Eyes shut, hands raised, Tayo immersed himself in the worship being led by their worship team leader, Bolatito, whom they fondly called "BT". The atmosphere was thick and he could feel God's presence heavily in their midst. BT began singing "Good and Loved" by Steffany Gretzinger and Travis Greene, one of his favourite songs at the moment. Singing with passion, he began pacing the small space in his row. He felt reassured of God's goodness to him and the Church. As he reached the end of the row for the umpteenth time, he sighted Temi, an usher, coming towards the front. He was going to continue his pacing when she tapped him on the shoulder gently. A bit annoyed to have been distracted from his wonderful worship, he faced her with a blank expression that showed he expected a good enough reason for the disruption.

"PT, we need you at the back," she whispered in his ear. He squeezed his face in confusion.

"What's going on?"

"The hall manager."

Fear gripped him as his brain registered her words.

The hall manager. The rent. Their debt. Oh God, he ran his hands down his face, following Temi to the back of the small hall.

The manager was in a faded blue shirt tucked in brown chinos pants. Tayo couldn't read the expression planted on his face.

He mustered courage, letting out a harsh breath. He greeted the man but he ignored his pleasantries, asking for the two months' rent they owed. They had every right to demand for their money. He wouldn't even fault them if they kicked them out right now. The hall management had been patient.

"Sir, let's take this conversation outside, please."

"No, Mr. Tayo or should I address you as Pastor Tayo?" the man quirked his brows, mockery filling his words. "You need to pay up, sir. We've been patient enough."

His voice was rising and it alarmed Tayo. He didn't want attention to be drawn to them.

"Mr Bayo, can we pay part now then after the service pay up the rest? Hopefully, we get something substantial from offerings and tithes today."

The truth was, Tayo was not sure the income will even amount to one-quarter of the money they owed. Last Sunday's income was ten thousand naira. He was frustrated.

God, I need you

I'm right here

I can't see you, God

"Hopefully?" Mr Bayo snorted. "Mr. Tayo, we had an agreement."

"Yes, sir. I know, sir. Things did not go as I expected, sir."

"You know that does not concern us, sir."

"Yes, sir. Sorry sir, I mean sorry, sir."

He tried to think of a way out as Mr. Bayo hurled threats at him. They weren't empty although he still hoped they were.

"Temilola, please tell Dipo to lead the prayers for longer. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes, please...while I try to sort this out." Dipo wasn't a Pastor but often led prayers and was the Lead of the Protocol/Ushering Team. Saze and Osas were suspended from ministering for the next few weeks until he was certain they were fit to be back on the pulpit. No one knew the reason behind their suspension but eyebrows had already been raised and he had no doubt that rumours were flying round.

Temi nodded and they both faced Mr. Bayo as he started speaking.

"The only sorting you will be doing is paying our money or we will stop this service and drive you all out."

Temi turned to walk down the aisle as quickly as she could in her heels, leaving Tayo with the stern-faced Mr. Bayo. To think this was the same Mr. Bayo he laughed and joked with on a regular. He looked like he was resisting the urge to beat him black and blue.

"Mr. Bayo-"

"Tayo, listen," his eyes were trained on him. They held pity. He pitied him? Another surprise. "Oga at the top wants his rent ASAP. I would have given you an extension but... forces beyond my control. He's beginning to think you bribed me or something cause I always speak in your favour. Abeg, look for this money. It has to be today."

Tayo was itching to leave, run away to somewhere quiet where he could think.

"Give me a minute, please," he held his index finger up, his eyes pleading. Without waiting for a response, Tayo dashed to the bathroom, pushing open the door with more force than necessary. It was empty. He was grateful for that. He spent the next few minutes pacing, running his hand through his short hair, down his face, anxiety plagued. He needed to pray. His heart was heavy.

"Oh Abba, I need you to make a way. I need a miracle. I'm almost giving up on this ministry thing. It's taking its toll on me. Oh Abba."

On the verge of tears, he began praying in tongues. Someone came in in the middle of his prayers and he stopped pacing, moved to the sink counter and leaned on it. He stared at his reflection, deep in thought. Twenty-four years old with a job that barely fed him, a Church that was not financially stable, a ministry he was frustrated building. God had told him to start and he obeyed even with all his doubts. But there were no resources and he was tired of relying on Pastor Nnadi all the time. The man had done more than enough.

Your phone

What was that thought?

Check your phone

He searched his pocket, fished it out and pressed the power button. His eyes caught a notification, a credit alert. He hastily unlocked his phone and tapped on the alert. His eyes bulged in disbelief at the figures. Two hundred and fifty thousand naira? The name of the sender was unfamiliar. Who could have sown this huge amount?

Their outstanding summed up to four hundred thousand. This seed was not enough but would go a long way. He was going to have to beg Mr. Bayo to accept part payment. He prayed God softened his heart and that of the management.

Back in the hall, Mr. Bayo's face hardened upon seeing him.

"Tayo, what's going on?"

"I've raised half of the money," Tayo started.

More like God raised half of the money

There was the pity look on Bayo's face again. "It has to be full payment. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't be able to use the hall next week."

Tayo was scared, really scared but anyone watching him wouldn't tell. His insides were upside down although he looked cool. There was nothing cool about this situation.

He eventually managed to convince Mr. Bayo to come back for the balance by 12 noon, when the service would have ended. As he returned to his seat, Tayo tried to get the scenes that just played out of his mind so he could focus on delivering his sermon well. He began muttering in tongues, willing himself to be calm and steady. God was faithful.

But he let you get embarrassed

He came through, though, he internally replied the voice he knew belonged to the enemy.

Not completely

Tayo shut his eyes tightly, on the verge of tears. He ran both hands down his face and sighed heavily. When it was time to preach, he kept his stride to the pulpit confident, a gallant smile gracing his lips.

...

Tayo called for Temi a little while after the service to ask how much they made.

"Fifteen thousand, six hundred and fifty naira, sir."

Why wasn't he surprised? It was just a tiny bit above their average income. At least they would be able to pay for the drinks and snacks they had bought on credit. He was beginning to wonder if giving refreshments to first time guests was even a necessity.

"Have we been able to sort out the issue with Mr. Bayo?"

Tayo shook his head, hoping his act to cover his distress was working perfectly.

"It's not a big deal. We'll sort it out."

He saw the eye brow she raised, as though asking if he was serious. He forced out a chuckle, waving a hand dismissively.

"Temi, don't worry about it. God is faithful, isn't He?"

"Yes, He is but -"

It was obvious she was anxious. He was too...probably more than her. So he cut in gently.

"Temilola, let's not be faint in trusting. Everything will be fine. That I'm sure of."

She nodded her head uncertainly and he felt like a fraud. Here he was, encouraging someone to be full of hope while he doubted God would show up.

Loud giggles and chatter broke out, capturing Tayo and Temi's attention. He turned towards the direction of the noise, surprised at the sight of Kaima. She rarely showed up at his Church. Perplexed but thrilled at her presence, he rose from his seat and so did Temi. Kaima had left the lady she had been laughing and talking with and was now speaking to a group of teenagers at a corner. It seemed to be a serious conversation judging from the expressions they wore. A smile bloomed on her face when her gaze fell on him and it melted his insides. He took quick and long steps to her, saying hello the teens before engulfing her in a hug. She smelled of jasmine and citrus. He loved it.

"Kay," he called fondly. "What are you doing here?"

"Am I not welcome?" she feigned a frown and faced the teens, pointing her thumb towards him. "Your Pastor wants to kick me out o."

They laughed, said their goodbyes and dispersed, leaving them alone. He was delighted that he didn't have to share her attention anymore.

"How are you na? This one you showed up. Hmm."

He grabbed her hand and led her to a seat in a quieter area while they chatted lightly.

"How is Saze?"

"He's fine...I guess. I really hope he is."

"Hmm." Kaima looked around for a few seconds before landing her eyes on him again.

"Pastor Tee, won't you entertain your guest? Abi I'm not worthy of small chops and ice-cream?"

"Who even combines small chops with ice-cream?"

"Ugh, that's not the point," she squeezed her face, smoothening her form-fitting burnt orange knee-length dress. He observed her dress closely and an appreciative smile grew on his face.

"You look beautiful."

She rolled her eyes. "I always do. Don't try to change the subject. Give me my food o."

Tayo laughed, wishing he could seize this moment. Mr. Bayo would be here soon. Trouble loomed.

The humour in her eyes died down as she stared intently.

"Are you good, Tayo?"

He blinked, taken aback, but answered in his most confident tone, "Sure."

"You looked...troubled for a moment. Are you sure?"

Her eyes were piercing, like she was reading him. He was confused on what to say, how to say it, where to start.

He shook the thoughts away, plastering a fake smile on.

"I'm great, Kaima. There's nothing to worry about."

He called for one of the ushers, asking them to get Kaima a drink and snack. She stayed about fifteen minutes longer before setting to leave as she had a hangout to prepare for.

He decided to walk her down the stairs to her car. In the car park, there was Mr. Bayo locking his car. He raised his head seconds later and nodded at Tayo, walking briskly to where he stood beside Kaima's car. It seemed like he was afraid Tayo would disappear.

They exchanged pleasantries and Kaima excused herself. Mr. Bayo filled him in on the phone conversation he had had with the building owner on his way. The man was still insistent on getting paid that Sunday. The Police might even get involved. Tayo, putting up a brave front, assured him he was going to pay up before evening.

Talk about being delusional

They were done packing up by 2pm. Tayo and a few workers who were still around set to leave. He was walking downstairs when his phone dinged. He had removed it from silent when the service ended. He gaped in shock as he saw the notification, pausing to unlock his phone and double-check. A credit alert? Of one hundred and fifty thousand naira?

"What?"

He couldn't help himself as his eyes bulged. Heads turned and some asked what was up.

"I just received an alert of the exact amount we need to balance our rent. It's...it's unbelievable."

He could feel the joy emanating from them as they rejoiced and expressed their astonishment.

"PT,"

He turned to see Temi smiling down at him from steps higher.

"God is faithful, isn't He?"

He laughed heartily, shaking his head in amazement. When he had made that statement, it had just been mere words rooted in a mustard seed of faith.

They were at the car park when he realised he hadn't bothered to check who the generous giver was.

"Too much excitement," he murmured, grinning from ear to ear. He waved goodbye to a group of people as they entered a tricycle. Temi boarded a motorcycle shortly after while he quickly made the transfer and called Mr. Bayo boldly and joyfully this time so he could confirm receipt.

He exhaled a deep sigh of relief, thanking God for the breakthrough. Then he remembered he hadn't checked who the sender was. Rushing to the messages app, he tapped open the alert and searched for the sender's name. He was not prepared for what his eyes caught. His heart began racing.

...

Hey there. It's been a while since the last update. Thank you for being patient.

The next update is coming soon. Please stay tuned.