Brought Out Of Thorns episode 3

Brought Out Of Thorns
Final Chapter

Chapter 3

The next week I started work as a secretary. I was devoted and honest in my work. I was in charge of stock takings and also handled money coming in and out of the factory.

I was paid enough to take care of myself and also foot my bills. I started saving up money to sponsor my university education. I moved out of Ola’s house months later and secured a house very close to work.
Months later, I applied to study medicine at university and was given admission.

The management in my factory allowed me to go to school and also work for them. This was because they considered me a rare asset, because of my contribution and commitment to duty and they were prepared to pay me my full salary too.

While in school, I did my best like a person possessed. There I met different people from all walks of life, some tried to discourage me from focusing on my career to lure me into their deceitful game of immorality, some also encouraged me not to give up my dream that someday my midnight candles will pay me off.

One of these Lecturers who has encouraged me a lot, his delicate piece of advice always remained in my mind.

“Ken, never give up on your dream. Pursue your career with focus and determination, don’t allow friends to Mar you from getting to the point of your needs, you owe the key to your success.” Said Adeyemi, my Lecturer.

He always advised me, and I owed him for that. He has played the role of a father in my life, even when I could not meet up on time to pay my school fees, he will always be there for me.

I remember the day I was sent out from the exam Hall because I didn’t complete my fees. I sat on the mango tree situated at the corner of our lecture hall. When he sighted me from afar, he walked close to me.

“What happened, why are you not joining others for the exam?” He asked, looking at his wristwatch.

“I was sent out.” I said, as I went further to explain. He felt the pain in his marrow. He was optimistic as he took me to the exam Hall and asked the invigilator to allow me take the exam, he promised to pay for me which he later did. He encouraged me during those thorny times.

I was entangled in so many challenges, and some people, which I called my friends, mocked me. They said that I was not financially enough to fend for myself, and came to talk of sponsoring myself in the university. Even when I run to them for help,

“Ken, it is quite unfortunate that I can not help. Meanwhile, I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday and I was wondering if I should come to your place and eat.” Ade, one of my friends said. I couldn’t believe he would say such a thing to me.

It was at that moment in my life, I came to mind my business and not to make friends with anyone.

Though, whatever they said to me was none of my business. There was no God, and could not decide for me the road to follow. But, I knew I was heading somewhere in life.

Every successful person went through challenges before getting to the height of their success. You don’t sit and wait for success to come, you work hard for success to come. And that is what I was doing, believing that someday I will have a better testimony to share.

Years later, I graduated from the university with my first class. I was the best student in my department. I was appointed as the managing director in my factory, and asked to head one of the branches in Enugu. A car, a good salary scheme and a comfortable house was given to me.

Life became juicy. My dry desert had now become a fruitful Island.

My years of sufferings had ended. God had opened my book of remembrance and blessed me in bountiful measures.

I also became a blessing to Ola. I bought him a new car and built him a house. He still is, and would always remain my best friend.

I took it upon myself to help children who are suffering too. Children whose parents are no more. Children who roam the street in search of food and shelter.

I started up the Kenneth’s foundation as a means of getting those homeless and suffering kids off the streets. I was once in their shoes and I knew the pains they felt too.

I also paid regular visits to the hospitals. I prayed with the sick, and also paid the hospital bills of those who struggled to foot them.

It was during one of my visits to one of the hospitals in Enugu, that I saw Mrs Akemi lying like a log of wood. She was skinny and looked pale. Mrs Akemi was very sick. According to the doctors, she was transferred from Lagos to Enugu to receive treatments.

Mrs Akemi was suffering from Leukemia and needed urgent treatment.
When she saw me, she began to cry.

“Ken I have searched for you everywhere. I have searched for you to ask for your forgiveness before I finally die. I have wronged your parents. I have betrayed the friendship of your mother. Instead of showing you the love I promised, I showed you hatred and pushed you out on the streets to suffer. Ken I am sorry. I have lived with regrets all my life. Please forgive me. Forgive me and let go of the hurt I caused you. Forgive me so I shall die a peaceful death.”

“Aunty, I have forgiven you a long time ago. Everything happens for a purpose. If you had not sent me out of your house that day, I wouldn’t be where I am today. God has been merciful to me. He has shown me love and made me very successful.

Today I am a testimony of his own mercy in my life. I have forgiven you, and you won’t die now. It is not yet your time.”

I asked the hospital to begin treatment of Mrs Akemi immediately. Six million naira was required for her treatment. The money was paid in full. She was later transferred to a hospital in Sweden to receive proper treatment.

Today, Mrs Akemi is still alive and living. She is well and strong to the glory of God.

I realised that God did not raise me through all those trials just to pay back wickedness with wickedness. He made me go through thorns, so that when I find myself in a garden of roses, I will be grateful, and also help others out of the thorns they are passing through.

Just like my mother will always say to me when she was alive,

“There is always a reason for everything that happens. God still lives on the throne. He alone plans a man’s life. He is the master planner.”

THE END.

Tell me what you learnt from the story so far.

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