DIASPOMAN : Inspirational crusade versus Aggrey’s temptations

Life has become tougher – especially as we approach Christmas! Everywhere I turn; there is somebody who wants something from me. They all claim to be hungry and thirsty. They ask me for some coins not knowing that my pockets are gaping wide in real hunger. As my pockets cry out in hunger so does my throat wail out for a cold bottle of Amstel beer. I look at these people around me and feel sorry for them. At least for me, I have a slim chance of getting some quid from my buddies in town such as Aggrey himself. But today is a lot trickier. Aggrey is not in town. His friends are not responding to my beeps. I need cash so much. As I walked along the Nyarutarama road wondering what my next move would be, I met some old friends who appeared to be in such a hurry. Where were they rushing to? Oh yes! We are going to be very rich, they responded. I probed for more information until they revealed to me that they were going to Remera to receive miracles that would transform them from poor lads into rich bosses. “You see brother, Jesus is the answer!” They were heading for a crusade somewhere behind Alpha Palace. Yes; there were several guest pastors visiting from all over the world. And they were here to help us cross the bridge from the hill of misery to the mountain of Sinai! OH yes! We were going to be rich! Wow, so I thought that this would be something worth attending. I got all excited and offered to join my friends for this important crusade. Since these fellows were also very broke, we had no choice but to walk all the way from Nyarutarama to Remera. By the time we were approaching the Kisimenti traffic lights, I could hardly walk! I was so exhausted. I regretted why I never took advice from Aggrey about attending the Gym more regularly. Anyways, I persisted and somehow made it to the venue with my friends. There was such a big crowd! It was as if Amavubi football players were about to play in the World Cup final! Phew! Within seconds, I had already lost my colleagues. They had all disappeared through the huge crowd in a bid to catch a glimpse of the famous Preachers. The choir from across our borders was performing. Instruments like keyboards, drums and guitars were all at work. It was really electric! Then it was time for preaching. The senior Pastor was at his best. As he spoke, I could feel all my problems were ebbing away. Today was a day for answers. Today was a day for a miracle. Tonight, I will go to sleep a poor man but tomorrow will bring me all riches like you have never seen before. At the end of the crusade, we all walked back to our respective places of residence. I walked all the way back to Aggrey’s home in Nyarutarama. I promised myself that in the morning, I would claim the miracles and become a self sustaining guy who will no longer live off from Aggrey’s mercy. The next morning, I woke up very fresh. My mind was at rest and my throat was no longer craving for a cold drink. I sent an SMS to Aggrey to tell him about my transformation, “I met the saviour. He has shown me the light. I am now a new creature men!” Of course Aggrey was not amused at all. And like the devil himself, he declared on phone, “Diaspoman! I bet 100k! When I come back to Rwanda next week, you will not resist my offer of an outing at Big Club.” Okay, the bet is on. I now seriously await Aggrey’s return. He will try to tempt me to visit the Big Club night spot. And if I refuse, then 100k is mine. So will it be the booze or the 100k? Only time will tell… diaspoman@yahoo.com