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John lived in a 4 bedroom bungalow with his family; his wife and three children. The bungalow was built on a massive plot of land, big enough for two houses. The house was owned by an international manufacturing company where he worked as an accountant. He rose to the position of a director in a few years. He was very diligent at his job, not only as a top executive, but also someone of high integrity and astute professionalism worthy of emulation. As a self-made man from a very humble beginning, he believed so much in personal development. He read books at his spare time. He took reading as his hobby and spent quite a substantial amount of money growing his personal library. Aside reading, he believed that giving, especially to people in need was a great way to appreciate His creator who has been good to him and his family. The apartment, being his company’s property was rented to him as part of the incentives attached to the office of the Director. This area was occupied by the elites of this mega city of a West African state. The reason why anyone would be able to live in this particular community was through inheritance, being a top government official or company’s executives, and successful business owners. Having worked for a number of years at his present job, the company decided to sell the property to John. He had always believed in saving right from his early working years, as he was only able to further his education pass high school from his personal savings. This made it an attractive opportunity to jump at the offer of buying the property from his company. The Company offered him a soft loan to make up for the cost of  acquiring the land. The loan was to be repaid from the rent he would  get from so many years of renting the property once it is completed.

The next step after acquiring the property was to build a dividing fence to separate the other half of the land from the house where he lived. A few years passed, and he was ready to build this land into a block of 6 flats, to be used as an investment property. He hired the services of building professionals; Architects, structural Engineers and a building contractor. Living in this community, coping with the hustle and bustle of working in a metropolitan city and being a top executive at the peak of his profession was enough for anyone not to feel the pains and cry of down trodden class of the society. This was not the case with John.

He was excited and could not wait to see the building to completion and so, would visit the site every night when he got back from work. He used his torch light to go into the site and inspect the progress of construction. On this particular night, he noticed a reflection of light from one of the rooms under construction. He was very surprised, stepped back for a moment and went closer. He saw a young boy in his teens using a candle light to study.

Who are you? What are you doing here? Demanded John

My name is Tammy. I am one of the general labors working here during the day. I am sorry Sir! Responded the young man

Tammy continued. I’m studying for an entrance exam to the university, and couldn’t afford to travel back every night to where I live. I had to work to pay for the examination, and would not do myself any good if I do not prepare well.

Oh! OK! Tell me about yourself and your family. Demanded John

Tammy continued. My dad died a few years and my mom is really struggling to take care of myself and my sibling. It’s not been easy for her.

John was so sorry for this young man and he said to him: please let me know when you get your results. I wish you the very best. Thank you sir. I will surely do. Responded Tammy.

John informed his wife Anne of his conversation with Tammy and they both agreed to help him through school if his results were good enough to get him admitted.

A few months later, the construction was completed, but Tammy did as he was told. He had written the entrance exam to get into the Mechanical Engineering program and had passed. He informed John, who was so happy of his success. Congratulations Tammy. I’m so proud of you.  What are the tuition and other living expenses? We are going to take care of the tuition immediately. Reaffirmed John. How much would you require monthly for other expenses.

Five thousand bucks sir, responded Tammy.

I will pay the Living expenses into your bank account every month, starting from the first month of the school year. Tammy thanked John and his wife exceedingly. He was very excited, very appreciative of his new “adopted” parents and looked forward to a great school year. He came back after a few days, with his mum and siblings to show his heart felt appreciation to John and his family. What a warm welcome to receive them.

Years passed, but Tammy did not forget the promise he made to himself. He must succeed! He was very diligent at his studies and focused more on completing his course of study with his desired outcome. He visited John and his family occasionally and he became a part of the family, received a warm welcome anytime he visited.

Four years went by just like a flash. He did very well, and was on the honor roll throughout the program. He made both his mum and his adopted parents very proud, and his graduation was a dream comes true. Thank goodness, he made it with distinction! The next step was to secure an employment with a reputable firm to at least make a living. He prepared a good resume and applied to so many Engineering companies. The job did not come forth. Looking for a job is a job in itself. There were not many interviews, and the few ones did not get this young man a job. He became so frustrated, and approached John one day.

Daddy, what can I do for you in the house, to engage me in the meantime? Tammy asked.

You know I have domestic workers already, and it would be unfair to relieve them of their job without a reason. Do not worry my dear. Yours will come very soon by God s grace amen. Replied John.

The young man did not give up. He extended his search outside the shores of his country.

He got a job at an Engineering company in Europe. It was a fantastic offer. He needed to apply for a work visa with his offer letter, so that he may travel overseas to start his career. Tammy went to see John to share the good news. Congratulations Tammy. What next. John asked.

I need a work visa, but I do not have the funds to process the visa or buy the travel ticket.

How much will it cost, demanded John. I will give you the processing fees and the air fare when you are ready to go. Concluded John

I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you more and more sir.

Tammy traveled to another city where the consular office was. The work visa was issued, and he purchased his flight ticket.

The D-day was here, Tammy left his country feeling very happy and excited. What the new country holds is unknown to him, but the fact that he was going to start a career in his course of study meant a lot to him.

He had settled down in his new country, and his next ambition was marriage. He fell in love with a young vibrant lady, from his country of origin. Her background, humility, decency and disposition to life were an envious one. A few months into their relationship, she already knew who John was, and what impacts he had made to Tammy’s life. The relationship worked well within a few years, and Tammy proposed to Yolanda. They both agreed to have their marriage in their country of origin, as their parents and those who matters in their lives needed to be present at the wedding. Tammy called to inform John and Anne, that a date has been fixed and that John will be standing in the position of his biological dad. It was a welcome responsibility for John and Anne. They supported their marriage in every way possible. It was a very colorful occasion and celebration. No extravagance, but a good celebration of love. Everyone present witnessed a memorable event. The couple traveled back a few weeks after their marriage. It was a great honey moon for them.

A few months after their marriage, Tammy felt the need to show his appreciation. He sent a cash gift of fifty thousand bucks to John and Anne. They appreciated it a lot, but John told him that all he needed to know was that Tammy was happy and living well with his family.

Tammy and Yolanda are now living in bliss and we wish them both a happy married life with kids who will fill their home with joy and laughter amen. John and Anne are retired, and are living well in North America. May God bless them with a very healthy life amen.

Lesson learnt

1. Pay attention to the people around you. You may see the need to lift someone up
2. Help in every little way possible. It goes a long way
3. Do not be quick to react to strangers, except it is a positive one.

Dear God. Make us good instrument for others, and please reward us with bounties that knows no bound amen.