Rising to my feet, I held my Bible firmly onto my well polished suit that hung on my body. I walked to the altar as the entire auditorium rendered her applauses to God, I would say.
Taking hold of the microphone, I cleared my throat majestically and began my farewell address.
"Thank you daddy for this great opportunity" I said turning to my spiritual father.
"I stand here before you brethren, tearfully. I'd love to appreciate my mentor and Spiritual guide who has gone home to be with the Lord... [I paused and wiped a tear off my eyelid] I didn't know his departure would be soon. But he isn't gone! He lives on, and lives among us [I pointed to my chest] The spirit of Ake Agure Kyume - the spirit of the warrior lives on.
"[turning to my spiritual father, apostle Anee Zion] Daddy thank you for being the guide and Spiritual head over my life.
You have given me the greatest opportunity anyone would give, to build me to be the minister of God I am today, although at such a young age.
It was December 13, 1997 - that was the year of my enlistment into the army of the Lord right on this altar.
It has been five years since then - five years of battles and great exhibition of grace to overcome the enemies of my destiny with all battles won.
I am glad that last night, I received promotion into the realms of immortality and had the mark of touch not placed upon my forehead [Congregation rose up and clapped their hands jubilantly]
[I reached out my hand beckoning for my briefcase and an usher was kind enough to quickly notice and bring the it to me.
"Reaching my hand into it, I pulled out the diary of Fredrick Stone and John Mills which contained the biography of their missionary endeavors.
"This! is what my ancestors handed over to me." I said lifting the diary into the air.
The Lord has instructed that I mustn't go the way of others.
I am chosen to take the gospel to Buruku and raise an altar over there that would propel the global revival which would bring all things to an end - to this I owe no negotiation."
After a long speech, I dropped the microphone and retired back to my seat.
My spiritual father ministered and educated the people of God on who I was to clear minds on why I was going into ministry so early.
As he was speaking, a bird dropped from roof top and quickly changed into a woman. Everyone ran and the church seemed to be scattered.
Moving close, my father shouted the name Jesus and she turned from facing down to up.
It was Mrs Williams, Felicia's mom.
She confessed all the atrocities she had done and was delivered at once by apostle Anee Zion.
Although this seemed strange, it wasn't much of a strange sight as these were some of the manifestations happening in the church on a daily basis.
After the ceremonial occasion, I was offered an award of highest honor from my school by the principal.
To keep me constantly reminded of Mr OGBONNA, a portrait of him was beautifully drawn by a student and handed over to me.
Over the years, this would be one of my most valuables.
Amidst people, I felt the hands of one held me by my arms. It was Felecia. I turned and beheld her.
She looked so beautiful and gorgeous.
"Hello Felecia!" I greeted first and she smiled at me.
"David! Thank you for delivering me." She said with a bold smile. I smiled back at her as she whispered something into my ears and I nodded. She simply asked if she could have a meeting with me a day after before my departure to Buruku.
My principal had also booked an appointment with me the Monday that would follow.
several people came around with gifts and cash donations that the money accumulated was enough to see to my convenience in Buruku for the next five years.
It was at this point that God's acts reminded me of his faithfulness.
After visiting my principal, he informed me that I would be coming back when it was time for my Senior School Certificate Examination - SSCE.
There was also a chance for me to do part time studies in a university where one of his friends was a vice Chancellor.
The news felt beautiful and awesome, to which I was to seek the face of the Lord for his will.
It truly it was from him, I would have to be committed to ministry while at the same time attend to the need of at least obtaining a degree.
That after, I received Felecia into my home and we sat at the back of the house among palms talking.
Felecia vowed that she would keep close contact and join me on the field as soon as she was done with her university training.
I found a connection with her immediately. At least there was no need to worry now that her mother, Mrs Williams was already saved and committed to the things of the Lord too.
As I was about to round up discussions with her, I saw my angel appeared and smiled at us.
In the beaming of that smile I saw a great vision of I and Felecia in the nearest future ministering together.
How, I couldn't tell. It was fast, it was awesome, but at the moment, the Lord awaited me in Buruku and I had to go.
"THE BATTLES OF SPIRITS AND MORTALS"