Mabel Akin-Esho

Mabel

Akin-Esho

“

So that day, I cried out to God! It was like God was waiting for me to finally listen to Him.

In Nigeria, going to church was the norm. Sunday morning was always like a party. Wearing your Sunday best to go to church, the music was lively, and the atmosphere was electric! One of the best times of the day was coming back home to eat jollof rice with chicken, beef, turkey, or fish.

But when my parents separated, this caused a big vacuum in me. Without realizing, I always sought for something to fill that emptiness, and got entangled with wrong relationships. It was the domestic events leading to the separation and my ill feelings towards my dad that caused that emptiness. I realised this after so many years, in my mid-twenties.

Look, I gave my life to Jesus at an early age, speaking in tongues, and attending fellowship in a Pentecostal church. I played musical instruments in the church choir, was assistant youth pastor, and even praise and worship leader. When I sang and led praise and worship, it was amazing!  If you understand a typical African Pentecostal setting, I mean swaying in the Spirit, dancing, hyping . So why did I still feel empty?

One day, around 2007, after an argument with the person I was in a relationship with, I sat on the bed, and I cried out to God. I was tired of arguments, tired of being the victim, and I chose not to accept that life as a norm. I knew life was great just as Jesus Christ promised. I mean, He died so I can have life and have it abundantly. So why was mine different?

So that day, I cried out to God! It was like God was waiting for me to finally listen to Him. I was overshadowed with a soothing presence, and it felt like a conversation with the Holy Spirit – the mouthpiece of God. I had been filling my emptiness with people. I needed God to actually complete that piece I felt was missing in me. Yes, I had given my life to Him and was doing all the great things, but only God can be my mother, father, husband, friend, confidant, MY EVERYTHING! So, I invited God into my heart. And from there, my life has been amazing. The peace and love around me are beyond my imagination.

Now happily married with children, I have a wonderful relationship with my dad. I am part of a great family at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church – where the true word of God is taught and practised in love; and my children love it. I also help where I can, knowing that with prayers, each adult or child I interact with will be touched by the love of God that I felt that day in my room.

Shalom!