The Sinner's Race

(Orphaned at a very early age, SINNER BOY roams the street of Life in search of an identity, purpose, love and acceptance. It was there he met MADDMAN SIN, a mysterious woman who has been around for centuries. She has learned to renew her deceptive beauty which makes several men, women, young boys and girls fall for her...)

MADDMAN SIN: (flashes her charming smile) Hello young man. How are you and what are you doing alone in this place?

SINNER BOY: I am lonely and looking for love, purpose, acceptance and an identity. I have been searching this whole place and nothing seems to make sense. (shakes his head)

MADDMAN SIN: Oh! What a poor fellow. (she placed her hand on his shoulder) You have good intentions but you cannot find all you have mentioned on your own. I have taken a liking of you and I want to help you. I am a life coach. I lead people to the path where they find pleasure, excitement and self worth. Is there any purpose other than that?

SINNER BOY: (Gives it a thought) That makes sense. I kind of like it. I like to feel good and earn respect from others. But will other people show me love if I follow you?

MADDMAN SIN: There is no greater love than self love. When you love yourself, it will attract people to you. If only your parents had completed their task...

SINNER BOY: (Surprised) Don't tell me you know my parents? I don't even know them.

MADDMAN SIN: You were actually born at SIN AVENUE. I knew your parents. They were kind and lovely people (within her mind we hear her thoughts; "if only he knew his parents were as gullible as he is. They accepted my help and wanted to avoid the consequences..." She smiles and her mind flashed back to Sinner Boy's parents' last days on earth...)

(Some years ago at Sin Avenue, Sinner Boy's parents were on their knee begging Maddman Sin to grant them freedom...)

SINNER BOY'S FATHER: (In pains) Maddman Sin, please we have served you faithfully all these years. All we asking for is the freedom you promised us.

SINNER BOY'S MOTHER: (in tears) Please ma, we have gone the extra mile for you. We do not want to raise this baby of ours in your house. We believe we can help him become a better person.

MADDMAN SIN: (spoke with annoyance) What are you saying, you ungrateful fellows. I gave you purpose for living. You both met each other while under my guidance and now you want to walk away from Sin Avenue? What a pity! Who says you can't raise your baby here? You know that just like hell, my avenue can be enlarged to accommodate one more soul. Don't beg me! May be you are not aware, I already made payments for your eternal wages. In fact, I have opened an account for your new born baby and his name shall be called SINNER BOY. Your eternal wages is death, that is the highest reward I can pay. At this junction you both should be brave and courageous. Don't die here, take your child but know this; "the debt collector which is Death will surely come to reward you for your faithful service in Sin Avenue" (she opens her door and sends them out).

(Flashback returns to present day encounter between Maddman Sin and Sinner Boy.)

SINNER BOY: Anyways, since you said you knew my parent and you are willing to make me become better, I see no reason why I should not follow you. I am interested in all you wish to teach me.

MADDMAN SIN: That's my boy. Come let me show you the way of life. Let me help you become a better person. Follow me, learn my ways and your life shall be far better than this. (She leads while Sinner Boy follows).

Dear readers, wages sin pays is death. You can be sure if you are free from this wages or not. The simple test is; are you a child of God? do you have the life of God? or are you a slave of sin?

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Episode Two

(At Sin Avenue, Sinner Boy shares his burden with Maddman Sin...)

SINNER BOY: Ma, I have a dream. I believe education can help me get better and ahead of others. And it will also make them accept me. So I want to go to school.

MADDMAN SIN: (Excited) That's my Prince Charming. You spoke about your dreams and you were the central focus of your own life. It shows you are really learning from me. I agree with you. There are much philosophical and intellectual depth that you will acquire in school. It will position you to become whatever you want to be and nothing will be able to stop you. You have my consent. By the way, I will give you a letter of recommendation and approval which will open doors for you as you pursue your dream of self actualization.

(Sinner boy was very happy to hear this, he prostrates for Maddman Sin and she embraces him).

(A few days later, the DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS at the school Sinner Boy enrolled into invited him to his office. They discuss Sinner Boy's Prospect...)

DIRECTOR: Sinner Boy, you truly have made a good decision to give your life to the actualization of your dreams. I am proud of you. I wish several young boys and girls like you will be bold enough to set such goals for themselves.

SINNER BOY: Thank you sir. I hope to pursue this plan of mine till the end. I believe with academic depth I will find fulfilment and joy for my life (smiles).

DIRECTOR: (Also smiles but changes his mood when Sinner Boy mentioned finding joy) My boy, you see, if you do well academically, there are chances you may find self fulfilment. However, I cannot guarantee that academics alone can give you joy. To be frank with you, joy is a big deal. Most people from Sin Avenue always have one major regret, they try to find joy. But you see joy is relative. I cannot guarantee you will find a lasting joy solely on academic ground alone.

SINNER BOY: (Sad) Ah, this is a serious matter. Well, if academic alone cannot give me joy, then what else? I don't mind sacrificing my joy in pursuit of self fulfilment. Although I will keep searching for it. Maybe I can get both of them...

DIRECTOR: I feel sorry for you so I will tell you the reality. Everybody is packaging their lack of joy. There is no real joy anywhere. Remember joy is relative, just do what makes you happy...

Dear readers joy isn't relative. Jesus came that we may have joy and have it abundantly. For he that hath life hath joy... Do you have life? (John 10:10)

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Episode Three

(And time passed... Sinner Boy graduates from the university with the highest honor anyone can get. He is the best in both departmental and faculty levels. Some of his FRIENDS came around to felicitate with him...)

FRIEND 1: (hailing Sinner Boy) Scholastic Scholastical! Scholastic Scholastical! That's my man! I knew it! I am so proud of you!

FRIEND 2: (Takes Sinner Boy's convocation cap and puts it on) Wow! Who can believe that I am putting on the Overall Best graduate's cap. My guy, you are a legend and I am proud of you.

SINNER BOY: Thanks friends. It is good to see you both around. The only issue is that I still feel an emptiness deep down within me. I still can't find joy.

(Both friends are surprised.)

FRIEND 1: Guy, forget that thing. Joy is relative and hope you are not thinking about your parents not being here to rejoice with you. Don't worry, when you start earning big, you will know that money can buy joy. My guy, cheer up, it's your day.

FRIEND 2: Sinner Boy, don't feel that way. Do you know how many people are envying you? Was it not just now the Vice Chancellor announced that the senior staffs' car park of the school will be named after you? My guy, wetin remain wey you dey find? Life cannot be better than this na. See, we are going to make you happy this evening. We are taking you out for a treat and the cost will be on us, okay?

SINNER BOY: Thanks for your engorgement friends. I don't know what I would do without you both (held both of their hands.)

FRIEND 1: (jokingly) My guy, that's a lie. You just graduated as a valedictorian without our input. My guy, there are many things you can do without us. (They all burst into laughter as they head out).

(At the eatery, Sinner Boy's friends introduced him to CIVIC, a young man who prides himself in his ability to stay up to date with social life...)

FRIEND 2: (Sights Civic coming towards their table) Who am I seeing? Civic Baba! (He hails him and they all exchange pleasantries) Sinner Boy, meet our trending guy, his name is Civic.

SINNER BOY: Civic as in Civic Education?

CIVIC: (Laughs) ... Actually, my name is Civilization but I chose to shorten it to Civic. There is no trending or up to date information you can't get from me. I am also professionally trained to help people actualize and find inner joy by following modern patterns and techniques.

SINNER BOY: (Excited) Wow, this is exactly what I need. I need what you have got to offer, as I am in search of joy and peace. Can you help?

CIVIC: Well, in this our age of socialization, peace and joy are relative. You can't have them both. Statistics as shown that even the rich also cry. My packages and services most times comes with regrets. There was this rich musician in a foreign country who reached out to me, I helped him get his fame. At a time, he was the second most popular name in the planet but make I no lie give you, this guy didn't end well. I am still trying to upgrade my formula to give lasting joy. Other agents of civilization too are working hard to get it. But, we haven't reached that junction. Will you still be interested in our service?

SINNER BOY: I am confused. Well, maybe... let me give it a try. (They shook hands and exchanged contacts.)

Dear reader,

True and lasting joy isn't relative. Jesus still gives joy, call on Him today.

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Episode Four

(SINNER BOY returns to Maddman Sin after the celebration in school...)

SINNER BOY: Hello! Who is at home?

MADDMAN SIN: (appears from another end of the sitting room, dressed as one going out) My brilliant Prince. I am so proud of you. Congratulations on your achievements. I have always being proud of you. You know, my expectations over you have never been cut short. I am proud of you.

SINNER BOY: Thank you ma. Thank you for everything you are doing for me. I will always make you proud. Here are the awards I received today (he presents the awards to her). I was a bit emotional that you didn't show up today.

MADDMAN SIN: (Pats him on the back) My Prince, I am so sorry. You know I actually work in Debt Recovery and Renumeration for my Boss, so I had my hands full. I am so sorry. Don't worry, when I return from my outing today, I will take you out for a special treat.

SINNER BOY: (smiles) You and this your fictional Boss. I have never seen you go to work before. You are a ready made business woman, yet you always say you have a boss. You are the boss of all bosses.

MADDMAN SIN: My boy, you cannot understand but one day you will meet my boss. All that I have belongs to him. It was through him that I got all this wealth. You know what, I am about to run some errands for him and it will take me some time. In the meantime, I will transfer about half a million into your account. Make sure to catch some fun.

SINNER BOY: Thank you ma (with excitement). You know Sin Avenue is always boring without you, so I will just visit some other places.

MADDMAN SIN: Alright then, just make sure you have some fun. I need to be on my way before my boss who you call "A Fictional Boss" queries me... (She laughs and leaves the room holding her handbag.)

(Somewhere in the street of life, not too far from where Maddman Sin picked Sinner Boy as a child. Maddman Sin is dressed in a full military uniform. She looks terrifying as she drags a couple out of their house...)

MAN: (On his knee begging Maddman Sin) Ma, please be patient with us. We just need some time. We will pay you and move out...

MADDMAN SIN: (Laughs) What do you take me for? When I introduced you to life, you didn't know you could not afford to pay the returns? Now you have acquired so much debt and you are hoping to run away without paying.

WOMAN: (crying) Maddman Sin, please there is no where for us to run to. It is just that presently we cannot afford servicing our debts. We know we have owed too much please, just help us out.

MADDMAN SIN: There is no help I can give you. My boys will soon be here to move you both to the Detention Centre.

WOMAN: (Afraid) "Detention Centre"? Ah! Maddman Sin, please have mercy (pleading).

MAN: Was it not at the same Detention Centre that my brother, SINNER MAN, died along with his wife? Please ma, just give us some time. Don't do this to us.

(Sinner Boy had come to visit the Man and Woman as they were his extended family members.)

SINNER BOY: Uncle! Aunty! What is going on here? Why are you kneeling? (turns around only to see Maddman Sin). Ma, what are you doing here dressed like a military personnel?

MAN: (Signalling to Sinner Boy to help them beg) Sinner Boy, please join us to beg her. We are indebted to her. We need some time.

WOMAN: Please, help us talk to her.

SINNER BOY: Maddman Sin, is it really true that you are into Debt Recovery? I thought it was all a joke. Please, these people are my relatives, let's work out something ma. Please, for my sake, forgive them.

MADDMAN SIN: (laughs hysterically) For your sake or what did I hear you say? Do you think I am here for child's play? Wait a minute, how do you think I have been able to finance all your loud and lavish sinful living? It is the profit and commission I get for recovering debt that does that. By the way, it will soon be your turn to pay your debt? As for this people, they will be going to the Detention Centre.

WOMAN: Ah! Please ma, have mercy on us. Sinner Boy, we don't want to die in the detention centre like your parents.

SINNER BOY: (Shocked) My Parents? You mean they were indebted to Maddman Sin?

MAN: Yes, they were. Didn't she tell you? She killed them herself when she promised them the wages of their sin. Know this, the wages of sin will always be DEATH. We don't want to die (crying).

SINNER BOY: Maddman Sin, can you explain this? I am confused.

MADDMAN SIN: There is nothing to explain young man. Now that you know your parents died for their sins, you must also know they didn't finish paying their debts. So get ready to add their debt to yours. When the time comes for me to recover your debt, I will also ask for your parents' as well.

SINNER BOY: (surprised) Ah! How am I indebted to you? I thought you picked me up from the streets out of the kindness of your heart.

MADDMAN SIN: (laughs) There is nothing free in Sin Avenue. I don't do promos. When Sin gives you a gift, it comes with lifetime payment. Young man, don't obstruct my job. By the way, don't even bother coming back to my house. I don't have space for a sin damaged boy like you. I will go into the streets of life and recruit another fresh blood. I am done with this set of profitless people. (Sinner Boy dashed out crying while Maddman Sin turns to the couple kneeling down). Now, you both should get ready for your end... (The couples tried to hold Maddman Sin's leg, but she kicked them off. And commanded “Take them away...”)

Dear reader, sin stinks, the natural man is a slave of sin, the only way out is to flee to Jesus.

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Episode Five

(After the recent revelation of Maddman Sin's real intentions, Sinner Boy decided to find a way to break free from his debts and her grip. He visited FALSETTO PROPHETTO (FP), a man who claims to have solutions to all problems in life...)

SINNER BOY: Good day Sir!

FP: My Son, welcome to Solution Center. A place where mountains are moved and stones become too heavy and immovable. How can I help you?

SINNER BOY: Sir... (FP cut him short, then asked him to prostrate because no one speaks at Solution Centre without prostrating.) I am sorry sir. Please, I am fed up with life. I need help. My past is hunting me and I can't find joy. Actually sir... (FP cuts him short again.)

FP: Say no more! You are already in Solution Centre. I don't need the details of your troubles. Now, this is your solution. This is a ALL POWER soap. It cost Two hundred thousand naira. Also, this red Ethiopia Power Red Apron cost four hundred thousand naira. Making a total of six hundred thousand naira. If you use this consistently for 69 days, you will be delivered.

SINNER BOY: (Still prostrating) Sir, I only have One hundred and fifty thousand naira with me and I actually came from a far town called SIN AVENUE. I have no access to more money at the moment, please what can you do to help me?

FP: (He feigns thinking) Well, I will help you. Bring the money! I will cut part of the soap for you, and also cut out half yard of the red clothing. It is because I like you and I see you have a great prospect. So bring the money and you can have them.

SINNER BOY: Please sir, can I make a transfer to you?

FP: God forbids! I stopped collecting transfer for it is against my star. The yahoo boys have taught me a lesson. Go to those POS boys outside, they are my boys. They will give you cash then you can return to pick your goods. Go quickly! I will be waiting for you. (As Sinner Boy went out FP made a phone call).

FP: (dials a number) Hello, Mecho! Hope you haven't bought that fairly used tyre? I now have money to buy the first grade. Perhaps, we should change the two front tyres.. Give me thirty minute, I will get to your place....

(It's exactly 14 days since Sinner Boy visited Falsetto Prophetto. Sinner Boy has since been having strange dreams. He decides to visit FP to lodge a complaint. He met FP who was dressed in a track suit locking his office...)

SINNER BOY: Good day Sir!

FP: (Backing him and speaking without looking at who was greeting him, he thought it was one of his acquaintances) Uchenna, leave the greeting. I called you to let you know I cannot use this warehouse again. Business isn't moving and Maddman Sin is asking for my debt. I have to run away. Please, if my customers come around, give them my number. But, before you give them, ensure such fellow has a lot money to give. I mean cool money.. (He turns around only to realized it was Sinner Boy he was talking to.)

FP: (Tried to summon courage) Yes, who are you and what do you want?

SINNER BOY: (Realizing he has been played) Sorry sir, I think I missed my way (he heads out)...

Dear readers, the problem of sin cannot be solved using talisman or a formula, those who promise deliverance for a sinner apart from the way of the cross are themselves slaves to sin. Do not fall for the last days deception. Run away from all form of self help that have no remedy for the problem of sin.

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Episode Six

(Having concluded that life has been bad to him, Sinner Boy decided to commit suicide. The rivers of depression, agony and sorrow keeps coming to his mind, so he decided to jump into it. At that same time, two FISHERMEN were working, they saw him and rescue him...)

FISHERMAN 1: Sir, you must give God the glory. You would have drowned if we had not been led to this area for fishing.

FISHERMAN 2: I thank God for counting us worthy to be useful to rescue a soul from the way of condemnation today.

SINNER BOY: (Confused) You mean committing suicide would not put an end to my sorrows? I thought by committing suicide I would have escaped from this wretched world.

FISHERMAN 1: Committing suicide has never brought relieve to those who do so. If in this world they have lived miserably what guarantees that in eternity they won't meet their doom.

FISHERMAN 2: Only those who have Jesus can experience true and lasting peace even when the challenges of life comes down hard on them.

SINNER BOY: Does rescuing me from this river filled with self destruction, condemnation and anguish of heart save me from all my woes?

FISHERMAN 2: (Pats Sinner Boy on his back) Well, it is a good start to the race you must now begin.

SINNER BOY: (Baffled) Race?

FISHERMAN 1: Yes! You see everyone who has been delivered from the journey to hell automatically begins to be a partaker in the race to heaven. You will also have to partake of the race. (Brings out a Bible and gives it to Sinner Boy) If you pray well, read and do what is written in this Bible, you should be able to finish well.

SINNER BOY: (Excited) I am very grateful. I am the happiest person on earth today. Thank you for rescuing me...

(They exchanged pleasantries and parted ways).

(Two months after Sinner Boy started the Christian race, he met several other participants who had signed up for the race. Some of those who signed up online didn't even show up for the race. While some of the few who showed up began to feel disinterested. However, the rest decided to go ahead with the race. Among the rest was Sinner Boy. He started but at the junction of Spiritual Consecration, Sinner Boy collapsed on the field. Maddmam Sin came around to mock him...)

MADDMAN SIN: (laughing at Sinner Boy who lies down grasping for breath) Fools die a thousand time before their time. So you actually believe that participating in this so called Christian Race is meant for you? See how thin and hopeless you have become. When you where living in SIN AVENUE, I never burdened you with this kind of yoke. Now, you have thrown all that away.

SINNER BOY: (Still grasping for breath) I am sorry. Please, do you have water?

MADDMAN SIN: I do have water but I am only going to give you under one condition.

SINNER BOY: And what would that condition be?

MADDMAN SIN: Simple, QUIT! Yes, quit this unnecessary race and agree to come home with me. If you agree, I will clear your old debt and we will start afresh. I am offering you a life line here.

SINNER BOY: But, what will other people who had seen me start this race think?

MADDMAN SIN: Young man, wake up! When you fell just at the beginning of this so called Christian Race, how many of them came to your aid? Look over there! They are already making a mockery of you. Some of them are even avoiding you. Do I blame them? No! I blame a well trained brilliant boy like you who decided to let go of all my affluence because of this boring Christian Race. Mr man, what is your answer to my offer?

SINNER BOY: Well, since no one cares about me among all these participants, I accept your offer. I am quitting this race.

MADDMAN SIN: (Dances in excitement) That's my boy, I knew you will eventually come to your senses. Shall we begin our journey to SIN AVENUE...

Dear readers, a fall in your walk with God should not cause you to forsake the race set before us. Do not let discouragement from fellow Christians make you walk away from your consecration. Do not turn back, there is nothing for you in the sin avenues of this age.

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Episode Seven

(3 MONTHS LATER... At the Fishermen's VILLA, they received a VISITOR {another fisherman}. He shares his fishing experiences and the joy that comes with knowing that during fishing he is able to save souls as God enables him...)

VISITOR: (Excited) My friends, I give God the glory. This fishing is indeed a divine mandate. Nothing beats the joy of knowing that I am labouring to save souls from ending up in hell. I am glad it is being recorded that I did not fail at my duty post. I look forward to receiving a crown for effective soul winning and laying the crown at the feet of Jesus.

FISHERMAN 1: (Appears unexcited) Well, I envy you. Anyway, it must be because you are not busy. Life has been quite challenging for me in the past three months over here. Considering having to pay the school fees of my children, having to be committed to my village people association as the PRO and others. When will I have the chance to go fishing with the hope of saving souls. I am sure God understands my plight. (Shakes his head)

FISHERMAN 2: (Stands up) As for me, I no longer find fishing interesting. It is too demanding. Imagine someone with my reputation saying he wants to do soul winning via fishing. I am content with being the choir leader. By the way, my donations to other soul winners will go a long way in seeing souls been saved.

VISITOR: (Crying) Ah! My God!

FISHERMAN 1: (shocked) Hope there is no problem? Or did we say anything to hurt you? Please stop crying.

VISITOR: Let me weep. Let me weep over a generation that has excuses for not loving the Lord. We don't go fishing for gains. It is a sign that we love the Lord Jesus when we jump into the rivers of life to rescue sinners from their way to hell. What excuse is big enough to take us away from obeying the LAST AND GREAT COMMISSION. It is an act of rebellion to know the love of God and refuse to share with others. You think I am fishing for souls because I am less busy and idle? No! It is the love of God that compels me. May I not be ashamed of Jesus! May I not retire from being Jesus' PRO to become my village people association's PRO. As much as we must support the gospel and mission work, we are all called to serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ.

FISHERMAN 1: (Bows his head in shame) Lord, I am sorry. I have never seen it from this point of view. I have no excuse. Lord, I don't want to be an unprofitable servant. I don't want to become AJOKOTAGBA MA SE RANSE ( a yoruba word which loosely translates as 'one who sits with an elder yet not useful for errands'). Jesus, I am sorry for being ashamed of you.

FISHERMAN 2: (Went on his knees) Lord I repent! I repent of my foolishness. Send me again Lord. Don't save souls in my days without using me too...

(The fishermen decided to repent from their foolishness and returned to fishing for souls. They asked the Lord to strengthen them.)

(Due to Sinner Boy's collapse during the previous race and his return to Sin Avenue, he became an object of mockery among the residents of Sin Avenue. They mocked him for starting a race he could not finish. Also, since Sinner Boy quit the race, he became a bit unstable. He sits on the floor, while MADDMAN SIN mocks him...)

MADDMAN SIN: How foolish of you. How void it is that you consider yourself worthy of the Christian race? With all the debt of sins in your account, you think you can escape by participating in the race? You should never have allowed anyone to rescue you and give you false hope. No sinner has ever escaped eternal condemnation, for the wages of sin is death. Shame on you! After swimming and wallowing in sin, you want to walk away. Who should carry the gabbage of SIN that has accumulated in your life?

SINNER BOY: (Stands up and responds to Maddman Sin angrily) Enough! I may have failed but I am not a failure. I may have fallen but it was only because I tried to run the Christian Race with my own strength! I will not frustrate the grace of God again. My life may have been filled with the gabbage of SIN in the past but Jesus has offered to take away my load of Sin if I will allow Him.

MADDMAN SIN: (Baffled) What? How dare you? What gives you the effrontery to look me in the eyes and reply like that to me. I saved you while you were almost dying out there, but now you feel you can be misbehaving here right?

SINNER BOY: (Smiles) You think I didn't know. You think the FISHERMEN would never look for me again? Well, they did. They told me it was you, Maddman Sin, who set stones of distraction and traps of failure on the race track. You were the one who altered the weather conditions to make me thirsty and give up in the Christian Race. Well, let me tell you, you have done enough damage in my life. I will not let you, Sinful Sin lead me to hell. I will run the race again and I will depend on the grace of God this time. I will look to Jesus, for He will help me finish well. And again, since Jesus has set me free, I am free indeed...

Dear Reader, we wish we could tell you how the story ends, but we are actually counting on you to write the concluding part of the story. Will you let SIN defeat you in the christian Race? Will you give in to that temptation and waste God's grace over your life? Will you fall for the end time distractions of this age? Or will you let Jesus lead you as you run the race? Don't give up on God! Let no excuse prevent you from soul winning.

Look to Jesus and you will overcome.

Enquiries and feedback: johnemmanuel870@gmail.com

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The End