on the road to shangisha 2 -

“I always have Altars commemorating my encounters with God”

“Altars kwa?” I responded

“Yes. Altars like Bible times”

I knew about Altars. I mean, both of us are Old-time religion, faith-based bible followers. We shared similar foundational upbringing and the bible was one common area for us.

However, when I thought physical Altars, the image which drew up was the type in my friend Esso’s Catholic home.

Howbeit now, my Pentecostal friend was talking Altars

“Tell me about it” I returned quietly across the line.

“I learnt to set up Altars. For each major encounter I have with God I set up an altar at the location where it happened”

And I listened to my friend go on about memorials as statutes of remembrances of God’s faithfulness. So much so that by the time I drove off, that billboard location became an altar for me. I would eventually set up others.

Years later, after I had moved away from Magodo, that location remained an Altar. A place which held the presence of God for me strongly. It also served as a place of Refuge for me.

For each time I drove through that environs, I would cast a glance to that landmark and say a prayer.

I recall during the Pandemic when I was super-stressed and floundering. This particular day, driving to the Fruits market at Ketu; I stopped by the First bank after Caleb College to use the ATM.

Overwhelmed, I parked and walked down to the billboard. I stood there for quite some time seeking solace. I felt the security which you would find when you run into a Safe House. Then, feeling grounded, I left.

Now, as I stand 110 metres above sea level drinking in the views, I feel so relaxed and peaceful.

I recall the first time I was up here – the week before the surgery. Crushed and groping my way to understand what this new drama was all about, I had stood at this same spot closer to the heavens monologuing to God.

“Cancer?”

“Surely Lord, you know I trust you enough to make this this disappear and we would not have to go through this process?”

I reasoned. Pleaded. Argued my case as I stood up there. By the time we left there, I had built an altar on the clouds of the Spinnaker Tower.

God did not make the Cancer disappear.

Yet, standing at this altar again today, I know that victory comes in shades.