DANGEROUS

DELAY

BY
SEUN JONATHAN

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 The cast - In order of appearance

Linda
Rotimi
Person helping Linda
Pastor Akintade Peters
A man
A woman
Laide
Senator Akinsola
Senator's wife, Mrs. Charles
Pastor Charles
Grace
Mayowa
Pastor Tade's wife, Mrs. Peters
Mayokun
Eunice, House help
Molayo
Philomena
Hospital Doctor
Herbalist
Solape
Baba Solape
Linda's Mother, Madam Alicia
Juliet
Mary
Sade
Caleb
Bose
Deacon Wiliams
Brother Lanre
Man, kidnapper
Linda's Aunty in England
Mrs. Davies
Thug 1
Thug 2
Phone caller
Daoudu
Engineer
Young girl
Officer
Warder
Jesus

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Devil

PROLOGUE

(Linda, a 55-year-old woman, is addressing a small gathering of young people.)

LINDA: The glory of youth is in its strength; yet, youth is a crucial age. You are young?
It's unfortunate for you... because there are great opposing forces drawing your
attention. There is a turbulent river of confusion on which your innocent boat is
shaking...

You are young? Now... you are so fortunate, for the cards are still laid before
you on the table of your life! Its a time of decisions. You are lucky! You have a
choice... you have time... For some of us, the time for choosing is over; the
choices weve made in the past are now ruling our lives. I just hope you will
make the right choices in your life.

Youths! You are a group of people that we can envy! You have many years
ahead! For some of us, the years are behind...

SCENE 1

(Back in time, a much younger Linda drives into the compound. She brings with her a
black polythene bag, enters the living room and greets her husband. He ignores her. She
goes into the kitchen and brings a spoon to the living room).

LINDA: Rotimi, I am sorry! It took me more time than I expected. Baba had so many
people waiting to see him today! (She brings out a small pot out of the bag;
opens it.) So... Rotimi, Baba says we should both eat this concoction before we
sleep tonight. He assured me that this one will work this time around.

ROTIMI: (Hisses and turns away, concentrating more on the TV program he is

watching).

LINDA: But why are you acting like this, Rotimi? This is no time to give up! We must
keep trying... Let's keep trying, love! I am concerned as much as you are about
our childlessness.

ROTIMI: OUR CHILDLESSNESS? Did you just say OUR childlessness? Noooo! Your
childlessness! Your emptiness! Your barrenness! You are the one that is
barren! Do you remember all the clinics we have been to? And you remember
the accident I had with the car last year that left this scar on my face...? I was

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 hurrying down from Kano, just because it was your ovulation time! All was in
futility! Youve wasted my money and my time... you have wasted my years!
Linda, you have messed up my life with yours. You are a fruitless vine! A
basket that holds no water! You have been in this house for eight yeeeaars! You
were with your previous husband for 5 years and nothing to show for it! That
man became a father immediately after you took your ill luck away from his
house. You bitch! Leave me alone! Linda, I tell you... leave me alone and let
something good come out of my life. I have packed all your things before you
arrived. So... you are living this house right now!

LINDA: Rotimi, what are you talking about?

ROTIMI: Hum hum... What am I talking about? You will soon understand what I am
talking about!

(He snatches the concoction pot and smashes it to the ground. He storms out and into the
adjoining room, and brings out Lindas belongings.)

LINDA: Rotimi, please! Please! Dont do this! (She holds on to his clothes kneeling.)

ROTIMI: Get out of my way now before I hit you! I said... get-out-of-my-way! Leave
my clothes alone! (He starts to beat her, pushes her outside and locks the
door.)

LINDA: (Weeping) Oh, my God! Why is this happening to me? Why? (She slowly places
her belongings into her car. Someone comes to help her).

PERSON: Madam, so sorry! Why Oga dey beat you like that? So sorry!

LINDA: (Now in her car dials a number, still weeping). Laide, where are you? Oh, it has
happened again! Rotimi has thrown me out of the house! Please come and meet
me at my aunties house, the one on Airport road? Yes... the house she was in
before she traveled... Thank you! (She drives off.)

SCENE 2

(Pastor's office; he is speaking on the phone)

PASTOR TADE: She gave birth this afternoon? Praise God! Brother Felix, I rejoice with
you greatly. The word of the Lord has eventually come to pass in your lives.
He has said it and He has eventually done it! It's a baby boy or girl? (Jumps
up) What???... One boy and one girl? You mean your wife gave birth to twins?
Praise God! After 10 years of waiting! The Lord has said it, For every one of

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 your shame, you will receive double. Lord, we thank you! Yes... My wife and I
will come to see you tomorrow... Stay blessed, Brother Felix.

(Camera pulls out to reveal a man and a woman who came to see the Pastor
sitting opposite him.) I am sorry, my brethren! Sorry to keep you waiting...
Yeah, you said you needed to see me urgently. I hope all is well?

MAN: Pastor, we are here to share a great testimony. Everything still seems like a dream
to us. We had long given up! We know the Lord loves us, we know He has
great interest in us, but we were almost thinking that He had forgotten us!
Pastor, the Lord has done a great thing for us!

PASTOR TADE: Is that so? What has the Lord done?

WOMAN: (Weeping) Pastor, I have been of little faith... Lord, please forgive me!
(Weeping loudly). Fifteen years have passed and I was pretty sure that it could
never happen...

PASTOR TADE: What is the problem?

MAN: Pastor, my wife has been confirmed pregnant!

PASTOR TADE: Jesus Christ!

WOMAN: After 15 years of marriage, Pastor, I am pregnant for the first time! Jesus, I
thank you! Thank you!

MAN: Pastor, we had suffered a lot of ridicule! We have seen shame! Our relatives
despised us, but now... God has done a great thing in our lives!

PASTOR TADE: Thou have caused men to ride over our heads, we went through fire
and through water, but thou have brought us to a wealth place!

MAN: Lord, I will go into thy house with burnt offerings, I will pay thee my vows!

WOMAN: I will pay my vows, which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken,
when I was in trouble!

PASTOR TADE: My brethren, actually what the Psalmist said is true and applicable to
us. The Lord has also done it for you after 15 years of waiting. We give God
the praise! Actually, we have noticed - and even people have noticed - that God
seems to be answering a lot of hopeful mothers in this church!

MAN: Pastor, you are an anointed man of God... You have the power to pray for people
seeking the fruit of the womb... and they are always getting answers!

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WOMAN: Yes, Pastor, the Lord has used you. Thank you, sir! Thank you so much, sir!

PASTOR TADE: This has absolutely nothing to do with me... It is all about God! Let us
give all glory to God. He is an all-powerful God! Hannah said: He has power
to kill and to make alive. Brethren, let us thank the Lord for what He has done.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!!

SCENE 3
(Lindas place. She is with Laide)

LINDA: (Sobbing) Laide, why is my life like this? What wrong have I done? Have I
offended God? Am I suffering for the sins of my fathers? Perhaps there is a
curse on my life... Or is it my destiny supposed to be this bad? My first
marriage was 14 years ago. Michaels family threw me out of his house when I
couldn't conceive and brought another woman for him! Now he has children...
And now, Rotimi too has thrown me out! Laide, my life is finished!! (Wildly) I
think I should just go and kill myself!!! (Rises and moves to the door).

LAIDE: Stop that, Linda! (Rises and moves close behind her) Stop talking like that! No
person has the right to take his or her own life! If you do, youll go straight to
hell and you will have lost anyway! Linda, it's not yet over! Let me ask you:
childbearing is everything about life? You could still have children and not yet
fulfill the real purpose for your life... (Turns and comes to face her) Linda, why
dont you give your life to Christ and find your real purpose in life? In Him
you will find peace. In Him is everything you need! He can answer your
prayers...

LINDA: (Smiles) Laide, you talk as if you are not aware that I have once tried this born-
again thing! I was carrying the Bible and attending miracle services for years!
And here I am... what do I have to show for it? What? I think I told you of the
man of God that asked me to sleep with him on a mountain? He claimed that
intercourse would clear away my problems! After one-week-long lustful ritual,
I still have nothing to show for it!! Laide, I have tried these popular pastors... I
have lost so much money to them! I have tried the special garment ones... I
have tried the herbalist... the soothsayers... the doctors... I tried everything!!
Yet... I am still barren! (Drops back to the seat).

LAIDE: Who are you to declare yourself barren when God has not declared you so?
Linda, you have been consulting men and not God. You were seeking those so-
called 'men of God' for miracles and not God! The truth is that you were never
born again... Unfortunately, those people also refuse to show you the true way.
So sad! This is the situation in so many of our churches today! ...Linda, first
come with a true heart to reconcile yourself with your Maker. Have a genuine

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 desire to serve Him ONLY! Confess your sins and seek Him! He died for your
sins... Linda! Blood and water gushed out from His side, just because of your
sins! He was tortured for your sake! Forget about your problems for now... and
realize that you have been nailing Him to the cross again and again... by your
sinful acts... He loves you, Linda. Are you ready to surrender your life to Him?

LINDA: Hum, thank you, Laide. (Weakly) I have been through a lot lately... I really need
to take some rest. Please!

LAIDE: Its okay... I agree you need to go and rest now. I should be going to see my
pastor tomorrow. Can we go together, so he can pray for you?

LINDA: Laide, I am ready to go for prayers anywhere, anywhere my problems can be

solved! Is he a powerful man of God?

LAIDE: Linda! Hum! You are still not getting the point! Anyway... God is powerful
through him. Linda, seek the Giver and not the gift!

SCENE 4

(Pastor drives into a massive compound. Some security personnel lead him into the
house through passages and stairs. It's a Senators house).

PASTOR TADE: Sir, I have told you. God cannot be mocked! His standards do not
change, and everyone that calls the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity.
I see a great desire in you to serve the Lord. I see your deep commitment to His
service... but Senator, you cannot continue to live with two women under the
same roof and still claim to be born again! Didnt your pastor tell you all these?

SENATOR: My pastor? Pastor Charles never preached against it! I have always thought
I was doing the right thing. In fact, I am to be ordained a deacon in our church
next month! I thank God for the knowledge of the truth that is illuminating my
heart now.

SCENE 5

(In a large and beautifully furnished living room a woman hurries in to meet her
husband)

MRS CHARLES: Darling! Darling!!

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PASTOR CHARLES: Welcome, dear, what is the matter?

MRS CHARLES: Darling, I saw something strange just now and I am suspecting some
hanky-panky!

PASTOR CHARLES: What is that?

MRS CHARLES: I saw Pastor Peters driving into the senators compound just now! Is
there any relationship between them? What has Pastor Peters gone to do in the
senators house? (Claps her hands).

PASTOR CHARLES: (Furious) Pastor Peters? You mean... Pastor Akintade Peters?

MRS CHARLES: Yes, I saw his car just now... What has he gone to do there? You know
how dangerous Pastor Peters is! Before you know it, the Senator will follow
him to his church! I know what we suffered before we could win this man to
our church...

PASTOR CHARLES: My God! What is wrong with this young man? He is trying to
step on my toes again? Does he want to tell me he doesnt know that Senator
Akinsola is a member of City Liberty Assembly? What has he gone to do
there? Dear, please, get my phone for me!

MRS CHARLES: Darling, do something soon! (Walking) Do something fast! This man
must not tamper with a major pillar of our ministry!

SCENE 6

SENATOR: This is why I called you! I thank God you finally came after several times I
invited you here. The words you spoke the last time I came to your office are
still pricking my heart. My eyes seem to have suddenly opened... Though I was
going to church, I still feel as though I am still in bondage. Pastor, please, pray
for me! I am ready to make restitution! Pray for me for the grace to obey the
will of God. (He kneels.)

PASTOR TADE: You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free! When light
shines, darkness can never comprehend it. You see my brother... (Senators
phone rings)... Oh! You have a call!

SENATOR: I am sorry, sir! (He takes the phone and switches it off). Let's continue, sir!

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 SCENE 7

PASTOR CHARLES: What? (Tries to dial again) I can't believe this! For the very first
time... the senator cancelled my call and switched off the phone!

MRS CHARLES: What?

PASTOR CHARLES: I can sense trouble in the air... What is wrong with this man
called Pastor Peters? I hope he is not trying to steal our sheep!

MRS CHARLES: He had better not try it... it will be fire for fire!

SCENE 8

PASTOR TADE: In Jesus name we pray.

SENATOR: Amen! Thank you very much, Pastor! May God bless you and your family
abundantly!

PASTOR TADE: So... what steps are you going to take now?

SENATOR: I just wanted us to finish praying before I tell you. I have already put away
the second woman. I gave her some money and ordered her to leave. I thank
God there are no children between us and I was not legally married to her! I
have decided to reconcile with my wife and children, whom I have long
neglected! (Pauses and reflects.) I regret so much how I had lived my life! I
thank God... I thank God that my wife has also forgiven me!

PASTOR TADE: Praise God! This is great! May the Lord keep you and make you grow
in grace. Please, inform your pastor about all these, and draw closer to God. Be
closer to the word of God and be prayerful always, because the devil - like a
roaring lion - is still seeking whom to devour! He will not devour you if you
live in Jesus!

SENATOR: Amen, sir!

PASTOR TADE: My brother, I need to leave now. I believe your pastor will counsel you
further and the Holy Spirit, the Great Teacher, will teach you more.

SENATOR: Thank you so much, sir. (He moves to a corner, gets a large envelope.) Sir,
I prepared this little token when I knew you were coming.

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PASTOR TADE: Thank you, my brother. I am sorry, but you will kindly excuse me!

SENATOR: Why, pastor? Please, I just want to give you this from my heart... Please!

PASTOR TADE: I quite appreciate it, but the Holy Spirit allowed me to come here only
after instructing me not to collect anything from you. Please, I wouldnt like to
disobey God.

SCENE 9

(Church auditorium. A group of women are attending the "Hopeful Mothers' Prayer"
hour.)

PASTOR TADE: Seek the Giver and not the gift! My dear sisters, it's wonderful that you
are attending the Hopeful Mothers' Prayer Hour, because you need the gift of
children. I agree with you that there is a grace upon this ministry to minister to
women seeking the fruit of the womb. Many lives have been touched and many
childless marriages have been blessed with children in this ministry. But Jesus
said to the people: Are you following me because of the bread you can eat? I
beseech you to seek the Giver of the gift first. Know Him, have a relationship
with Him. Obey His will and run away from sin. You could receive a miracle
and still end up in hell's fire. Fear Him, who is able to kill the body and the
soul. We must also remember that we cannot serve God and Mammon at the
same time.

SCENE 10

(Pastors office reception)

LAIDE: Good day, Sister Grace. Wed like to see the pastor... Is he around?

GRACE: Yes, but he is not in his office now. He is in the gallery. Today is the Hopeful
Mothers' Prayer Hour. They should be done in 10 minutes.

LAIDE: Oh, yes! Hopeful Mothers' Prayer Hour... Today is Wednesday!

GRACE: You have an appointment with him?

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LAIDE: Yes, he said I should come and see him this morning before he leaves for
Ethiopia.

GRACE: Yes, the Addis Ababa Ministers' Conference starts tomorrow morning.

SCENE 11

PASTOR TADE: Please rise... on your feet... and lay your two hands on your tummy...
Now declare, I receive my God-given Samuel! Declare... "Oh, my womb,
open up and receive the seed of life!"

SCENE 12

(In the car, pastors wife and children drive towards the church.)

MAYOWA: Mummy, where is daddy travelling to? Is he going to America again?

PASTOR'S WIFE: No, sweetie... Daddy isnt going to America this time... He is going
to Ethiopia.

MAYOWA: Ethiopia! Is Ethiopia in London?

MAYOKUN: Mayowa, bush boy! Ethiopia is in East Africa!

PASTOR'S WIFE: Mayokun, leave Mayowa alone! Let him ask questions! It's by
asking that he will know more...

MAYOKUN: Daddy must bring a dress for me from his trip!

PASTOR'S WIFE: Dont worry yourself about that. Didnt he bring something for you
from his last trip?

MAYOKUN: Yes, he did...

MAYOWA: Mummy, since we are on holiday, can we follow daddy to Ethiopia?

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 SCENE 13

(Outside the church, Laide and Linda exit from the church office; meet Pastor's wife and
children.)

PASTOR'S WIFE: Hi, Sister Laide, how are you, ma? How are your children and the
entire family?

LAIDE: We are fine, thank you, ma!

PASTOR'S WIFE: (Turns to Linda) Good day, my sister, you are blessed!

LINDA: Good day...

PASTOR'S WIFE: You are leaving?

LAIDE: No, ma. We came to see the Pastor! We were waiting in the reception... He just
sent for us to come into the church and meet him.

PASTOR'S WIFE: Okay then... Children, just wait here! Let me just say a word to
daddy in the church.

(Pastors wife leaves for the church.)

LAIDE: Thats my Pastor's wife and these are their children. They are such a wonderful
family!

LINDA: Lovely children! They are looking really nice...

LAIDE: Ok, lets go into the church!

SCENE 14

(The prayer hour is finished. Women sit in twos and threes discussing; some are having
special prayers before the altar. Pastor discusses with a woman and her husband, later
turns to his wife and gives her a key. Then Laide and Linda enter.)

LAIDE: Thats the pastor. (Points out) Let's just wait for him to finish...

(Linda looks and moves forward towards him, ignoring Laide.)

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LINDA: What? Hey, hey, Tade!

LAIDE: You know our pastor from somewhere?

PASTOR TADE: Linda!

LINDA: Hi, Tade! So you are the pastor? I can't believe this! Oh, my God! You have
become a pastor! Ha, ha! You are praying for people and they are receiving
their miracle of conception? Ha! I am finished! Akintade Peters... you! (Tears
drops from her eyes slowly) You became a pastor! How... Tade?

PASTOR'S WIFE: Darling, whats the matter?

LINDA: Oh, my God! This is your wife and those are your children! You own this
church, Tade? Jesus! (Linda picks up her bag and walks out.)

LAIDE: What is going on here, Linda? Come back!!

(A few people in the church are watching. Pastor draws close to his wife and
holds her hand. Everyone is speechless.)

SCENE 15

(Pastor Charles' house. Pastors wife and senator are seated.)

PASTOR CHARLES: Senator Akinsola, dont do this to us! Dont leave City Liberty
Assembly! Remember all that God has done for you and your wives!

SENATOR: I am sorry, pastor, now I have just one wife. I dont have two wives like
before. I have properly met Christ! The life I now live is not mine, but I live
now to satisfy Christ ... who died and gave Himself for me.

MRS CHARLES: Okay, Senator, sir... So which church are you leaving for?

SENATOR: NLC, New Life Chapel.

PASTOR CHARLES: I knew it, dear! You know I told you! We observed that you
started attending their special programmes... Next, he started visiting your
house... See, Senator, most men of God are after money. This man is after your
riches! That is why he can be so bold as to steal other pastor's sheep in the
same city! Ha! Pastor Akintade Peters!

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SENATOR: Pastor Charles, dont speak evil about an innocent man. (He brings out a
letter.) See? This is why I came to your house. Pastor Peters has bluntly refused
to accept me into his church unless I bring a letter of release from my former
pastor. He refused my family into the Sunday school classes! He keeps
instructing me to go back to my former church! Please, Pastor and Mrs.
Charles... please, help me signing this letter! I need the word of God coming
out from his pulpit. All I have been feeding on are the tapes and printed
materials from his ministry. Please, I need to grow! I am thirsty for more
knowledge of God! I appreciate all the breakthrough services I had in your
church, but I dont think that's what I really need! God has blessed me! The
prayers for credit cards, houses, cars, money, etc. are irrelevant to me now. I
need to know God deeper. Please, sign this letter of release. Please!

(There is a brief silence everywhere. The senator stands and speaks again.)

I have decided something in my heart, if it will please you - and probably make
you happy. Release me to go to New Life Chapel, and I will continue paying
my tithes, offerings and all donations to your church! I still have the churchs
account number... But I can't compromise the sincere milk of the Word that can
make me grow! I need milk, I need meat, and I need bones!

SCENE 16

(Laides house. Laide and Linda are together.)

LAIDE: Linda, just calm down! Calm down! What is your problem?

LINDA: Wait, Laide! You really mean that is your pastor? That is his wife and those are
their children?

LAIDE: Yes, he is our father in the Lord; a devoted man of God and that is his beautiful
family. God has used him to answer the prayers of so many hopeful mothers!
He has been a great blessing to this generation. Linda... do you know him from
somewhere?

LINDA: Tade... his ministry will not last, his family will not stand!

LAIDE: Stop it, Linda! Why? Why are you speaking spiteful words?

LINDA: All he has gathered will crumble!

LAIDE: Really!

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 SCENE 17

(Pastors house. The family arrives in the compound, and enters the sitting room. Pastor
drops on to a chair, his wife instructs the children to go into their room. The house help
comes to meet them.)

EUNICE: Welcome, sir! Welcome, ma!

MAYOWA: Mummy, I am hungry!

MRS. PETERS: Children, all of you go into your room! Eunice, is the food ready?

EUNICE: Yes, ma, should I serve it?

MRS. PETERS: Serve the children only. Serve them in the kitchen. No one should
come to this room for a while!

(Everyone leaves. Pastor and his wife are alone.)

PASTOR TADE: Hum! Linda, eh?

MRS. PETERS: Darling, I cant understand. Who is this Linda?

PASTOR TADE: I have mentioned her name to you before. You should remember... She
is one of my former girlfriends...

MRS. PETERS: There were so many names... I can't really place which one is Linda!

PASTOR TADE: Linda, the lady in the college of Education..

SCENE 18

(Tade in the room with one of his girlfriends, Molayo. His phone rings, he sees that it's
another girl. He moves outside to receive the call.)

TADE: I am sorry, baby... let me take this call!

(Outside)

Philomena, darling! My sweet one... how are you?

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PHILOMENA: What is happening? You promised to come yesterday... and you didnt!
You promised to call... and you did not! Whats wrong, Tade?

TADE: I am sorry, baby, I am sorry! Please, just hear me out! You know... em... I had a
lecture No, I mean I had a tutorial you know!

(As he speaks, another girl approaches.)

PHILOMENA: Tade, I know you too well! Stop deceiving me!

TADE: I am not deceiving you...

PHILOMENA: Lets just drop that, ok? Let me just know... are we still going to the show
tonight?

TADE: Of course, yes! I will be there to pick you up around 8pm. You know what? I
am sorry, baby, I will call you back in a moment, ok?

PHILOMENA: Hello Tade...! Hello! Bastard!

TADE: Linda, baby!!!! How you dey?

LINDA: I am fine...

TADE: What is wrong, baby? You are not sounding fine... Tell me, Linda... What's the
matter?

LINDA: Let's just go in and discuss it! (She makes to move in.)

TADE: No... em... No... Let's stay out here... em...

LINDA: Let's go in!

TADE: You know what, Linda? Let's just stay here and discuss... We can't go into the
room...

LINDA: What's the problem? You have another girl in there?

TADE: Linda, why are you talking like this? You sure know you are the only one in my
life! How can I harbor another girl?

LINDA: So what is preventing us from going in?

TADE: Em... em... It's Victor... He is in there with his girlfriend... you know? Em, yes...

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LINDA: I see... but why is Victor bringing his girl here? Whats wrong with his room?

TADE: Let's just drop that, ok? Just tell me, what is the matter with you, Linda?

LINDA: Hum... (Sighs heavily)

TADE: Talk to me, my girl, please? Out with it!

LINDA: Tade, do you love me? (With heavy eyes)

TADE: Ha, ha, Linda... I love you with the whole of my heart! I can't believe you still
question my love for you... I am all for you! You are my life! You are my
everything! My sunshine, my rain! I love you with my very soul! Even if
loving you is a sin, I dont want to repent. I am eternally yours, Linda!

LINDA: Tade, do you remember what the doctor said the last time we visited Shallow
Waters Clinic?

TADE: Em em... I remember (GO TO FLASHBACK)

SCENE 19 (FLASHBACK)

(Hospital, Tade sits in the doctors office. The doctor walks in with Linda. She is visibly
emaciated from an abortion.)

TADE: Thank you, doctor! Linda, how are you feeling? Dont worry... you will be okay!

DOCTOR: Just sit down. You will be okay. You will take this drug I am prescribing.

LINDA: Thank you, doctor.

DOCTOR: Now, I need to tell both of you something very important. It is about Linda's
life.

TADE: What is it, doctor? I hope she will be fine!

DOCTOR: Now, please, could you remind me? This particular evacuation is... what
number? This should be like the 6th time you are doing this, am I correct?

TADE: No, doctor, actually this is the 7th time. We have been here 7 times.

LINDA: And I had two other abortions in a different clinic...

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DOCTOR: So, Linda, in summary, this is the 9th time you are having an abortion!

LINDA: Yes, doctor.

DOCTOR: Now, let me sound this note of warning to you both. Please, be very careful.
Your system may not be able to stand another D and C, Linda. Your womb is
already feeble. Linda, any other pregnancy after this must be given birth to.
Unless you want to gamble with your life... no more abortions! Is that clear?

LINDA: It is clear, sir.

DOCTOR: Tade, this warning is very important. I am sure you are the only guy in her
life... so pay attention to what I have said. Use contraceptives if you are not
ready. Make efforts to prevent it! (Writes something down.) I will place you on
some drugs. You may leave now and take the prescription to the pharmacy.

TADE: Thank you very much, doctor.

SCENE 20

(Tades bedroom. Tade and Linda hold each other while discussing on the bed)

LINDA: Tade, I am afraid!

TADE: Afraid? Afraid of what?

LINDA: I am afraid of you, Tade! I am afraid of the future...

TADE: How? You know I love you, Linda! With me by your side you need not fear
anything... your future is secured with me.

LINDA: You heard what the doctor said... That is why I am afraid. You know I will be on
the receiving end of whatever happens. I am afraid that you may just leave me
anytime! I need a kind of assurance...

TADE: But I have assured you that I love you! I promised I would never leave you!
(Rises and stands aside.)

LINDA: I need much more than a promise. I need a wall to rest my back on.

TADE: Is it that serious? (Stands to meet her) Do you doubt me that much?

18
LINDA: Not that. Not that I doubt you, but we need a sort of measure that will always
keep us in check. We need something that will merge us forever!

TADE: Hum. So what do you suggest?

SCENE 21

(At herbalist's shrine. Tade and Linda sit with him.)

HERBALIST: I am going to ask you for the last time. Are you both sure you want to go
ahead with this Oath of Cleavage?

LINDA: Yes, Baba.

TADE: Yes, Baba, we are ready.

HERBALIST: Let me repeat it to your ears... it is irreversible! The Oath of Cleavage is

forever and eternal. Whoever defaults will face the grievous consequences. He
or she will never be able to conceive again! Do you understand?

BOTH: Yes.

HERBALIST: Where are the items I told you to bring?

(They both search and bring out some items and give them to the herbalist)

Tade, are you sure this semen came out of your body?

TADE: Yes, Baba.

HERBALIST: Linda, are you sure this menstrual blood came out of your body?

LINDA: Yes, Baba.

HERBALIST: Alright then. Give me a minute! (He enters his shrine.)

TADE: Baby, I am sure your mind will be at rest after we are through with this.

LINDA: Yes. You know this Oath of Cleavage will help us to be focused in this
relationship. When distractions come from the right and the left, there will
always be something to remember.

19
TADE: The Oath of Cleavage!

(Baba emerges)

HERBALIST: Yes, the Oath of Cleavage! It is the oath of life! The deed is done now!
Both of you get on your knees. (They kneel) This concoction was prepared
with the items you brought. You have invited the gods to merge you together.
Each of you will drink from this concoction and then take the Oath. Oh, spirits
of the wind... descend now and partake of their Oath of Cleavage!

SCENE 22 (continued from Scene 18)

TADE: I remember very well!

LINDA: Tade, I have been warning you, let's use contraceptive! You are never patient!
(Sobbing) I warned you, Tade!

TADE: What is the problem, Linda?

LINDA: (Crying) Tade, I am pregnant again! I am pregnant! Oh, my God!

TADE: Oh, hell!! Hell, hell, ma-a-a-an! What is this? What are we going to do now?

LINDA: What are we going to do? I can't have an abortion again!

TADE: But at the same time, you can't keep this pregnancy at this stage! Think about it!
Your academics, your parents, our finances!

LINDA: What are you saying, Tade? Do you want me to lose my life? Tade, I thought
you said you love me!

TADE: Yes, I love you, Linda! That is why I am concerned about you! Your future!!

(Just then, Molayo comes out from the room, half-dressed)

MOLAYO: What is happening, Tade? Are you not through with the phone call? You just
abandoned me here for almost half an hour!

TADE: Ehm...

LINDA: And who is this, Tade? You told me it is Victor in there with a girl!

20
 SCENE 23

(Lindas house. Linda finishes the tale.)

LINDA: Tade is a great deceiver! I later on discovered that he had chains of girlfriends!
There and then I realized I had no future with him. He started avoiding me... I
went to his room several times but he suddenly moved away. I was left with
no choice but to terminate the baby. In fact, I gave up everything! I thought I
was going to die... The abortion process was such a painful experience... it's
still fresh in my memory... as though it happened yesterday...

SCENE 24

(Linda in the operation theater, rolling, shouting, crying as the abortion

process is going on.)

SCENE 25

LINDA: I am surprised that I could eventually pull through the process... I thought I
would wake up on the other side of eternity! That was the last time I set my
eyes on Tade. Then he disappeared! Later on I got married and discovered I
couldnt conceive again. And it happened again with my second husband!
This is the same Tade that went ahead and became a pastor, looking now like
an innocent guy! And he is happily married... and has two children!! Ah, Tade!
Look at me here... Just look at me! Facing the storms of life! Tade with two
children...! And me? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... 10 ten children gone! Tade was
the one that deflowered me... he used me and dumped me! Ah! That home will
not stand! That family will not last!

LAIDE: Please... Linda, your story is definitely tragic, but dont forget you are talking of
an anointed man of God now...

LINDA: (Angry) Man of God my foot! Tade destroyed my life and moved away to
become a man of God. He is a man of the devil! His past should torment him!
I am sure God is not unjust. He cannot allow that I should be cheated like this!
God cannot erase his past just like that! This agony of my life... Tade must
experience it in double portion!

21
LAIDE: No, no Linda! Dont talk like that! You shouldnt approach this situation like
that! It is only Jesus that can take away the mess of your life and give you also
a new story! Jesus has rebuilt Pastor Tades life and there is nothing anyone
can do about that.

LINDA: NO! I will destroy him myself!

LAIDE: Linda!

LINDA: Leave me alone. (Wildly) I will see to the downfall of that family!

SCENE 26

(Senators house, he finishes praying with his wife.)

SENATOR: In Jesus name we pray.

WIFE: Amen! Darling, I can't still believe what is happening in this house... How
suddenly joy has returned to this home... We now have peace!

SENATOR: Wherever Jesus lives there is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. I have
strayed away before, but now, I have seen the light. The light of Christ has
illuminated this home. Darling, I am sorry that I have been unfaithful to you
all these years! Please, forgive me for I have not shown you enough love and
respect! You know... all along, sin has been the stronghold in my life... Lust
and my pride have been controlling me. But I thank God that has delivered me
and given me a new life.

WIFE: We thank God! Jesus is now the master of this home! Our children can also feel a
new presence in this home.

SENATOR: I love you, darling.

WIFE: I love you too!

SCENE 27

(In Pastors office, Laide, Pastor Akintade Peters and his wife are seated.)

LAIDE: Linda is still very bitter. She lives in agony day and night. She keeps saying that
she can't just bear the fact that her life is ruined, while that of Pastor Tade is

22
 going on well. She is obviously emotionally and psychologically depressed.
She insists that Pastor Tade spoilt her life and he must repair it.

PASTOR TADE: My God! I never thought I was hurting her so much! It's painful to
hear that she is now in so much distress.

MRS. PETERS: Sister Laide, how did you get to meet this lady? Are you related?

LAIDE: No, Mrs. Peters. We have been childhood friends, but we lost touch when we
went to different secondary schools. I later met her again, about two years
ago, and decided to stay close to her so as to witness Christ to her. I never
dreamed all this would come up!

MRS. PETERS: I really feel for this lady... Lord Jesus, please, save her soul! Give her
children, please, answer her prayers! My dear, let's invite her so that you can
pray for her and ask her forgiveness. I am sure the Lord will use us to answer
her prayers.

PASTOR TADE: I can imagine the agony she must have gone through! I can imagine
the sorrow, trouble and great challenges of life she must have faced... Jesus!
Please, please, Jesus, forgive me for all the wrong I have done to Linda, and
touch her heart so she can forgive me... and reach out to You for consolation
and peace of heart! How I wish I could tell the whole world that any and
everyone that is in sin is blind! I was blind and in deep bondage, and God has
shown me the way to His love! Let's tell the whole world to run to Christ. The
more we delay, the more the devil will gain grounds in our life.

MRS. PETERS: Sister Laide, please... would you be able to invite Linda to our house
tomorrow evening, so that we can speak to her and pray with her?

LAIDE: Hum, that may be a little difficult... but Ill try all the same. Just pray along. I
should be on my way now.

PASTOR TADE: God bless you, sister Laide. How are your husband and the children?

LAIDE: We are fine, thank you, sir. (She leaves)

PASTOR TADE: Darling, this whole thing makes my heart very heavy. I realize now
how badly sin can hurt us, and the people we love.

MRS. PETERS: (Moves close to him) No, dear, dont allow that to weigh on your mind
now! You know you need to get ready for your preaching engagement this
evening... Just put this aside, ok?

23
PASTOR TADE: Thank you, sweetie. I love you so much! I thank God for giving me
such a godly and understanding, beautiful woman. You have made my life
complete. Thank you very much!

MRS. PETERS: Now dear, let just pray for this lady.

SCENE 28

LINDA: Go where? Me? Follow you to Tades house? Never! To go to the house of the
man that destroyed my life! A deceiver, a betrayer! May God punish Tade! He
will never find peace in his life!

LAIDE: Stop that, Linda! You are talking about an anointed man of God!

LINDA: What anointed man of God? You know him as a man of God, I know him as a
devil. Tade is a devil! (Sobbing) But... why? Why is creation so unfair? Laide,
why is it that we females are always on the receiving end? Tade just shook off
that whole episode like dust and continued with his life as though nothing had
happened. But look at me! Just look at my life! The whole scar is upon me;
the effect of yesteryears is so evident on me!

(Moves close to Laide and holds her clothes.) Why... Laide, why! Why must I
be the one to bear the brunt, when he is actually the one at fault? I was used,
and I was dumped. Why is life so unfair to me?

LAIDE: Calm down, Linda, calm down...

LINDA: How can I be calm when Tade is there, enjoying the best of life, and I am
suffering and having the worst share of life?

LAIDE: Jesus! Jesus is the solution to...

LINDA: Dont go there! Dont just Jesus me! Just leave me alone! (She sits slowly and
meditates) But wait a minute! The Oath of Cleavage... what happened? What
happened to the repercussions? Has Tade escaped from that also? No! That
cannot be! No! No! It can't be!... No!

LAIDE: Linda, calm down...

LINDA: I really have to see things more for myself! Laide, we are going!

LAIDE: Going where?

24
LINDA: I thought you said Tade and his wife invited me to their house...

LAIDE: Yes, and youve refused...

LINDA: I am in. We are going!

LAIDE: You are going with me? Ah! Praise God!!!

SCENE 29

(Pastor Tades house. He and his wife are in the living room, their children playing in a
corner. The phone rings.)

MRS. PETERS: Yes... Hello Sister Laide! Where are you now?... Weve been waiting
for you... Okay... you are close to our house... Thats good! (Pastor Tade is
restless where he is seated.) Eunice!

EUNICE: Ma?

PASTOR MRS: How far? Are we ready? Our guest will soon be here.

EUNICE: The food is done, ma. Should I set the table?

MRS. PETERS: Not yet. I will call you later.

(Eunice leaves)

PASTOR TADE: Darling, I just hope we are doing the right thing by inviting Linda
here... I am worried!

MRS. PETERS: Nothing to worry about! You know this lady has been terribly
wounded! Lets just try to show her some love. Moreover, darling... I want you
to pray with her and ask her forgiveness. I believe strongly in my heart that
God will answer the prayers of this woman through us.

PASTOR TADE: Okay. But darling, I must confess to you, these past few days have
been somehow challenging to me... Yes, I am a Pastor, an anointed man of
God, but... Do you know that, since I gave my life to Christ, I have not come
this close to any of my former sin-mates?

25
MRS. PETERS: You know what, darling? This whole experience will make us to
appreciate our salvation more. It brings to fore what great things God has done
in our lives! He took us from the pit of sin and not only made us clean, but
also made us ministers of the Gospel! You know, we can easily forget how
great this work of salvation is...

PASTOR TADE: I thank God. I really thank God! If not for God...

(Linda and Laide come in. Mrs. Peters greets them at the entrance.)

MRS. PETERS: You are welcome, my sister! May the Lord bless you. You are welcome,
sister Laide. Children, off to your room! Go in and settle down with your
books.

SCENE 30

(In a small town, in a different establishment. Young Tade and a girl are
talking. Tade is begging her, the girl shouts at him.)

SOLAPE: I say leave me alone! Dont you understand? LEAVE ME ALONE! I am

a child of God, a genuine born again Christian! I can't have anything to do
with you!

TADE: Solape, I beg you... just give me a chance? I love you! You are such a beauty
queen... my heart wants you! Please, Solape?

SOLAPE: Sweet talker. I am sure you had it well rehearsed off hand. You just roll out
the words like a poem to every girl you meet...

TADE: No, Solape. I dont have any girl anywhere. Even back at home, I have no girl.
You are the first person I will be talking to like this. Please! (He tries to hold
her hand)

SOLAPE: I said leave me alone! It's not your fault... It's because I stood here talking to
you. (She leaves)

TADE: Solape Solape.. Solape!

(Meanwhile, Solapes father is looking at them through the window)

26
 SCENE 31
(Solape enters the house)

SOLAPE: Good day, Baba.

BABA SOLAPE: Welcome, my daughter. How were the lessons today?

SOLAPE: Fine, daddy. I am so thirsty... I need cold water! (She makes to leave for the
kitchen).

BABA SOLAPE: Hey, Solape! Come...

SOLAPE: Yes, Baba?

BABA SOLAPE: Who was that young man you were shouting at on your way home?

SOLAPE: Which young man?

BABA SOLAPE: I was watching you from here... The young man that was attempting to
hold your hand...

SOLAPE: Ok! His name is Tade. Dont mind him! He said he wanted me to be his
girlfriend, and I told him I couldn't go out with him, that I am a Christian. I
had to shout at him when he was proving so stubborn!...

BABA SOLAPE: What did you say his name is?

SOLAPE: Tade.

BABA SOLAPE: Tade? Tade? In this neighbourhood?

SOLAPE: No, Baba. He doesn't live in this town. His family just came for a visit. His
grandmother lives here. They came last December also. You will know her...
Iya Alagbado.

BABA SOLAPE: The same Iya Alagbado? That nice woman! You know what, Solape?
When next you see the boy... invite him home. Just tell him to visit you at
home.

SOLAPE: Invite him to this house? What for?

BABA SOLAPE: Just do as I say. I have a plan.

27
 SCENE 32

(In Baba Solapes living room. Solape welcomes Tade.)

SOLAPE: You are very much welcome to our house! Please, make yourself comfortable.
It's a very small place though... Thats my picture when I was younger. I am
my parents' only child. You are not relaxed, Tade! Whats the problem? Ok,
ok... I am so sorry for how I spoke to you last time!

TADE: I am still dazed. You invited me over to your house... you gave me audience...

SOLAPE: Not to worry! Just relax. We just wanted you to know some things you may
not know yet.

TADE: We? Who and who are we?

SOLAPE: Ok. Sorry! I meant I... I just wanted you to know some things. First, what...
What would you like to eat?

TADE: No, nothing! I am okay.

SOLAPE: You are not okay. At least a drink...

TADE: Please, dont worry... I am okay.

SOLAPE: I said you are not okay! Let me get you something. (She goes out)

TADE: Ah, ah, this is surprising! Is this not the same girl that didnt want to see me the
other day? Hum... let her bring whatever she has. We go chop chop now...
Hey, I don't grab this one...

(Baba Solape is sitting outside the house. Solape comes out. She made a sign to her
father telling him that Tade is inside).

(Tade sits in the living room. The clock shows 4pm. He has been sitting for 30 minutes.
Then the clock moves to 5, 6, 7, 8pm. Solape is yet to be back. Tade, tired of
waiting, looks through the window and sees it's already dark. He decides to
leave. As he steps out, Baba Solape speaks.)

BABA SOLAPE: I want to believe you have been waiting for Solape...

TADE: Yes... sir, I am sorry... sir... Shshe was actually with me and said I should
wait. I have been waiting for about four hours... sir...

28
BABA SOLAPE: Tade, you have waited and waited and you are tired. You want to
leave? Tade, do you know that is exactly how someone has been waiting for
you?

TADE: Waiting for me? What do you mean, Baba? Who is waiting for me?

(Baba turns away from him and speaks to the air).

Patiently and tenderly Jesus is waiting... waiting for you and for me... Jesus is
calling, calling you and me! Come home! Come home! All of you who are
weary... come home! (Turns back to Tade)

Come home, son! Please... come home! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has been
waiting for you for a long time... Stop wasting his time. Delay is dangerous.
How long will you dwell in the outer courts? Come home! Son, give your
heart to Christ! Let me ask you... are you not tired of your sins? Yes! You
enjoy the pleasure of sin, but are you at peace with God in your heart? Youve
pushed the issue of salvation aside several times. You have kept Jesus waiting
and waiting... That young lady, Solape... kept you waiting in there for several
hours... Tell me now... were you happy with that?

TADE: No, sir.

BABA SOLAPE: That's it! Jesus has been waiting such a long time and Hes not happy
that youve not responded to His call! You later got tired of waiting and left
that place... In the same way, the windows of mercies will close. If Jesus
appears now or you die... it may be too late! Delaying may be dangerous!

TADE : Actually, sir, your words have touched my heart so much! It's not that this is the
first time I will be hearing this... but any decision I make may not last. I
mean... the girls... friends... money... How do I cope?

BABA SOLAPE: Jesus is calling you not that you might do it yourself! This is exactly
the problem that so many people are having! Accept him by faith into your
heart and ask Him to remove the burden of sin. Let me show you something...
2 Corinthians chapter 5. Let's look at verse 21. Read it...

TADE: He had no sin, but God made Him bear our sin, so that in Him we might share
the holiness of God.

BABA SOLAPE: You can see... you are not to do it only by your power. As soon as you
receive Him into your heart, He will be willing to forsake your sins. The
power of the Holy Spirit will come in to help you. Just take the step! He shed
His blood for you! He was beaten and pierced just because of you! Son,
accept him!

29
TADE: No, no, no! It's not that easy, Baba! Ill think about it later... (He leaves).

BABA SOLAPE: Patiently and tenderly Jesus is waiting, waiting for you and for me
Jesus is calling, calling you and me. Come home... come home! All of you
who are weary, come home!

SCENE 33

(Tades room in the village. He rolls from one end of the bed to the other, the words
Jesus Christ, the son of God, has been waiting for you for a long time. Stop wasting
His time. Delaying is dangerous, Delaying is dangerous... resounds over and over
again.)

(Different clips of Tade studying the Bible with Baba Solape; sometimes he tries to fight
it; Baba Solape calms him down and speaks to him; Baba prays with him, etc.)

SCENE 34

PASTOR TADE: Linda, that is my story. I lost my peace that night... I saw my
nakedness in the light of Gods word. The Lord used Baba to start a new work
in my life. You know how terrible I was! But thanks to God for the blood of
Jesus... I have always known that there was a vacuum in my life... but I
couldnt just identify it! Baba identified it for me. I suddenly realized how
dirty I was. I had to run back to my Maker... I suddenly began to hunger and
thirst after the things of God. I had an unquenchable appetite for Gods word.
He did not only regenerate my soul but also made me an able minister of the
gospel. With all soberness of heart, I am so sorry for all that I have done to
you in time past! I am indeed very sorry! I want you to know that all those
things happened in the dark period of my life. Now I have known Him, who is
the light of my life. All that bad happened when I was ignorant of the grace of
God. I am sorry, please forgive me! Linda, please! I would like you to also
embrace this same saving grace... He can rewrite the story of your life!

LINDA: And God erased all your past just like that?

TADE: Yes, Linda. Just like that!

LINDA: No! Thats unfair! What about my own life... that you destroyed?

30
LAIDE: Linda, Pastor Tade is now a new man. The story has changed...

LINDA: The Oath of Cleavage! What of the Oath of Cleavage and its consequences?
Those are erased too? Tade, you were not supposed to be able to have children
according to the terms of the covenant!

(Turns to Tade's wife)

Madam, are you sure he is really the father of those kids?

MRS. PETERS: My dear sister, I would like to tell you to please... allow God to rule in
your heart also. Please, give your life to Him! He will definitely repair the
broken pieces of your own life too... I believe your tears will be wiped away!

LINDA: My tears will be wiped away? How? Tade, you can't imagine the hell Ive gone
through! I have suffered so much! You put me into all this... You made me go
through this Calvary and left me to eat the bread of sorrow alone! Yes... I can
leave everything to God. I leave Him to judge! But I can't believe all this I am
seeing... You have those beautiful children! You have a peaceful home! Ah-
ah...! So, what happened to the Oath of Cleavage? (Sobbing) Where is the
effect of the oath we swore? No! No! It can't be!

(She stands up furiously and starts leaving; then, stops by a family picture
hanging on the wall, hisses and leaves crying inconsolably).

SCENE 35

(In an open field, Linda thinks aloud)

LINDA: This life has been so unfair to me! Is it a crime to be born as a female? Why
must my gender always be at the receiving end? Why must I bear the brunt of
all that has happened? I was used and dumped like a pack of cards... while he
just moved on with his life... as though nothing happened! I just feel like
killing him and killing myself... Well..., why dont I just leave him alone and
find a solution to my own problems?

SCENE 36

(At another herbalist place, Linda and her mother are in the shrine).

31
MOTHER: She has suffered a lot! She had to take the worst part of this life... Baba,
help us!

HERBALIST: Let's consult the gods. The gods always have a solution. They will tell
you the way out of her barrenness. You will surely have a child.

(He consults and makes incantations.)

Young lady, who was the first person that slept with you?

LINDA: You mean the person that deflowered me?

HERBALIST: Yes. Who is the person that you gave the flower of your innocence? Is he
still alive or dead? Do you know where he is? What is his name?

MOTHER: My daughter... who is the person?

LINDA: I know him, Baba, and I know where he lives at the moment. His name is Tade.
Full name is Akintade Peters.

HERBALIST: Good, good. He is the only way out of your barrenness. The only key to
your joy is in his hands.

LINDA: How, Baba? I dont understand!

HERBALIST: The gods said that... the only person that can get you pregnant is that
man.

LINDA: What?

HERBALIST: Get him to sleep with you... and you shall carry a child!

LINDA: Ha! Then I am finished! My life is completely ruined!

MOTHER: What do you mean, my daughter? Can't you find him?

LINDA: Not that, mama. He is now a pastor! He will never agree to do such a thing! He
is married and has children...

HERBALIST: (Looks into his consulting materials.) Wait, wait, wait! I see nine fresh
eggs surrounding you. I see a man trampled on the eggs with his legs...
without any mercy...

MOTHER: Baba, we dont understand...

32
HERBALIST: I can see clearly that your daughter has been pregnant, nine different
times... Where are the babies?

MOTHER: It is true, Baba. She has been pregnant many times... by the same man that
you said he can now make her pregnant. But he forced her to abort them all.

HERBALIST: Look up for him! Search for him! Hold him!! Dont let him go!!! Only
that man can make you pregnant! Only him!!

LINDA: This is the end!!! Tade has become a pastor! He will never accept to do such a
thing!!

MOTHER: Baba, help us! If he is now a pastor, how can we get to talk him into
accepting to impregnate her?

HERBALIST: That is simple! The floating leaf will always dance to the rhythm of the
river... I will give you this charm. (Brings it out) Line your lips with it and go
and speak to him. He shall surely accept your advances. A word of caution!...
Make sure you speak to him alone in a secluded place, because the urge will
come on him immediately after you speak to him.

LINDA: Okay, Baba... Thank you!

HERBALIST: Also make sure you go at the time of the month when your body can
conceive...

LINDA: Alright. I understand.

MOTHER: Thank you very much, Baba. Thank you!

SCENE 37

(Pastor's office. Linda comes in to speak to him)

PASTOR TADE: Madam... What are you saying? I can't get you...

LINDA: (Kneels) Tade!!

PASTOR TADE: (He holds his head, seems to be having a headache) Blood of Jesus!

LINDA: Tade, please... I beg you... in the name of the God that you serve! Just this once!
I was told that this is the only way out... Tade, please! Dont allow my life to
be ruined completely by refusing!!

33
PASTOR TADE: Madam, please stop all these!

LINDA: Tade, please, drop the "Madam". At least you once claimed to love me... Just
remember the beautiful times we had when our bodies cleaved together! Let's
do it again... Just - this - once! Save me from this shame and ridicule! Have
mercy on me, Tade!!

(Sobbing, tries to line her lips again and again).

PASTOR TADE: (Softly) Linda... Just get what I am saying... What you are saying is
impossible! I am a child of God. I have a vow towards my wife and towards
God. What you ask is an abomination... I can't do it!

LINDA: (Stands and speaks confidently) Tade. I command you now! Do what I want
now! Now, Tade!

PASTOR TADE: No. It's impossible!

LINDA: Hum. (Looks away) What an irony of life! I remember so vividly how you used
to strive just to touch my body... You said I am your love. That I would be
forever in your heart! You could give anything then just to lay me down... The
table has turned now, Tade! Here am I, begging you... Oh God! Life has been
so unfair to me!

PASTOR TADE: Linda... Please... just understand! Those things happened in the days of
darkness. Then, I hadnt seen the light of God! At that time I was in the
shackles of Satan... But now, the Lord has set me free. More so, now I am
married. Dont you get it?

LINDA: Tade, please!! (Cries again) For the sake of God, who made you and me...
please... help me! (Moves closer to him) Just 10 minutes... Tade, please!

PASTOR TADE: Look! (Picks up his mobile, then drops it and picks up the intercom).
Linda, stay away from me! (Speaks to the phone) Grace! Please, come in right
away! (Linda grabs him and tries to hug him) Stop that, Linda! Leave me
alone!

LINDA: Please! Just hold me!

(Grace, the secretary, comes in).

GRACE: What? Jesus! (Wants to run back).

PASTOR TADE: Dont go away, Grace! Call someone! Call security! Drive this woman
out!

34
 (Grace runs out and comes back with a security man and another sister)

Please, drag her out of my office!

(As they drag her out, Linda screams.)

LINDA: Tade, you have ridiculed me! You embarrassed me like this in front of your
church members! After I have committed nine abortions for which you are
responsible... you choose to deny me now! God will judge you!

PASTOR TADE: I said take her out! (The security man and the other sister leave with
Linda) Lord Jesus! Grace, I will be going home now. Tell everyone who is
scheduled to see me today... to fix another appointment, ok? Call Rev.
Lawrence not to bother to come again today. I will find time to go and see him
myself.

GRACE: Alright, sir. (She leaves)

PASTOR TADE: Lord Jesus! What it's all this?

SCENE 38

(It is nighttime. The moon is very bright in the sky as it casts a shade on Mama
and Linda in the veranda of her house.)

LINDA: Now... the die is cast! It is time for revenge! It is fire for fire now!! Tade has
stepped on the cobras tail... He must be ready to face the consequences of his
actions! And I will take the bull by the horn... I will fight him with all I have,
with my whole life!

MOTHER: Linda, calm down... Destroying him is of no use now. You should be more
concerned about how to solve your own problem. You must have a child and I
will carry your child on my back! I think I should speak to Tade's wife... I am
sure he will be more than willing to do it if his wife agrees to it. He is just
afraid of his wife! You will give me their address...

LINDA: It is no use, mama... Forget it! She won't listen to you! Leave everything to me,
mama. I will deal with that family! I will pass the bread of sorrow to them to
have a bit of it too. They will gnash their teeth!

MOTHER: Linda, give me their address and leave everything to me... Let me go and
persuade the wife...

35
 (Linda ignores her mother, picks up her phone and calls.)

LINDA: Hello, Juliet.

SCENE 39

JULIET: Ha, Ma-ma, Ma-ma Linda! How your day? You just packed us aside all this
while! You still dey town?

LINDA: Just listen to me, Juliet. Listen attentively. I have a great job for you.

JULIET: Hurray! Money don come... I like that!

LINDA: Just listen to me! Call Bose and tell her. I have a very very important job for
both of you. You people should meet me at the Lagoon Country Club, 8 pm
tomorrow.

JULIET: No shaking, aunty. We shall be there!

LINDA: Okay. I expect to see you then.

JULIET: Ok, bye! (Turns to someone she has been speaking to) Dont worry! I go pay
you your money. That person who called... she will drop something soon. Go
and calm down.

SCENE 40

(Church premises, a woman is gossiping with two other women.)

MARY: Are you sure of what you are saying?

SADE: Do I look like a liar? I was waiting in the reception room to see him concerning
my consistent bad dreams. Suddenly... we heard a shout inside the inner office.
As the secretary entered, I followed her. How I wish you people were there! He
was hugging and kissing this lady...

CALEB: Right in the pastors office?

SADE: Yes.

36
CALEB: They must have been up to something before it can get to that... Could be that
the pastor is having an extramarital affair?

MARY: Dont talk like that about a man of God!

SADE: Sit down there! One cannot trust all these men of God...

MARY: Yes, the devil has deceived many! But there are still some reserved ones who
have kept the faith. Sade is not sure who that lady is. She claimed the pastor
ordered her out. We are not sure of what transpired, so let's be careful of how
we use our tongue! I am leaving.

CALEB: Leave her alone. Tell me more! What really happened? What exact position did
you meet them?

SCENE 41

(Lagoon Country Club. Linda sits with a drink in her hand; Juliet and Bose
arrive.)

LINDA: You girls kept me here waiting! Whats the problem with you?

BOSE: Ma-ma! We are sorry! It was just a slight hitch. We are very sorry!

JULIET: Confess to her! Confess! Ma-ma, dont mind Bose. When I got to her house to
pick her up as arranged, I met her boyfriend! They wasted a lot of time...

BOSE: I am sorry! Now, we are here...

LINDA: You girls, you need to be serious about this job I want to give to you. You
mustnt mess up. Its a question of life and death.

JULIET: No problem, ma-ma. What is it all about this time?

LINDA: Do you know New Life Chapel?

BOSE: New life... New life... (Tries to remember)

JULIET: New Life Chapel...

BOSE: That sounds very familiar... Yeah! I remember... the church on Airport road.

37
JULIET: Ok, I can remember now! The man preaches on TV Saturday evenings.

LINDA: Good! So good that you both know the place! I am sending you to destroy that
man there.

BOSE: Ah? The pastor?

LINDA: I want you to destroy his ministry, destroy his church, and destroy his family!

JULIET: The man must have wronged you greatly...

BOSE: I am sure we will enjoy this job. It sounds so interesting! How do we go about it?

LINDA: You will join his church... become fervent workers! You will penetrate into his
ministry and you will pretend to be born-again Christians. Then, you will
become the instrument of destruction that I will use within his camp. You will
bring him down! You will make him fall!

JULIET: Born-again? That sounds interesting!

LINDA: (Brings out a paper from her bag) You will find some information that you will
need in there: the church's exact address, telephone number, his home address,
full name, wife name, childrens names, etc.

JULIET: Great, great!

(Linda rises)

LINDA: You must not fail! Listen very carefully: you must not fail! (Searches her bag
and drops a bail of money on the table).

BOSE: Dont worry, aunty. This is a money matter... Once the cash is rolling in, the job
will be done.

JULIET: Yes, ma-ma. Your money has made everything possible.

LINDA: I will discuss more on the phone with you and give you some strategies I have in
mind.

SCENE 42

(Outside the Pastors house, Senator and Mrs. Peters walking out of the
house.)

38
MRS. PETERS: The extent in which the Holy Spirit works is infinite! He is supposed to
direct every aspect of our life. You dont depend on Him only when doing
spiritual things. So let Him lead you also in your daily secular work. Allow
Him to control every aspect of your life. Only then... you will really be
fulfilled.

SENATOR: Thanks so much, Ma! I appreciate your spiritual counsel and words of
encouragement.

MRS. PETERS: My pleasure. We thank the Lord! How is madam?

(Just then, Lindas mother, Madam Alicia, comes in)

SENATOR: She is fine, Ma. I should be on my way now. Thanks so much, Ma. Regards
to the Pastor when he comes back from the retreat!

MRS. PETERS: Thank you! I will deliver your message to him.

(He leaves with his security men and policemen)

Good evening, Ma. How can I help you?

MADAM ALICIA: Good evening, my daughter. I guess you are the pastors wife...

MRS. PETERS: Yes, Ma.

MADAM ALICIA: It is you I am here to see. I have a very important thing to discuss
with you.

MRS. PETERS: Ok. You are welcome!

MADAM ALICIA: Can we enter the house?

MRS. PETERS: (She makes to move, then hesitates and directs her to sit outside) Come
over here, Ma.

MADAM ALICIA: My daughter. May you live long!

MRS. PETERS: Thank you, Ma. Please, what can I do for you?

MADAM ALICIA: I am Madam Alicia. I was told that the key to my peace, to my joy, to
my fulfillment is in your hands.

MRS. PETERS: Ha! Dont say that, Madam! The key to every destiny is in Gods hand.
We are but mortal people!

39
MADAM ALICIA: It is true... My daughters joy and happiness is also in your hands!

MRS. PETERS: What do you mean, Madam? Do I know your daughter? Please, speak
more clearly.

MADAM ALICIA: I am Lindas mother. Linda is your husbands former partner.

MRS. PETERS: (Relaxes and smiles) Oh, oh! I can understand now... How is she? What
can I do for you, Ma?

MADAM ALICIA: Linda told me how she explained to Tade that the key to her fertility
is in his hands. How she begged him and how he refused to be of help to her!

MRS. PETERS: It is ridiculous, Madam... Imagine she went to ask a married man in his
office to sleep with her! A pastor! That is an abomination, Madam! If that were
to happen, how can he be a father to the child? Tell me, Ma?

MADAM ALICIA: We have been told that Tade is the only way out. She explained all
these things to him!

MRS. PETERS: It is unfortunate that she believed all she heard from the soothsayers and
herbalists... The key to her joy is Jesus Christ! Let Linda give her life to Christ,
and true joy and happiness will find a place in her life. She should stop
delaying her salvation! Look, we have a peaceful home... We cannot allow any
evil infiltration, Ma.

MADAM ALICIA: Dear, my daughter is not an evil infiltration! Actually, they have done
it over and over before he met you. In fact, that is why she can't conceive
now... I am here to see you because I know you are the answer to this our
humble request.

MRS. PETERS: It is an ungodly request, an abomination! How can I give you a positive
answer to your sinful request?

MADAM ALICIA: We know that your husband would willingly do it if you agree to it.
He has enjoyed it in time past and any man would jump at such opportunity!
This time around it is a matter of life and death. Please, just tell him you
concur and I am sure he will do it!

MRS. PETERS: Madam, what you are asking is impossible! He cannot do such a thing!
He is now a changed man! I wasnt even there in his office when Linda came
to see him. He knows such a thing is strange to his covenant with God. Please,
stop all this daydreaming!!

MADAM ALICIA: (Crying) For my daughter, please... I beg you! Help us!

40
MRS. PETERS: Madam, it's impossible! Stop it!

MADAM ALICIA: Please!!... (Kneels down).

MRS. PETERS: (Stands up) How can you ask such thing, ma? Stop it! The key to your
daughters deliverance is in Gods hand, not in any man's. Please, stand up!

MADAM ALICIA: Please!!

MRS. PETERS: Ma, stand up and leave! Please, leave in peace!

(Mrs. Peters turns and walks away).

MRS. PETERS: Simeon, please... lock the gate when Mama leaves. And if anyone else
asks after me, just say that I dont wish to be disturbed.

MADAM ALICIA: (Desolate, continues crying.) Poor thing, my daughter! She will soon
reach menopause in a few years... Please, ma!!...

SCENE 43

(In the village, Baba sits and talks with Pastor Tade)

BABA SOLAPE: Your family... Your family is also very important! You must not make
Heaven and then miss it! Take them along. The grace of God will be sufficient
for you and your family.

TADE: Amen, Baba... Amen!

BABA SOLAPE: Now read 2 Cor 5:11.

TADE: (Opens it) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.

BABA SOLAPE: Our focus is Heaven and nothing short of it! Tade, let not your focus
ever be diverted by the fast-paced, ungodly new innovations into the gospel.
Always preach Christ and Christ alone! Our main calling is to prepare people
for Heaven. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men. Tade,
keep preaching the gospel, take as many people as you can to Heaven! While
doing this, be careful not to miss Heaven yourself! (Relaxes) Now, tell me,
what challenges are you facing in your ministry at the moment?

41
 SCENE 44

(At Pastor Tades house)

MRS. PETERS: Mayokun, enough! Off to your bed! Everyone has gone to bed after the
prayers...

MAYOKUN: I was just waiting to speak to dad. I thought you said he would call
tonight!

MRS. PETERS: Dont worry! I will greet him for you if he calls. It is late now... Go to
bed!

(She leaves)

SCENE 45

(In Mayokuns room, she brought out a glossy magazine from a hiding place
and flips through the pages. She checks the door again to be sure no one is
looking. She reads the magazine with excitement.)

SCENE 46

PASTOR TADE: Oh, Lord! Wait a minute, darling! You mean the woman came into our
compound?

SCENE 47

MRS. PETERS: Dont worry yourself, darling. I will give you the full story when you
come back home. Hope you are being refreshed in the village there! I trust that
Baba would have inspired you greatly...

PASTOR TADE: The words are too great to describe. I have been tremendously blessed!
We have so great a treasure back here in the village... you know? Baba just
refused to leave the village. He said this is where his assignment is. We thank

42
 God! I pray that the hands of the Lord will be on you over there. Baba sends
his greetings. I am missing you all! How is Mayokun?

SCENE 48

(Mayokun in another position, still enjoying reading the magazine)

SCENE 49

(In a quiet field, Mayokun and Mayowa tied to a tree, Linda cries as she holds a knife in
her hand)

LINDA: You deceived me, Tade! You used me and dumped me! You destroyed all my
seeds and only protected your own! You swindled me of my beautiful destiny!
Therefore, your seeds shall not live! Tade... they shall not live!

(She walks towards the children and aims to stab them.)

SCENE 50

(Mrs. Peters wakes up in the bedroom. She was dreaming.)

MRS. PETERS: (Praying) I reject that in Jesus' name! My children shall live! They will
not die! They shall not partake of the sin that they know not of. Satan, you are
a liar! Jesus has washed everything away with His blood! Blood of Jesus,
Blood of Jesus!

SCENE 51

(Mrs. Peters walks towards Mayokuns room and continues praying. Mayokun
quickly hides the magazine and pretends to have been sleeping for long.)

The hand of the Lord is upon my children to keep them. I speak against every
evil strategy against my family. Satan, you have failed, in Jesus' name!

(She walks to Mayowas room still praying.)

43
 Jesus has answered every evil accusation against my life. Devil, you have no
right to enter into my life! The word of the Lord says: He made you alive
together with Him having forgiven us all our transgressions, having
canceled the record of our debts, those regulations that accused us. He did
away with all that and nailed it to the cross. Victorious through the cross, He
stripped the rulers and authorities of their power, and humbled them before
the eyes of the whole world. We are victors in Jesus's name!

SCENE 52

(Sister Juliet speaks with a Deacon in the church area).

DEACON WILLIAMS: Sister Juliet, I was told that you were interested in joining the
children' evangelism department...

JULIET: Yes, Deacon. Since I have completed the workers' training programme, Ive
had the strong desire to teach children in the church. That was what I was
involved in... in my former church.

DEACON: I see. Okay then. You will have to meet Mrs. Davies, who will explain more
and tutor you on how to go about the work. She will also acquaint yourself
with what is expected of you as a worker. Ok?

JULIET: Yes, sir!

DEACON: Let me ask you, are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

JULIET: Of course... yes, sir! I speak in tongues, sir.

DEACON: Good. Good. I am not speaking of tongues alone... I really mean that I hope
you are allowing the Holy Spirit to move and take control of your daily life! I
am asking this because so many people think the children department is just an
ordinary one that they can handle with their own strength. Many do not see it
as a spiritual task like the prayer team, choir, drama, etc. You need the help of
the Holy Spirit to train the children and to pass the correct values on to them.
The Lord will help you in Jesus' name.

JULIET: Amen, sir. Thank you very much, sir!

44
 SCENE 53

(Village evangelism: different people are in groups of two speaking to other people in
the corners. After a while, the pastor calls Senator Akinsola aside).

PASTOR TADE: Senator Akinsola, I really thank God for your life. I am really touched
by the fervent spirit you have shown in serving the Lord. My sincere prayer is
that the Lord God of Heaven will uphold you in the faith.

SENATOR: Amen, sir! Thank you very much! I appreciate all your labour over my
spiritual life and all the efforts to make me grow in faith! May the Lord reward
you greatly, sir. I now have great pleasure in serving God... I no longer feel too
big to do anything for God! Before now, what I knew as "serving God" was
just giving money and being a special guest at different Christian events. I used
to sit close to the altar and sometimes on the altar, but I was far from God. But
now, I know better!

PASTOR TADE: We praise God for that. All glory is to God!

SENATOR: Thanks so much also for giving me the Word as it is. I can boldly say that
you are a genuine minister of God. You are not after material things... God will
help and bless you more, sir.

PASTOR TADE: Amen! Thank you very much. All praise is to Jesus! I learnt that you
had to reschedule your trip to India just to be part of this monthly village
evangelism...

SENATOR: Yes, sir. Soul winning has now become my passion!

PASTOR TADE: May the Lord reward you! Thanks also for your gift... I saw the money
you dropped in our account.

SENATOR: We thank God, sir.

SCENE 54

(In front of the church, in a corner, Juliet gives Bose a polythene bag. Bose walks into the
churchs office)

45
 SCENE 55

(At Pastors office. Bose walks in with her handbag and the polythene bag. She swiftly
puts it under the pastors table as she kneels to greet).

BOSE: Good afternoon, sir!

PASTOR TADE: You are blessed, my sister. How are you?

BOSE: I am fine, sir. I thank God for the opportunity to see you today, sir. I have been
trying to get an appointment for weeks now.

PASTOR TADE: Thats alright. We thank God. So what is the problem?

BOSE: Sir, it is about my life. I am yet to find a life partner. I am well over 30 years old
now. There is no one proposing marriage to me. I am becoming so weary and
discouraged! Please, pray for me, sir!

PASTOR TADE: Hum... It is well with you, my sister. The word of the Lord says that
Gods thoughts towards you are of good and not of evil, to give you a glorious
future. But... oftentimes the devil will bring different discouraging thoughts to
your heart to weigh you down. Satan's major aim is to make you shift focus
from the promises of God, and to begin to focus on your problems. Sister...

BOSE: Sister Bose, sir.

PASTOR TADE: Ok. Sister Bose, are you a child of God?

BOSE: Yes, sir!

PASTOR TADE: Good! Then you have a heritage in God. You need not fear or fret... for
Gods word will come to pass. Look at that frame over there, read what is
there! (Points to a frame that is hanging on the wall).

BOSE: (Turns to read it) THANK YOU, JESUS.

PASTOR TADE: That's it! Just go ahead and be thanking him in advance for your
glorious husband that is on the way.

BOSE: Thank you, sir!

PASTOR TADE: Now... Before I will pray with you, I would like us to consider any
form of blockage, either physical or spiritual that may be drawing your
husband away from you.

46
 SCENE 56

(Outside the church building, two brothers by the church bus are loading books and
materials).

DEACON WILLIAMS: Brother Lanre, we are not through yet. The remaining books
and tapes are in the pastors office. Please, get them for us...?

LANRE: Ok, sir.

(Lanre walks towards the pastors office. Bose exits and passes by him. She is
making a cell phone call).

SCENE 57

(Pastors office)

PASTOR TADE: Brother Lanre, how far have you people gone with the arrangement for
tonights programme?

LANRE: We are working on it, sir. We are trying to convey some materials to the
crusade venue. Deacon Williams sent me to pick up the copies of your new
book and the tapes...

PASTOR TADE: All right. Look down there... The books are on the floor and the tapes
are inside a polythene bag.

LANRE: Okay sir.

(He bends to pick up the materials and mistakenly picks up the polythene bag
that Bose dropped.)

Well be going to drop some things at the venue now and then come back to
pick up the musical instruments.

PASTOR TADE: Thats okay. Say "well done" to everyone for me! God bless you!

47
 SCENE 58

(Back at the bus, they packed the materials in the bus and zoomed off. Their bus passed
by a Police vehicle that was approaching the compound and parked by the
Church. The policemen enter the reception).

SCENE 59

(Pastors office. Reception).

GRACE: Good afternoon. What can I do for you, please?

INSPECTOR: We have a search warrant. We would like to search the pastors office.

GRACE: Search? What for? (She picks up the phone and calls) Sir, some policemen are
here. They want to search your office!

SCENE 60

(Inside the pastors office)

PASTOR TADE: Search my office? Oh! ... Ok! Let them in! (He drops down on a
chair) Search my office? What for?

(They enter)

Good afternoon, sirs.

INSPECTOR: We have a search warrant to search this place for any form of illegal and
dangerous drugs. Boys, get busy!

PASTOR TADE: Drugs? Me? (Grace enters).

INSPECTOR: Turn over everything... check everywhere! (They search and search and
find nothing) Well, Pastor. We are sorry to have disturbed your peace. We are
acting on information gathered. We will be back again if need be.

(They begin to leave)

48
GRACE: (To the policemen) Won't you people arrange back whatever youve scattered?

PASTOR TADE: What is going on? Policemen... searching my office?

SCENE 61

(Lindas house. Bose and Juliet are sitting. Linda stands as she shouts at them)

LINDA: (Shouting) What do you mean by 'sorry'? Sorry for what? Do you know how
much I have spent on this arrangement alone?

JULIET: Please, ma-ma, we can't still understand! The police found nothing in his
office!

LINDA: Dont give me that bullshit! They found nothing... What do you mean they
found nothing?

BOSE: (Confused) But I dropped the stuff myself! I dropped it right under his desk and
we were watching everything from afar! The police came in just about 5
minutes after I left... What could have happened within that timeframe?

LINDA: Oh, my! You girls just flopped! You are just messing me up! Tade should have
been in police custody by now!!

JULIET: Ma-ma, you know we can't trust anyone these days... It's possible that the
policemen found something, and maybe he bribed them?

BOSE: (Rises) Bribe? A pastor?

JULIET: Sit down, Bose! Pastors are really pastors only when they are not in tight
corners. Except for a few ones!

LINDA: Would you people just shut up and think of what to do next? (Hisses and walks
to the window and stares into open space) Tade, you will suffer in my hands,
you cannot go scot-free! You destroyed my life... your own life must be
destroyed too, Tade!

49
 SCENE 62

(Shopping mall. Mrs. Peters is shopping. Juliet and Bose approach her)

JULIET: Hello, ma!

MRS. PETERS: Hello, Sister...

JULIET: Juliet. I am sister Juliet and this is sister Bose.

MRS. PETERS: Praise God! I am sorry I couldnt place the name. I know I see your
faces regularly in church. It is well with you, in Jesus' name!

BOTH: Amen, ma.

BOSE: Actually, ma, we were thinking of coming to see you about something, ma. But
now that we see you here, we could just tell you.

MRS. PETERS: All right...

JULIET: The Lord just laid it on our hearts to come and help you out in some house
chores this weekend. We desire to obey and serve the Lord in this way.

BOSE: Anything you want us to do, ma? Wash clothes, dishes, do the garden, sweep,
mop? Anything, ma!

MRS. PETERS: Oh, thank you, my sisters. May the Lord bless you! I quite appreciate
that gesture!

JULIET: We thank God, ma. We just deem it fit to use our youthful strength to serve
Gods servants. You have truly been a mother to us all in the church.

MRS. PETERS: Actually, my sisters, there wouldnt be any need for such. We have the
domestic servants who can handle everything. More so, my children... as
young as they are, they are very hardworking... so you need not worry yourself.
We are just okay.

BOSE: Em... ma... Can we just come over to say hello on Saturday, so that you can just
share with us and encourage us more in the Lord?

MRS. PETERS: Actually, we will not be around. Dont worry... we shall see you in
church! It is well with you, my sisters. (Moving away) May the Lord be with
you! I need to catch up with something now.

50
 SCENE 63

(In Pastor Tades childrens school. The children are through with classes. They stand
waiting to go home. A car waits in a corner. Juliet, Bose and the driver are inside the
car. The young man leaves the car to approach the children.)

MAN: Mayowa, Mayokun, how are you?

BOTH: Fine, thank you.

MAN: Mummy has come to pick you up. She said I should bring you to the car. She is
over there.

MAYOKUN: Yeah! Mummy has come! (She readjusts her bag).

MAYOWA: But why didnt she come herself?

MAYOKUN: Let's go, let's go!

(They begin to follow the man. As they walk a short distance, suddenly Mrs.
Peters shows up walking slowly. The people in the car become agitated).

MAYOKUN: Mummy, Mummy, welcome! (Rushes to her)

MRS. PETERS: Children, where were you going? (Turns to the man) Good afternoon,
sir...

MAN: Welcome, ma, ac tua... lly... I saw your car far off and I decided to bring them
to you... I am a teacher here...

MRS. PETERS: Oh, that was very thoughtful of you. May God bless you! Thank you
very much!

MAN: It's okay! (Swiftly moves away). Children, have a nice time! (He rushes to the
waiting car)

JULIET: Shit, oh, shit!

BOSE: We missed this time again! This woman! Hey... this woman! Is she a witch?

MAN: Come on! Get the car moving before anybody suspects anything. Let's go!

51
 SCENE 64

(Lindas bedroom. She sits on her bed, speaking on the phone.)

LINDA: Nelson, please, make sure you dont disappoint me! The crusade is at the
Golden Square tomorrow evening... Yes! The one by Pastor Akintade Peters...
That programme must not hold! Gather your boys to disrupt it! Scatter
everything! I count on you, Nelson! I want to read the reports in the papers... ...
Dont worry! Ive paid the agreed amount into your account today. Youll get
the balance after the job is done.

SCENE 65

(Linda arrives at Birmingham International Airport. A taxi driver takes her to a house.
Her aunt warmly receives her. The womans children are also present.)

SCENE 66

(Outside Lindas aunts house in Birmingham, both of them are dressed to go out)

LINDA: Aunty, I just hope my problems will be solved here...

AUNTY: Linda, dont worry! I have told you that there will definitely be a solution
here. Birmingham Women Hospital is a world-class centre. They have
sophisticated equipment that will help the diagnosis. Let's go! There shouldnt
be any problem!

LINDA: OK!

SCENE 67

(Outside the Birmingham Women Hospital, Linda and her aunt walk out from the
hospital towards the car park. Linda sobs loudly).

AUNTY: Linda, calm down... calm down...

52
LINDA: Aunty, this is the end! I am destroyed! Just imagine... the same thing the
doctors said in Nigeria... they are telling to me here in England! That I cannot
conceive and I should go and get a surrogate mother? Imagine! Imagine what
that doctor said... after being pregnant nine times before!

AUNTY: Linda, stop all this! Let's go inside... Stop shouting! Let's go away from this
cold and talk about it inside.

LINDA: What is there to talk about? I flew all the way from Lagos only to come and
hear that I am infertile, and that I should scout for a surrogate mother...

AUNTY: Linda!

LINDA: Ah! Tade! Tade!

AUNTY: (Angrily) Linda! I said stop shouting! Please, stop shouting! Do you want to
create a scene here? Will your shouting solve any problem?

LINDA: Aunty, let me shout... Let me shout... Let me die! Let me even run mad! What's
there to live for? Rotimi has thrown me out of the house! I now live alone in
your house, only because you and your husband are not using it in Nigeria... I
am useless, fruitless! Let me shout! (Sits on the floor) Ah, Tade! This is unfair!
This is not good! You ruined me! The doctor said I should go look for a
surrogate mother... Ah, Tade! Did my mother give birth to me through a
surrogate mother? Answer me, aunty! Tell me! Did you give birth to your
children through a surrogate mother? Answer me!

AUNTY: Oh, my God! What is all this? (Picks up her phone) Hello, dear! Please, I need
your help here. Come over to speak to Linda... Please, come to help calm her
down!

SCENE 68

(Linda walks along a street in the United Kingdom with Mrs. Davies, a business
associate.)

MRS DAVIES: Linda! What's that?

LINDA: Never mind! Its nothing... I am okay!

53
MRS DAVIES: (Still confused) You want to disrupt a church programme? It's as if you
are bitter about something or someone... What is it?

LINDA: Mrs. Davies, you can't understand. I dont know how to explain it to you. Lets
just drop it!

MRS DAVIES: Just explain... I am sure Ill understand. You sounded so bitter on the
phone! And to think it has something to do with a pastor and a church
programme... it must be very important! Please, talk to me!

(They sit on a platform)

LINDA: OK, Mrs. Davies. You are a business friend... We travel together often here to
England to pursue our business...

MRS DAVIES: Thats right!

LINDA: I know your husband, Mr. Davies. I know your three children. Mrs. Davies,
have you ever seen any child with me or heard that I gave birth to any?

MRS DAVIES: No... You have always ignored any discussion about your personal life,
Linda, whenever I try to bring it up!

LINDA: Thats because there is nothing good about my life to talk about. That guy I was
referring to on the phone... destroyed my life! And later... he went ahead to
become a pastor, organizing one stupid religious programme somewhere. Now
he has a wife and children. I want to destroy him too!

MRS DAVIES: Oh, oh! Now I understand. But you can't do that! Whatever he might
have done... should never make you become violent! You dont repay evil
with evil!

LINDA: I have told you that you can't understand! I am off to my aunties place in
Birmingham tomorrow for a medical check up. I have been to countless
doctors because of my childlessness. All this because of the bad past I had
with him. Now he has settled down, has a beautiful family and you expect me
to just keep mute? No! No!

MRS DAVIES: But you are getting it all upside down! You know what is the solution to
this lack of joy and true happiness in your life...

LINDA: And what is that?

MRS DAVIES: We have always talked about it over and over. It's Jesus!

54
LINDA: (Sharply) I knew it! I knew you would just come up with this Jesus thing again!
I never wanted to start this discussion in the first place! I knew it would end
nowhere! (Walks away)

MRS DAVIES: Linda! But there is no other Oh, my God!

SCENE 69

(Back in Nigeria, church service ends. Everyone is going home. Pastors wife
is searching for the children.)

MRS. PETERS: I am going to deal with these kids! Why should they just play away
when they are supposed to come to the car? (Laide and Deacon Williams join
them).

LAIDE: Weve searched everywhere, ma! We can't find them...

MRS. PETERS: Jesus!

DEACON WILLIAMS: I saw them last in the children class... Where could they have
gone?

(Pastor joins them)

PASTOR TADE: Where are they? Has anyone seen them?

MRS. PETERS: Not yet!

(Pastors phone rings)

PASTOR TADE: It's an unknown number... (Answers it) Hello! Yes... this is Pastor
Akintade Peters. Who am I speaking to?

MAN: Listen carefully to me, Pastor, Your children have been kidnapped. They are right
here with us, but you will never get to see them again! Dont bother to look
for them!

PASTOR TADE: What????... My children?... But, please! (Line goes off).

MRS. PETERS: Who was that? What happened? Talk to me!

PASTOR TADE: Why? What do they want from us? Satan, you are a liar! I will see
them again in Jesus name!

55
MRS. PETERS: What happened to Mayokun and Mayowa? Who called you?

PASTOR TADE: Kidnappers...

MRS. PETERS: Jeeeeeeeeeeeeesussssssssssss!! My God, My God!!

DEACON WILLIAMS: How can...? Right from the church premises? I saw them
during service!!

LAIDE: What are we going to do now?

(Brother Lanre arrives)

LANRE: Ma, these look like Mayokuns bag and bible! I saw them scattered over there...

MRS. PETERS: Ye! Jesus, help me! Help me!

PASTOR TADE: Brother Lanre, did you see any other thing there? Any other clue?

LANRE: Nothing else! I only saw these... It seems as if someone just threw them over
there...

DEACON: Sir, let's alerts the Police immediately!

PASTOR TADE: Yee...s... Let me get a number to call (he leaves).

LAIDE: Mrs. Peters, lets pray! Everyone, lets pray! Our prayers will do wonders!

SCENE 70

(Pastors house. Wife pacing up and down, sobbing)

MRS. PETERS: Jesus! This is not your covenant with me! You didnt tell me that my
children would suddenly disappear... No! This is the work of the devil! Devil,
I resist you! I will destroy your plans over my children... in Jesus' name!

(Pastor Tade arrives, answering a call)

PASTOR TADE: How far? Ah! Please, keep searching! Let's search the whole church
neighborhood... Thank you!

56
 (Mrs. Peters' phone rings)

MRS. PETERS: Hello, Sister Imafidon... We are still searching for them... I believe so
also... I believe! ...Thank you very much! Amen! Amen! (Drops the line)
How far, dear? How did it go?

PASTOR TADE: The DPO said he has radioed all the neighboring stations. Theyve
started searching all over, no result yet... He said we should just calm down at
home and wait for their call...

MRS. PETERS: Calm down at home? When my children are out there in the hands of
kidnappers?

PASTOR TADE: They are in the hands of God, darling! Let us just take it easy. The
Police also said I should alert them immediately if the kidnappers call again.
Darling, we will receive our kids back into this house, in Jesus' name. I
believe that with the whole of my heart!

SCENE 71

(Kidnappers hideout. The children sit on the floor sobbing. They look dirty
and tired. Two men speak to them).

THUG 1: You are in a soup... You are now in the lion's den... Nobody can take you away
from here!

THUG 2: Spider, when is ma-ma coming?

THUG 1: She should be here tomorrow.

THUG 2: OK (Leaves)

MAYOKUN: Please, please, let's go home!

THUG 1: Keep quiet! If you talk again, I will kill you right away!

MAYOKUN: You can't kill us! Jesus will save us!

THUG 1: You are stupid! (Slaps him) I said shut up!

57
 SCENE 72

(It's night. Pastor sits on the floor at the veranda, wife paces around the living
room. The dining table shows uneaten food. Pastor arranged about four
handsets and a land phone by his side. After a while, one of the phone rings).

PASTOR TADE: Hello, hello!

CALLER: Is that Pastor Peters, of the New Life Chapel?

PASTOR TADE: Yes, yes, this is Pastor Peters... How far?

(Wife rushes to the veranda expectantly to listen to the conversation)

CALLER: Alright, sir... Please, I would like you to pray for my family... My wife and I
are still waiting on God for a child. We have been married for

PASTOR TADE: (Disappointedly) You called, so I could pray for you... for the fruit of
the womb?

(Pastor's wife walks back to the living room discouraged)

CALLER: Yes, pray for us! Or are you busy?

PASTOR TADE: (Summons patience) Not exactly... Ok, let us pray! Please, join your
other hand with your wife over there.... Father, in Jesus name

SCENE 73

(In the church, Deacon Williams leads a group of people in a prayer vigil;
they all pray fervently.)

SCENE 74

(The couple that appeared in SCENE 2, pray in their bedroom fervently for
the Pastors family)

58
 SCENE 75

(Senators house. He rolls on the bed to and fro; he sits up and thinks, then
picks up the phone to call.)

SENATOR: Daoudu, how are you?

DAOUDU: I am fine, sir. Oga! Any emergency?

SENATOR: Was the surveillance system switched on today in church?

DAOUDU: Yes, sir. It was fully operational! The recordings are even with a backup...

SENATOR: Ok! Can you scroll through the recording? I need some information...

DAOUDU: Ah, Oga... the InfoTech people that were on shift this morning are all at
home now... but they will be here in the morning...

SENATOR: It's okay... But you are sure the security team turned on the surveillance
system in the morning.

DAOUDU: Definitely yes, sir. We dont joke with that, sir. The security measures are
always in place. It's just that the InfoTech people, that can decode the
recordings, are not around now...

SENATOR: That's okay. Call everyone that is involved right now. Well all meet
tomorrow morning.

DAOUDU: Yes, sir.

SCENE 76

(Security surveillance studio: engineers, Daoudu and the senator watch a video.)

SENATOR: Ok! Play on. OK... can we zoom to this section? Let's see the children
closely. These are the kids we are searching for. They are still seated here, so
play it on...

DAOUDU: Sir, check this! Someone is taking them away now...

SENATOR: Yes! Please, zoom on that frame! Now freeze where they are forcing them
into the car! Can we take a snapshot of those ladies?

59
ENGINEER: Yes, sir!

SENATOR: Good! (He picks up his phone and place a call.)

SCENE 77

(Kidnappers hideout; the children are still sitting on the floor. Linda speaks to them.)

LINDA: Shut up! Your father destroyed my life and he thinks he can get away with it?
No, he can't! I will destroy you too! He trampled on my seed... so his seed will
not live either! Your father took away my precious destiny... he made me a
fruitless tree and an empty vine... He will regret what he has done! He will
never see you again!

SCENE 78

(Security surveillance studio: Pastor Tade and his wife watch the snapshot on the
screen.)

PASTOR TADE: These are our church workers!

MRS. PETERS: This is sister Juliet. She joined us some months ago... She is part of the
children evangelism team.

SENATOR: Sir and Ma, this is real-time technology. No one can fault it. Just give their
addresses to the security men... they know what to do! They will nab them!

SCENE 79

(Lindas house. There is merry making; Juliet and Bose drink).

JULIET: Its a great time of celebration!

LINDA: I am proud of you girls! Its a job well done! You didnt get born-again for
nothing!!!

60
ALL: (Laughs)

BOSE: Ma-ma... It's your money that made us born again! Sharp-Sharp! So let us not eat
and forget our balance.

JULIET: Else... we will just backslide now!!!

ALL: (Laughs)

LINDA: Dont worry... your money is ready.

(A knock on the door; a young girl comes in)

GIRL: Excuse me, ma... My mummy said I should tell you not to forget the party
tonight.

LINDA: Oh, yes! Today is Tuesday. Thank you, Janet. Tell your mummy that I have not
forgotten. I will be there!

GIRL: OK, ma! (She leaves)

LINDA: Come to think of it, is not today your bible study service in the church?

BOSE: Yeah, it's today. Tuesdays...

LINDA: Youve got to be consistent in the church now, so that nobody will suspect
anything...

JULIET: Yeah... Sister Juliet and Sister Bose must not be found wanting! Praise the
Lord!!!

BOSE: (They lift their bottles) Alleluya!!

SCENE 80

(Inside Interrogation Room, officer speaks with Juliet)

OFFICER: You have seen the video playback. You have seen the still picture. Do you
have anything to say against this evidence?

JULIET: It's Ma-ma...

61
OFFICER: Who is ma-ma?

JULIET: It is Madam Linda. She forced us to work for her! I have nothing to do with the
children! I didnt know them before. They are still in safe custody.

OFFICER: You will take us to this ma-ma or Madam Linda, whatever you call her. By
the way, how many people are involved in your team of kidnappers?

JULIET: Oga, I am not a kidnapper! I dont belong to any team. Ma-ma just hired the
two of us. She works with some other people. I just work with my friend
Bose...

OFFICER: This Bose, where does she live?

JULIET: Em, I dont really

OFFICER: (Sharply) You dont know where your friend lives?

JULIET: I know, I know, sir...

OFFICER: How many people in total have kidnapped children for madam Linda?

JULIET: No-o-o! It's just these children! I dont even know this is kidnapping! She just
told us to bring the children to her from church, without their parents'
knowledge!

SCENE 81

(Policemen storm into the hideout and rescue the children)

SCENE 82

(At home, Mayokun and Mayowa lie down. Dad and Mum massage their bodies. The
house help, Eunice, brings food)

MRS. PETERS: Are you feeling better...? Is this place still hurting you?

MAYOKUN: There's still a little pain there, but it is getting better.

62
PASTOR TADE: Mayowa, you have not taken your drug yet! Its a pain reliever. It will
help you, dear... After that you will eat some more. (Phone rings).

MRS. PETERS: Hello, senator, how are you? May God reward you greatly! Thanks so
much!

SCENE 83

SENATOR: Let us thank God for that, ma! He gave us the wisdom and the instruments
to track them down. We could still have been in confusion by now if not for
God's hand...

MRS. PETERS: Thank you very much! Senator Akinsola, we were just thinking of
calling you... There is something on our mind to tell you!

SENATOR: What is that, ma?

MRS. PETERS: The main lady in police custody, Linda. Please help us in whatever
capacity you can, we want to withdraw the charges...

SENATOR: Why, ma? Withdraw the case?

MRS. PETERS: Yes. You see, we have been trying to witness Christ to this woman for a
long time now. She needs to accept Jesus! Let's not allow her to suffer
anymore, please! At least we have seen our children are well... Let us just
thank God for that and release her.

SENATOR: Hum... To be honest with you, Mrs. Peters... Thats a bit difficult. We can try
though, but the case is no more between you and her, but between her and the
government. Justice may have to prevail.

MRS. PETERS: Just try, sir. And thanks! My husband would like to speak to you...

PASTOR TADE: Senator Akinsola. Thank you very much! Please, just help us to
achieve her release. Maybe we can just write a letter withdrawing the charges
or something... God bless you, sir!

63
 SCENE 84

(Court scene, outside. The police are taking Linda and the two girls to the
police reinforced van. Pastor's wife sobs.)

SCENE 85

(Pastors house, it is night time. Everyone is watching TV.)

MAYOKUN: Daddy, why did we have to be kidnapped? Why? We are children of God
and children of a Pastor...

PASTOR TADE: You see, Mayokun... my precious daughter. As you know, the devil is
very wicked. He is never happy with those of us serving Jesus. He tries to
make us sad in every possible way so as to distract us from the work of God.
Just thank God that the devil has failed again in this family. He is a defeated
foe!

MAYOWA: But why did aunty Juliet, who has been very good to us in church, suddenly
turn bad? She started beating us without any mercy... Why?

MRS. PETERS: That teaches us to trust fully in God and not in man. He will definitely
use anyone who releases himself or herself to the devil. Mayowa, that was the
result of allowing the devil into her life.

PASTOR TADE: Also, we need to note that not all those who claim to be children of
God are really so... some are just pretenders. You understand?

MAYOWA: Yes, daddy.

MAYOKUN: A woman came telling us that daddy destroyed her life, so she will destroy
us. Is it true? Did daddy really destroy anybodys life?

(Everyone goes quiet for a while)

MRS. PETERS: It is enough for tonight... children, we will continue tomorrow. It is

time to pray, Mayowa. Put off the TV. Go and bring your bibles, please.

64
 SCENE 86

(Prison yard. Pastor and Mrs. Peters bring food for Linda)

PASTOR TADE: We were told you didnt want to see us at first. We have been here
several times before now...

LINDA: I dont need to see you, just leave me alone! First, you destroyed my life, Tade!
You left me and married another woman! You jailed me!! And now... you are
disturbing my peace... What else do you want from me, what? Please, leave
me alone!

MRS. PETERS: We tried our best so that you wouldnt be jailed, but you had already
been accused of kidnapping. You shouldnt have gone to that extent, Linda!

PASTOR TADE: All we came to tell you is that Jesus loves you! Please, turn your heart
to Him... so that He can give you a new and glorious destiny.

LINDA: Just leave me alone! Please, go!

MRS. PETERS: We brought some food for you... please, have it...

(She picks up the bowl and opens it. She pours the food on it.)

LINDA: Take your food away! I dont want it! Go away, you deceiver! Destroyer! Leave
me alone!!

WARDER: What is happening here? It is enough, Pastor and Mrs. It's time to go.

SCENE 87

(Mayokun sits in the living room thinking; her mother comes in)

MRS. PETERS: Mayokun, Mayokun! (Taps her) Oluwamayokun!

MAYOKUN: Mummy, you are back! Welcome!

MRS. PETERS: What is bothering your mind? You were so lost in thought... What could
you have been thinking so deeply about?

MAYOKUN: Nothing... really! Nothing...

65
MRS. PETERS: Dont tell me that... I have noticed that in you for sometime now.
Please, speak to mummy... What is it?

MAYOKUN: I never cease to think about what the kidnappers said to us. The woman
said we are suffering for daddys sin! She said we are suffering because daddy
destroyed her life, that he made her a fruitless tree and an empty vine... She
spoke with so much bitterness! I am still confused... (The mother looks at her,
stands up and continues doing some other things).

MAYOKUN: I knew it! I knew she wouldnt explain it to me! I dont know why they
still think I am a baby at 12!!

SCENE 88

(In a large field, mother and Mayokun walk as they talk.)

MRS. PETERS: You are growing, my baby. Growing very fast indeed! I thank God for
it... And sometimes I am amazed how fast your body and your mind are
developing! It seems like yesterday that you were just born... I thank God for
preserving you. I will explain everything to you, Mayokun. What does the
Bible says in 2nd Corinthians 5:17?

MAYOKUN: 5:17... It says: If a man is in Christ, he is a new creature.

MRS. PETERS: Go on, it's not finished yet...

MAYOKUN: Old things have passed away, behold all things are new.

MRS. PETERS: You know what, Mayokun? Several years ago, before your father came
to know the Lord, he lived a dirty and sinful life. Thank God for the blood of
Jesus! He had so many girlfriends at different stages of his life! One of those
numerous girlfriends is that woman... Linda. I will tell you all that transpired
between them as simple as I can.

SCENE 89

(Pastors bedroom. Pastor and Mrs. Peters are present).

PASTOR TADE: Did uncle Gbenga called as promised?

66
MRS. PETERS: No, he did not. Maybe he tried and didnt get through...

PASTOR TADE: OK.

MRS. PETERS: Lest I forget! Mayokun and I had a heart to heart discussion today.

PASTOR TADE: (Excited) Is that so? (Sits beside her on the bed) So what did you talk
about?

MRS. PETERS: She wanted to know everything about Linda.

PASTOR TADE: And you told her?

MRS. PETERS: Well, I told her as much as she can understand.

(A knock on the door)

PASTOR TADE: Who is that?

MAYOKUN: (From outside) It's me, Mayokun...

PASTOR TADE: Come in...

(She enters and drops some magazines on the bed. Mum and dad check them).

MRS. PETERS: What? Romantic magazines?

PASTOR TADE: (Thoroughly baffled) These are nude pictures! Pornography!

MAYOKUN: I have been reading this kind of magazines for about two years now. I can't
just stop it! I know they are not good to read... as you have always taught us...
both at home and in the church. But my friends are not helping matters. I am
sorry, Mum and Dad. I am so sorry that I disappointed you! The real
experiences of daddys life that Mummy shared with me today have touched
me greatly... I have been weeping since then! I promised to change and return
them all when I get to school tomorrow. I will also stop associating with the
friends that are influencing me!

(She kneels)

Please, Mum, Dad... pray for me! I am so sorry!

(Mum and dad look at each other, as tears drop on Mums face)

67
 SCENE 90

(In a garden, the devil and Jesus call on Tade and Linda, as they play with each other)

JESUS: Come with me! With me you will have peace and joy. Forsake your sins and
come!

DEVIL: (Beats them) Dont move an inch! Stay here and enjoy my goodies! (Gives them
something to eat and drink).

TADE: This man that is calling us on the right seems to be peaceful and loving... but He
doesn't have any attractive goodies...

LINDA: But this man is torturing us!

TADE: But at least we have pleasure with him! Arent you enjoying all he is giving us?

LINDA: I am, let's just stay with him then...

JESUS: (He comes again) Please, come... it may soon be too late for you! I have a
palace ready for you with greater goodies than you are getting here...

TADE: Where is the proof of that? We can't just follow You... and leave the pleasure we
have here!

JESUS: Come by faith! Whosoever comes... will have to come by faith.

DEVIL: (Beats them again) I brought this for you... enjoy it!

JESUS: My burden is light and my yoke is easy. My blessings make you rich without
any form of sorrow embedded in it. Please, come with me; give your life to
me, for I have been waiting of long!

(Tade rises and follows him).

You also, come... Delay can be dangerous!

LINDA: (Devil gives her another gift) Well... I am not ready to follow you. Maybe
sometime... later!

(Tade and Jesus leave)

DEVIL: I have another gift for you! Show me your eyes! (He plucked out her two eyes)

LINDA: Yeeeeeeee, this is painful! Someone help me...!

68
DEVIL: Dont worry... I am just playing with you! Okay, take this clothing, isnt it
beautiful?

LINDA: But I can't even see it!

DEVIL: Dont worry, believe me, it's beautiful!

JESUS: (He comes again) The thief comes not but to steal, to kill and to destroy. I am
come that you might have life and life abundantly. Come now! Further
delay can be dangerous...

LINDA: Really?

DEVIL: Take this chocolate! It's sweet!

LINDA: Dont worry... my other friend on the right. I will come later. (He leaves again)

DEVIL: Yes, the time has come to give you my final gift! (He brings a rope and put it
around her neck, waiting to strangle her.)

LINDA: Help! Help! Help!

SCENE 91

(Linda has been dreaming in the prison bed; she wakes up suddenly)

LINDA: Help! Help! Help! Oh!... Its a dream...! (She checks her eyes to see if they are
still there, and she starts to weep) Jesus, I am sorry for my sins!

SCENE 92

(Linda, as a young secondary school girl. A friend is speaking to her about

God, preaching; Linda refuses to listen, and walks away.)

SCENE 93

(Linda, in a fellowship. An altar call was made, several people came forward,
it was shown obviously that she needed to go and surrender, but she refused.)

69
 SCENE 94

(Campus environment. Two people give her a leaflet inviting her to a

programme in Church, she hisses, tears the leaflet and walks away.)

SCENE 95

LINDA: I have realized that it's all my fault! You gave me a will, but I have used my will
against you, my Maker. You have been calling me to salvation since I was
young... And I kept refusing your offer! I kept delaying! I kept rejecting you
until my life was finally destroyed by the devil... Tades life was rescued
because he quickly accepted your offer of salvation. Lord, I know I am
coming so late, but please... accept me! I am no more concerned about child
bearing, but please, help me to have peace with You. I know you died for
me.... Have mercy on me, God! Please, hear me, oh, Lord! I have realized that
salvation delay is dangerous. It is a dangerous delay!

SCENE 96

(Pastor and his wife visit the prison again)

LINDA: I am so glad to see you!

PASTOR TADE: Really?

MRS. PETERS: You are glad to see us?

LINDA: Yes. Things have changed now. I have given my life to Christ!

MRS. PETERS: Praise the Lord!!!!!!

PASTOR TADE: You have what? Gave your life to Christ! How did that happen?

LINDA: The Lord had mercy on me and revealed himself to me. He revealed to me that I
am the architect of my own destruction.

MRS. PETERS: How?

70
LINDA: He showed me that my delay in accepting Him resulted in all these. The devil
tried to destroy my destiny... not Tade. He was just an instrument then, but he
was wise enough to quickly accept the free offer of salvation!

PASTOR TADE: This is wonderful... Jesus!

LINDA: I have wasted my time! I have wasted many years... I have delayed too much!
He was waiting for me all along! (Sobbing) It was such a dangerous delay! All
I want from you now is that you pray for me. The Lord showed me that the
devil was about to kill me! He was about to strangle me!

PASTOR TADE: No, you cannot die! You will live for God!

LINDA: I have confessed my sins over and over before you came... Please, pray for me!

MRS. PETERS: Lord, you are so good! Lord, you are kind! Lord, you are wonderful!
My lord, you are excellent!!

EPILOGUE

(Linda's story concludes here, when she is 55 year-old and is speaking to the gathering
of young people.)

LINDA: For many people, the time for choosing is over. The choices theyve made are
now ruling their lives. But you have many important choices before you...
make the right one! This day choose whom you will serve! Choose Life!
Choose God! Choose righteousness! And do it now! Delay can be dangerous!!

THE END

71