CHAPTER 23 – BATTLE OF THE BRETHREN

©OPEYEMI AKINTUNDE
AS INSPIRED BY THE CREATIVE ONE

Sunday came.
Big service.

Revival banners already hung outside.
“A NEW SOUND IS RISING.”
How ironic.

By 6:30 a.m., we were already running around … camera guys plugging wires, choir members in soft makeup, ushers wearing smiles like uniforms.

But me?

I was looking for T.J.
Usually, she arrives before everyone.
Sometimes helps sweep.
Sometimes prays quietly in a corner.

But this time?

Nowhere.
7:15 a.m. — nothing.
8:02 — service starts.
9:30 — still no show.

I texted.No reply.Called.Switched off.

Okay. Now my heart was not just worried … it was alert.

Because when fire disappears without notice,it usually means something is about to burst.

During worship, Edna took the mic.

She was glowing.
Sharp dress.
Clear voice.
And her confidence? Too loud.

“Today, we raise a new sound of deliverance.Let every spirit bow to Jesus!”

People clapped…She launched into the set list.

First two songs? Power.

Then…third song.

The moment she said,

“Let’s lift our hands and say ‘Lord, fill this house again’…”
The power cut.Lights gone.Sound gone.Mic dead.

Backup generator? Didn’t kick in.

Silence.

People began murmuring.
Some clapped nervously.
Others sat down.

Then a girl at the back shouted:
“Jesus! There’s fire behind the altar!”

Everyone turned.

The back curtain which had never moved in 12 years… was flicking like breeze was blowing from inside.

But there was no breeze.No vent.No AC.

Just a slow… steady movement.
And the scent of burning oil.

I kid you not.

Oil.
Burning.
Not fire.
Scent.

A few people began crying.
A woman fell flat.
Another one started screaming:

“I repent! I lied about her! I lied!”
Wait. Who? Who is ‘her’?

That was when I knew…

She was not there.
But her presence was.
It became an exposition…
“ We should have killed Mama, but her prayers have been shielding her. We came in to initiate all the children and teenagers in the church, but she didn’t let us. Her prayers are too Hot… We were glad when Edna was fighting her and the authority were against her… We just wanted her out of the church, so we can finish our assignment, but even now, she is praying for the church..” Two ladies from the choir were manifesting big time…

After service, chaos.

Some were asking:

“Where is she?”
“Did she travel?”
“Was she suspended?”
“Did God take her like Elijah?”

Me? I went to her compound.

Gate locked.

Neighbours said they hadn’t seen her since Friday night.

No note.
No voice note.
No goodbye.

Just… absence.

To be continued… ( TO PAY FOR THE THE FULL ACCESS TO THE E-COPY of this Story, Kindly Chat +234-9069926797 to buy your copy)

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