eyes on his face , as she lightly touched his ear with her free hand, indicating that she was ready to listen to him.

Elkanah sighed heavily at her innocent touch.  There was no easy way to break this news to her, but nor could he have her finding out any other way.  He had deliberately brought her away from the house as he couldn't be sure of her reaction or that the news wouldn't reach her before he had a chance to speak to her. 

"The physician came to the house this early evening while you were away fetching the cinnamon from the spice merchant." Hannah pretended to be annoyed and breaking his hold, planted her hands playfully on her hips.  "Nothing is a secret in this household!  My cinnamon and raisin biscuits were to be a treat for our dessert this evening, but now it won't be a surprise for you anymore."  

She was still smiling as she thought of the hard work and love that had gone into seasoning and shaping the little biscuits, but then an awful thought struck her.  

"The physician?” Her hands now cupped her mouth and her mood changed.  “He came to the house?  I didn't know you were back so early? Is there something wrong with you?"  An icy fear gripped her heart and she searched his eyes trying to anticipate his answer.

 "No, no.  Don't fear.  I am fine.  Very fine it appears.  No, the physician came to visit Peninah."

Despite her intense dislike of Peninah, she couldn’t bring herself to wish evil on the woman and so it was a very natural response when she asked in a concerned voice. "Peninah? Oh no.  Is she alright?"  Elkanah's heart contracted once again. His dear Hannah - always so kind and caring regardless of past wrongs.

"My dear... she is fine now.  She fainted and was hard to revive so Merab of Hegon was called and she recommended fetching Heman."  Hannah visibly relaxed and smiled at her husband's worried looking face.  Her upturned mouth would normally have caused his own to smile, but instead he held fast with his gloomy look. 

Hannah was puzzled. So it was something that Merab, their local medicine woman who had a herb for every ailment could not handle. "I sense there is more news” she said, her voice filling with dread for the second time.

"Yes.  I don't know how to say this so I will just tell you." He paused as if still debating with himself.  He took her hand again. "It's Peninah, she's - well, she's with child."  He didn’t add the word 'again'.  But it resounded clearly in that moment even in the absence of its use.  Hannah was still looking at him, her hand still in his, but he could feel it had gone cold and clammy.

***​

​{Click the 'Older Posts' button on the bottom right to read Part 1}​

To be continued

Toyin Malomo

Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, a prosperous man who had two wives. She had been married to Elkanah for a while, but did not have children. Unfortunately, Elkanah's other wife, Penninah (who had several children) constantly provoked Hannah and tried to irritate her, not just because of Hannah's childlessness, but because she knew that their husband loved Hannah more than she.

Pushed to her breaking point, Hannah went to the temple during their usual annual pilgrimage and said a prayer that  gave Israel one of their most powerful prophets.

​11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1st Samuel 1:11

​In due season, God answered her prayers and she gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel 'Because I asked the Lord for him'. Hannah fulfilled her vow and took Samuel to the temple where he was raised and became the last Prophet-Leader in Israel before the Kings came. He guided Israel in spiritual and political issues and 'God never let his words fall to the ground' (1st Samuel 3:19). Samuel anointed two of Israel's best known kings (for different reasons): Saul and David. He was a very influential leader and a man that God used to steer His people in a time of great turbulence...and he might never have been born, save for the earnest prayer of a desperate woman.

Read an excerpt from Hannah's Story: Re-imagined, written by my friend Toyin Malomo. It's great reading and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!​

Thanks for reading and stay inspired,​

Onyih

​Hannah's Story: Re-imagined {Excerpt}

“Surely you are not still clutching onto the false hope that after all these years your withered womb will give my husband a child?”

Peninah was standing in the doorway of Hannah's living quarters, surveying her rival with cold resentment.   Hannah steeled herself for the barrage of insults she knew would be coming her way. Peninah always had a cutting remark ready for Hannah whenever Elkanah went to the younger wife’s chambers.  Although Hannah felt her heart splintering once again, she continued rubbing the almond oil into her thick brown hair in preparation for the evening ahead.

“Our God is able.  I am still of childbearing age”.

Her statement was meant to counter the severe goading that she was now accustomed to, but the years were quickly slipping away. And every time she mentioned El- Shaddai’s ability to grant her request, she felt like she was using lying lips.  Over the years, her conviction had gradually been eroded and she now offered these replies to the enemy of her peace because this was what she was supposed to say and not because this was what she was confident of. Still, she continued to profess her faith. Studiously ignoring her co-wife, she continued brushing her hair and making preparations for her husban’d visit.

Irritated at being ignored, Peninah snorted, flicked her head back and then stalked away.

***​

Later on that evening, as Elkanah was reclining on the sheepskin rug in her chamber, he looked at the untouched food on Hannah’s platter.

“My love, you do not eat again? What ailment is troubling you this time?” 

He stroked her hand gently and waited for her answer, but he knew what was wrong already.  It was the same ailment that had troubled him for 4 years of their marriage, until he realized that he needed to accept that Hannah would never bear him children and that he ought to be grateful that his first union with the irksome Peninah had blessed him with abundant fruit.

Hannah sighed.  What was the point of repeating the same words that they had spoken too many times?  She knew he would do his best to encourage her and she could almost hear his voice now, “The God of Israel, Yahweh, the God of our forefathers hears our prayers and will answer us”.  She wasn’t convinced he truly believed the words he spoke. She knew he had made his peace with her childlessness and it was no longer a part of his daily intercession, so which prayers would God answer?  Her own daily prayers had been bludgeoned into a script that failed to capture the one desire of her heart. She was so discouraged that she could not muster the strength to plead any longer. Wasn’t it her ancestor, Rachel, who had said to Jacob “Give me children or else I will die!”? She felt she had already passed that point and there was little gain in wasting more tears on something that God had clearly shut His ears to.  So instead,  it was a long time ago that she  had decided she would pray for the protection of her family, the prosperity of her husband, good health for herself and even God's blessing on Peninah and her children.  But inside, she was deeply grieved.

“I’m fine”, she said placing a slender dark hand on his arm tanned under the hot skies of Ramah.  He stretched forth his fingers to retrieve some fruit from the sumptuous meal she had prepared for him. 

“I’m just not hungry” she continued. Elkanah glanced at his wife’s resigned face. Her eyes were dull and her skin looked wan. Perhaps she was fasting in advance of their yearly visit to Shiloh which was approaching in a few days.  But then it was strange she had not mentioned that she wished to also abstain from their conjugal relations.

“Your hands have labored well,” he said as he tucked into the fresh millet loaf, dipping it into the steaming meaty broth.

A smile brightened her soft face and he was reminded of her youth and how easy she was to please.  Hannah always took compliments and praise well, as if she didn't know just how skilled she was.  Peninah, on the other hand, with age and experience- although as deft as Hannah in such matters-, had a long time ago stopped appreciating her husband. He still obligated himself to spend one night with her at regular intervals, but in recent times, he had become accustomed to eating meals prepared by the servants. 

He was also used to her complaining about the ever growing stature of their children and how she needed gold and cloth for them.  One evening he had returned from inspecting the fruit on his vines which was particularly exhaustive labor.  He hadn’t concerned himself with changing his robes as he knew Hannah would receive him the way he was and massage his aching muscles until he got some respite.  He was most disappointed to have been corrected by Hannah and have her urge him to fulfill his commitment to Peninah.   That night as Peninah abused him for the unkempt state he came to her in, as she roughly scrubbed his feet and as she slammed down what could only be described as old meat and very acidic wine to accompany it, it had overwhelmed him to realize that although he could never put Peninah aside as the mother of his children, Hannah was the woman he wished to grow old with.  Hannah was the one who he still anticipated spending time with.  Hannah was the one who would notice his creased forehead or a bruise on his body. Hannah was the one who would herself, go early in the morning to the local market, to choose fresh ingredients which she used to prepare him treats.  She wouldn’t concern herself with the fact that she would have to dip into her own purse since these things were extra to the household finances. Her finest qualities were her compassion and her fairness.  Sometimes her peacemaking attitude was mistaken for naivety and he was many a time frustrated at the way she allowed Peninah to manipulate situations and cause strife in the household. 

“We will travel to Shiloh in 3 days time.  You need strength for the journey, my dear.  Please, at least join me in eating a little of this meal that you have worked so hard to prepare.”  He wiped his hands on the cloth and then gathered her own slender hands, one by one pressing the calluses on her palms to his lips.

 “If you don't release my hands, how shall I eat, my lord?” she asked teasingly, in an effort to avoid his scrutiny. Deliberately avoiding his gaze, she glanced down at her hands and her long black lashes almost hid her huge brown eyes.

His face took on a mischievous look- “My love, I have a very good answer for that question.” She giggled as he briefly released her hands and then clasped them again as he offered her a small bunch of his own grapes with his mouth alone.

Many hours later as she lay with her head on her husband’s chest, Hannah was unable to stop the tears rolling down her cheeks.  If he treated her badly, was harsh or rough with her- or had even put her out of the house- perhaps she could have found solace in herself for such unfair treatment.  But instead he was always so tender, so gentle and loving towards her. “Please God, hear the cry of my heart” she whispered as the emotional exhaustion of the day overtook her and her eyes closed, succumbing to sleep.

***​

​Toyin Malomo

William J. Seymour, was born in 1870 in Centerville, Louisiana, to former slaves Simon and Phillis Seymour, who raised him as a Baptist. Growing up during the Reconstruction era, William experienced abject poverty and the intense discrimination that was the way of life in the Deep South. He left his home and moved around for a while before ending up in Houston.

While in Houston, Seymour attended a church led by Lucy Farrow, former governess in the home of Charles Parham - considered by many to be the father of the modern-day Pentecostal Movement. At around the same time, Charles Parham was in Houston, conducting revivals and teaching Bible School. In 1905, Lucy arranged for Seymour to attend some of Charles Parham’s classes and that was where his life was transformed. Despite having to sit outside the class, due to the ‘Jim Crow’ laws in the South, Seymour was hugely impacted by Parham’s belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit—the belief God would give believers the gift of tongues to enable missionary evangelism. Parham began ministering with Seymour, preaching to white congregations while Seymour preached to the black ones.

Later that same year, a woman who lived in Los Angeles - Neely Terry - visited Houston and was impressed when she heard Seymour preach. Her church in Los Angeles was searching for a new pastor, so when she returned home, she recommended Seymour for the position. He got the job and left Houston for Los Angeles, arriving there in February 1906.

On resuming his new duties, Seymour started preaching that speaking in tongues was the Bible evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This ‘new’ doctrine encountered resistance from some, but was welcomed by others. On March 4 1906, Seymour was locked out of the church and began ministering out of a congregant’s home. Unknown to everyone at the time, this would be the beginning of a movement; a revival that would ripple through time  – the Azusa Street Revival.

The church at Azusa Street was a humble place, referred to in the press as a “tumble down shack.” Previously used as a livery stable and tenement house, discarded lumber and plaster still littered the large, barn-like room on the ground floor.

The revival grew slowly during that summer but gained traction later in the year as stories spread quickly across the continent and to other parts of the world. Azusa Street provided a unique atmosphere because people of different races – White, Hispanic, Black, and many others – all worshipped together as one, despite racial prejudice and the prevailing laws of segregation. This aspect annoyed Parham so much that he severed ties with Seymour and established a rival mission.

Under Seymour’s ministry, many – including missionaries – received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. On a global scale, the Azusa Street revival contributed to a new crop of missionaries who felt that preaching the gospel would go hand in hand with signs and wonders, like speaking in tongues. Though only a few missionaries traveled from Azusa Street to overseas mission fields, it had an impact on many more who started other Pentecostal revival centers as a result of what happened at Azusa street. For many, the Azusa Street revival had finally ushered in the great end-times revival.

Seymour’s name should have been etched in the history of the Pentecostal movement, however, he was largely forgotten as prominent white leaders formed Pentecostal movements and told stories from their own perspectives. He faced severe criticism and eventually departed from the teaching that speaking in tongues was the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He also reserved leadership positions at Azusa Street for people of color, discriminating against the white members. As a result, the membership became almost exclusively black.

After several years, the mission at Azusa Street began to decline and Seymour’s health followed suit. He died on September 28, 1922 after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. The building was later destroyed and the property was lost. However, Seymour’s work left a lasting legacy, which is finally being acknowledged.

Of average size and blind in one eye due to a bout of smallpox, there was nothing physically remarkable about William Seymour. But, the Lord he loved deeply and served so faithfully used him in an extraordinary way.

Though flawed like all of us, William Seymour yielded himself to his Savior and left an imprint in a world where almost everything worked against him.

Onyih Odunze

*Though rooted in fact, the section in italics was embellished in the writer’s imagination.

Read more detailed accounts of William Seymour, Charles Parham and the Pentecostal Movement here:​

Sources

• http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/199904/026_azusa_3.cfm
• http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/199903/068_tongues.cfm
• http://www.azusastreet.org/WilliamJSeymour.htm

Tears running down his face, he knocked on the doors of people he knew – looking for help. His feet ached from walking all day, but desperation fueled him. He had to keep going on. Not just for his sake, but for his wife and their unborn child. Their excitement at having their first child had turned to distress when they found out that the baby was too big to be delivered normally. Two weeks after the due date had passed, his wife’s cervix wasn’t dilating and the doctor told them that a C-Section would be needed to deliver the baby. The thought of the doctor’s ‘No service before payment’ policy spurred him on…he knocked and knocked on door after door. He had begged the doctor to deliver the baby and keep them in the hospital until he couldfind money to pay, but no. The doctor had refused. Tears in his eyes…pride turned to dust, he asked for money to help pay the doctor. Rejected time and again, he finally gave up for the day when nighttime approached. “Tomorrow is another day”, he thought to himself. “I’ll start again tomorrow.”

And he did…and the day after, but all to no avail. After the third day, the doctor decided to deliver the baby, but it was too late. The baby – a little girl – was gone, and with her his wife’s sanity. The doctor performed a D&C to remove the baby, and the baby had to be dismembered to bring her out. His heart broke as looked at the baby that would have been his first child and he cried out “God, where are you?! I’ve obeyed you, why should it end this way?”

***

Born in Jaki, Benue State (Nigeria) in 1967, he was named ‘Dondo-Shater’ which means ‘Follow the Lord.’ His father was an evangelist and his parents worked together to bring the word of God to their small village. His father was the only Christian in the family and had joined with a few other Christians in the village to form a church. As a young child, Dondo had a mischievous streak and was always getting into one scrape or the other. Fueled by a natural curiosity, he liked taking things apart to see how they worked. He once punctured a clay pot and watched in fascination as his mother tried to cook with it. In spite of his destructive tendencies, Dondo was an honest child and always owned up to his mischief.

The death of Dondo’s father in 1982 threw him into a personal crisis. He had lost his best friend and confidant and a huge vacuum opened up inside him. He spiraled into depression and often heard his father’s voice speaking to him. His pain and distress over his father’s death drove him to prayer. One day while he was praying, God opened his eyes and he saw a revelation of his heart – he saw his heart open and full of darkness and evil. The image was so abhorrent to look at that he screamed “God, save me!” Dondo had always been conscious of his sin-nature, but for the first time he admitted that he was a sinner who needed the saving grace of God. The Holy Spirit came upon him and he started to speak in tongues. Like Dondo, several of his classmates also got saved at the same time and that was the beginning of a revival in the area. Dondo and his classmates preached to other classmates and everyone they met and within three weeks, 400 students were added to the fellowship.

Dondo’s love for missionary work was born when he watched a movie about Don Richardson, a missionary in Papua, New Guinea. The images from the movie followed Dondo as he extended his preaching ministry to the surrounding villages. Finally, his activities caught the attention of the church leadership and he was asked to stop preaching. Several church leaders interviewed Dondo and tried to convince him that he was teaching heresy and should stop. When their attempts failed, they located the man who had baptized Dondo as a child and asked him to speak to Dondo. The elderly clergyman met with Dondo and spoke to him in detail about the doctrines that he was teaching. After a lengthy talk, the old pastor met with the church leadership and gave them his opinion: all the doctrines that Dondo was teaching were Biblical. Unmoved, the church leadership ex-communicated Dondo.

Persecution against the fellowship increased so much that they could only meet in secret. However, this only strengthened Dondo’s resolve and he eventually became the prayer secretary for the FCS (Fellowship of Christian Students) branch in his school. In 1987, Dondo read a missionary magazine about the famine in Mali in 1983-1984. There had been a severe 2-year drought and people were dying of hunger. Missionaries had traveled to Mali to help distribute food and supplies to alleviate the effects of the famine. As he held the magazine in his hands, Dondo heard God say to him “The hunger in Mali is not only physical, but spiritual. I’ll send you to Mali.”

After more than a dozen years, God fulfilled His word and Dondo was sent to Mali as a missionary. He and his wife have faced some huge challenges including the death of their first child. But, they have been unwavering in their commitment to God and devotion to their mission. One year after the heartbreaking loss of their child, God blessed Dondo and his wife with a son and several years later, they were blessed with a second child – a daughter. Dondo and his family live in Mali and have worked to strengthen existing churches, and recruit missionaries for the villages where there are no Christians.

When asked how he would want to be remembered, Dondo said “This man gave himself to God as an article that God can use to purchase others into His Kingdom.”

Dondo is currently working on a book about his journey as a missionary and hopes to have it published by next year.

Onyih Odunze

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Jan Huss was born sometime around 1369 – 1371 in Bohemia, which is currently in the Czech Republic. He was drawn to the priesthood because of the tranquil lives led by priests and he was eventually ordained as a priest in 1400. Sometime in the early 1400s, Huss came in contact with the writings of John Wycliffe and was profoundly affected by them. John Wycliffe taught that people should be permitted to read the Bible in their own language. In those days, anyone who had a non-latin Bible in their possession was threatened with execution. Because a large majority of people were uneducated, this meant that the Bible could only be read by priests who could read Latin. At the same time, it was common during Holy Communion to only administer the bread to congregants, but restrict the wine to the priest. Huss rejected this practice as contrary to Scriptures and taught that Communion should be given in its entirety. Huss also encouraged people to seek to know Christ through the scriptures as opposed to miraculous signs and his reformist ideas caused tensions between him and the church leadership.

The Church finally had enough of Huss and his followers and he was put on trial in June 1415 and condemned to death on July 6, 1415 because of his writings and beliefs. Asked to recant, he refused and asked the council to convince him through Scriptures that he was wrong. After his death in 1415, his teachings continued to spread and his followers continued to teach the importance of giving both the bread and the wine during Holy Communion. In 1436, the Bohemian Church signed a pact agreeing to administer the Holy Communion in its entirety.

Jan Huss was a thinker, reformer and martyr who lived and died for what he believed.

Onyih Odunze

Read more about Jan Huss here:

1. http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/john-hus.html

2. http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/7.html

A draft of freezing air drifted across his face and Tyndale shivered in the cold, dank atmosphere of the dungeon. He had been imprisoned for over 500 days – he didn’t how know many days exactly, and he had stopped counting. Every day was much the same, poor conditions, meager food rations – usually cold, hard, moldy bread and brackish water. He tried to keep his mind on God and did his best to pray for his tormentors. After several more days, men came and took him away to the ecclesiastical court, where he was tried and convicted of heresy. When he heard the sentence, his heart dropped. So, he was to die then…before finishing the work he had started.

The guards dragged him through the noisy, heckling crowd, many of whom didn’t even know who he was or why he would die that day. His hands were bound tightly and his thin robe fluttered in the light breeze as he stumbled behind the agents of his captors. His eyes fell on a tall, stout pole surrounded by stacks of tree branches and the man who stood by, face covered with a black cloth. As he was lashed to the stake, and readied for execution, Tyndale lifted his eyes to heaven and with fervent zeal and a loud voice he prayed “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” Tyndale was strangled to death at the stake…by the time the flames began to lick at his body, his soul had already returned to its Creator.

Born in England, William Tyndale was a 16th century scholar and translator, who became a leading figure in protestant reformism towards the end of his life. Tyndale was extremely bright and gifted with languages. He could speak several languages fluently and spoke each one as if it were his native tongue. He started studying for a BA in 1512, and became a sub-deacon in the same year. In time, other clergymen began to find his opinions controversial and in 1522, he was called before the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Worcester and given a verbal rebuke – no formal charges were filed.

During Tyndale’s lifetime, no English translation of the Bible existed and lay people were forbidden from owning or reading Bibles. To do otherwise was considered a serious crime - all Scripture was read and interpreted by priests and other clergymen, but William was convinced that the way to God was through His word, and that scripture should be available even to common people. Thus was born his determination to translate the Bible into English.

Heavily influenced by Desiderius Erasmus, who made the Greek New Testament available in Europe, William Tyndale was the very first man to translate and print the New Testament in English. He also translated considerable parts of the Old Testament, but was unable to complete it before his arrest and execution. His friends, Myles Coverdale and John Thomas evaded arrest and published entire English Bibles for the first time within one year of Tyndale’s death.

Ironically, within four years, the same king who ordered the arrest and execution of Tyndale commissioned four English translations of the Bible (including Henry’s official Great Bible).

In response to a priest who said “We had better be without God’s laws than the Pope’s”, Tyndale responded “I defy the Pope, and all his laws; and if God spares my life, ere (before) many years, I will cause the boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scriptures than thou dost!”

Onyih Odunze

References:

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tyndale
2. www.greatsite.com/timeline-enlish-bible-history/william-tyndale.html
3. www.william-tyndale.com

 *The section in italics, while based on fact, was embellished in the author's imagination.  

The frigid night air wafted into the room as people began to leave. Corrie silently thanked God for another wonderful night of fellowhip and started walking towards the coat closet to collect her things. A man approached her, hat in hand, and Corrie smiled at him in greeting. Suddenly, she saw his face clearly and the smile froze on her face. She looked at him and the past flashed by in a matter of seconds - she saw the man holding a baton, the look on his face as he struck a frail woman who had fallen under a heavy load, his many cruel actions in the concentration camp. Unbidden, tears flooded her eyes, and now as she lookd at him more closely, compassion flooded her soul, for she saw something in his eyes. Sorrow, shame, repentance. She smiled again, but this time her smile spoke volumes - forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation. Corrie and the former guard moved at the same time. As they grasped each other's hand, Corrie was flooded with a consuming love - God's love. She knew that in this moment, God was smiling.

The youngest of four children, Corrie ten Boom was born into a devout christian family and grew up watching her father, a well-liked watchmaker, practice his art. She started training as a watchmaker in 1920 and in 1922, became the first woman to be a licensed watchmaker in the Netherlands.

However, watchmaking was not all her family was involved in - in 1942, two years after the Nazis invaded her country, Corrie's family became very involved in the Dutch underground, helping to hide Jews and protect them from the severe persecution they were facing. In time, the family built a secret compartment in Corrie's room for the refugees, and a large number of Jews received help in this way. Because of this, the ten Boom home came to be known as 'The Hiding Place'.

The entire family risked their lives daily to protect Jews, and one day in 1944, they would be found out. Corrie's family was betrayed by an informer, and they were all arrested. Corrie and her sister, Betsie, ended up at Ravensbruck camp together. There, in spite of their dire consequences and the unbearable prison life, they shared the gospel with their fellow prisoners, many of whom received Jesus as their Savior.

Eventually, four members of Corrie's family would die as a result of imprisonment - her father, Casper, died ten days after his arrest, her nephew was sent to a different camp and was never seen again, her brothew contracted spinal tuberculosis and died after the war, and her sister Betsie died in camp.

However, Corrie survived her ordeal - not only physically, but spiritually as well. She always focused on forgiveness and never harbored any bitterness. When she discovered that her release was a clerical error, and that all the women her age were killed the week after she was released, Corrie said "God doesn't have problems, only plans">

At 53, Corrie began a worldwide ministry - she traveled to over 60 countries and had numerous speaking engagements. She passed away on her 91st birthday, but her message of God's love and forgiveness live on in the legacy of her life.

"Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." Corrie ten Boom.

Onyih Odunze

References:

1. www.corrietenboom.com/history.htm and

2. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrie_ten_Boom

*The section in italics, while based on fact, was embellished in the author's imagination.

The woman kneeling on the floor shook and wept as agony swept through her soul. She had stopped asking Him what happened to the intimacy they used to enjoy - she knew well what had happened. It was Mister. She had never known this dryness of spirit before him. She struggled with the decision before her - she knew what she ought to do, but it sat heavy on her heart. The heart she had given to Mister. She had tried to walk this road once before on the night she married Mister, but the scorn she had faced from the congregation pulled her back into his arms. Minutes passed...hours, before she rose to her feet resolute. She knew what she had to do. In order to recapture the perfect Love that would never die, she had to surrender this one - finite, human and flawed.

Kathryn Kuhlman was one of the few ministers who pioneered the 'Charismatic Renewal', teaching that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still available to the Body of Christ today. Born in 1907, she got saved at 14 and a hunger and passion for preaching was born in her. At 17, she and her elder sister Myrtle convinced their parents that Kathryn should travel with Myrtle and her husband as part of their evangelical ministry. Her parents agreed and young Kathryn left with her sister and brother-in-law. After a while, her brother-in-law decided to travel on and her sister followed her husband shortly after.

Left on her own, Kathryn was allowed to preach in a converted pool-hall and later founded Denver Revival tabernacle in 1935. That same year, her life was to change. She met Burroughs Waltrip, a strikingly handsome evangelist from Texas. She was immediately attracted to him, even though he was married with two small children. Waltrip divorced his wife, moved away from his family and he and Kathryn began to see each other romantically. After they decided to get married, Kathryn discussed the relationship with a friend of hers and said that she could not discern the will of God in the matter. She decided to go ahead and marry Burroughs whom she referred to as 'Mister'.

Even then, she knew she had made a mistake. The night of the wedding, she left her new husband and went to see a friend of hers. Distraught, she decided to get an annulment. However, things did not work out as she had hoped. When they heard about the circumstances of her marriage, the Denver Tabernacle congregation rejected her. The ministry she had worked so hard for was no more. It was devastating.

After 6 years, Kathryn made the difficult decision to leave her husband. She gradually rebuilt her ministry and her latter days of ministry were more blessed than she could have imagined. Kathryn died in 1976 after open-heart surgery.

"The world called me a fool for having given my entire life to One whom I've never seen. I know exactly what I'm going to say when I look upon that wonderful face of Jesus...'I tried'. My redemption will have been perfected when I stand and see Him who made it all possible." Kathryn Kuhlman

O. Odunze

Reference: www.godsgenerals.com/person_k_kuhlman.htm Read more about Kathryn Kuhlman at this website.
*The section in italics, while based on fact, was embellished in the author's imagination.

The roaring of the crowd pounded in his ears. Their blood lust had been aroused and they wanted to slake it. The sound of their screams competed with the drumbeats of his heart. The old man remembered the Master's words..."MY peace I give unto you..." and his heart stilled. The officers were looking at him, waiting to see if he would recant The Christ and save his own life...what remained of it, for he was very advanced in years. Polycarp moved forward and felt his hip bones creak. On his left, an officer was holding a small bowl of incense. All he had to do was take a pinch of incense, offer it to the massive statue of the Emperor standing in the amphitheater, and say "Caesar is Lord" and he would avoid the live roasting that was planned

for him. Some distance away, to his right, the stake was waiting. Hay and wood were piled high around a sturdy wooden branch driven deep into the ground. A coil of rope to bind him tightly to the stake lay on the ground and several roughly dressed men with hoods over their faces were waiting with flaming torches to send him to eternity. He sent up a simple prayer and made his choice....*

Polycarp lived between A.D 69 or 70 and A.D 155. He was a direct disciple of the Apostle John, and thus he was connected to both the Biblical Apostles and the early church fathers. He served as Bishop of the church in Smyrna (modern day Izmir)and was recognized as one of the early combatants of Christian heresies1. During the latter years of his life, Roman Emperors unleashed a rash of bitter attacks against Christians, whom they considered to be members of a dangerous cult that needed to be destroyed. During one of such attacks, a number of Christians were herded into an arena to be devoured by wild beasts. One of the men, Quintus Phrygian, turned coward when he saw the beasts and recanted his faith1, 2.

When he received the news, Polycarp retreated to a farm to pray. One night, while at the farm, he dreamt that his pillow was consumed by fire, and he told his followers that he would be burnt alive. He was eventually arrested as a Christian and taken to the proconsul, who took pity on Polycarp because of his advanced age. When offered his life in exchange for switching his allegiance from Christ to Caeser, Polycarp said "Eighty-six years have I served Christ and He never did mewrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?1"

Polycarp rejected the offer and gave up a life he could not keep for one he would never lose. He was burned at the stake, but his body was not consumed and he was eventually stabbed.

O.Odunze

References:

1. www.polycarp.net

2. www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/martrydom-polycarp-lightfoot.html

*The section in italics, while based on fact, was embellished in the author's imagination.