IF I WERE YOU. (Editing)

TWELVE_

The huge gate opened wide to the three cars that carried Pastor Joshua Deji. He rode with the one in the center while his security and Deacons rode in the other two.

He lifted his head slowly and watched as the most talked about estate came to life. He smiled at the trees that stood tall on the streets and the tall street lights that stood close to each of them.

The houses were ultra modern, with gates and a garbage bins standing in front of each.
The streets were so clean and a shuttle bus took people from point A to point B. It was as though he'd traveled  to one of those first world countries.

        "David Maitama has really done well for himself." He said under his breath.
They drove for about thirty minutes before the car slowly stopped in front of a gate with an inscription, 'BISHOP'S COURT'.

A security guard peeped into his side of the car. "May I please know the purpose of your visit?" The polite officer asked after greeting the baba.

         "Tell David that his father has come." The old man answered, while checking the smart watch on his wrist.

His heart rate was still within normal range and his sugar level was still okay. He pushed a button to check his blood pressure and the number displayed on the screen pleased him.
The security officer stood there patiently waiting for him to finish whatever he was doing.

         "I am sorry sir, but I think you're in a wrong place. There's no one with such name here."

He left a penetrating gaze on the young security guard. "I am in the right place. Tell Bishop Maitama that Pa Deji has come."

Seeming to understand the name mentioned, the guard nodded and ran to a phone booth in the office after slotting in a chipped card.
His lips moved and Pa Deji watched with delight at the level of proficiency of their security measures. It'd been the same thing when they entered the estate.

After few minutes, the polite guard returned with a smile on his face.    

          "He'll see you now."

          "Thank you." He said while still watching the man. "What is your name?" He asked.

The guard raised an eyebrow. No one had ever asked him that question, and he didn't know how he felt telling a stranger his name. "Erm....." He began to answer.

          "Soluchi!" Pa Deji finished for him.

The man shuddered and pulled his head away from the car. "Follow God. Isn't that the meaning of your name?"

Soluchi nodded. "Because you have shown me kindness today without compromising your office, I'll bless you."

He winced in pain as he pulled himself forward to lay hands on the man who had surrendered to the blessing of an elderly man.

          As he prayed, Soluchi felt an instant warmth all over his body. His eyes watered and his feet trembled. Pa Deji gave a signal to the guys in the car with him.
They supported Soluchi until he was done praying. By the time Pa Deji was done, Soluchi was speaking in tongues.

He gave him few minutes to recover before he pinned his eyes on his. "Gods hands are upon you and he has called you for his purpose."

Soluchi looked around him and back at the old man. "What was that?" He asked, baffled.
A smile crossed Pa Deji's face. "God's calling you."

The guard nodded in confusion and spoke into his walkie talkie. "Open the gates!"
Slowly the cars drove through the numerous gates before the finally arrived in front of Bishop's massive home.