I DECRY

I DECRY 

 ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Rev. Dr. James Mbotela Syomuti, ThD, DD, PhD, is a Kenyan citizen and he lives in Kitui County, near Kitui Town. He is married to Anna and they have been blessed with six children, (four sons and two daughters.) All of their children are now adults and some of them are married. He is a pastor, a teacher, an artist, a writer of fiction and nonfiction, a poet, a humorist and he is also a prolific personal blogger(https://syomuti.blogspot.com). He has a deep passion for writing content. So far, he has written and published some ebooks with Smashwords Publishing Platform in USA. His published titles are; (1) The Maid (2) The Moving Mouth (3) The Virgin (4) The Drunkard. (5) The Soliloquist (One), (6) The Soliloquist (Two). (7) The Stranger & Other Poems. You can access the above books by visiting his site on the internet, by clicking https://syomuti.com He has taught students at different Secondary Schools in his home county for many years down the line. He is an approved Bible Skills Institute (BSI) trainer, a theological program of Every Home for Christ International, (Headquarters-The Jericho Center, Colorado Springs, COUSA). He teaches church adults theological courses. On top of that, he teaches adults (physically),  English Language. He is a born again Christian, a pastor and the Founder/Bishop of Siloam Worship Center International Ministries. You can access the church details online, by just writing and clicking the above underlined name, on the internet. He is an itinerant preacher, and a teacher of the Word of God. He has several certificates and diplomas in theology, from national and international Bible Schools.

He has a certificate in Spiritual Life Development from Northwestern Christian University, in USA. Above all, he has honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humanity (DH) and Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Prixton Church & University, in USA. He also has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Ministry Science, and honorary doctorate degrees of; Doctor of Achievement in Ministry Science, Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry Science, Doctor of Divinity (DD) inMinistry Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ministry

Science, from Abide University.

I DECRY

I decry the falling standards of security which have become so

much pronounced and imminent in our nation. Gone are the days when the citizens used to enjoy peace and security in their daily activities twenty four hours round the clock. These days, everything has changed drastically. A state of fear and insecurity has gripped every part of our beloved nation. Our neighboring countries are still in the same net of insecurity and anarchy. Our state organs of security have been appalled and disheartened by the sophisticated and lethal weapons which the merciless assailants use in their wicked and sudden operations. These days, our countrymen live in a tense and charged atmosphere of deep fear of unexpected abrupt attack. I decry the empty promises which are made by our security chiefs. They issue public statements that proper surveillance is being maintained in terms of identifying and combating the camp of the enemy. However, the more these assurances are given, the more we continue to wallow in a state of occasional insecurity. Who can contain this situation before the attackers continue to devastate innocent lives and cripple our ailing economy? I decry the falling standards of morality.

Immorality has become the order of the day and it has been very

difficult to curb this vice. Disgusting reports of fathers defiling their daughters have reached our ears. Some church ministers have also been caught pants down in the 'very act,' with their female counterparts.

I decry the shameful and unnatural conduct whereby men have

been involved in homosexuality in the name of liberty for choice and

lifestyle. What a shame? If the Holy Scriptures warn us against any manner of impurity and immorality, why do people want to go contrary and justify themselves by defying the will of God? Life is not in its proper order these days. Things have become complicated and disheartening. The most difficult thing to do in life is to deny a fact. You see, facts don't cease to be facts either because people deny them or because nobody wants to talk about them. Life is full of wonders and mysteries. There are things that are beyond human scope of understanding and interpreting. It is only God alone who understands everything. God is an interpreter of deep and hidden things. God knows every detail about our lives, from day one of our lives when we visit this world up to the last minute when we call it a day, for the inescapable or predestined transition to the next destination.

TURBULENT TIMES

In the midst of uncertainty and turbulent times, I will still trust and

depend on you, my God, for I am a frail and helpless creature. The

prevailing situation here is quite unpredictable. Everything around

here is chaotic and disturbing. I am like a confused man who has just stirred up from a deep lethargy. Nobody knows what is happening here. Everybody seems to be confused and undependable either in terms of their words or deeds. The world is now running wild and life is fully packed with a lot of madness from different calibers of people. Woe unto the affluent class of this present age. Woe unto the elite class of our time. Woe unto the political class which claims to have tangible solutions to the many pending and unresolved problems bedeviling the populace at large. I cannot dare to depend or count on anybody these days. I have had bitter encounters and interaction with people of different classes and professions in this deceptive and short-lived life. Many of the people whom I have thrust all my confidence and my trust have turned out to be incredible brokers. I have therefore ceased to transact any worthwhile business with them until further notice. I am a typical casualty of occasional drawbacks which have been caused by many people I respected and regarded as true friends. But now, here I am regretting and nursing the wounds which they have inflicted upon me. I have learnt a good lesson up to that far. I should only trust God and myself. There is a lot of mischief andcollusion within and without. I am tired of being treated to

demoralizing and heartbreaking news on daily basis. “Husband hacks his wife on her forehead with a blunt object to death and then he swallows deadly poison.” “A corrupt

rich politician dies and he is buried with a lot of money in his coffin so that when he crosses over to the other side of life, he can bribe God to forgive him because of his crooked and miserable years he lived on earth.” “An energetic gentleman dies in a lodging because of overdosing a sex boosting drug. His organ remains stiff even after his death as his lover flees hurriedly from their love making hideout.” Surely, the reports which I have been getting of late are disturbing and heart shattering. I wonder what has gone amiss with the people who live in this world these days. After all, who cares? There is a lot of unwelcome drama at the stage, on the scene of life.

The mass media has been a credible watchdog in terms of

illuminating different occurrences in this world. Man, you cannot

run away or hide anywhere. You cannot be a fugitive from life’s

realities. By all means, you are part and parcel of the realities of life. It doesn’t matter whether you are learned or unlearned. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor. It doesn’t matter whether you are loved or hated. It doesn’t matter whether you interact with the other people or you live in isolation. Friend, you cannot hide anywhere. There is nowhere to hide in this world. Don’t deceive yourself by establishing your own physical or

imaginary fortress to convince yourself that you have adequate

security. There is no credible security in this world. Let the opulent class take its cover and comfort in its enormous affluence, but reports will still come. Let those who live in their conspicuous mansions continue enjoying and making merry, but reports will still come. Let those who have hired bodyguards to give them tight security be reminded that reports will still come. Let the learned class of our society continue to wallow in its prideful academic achievements, but tell the concerned that reports will still come any time, anywhere. Why do some people think of themselves so highly than they really are? What do they gain by behaving so haughtily and giving the impression that they are untouchables and the cream of the society? This is outright vanity and self deceit. There is no need of striving to adulterate one’s real character in the quest for being noticeable.

Simplicity and sobriety are the ingredients of sound life. Why do you elevate yourself? How do you gain by so doing? Why have you chosen to lose some of your most intimate friends because of your arrogance and self esteem? The effects of pomp and class are exceedingly devastating.

You can contact me through; 

Email:syomuti@gmail.com or jambsy@yahoo.com 

Mobile: +254724649652 or +254718776259

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jamesmbotela.syomuti.7 Twitter:https://twitter.com/jambsy@yahoo.com 

Website:https://syomuti.com 

Blog:https://syomuti.blogspot.com

LIFE'S ELUSIVENESS

Rev. Dr. James Mbotela Syomuti DD, PhD, is a Kenyan

citizen and he lives in Kitui County, near Kitui Town. He is married to Anna and they have been blessed with six children, (four sons and two daughters.) All of their children are now adults and some of them are married. He is an artist, a writer of fiction and nonfiction, a poet, a humorist and he is also a prolific personal blogger(https://syomuti.blogspot.com). He has a deep passion for writing content. So far, he has written and published some ebooks with Smashwords Publishing Platform in USA. His published titles are; (1) The Maid (2) The Moving Mouth (3) The Virgin (4) The Drunkard. (5) The Soliloquist (One), (6) The Soliloquist (Two). (7) The Stranger & Other Poems. You can access the above books by visiting his site on the internet, by clicking (https://syomuti.com). He has taught students at different Secondary Schools in his home county for many years down the line. He is an approved Bible Skills Institute (BSI) trainer, a theological program of Every Home for Christ International, (Headquarters-The Jericho Center, Colorado Springs, COUSA). He teaches church adults theological courses. On top of that, he teaches adults (physically), the English Language. He is a born again Christian, a pastor and the

Founder/Bishop of Siloam Worship Center International Ministries. You can access the church details online, by just writing and clicking the above underlined name, on

the internet. He is an itinerant preacher, and a teacher of the Word of God. He has several certificates and diplomas in theology, from national and international Bible Schools. He has a certificate in Spiritual Life Development from

Northwestern Christian University, in USA. Above all, he has honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humanity (DH) and Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Prixton Church & University, in USA. He also has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in

Ministry Science, and honorary doctorate degrees of; Doctor of Achievement in Ministry Science, Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry Science, Doctor of Divinity (DD) in

Ministry Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ministry Science, from Abide University. His student's (No.) is, ID#220929587.

LIFE IS A BIG SCHOOL

Ladies and Gentlemen, from different walks of life, I salute you all. Honestly, I revere and respect you wherever you are in this wretched world. In fact and frankly speaking, I don't know you and still I don't know your name. I don't know where you live in this corrupt world. I don't know your occupation neither do I know your

profession. Sincerely speaking, I even don't know your tastes in this short-lived and unpredictable life. I don't know why you are reading this literature. But there is nothing wrong with that. After all, you will agree with me that there is a dire need for every sober individual to take a deliberate dive into the world of escapism and literature. There is nothing wrong with that and I want you to take some time in this tedious and monotonous life, to read refreshing literature and at least divert your attention from this boring and conventional lifestyle. Sorry my friend. Do not mistake me for a radical cynic or introvert. Well, I am not purporting to be a sharp thinker. I am not claiming to be a genius or a brilliant person. Of course I may portray some vestiges of unnoticeable lunacy and confusion to some extent. I don't know exactly the reason why I have written this literature. Again, I don't know the reason why you have decided to read this book. Surely my friends, my foes and folks, it is mainly through your own volition that you have decided to read this content. As you continue reading this material, I wish you enjoyable flight into the literary world and deep meditation. Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts. At other times, I don't understand myself. Such are the times when I look at life and its painful realities from an individual’s stand-point. Some things are difficult for me to understand and explain as far as this short life is concerned.

In fact, life itself is a big school in which every living individual is enrolled as a student. Yes, this school of life is so big and has many classes where each one of us is in a particular class. We are always busy learning different lessons on daily basis from January to December, all the short years of our lives. My friend, I have learnt many lessons in this present life. Some of the lessons have been quite intricate for me to comprehend. Life itself is a school teacher who teaches his students in their own different classes or

closets, if you may like to call them so. In this school of life, I have learnt many sweet lessons and bitter ones as well. You see my friend, the lessons I have learnt in my class are not necessarily like

the ones you have learnt wherever you are. Of course, we have one school teacher, whose name is life and our classroom is the world we live in. The most interesting

thing about this school of life is that our teacher does not gather us in the same classroom for his informal lessons which in most cases are quite difficult and

demoralizing. In this regard, our teacher (life) gives us different exams to do and he doesn't

allow us to cheat or copy from each other. It is quite interesting and perplexing. Just come to think of it. Let us address issues realistically and squarely. You

cannot dodge the realities, the pitfalls and the complex lessons of this useless life. It is just vanity and a horrible illusion. Friend, you may not like me. You may not like my manner of expression. You may classify me as a lunatic or an

abnormal fellow but that won't make any difference whatsoever. A cow might be an ugly animal for you to keep in your homestead, but you still need it because of its milk. In as much as I can, I would like to respect your thoughts and your deep rooted whims as a matter of fact. I do not like imposing my ideologies and my contemplation upon anybody. You are entitled to your own choices and liberty in

this deceptive futile life. Nobody should influence you either positively or negatively. You are sober enough to make your own decisions concerning the issues of

your life. You are the master of your own thoughts and decisions in an independent perspective. You can choose what to do and what not to do. You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your enemies! You can choose where to live but you cannot choose your neighbors. You can choose your job but you cannot choose your workmates. I am disturbed and my

thoughts keep recurring and they trouble me. I am completely worn out. I am like a man who has got lost in a dense forest and tries to find his way out unsuccessfully.

I do not know which way to go. I don't know the difference between yesterday and tomorrow. I do not understand why things are the way they are and not the way I expect them to be. Frankly speaking, life is elusive. When I sit here and ponder over many issues in my life, I just find myself in an inevitable state of nostalgia. I hear the startling voices of life screaming and jeering at me. I am scared and demoralized. I am like a deserted homestead. What is the meaning and purpose of life after all? There is a lot of folly and futility in this unpredictable life. I have been constantly perturbed by what I have seen and heard in this life, up to that far. I have seen many prominent personalities in this life shining brilliantly like stars in the sky. I have seen men rise from levels of abject poverty and rejection by their contemporaries in the society, to levels of honor and recognition. I have seen them in their real perspective in terms of acquisition of opulence and excellence in their academic endeavors. I have seen men and women who have commanded rare and genuine respect from the masses. Oh yes, I have honestly

envied them and admired their lifestyles. I say, I have seen great men in our society. I have seen dignitaries and classic elite. It is quite interesting. I have seen politicians and academicians climbing the ladder of political excellence and academic achievement. I have seen men and women rising from rubbish heaps to thrones of honor and prosperity. I have seen beggars being elevated from their dire states of poverty to

positions of affluence and consequently, they have been accorded a standing ovation respect. I have also seen men who have become tycoons overnight by

fleecing public coffers and I have seen the same men lose their ill-gotten wealth through mysterious and painful ways in the twinkling of an eye. I have seen famous men and women in the society dressing decently and pompously but all of a sudden, their respectful attire has faded and disappeared with time. I have seen some prominent people bragging in public gatherings

because of their incomparable knowledge and achievement but all of a sudden, they are nowhere and no more to be seen and heard.

I have seen dreaded and powerful politicians who have soared in the corridors of power losing their coveted positions to the levels of the common man. I have seen them fall from grace to grass. I have seen very powerful government officials being poisoned and others being assassinated and the efforts of unraveling their mysterious deaths have only ended up by hitting unfruitful rock bottom. I have seen men who have involved themselves in violence and terrorism flourishing in their unlawful and inhuman operations. Our national police force and their detective networking activities to arrest and apprehend such dangerous

operatives have not born any fruit.

Around here, people live in a state of fear because of the constant marauding and attacks by the gangsters of this city. Nobody seems to have peace these days.

Some people are even thinking of fleeing from the city to unknown destinations of imagined safety. The nation's state of security is exceedingly wanting and nobody

seems to have a tangible method of combating the increasing insecurity. Politicians have tried to pass and enact laws in the national parliament to curb this menace of terrorism but all their concerted efforts have hit a snag. Security

details have also been unable to provide credible security to their political bosses. Everyone is scared these days. There has been rampant shooting by unknown

assailants in our cities. Innocent people, both civilians and prominent business people have been murdered in cold blood in the cities and villages and yet the attackers normally disappear dramatically, in thin air. The security department of our government gives the populace false hope by promising to go out flat in terms of cracking down the murderers but at the end of the day nothing happens. There are so many serial killers within and without who have fulfilled their

dirty and treacherous assignments so many times in different places of our country and yet the relevant government organs concerned with internal security have been unable to crack down the culprits.

These days, every individual is living in a state of fear and doubt. It is not business as usual in our villages and cities. People keep on looking over their shoulders as they walk because they cannot trust the person who is behind them. Even commuters are not at ease when they are travelling to and fro their places of work or any other place of interest. Terrorists are everywhere. They arm themselves with hidden lethal grenades

and visit places of public gatherings to perform their deliberate and evil mass

massacres. I say, nobody can assure you security these days. Do not depend on anyone to provide you with security because the people you may rely on for such

service are also scared. Aged women and young ladies have been ravished so many times in different

places. There has been a state of real anarchy around here. When women are raped and murdered and yet nobody is arrested for such crimes, what can be the

conclusion and what are we heading to? Just envision a scene whereby school girls are invaded by terrorists in their dormitories at night and are raped relentlessly for several hours. During such a

crime, the school watchmen are nowhere to be found. The police officers and other security personnel take many hours before they report on the scene of crime. It is so disgusting that by the time the security officers arrive at the schools where the girls have been attacked, the attackers are several kilometers away with some of

the school girls which they have raided and taken as hostages to their unknown camps of torture and murder. I am really disturbed. Yes, I say I have a chain of many disturbing issues concerning the state of the affairs of our nation.

Email: syomuti@gmail.com or jambsy@yahoo.com Mobile: +254724649652 or +254718776259 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jamesmbotela.syomuti.7 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/jambsy@yahoo.com 

Website:https://www.syomuti.com 

Blog:https://syomuti.blogspot.com

INTERVIEWING THE BLOGGER/AUTHOR

This interview has been viewed 1,089 times.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Rev. Dr. James Mbotela Syomuti, ThD, DD, PhD, is a Kenyan citizen and he lives in Kitui County, near Kitui Town. He is married to Anna and they have been blessed with six children, (four sons and two daughters.) All of their children are now adults and some of them are married. He is a pastor, a teacher, an artist, a writer of fiction and nonfiction, a poet, a humorist and he is also a prolific personal blogger(https://syomuti.blogspot.com). He has a deep passion for writing content. So far, he has written and published some ebooks with Smashwords Publishing Platform in USA. His published titles are; (1) The Maid (2) The Moving Mouth (3) The Virgin (4) The Drunkard. (5) The Soliloquist (One), (6) The Soliloquist (Two). (7) The Stranger & Other Poems. You can access the above books by visiting his site on the internet, by clicking https://syomuti.com He has taught students at different Secondary Schools in his home county for many years down the line. He is an approved Bible Skills Institute (BSI) trainer, a theological program of Every Home for Christ International, (Headquarters-The Jericho Center, Colorado Springs, COUSA). He teaches church adults theological courses. On top of that, he teaches adults (physically),  English Language. He is a born again Christian, a pastor and the

Founder/Bishop of Siloam Worship Center International Ministries. You can access the church details online, by just writing and clicking the above underlined name, on the internet. He is an itinerant preacher, and a teacher of the Word of God. He has several certificates and diplomas in theology, from national and international Bible Schools. He has a certificate in Spiritual Life Development from Northwestern Christian University, in USA. Above all, he has honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humanity (DH) and Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Prixton Church & University, in USA. He also has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Ministry Science, and honorary doctorate degrees of; Doctor of Achievement in Ministry

Science, Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry Science, Doctor of Divinity (DD) in Ministry Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ministry Science, from Abide University. His student's (No.) is, ID#220929587

Interview with James Mbotela Syomuti, Blogger/Author, by Smashwords Pubishing Company, USA

Published 2024-02-24.

Q1. What do you read for pleasure?

A1. I enjoy reading christian literature, not only for mere pleasure, but for my spiritual nourishment. I also like reading newspapers which are published daily by our local press. Indeed, I have a passion for adult fiction which has been written by other inspiring authors.

Q2.What are your comments about your writing experience?

A2. In fact, writing a worthwhile and a palatable book is not an easy assignment. It is a time consuming and energy draining exercise which requires a lot of patience. I didn't write "The Maid" in a conducive atmosphere. I experienced many heart breaking challenges from within and without, especially from the traditional publishing companies which were quite reluctant to publish my novel, even though the Chief Editors affirmed that the book was interesting and publishable! Nevertheless, even though I was turned down and discouraged by the publishers many times, I didn't give up. My unquenchable desire to publish the novel continued to burn within me. Finally, the Living God led me to Smashwords Publishing Platform and now my dream has been realized.

Q3. What advice can you give to other upcoming and talented authors?

A3. I want to send a timely and a wake up call to all talented writers globally, to come out of the frustrating traditional publishing mentality and embrace the modern electronic trend of publishing. I know that there are many talented young and old writers outside there who have good content but they have got stuck somewhere on the way, in their concerted efforts to publish their work. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel for such writers, and time is ripe for them now to hit the ground running towards electronic publishing.

Q4.In a nutshell, what can you say about the characters in your novel?

A4.Of course each one of the characters in my novel has contributed enormously, whether positively or negatively, to make the book what it is. There are characters in the book that I pity. There are others that I admire. Still, there are other characters that I dread and hate!

Q5.Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

A5.I grew up in a village called Nguluuni in Kitui County, in Kenya. Life in the village was quite difficult because of severe poverty. As a result, acquisition of sound education in the village was not possible for many of my contemporary age mates. In my village, there were quite a number of pupils who dropped out of school prematurely because their parents could not afford school fees. The girls who dropped out of school were mainly employed as housemaids by the affluent class of our community. I witnessed cases of many girls who secured themselves such employment and the way they were mistreated and exploited by their employers. This prompted me to write my book(novel) known as "The Maid".

Q6.When did you first start writing?

A6.I started writing when I was in primary school, in Class Seven. My English Language teachers admired my work and they encouraged me to keep it up. When I joined High School, my passion for writing stories continued to burn forcefully within me. I remember vividly, though it is now many years down the line, the way my classmates enjoyed reading the stories which I wrote but at the same time they cautioned me to be wary of failing in my exams because of my unreserved total devotion in writing, at the expense of concentrating on my other class work.

Q8.What's the story behind your latest book?

A8. It is a moving story of an environment engulfed and dominated by deep sorcery and deliberate termination of lives. It is a story of weird and scaring operations taking place in my immediate community. The book title is, "The Moving Mouth."

Q9. What motivated you to become an indie author?

A9.Initially, I nurtured the desire of publishing through the traditional trend in order to reach readers in my country with my creative touch. However, since the publishers were reluctant to publish my work, I got stuck for several years wandering and groping. I got frustrated and felt rejected, until a friend of mine who is also an electronic book author advised me to consider venturing independently into electronic publishing. Thank God because I am now reaching many readers globally and conveniently.

Q10.How has Smashwords contributed to your success?

A10.Though I joined and published with Smashwords recently, I am quite optimistic that with the passage of time, I will eventually realize tangible success in my current title and as well as the subsequent titles. Smashwords has really been a real blessing to me and a spring board which has ushered me into the realm of publishing. May the Living God bless Smashwords. Congratulations Smashwords for your good work. Bravo Smashwords. You are here to stay!

Q11. What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

A11. My greatest joy in writing is to reach and share my stories and the ideas which are in my mind with my readers/fans all over the world. It is indeed a sure way of pouring myself into the lives of my readers in order to touch them with my intense emotions and life experiences.

Q12.What do your fans mean to you?

A12.My fans are my lifeline as far as my writing activities are concerned. Without them, all my writing endeavors can only become a futile task. Of course they are quite important to me because without them I will have no audience to address literally.

Q13. What are you working on next?

A13.I am currently working on my second novel entitled "The Moving Mouth," which I intend to publish soon.

Q14.Who are your favorite authors?

A14.My favorite authors are professor Ngugi Wa Thiong'o of Kenya and the late Chinua Achebe of Nigeria.

Q15. Several months have elapsed since you first did your Smashwords Interview. What have you come up with so far, for your funs' consumption?

A15.I have managed to publish my second novel entitled "The Moving Mouth," as I had promised my fans earlier on during my interview session.

Q16.Do you have any comments about your second novel,"The Moving Mouth?"

A16.Yes, this is a book that treats the reader to a charged state of wicked operations taking place in our community which nurtures and perpetuates wickedness as a life style. As I read the book, I also find myself being gripped by the detrimental operations in the scene where these occurrences took place.

Q17.Do you have anything interesting that you can tell your readers about the novels which you have published so far?

A17. Quite vividly. This is a timely question that I have been waiting for. It is important to note that writing is a talent and a compelling passion. Again, stories are timeless and immortal. My fans should take note that my first novel to publish (The Maid), was not my first novel to write. "The Moving Mouth" is actually older than "The Maid." There are other books (manuscripts), which are older than the two books which have already been published. However, the manuscripts are still in the waiting list and are undergoing scrutiny before I release them to the global community.

Q18.Have you ever encountered any discourangements in your writing career?

A18.Definitely yes. When I approached one traditional publishing company in my country to see whether they could consider publishing my novel (The Maid), they turned me down by telling me that my work had been overtaken by time and events! Later, a neighbor told me that he was well connected with another writer in the overseas countries and that if I would consider giving him (the neighbor) my manuscript, he would convey it to his friend (writer) to ensure that my novel got published. I gave my manuscript to my neighbor to do the necessary. After waiting for a period of about two years, I was surprised one day when my neighbor gave my manuscript to someone who I cannot even remember, to bring it to me. There was no verbal or any written report at least, to give me an idea of what had transpired concerning the manuscript. That was all. I was demoralized. In the course of time, another friend from one of the overseas countries asked me to give her my book because she was determined and ready to get my material published. I gave her the manuscript. After some time, she returned the same to me without any explanation! That was another heavy blow to me!

Q19.What are you working on next?

A19.This time round, I will take a short-lived break from novel writing and publishing, and treat my fans to a rich variety of poems. The third dispatch of my creative work to my global readers is entitled, "The Stranger and Other Poems." 

Q20.A keen look at your biography reveals that you are also a pastor. Have you ever considered writing Christian Literature for your fans who may also be nurturing a taste for such material?

A20.Indeed, this is something that I have been contemplating. Frankly speaking I have some good Christian Literature in store and in the course of time, I will be able to release it for consumption.

Q21.Are there any inevitable challenges which interfere with your writing career?

A21.Of course yes. To start with, I am a family man and naturally, I have to fend for my family. As a pastor, I am also expected to preach and teach the faithfuls in my local church. Sometimes I also visit other churches when I am invited to minister. Besides, I am a trainer of Bible Skills Institute, a theological program of Every Home For Christ International. I have to meet my students and teach them, at least twice per month, in various centers. As you can see at a glance, all these responsibilities are quite demanding and they obviously pose a big challenge to my writing career. A writer requires ample time and concentration in order to come up with a good content. Though the author lives in his or her own world of imagination during the writing sessions, he or she cannot run away from the real life's demanding responsibilities.

Q22. For quite some time, you haven't published other books. What happened?

A22.I have been very busy with other pressing and weighty responsibilities. Therefore, it hasn't been easy for me to concentrate and write something worthwhile. Though the backlog of my responsibilities is not yet over, I am looking forward to a victorious come back.

Q23.At a glance, it is evident that your book sales is a bit wanting. What could be the cause?

A23.Most likely, a good number of readers haven't tried my books, but I am optimistic that with the passage of time, they will be searching for my books.

Q24.Do you still feel that your writing passion fire hasn't flickered out?

A24.Precisely, writing is part and parcel of my life and it is in my blood stream. The fire of writing is still burning in me.

Q25.A short glimpse at your profile shows that you are also a blogger. How are you fairing on, in this area?

A25.Yes, I am also a blogger. However, to be sincere enough, my blogging fire has been quite inactive for some time. In the first place, I didn't know what blogging means. I had no idea of how to begin and where to begin. Many of the blog hosting sites which I have visited in order to host me, have set standards and requirements which are beyond my ability. However, of late, I have seen some light at the end of the tunnel. I have rekindled my blogging fire, powerfully. You can read my blogs by accessing my link(https://syomuti.blogspot.com)

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Books by This Author

The Soliloquist (Two) by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

You set the price! Words: 11,220. Language: English. Published: December 7, 2017 . Categories: Nonfiction » Literary criticism » African

In this timely masterpiece, the Soliloquist who wants his name to remain anonymous is a disturbed and disheartened man who has been gripped by strong emotions of life’s experiences. He therefore deems it necessary to express his heartaches and headaches of life to his imaginary audience.

The Soliloquist (One) by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 7,340. Language: English. Published: June 21, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Literary criticism » African

In this timely masterpiece, the Soliloquist who wants his name to remain anonymous is a disturbed and disheartened man who has been gripped by strong emotions of his life’s experiences. He therefore deems it necessary to express his heartaches and headaches of life to his imaginary audience.

The Drunkard by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

You set the price! Words: 8,890. Language: English. Published: April 17, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Literature » Literary

Short Description of the Drunkard Vilomena Mukenu, the wife of Jooseph Kakumbi, is disillusioned by her husband’s hopeless lifestyle and as a result, her loath towards him takes a firm grip in her heart. Joseph Kakumbi shifts the buck of his drunkenness to his late grandfather and parents. However, it is quite evident that he cannot stop drinking!

The Virgin by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 13,420. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Psychological thriller

Christina Avia is an innocent and a simple village girl whose decorum is of a rare rating. She is also a well disciplined school girl and a devout Christian. Nevertheless, she is not immune to the inevitable forces of nature and consequently, the curtain of her life falls prematurely and unexpectedly.

The Stranger & Other Poems by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

You set the price! Words: 12,550. Language: American English. Published: August 4, 2015 . Categories: Poetry » African Poetry

The Stranger and Other Poems is indeed a collection of inspiring and enriched poetry which powerfully grips and rivets the reader’s attention. As the reader progresses cautiously in the process of reading this masterpiece, he or she is treated to an apparent mood of tangible ecstasy.

The Moving Mouth by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 23,170. Language: English. Published: January 10, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller

The Moving Mouth (Mary Ndunge) nurtures the unquenchable urge to exact evident revenge for her daughter's untimely and mysterious death. Mary Ndunge (alias "The Moving Mouth") is consumed by a relentless desire to exterminate the lives of her close neighbors because she strongly believes that they played an evil role of killing her only beloved daughter (Sabina), through the powers of sorcery.

The Maid by James Mbotela Syomuti, Sr

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 59,650. Language: American English. Published: June 26, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller

Naivety and sophistication dwell in the minds of people. But their repercussions to the society come with immense blows of societal tumbling in all aspects of life. Regina "the maid" is portrayed as a beautiful young girl. The society underestimates her simple background and consequently laments for this. It forgets that even the most innocent child can turn to be as weird as an angel of light.

You can contact me through;

Email: syomuti@gmail.com or jambsy@yahoo.com Mobile:You +254724649652 or +254718776259 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesmbotela.syomuti.7 Twitter: https://twitter.com/jambsy@yahoo.com 

Website: https://www.syomuti.com 

Blog: https://syomuti.blogspot.com

WHEN YOUR FRIENDS BECOME YOUR ENEMIES

 Rev. Dr. James Mbotela Syomuti  is a Kenyan citizen and he lives in Kitui County, near Kitui Town. He is married to Anna and they have been blessed with six children, (four sons and two daughters.) All of their children are now adults and some of them are married. He is an artist, a writer of fiction and nonfiction, a poet, a humorist and he is also a prolific lifestyle blogger(https://syomuti.blogspot.com). He has a deep passion for writing content. So far, he has written and published some ebooks with Smashwords Publishing Platform in USA. His published titles are; (1) The Maid (2) The Moving Mouth (3) The Virgin (4) The Drunkard. (5) The Soliloquist (One), (6) The Soliloquist (Two). (7) The Stranger & Other Poems. You can access the above books by visiting his site on the internet, by clicking (https://syomuti.com). He has taught students at different Secondary Schools in his home county for many years down the line. He is an approved Bible Skills Institute (BSI) trainer, a theological program of Every Home for Christ International, (Headquarters-The Jericho Center, Colorado Springs, COUSA). He teaches church adults theological courses. On top of that, he teaches adults (physically), the English Language. He is a born again Christian, a pastor and the Founder/Bishop of Siloam Worship Center International Ministries. You can access the church details online, by just writing and clicking the above underlined name, on the internet. He is an itinerant preacher, and a teacher of the Word of God. He has several certificates and diplomas in theology, from national and international Bible Schools. He has a certificate in Spiritual Life Development from Northwestern Christian University, in USA. Above all, he has honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humanity (DH) and Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Prixton Church & University, in USA. He also has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Ministry Science, and honorary doctorate degrees of; Doctor of Achievement in Ministry Science, Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry Science, Doctor of Divinity (DD) in Ministry Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ministry Science, from Abide University. His student's (No.) is, ID#220929587.

 Applicable Solutions

(1)What you can do when your friends become your enemies.

I am one of the many people in this present life who doesn't like the idea of being hated. In other words, I don't feel at ease when I recall the fact that there are some people within and without who are my true enemies. Frankly speaking, nobody wants to be hated and nobody wants to have enemies at any one given time. However, whether you like it or not, you will always have enemies in this life. You cannot choose your enemies but you can choose your friends. It is not a big deal to socialize and interact with your friends, but it is a real assignment when it comes to dealing with your enemies. Some people will hate you for no apparent reason.  Sometimes you may or may not have an idea of the exact reasons why some people hate you. Some of your enemies may be within easy reach whereas others may be residing in other localities. By the way, let us not rule out the fact that to some extent, you may be the cause of the offence(s) which became the bone of contention between you and your enemy. The most painful experience in your life is when your enemy was once a close ally to you and all of a sudden, in the course of time, a sharp schism began. Maintaining true friendship is an expensive task. 

(2)Be Courageous.

 If it is possible on your part, be courageous to approach the individual who has ceased to be a friend and has inevitably decamped from you. As I have said earlier, you might have been the cause of the prevailing sour relationship. It is not healthy to start defending and justifying yourself if you sense that you are the one who contributed to the existing bad relationship. Remember, at the end of the day, the principle goal is to win your friend back. Be honest and admit the offences you caused to your friend. You need to portray real humility and show your readiness to reinstate your broken relationship. At certain times, you need to be willing to accept some petty accusations leveled against you, by your offended friend, just to ensure that he or she comes back to you. 

(3)Avoid confrontation and engage Clarification.

 The bible says that an offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city (Proverbs 18:19). There are other factors beyond your control which may lead to a stale friendship. In the course of your life, some of your friends may become your enemies because of negative influence from their other associates who have ill motives and they are just determined to break your healthy relationship. In such situations, it is advisable for you to make it clear to your friend so that he gets to know that you are not responsible for the unpalatable and misleading information from other sources which have destroyed your good friendship. In this regard, you also need to be careful and sober enough and ensure that you have a wide heart to forgive the person or the people who have stirred animosity between you and your friend. Of course you do not want to win your friend back and create another atmosphere of enmity. Don't be surprised when some enemies will not be ready to accept your efforts of trying to mend the severed friendship with them. Some people will sulk and distance themselves from you. Dealing with such people who are not willing to open their hearts to you is difficult. (4)Rise above triviality.

 If efforts of persuading them to speak their minds fail to bear fruit, don't waste your time pestering them. Leave that matter in God's hands. Remember, either in the long run or in the short run, your assignment is to be a friend of your enemy but not an enemy of your enemy. Definitely, you will encounter times when people will misunderstand you and think that you are their enemy when in the real sense you are not. It may not be easy for you to erase such a preconception from their hearts. The best thing for you to do when things go to that extent is to keep quiet, keep your distance from them and give God time to iron out the strained relationship.

 Life Experiences 

(1)The day I was confronted. 

A certain woman confronted me bitterly. She told me that as I was preaching at a certain ceremony where she had also been invited, I crossed her line. She insisted that I had offended her during my preaching. She went further and stated that she didn't enjoy her meals during the ceremony because according to her, my message was attacking her. She fumed at me fearlessly, as she confronted me boldly. According to her, I was her enemy. As she continued to attack me, I did not say a word. Silence is a very powerful weapon. I was just staring at her quietly as she talked. She released her anger on me for about ten minutes. Eventually, when she felt that she had uttered all the dirty things to me, she kept quiet and left me still in my silent state. When she looked back, she saw me still looking at her. Definitely, the woman was expecting me to exchange words with her but I didn't. It is interesting to note that the woman was one of the church members, in the church where I minister. My personal experience in dealing and interacting with people in my life has taught me that when a quarrel or any form of contention begins, the best thing to do in order to guard against your ego being hurt, is by cultivating a high degree of love, patience and silence. The bible states that starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out(Proverbs 17:14). Another good lesson that I 4have learnt when my friends start attacking me for no apparent cause is to withdraw from the scene of anger and quarrel as soon as possible and take cover elsewhere and desist from any manner of retaliation. I have also learnt to avoid talking negative things either to revenge or to demean my enemies in the presence of my friends who are evidently aware of the existing rift between me and my enemies. It is not an easy thing to keep quiet when someone who has been your friend attacks you openly and yet you do not hit back. The woman left the church but after about two years, she came back to me and told me that from the time she had attacked me, she had not been having peace in her heart. She told me that she recognized me as her father and that I should forgive her for what she had done to me. I told her that I had forgiven her and I was not her enemy. What's the point or the driving force which made this woman to come back to me? The determining principles on my part were love, patience and silence. You don't have to become a victim of ulcers, high blood pressure and diabetes just because all of a sudden your friends have become enemies. Going through a period of intense enmity from people who have been very close friends to you is definitely a painful and a trying moment. Unless you are careful when such experiences come to you, it is easy to make you have sleepless nights, lack appetite, withdraw from other people, feel stressed, lack concentration on your work and lose your joy. It is entirely upon you to avoid getting trapped by any one or all of the above incidences. You must learn to be their master, or else you will become their slave. 

(2)Another attack.

I had another demoralizing experience with another woman who was still a close friend and a member of the church where I minister. In the course of time, the woman left the church without notifying me. She didn't even take the initiative of explaining to me 5the reason of her sudden withdrawal from the church. My concerted efforts of trying to reach her became futile. Surprisingly enough, her husband who had not previously been a member of our church joined us and became a member. His wife continued to be at large and she even avoided any possible conversation between her and me. Any time we happened to meet with her anywhere by coincidence, her countenance portrayed evident hatred to me. I should admit that the disrespectful behavior of this woman towards me was one of the worst experiences in my life. You see, it is not an easy thing when your friend departs from you without notice and more so there is no explanation given for the cause of withdrawal. Any time I attempted to talk to the woman, she would not respond. A time came when I stopped talking to her. I continued to embrace patience, love and silence towards the lady.

 (3)Family Squabbles. 

One day when I was in my house very early in the morning taking breakfast, my wife who had gone outside came back and told me that there was a lady outside who wanted to see me. When I gave a green light for the lady to come in, I noticed that it was the woman who had left church and became my enemy for almost three years down the line. I welcomed her and I didn't show her any vestiges of indifference. She looked dismal and worried I didn't even remind her about the bitter past and why she had treated me so disrespectfully. When I asked her to tell me what she wanted me to do for her, she told me that she had been having a strained relationship with her husband for several days and that had made life very difficult for her. I was aware that she had joined another church after leaving the church where I minister. I had no problem with her joining another church. The woman told me that the reason why she had come to see me so early in the morning was because she felt that I was the only person who could intervene to heal the deteriorating relationship between her and her husband. Of course, she had not come to mend the broken relationship between her and me. I didn't want to be an opportunist, by driving her towards my direction! I tried to advise her to seek the assistance of her pastor to resolve the differences between her and her husband. However, she insisted that though she didn't despise or underrate her pastor, she had a strong conviction that I was the only person who could deal with that matter. She wanted me to visit her home immediately because there was a crisis. I didn't decline her request. I visited her home that same morning and we had a lengthy discussion of about six hours. Finally, the sharp differences and animosity between her and her husband were resolved. The lady appreciated my efforts and thanked me sincerely. From that day onwards, she changed her perception towards me completely and became a close friend once again. Time and patience heal many anxieties in life. When your friends close the doors of their hearts to you and become your enemies, don't emulate their bad behavior by closing the door of your heart to them. Leave the door of your heart open to them because one day, certain unpleasant circumstances will compel them to come to you for reunion and your advice. Do not struggle to win them back if they are not willing to cooperate with you. Just settle and wait for God's due time so that he can bring them back to you. You can contact me through; 

Email: syomuti@gmail.com or jambsy@yahoo.com 

Mobile: +254724649652 or +254718776259 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jamesmbotela.syomuti.7 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/jambsy@yahoo.com 

Website: https://www.syomuti.com 

Blog: https://syomuti.blogspot.com