Lost But Found After 2 Years: The Power of Faith and Loyalty

It was a beautiful Tuesday morning, April 7, the year of our Lord, Two Thousand And Nine. The sun shone at its full glory while the birds sang heartily as they flew out of their nests to find breakfast. Back in the hospital, which housed the sprawling garden of trees, the atmosphere was palpably tense. Here was Mr. E. pacing up and down the ward. His wife had just been rushed into the labour room. Praying under his breath, he hoped that God will help deliver his wife of the baby safely.

Suddenly, the nurse opened the door of the labour room; and with a toothy smile she nodded to this daddy-in-waiting to come over. Lo and behold, it wasn’t just a baby, there were two of them – a beautiful set of female twins, whom the couple later named Praise and Glory.

Two years went by and the children grew up under the watchful care of their loving parents, up until Sunday, April 17, 2011 when the unexpected happened. Church service was over that fateful day, the couple made for the Children Department to retrieve their kids, a simple routine which they undertook every other week; but to their shock, one of their twins was nowhere to be found. Praise was missing.

How could this be? Was this the result of their prayer from the just concluded Anointing Service? There was confusion in the air. “Who had come for the girl?” “Did she wander off?” There were more questions than answers. Later that day, however, after a frantic and fruitless search, the couple, had the chance to meet with the leader of the church who, upon hearing the sad news, prophetically declared that the little girl would be found. And indeed, Praise was found. When? Two years later.

According to the June 16, 2013  testimony by the parents, the kidnapper who had confessed to his atrocity (having been struck by a strange disease, blindness and unceasing nightmares) narrated how he took the innocent toddler away from the Winners Chapel Children Department in Ota, Southwest Nigeria, to sell to a buyer in Kano, northern Nigeria. It was indeed a harrowing experience for the family. But despite the mockery, ridicule and scorn suffered from neighbours, friends and family, Praise’s parents never gave up on her. To be sure, there are many obvious lessons to be learnt from this couple, but two virtues do stand out: faith and loyalty.

“Faith is the vision of the heart”, says an unknown writer. “It sees God in the dark as well as in the day”. Indeed, to have unwavering faith is to be dead to doubts, dumb to discouragements and blind to impossibilities. Mr and Mrs E. had every course to lose their faith in God, afterall, their little girl was stolen from His ‘custody’, but instead, they remained steadfast, believing that someday, their night will turn to day and their mourning into dancing.

Meanwhile, another question suffices: What made this couple stay put in that church? Couldn’t they have switched church to find ‘solution’ to their problem? Why didn’t they consider the option of filing a suit in court, charge the church for criminal negligence and demand monetary compensation? Truth is, these guys had a choice to fight it dirty. They could also have engaged the media in dragging the reputation of the Bishop and the church in the mud. As a matter of fact the couple reserved that right and the world would have been sympathetic with them. But instead, they chose otherwise, for they took solace in Charles Swinburne’s submission when he quipped: the highest spiritual quality, the noblest property of mind a man can have, is this – loyalty; a man with no loyalty in him, is as evil a case as man can be. Mr. & Mrs E are a classic model of loyalty. They were loyal to God, His Servant and His Church. And at the end, they were vindicated.

“Don’t ever give up”, Richelle Goodrich counsels. “Don’t ever give in; don’t ever stop trying; don’t ever sell out. And if you find yourself succumbing to one of the above for a brief moment, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, whisper a prayer, and start where you left off. But never, ever, ever, give up.” Selah.

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Sam Adel’

25BB383A

+234-803-442-1195

Who Am I ?

 My name is Sam Adel' and I was born to impart my world through creativity. My life work can be simply captured in the words of Leo Burnett: Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read.

I write. I do graphics. I speak. I act. I sing. I sell. And I provide business development solutions engaging the various tools of marketing communications. This is who I am.

According to David Ogilvy, "I don't know the rules of grammar. If you are trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language. If it doesn't sell, it isn't creative".

To contact me:
+234-803-442-1195
sammieadeleke@yahoo.com
facebook.com/sam.adeleke

P.S: The ads displayed in this blog are a few of my works.

Business Insights from the SAMSUNG – JAY Z Deal

Last month, June 2013, Samsung Electronics – the world’s largest technology company (it displaced Apple Inc. in 2011), announced it would be giving 1 million free copies of the yet-to-be released album of the world famous music act, Jay Z, to fans. The Magna Carta Holy Grail album was available for download from July 4, three days before the official July 7 release date. A mobile app, JAY Z Magna Carta, available exclusively on certain Samsung mobile devices was the conduit through which this album will be downloaded. Samsung paid $5 for each album.

Reviews are still very much on regarding the content of the album and not a few would be curious to know the content of a MAGNTA CARTA HOLY GRAIL album coming from a controversial rapper who has been associated with the famous Illuminati fraternity. This is, however, a topic for another day. Nevertheless, many will agree that the business of business is business. And regardless of the players involved, success in business is a function of the application of universal principles. For business-oriented minds, such a high profile synergy between these two big brands will, no doubt, be a subject of interest. Here are two business insights that could be gleaned from this partnership.

BIG BOYS HANG OUT WITH BIG BOYS.

This is a universal fact: Market leaders and global brands have a culture of fraternizing with each other. But truth is, regardless of your current level in life and business your future trajectory is a direct proportion of your association. You are who you attract. Two poor men cannot help each other. Each of you must have something unique that’s been brought to the table. Sentimental associations do not have long-term prospects. The ability to objectively identify each other’s strengths coupled with the willingness to work on each other’s weaknesses is a significant pointer to the direction you’re headed. Big brands don’t just stumble on each other. They have track records of success, coupled with a conscious effort to keep leveraging on the influence and competitive advantage of complementary brands.

Samsung Group, founded in 1938, in South Korea, is one of the largest conglomerates in the world with flourishing business enterprises ranging from Electronics to Ship Building, Construction, Telecommunications, Insurance, Advertising, Entertainment, Medical services, among others. The group’s revenue in 2011 was in excess of US $247 billion. Meanwhile, Jay Z (Shawn Corey Carter), 43, is reputed to be one of the most financially successful music acts in the world. With interests in sports, apparel and record-labels, Forbes estimated his wealth at nearly $500 million in 2012. And for the U.S president to have once named you as his favourite rapper, then you are indeed a big fish.

BIG BOYS DON’T GIVE UP ON THE COMPETITION. THEY’LL ALWAYS FIND A WAY. 

According to The UK Guardian, this Samsung – Jay Z deal is arguably more about Samsung consolidating their ‘victory’ over the iPhone and iPad in the smartphone and tablet markets – and using music to do that – just as Apple did with the iPod in 2001 and the iTunes store in 2003. Moreover, it appears non-Samsung-owning fans are being penalized for not having the right device as well. The message is clear: if you don’t have a Samsung tab or S series, you aint in-vogue. Many also see this as a daring move to atone for the fact that Samsung’s own Music Hub music service has failed to capture the public’s imagination.

Indeed, the Samsung example is a classic model of resilience in the face of stiff competition. In business, regardless of the level you are or have attained, you’ve got to keep digging, keep searching and keep thinking until 'light' comes. You mustn’t give in to the ‘enemy’. His plan is to edge you out of the competition. You’ve got to stay in the game. Remember, quitters never win. And winners never quit.

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Sam Adel'

25BB383A

234-803-442-1195

WHAT MOTHER TOLD HER CHILDREN ABOUT MARRIAGE

I have 5 special women in life. And I cherish and adore them like every man should. Few days ago, I got a mail from one of them. It was a mother's homily to her adorable kids. The content of the mail blessed me and I have a nagging feeling it will inspire you too. Happy reading!

Dear Children,

Should the Lord give you the good gift of a husband or wife, and I hope He does, there are a few things I want you to know. Things that you may not hear from anyone else, and certainly not on TV or other media. Sadly, your church may not even tell you.

Marriage, sweet little people, is not for the purpose of your happiness. Happy as I want you to be and hope you will be, you must yet understand that marriage is God’s design and His purposes must be pursued in order for you to be truly happy. His end is holiness and He will use all things in a life devoted to Him to fulfill that end.

To my girls:

Marry a man whose first pursuit is Christ. After that, he is not hard to please. Admire him, cheer him on and show gratitude, and he will fall over himself trying to please you. Smile often, speak well of him always, and do whatever necessary to try and maintain a pleasant mood about you so that it transfers to your home, making it a place where he and your children love to be. You’ll have bad days of course, crying days even, and that’s when you go to your bedroom, kneel on the floor and beg the Lord to carry you. Then get up, get a fresh perspective (crayons will come off the wall), and try again. Above all else, make a home.

To my boys:

Marry a woman whose first pursuit is Christ. After that, she may be hard to please only if you don’t know “the secret”. What is that? I’m glad you asked. The secret to pleasing your wife is to make her feel safe and treasured. You may have to move out of your comfort zone to do this at times. She won’t always readily translate the oil change to love, though it means that. But let me give you a “secret question”– a question you need to ask her often. It’s not just in the asking, though. Be sure to focus your eyes on hers, maybe even touch her shoulder or face, and then ask: “What’s on your mind these days? “ And then be ready to listen. She wants you to draw her out. She will perceive this as your protection over the matters of her heart. Tenderness, listening, protection. That’s what she wants.

To you all:

If your wife or husband does something really stupid, forgive. If they do it again, forgive again. Forgiveness must be the propelling force in your lives each day. Dwell on the strengths, push out thoughts of their weaknesses. Take every thought captive–choose to love. Here’s that part you are not going to hear often: If you find yourself “not happy”, having lost attraction, disinterested, etc., you are not permitted to even think about a divorce. If you find yourselves arguing more and more, don’t think for a minute that “the children will be better off out of this”, because they won’t.

The vows you took on your wedding day were not suggestions. They were covenant vows, before a Holy God, family and friends, to stay with this person the rest of your life, even if you don’t feel like it. You swore a solemn oath and if you can’t live up to it, don’t get married. Decide up front that your marriage is irrevocable. There is far more motivation for getting along if your “marriage house” has no door.

Do not share intimate thoughts or feelings with anyone of the opposite sex. Do not find yourself alone for any length of time with such either. Divorce is not a “private option”. It will affect multiple families for many generations. When you “separate what God has joined” you permanently injure far more than just yourself. Guard your marriage as fiercely as you would guard your own life. Treat your spouse as an

extension of your flesh, just as God sees you. Treat your spouse like other family members. You know, “you gotta love ‘em, they’re the only family you’ve got”.

I want you to be happy, I surely do. But I will pray for you to be holy. Proverbs 19:14 - "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." Proverbs 20:6-7 - "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after.

Sincerely yours,

Mom.

Final word:

I am grateful for the women in my life, for they have made me a better person; and I have learnt to dwell with them according to knowledge. I hope the same is for you too. If not, then take your case to the 'manufacturer' of the 'product'. He sure has a 'product manual' for you.

Selah...

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Sam Adel'

25BB383A

+234-803-4421195

"Forgive? Yes. Forget? No!" THREE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD FORGIVE AND FORGET

"Man has two great spiritual needs," declared Billy Graham. "One is for forgiveness. The other is for goodness." For me, there is a third: Forgetfulness. Did I hear you ask, "Why?". Trust me, it's not as simple as you think, for it was  Thomas Szasz, a renowned psychiatrist, who quipped, "The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naïve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget." Nothing, however, could be farther from the truth.

At this juncture, you might want to disagree with me to take sides with Szasz. But before you do, let's be clear. Forgetfulness doesn't mean you should never remember the name of your adversary or the painful events that hurt you deeply. To 'forget', in this context, is to make a conscious effort to choose not to let that awful memory of your past influence your future decision relating to that person or event.

To forget has nothing to do with self-denial. It, however, has everything to do with absolving the criminal of his crime and relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim. Indeed, "one of the keys to happiness is a bad memory", says Rita Mae Brown. But the trouble is, most of us don't know how to 'erase' it. Of a truth, there appears to be no Product Manual for forgiveness, nor Beginners Guide for getting past betrayals, disappointments and hurts, however, the bible - the infallible word of God is not silent on this issue. Regardless of the opinion of men, it is important to consider the words of the only authentic authority on this subject - the Creator of the Universe - the One who practically forgives and forgets on a daily basis. If we were indeed made in His image, why aren't we getting it right? Here are 3 important reasons why we should:

One: If you forgive others their trespass, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (and your sins will He remember no more). Matthew 6:14. Therefore, if God has chosen to wipe your slate clean and give you a clean bill of health, how much more should you to your fellow man.

Two: "If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted," Galatians 6:1-2. "The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity," Gordon Hinckley posits. "It is one of the great virtues to which we should all aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology, nothing will be impossible for them to achieve".

Finally: "If you forgive anyone's sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don't forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven," John 20:23. Selah (think about these things).

Among other things, to forgive and forget requires the help of the Holy Spirit. And you can only access Him if you confess and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you will, please say this prayer with me: 'Father, forgive me of my sins. I accept and confess Jesus Christ as my Lord & personal Saviour in Jesus Name'. Amen.

I cherish your feedback and your willingness to also share this with others. God bless you.

Sam Adel'

25BB383A

+234-8034421195

sammieadeleke@yahoo.com

Come Sell Without Money

"Why are people unemployed?" Craig Bruce asked. "Because there is no work," he answered. " Why is there no work?", he continued. "Because people are not buying products and services. Why are people not buying products and services? Because they have no money. Why do people have no money? Because they are unemployed."

One of the setbacks of the Information age is the attendant laziness that comes with the white and blue collar jobs it has to offer. The ability to negotiate real products in real time with real people under real and often harsh economic conditions has become a priced virtue rather than a basic skill. What many unemployed, and even employed folks, seem not to realize is that the game is changing. Employers need more people who can sell, close the sale and increase the bottom-line. Promotion and productivity is no longer measured by the length of hours spent on the job but how valuable your contribution has been in increasing the organization's competitive advantage.

Let's face it, everyone is selling something. No matter how big MTN or Unilever is, until a recharge card is sold or a bar of Lux soap is bought, they haven't achieved their reason for existence. I know you probably have a job (or not) and you're thinking of how you can get promoted easily or secure that dream job in that juicy company you've been eyeing. I have good news for you: take the giant leap into the world of selling.

Dear friend, you've got to learn how to sell yourself, as well as products and services. And just like anything else, selling can be learnt. It is a simple combination of art and skill. And statistics have proven that the management of any organization will always be willing to listen to anyone who has ideas to help them make more sales and penetrate new markets.

I know this is not for everyone. But if you are still trying to figure out what to do with your life for the remaining 6 months in this year, then consider selling. Look for a product you can easily convince yourself to buy - either tangible or intangible. Then read and find about it. (Trust me there's no substitute to knowledge acquisition). And coupled with the inspiration and leading of the Spirit, you can take the step of faith by approaching that organisation or individual who has that product or service you'll like to help him sell or improve sales.

You might be broke today, but you don't have to remain broke for the rest of the year. You might need money to buy your next recharge card, but you sure don't need money to get into the world of selling. Get started today and you'll be glad you did. "Be content to act and leave the talking to others".

Wishing you God's best in the new month ahead.

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Sam Adel'
25BB383A