[In the early days of modern Christianity, Christians gave each other gifts for twelve days in celebration of Christmas. This is a tradition I have introduced to my family. This write-up is a gift to those who appreciate the gift of Christ (God’s only begotten Son) to the world and show their appreciation by living for Him. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree]… introduction to part 1 omitted by publisher.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree...

“Yes.” I responded. “Mama Jade is a Christian and she only allows Christian music here. The food is great. There are not many places where food is prepared only with organic ingredients and spices. No MSG (mono sodium glutamate) is used.”

Ọlaọmọ: She is blessed and she is a blessing. I plan to come again.

“Please do.” I replied. “I want to win the prize for inviting the most clients in a year.”

We both laughed.

She placed her food order and I placed mine.

As soon as she finished ordering their meal Ọlaọmọ stated;

“I wonder what’s keeping my sister. Ọlaade should have eaten by now. I’ll go check up on her.”

She got up and left for the restroom. I took a sip of my drink and turned to see the gentlemen at the table by my side asking after Ọlaọmọ. I explained where she was. He said he couldn’t wait but would be grateful if I could give her the note in his hand. I obliged him and realized that he was alone. His family that was present at the table was gone.

My friends soon returned. Wọnu explained that Ọlaade, who was now fast asleep, had needed a diaper change.

Wọnu: It’s as if he poops everytime I feed him.

Ọlaọmọ: That’s understandable. Since his stomach is so small as Derbrah said, then he needs to push the old stuff out in order to make room for the fresh stuff.

She smiled as she looked at Ọlaade and stated,

Olaọmọ: I still think that he looks like Wọle.

Wọnu: Okay, Wọle and his dad look a little alike so that settles it.

“So,” I started looking at Wọnu “Did you have the blues?” Olaọmọ also spoke at the same time so I nodded to Wọnu to respond to her sister.

Olaọmọ: Guess who I saw while you were away?

Wọnu: Who? What happened?

Olaọmọ: Ariel.

Wọnu: Ariel? Oti o (it can’t be).

Olaọmọ: Yes, Ariel. He was sitting right over there.

She turned to point out his direction and confirmed his absence. I gave her the note.

“By the way,” I started. “He wanted me to give you this.”

Olaọmọ unfolded the note, read it, and folded it back. She heaved a sign and said;

“I think it’s time I prayed for Ariel, he’s losing it.”

Wọnu: Kilo wi? (What does it say?)

Olaọmọ looked at me and shook her head. “We’ll talk later.”

Wọnu smiled and proclaimed; “It’s okay to tell Derbrah. She’s a didaskalos. She might even have an insight.”

Olaọmọ: Oh that’s not why. I don’t think anybody can help Ariel anymore. Only God can. Perhaps Derbrah is willing to join us in interceding for him, I truly believe there’s nothing anyone can do but pray.

Wọnu: Then let’s pray right now. She held out her hands, both of us joined hands with her and prayed for Ariel.

Olaọmọ: God is truly awesome. If anyone had told me Ariel’s life would be so messed up, I would have disagreed. It never pays to disobey God, does it?

Wọnu explained to me that Ariel was Olaọmọ’s ex-fiancé and ex-ministry partner. Eight years ago he had backslid, abandoned his first love for God and his fiancée, under the guise that he was being wise. Olaọmọ believed that since she was a sickler, Ariel was afraid he would lose her to an early death.

Our meals came and we settled down to eat.

“Sickle cell is a devastating issue.” I responded. “Two good friends of mine died before thirty five years of age due to the effects of the disease. One of them was pregnant with her second child. I wish he had just come out and declared that he was afraid. Then he could have ran to God for strength from fear.”

Wọnu: This was more than fear, he was lustful and covetous. He wanted to come to America. He denied the call on his life for dollars and easy lifestyle. He wanted to marry this sister who was a US citizen so he could become a US resident.

Olaọmọ: You know after a year of his escapades, he became remorseful and tried to muster some strength to apologize but I think guilt or shame prevented him. Two years after he abandoned the ministry, I was asked to head the ministry office in southern California. That’s how I got here.

Wọnu: I won the visa lottery. We both made it to the US by faith and godly wisdom. I was the first to run into him. He was so shocked!

Olaọmọ: Then he started calling me to apologize. I told him he was forgiven. The work of the Lord was going strong. God was the Faithful One and He confirmed His word.

Wọnu: That’s when he finally confessed. He’d been living a miserable life. The joy of the Lord had departed from him and he was in the wilderness. He was attending a cold church once a month or even less. He and his wife lived like strangers. They were really just together for the children. He couldn’t find the strength to walk by faith. He was just pitiful.

Olaọmọ: Patrick and I prayed for him. We also exhorted him.

Wọnu: This went on for about six months, and then they moved because he got a job in another county.

Olaọmọ: I had forgotten about him until two months ago when I got his email. They were back in town and he wanted to see me. I was too busy with Wọnu’s delivery so we mainly chatted online. Then he began to accuse me. He said it was my fault. I did not pray enough for him. I was too selfish with my faith in God. I did not fight for him. I was just like Eve, I gave him the wrong fruit to eat, the fruit of rejection and complacency. If I had been a strong prayer warrior, he would not be in the wrong place in his life, and so on, and so on.

Wọnu: I told her to stop talking with him. It’s very easy to tell when the Devil wants to cook up strife. When she stopped responding to his mails, then he started calling her cell. When that did not work, he began calling my house. I also stopped him calling my house. Once I see his phone number or a blocked number. I let the voicemail do secretary work.

Olaọmọ: Imagine running into him today. He left a number. I’m not going to call. God will help him somehow.

Wọnu: Sister, may I see the note?

Olaọmọ handed Wọnu the note and she (Wọnu) retorted;

“What’s with the date?”

Olaọmọ read the note again and replied “I don’t know.”

Wọnu: That’s about 12 years ago. Isn’t that when you met?

Olaọmọ: Yes it is. I’m not sure what he means.

“Would you like to call and ask him?” I put in.

Wọnu: I wouldn’t recommend it. He’s usually irrational.

“Sounds like he needs mental health assistance.” I stated.

Wọnu: He needs deliverance.

Olaọmọ: I don’t think it’s a demon or a fallen angel we’re dealing with here. This is a stronghold. He’s the only one that can deliver himself. As long as he is still running from God, he’ll never be free.

“Well, we’re prayed.” I announced. “We rest in the power of Christ’s grace.”

JọlaJesu and JayọJesu (Mama Jade’s daughters) came into the store, greeted me with a hug and I introduced them to my guests. Wọnu informed them that the restaurant impressed her. Olaọmọ also commended the service. Jola promised to tell her mother. Both of them left us and Olaọmọ commented on their demeanor. I spent some time explaining the history of the Ajayi family and Ilejeun Jadesola.

Wọnu: I’m wondering if they should cook for our baby dedication

Olaọmọ: That’s a good idea. Let’s find out. I hope they’re not too expensive.

“I’m sure they’re affordable.” I put in. “I also know that they’ll work with you.”

Ọlaade woke up and Wọnu exclaimed;

“That was a short nap. Are you cluster feeding again?”

“He may not want to eat immediately.” I said. “Let him play a bit.”

Olaọmọ placed a rattle in Ọlaade’s hands and sure enough, it went to his mouth. Wọnu lifted him up and smiled into his eyes, shaking him gently from side to side. His eyes widened and his cheeks spread in a gorgeous smile.

“Aren’t babies just awesome?” I stated. Cleaning my hands with a hand sanitizer, I asked, “May I carry him?”

Wọnu placed her son in my arms and I kissed his cheek, then placed him on my shoulder. Wọnu teased me stating;

“You’re holding him as if he were yours. I think you’re ready for another child.”

“Oh no.” I responded. “I’m still recuperating. I weaned my little one not too long ago. I still need some time before I go that route.”

Wọnu: You asked me if I had any blues. I do sometimes, but I don’t let it last long. Once I sense the feeling, I play uplifting music, pray in the spirit or breastfeed.

“Good job.” I replied. “I’m sure that helps.”

Olaọmọ: Wọnu told me you breastfed for two years. Wasn’t that tiring?

“Actually no.” I responded. “I had it all planned out.”

Olaọmọ: I know I can breastfeed even with my sister carrying my seed, but I don’t see myself going as far as two years.

Wọnu: You never know sister, miracles happen.

Olaọmọ: Alright o, we’ll wait and see. I am just excited that I can even breastfeed even with the fact that I did not get pregnant. That itself is a miracle.

Wọnu: You know, I was told that men can breastfeed as well. That’s awesome.

“It is, isn’t it?” I agreed. “I haven’t actually seen a man do it. I’d like to see it face to face.”

Wọnu: I teased Wọle the other day. I told him it was his turn to breastfeed.

We all laughed.

“What did he say?” I asked.

Wọnu: He said we should not deny the baby his legal right.

Olaọmọ: Then I said his right is to be breastfed by both parents.

We all laughed again and Wọnu continued;

“He (Wọle) said “Please apostolos Olaọmọ, have mercy on me, a poor poimen. I promise to do whatever you say. Please let prophetes feed the baby.”

“Why the Greek words?” I asked.

Derbrah writes courtesy of Agape for All Ministries. Author retains copyright.

Jadesọla’s restaurant is a drama ministry of the Yoruba Christian Women (YCW), an international faith-based non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. Similarity of names and stories are coincidental. Feel free to copy for non-commercial use. Commercial use requires permission. For more information on YCW write Jesutoyin Ajikẹ-King (toyinking@yahoo.com).

Robot  # 1 | 27.12.2007 16:57

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear ...Read the full article.