It was a Saturday before the democracy day public holiday and I had the pleasure of 6 Children in my home – 5 girls and a boy. Age ranges between 9 and 17. We had just finished a small bible study session with questions and answers, when they raised their desires to sell Ruzu.
I listened to them with smiles as they made their case, of course they didn’t need to sell Ruzu, but they somehow wanted to. They were convinced of it’s efficacy haven all used it at one time or the other for things ranging from stomach ache, constipation, wounds and menstrual pains. So they knew it worked, they also were aware of how bitter it tasted. To cut a long story short, I bought their idea, or at least had to go along.
That Saturday, I eventually spent 3 hrs with them, teaching them the rudiments of sales and marketing. Helping them understand the benefits of the product, it’s emotional triggers, the perfect customer and where to find them. They took notes, we had some other fun, by having some entertainment breaks in-between. We were all set for Monday.
When Monday came, they were all awake early, curious about when we would hit the streets to sell Ruzu. Around noon, I took them all to the office, to get T-shirts, then we headed for Isaac John, Ikeja GRA, where we settled down to a sumptuous meal of chicken wings, ribs and chips at spurs. We eventually spent about 4 hours of the day hanging out, catching up, recording videos and having some fun selling a few bottles. As they ventured out to sell, I couldn’t keep my eyes off them, I practically walked the entire journey with them, unable to let them go on their own.
Here however is what I learnt.
1. God is our father, he really doesn’t need us for any work, but He’s touched when we ask to join him in what he does.
2. We can feel so important and useful, really it’s not the work that counts, it’s the fact that while we walk with him, we develop intimacies with him, that make us share and own His burden for the lost. We also grow and mature.
3. Our desire to participate in the father’s will opens us up to so much we didn’t even plan for. Spending time with our father, is worth more than whatever we were looking forward to gain.
4. A simple request to join in the fathers will can create so much opportunities to walk with God and learn of Christ, it’s totally amazing.
5. When we have eventually done what we were given to do, we realize it was a privilege to have been involved and called to serve.
6. The only condition Christ promises to be with us daily is when we are involved in doing His will – discipleship. He commits to be with us daily as we go into the world to disciple nations.
7. God is happy with the attempt, the initiative, the commitment. Even though all that we do is by His grace, He loves us all the same.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” – Matt 7:11
Don’t be shy in asking your father to join in His work, it may be your access to great communion with Him.
Kind Regards
Adeolu Akinyemi
