When Primary 5 student Tolu Ayeni is unexpectedly called to speak at morning assembly, fear takes over. But with caring friends, a kind teacher, and prayer, she finds courage and discovers she is never alone.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Philippians 4:6
Friday Morning at Charis International School
Morning assemblies at Charis International School were a big deal.
Some pupils loved them, while, some others it.
Assembly time was for important things:
Morning prayersUseful talksRules and remindersAnd sometimes... punishment for those who broke the rules!
Anyone could be asked to pray or give a short speech. That was one of the reasons Tolu, a Primary 5 student, didn’t like the assembly.
She really disliked it, especially on Fridays when speeches were more common.
Tolu had a little trick. On some mornings, she would waste time getting ready, just so she and her parents would arrive when the assembly was already over.
But today? Her trick didn’t work.
Her mum, Mrs Ayeni, had a big event to attend at 9 a.m., and Lagos is no joke!
She woke Tolu up early, exactly at 6 a.m.
“Let’s move quickly, Tolu,” she said. “I have somewhere to be this morning, so I need to drop you off early today. I don’t have the time to waste.”
Assembly started at 7:30 a.m., and by 7:25, they were already driving into school.
After a quick “Good morning!” to the teachers, Mrs Ayeni gave Tolu a warm hug and drove off to face the Lagos roads.
Tolu stood quietly in her neat uniform, holding her schoolbag, and looking towards the school hall.
Today, there was no escaping the assembly.
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