Joseph episode 3

Joseph
(The Hand Of God)
Episode 3
“Mummy, it’s the school football team. I don’t get to choose who is on the team or who is not. We play on the same team but you have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m not saying -” she stuttered off, not knowing how to ask the question on her mind. Then she finally said it out. “I just want to know if you two are friends again.”
Hassan was not used to lying to his mother. He said slowly. “Paul is a good person, Mummy. If you’re worried about me being corrupt, then Paul isn’t the type to be suspected. Yes, we are friends.”
His mother’s next word took him by surprise.
“Okay,” she said.
“Okay?” Hassan looked stunned. “It’s okay to be friends with Paul now?”
Doris somehow felt relief knowing that her son was friends with Paul. He seemed to be the one who’s protecting Hassan from harm’s way in her reoccuring dream. Why should she stop such friendsh¡p if it is in favour of her son?
“Your father doesn’t have to know about it,” she said, picking up her purse from the centre table where she had left it. “I’m leaving for the salon,” she said, “take care of yourself.”
Hassan let out some air. Even though he felt good knowing that his mother now supported his friendsh¡p with their neighbour’s son, he thought she was acting strange. He shrugged and hurried up the stairs to get out of his sweaty sports-wear and have a bath.
Hassan thought dinner was going to be a good time to ask his mother about going out with Paul to the youth programme in his church, even though he never thought in his wildest dream that he would one day ask of such permission. But with his mother’s approval of his friendsh¡p with Paul, it wouldn’t be a terrible thing to ask.
And he was indeed surprised by her response. Her eyes didn’t only lighten up, she said yes without giving it a second thought. How strange. She actually didn’t mind that he was going to a church for an over-night programme?
“Be home early tomorrow and don’t get me worried,” she said.
Really? He thought. He was tempted to ask her why the sudden change of mind but he couldn’t take the chance.
“This is going to be our secret.,” she said afterwards. “Your dad mustn’t know about your friendsh¡p with Paul or about attending church.”
Hassan was surprised to the extent that he couldn’t talk but nodded.
Indeed God answers prayers.
Hassan met with Paul later that night, and he couldn’t wait to tell him about his mother’s reaction to his request.
Paul’s parents were surprised to see Hassan in their home after a very long time, and more so, he was going to church with theif son.
“I thought I would have to lie to her in the first place,” Hassan told Paul as the two friends made their way out of the compound to board a bus to church.
“But I told you God answers prayer.”
“I didn’t pray.”
“I did.”
“You did?”
Paul smiled. “I told you I was going to pray about it during my quiet times, didn’t I?”
Hassan looked astonished. “Seriously? God answers such prayers?”
“He answers all prayers, and if I were you, I’ll make my request known tonight in church. You will be surprised.”
***
Hassan’s first church experience was one that would come to change his life forever.
That night he had the most wonderful time out ever. He had thought he would sleep through the service but every moment of it was an eye opener, and the pastor’s sermon answered many of the questions in his heart. He had never felt comfortable with his parents beliefs. Why would anyone worsh¡p a stone and that statues that could not speak or hear? But he had grown up into believing this barbaric way of life, shedding the blood of goats and fowl in the name of serving their god. He was indeed liberated that night hearing about the man Jesus and how much He gave so that he could be saved and live a life of abundance.
Paul was surprised to see Hassan head towards the altar when the pastor made the altar call.
Hassan became a born again Christian that night and decided to let go of every contrary belief to the word of God.
He vowed to keep his experience a secret as long as he could.
***
In no time, Hassan and Paul graduated from secondary school and the boys had to go separate ways as they both gained admission into different universities.
It didn’t stop them from keeping in touch through emails and social media. Paul continued to encourage Hassan to keep his faith going.
He was astonished at Hassan’s zeal to serve God.
He bought himself a Bible and every Christian book he could lay his hands on.
It didn’t take him long before he joined the fellowsh¡p on campus.
He was more liberated here.
He didn’t have to hide from his parents: they were miles away and hærdly visited him.
He even changed his name. Everyone on campus called him Joseph. He didn’t like to be called Hassan.
He didn’t stop praying for his parents either.
He hoped that one day they would realise what they had been missing all this while.