FORGIVE TO BE FORGIVEN.
MY KIDNAPPED CHILD
How do you respond when your friend hurts you as a believer?
My Kidnapped Child is a story about
the battle between Pastor Jacob’s faith and his love for his beloved child
named Jose. Pastor Jacob had a friend named Bernard who, most of the time,
would share their plans and secrets. The two, although they do not fellowship
in the same church Jacob pastors, it was difficult to separate the bond of their
friendship.
Being a businessperson, Mr.
Bernard gradually betrayed their friendships. He attempted to kidnap his
friend’s son for a ransom. A deal, which is costly and enriching, but
fortunately, he did not succeed because the police apprehended him in time.
Pr. Jacob could not believe the crime;
he wanted to make sure Bernard serve severe imprisonment according to the
country’s law. On the other side, his wife and the brothers asked him to
forgive Bernard.
In a twist of turn, when the
family sat together the evening before Bernard and his conjurer would be
arranged in a court, Jose reminded the father about the school fees his head
teacher wanted. Of course, he did not have the money yet, which made the father
think. Jacob was also reminded by his previous sermon text, “Forgive your enemy
if you want to be forgiven”.
Pr. Jacob had no option but later
on asked the police officer to forgive Mr. Bernard. An action that surprised
everyone, but above all, Bernard gave his life to Jesus Christ.
The purpose of this story is to
inform readers, especially believers, that there are always temptations in
life. Satan can use your friend or any nearest relatives to persecute your
faith. When that happens, you will likely fall back and mistrust God. You
should also know that temptations and trials are part of life; each believer
has a different form of test, trials and temptation. When that comes, how do
you respond? The final response of the pastor, by forgiving and reuniting with
his friend Bernard, is a key lesson to every believer. Remember, a friend in
need is a friend indeed.
Let this story be a lesson book
every time tests, trials, and temptations come your way. You could be helpful
to reconcile someone who hurt another, or exemplary to portray the love and
grace of God.
Chapter 1.
Madam’s emergency Phone call
It was 0800 hours when I received a call from my wife, who
told me that Jose was kidnapped while going to school.” No sooner had she finished talking than I hung
up the call in tears flowing uncontrollably down my cheeks. Jose is one of my
lovely sons that I cherish to have, losing him means losing the whole family’s
fortunes.
I shut the office door behind me hurriedly and called my driver
to start the car while I rushed to open the gate. The driver was surprised to
see me in my state of anguish, wondering what could have happened, which is
what I read in him. He did not open up because he is a shy person who does not
do so unless otherwise.
Driving towards me, I ordered him. "Get out of the car,
let me drive." He got out, and I speedily started driving while on the phone,
calling the only police station in our town to inform them of what had
happened.
I could not hold my thoughts; I broke down because of Jose. Jose
is a child we got after 6 years of health struggle after my wife developed an
ovarian cyst; losing him was a costly thing we could not afford.
As I was driving towards a sharp bend, I saw my brother
negotiating with a stranger who held my son in his left hand. I abruptly braked
and jumped out of the car and ran to them. Jose saw me and pulled his hand off
the stranger's, ran towards me and jumped on my chest with a smile, and I
smiled back happily.
Immediately, we got hold of the stranger and took him straight
to the police station. I called my wife to inform her, she was very happy to
hear that we have recovered our lovely boy, who is always the joy of the
family.
Chapter 2
THE UNHAPPY EVENING
Later that evening, my wife brought me my set of coffee table
as I was resting on the porch. She kissed my cheek and said,
“I missed you, sweetie”, I said, hugging her back and fondling
her chest,
“I love you, honey. Where is Jose?’’ I inquired.
“He is in their TV room, watching”. She answered.
“Jose! I missed you, son. Hurry, Dad has some good news for
you.” I called him.
“Dad!” Jose replied. “I am coming, “don’t give my banana to
anyone.” He cautioned me. He ran and jumped onto my lap.
“How was the day?” I inquired, hugging and kissing his
forehead lovely with a smile. He looked into my eyes and inquired what the good
news was.
I asked him to tell me what happened when he was going to
school before I could give him a banana.
“Dad,” he started. “When we were going to school before
reaching the main junction, the uncle whom you used to come here with got me,
he asked me to climb on his motorbike so that he could ride me to school. I
told him I could not leave my friends alone. He insisted that you told him to
come and take me to school, so I climbed.” I kept quiet briefly and held a deep
breath; I knew there was a serious issue that I could not help, since I had
been suspicious about Bernard.
“Take your banana and go and eat together with your nibbling,”
I told Jose. I wanted to take time to think more about the incident and how I
should address it. Will I find Bernard? Maybe he has taken money from the stranger
we left in the police custody.
“Madam”, I called my wife. “Please come, we are in trouble.”
She hurried up and sat next to me.
“What is it?” She inquired.
“We are betrayed, our friend Bernard has ill intentions
towards our family. Jose told me that he was lifted by him and handed to the
stranger while his eyes were covered after reaching the other old abandoned
building near the teak forest. I am off mind, what must I do?”
My wife lowered her voice, held me towards her and said,
“God has reasons for everything, he is teaching us to conclude
that he is sovereign and controls our needs and plans. I suggest that we give thanks
to Him and forgive whoever has a hand in the life of Jose”. She continued.
“Get off! Do you think life has repairs? What are you saying?
Move away!” I ordered her to leave me alone because her console does not make
sense.
Chapter 3
THE QUEST FOR HELP
The night was too long; I could not sleep. Every time I wanted
to sleep, Bernard would appear in my mind. Before the last crows of the cock, I
was already outside ready to travel to the police station. I picked up my phone
and called my brother, “Johnny, are you still sleeping? Let us meet at the police
station by 0800hrs.” Inform your wife to come with you.” I demanded
“Hey, Madam, get out and prepare Jose. We need to go to the
police station early. We must find out why Bernard decided against our family.”
“Honey, why are you so worried? We have Jose already,
remember, you always tell us to trust God and cast all our burdens unto him.
Why are you turning your back on him? Calm down”. My wife advised. “You
arrogant woman! Stop pretending, do not put God to the test.’’ I interjected.
“Do you understand the value of Jose in your life, do you remember the struggle
we had getting him, our last gift to this family? Hold your tongue and get to
work!” I scolded her
Soon, Jose was prepared; we drove off to the police station. I
asked them to wait briefly at the station as I rushed to sign a leave of
absence from the office. When I returned from the station, I found the Officer
in Charge waiting for me to record my statement.
“Officer, good morning? I greeted Deng, the officer in
charge. “I am Jose’s father. I suspect my friend Bernard, who deceived Jose
and rode him to the abandoned old building in the teak forest. Bernard is my
good friend, but today I am sad for what he has done.” Before I could conclude,
Mr. Deng interrupted me.
“How do you know it is Bernard that you linked him to this
incident?” He inquired. “Jose described
him to me.” “Jose, come and tell me who
took you to the forest yesterday,” I called. Jose left the mother in the veranda
and sat next to me, looking afraid. I encouraged him not to be afraid. After a
moment of assurance, Jose expressively described him.
Mr. Deng breathed in heavily and said, “Go back home, we are
going to trace Bernard through Wani (the stranger in custody) and will let you
know.” “Do you have any fear that you might be attacked, so that we can provide
you with security? Deng asked.
I retorted, “Do not worry; I am going to be extra vigilant and
inform your men when necessary. I want Bernard arrested and brought to book to
defend himself against his acts.” Please, I have also notified my relatives
around the town and nearby villages to track him; maybe you too need to tell
your units about this terrible behaviour.”
“I will,” Mr. Deng nodded his head. We left.
BERNARD SEARCHED AND APPREHENDED
After leaving the police station, I was too frustrated. To
make sure we get Bernard, I have to do all possible to safeguard my family. I
asked my brother to help me go to Bernard’s home and find out where he is.
“Baba Jose, what are you trying to do? Don't you think you are
endangering yourself more? Let us leave the police to carry on their work.” My
wife rebuked me. “Jenny (my sister in law), tell your stupid sister to evacuate
my presence with her nonsense.” I furiously hit back, wanting to punch her
head. She jumped behind my brother and went mute.
People around looked in awe, what a surprise to see the pastor
fighting his wife, they murmured in silence. I thought it through, so I held my
emotions. I urged Madam and the sister to hurry home to take care of the
siblings while we take a break with Johnny.
“Do you know Mr. Bernard very well? I asked Brother Johnny.
“I am not familiar with him, but I frequently hear about him
since I came here. Who is he? What does he do?” Johnny inquired
“Bernard is a rich businessperson; he has over two warehouse
stores for grains that international organisations buy when they need
supplies.” He has been my long-term friend, whom I believed was not like a
father to my children, but recently I was informed about his changing
behaviours.” Before I could finish talking, my phone rang
“Hello, is this pastor Jacob, the father of Jose?” the voice
inquired. “Yes, who are you? How may I help you, sir?” I inquired. Johnny was
looking at me curiously.
“I have spotted Bernard in the hotel adjacent to the river.”
Ragged with emotions, Wait, who are you and where are you? Which river, what
have you seen him doing, is he alone?
Calm down, Johnny motions at me, “bring me the phone, let me talk to the
caller,” he said. Johnny forced the telephone out of my hands and started
calmly asking the caller to speak.
“I am Sebit from Pageri town. We heard that Bernard has
kidnapped Pastor Jacob’s son. As I speak, I saw Mr. Bernard here planning to
leave the area. We are afraid to arrest him because we don’t have police here.”
The caller stated.
“Ok, please, keep watching his movement. We are informing the
police now to reach your location.” Johnny cautioned Sebit.
I was already running to inform the police by the time Johnny
had hung up the phone. I saw the police van heading towards us and motioned for
it to stop. With Johnny, the police drive to Pageri at an emergency speed. The
officers armed themselves to the teeth to counter any resistance, given the
remoteness of the town.
After 30 30-minute drive, we were at Pageri. Sebit directed us
to the hotel where Bernard was. The hotel is isolated; Sebit told us that
people rarely go there. Most importantly, it is restricted to some important
business people.
The police officers surrounded the area and warned the residents
never to attempt any disobedience of orders. The officer in charge of the operation
ordered all of them to come out or face hard targets. I was at the back of the
OC monitoring Bernard’s appearance.
Immediately, Bernard surfaced with his hands on his head.
“He is there, wicked Bernard!” I lamented. “Arrest him”.
Pushing my way towards him, but the officer backed me off. Bernard knelt shamefully,
and the officer went and handcuffed him.
I looked at him, thought briefly, slapped him on his cheek,
and told him, “I will never forgive you”.
Chapter 5
THE TOUGH DECISION TO FORGIVE
Early the following morning, I called my neighbours and
relatives for a short meeting. Everyone came ready to punch Bernard because he
has recently been unbearable in the community due to his suspicious business
deals. Many believed that he was the one who kidnapped the village chief’s daughter. Everyone was unhappy when he heard that Bernard
had kidnapped my son.
“My neighbours and brothers, I have called you here because of
what has been happening in the last two days. I am broken because Mr. Bernard,
whom I trusted as a friend, has jeopardised our relationship. I have called you
here to hear the truth about my resolution so that in future I do not become a
blame.” Everyone looks emotional.
“We arrested Bernard yesterday, and currently, he is in the cell.
I have promised never to allow him out because he has put my family’s life at
risk.” I continued appealing. A Woman interrupted my appeal, jumping forward on
her feet, she said,
“Pastor, we are behind you. That man is a problem to us; in fact,
we want the authority to remove his family from our area.” Everybody clapped in
agreement.
“But listen, my wife has been stressing that we should forgive
him. And I ...”
What! Your wife, is she mad? Another woman shouted.
“STOP THE NONSENSE!” In addition, a young man in attendance
retorted. The meeting almost became chaotic. Jose ran to me, thinking that I
would be beaten.
“Dad!” Limping in fear.
“Jose, calm down, there is nothing wrong”. I encouraged him.
“I want to go to school; do you have the school fees?” Jose
asked.
“Do not worry, son. I will pay for your school, let me finish
this meeting.” I told him. However, the truth is I do not have the money because
we have not received our salary for the last two months, and I have requested
the head teacher to do me a favour. Jose's concern for his school fees confused
my mind.
My wife motioned for silence and asked to speak. She was allowed.
“My dear friends, brothers and sisters, I am afraid because
you have put me on the wrong side of the story. Indeed, I asked my husband to
forgive Bernard because God said so in His Word. Above all, we have Jose
already. If we do not forgive Bernard, what will happen to us when we become a
victim too? Remember, last Sunday, we learned about forgiveness. What happens
to us is truly a test of our faith.” My
wife explained. “If you think my concern is bad, I beg to be forgiven.” She
concluded.
There was silence all over.
My brother Johnny rose and asked me what I think.
“Let us go to the police”, I replied. Without hesitation, we
drove to the police station.
“Good morning, sir”, I greeted the officer
“Good morning, pastor.” He replied
“Sir, I have made up my mind. Though some of the family
members do not agree, I have decided to forgive Bernard. Can I see him?” I
requested
“Are you serious?” The Police interjected. “Call Bernard here”,
he ordered his assistant.
“Mr. Bernard, although you have attempted my life and hurt the
family badly, I want to say, I have forgiven you. Feel free to talk to me,
visit my family as usual and let us begin a new chapter if you like.” “Sir, I
kindly request you to let Bernard and his conjurer get out. “I concluded.
Bernard was shocked; he fell, rose and pleaded in sorrow.
“I am sorry, pastor; I have been deceived. I did not know that
I would be an enemy to you. Give me a chance to be your friend. I am going to
pay all the expenses the police demand. Stay assured that I will never turn my
back on you again.” Bernard lamented.
Everybody at the station was shocked. The officer had nothing to write. We prayed for each other and promised to me later.
Chapter 6
THE MOMENT OF REUNION.
After the Police released Mr. Bernard, he was unable to sleep
that Saturday night. He called me at dawn and started with an apology, and
asked for forgiveness. I told him, my
family and I have wholeheartedly forgiven him. He needs not to worry but to
catch up with the community, as many have lost trust in him. I advised him to
pray for himself and think about what plans God has for him.
“Pastor, what time do you go to church?” Mr. Bernard
inquired.
“Our service begins at 0900hrs,” I replied.
“I am coming to church today; will I have an opportunity to
meet you?” He asked
“Yes, I will be there early if you want, or after service, we
have a team that ushers, they will provide you with space to speak with me.” I
commended. “Even at home, I can come
back early and attend to you as usual. Do not be afraid. I am your brother.” I encouraged him.
Suddenly, as I was climbing the pulpit to speak, Mr Bernard
emerged from the congregation and requested to speak before I could. I motioned
for silence and asked him to go on.
Unable to hold his tears, Bernard wept for three minutes and,
without hesitation, he asked the church to pray for strength and forgiveness.
“I am sorry, before God and before man,” he started.
“As you all know, what has happened, I betrayed my friendship
with Pastor Jacob, the man who has been so good in giving me advice on my
business. In the last 5 years, my business has been flourishing because of him
until I removed my trust from him. He had been praying for me every time I
visited his home.” He continued.
“I am here to apologise and surrender my life to Jesus Christ
as my personal Lord and Saviour.” There were rounds of applause from the
congregation. People were whispering to each other in happiness, and some of
the church elders moved to hug him as tears continued to roll down his face. The
choirs sing “Save a wretch like me”, calm returned.
“I want to invite the church to a fellowship at home after the
service. I am tired of living in denial; my family has not had peace ever since
I lost my way. May we all come and celebrate my happiness together. I asked for
forgiveness from everyone whom I offended in this community.”
“To my dear pastor, thank you for showing me love, and thank
you for forgiving me. I did not understand your life until you forgave me when you
and the police arrested me. May God's blessings continue to be upon your family.”
Bernard concluded.
The whole church stood up, stretched their hands together to
pray for Mr. Bernard. Without saying much, the church elders and other leaders
agreed to go and celebrate with the family what the Lord has done.
© AJ Abunerry
Matthew 6:14
