ORANGE ON THE SILVERBIRD (EPISODE 5)

Read Episode 4

Jasper took a deep breath, willing himself to let go of the painful memories and focus on the tasks at hand. He powered on his cell phone and began scrolling through the contacts on a WhatsApp Group, searching for the number he needed. After a moment, he found it and pressed the call button.

The phone rang, and his heart raced with anticipation. Finally, the call connected, and he heard a familiar voice on the other end.

“Hello?” the voice greeted.

“Hey, it’s Jasper,” he replied, relief washing over him. “Is this Bode?”

There was a pause on the line, and then Bode responded, his voice filled with surprise and joy. “Jasper! It’s been ages, man. How have you been?”

Jasper couldn’t help but smile. Bode was an old classmate and a trusted friend. They had lost touch over the years, but now Jasper needed his help.

“I’ve been good, Bode. Listen, I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, but I need a favor,” Jasper explained.

Bode chuckled. “No worries, man. You know I’ve got your back. What can I do for you?”

“I’m trying to reconnect with Pastor Solademi,” Jasper said, his voice determined. “Do you happen to have his contact information or know someone who does?”

There was a brief silence on the other end as Bode seemed to consider the request. Then he spoke again, his voice filled with excitement. “As a matter of fact, I do. I’ve kept in touch with Pastor Solademi all these years. Let me give you his phone number and address. He’ll be thrilled to hear from you.”

Relief washed over Jasper, grateful for Bode’s connection and willingness to help. “That would be incredible, Bode. I appreciate it more than you know.”

They exchanged contact information, and Bode promised to send the details right away. Jasper thanked him profusely before ending the call.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Jasper felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Reconnecting with Pastor Solademi was a step toward finding his place and seeking guidance for his future. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to follow God’s leading.

As he waited for Bode’s message, Jasper took a moment to reflect on his journey thus far. The mistakes he had made, the pain he had experienced, and the lessons he had learned had shaped him into a stronger person. He knew he couldn’t change the past, but he could use it as a stepping stone toward a brighter future.

The message from Bode arrived, and Jasper eagerly opened it. He jotted down the address and phone number, feeling a surge of anticipation. It was time to take the next step, to reconnect with his faith and seek God’s guidance for his life.

With a determined spirit, Jasper pocketed his cell phone and walked toward the door. He was ready to embark on a new chapter, leaving behind the past and embracing the possibilities that lay ahead.

…

Pastor Ezekiel Solademi walked into his home office, situated in a quiet part of the Church Pastorium. The evangelism unit had left a copy of the report from the outreach program with his secretary in his absence, and he needed to read through it and provide any necessary comments.

He pulled an executive chair away from the work table and settled into it with a slight creak. As he sat down, his right hand reached out and found the document on the table. Whistling a tune, he began flipping through the pages of the report.

As he read the executive summary, he noticed the exemplary teamwork among everyone involved in the evangelism efforts. He applauded the team for their wisdom in transitioning to evening outreach when it started getting late. The report included testimonies from each participant, and Pastor Ezekiel’s eyes caught Sister Lizzy’s testimony about their interaction with a woman named Sandra.

While reading Sister Lizzy’s testimony, the Pastor felt a strong impression to pray for this lady. Right then and there, he spent a few minutes in prayer for her. Afterwards, he picked up his pen and jotted down his observations and comments on the report. He emphasized the importance of continuing to pray for the souls they had ministered to, as the seed of the Word had been planted in them and would work in their lives. They needed to trust the Holy Spirit to perfect what He had started in each individual.

Suddenly, the wall clock chimed, indicating that it was 9:30 pm and bringing the clergyman’s attention back to his surroundings. Knowing that his wife would have finished her tasks by now, he gathered the documents on his table and prepared to stand up.

Just then, his phone buzzed, indicating a new message. Curious, he picked it up and saw a notification from Bode, one of his mentees. Intrigued, he opened the message and read its content.

“Hello, Pastor Solademi,” the message began. “I hope this finds you well. I have a surprise for you. An old acquaintance of mine who you know, is looking to reconnect with you. He’s been on a personal journey and seeks guidance for his future. I thought you might be able to help.”

Surprise washed over Pastor Solademi’s face. Without wasting a moment, Pastor Solademi replied to Bode’s message. “Thank you for reaching out, Bode. I hope to hear from him soon. I would be honored to reconnect with him and offer any guidance I can.”

As he hit the send button, a surge of anticipation filled Pastor Solademi’s heart. He believed in the power of divine timing, and if it was God’s plan for him to help this young man, then so be it. He prayed that he could provide the guidance and support the person needed on his journey of faith and self-discovery.

He moved to leave his office again when his phone rang, displaying an unfamiliar number on the screen.

“Hello,” he said as soon as he answered the call.

“Good evening, sir,” an excited voice responded from the other end.

The pastor tried to recall the voice, attempting to identify it. “Good evening.”

“I believe I’m speaking to Pastor Solademi. This is Jasper, sir.”

“Jasper?” The name felt familiar, but the pastor couldn’t quite remember where he had heard it before.

“Yes, sir. Jasper Oguntonade. I was one of the students who gave their life to Christ during one of the outreaches in our school.”

“Oh… I think I remember you now. How have you been, and how did you get my contact?”

“I am doing well, though a lot has happened between then and now.”

The pastor interrupted, “Of course. It’s been years.”

“Yes, sir. How is the ministry, sir, and how is Mummy?”

“The ministry is going well, and my wife is fine. You still haven’t told me where you got my number because I know you guys didn’t have phones back then.”

The young man chuckled from the other end, “You are right, sir. I got your contact from one of my friends in school. I think he attends your church at the moment. Bode Aduroti, sir.”

The pastor laughed at the familiar name. “Oh! I know Bode. He kind of warned me ahead.”

“Oh! I reached out to him a day after I returned to the country.”

“Returned? You haven’t been around?”

“Yes, sir. As I said earlier, a lot has happened to me, and I will share what I went through with you when we meet, especially as I feel God leading me to be mentored by you.”

“Hmmm.”

“Yes, sir. The urge to reconnect with you has been there since I knew I would be coming back to the country. I know you will want to pray about this, but I think God wants me to learn from you. Plus, I have a feeling I may go into the ministry, but not as a full-time minister.”

The pastor cleared his throat. “Well, that’s alright.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I would love for us to have a proper conversation. How does meeting next week Wednesday sound?”

“In six days? No problem, sir.”

“Yeah, I may be busy with some counseling sessions and will want us to have ample time together. Come by 10:00 am, please.”

“Alright, sir. Please, where do I meet you, sir?”

“Sorry. Do you know Oshodi very well?”

Jasper chuckled before answering, “I know Oshodi, sir, but not very well. Plus, everywhere seems to have changed.”

“You’re right. Hmm, what do we do now?”

“Sir, go ahead and give me a location. I will seek help from one of my uncles. I believe he must have driven Dad down there one or two times. He will know the place.”

“Okay, just locate Emmanuel Baptist Church.”

He heard rapid typing on a laptop from the other end.

“I can locate it on the map, sir. We will find the place.”

“Alright then, just ask for directions to the office. I will include our meeting in my schedule now, so my secretary will know you are coming.”

“Alright, sir.”

“Thanks for reaching out, Jasper.”

“Thank you for the warm response, even though you haven’t even seen me, sir. I’m grateful.”

“It’s alright. Greetings to your parents.”

“Alright, sir. Good night, sir.”

“Good night, son,” Pastor Ezekiel found himself saying as he ended the call.

He paused. Had he said “son”? He rarely called young adults around him that. Only the tested and trusted ones earned such a title from him. Was God saying something? It seemed like God had once again entrusted another soul into his hands.

Quietly, Pastor Ezekiel stood up and knelt down in front of his chair, offering a short prayer before going to bed. He prayed for guidance, wisdom, and discernment as he prepared to mentor Jasper. He asked for God’s blessings upon their upcoming meeting and for clarity in understanding the path that lay ahead for this young man.

The next few days passed with a sense of anticipation for Pastor Ezekiel. He eagerly prepared for his meeting with Jasper, reflecting on the incredible journey that had led them to this point. He prayed for Jasper’s safety and for the ability to effectively mentor and guide him in his walk of faith.

Finally, Wednesday arrived. Pastor Ezekiel dressed in his usual smart attire and made his way to his office at Emmanuel Baptist Church. His secretary had already prepared the room for their meeting, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for conversation.

As the clock struck 10:00 am, there was a knock on the door. Pastor Ezekiel smiled and welcomed Jasper into the office. The young man stood before him, exuding a mixture of nervousness and excitement. They exchanged greetings, and Pastor Ezekiel offered him a seat.

“Jasper, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face,” the pastor said warmly.

“The pleasure is mine, Pastor,” Jasper replied, gratitude evident in his voice.

They spent the next couple of hours engaging in a deep and meaningful conversation. Jasper shared his personal journey, the challenges he had faced, and the way his faith had grown amidst it all. He expressed his desire to learn from Pastor Ezekiel and to find his place in serving God, even if not as a full-time minister.

Pastor Ezekiel listened attentively, offering words of encouragement, guidance, and biblical wisdom. He shared stories from his own experiences, imparting valuable lessons and insights. Together, they explored the various ways Jasper could use his talents, passions, and gifts to serve God effectively.

Throughout their conversation, it became evident that God had indeed orchestrated their connection. Their shared faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit were tangible, weaving their stories together in a beautiful tapestry of mentorship and discipleship.

As the meeting drew to a close, Pastor Ezekiel placed a hand on Jasper’s shoulder. “Jasper, I believe that God has brought us together for a purpose,” he said earnestly. “I am committed to walking alongside you, to support and guide you in your journey of faith. Remember, God has a unique plan for your life, and with His help, you will make a significant impact in His kingdom.”

Jasper nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you, Pastor. I am truly grateful for your willingness to invest in me and guide me on this path.”

With their hearts united in purpose, they closed their meeting with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s blessings and wisdom for the days to come. As they said their goodbyes for that moment, both Pastor Ezekiel and Jasper carried a renewed sense of purpose and hope within their hearts.

Little did they know that their journey together would be filled with challenges, growth, and incredible moments of transformation. But they were ready to embark on this God-ordained mentorship, trusting that through their partnership, lives would be changed, and God’s glory would be revealed.

Watch out for the next episode.🤗
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