Salvation Colony

Chapter Eight

41 Salvation Colony: Sequel to No Way to Die Chapter Eight Dennis Nunqam Ndendemajem I was the subject of the last part of the service. The Pastor said: “As we bow down our heads to communicate with God, I take this very special opportunity to show here our newest brother. Brother Dennis, stand up,” he beckoned to me. I rose. “Introduce yourself and tell the church why you are here.” “I am Dennis Nunqam Ndendemajem. I was working with the Central Cooperatives in Mbongo. Because of my lowly position a friend of mine came and took me to live with him and study to become a doctor. Life became so complicated that I took a rope and climbed to hang myself...” There was a low noise of disapproval. “Yes, brethren,” Pastor Shrapnell stepped in. “Give him your ears.” “The roof fell on me. I felt sorry and went to everybody who knew me to ask for forgiveness. They all refused. So I have come to Our Father,” I pointed to Pastor Shrapnell, the man nodded. “He has agreed to talk to God on my behalf and God will listen to me, and He will forgive me. And I have pledged my services at the disposal of Salvation Colony, forever.” “E-i-men, Brethren!” Pastor Shrapnell shouted from the pulpit and clapped. “E-i-m-e-nnn!” they all shouted and clapped. 42 Linus T. Asong “Resume your seat, brother Dennis,” he said. I felt some slight relief, not from the pain in my body but in the pain in my heart, the pain on my mind. Even without actually talking to God I began to feel wanted. As I sat down Pastor Shrapnell concluded: “Even as we are rejoicing here, brethren, there is joy in heaven for our brother. For Luke Chapter 15 verse 7 tells you that “there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 respectable people who do not need to repent.” *** As soon as the service was over I waited for The Pastor at the door of his office. When he came he placed his right hand on my shoulder and took me into the office. There he asked me to confirm that I had once actually turned my back on wealth, and that I had once actually taken off my clothes and sat alone to contemplate the greatness of God. “Dr. Maximillian Essemo is wealth,” I said. “I turned my back on his wealth. In his own house I lived only in the boys’ quarters, not in the luxurious main house. One day I removed all my clothes and sat in the dark. But, Our Father,” I confessed, “when I removed my clothes and sat in the dark it was not because I was thinking of God. I was just thinking of my misery in a world where everybody else was enjoying himself. The Pastor seemed doubly pleased with me. “I see in your eyes that the Lord has already pardoned you all your sins,” he said. I don’t know whether he meant to be taken seriously, but the more he reassured me the better I felt both in my heart and in my body. “What makes you think so, Pastor?” I asked. “I have spoken to Him in my heart,” he said, “and he has assured me that he has done so, if you will carry his cross.” “I will carry it, Pastor,” I promised again. “Just show me and I will carry it.” 43 Salvation Colony: Sequel to No Way to Die “Come to the Colony,” the Pastor repeated the invitation. “I am in pain, Our Father,” I told him. “I am hungry, I have nothing, no food, no money. What you see on me is all that I have on this earth as clothes. I am not even wearing a pant inside.” “Come to Salvation Colony,” Pastor Shrapnell said again. “At Salvation Colony, the Lord ensures that those who do not have, have. You will lack nothing.” Pastor Shrapnell gave me 2,000 francs and told me to find my way to Salvation Colony. “You can’t miss it,” he said and then drove away. ...