LOVE REDEFINED - Type 2

LOVE REDEFINED - Type 2

By Unknown   13:34   No comments:

NB: This play you are about to read is an excerpt from the script written for the Live Drama at the forthcoming PGM Summer Outreach coming up on Saturday 20th August, 2016. It's going to feature some of the professional casts that acted in the movie: The Killers and other members of PGM Drama Group. 
Here's just the second scene; there is one scene before and three scenes after.

Happy reading. 

Scene Two.

On the stage is Mary seating on a chair. She is pressing her phone in a way one chats online. She blocks her ears with an earpiece, nodding gently to the rhythm of the song playing through the earpiece.

Just then, THE DOOR BELL RINGS. It rings about three times before she realizes that someone is at the door.

She goes to answer the door.

Soon, she is walking back to the stage with Andy. Andy has a laptop bag on.  

MARY: Welcome to my humble home. (She points at a seat) Please make yourself comfortable.

ANDY: Thank you. Is anybody home?

MARY: No. I already told you on WhatsApp that my parents are not at home and they won’t be back soon, so feel relax. What should I offer you?

ANDY: Jedi… sorry, a cup of water.

MARY: (Sighs) Hope you’re alright?

ANDY: Perfectly alright. Please get the cup of water, I am thirsty.

Mary dashes off and returns in a jiffy with a glass of cold water.

 She gives it to him and takes a seat beside him. He gulps down the whole glass of water.

MARY: You’re thirty indeed. Do you want more?

ANDY: I’m okay. Thanks. So, how are you doing?

MARY: I’m doing fine.

ANDY: I was just going to say something but I forgot after looking at you. You look more beautiful than you were yesterday. Whenever I look into your eyes, I always hear my heartbeat saying, “You’re the one.”

MARY: Stop flattering me.

ANDY: I’m not flattering you. I am telling you the truth. I bought something for you.

MARY: (Inquisitively) What’s it?

ANDY: Close your eyes.

MARY: (Closes her eyes) Okay, I’m closing my eyes.

ANDY unzips his bag and brings out a smart phone, still in its case. He brandish it in her face.

ANDY: Open your eyes.

She opens her eyes. She is taken aback by what she sees. She grabs it from his hand excitedly as she rises from her seat.

MARY: A phone! Wow! I’ve been eying this phone for a long time. Thanks!

ANDY stands up and holds her hands.

ANDY: You’re worth a million dollar phone, Mary. That’s just a token and a way of expressing my undying love for you. I want you to look into my eyes and tell me that you love me, too.

MARY buries her head shyly. She hesitates. Andy urges on as he hold on to her hands.

MARY: (Stammers) I … I LO…

(She is interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. They shrink back in fear)

ANDY: (Fretfully) Who could that be?

MARY: (Stunned) I don’t know. I supposed is my father.

ANDY: (Alarmed) Fa – what?!

MARY hides the phone under the chair. He scratches her head thoughtfully. She runs to a corner of the stage and brings out A TIE and A BIG BIBLE.

The doorbell rings…

MARY: (Gives him the tie) Knot this.

ANDY: What’re you trying to do?

MARY: (Impatiently) You ask too many questions, knot it first.

ANDY knots the tie on a short sleeve and a pier of jeans with a palm slippers.

MARY: (Gives him the bible) Take this, tuck in your shirt and behave yourself like a Jehovah witness.

ANDY: (Takes a look at himself from up to down) This is crazy!

MARY: I know, but please try and understand.

ANDY: (Sardonically) Okay.

MARY: Good. Now, ACTION!

She goes to the door and returns disappointingly with her friend, Bisayo. They stand at the down left of the stage.

MARY: You scared me, Bisayo. You didn’t tell me you were coming to see me today.

BISAYO: Are you trying to tell me now that I need to fill a form before I come to see you? When did my sudden visit become an offence?

MARY: Let’s brush that aside. The friend I do tell you about is inside. I know you will be glad to meet him.

They walk down the centre of the stage where ANDY seats acting like a holy evangelist.

ANDY: (Unaware that it’s Mary’s friend, he makes the sign of the cross and makes to greet) You’re welcome sir… (Pauses abruptly as he realizes that it is Mary’s friend. He feel ashamed of himself).   

BISAYO: Good day

ANDY: Sup?

BISAYO: Fine. 

MARY: This is the guy I tell you about. His name is Andy. Andy, meet my closest friend, Bisayo.

ANDY: (While unknotting the tie stylishly and shamefully, too) It’s a pleasure meeting you.

BISAYO: The pleasure is also mine.

ANDY places the bible and tie on the chair and stands to go.

ANDY: I got to go. See you later.

MARY: Okay. Sorry I won’t be able to see you off. Take care.

He leaves the stage embarrassed.  

BISAYO: Is the guy alright?

MARY: Yes, he is. I had to ask him to dress that way because I taught it was my dad at the door.

BISAYO: I see.

She sits. Mary brings out the phone and shows her friend.

MARY: That guy is really in love with me. See, he bought me a phone. 

BISAYO: (Disdainfully) He bought you a phone and you gladly accepted it?!

MARY: What are trying to say? I should reject it. Would you reject it if you were the one? Just tell me you’re jealous of me.

BISAYO: We are best friends, I can’t be jealous of you. And moreover, we are Christians, too. I am only concern of your undue relationship with Andy. It’s not proper to collect gift from a guy, especially from a person you don’t know.

MARY: Andy does not mean any harm by giving me gifts. He is just being kind and caring. And have you forgotten how he saved me from the hand of that criminal? Handy is a nice and a sincere guy. 

BISAYO: His show of kindness is not for nothing, he is looking for something, and he is after something more costly! Be warned!

MARY: I know where you are heading to. But trust me, Andy doesn’t want anything from me, he just loves me and I think I like him. He has never ask for it and don’t you trust me for this? I can’t let anyone deflower me. Never!

BISAYO: Emotion is stronger than reason. With gifts coupled with sweet and succulent words from guys you’re bound to lose your guide and fall. The best thing to do is to flee from all undue relationship and closeness with the opposite sex. And you think he truly loves you?

MARY: Yes, I am sure of that.

BISAYO: (Sighs) Hmm. (She stands up) I was send on an errand, need to go now

MARY: (Stands also) Tell me what is in your mind

BISAYO: If you see me off, I will tell you.

MARY: As if I don’t see you off before. Let’s go…

They walk out of the stage. 

Light Out [Three more striking scenes after]

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE SEMINAR TO WATCH THE DRAMA LIVE. 

Call/whatsapp Jerry on 08185921449 for more info. 

Written by Alienyi Jeremiah

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A SLIP OF HAND - PART 2

A SLIP OF HAND - PART 2

By Unknown   23:20   No comments:

Act Three Scenes 1

The scene opens with JAMES walking into the stage looking around frightfully. He gets to the Centre of the stage. In front of him are two signposts. One towards his right and the other towards his left. The one towards is left has an inscription, HELL while the other has an inscription, THE CELESTIAl CITY. He glances over the scroll in his hand and begins to walk towards the celestial city. As he approaches the edge of the Celestial city, two horrible looking creatures suddenly withstands him crossing two long sticks against his path to the celestial city. One of the creatures wears a black overall with a hood. The other creature wears a red overall with a black hood. On the chest of the creature with the black overall is an inscription like a letter of fire, FORNICATION and the one with red, LUCIFER. Meanwhile an angel stands at the entrance to the Celestial city in pure radiant white and holds a sword. The evil looking creatures stand a short distance from the angel.  

FORNICATION: (in a deep frightening baritone voice) Step back! You are not qualified to go in here. I live inside of you. And no fornicator is qualified to enter into the kingdom of God. (Laughs).

JAMES: it’s a lie, fornication! I’m a child of God. I’m born again. I was once a fornicator but after I gave my life to Christ, He pardoned me and delivered me from fornication. I’m a new creature, old things are passed away. I don’t have fornication in me!

FORNICATION: That fateful day you allowed lust into your life was the very day you welcomed me back into your life.

JAMES: When?

FORNICATION: (Point at a large screen on the stage. He is surprised to see himself on the screen with Jane. The scene on the screen shows the day he shook hands with Jane. Behind them was fornication going inside the heart of James. The day and date is clearly written at the top.) Here, you lusted after Jane. Since then I have been living in your heart! (Laughs hysterically)

JAMES: (Cold sweat drips from his forehead; his legs visibly shaking) But that was just a slip of hand; I never intended to shake her hands as I knew I would lust but I needed to show her love as commanded in the word of God to love one another. And beside I’d never gone into fornication with her. I’m not a fornicator.

FORNICATION: Your holy scripture said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 27 to 28 that, “ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shall not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Look again. (He point at the screen again. This time it is a scene showing that fateful night he lied to his father) You didn’t only invite me into your heart but you also invited my twin brother, lie, inside your heart.

JAMES: (Panting) No! I prayed and ask God for mercy and he forgave me from all my sins.

FORNICATION: Yes, you did pray for forgiveness but you did not receive forgiveness for your fornication.

JAMES: (Surprisingly) Why not? The bible said, if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

FORNICATION: Your holy bible also said that if only you will confess and forsake your sin you will have mercy. You only confessed your sin of fornication, you didn’t forsake it. Your heart was still longing after Jane even while you were praying. The only sin you confessed and forsook was lie.

LUCIFER: (In a vibrating bass tone) You are mine! (Laughs) you belong to me!

JAMES: (trembling) Ah! You again? I’m not yours in Jesus’s name! I bind you in Jesus’s name!

LUCIFER: (Angrily) Shut up! You don’t shout the name here, fool!  

Now look again! (He looks into the large screen again. He sees all the sins he had committed long ago appearing one after the other on the screen with the exact date he committed them.)

JAMES: (Falls on his knee as tears well down his checks) but I have confessed all these sins long ago!

LUCIFER: Your bible said, whoever falls short of any of his commandments is a transgressor of all. You are a sinner. WHOEVER COMMITS SIN IS MINE!!! (Laughs)

The two creatures grasp him and had barely started dragging him towards hell when suddenly the angel ordered:

ANGEL: (Authoritatively) Stop! Leave him and let him go!

They leave him.

LUCIFER: Why are you stopping us? He doesn’t belong to you, he is ours. We have labored arduously for his fall and have successfully killed him on earth to take his soul to hell. This is our right. It’s appointed unto men once to die and after that judgment.

ANGEL: Yes, I know. But you have killed him before his time and moreover, the brethren are lifting up their voice to God on his behalf and God has decided to have mercy on him.

The horrible looking creatures begin to leave frustratingly.

The Angel goes to James and lifts him to his feet; still crying and sobbing.

ANGEL: Cry no more. God has showed you mercy. I must take you to Christ now, he calls for you.

                                     They walk out of the stage slowly as light gradually fades to blackout.

Act Three Scene 2

(In the hospital. The scene open with James’ father walking to and fro the hospital wards in disarray; Peter and Ifeanyi tries to calm him down with no success. Other concern neighbours and church brethren are also there. Some brethren form a circle, bombarding heaven with prayers. Suddenly, a doctor comes in. with a speed of light, James’ father runs to meet the doctor.)

FATHER: (Shouts) Doctor, my son, is he alive?

DOCTOR: Please calm down. Are you the father of the boy?

FATHER: Yes! Is he alive?

DOCTOR: I’ll like to see you privately. Meet me in my office, please.

At this point, everyone has rallied round the doctor. Everyone looks very worried and put on a suspicious look when the doctor demands to see James’ father privately. Some of them want to follow them in but the doctor insists that only the father should come along with him. The father keeps asking the doctor if it’s well as they walk out of the stage.

                                                                                      Light Fades to Blackout

Act Three Scene 3

JAMES: (at the backstage) Lord, where am I?

CHRIST and JAMES begin to walk into the stage.

CHRIST: Son, this is the hall of The Celestial City Of Examination.

JAMES: waooh, this is splendid. (Looks around) the street is made of gold indeed! There is a fountain of overwhelming joy flowing in my heart. So I finally made it to heaven, the celestial city!

CHRIST: I did not say you are in heaven. You are still far from heaven. This is the Celestial City Of Examination. You are not qualified to enter the kingdom of God. My word cannot be broken. Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. No fornicator will cross the threshold of heaven to the Celestial city! Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

JAMES: (Falls at the feet of Christ penitently) Lord, I thought I would make my ways right before living earth to eternity. As a matter of fact I have set long time goals for myself. I have not accomplished one quarter of them and here I’m! I soon forgot that man can only propose but God disposes. But Lord, how did I come here? (He burst out in tears) The last thing I can remember is that I board a bus going to Ibadan and along Ibadan express way the passengers or rather we began to yell and suddenly I found myself here.

CHRIST: Yes, the kingdom of darkness arranged an accident for you, to terminate your life. Unfortunately, you were their target and only you died in the accident. Others were badly injured but only you died. My words said in first peter 5 verse 8, be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. That was why I told you in Ephesians 6 verse 14: stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness so that you can withstand the evil day and to stand. But you rejected all my counsels.

Look, (Christ point at a big screen on the stage) that is your mansion. See how glorious and beautiful it is. It's almost at its completing stage. Your labours in the vineyard were greatly compensated by making this great mansion for you. Look again and see your crowns: these are all yours because you have won many a soul to the kingdom of God. Some of them are already in heaven. See again. (A friend whom he had preached and who died some months ago suddenly appeared on the screen.)

JAMES: (Screams) Ibrahim! I know him. He is my convert! He died few months ago! IBRAHIM!!!

CHRIST: Yes. After his conversion, he was persecuted by his Muslim brethren and was eventually poisoned which led to his death. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

JAMES: Hmmm!

CHRIST: Now, look again. Do you know this fellow?

JAMES: (screams) what! Brother Obodo in hell! This is unbelievable!!!

CHRIST: Yes, that is Obodo in hell. He is a hardened sinner!

JAMES: No, Lord. Brother Obodo is our formal president in the school fellowship. He prays a lot and preached about heaven and hell passionately, he…

CHRIST: (Cuts in) The LORD does not see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Behind the scene, he is a liar, a fornicator and a thief. He involves in exam malpractice, too. Moreover, he is not doing what you see him do out of a pure heart or for my glory but for attention and self-glory. My Father is a jealous God: he will never share His glory with any man!

James, unfortunately this is where you are qualified for!

James YELLS as the curtain gradually close on them and reopen at PETER and IFEANYI praying on the died body of James. 

As they pray, God speaks from the back stage.

GOD: (Offstage) For the sake of the intersection of your friends, Peter and Ifeanyi, I’ll give you a second chance. I’m God! I’ll have mercy on whom I have mercy and I’ll have compassion on whom I have compassion. Go back and make your ways right before me. Be careful of a little slip to sin. My eye is of a purer eye to behold iniquity. James, you should have opened up to your friends all your faults. My words said in James 5 verse 16, “confess your fault one to another and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” He that covers his sin shall not prosper but he who confess and forsake them shall have mercy. 

JAMES, FLEE YOUTHFUL LUST! Now, go back to the world and make your ways right…

 The voiced of God is echoed as it gradually melted away.

James’s friend still praying. Then all of a sudden, James open his eye. PETER is taken aback. IFEANYI runs a distance then begins to walk back frightfully.

PETER: (Shouts) Hallelujah! HE IS ALIVE!

Light fades. 

The end.

 By Alienyi E. Jeremiah

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A SLIP OF HAND - PART 1

A SLIP OF HAND - PART 1

By Unknown   05:44   No comments:

NARATOR:  And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Act One Scene 1

The scene opens with James walking back home from school. A moment later, Jane appears on scene

JANE: (puffing) James! James!!

JAMES: (turns back abruptly) what is chasing you, Jane? Is anything the matter?

JANES: Yes… no, actually, I want to consider the request you have been proposing to me over the months. I want to be born again!

JAMES: (excitedly) Hallelujah!

JANE: praise God!

JAMES: But, what informed your sudden decision after these long years of unbending will to surrender your life to Christ despite my consistent persuasion in the past? I believe God must have convicted you and impress upon your heart the need to submit your life to Him in order to escape the impending judgment coming to all sinners and backsliders.

JANE: In fact, it was a battle! In my dream, I saw hell. I thought I was already dead. My God! Come and see how people were panting and crying in hell like little babies. As I drew near hell, I began to shout, “God please pardon me! God of mercy have mercy on me!” then I heard a voice like the sound of many waters. The voice spoke from the thick dark cloud, “my dear daughter, I’ll give you another chance, just for this one time! When you go back to earth, go and meet my son, James, he will tell you what to do. And more so, build a very intimate relationship with him as he will teach you my precept that you may walk therein and not spent your eternity here in hell.”

JAMES: Hmm, God really loves you. Let’s pray.

She brings her hands for James to hold so as to lead her to Christ. He brings his also to hold her but suddenly retreated as if to perceive danger.

JANE: (surprisingly) Brother James, what is the matter? Why did you pull back from holding my hands? This is no more the Jane you use to know, I’m now a change person.

JAMES: Please don’t be offended. The Holy Spirit asks me not to hold your hands. I believe it’s for a good reason. Sister Jane, I can still pray with you without necessarily holding your hands. Can we pray now?

JANES: No problem, who are we to disobey the Holy Spirit.

JAMES leads her to Christ. After the prayers, they bid each other good bye and go out of the stage.

                                                                                    Light Fades to Blackout

Act one Scene 2

The scene opens with Jane and her friend Labake walking side by side speaking in whispers. They seem to be returning back from school. Just when they get to the middle of the stage, Labake speaks…

LABAKE: (with a concern look) Jane, tell me something, you mean you are now among the SU, the Sisters Union?

JANES: (Irritatingly) Over my dead body! How can I become a fanatic? I can’t imagine myself dress like an SU not to talk of behaving like one.

LABAKE: Come, I’m not a child. Stop playing the ostrich. I saw you together with James going in and out of the fellowship today. And besides, this is not the first time. Tell me the truth, have you also been deceived?

JANE: (Laughs) I’m on a mission, Labake.

LABAKE: on what mission…

JANE: (Puts her hand over her mouth to hush her) Hey, Lower your voice!

LABAKE: (Softly) Sorry. So, what is the mission all about?

JANE: I want him back to me. I want us to start our long abandon relationship again. I want him to shift his attention away from Christ to myself.  

LABAKE: That’s a good idea but James has gone too far with that Jesus, he can neither fall or be deluded by your chicanery! Don’t you see the exploit he is doing in the fellowship since is so called conversion? He prays as if heaven will fall down and he is very decent these days. Since is conversion to that Jesus, he has stopped his handshakes with the opposite sex which he was much fond of.

JANE: That’s it. That is my target. I’m damn sure that if we begin to shake hands again, he will begin to lust after me. I can still remember how we shake hands then. He used to say he enjoys shaking hands with me than any other person. He would say, “It makes my head spine and I feel like…”

LABAKE: (Interrupted) Jane! You think you are still in your good old days with James? Wake up from your fantasy and face the reality: James can’t be yours any more.

LABAKE walks away leaving Jane on the stage with a look of desperation.

JANE: (speaking as Labake leaves the stage) You doubt me, Labake? You don’t understand. Just watch and see. I’ll get him. It’s just a matter of time. Just a slip of hand and he is gone!

                                                                                  Light Fades to Blackout

Act one Scene 3

The scene opens with James and his two bosom friends: PETER AND IFEANYI. They walk together into the stage and stop to discuss at the middle of the stage.

IFEANYI: James, I thank God for your life. The way God is using you is amazingly surprising. Just last Friday fellowship, after your short message, nearly all the students trooped out for altar call. I could see the seriousness on their heart as they drop down on their knees and poured their heart to God in fervent prayers for repentance. Who on earth could believe that Jane of all people could be born again. But you have successfully won her to Christ.

PETER: Didn’t you hear the striking testimonies that preceded the message. One happily testified to God how you release a prophetic utterance to his stroke stricken father at home and to his utter amazement, when he got home he saw his father walking and perfectly whole.

JAMES: To God be all the glory. Brothers, I need your prayers. Please, do remember me in your prayers. I’m dire in need of your prayers!

IFEANYI: I have never heard you request for prayers especially in this manner before. You look worried, bro. James. Hope all is well?

PETER: In what areas should we pray for you Brother James? I’m sure it’s not academics because you are still unbeatable in your class.

 JAMES: Yes, by the grace of God. It’s not about my academics. Just pray for me as God leads you.  

PETER AND IFEANYI: (Simultaneously) okay.

They walk slowly out of the stage.

                                                                                      Light Fades To Blackout

Act two Scene 1

In the classroom. James is explaining something for Jane; other students are obviously outside the classroom as there are scanty seats. 

JAMES: So, that’s all. Do you understand now?

JANE: Yes, very well. Thanks a lot! I must thank you a million times. You are such a wonderful fellow, humble, handsome gentle, brilliant…

JAMES: (Cuts in) That’s alright. Enough of your flatteries.

JANES: I’m not flattery you and you know that. All I said are all true, aren’t they? For some times now you have been helping me without demanding for anything in return. And I’m beginning to feel guilty for not willingly offering you something in appreciation for all the spiritual and academic helps you have been rendering to me.

(She brings out something wrapped in a shining nylon) Please, I bought this for you. You will like it.

JAMES: (Hesitate) thank you! Don’t worry. Keep your gift. I understand you really appreciate my little effort. Thank you!

JANE: (On her knees) Please, accept this from me.

JAMES: (Dazed) what is the meaning of all this? Please stand up!

JANE: Not until you accept this from me.

JAMES: I’m going then! (He tries to go)

JANE: (She stands) Okay, please don’t go. Since you have refused to accept my gift, can you do me a little Favour?

JAMES: I’ll if I can.

JANE: You can. Just promise me you will do it for me. Please I beg you in the name of God!

JAMES: Please, can you just tell me what it is?

JANE: Promise to do it for me, please?  

JAMES: Okay, I promised, I’ll if I can. So, what is it?

JANE: (Stretches forth her hand for a handshake) Please, shake my hands for this one time!

JAMES: Is this what you are asking for?

JANE: Yes, just for once. You have been refusing shaking hands with me ever since you became a Christian and even after my conversion. Please, take my hands and let’s have a handshake, this is just a sign of appreciation.

JAMES: I have told you that you are welcome and it’s my pleasure to offer help to you as a Christian sister. Can we forget about this handshake issue for once, please? (He glances at her wrist watch) Sorry, I have to leave now

(He turns to leave the stage)

JANES: Remember you promised me. Promise is a debt, you know.

JAMES: On the condition if I can. I can’t shake your hands.

JANE: Stop that, James. That’s a lie. The bible says, “Thou shall not lie.” Why are you lying? You have a hand and you don’t have a boil in your hand. The bible even commend us to greet one another with a holy…

JAMES: Stop that, Jane!

Not that I can’t give you a handshake sister Jane, but… I just have to be careful…

Dead silence falls on the two of them as James turns his back at her. He seems to be communicating with his inner spirit.  

HOLY SPIRIT: (voiced over) James, don’t shake her hands.

JAMES: (voiced over) But why?

HOLY SPIRIT: (voiced over) Because you will get lust when you shake her hands. You get lust when you touch a female especially through handshakes and you are yet to deal with it with serous prayer. It’s written in Matthew 5 verse 30, “and if your right hand will make you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

 EVIL SPIRIT: (voiced over) James, you have outgrown this for a very long time. You can shake her hands and nothing will happen. It’s written in Isaiah 43 verse 2, “when you go through deep water, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not set you ablaze.” James, do it… shake her hands. Nothing will happen!

If you don’t shake her, you are not showing her love. And the love you refuse to show her now, her sinful friends will shower her with much of it tomorrow and she will be tempted to compromise her Christian faith and all your effort in winning her for Christ will be shattered. Have you not read in Matthew 18 verse 6? It said, “If anyone cause any of these little one - those who believe in me-to stumble it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Be warned!      

JANES: (Break the silence with a mellifluous voice) Please just for this once. There is nothing wrong with it.

JAMES: (Inhale deeply) alright. (He stretches out his hand and holds hers)

 Are you satisfied now?

JANES: Yes, thank you. Bye.

She leaves; JAMES stands in sixes and seven, shakes his head and eventually leaves the stage.

                                                                                       Light Fades to Blackout

Act Two Scene 2

At JAMES’ home. It’s dark in the stage. JAMES comes in with a lamp in his hand to see his way clearly. His phone suddenly rings.

JAMES: (looks round to be sure no one is in sight, he picked the call and spoke in a subdued tone) hello, why are you calling me at this time of the night?.... okay. How are you doing? … yes, I know… don’t mention that, Jane… I don’t have to say I love you for you to know I do. It’s God’s commandment to love one another, you know…

Suddenly his Father comes in.

JAMES: (Pretending) Yes, God is in control. It’s well. Good night. Bless you.

FATHER: You should be sleeping now. Who are you speaking with on phone?

JAMES: (stuttering as he thought of a lie to tell his father) Elm... Actually, it’s one of my colleagues in school. He said he needs my advice on something that is bothering her…sorry, his mind. That is all, daddy.

FATHER: That’s alright. I just came to check you and be sure you are asleep. You told me that you have a text to write tomorrow. You need to sleep well so you can write well tomorrow.

JAMES: That’s true daddy. I’m sorry daddy.

FATHER: There’s nothing to sorry about James. You can go to bed now but remember to offer some prayers to God.

JAMES: Of course, I will. Thanks daddy.

FAHER: That’s my boy. Sweet dreams.

JAMES: and you too, daddy.

Light gradually fades on JAMES as he feel so remorseful as soon as his father leaves. He falls on his knees and begins to pray, asking for forgiveness.

Watch Out for Part Two
Update: Part 2 is now published. You can read it here

By Alienyi E. Jeremiah

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A SLIP OF HAND - PART 1

A SLIP OF HAND - PART 1

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NARATOR:  And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Act One Scene 1

The scene opens with James walking back home from school. A moment later, Jane appears on scene

JANE: (puffing) James! James!!

JAMES: (turns back abruptly) what is chasing you, Jane? Is anything the matter?

JANES: Yes… no, actually, I want to consider the request you have been proposing to me over the months. I want to be born again!

JAMES: (excitedly) Hallelujah!

JANE: praise God!

JAMES: But, what informed your sudden decision after these long years of unbending will to surrender your life to Christ despite my consistent persuasion in the past? I believe God must have convicted you and impress upon your heart the need to submit your life to Him in order to escape the impending judgment coming to all sinners and backsliders.

JANE: In fact, it was a battle! In my dream, I saw hell. I thought I was already dead. My God! Come and see how people were panting and crying in hell like little babies. As I drew near hell, I began to shout, “God please pardon me! God of mercy have mercy on me!” then I heard a voice like the sound of many waters. The voice spoke from the thick dark cloud, “my dear daughter, I’ll give you another chance, just for this one time! When you go back to earth, go and meet my son, James, he will tell you what to do. And more so, build a very intimate relationship with him as he will teach you my precept that you may walk therein and not spent your eternity here in hell.”

JAMES: Hmm, God really loves you. Let’s pray.

She brings her hands for James to hold so as to lead her to Christ. He brings his also to hold her but suddenly retreated as if to perceive danger.

JANE: (surprisingly) Brother James, what is the matter? Why did you pull back from holding my hands? This is no more the Jane you use to know, I’m now a change person.

JAMES: Please don’t be offended. The Holy Spirit asks me not to hold your hands. I believe it’s for a good reason. Sister Jane, I can still pray with you without necessarily holding your hands. Can we pray now?

JANES: No problem, who are we to disobey the Holy Spirit.

JAMES leads her to Christ. After the prayers, they bid each other good bye and go out of the stage.

                                                                                    Light Fades to Blackout

Act one Scene 2

The scene opens with Jane and her friend Labake walking side by side speaking in whispers. They seem to be returning back from school. Just when they get to the middle of the stage, Labake speaks…

LABAKE: (with a concern look) Jane, tell me something, you mean you are now among the SU, the Sisters Union?

JANES: (Irritatingly) Over my dead body! How can I become a fanatic? I can’t imagine myself dress like an SU not to talk of behaving like one.

LABAKE: Come, I’m not a child. Stop playing the ostrich. I saw you together with James going in and out of the fellowship today. And besides, this is not the first time. Tell me the truth, have you also been deceived?

JANE: (Laughs) I’m on a mission, Labake.

LABAKE: on what mission…

JANE: (Puts her hand over her mouth to hush her) Hey, Lower your voice!

LABAKE: (Softly) Sorry. So, what is the mission all about?

JANE: I want him back to me. I want us to start our long abandon relationship again. I want him to shift his attention away from Christ to myself.  

LABAKE: That’s a good idea but James has gone too far with that Jesus, he can neither fall or be deluded by your chicanery! Don’t you see the exploit he is doing in the fellowship since is so called conversion? He prays as if heaven will fall down and he is very decent these days. Since is conversion to that Jesus, he has stopped his handshakes with the opposite sex which he was much fond of.

JANE: That’s it. That is my target. I’m damn sure that if we begin to shake hands again, he will begin to lust after me. I can still remember how we shake hands then. He used to say he enjoys shaking hands with me than any other person. He would say, “It makes my head spine and I feel like…”

LABAKE: (Interrupted) Jane! You think you are still in your good old days with James? Wake up from your fantasy and face the reality: James can’t be yours any more.

LABAKE walks away leaving Jane on the stage with a look of desperation.

JANE: (speaking as Labake leaves the stage) You doubt me, Labake? You don’t understand. Just watch and see. I’ll get him. It’s just a matter of time. Just a slip of hand and he is gone!

                                                                                  Light Fades to Blackout

Act one Scene 3

The scene opens with James and his two bosom friends: PETER AND IFEANYI. They walk together into the stage and stop to discuss at the middle of the stage.

IFEANYI: James, I thank God for your life. The way God is using you is amazingly surprising. Just last Friday fellowship, after your short message, nearly all the students trooped out for altar call. I could see the seriousness on their heart as they drop down on their knees and poured their heart to God in fervent prayers for repentance. Who on earth could believe that Jane of all people could be born again. But you have successfully won her to Christ.

PETER: Didn’t you hear the striking testimonies that preceded the message. One happily testified to God how you release a prophetic utterance to his stroke stricken father at home and to his utter amazement, when he got home he saw his father walking and perfectly whole.

JAMES: To God be all the glory. Brothers, I need your prayers. Please, do remember me in your prayers. I’m dire in need of your prayers!

IFEANYI: I have never heard you request for prayers especially in this manner before. You look worried, bro. James. Hope all is well?

PETER: In what areas should we pray for you Brother James? I’m sure it’s not academics because you are still unbeatable in your class.

 JAMES: Yes, by the grace of God. It’s not about my academics. Just pray for me as God leads you.  

PETER AND IFEANYI: (Simultaneously) okay.

They walk slowly out of the stage.

                                                                                      Light Fades To Blackout

Act two Scene 1

In the classroom. James is explaining something for Jane; other students are obviously outside the classroom as there are scanty seats. 

JAMES: So, that’s all. Do you understand now?

JANE: Yes, very well. Thanks a lot! I must thank you a million times. You are such a wonderful fellow, humble, handsome gentle, brilliant…

JAMES: (Cuts in) That’s alright. Enough of your flatteries.

JANES: I’m not flattery you and you know that. All I said are all true, aren’t they? For some times now you have been helping me without demanding for anything in return. And I’m beginning to feel guilty for not willingly offering you something in appreciation for all the spiritual and academic helps you have been rendering to me.

(She brings out something wrapped in a shining nylon) Please, I bought this for you. You will like it.

JAMES: (Hesitate) thank you! Don’t worry. Keep your gift. I understand you really appreciate my little effort. Thank you!

JANE: (On her knees) Please, accept this from me.

JAMES: (Dazed) what is the meaning of all this? Please stand up!

JANE: Not until you accept this from me.

JAMES: I’m going then! (He tries to go)

JANE: (She stands) Okay, please don’t go. Since you have refused to accept my gift, can you do me a little Favour?

JAMES: I’ll if I can.

JANE: You can. Just promise me you will do it for me. Please I beg you in the name of God!

JAMES: Please, can you just tell me what it is?

JANE: Promise to do it for me, please?  

JAMES: Okay, I promised, I’ll if I can. So, what is it?

JANE: (Stretches forth her hand for a handshake) Please, shake my hands for this one time!

JAMES: Is this what you are asking for?

JANE: Yes, just for once. You have been refusing shaking hands with me ever since you became a Christian and even after my conversion. Please, take my hands and let’s have a handshake, this is just a sign of appreciation.

JAMES: I have told you that you are welcome and it’s my pleasure to offer help to you as a Christian sister. Can we forget about this handshake issue for once, please? (He glances at her wrist watch) Sorry, I have to leave now

(He turns to leave the stage)

JANES: Remember you promised me. Promise is a debt, you know.

JAMES: On the condition if I can. I can’t shake your hands.

JANE: Stop that, James. That’s a lie. The bible says, “Thou shall not lie.” Why are you lying? You have a hand and you don’t have a boil in your hand. The bible even commend us to greet one another with a holy…

JAMES: Stop that, Jane!

Not that I can’t give you a handshake sister Jane, but… I just have to be careful…

Dead silence falls on the two of them as James turns his back at her. He seems to be communicating with his inner spirit.  

HOLY SPIRIT: (voiced over) James, don’t shake her hands.

JAMES: (voiced over) But why?

HOLY SPIRIT: (voiced over) Because you will get lust when you shake her hands. You get lust when you touch a female especially through handshakes and you are yet to deal with it with serous prayer. It’s written in Matthew 5 verse 30, “and if your right hand will make you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

 EVIL SPIRIT: (voiced over) James, you have outgrown this for a very long time. You can shake her hands and nothing will happen. It’s written in Isaiah 43 verse 2, “when you go through deep water, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not set you ablaze.” James, do it… shake her hands. Nothing will happen!

If you don’t shake her, you are not showing her love. And the love you refuse to show her now, her sinful friends will shower her with much of it tomorrow and she will be tempted to compromise her Christian faith and all your effort in winning her for Christ will be shattered. Have you not read in Matthew 18 verse 6? It said, “If anyone cause any of these little one - those who believe in me-to stumble it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Be warned!      

JANES: (Break the silence with a mellifluous voice) Please just for this once. There is nothing wrong with it.

JAMES: (Inhale deeply) alright. (He stretches out his hand and holds hers)

 Are you satisfied now?

JANES: Yes, thank you. Bye.

She leaves; JAMES stands in sixes and seven, shakes his head and eventually leaves the stage.

                                                                                       Light Fades to Blackout

Act Two Scene 2

At JAMES’ home. It’s dark in the stage. JAMES comes in with a lamp in his hand to see his way clearly. His phone suddenly rings.

JAMES: (looks round to be sure no one is in sight, he picked the call and spoke in a subdued tone) hello, why are you calling me at this time of the night?.... okay. How are you doing? … yes, I know… don’t mention that, Jane… I don’t have to say I love you for you to know I do. It’s God’s commandment to love one another, you know…

Suddenly his Father comes in.

JAMES: (Pretending) Yes, God is in control. It’s well. Good night. Bless you.

FATHER: You should be sleeping now. Who are you speaking with on phone?

JAMES: (stuttering as he thought of a lie to tell his father) Elm... Actually, it’s one of my colleagues in school. He said he needs my advice on something that is bothering her…sorry, his mind. That is all, daddy.

FATHER: That’s alright. I just came to check you and be sure you are asleep. You told me that you have a text to write tomorrow. You need to sleep well so you can write well tomorrow.

JAMES: That’s true daddy. I’m sorry daddy.

FATHER: There’s nothing to sorry about James. You can go to bed now but remember to offer some prayers to God.

JAMES: Of course, I will. Thanks daddy.

FAHER: That’s my boy. Sweet dreams.

JAMES: and you too, daddy.

Light gradually fades on JAMES as he feel so remorseful as soon as his father leaves. He falls on his knees and begins to pray, asking for forgiveness.

Watch Out for Part Two

By Alienyi E. Jeremiah

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