TRAVEL DIARY 10

“He (Jesus) was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right (the power) to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:10-13)

This is the last page in my diary concerning our recent travelling abroad. We came back to Lagos last night. In the airport there was unnecessary delay, asking useless questions, officials begging for money…sad…sad…sad…

Outside the arrivals, they did not allow the taxis to come close. We had to roll our load quite a distance. We saw a free passage to the right of the airport. Loaded with our suitcases, we tried to take that path. Suddenly two soldiers, a man and a woman, came with guns to stop us. They said that we cannot go there, for that path is only for ‘diplomats’. In my heart I quickly said a prayer. I reminded myself that we are the ambassadors of Christ. Immediately, without any explanation, the woman soldier changed her mind and allowed us to pass. In passing I told her: “God bless you, madam!” She answered me: “Na God bless you I de chop?” (translated it means, ‘God bless you is too small for me; this greeting does not feed me; I need some money’). I did like I do not understand what she meant.and moved on. This is so sad, when someone chooses money in place of God’s blessings…She could have been happier with 500 naira, maybe; that is about $4. I was sorry for her husband or children if she had those…

As royal priests we are to bless people in the name of the Lord. The simple answer to such a royal greeting is “Amen!” That means you have received the blessing of God! This greeting is life to the spirit! It shall manifest for good, one way or another. No amount of money can buy the grace of God. Rejecting God’s Word of blessing is foolishness to say the least.

This particular journey has ended. Another will start soon…
I wanted to close these letters on a better note. But this is not fiction and I cannot invent the characters of the story. I wrote it in my diary as I saw it, thru the eyes of Christ. This painful re-entry in Nigeria reminds me that Christ came for needy sinners. The travelling was a good time to rest and be refreshed. But there is no need of romantic dreaming outside the reality of this life. I am also reminded that the evil spirit of religion has done great harm to many people. Especially in Nigeria. So, coming down from the mountain of transfiguration with its glimpses of glory and grace, there is work to do down in the valley. We have placed our hands on the plow! We cannot look back…Nothing shall discourage us! For as long as Jesus is Lord, ministry done in the power of the Holy Spirit shall be successful!. We declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ over Nigeria! If the devil likes it or not, many souls shall be saved in this beautiful but hurting land.
So, Nigeria, Warri, here I come…
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Love in Christ alone
Malia.