The Blackmith's Touch

The clouds were heavy. Like a pregnant woman nearing labour, its sack threatened to burst.

                                                                              *
His back was against the bush. From where he sat on a board laid across two mounds of clay, the silhouette of his frame was beautifully outlined on the mud wall, albeit exaggerated. He was frantically puffing on a lighted pipe. Rumours had it that he smoked this hard when something had gone amiss in his day, eating him up and makes everyone around him prey to his anger. His wife and son knew that too well after being through several episodes of smacking from those two huge palms of his. Abena Amonowaa's blocked left ear and her son, Joojo's two missing front teeth were enough evidence.

                                                                           
Mawuli Gyata was his name. 'Mawuli' was given by his father. His other name, 'Gyata' which is actually an alias and the twi translation for lion was given to him by neighbours who likened him to the beast. He was 6ft 5'', partially blind and cross-eyed. His perfectly set teeth were creamy-shy from being yellow, with pink lips- one from the kisses alcohol. A blacksmith by circumstance, his dexterity with iron set him up perfectly to inherit his father's occupation, one that he hated.

                                                                         

                                                                             *

"Just look at how he inhales so much smoke and exhales less'', Julia quizzed with much trepidation as she stood hidden behind the bush with her partner Kelvin. "His muscles look like they were built from iron. So this is the kind of man we were directed to?" Kelvin didn't help matters with these words either. Both stood startled at the enormous task they had infront of them. Neither had the effrontery to take the bold step from behind the bush. The strong winds that were followed by deafening thunder gave them the ultimate excuse they'd wished for to abort their mission. The message to be delivered on another day. Just maybe.

                                                                               *
"Abena!! Abena!!, Where is this stupid woman? Joojo! Joojo!, And these nosy neighbours will call me Gyata. Everyone here has gone mad!" Mawuli trotted towards the main hut to steady the empty barrel that was falling on impact with the violent, dusty wind. He cupped his eyes with his right hand and held on firmly to the piece of cloth wrapped lazily around his waist with his left. He bit his lips and cursed. His frustration was further worsened by the raindrop that landed on his back. The cloud gave up its rains. "Those two dogs will come and meet me here", he muttered as he headed towards the door. When he saw two figures scurrying towards his hut, he held his breath and clenched his fists.

                                                                               *
"Thank you for your hospitality. We appreciate it greatly", Julia said as she adjusted her hair which had  been ruffled by the tumultuous wind. Mawuli barely heard her words as he was focused on jittery Kelvin. Kelvin sat there quietly staring at Mawuli and intermittently muttering something to himself, attempting to open the book on his laps and stopping midway. He had been conned by his host's 'cross-eyedness' not knowing that they had been staring at each other all the time. Whe he could not bottle up any longer, he opened his mouth damning the consequences. "Mawuli, i'd like to share something with you. A love story. One about Jesus". They were taken aback by the drama that unfolded.


                                                                             *
Like a mother who had lost her baby, Mawuli sobbed on his knees as he said the sinner's prayer. He felt an inner peace and relief from the rot he had been living. The more he was comforted, the louder he cried.He never wanted to be like his father. If only they knew his past. The times when his father beat him and his mother up. When his mother was gang raped as they tried escaping from the fangs of his father. If only they knew his 'cross-eyedness' was not natural and that he was living a life of bitterness, they would have brought this Good News earlier. The gospel of the Blacksmith of souls. He only could release those anvils that held him bound to his past.

He rushed into his room and was met by his biggest fear. Abena's bag and Joojo's favorite shirt were not tucked at their usual place. it dawned on him.

PS: Please share with me lessons from this story. I see evangelism no matter the circumstance. You?