THE TWO HITMEN

AND
THE THIRD
John Emmanuel
Edited by John Ayomide

A GoodnewsBroadcast Publication
Lagos, Nigeria.
©September 2023
+2348103071931
johnemmanuel870@gmail.com.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful for the labor of love of Elder Paul Rapoza who has
been a great help in ensuring our books are available digitally. You
can search out "A Restoration Digital Material Library" For books
that will encourage and establish you in the faith.

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 INTRODUCTION

This Christian fiction explores the importance of trusting the Lord

not only for salvation but also depending on the Lord for true
safety. The child of God can experience God's leading even in all
our day to day experiences. The book also explores the danger of
coveting the wealth of men whose means of livelihood cannot be
ascertained. At the end of the tunnel, there is redemption for
those who come to Jesus. Those who reject Him are forever gone.

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 Chapter One

The news of Michael's return to the village caused a great

celebration amidst the villagers. His father's brothers who had
abandoned him and his mother after the death of his father were
the first to come pay him a visit upon his arrival. They were proud
of his achievements.

"Our son, you have made us proud. Even your late father will be
proud of you."
Michael came with two big vehicles to the village. Not only that,
he returned with lots of gift items for almost everyone in the
village. Those who saw Michael the day he left the village for
Ibadan still remember how he left. He went with just a small sack
containing a few of his clothes. The same Michael, three years
later, was back with proof to show he has succeeded in Ibadan.

That night, almost every parent in the village had a heart to heart
talk with their child.
"You must follow Michael back to town." Mama Silas informed her
son. "His fortune will rub off on you and you will also become a
successful person." She concluded.
Michael's uncle also called his own son; "Cyrus my son, this POS
thing you are doing in the village is not profitable at all. I will talk
with Michael to take you to town."
"But father, I am doing well with the little I am making here in the
village. I prefer the village life to the city's hard life they always
talk about." Cyrus replied his father.

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"Do you see any sign of hard life on Michael? Tell me, did you see
any sign of hard life on him! Michael has made it in town. He will
guide you to avoid experiencing the hardness of life in town."

It seems the only person who wasn't happy with Michael's return
was his mother. Her coldness to the news of her son's return
shocked everybody. There was no one in the village who did not
know about her poor condition since her late husband's death.
Therefore, some believe it was her dead husband who has made
Michael become rich while in Ibadan. Mama Michael had another
opinion when she set her eyes on her son the evening of his
return.

"There is no place for you here in my husband's house." She

announced to him. Michael was shocked at first, but when he saw
that his mother would not change her mind after much
persuasion, he decided to lodge in the only hotel in the village...

The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many
friends. Proverbs 14:20, AMP.

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 Chapter Two

"Mama, see all I have brought for you from Ibadan." Michael said
as he paid off the boys who helped him carry the load. Two bags
of rice, beverages, a plasma television, a refrigerator and new
wrappers were some of the things Michael brought to give his
mother.

"Have you gone to see who I asked you to see three years ago?"
Michael's mother snapped. "Until you do so, you have no place in
this house and your gifts are not welcomed." She said as she
walked away from him.
"Mama Michael, do you know what you are doing? You are
keeping malice with your son over a matter that happened
between you and him three years ago." Cyrus' father said. "You
should not be doing this as the Christian you call yourself. Those of
us who are called pagans don't even do such things. Why should it
now be you?" He paused to allow his words sink.

"See, people will tag you a witch if you continue like this. Your son
has made it in Ibadan and you have refused to embrace him. Do
you want to die in your suffering? See woman, it is because I
respect you. It has never been heard of in our family's history that
a mother chased a son out of his father's house." Cyrus' father
said with a tone that depicts he was running out of patience.

"If Michael will stay in this house, then I have to move out."
Michael's mother fired back. "I don't care what anyone in the
village thinks of me. They were not there when I gave birth to him.
If they like, they can adopt him as their son. As for me, I insist that
Michael returns to meet the person I asked him to meet and to do
what I asked him to do."

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"But Mama, I was told the pastor died shortly after I left for
Ibadan. In fact, the new village pastor visited me at the hotel and
we had a good talk. He mentioned that we had not paid for the
church harvest for seven years consecutively. I paid it to his
account. Not only that, I have paid our family's due for the next
five years."
Michael's mother laughed scornfully. "What a pity! You think you
can buy over everyone with your money? Michael, money is not
the answer to all things. Obedience is what God prefers to money.
I am your mother and I stand on my word. If you do not go back to
that church and explain all things to the pastor and clear your
mind, I will never acknowledge you as my son…

And Samuel said, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings
and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to
obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 1
Samuel 15:22, ESV.

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 Chapter Three

"Mama Michael, why do you hate your son so much? Do you want
to embarrass him? What has he done that anyone has not done
before? Please tell me. You said he should go and see the pastor.
We told you, the pastor is dead and the new pastor has already
offered him a hand of fellowship. But you are still talking about a
confession. What should he confess to? What has he done that no
one has ever done. See, if you know you cannot bear to see
yourself enjoy your child's wealth, let it be. As for Michael, I will
take him out and fortify him. He is the lamp of our family and we
will not watch him grow dim." One of Michael's uncles said while
the others nodded in agreement.
On the day Michael was to return back to town, almost everyone
in the village came out to see him off. Four young men in their late
twenties; Cyrus, Silas, Junior and Robinson were going with him to
Ibadan to start a new life. Their parents had asked Michael to help
in establishing them. One of the parents had said to him; "My son,
please teach our children to catch the fish so that we all will not
burden you with our needs."

Michael promised to do his best to ensure life was better for the
four young men returning with him to Ibadan. "I will do all I can to
help them since they are willing to come along. Please just be
praying for us."
It was late into the night when Michael and the young men got to
Ibadan. After taking several turns, they arrived in front of a large
building. The compound appeared unattractive from the outside
but once the four young men entered inside, they were surprised
at how beautiful the house looked. There was a maid waiting for
them. She had prepared their food ahead because Michael called

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to inform her he would be coming with more people apart from
himself and the driver who drove the other vehicle. Michael
showed the boys the quarters they would be staying temporarily
in before he moves them to his other apartment in another part
of Ibadan.
"Your mother is still hard on you even after three years." The
driver of the other vehicle said.

"I disappointed her and she is yet to forgive me...

For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird! But [when
these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their
own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. So are the
ways of everyone who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder]
takes away the lives of its possessors. Proverbs 1:17-19, AMP.

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 Chapter Four

"I was not the only one involved in the incident. The church
security back then was also in the know. The church had just held
her annual harvest thanksgiving. The day after which was a
Monday happened to be a public holiday, meaning that banks in
town would not open. So myself and the security man with the
help of another person in the church organized to steal the money
from the pastor's house that evening. We moved it and when the
pastor's child recognized us we beat him until he was badly
wounded beyond recognition." Michael explained to the driver.
"The shock of the incident and the boy's condition must have
been the reason for the death of the pastor." Michael paused as
he took his drink then he continued. "The news of the attack on
the pastor's house spread like wildfire in the village. While
cleaning my room, my mother stumbled on the church record
book which was placed in the carton for which the stolen money
was kept. She asked me to go and confess to the pastor, which I
refused. It was the matter that made me run to Ibadan."

"It baffles me that she doesn't want to forgive you. I know many
parents who gladly spend their children's money even when they
know such money are proceeds of crime."

"My mum is born again. It was the death of her husband that
made her return to the village. She is sad I turned out to be a
crook. She told me that if I want to find peace with God I must
confess my sins to the pastor. The new pastor is only a man of his
stomach, why should I embarrass myself. You saw how vigorously
he asked God to prosper my ways." Michael laughed. Then as if
soberly reflecting on life he said, "now that I have money, I have
no peace..."

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At midnight, Michael with only a wrapper tied around his waist,
walked into the four young men's quarters…

He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever

confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13,
AMP.

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 Chapter Five

Michael woke the four young men up. He shared a drink from the
bottle in his hand to each one of them and meat from a black pot.
After they had finished drinking and eating, Michael cleared his
throat and spoke.

"You are welcome to my world. You have done the first important
thing. Having eaten and drank with me, you have entered into
covenant with me. We are now partners and you can't turn back.
Henceforth, whatever you see and hear from me must be kept a
secret. A secret you are to keep till death. I didn't force anyone of
you to join me. You all came voluntarily, so your blood cannot be
on me. You have come to learn how to make money, and you will
definitely make money."

The four young men could not believe their ears. Their parents
had motivated them to travel with Michael and now they have to
get themselves involved in unsaid things in order to make money.

"Let me say this again. You cannot escape from this covenant. It is
a potent charm that has the capacity to destroy anyone who
becomes a traitor. I believe you all know I have all the information
I need to attack you spiritually. Be it your mother's name or your
father's name." Michael said as he brought out a knife and began
to make a cut on each of the young men's forehead. After Michael
left their quarters, the young men couldn't sleep for they were
overcome with fear.

The next morning, Michael sent the maid to call the young men
from their quarters. She told them breakfast was ready and Oga
was waiting for them at the dining table. Silas was hoping all that
transpired at the middle of the night was a dream. When he

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touched his forehead, he knew things would never be the same
for him again. As they joined Michael at the dining table, he
welcomed them with a smile as if nothing had happened during
the course of the night. He asked them to serve themselves from
the sumptuous meal that was placed before them. Michael
excused himself from the dining to pick something from his room.
Just as he left, the maid came in with two men dressed in police
uniform. Junior began to panick...

There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight

before him, but at the end of it is the way of death. Proverbs
14:12, AMP.

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 Chapter Six

"What about your Boss?" Officer Jimoh the one who seems to be
the Senior officer asked.

The four young men were afraid. They began to fidget but Cyrus
managed to give a response. "Oga, abeg, we just come this area.
Na yesterday we arrive. We never follow Michael do any work."

"Officers, we are innocent. We do not know anything about

Michael." Another said.
The two policemen exchanged looks. They both whispered some
things to themselves and then they brought out their phones.
They collected the details of the young men and one of them
made a call to Michael.

Michael walked in majestically and gave out a scornful laugh. "You

all are fools!" he said. "See how you began to vomit what they
didn't ask you," he said angrily.

"Anyways, these policemen are on our side. It was a test I gave to

you and you all failed. However, now that these policemen have
your information, do you know what that means? It means you
can't get away if you ever betray me. They have your names and
pictures. Within five minutes, they will get you wherever you are."

Michael then brought out his phone and wired some money to
the policemen's account. "I just sent you your shares of the last
trip," he informed the policemen who brought out their phones to
check. On confirming the alert, the policemen took their leave.

"We are sorry sir!" Silas said on behalf of the four young men.

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Michael told them he had forgiven them. He asked them to sit
down and as they did another knock was heard on the door.
Pastor Elijah Rajejeun entered as Junior opened the door. He
exchanged greetings with Michael.
"My chairman, how are you doing today? Hope you have not
forgotten about our church project matter?" He paused with a
smile on his face and then he continued. "I am not here to ask for
your donation yet, but I just felt I should come and pray with you. I
believe a big blessing from God is coming your way because you
have been generous to God's people. These must be your
company boys. Let me pray for all of you with the fresh anointing I
just got from the mountain..."

Continue reading in Chapter Seven.

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man
who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following
their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive
and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to
relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. Psalm
1:1, AMP.

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 Chapter Seven

***Somewhere in Ibadan City***

When Nicodemus woke up that morning, he had a feeling that the

Lord would not allow him pursue the contract. He picked up his
phone to reach out to Chika, his partner for five years. Nicodemus
and Chika met during their days as students of the Federal
University of Technology, Yola. They had to stick together as
Easterners who were living in the North. They formed a
partnership which allowed Chika to pull up the resources while
Nicodemus provided strategic plans. They were favored by God to
get a few contracts from the State Government.

Nicodemus was led to Christ at the age of six by his birth father,
Papa Nico. It happened that year that at the market where
Nicodemus father sells, kidnappers were stealing children. The
market people decided they would consult a local dibia to help
fetch out the kidnappers and to fortify other children in the
market.

Papa Nico stood up at the meeting. Clearing his throat, he said,

"Who can raid a strong man's house without first binding the
strong man? I must say I am disappointed with those of you who
are part of this market's Christian fellowship that holds every
Thursday. Is there no longer a balm in Gilead? Do you think the
Jesus of the Bible has become weak? Please note this, if you
decide to go to the native doctor to seek for a solution over this
matter, God said you will be disappointed.

"I am not a prophet, but as a child of God I am a light in this

market. I can't be here and darkness will prevail. Give us seven

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days to pray together as a market and see if the children will not
return and those behind the kidnappings exposed."

A few of the people in the meeting agreed to have the seven days
prayers while others still went ahead to consult the native doctor.
Those who went to the native doctor mocked Papa Nico and those
who decided to hold prayers. Lo and behold, on the fifth day of
the prayers in the market, the Police arrived with some of the
kidnapped children. It was only the children of those who prayed
that were returned. The native doctor that was consulted by the
market people was also an accomplice in the kidnapping saga.
Some of the market people came to Papa Nico's shop to accept
Jesus. Nicodemus himself went to meet his father.

"Papa, I want to be born again. I believe in Jesus." Papa Nico was

so glad to explain salvation to his son…

Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off
his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding
the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. He who
is not with Me [definitely on My side] is against Me, and he who
does not [definitely] gather with Me and for My side scatters.
Matthew 12:29-30, AMP.

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 Chapter Eight

Chika, on his part was not committed to God. During one of their
visits to the Government offices to pitch their proposal,
Nicodemus shared with Chika how that the Lord had spoken to
him that they both would be moving to Ibadan as the next base of
their business.

"I believe this is one of your jokes right? You better wake up and
stop deceiving yourself with this thing you call 'God told me'"
Chika said. "Nico my guy, I don't know about you but I can never
end up in Ibadan. What business prospect do you you think is
available over there? I have already paid a hundred and fifty
thousand naira to a person that will ensure I am posted to either
Abuja and serve in the National Assembly or if it comes to the
worst, Lagos or Port Harcourt with one of the Oil companies. See
my guy, wake up! You can move to Ibadan from here o, but as for
me, I am moving to where the wealth is. Is that clear?"

***

Nicodemus picked up his phone and finally put a call through to

Chika who sounded excited on the phone.

"Hello, Nico my guy. It is good that your call came in at this time.
Do you know where I am now? I am at the office of the
Accountant-General of the State. I have been awarded the
contract after greasing some elbows. By the way, I think you
should start heading here. Your signature is needed on one of the
documents. Please remember to come with a valid means of
identification."
"Chika, I called because of the contract. You see, I feel the Lord will
not have us take this project" he said.

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Chika was furious. Did Nicodemus know how much he had given
out to ensure he got the job? Did he know all it cost him to court
the powers that be to get the work approved?

"Guy, what is your stress? This is why I usually have issues with
you back then on campus. After we got posted to this Ibadan
together and we decided to settle here, you still have not changed
your ways? Are you a joy killer? For your information, I have
gotten this job and we are doing it. There is nothing you can do
about it. If you refuse, then it means you are walking out of our
partnership."

"Alright, can we at least begin a three days fasting to seek the

Lord's mercy concerning this job?" Nicodemus pleaded.
"You should have known me by now, Nico" Chika responded. "You
know I don't fast. I can't starve myself. Anyways, if you will be
willing to fast for us that will be a plus to you. Guy, please hurry
down here. We have to commence the work..."

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is
your life. Proverbs 4:13, AMP.

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 Chapter Nine

It's been six months since the four young men followed Michael to
his home. Michael called them to the sitting room and announced,
"We have a big job that begins tomorrow..."

***

For about six weeks, it appeared as if all was going well with the
contract work that Chika had gotten. He had jokingly taunted
Nicodemus that he was a prophet of doom. The contract given to
Nicodemus and Chika's company required voluminous tile work.
However, immediately the tile work was to begin, Chika
discovered that over three trailers of tiles had dissappeared from
the site warehouse. In panic, he reached out to Nicodemus to
inform him of the update.
"We need to act fast, Nico. We cannot afford to do this job
carelessly. I will be in trouble if this project fails."

"Relax Chika. My father was a trader in a market down East for

several years. There was however something he taught me. He
taught me to pray over all situations. The Local Government back
then once threatened to demolish my father's shop because of his
stands for righteousness in that market. However, the next day, it
was announced that the Local Government Chairman was
impeached and the demolition could not stand. I have seen my
old man settle complex and difficult issues with prayers. I believe
in prayers. Can you let us pray about the whole thing?"
"Nicodemus, this is not the time for such tales." Chika fired back.
"We are talking of a loss running into tens of millions and you are
there talking about prayers. I think I know what is good for me.
After this job, it's game over for me and you. We will split the

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business and I will be free from you. I am sending my driver and
Officer Jimoh to come pick you up." Chika said then hung up the
call.

Nicodemus immediately went on his knees to pray about the

matter. The Lord impressed on his heart that Chika must do away
with Officer Jimoh to avert more losses.

"Why do you always joke with things? I should let go of the

security officer I hired to protect me?"

"Are you not seeing what the protection is doing to you? My spirit
has never been comfortable seeing that officer with you. You go
about doing charms for protection and you still carry a security
man here and there. Chika, you should give Jesus a chance in your
life. There is no security that can secure what you have if you
don't have Jesus. Only Jesus can help us avoid losses. Please let go
of this man."
Chika shook his head. "It is because you don't know anything. If
you know what I am passing through and how many people don't
wish me well, you will be the first to encourage me to get more
fortifications."
"Nothing can fortify a man that does not have Jesus. Only those
who dwell in the secret place of the Most High can abide under
the shadow of the Almighty..."

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on
horses! They trust in the abundance of chariots and in the large
number of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy one of Israel
and they do not seek the Lord's help. Isaiah 31:1, HCSB.

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 Chapter Ten

At that moment, Officer Jimoh walked in. "Chairman, I have made

contact and I was told we can get the tiles in Odun-Ade Market at
Alaba. The exact quantity we requested for. If you don't mind, let's
arrange for the money and start heading to Lagos sir. I don't want
you to get into the red book of the current State Government. Let
us do this so that the work can continue."

"Nicodemus, you have heard him. We will be heading to Lagos. I

think you should also come along," Chika said. "Although we need
to go to bank to pull out the needed funds."
Nicodemus was surprised. He prayed silently asking the Holy Spirit
to help him. Like a flash, he saw that Officer Jimoh had hypnotized
Chika, which makes him do his bidding always. It was in one of
those villages he took Chika to get fortification that he colluded
with the herbalist to help him bewitch Chika. Nicodemus wept
silently. If only Chika would believe the gospel and give the Spirit
of God a chance, these things would not be so.

'Send him to help you get eko and akara. He has always been
looking for a means to hypnotize you, he will see it as an
opportunity.' Nicodemus heard the Lord speak to him clearly. He
was wondering if it would not be rude to send a Policeman on an
errand. But if there is one thing he has learned, it is that he must
obey the voice of the Lord.

"Officer Jimoh, please can you help me get eko and akara?"
Nicodemus said as he brought out two thousand naira note and
handed it over to him. "When you buy it, please don't come back
here. We will be at the bank by then. Wait for us at the bank, so
we can all head to Lagos together."

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Officer Jimoh smiled, "That's thoughtful of you Oga Nico. I was
thinking you didn't want us to travel to Lagos today. Please, let me
go and buy the eko and akara for you. I know the perfect place to
get it. It is a spot I usually patronize very well..."
When Officer Jimoh arrived at the bank, Chika and Nicodemus
were waiting for him with the money bag in Chika's hand. Jimoh
saw the driver put the bag in the boot. He brought out his phone
and typed something. Then he brought out the food Nicodemus
had sent him to buy.
"Here is your food Oga Nico."

"Oh thanks, Officer Jimoh. Actually the food is for you. Please take
time to eat it here. We will wait until you are done. You know it's a
long journey to Lagos." Nicodemus answered.

Shocked, Officer Jimoh didn't know what to do. He dares not eat
the food and he does not want to appear unsettled...

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart
and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In
all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will
direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6,
AMP.

23
 Chapter Eleven

Officer Jimoh drove the car as they head out of Ibadan to Lagos
because the driver was sent on an errand. Nicodemus was praying
deep within himself. He had a feeling that there was something
terrifying about the whole journey. "Arise oh Lord and scatter the
plot of the wicked" he prayed under his breath. "Scatter the
tongues of the wicked. Let their purpose be brought to nought."

Nicodemus remembered his father. How that during the time

when traditionalists in the market gave him a three days
ultimatum to vacate his shop as it was located behind their shrine,
his father didn't panic even when other traders asked him to go
and beg the leadership of the ritualists. Instead, he used the three
days to proclaim that 'only Jesus is God'. He bought a public
address system to the market and began preaching with boldness.

"If I die, nobody killed me. No one can kill the one who has died
with Jesus. My death will only be an avenue for me to enter
eternity with Jesus. Those of you pitying me, are you ready for life
after death?"
This and many more was what Papa Nico preached. On the third
day, the traditionalists came begging him for mercy. None of them
left his shop without becoming born again. Their leader who had
instigated the threats and who refused to accept Jesus died on the
seventh day. Nicodemus and others learned from that incident
that a trader or business man can still represent Jesus in his/her
sphere of influence.

Just after exiting the toll gate, Nicodemus noticed a black vehicle
trailing their car. He began to intensify his prayers. However, after
about a thirty minutes drive, the vehicle overtook them and

24
blocked their way. Michael, Cyrus and Silas dropped from the
vehicle. Pointing a gun at Nicodemus and Chika, Michael
screamed.

"Where is the money you are taking to Lagos?"

Chika began to sweat. He was afraid for his life. "We have no
money with us" Nicodemus said calmly.
"My friend, don't play hard to get. We are not here to joke. I will
waste your life." Cyrus responded.

"We are not lying. We don't have any money with us." Chika also
said in panic.

When Officer Jimoh noticed that the two of them were denying
having any money with them, he spoke. "Oga, no let us make
these people waste our lives. These people wicked o."

"We don't have any money with us." Nicodemus insisted.

"Bros, the money dey inside boot," Officer Jimoh said.

Cyrus and Silas went to check the boot and they found a bag...

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will
shew them his covenant. Psalms 25:14, AMP.

25
 Chapter Twelve

Upon opening the bag, they found only clothes there. Michael
was angry. He dashed back to those in the vehicle.

"What is the meaning of this? Where is the money? We didn't see

any money in the boot of the car," he screamed.

Officer Jimoh thought Michael was trying to outsmart him. He

came out from the driver's seat.

"Michael, I saw them put the money in the car boot at the bank,"
he said forgetting that he wasn't supposed to mention Michael's
name.

"Officer Jimoh, you know these people? Are you the one who told
them about us?" Nicodemus queried.

Michael was so angry. How could Officer Jimoh mention his name
publicly! He brought out his gun to shoot at Nicodemus, but
Officer Jimoh stood in between them.

"Don't shoot him yet. Let's get the money before we leave," he
said.

Michael was burning with anger. "Guy get out of my sight. You
exposed us and now you don't want me to shoot him? Don't you
know we are now exposed? What if he goes to report you?"

"Guy, we already have more than one truck filled with tiles with
us. Just leave him, we will get the money."

26
"Officer Jimoh, what is wrong with you? Why are you just casting
things?"

The next thing that happened was a fierce fight broke out
between Officer Jimoh and Michael. Officer Jimoh shot at Michael
while he fired back at Officer Jimoh and Nicodemus. While the
fight was going on, a military vehicle was sighted by the others.
Only Junior and Robinson managed to escape from the scene with
their vehicle.
Some of the military men dropped from their vehicle, while the
rest gave Robinson and Junior a chase. Chika narrated what had
happened to the military men. The soldiers searched the dead
one after another. Officer Jimoh's identity card was found on him.
And Chika identified Michael based on the name Officer Jimoh
called him before his death.

"I can't believe an officer of the law would connive with armed
robbers to attack people they are supposed to be guarding," a
soldier said.

"I thought I would be safer having a security personnel around

me," Chika said lamenting. "I do take care of this man more than
what he is even earning. I have been the one paying his children's
school fees since I met him."

"Well, the truth is that there is no true security protection except

God watches over a man," another soldier said. "Our boys are
currently chasing them and I want to believe they will catch them
before they enter into Ibadan city..."

EXCEPT THE Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;
except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
Psalm 127:1, AMP.

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 Chapter Thirteen

Junior drove with full speed as he noticed the military vehicle

tailing them.

"Guy, drive fast!"

Robinson screamed as their vehicle hit a child who was hawking

that was crossing the road as they were about to get to the Toll
Gate. The people around pursued after them and it wasn't long
before they were caught. The military men arrived on time to
rescue them from being burnt alive. They were taken back to their
initial crime scene.

On arriving at the robbery scene, Chika confirmed they were the

ones who drove off on sighting the military men. Chika then went
to his car where Nicodemus was praying. "You should become a
prophet o. In fact, if you do I will open a church for you in any area
of your choice."

"God has not called me to be a minster. God has only called me to

live as His child in my normal day to day life." Nicodemus replied.

"Nico, don't tell me that o. I saw him shoot at you and the bullet
didn't enter your body. You are indeed a man of God."

"Every child of God can actually enjoy divine protection. God

wants us to live a surrendered life to Him irrespective of our
profession or career. It is not only preachers and ministers that
should be experiencing the power and goodness of God. God
wants everyone who belongs to him to experience it.

"Anyone who receives Jesus immediately receives the power to be

known and identified as a child of God. Chika, you need Jesus. I

28
am not talking about a religious life that is empty of God's power.
You need to commit your life to Jesus today. Chika, God's mercy
preserved you today but you don't know what could happen to
you tomorrow. See, God sent Jesus to pay for our sins and He did
on the cross of Calvary. He rose up on the third day to earn us
peace with God. If you will ask Him to save you this very moment,
you will receive God's divine grace and become a child of God.
Don't waste this opportunity, tomorrow is not guaranteed..."

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation-whom shall I fear or

dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life-of whom
shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1, AMP.
Dear Reader, you can also become born again this very moment
by calling on Jesus to save you. Feel free to share your testimony
with us via the email address below.

29
 Chapter Fourteen

Pastor Mark who took over from Pastor Elijah Rajejeun stood up
from his seat. He was surprised to hear that the Evangelism unit of
the church receives an annual budget of six million naira yet they
have no evidence of any souls that has been saved through their
labours for the past one year.

"What have you been doing with your allocations all this while?"
He asked the Evangelism unit Head.
"Actually sir, our former pastor asked us to keep it in a long term
fixed deposit account. He believed that the money would get
more interest at the end of the year. We tried it last year and it
worked. We made a profit of One million, one hundred and fifty
thousand naira and we were able to organize an end of the year
get together party alongside other units in the church."

Pastor Mark was shocked. "Is this how you people have been
running the church? Is everything about money? As at this
moment, the evangelism unit has been disbanded. The whole
church will now get involved in evangelism matters. Jesus didn't
say only the twelve should evangelize, instead it is an assignment
for the whole church."

"Sir, the reason we don't do evangelism is because there are more

than enough churches in this area," the Evangelism unit Head
tried to do some damage control.

"There may be more than enough churches in this area, that

doesn't mean everyone in this area is born again. Take for
instance, how many of these people are sure they will enter
heaven?"

30
"Sir, heaven is not sure for anybody o. In fact, we are just praying
that at the point of death we do good." The Evangelism unit Head
replied.

Pastor Mark was shocked and sad. "You mean you are not also
sure you will make heaven? You don't know if you are saved or
not? What guarantees you that you will die well if you don't know
where you are going?" Pastor Mark asked the Evangelism unit
Head.
"It is difficult to be born again in this our generation. Even God
knows that it is difficult. I won't lie, I am not born again. The
former pastor made me head of Evangelism because of my
donations towards mission."
Pastor Mark broke into tears. "Lord has it gotten this bad? That
men who claim to belong to the church do not even know if they
are saved. How did we get here Lord? How did the churches start
becoming comfortable with having unsaved members and giving
them spiritual assignment to handle. No wonder everything is
going hay wire," he cried.

"Well, it is not your fault that you don't know it is possible to be

sure of heaven." Pastor Mark said, then he took a deep breath. "It
is possible and important that you know if you are born again or
not, because if you are not born again, you are not saved and you
do not belong to God. Everything you do in the house of God will
be a waste if you are not born again. You can be born again right
away if you will. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no
one can come to God except through me." To be born again is to
accept Jesus' death as the payment for all your sins. It means to
believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him up
from the dead. You must believe, confess it and you must
surrender your life to God to be saved. If you do this, it means you
are repenting and God's power will lay hold of your life. Do you
want to call Jesus to save you? We can't love to win souls for God
if our own souls have not been won over for God."

31
Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one
comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6, AMP.

If you just got born again, please feel free to write to us. We would
like to gift you some materials that can help you get better in your
walk with God.

32
 Chapter Fifteen

"You are wasting your time," Robinson said as Officer Jesukiti tried
to persuade him to consider Jesus. "It was a Pastor who usually
comes to prophesy to us for days before we go for our robbery
operations. There is nothing special about Christianity."

"Don't say that," Junior responded. "We may have started on the
wrong path, but I believe we can still find peace if we accept this
Jesus he is talking about."
"Robinson, I am not offering you a quick way to get out of this. But
you see, the fact that a pastor or a policeman is corrupt does not
make everyone of us the same. God still has His children in every
sphere of life.

"I never wanted to be a policeman. I wanted to be a pilot, but

after asking God what He would have me do, He told me to
become a policeman. He said I would be carrying the mandate of
showing people the true judgment of God. Tomorrow in court,
they may send you both to jail for some years or sentence you to
death by hanging but you need to make amends with Jesus. This is
because there is another judgment after this world and the only
lawyer that can plead and get you pardon in that judgement to
come is Jesus. If you will choose Him today, you will be free from
everlasting condemnation."

"Why didn't Jesus save me before now? I know most of the Bible
stories, but I haven't read where Jesus saved any armed robber.
Jesus would not like to save someone like me," Robinson
concluded.
"Don't say that. The Lord loves you. And by the way, you must not
have heard about the story of 'The Two Hitmen and The Third'. It

33
is a very popular story in the Bible," Jesukiti paused and
continued. "My pastor in church told us this story last week when
he initiated an operation for soul winning in our church. Do you
know that the same way you and Junior were caught, two armed
robbers were once arrested by soldiers during the days of Jesus.
These two men had done everything bad in the world. They had
done the worst evils demanding of the worst kind of death. They
were nailed on a cross along side Jesus, one on His right and the
other on His left side. One of them accepted Jesus and put his
trust in Jesus. This hitman who accepted Jesus found peace. The
other rejected Jesus and died without being saved. The one who
rejected Jesus entered into everlasting damnation. Jesus remains
the third man till today. He alone should be our standard of
comparison for you may not see anything good in men. But
compare yourself with Jesus and let Him help you. Jesus is the
only sinless person. He will help you if you let Him."
Junior believed in Jesus at that point but Robinson refused to
accept Jesus. The next day, they were sentenced to death by
hanging. When it was time for them to be killed, Junior saw Jesus
in a vision waving at him. He also saw several saints cheering him
up. Junior shared the vision he had with Robinson but Robinson
refused to believe it. When Pastor Mark came around to pray with
them, Robinson refused to be prayed for while Junior gladly
received the prayers. He then gave a description of their village to
Pastor Mark, urging him to please ensure he goes there to preach
and to tell them the story of 'The Two Hitmen and The THIRD'...

THE END.

"For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and
only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not
perish, but will have eternal life." John 3:16, LEB.

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 OTHER BOOKS

Has this blessed your life? Feel free to write to us via

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Other books from this author are available via the links below:

ÌWỌ NÁÀ LÈ KA BÍBÉLÌ, KÍ O SÌ YE O

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE017/index.html

AGUNTAN ALABAWON THE BLEMISHED SHEEP

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE016/index.html

THE ASSIGNMENT

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE015/index.html

THE VICTORY OF ACTS CHAPTER FIFTEEN

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE014/index.html

BEHOLD THE CHRIST

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https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE013/index.html

ARISE [TAKE HIS PLACE]

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TONGUES OF FIRE
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GATE KEEPERS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

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GONE WITH THE GODS

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE009/index.html

PAUL'S OPPORTUNITY COST

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE008/index.html

YOU TOO CAN READ AND UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

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THE DIVORCÉE

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36
MEN LIKE TIMOTHY
https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE005/index.html

EVANGELISM YOU TOO CAN

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE004/index.html

SEED OF GREATNESS
https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE003/index.html

THE SINNER'S RACE

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THE TWELFTH BATTALION

https://usr.helps7.com/JohnEmmanuel/JE001/index.html

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