Chapter One
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering. Hebrews13:3
Evening
Diary,
I was almost caught today by my mother on the computer! I was on the
computer with Daniel, searching for stuff we both need to live when I heard I a
noise. I scarcely got a chance I say good-bye and close the window when Mother
walked in. She just wanted to see what I was up to. I think that she thinks I
spend too much time on the computer. It's really not my fault, through. I have
to spend at least ten to fifteen minutes on the computer to work my way through
all the legal barriers that stop me from doing my searching. If I didn't spend
that time I would probably be dead by now! It also takes a long time to find the
stuff I'm looking for! Do you how hard it is to find music about Jesus Christ
that doesn't bash Him? I guess I'm expecting too much. It's a miracle I
have all the music about my Redeemer that I do now, considering it's illegal
and all. I can't believe it. Who in the right mind would illegalise
Christianity? The only way to live, on Earth and the after life! Who in their
right mind would make practicing Christianity a crime punishable by death?
The world leaders, that's who. I don't think it's the end of the world
yet, because there has been no rapture yet and because it's not a total world
government yet. There are still four "countries" or regions- the North,
South, West and East. Canada, where I live, is in the North Region, Europe in
the West, Asia is the East and Africa is the South. The other parts of the Earth
also fall into those Regions but those are the major players in the world
today... except Canada... they are the same as always! Sleepy Canada! Ha! Okay
that's not TOTALLY true. Canada and the US are one of the major players for
underground Christian stuff. Unfortunately, the black market is EXPENSIVE! So
it's the Internet for me to get all things Christian.
Daniel is completely dependent on me for get him the newest songs and
such. He can't go online. His father caught him looking for a Bible a few
months ago on the Net and since then unless Daniel has adult supervision he
can't go on the Net. He still sneaks on some days (like today) to talk to me.
He was the one who taught me about hacking about the Internet. Right now, our
biggest project is getting our hands on a Bible. We have only found parts of the
Bible online, mostly the New Testament. We really want the whole thing. Daniel
told me, the day he was caught, that he found a site with a whole Bible! But he
never got the time to write down the address. *Sigh* Don't get me wrong, I am
so thankful that Daniel's father didn't turn him in.
I remember last year a girl in my class was caught listening to POD, the teacher called the Police, and I swear, the whole SWAT team came and I'll NEVER forget this day... they killed her! They didn't give her a trial or anything. It was public and on the TV and everything. The teachers, the prefects, and of course the media told us that would be a lesson for all us. If any of us were caught with any Christian items what happened to that girl would happen to us. That whole week I cried. I couldn't understand how God would allow that to happen. I longed for His Word so much. That's when Daniel and I started our own web page. It's called Jesus Freaks Lives. It's a combination of my and Daniel's web alias. Mine is RLives and Daniel's is JFreaks. Daniel LOVES the song Jesus Freaks by DC Talk. My favourite band is Relient K. Opps! Off topic! Pretty much all J.F.L do now is posts prayer requests. We also reply to people who want to know where other Christian sites are. We always do a background check on the people, in case they are really the government or something. At this point, no one from the government or the school knows about our site… that we know of.
Hey! My parents have just left to go shopping. I'm going back on line
to get a Bible. Later!
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
Today was Sunday and that means church! I hate having to lie to my parents about where I'm going. I would love for them to become Christians but I'm too scared. My parents are not all 'yeah Leaders!' like some people I know, but they don't toe the line. They grew up without religion and they are happy without it. I don't understand it. I was miserable without Jesus in my life. Now with Him I am... well I can't say happy but I have joy. A peaceful joy. Anyway that is a totally different story. What I usually do, Diary, is tell my parents that I have a project with Daniel we need to work on or that I need help with a class or that I am going to hang out with Daniel for a while. Then I drop my backpack off at Daniel's and we go to church. I love church! Our pastor, Steve, is awesome! He's about 33 and he's really cute! But that isn't the point! He can relate to the pressures that we face and he helps us. I feel so sorry for him through. He doesn't have a Bible and it must be hard to minister to us and help us without having the Lord's Word on hand. He knows a lot of verses by heart so I guess that's good. His dad used to pastor the church before Steve but unfortunately he and his mom was caught. It was lucky Steve wasn't caught too. I believe he was at his grandmother's that day. His dad was killed and I believe his mom is still in jail. Anyway, today's sermon was on Hebrews 13:3. It talks about remembering those who are in jail because of their faith and we need to pray for them and such. I always feel horrible when I think of those who suffer because of their faith! It's so stupid that they have to suffer because someone else doesn't agree with them! But I admire them (the Christians) so much! I wish I had the nerve to go to people and tell them about the love that Jesus offers people but I don't want to suffer. I hate pain. I remember when Dad tried to teach me to ride a bike and I didn't want to because I was afraid of falling and getting hurt. And falling off a bike would create a small owie but to be TORTURED because I had to tell people about Christ would be too much for me! But I guess I have to trust Jesus more to protect and help me. *Never mind* I don't know enough about saving people and I don't even have a Bible! I wouldn't be much help to anyone.
Then after the sermon we sang some songs. We don't have many because after it was announced it was illegal all the religious stuff was burnt. Again Steve knows some because of his dad but we need different songs! He always asks us to pray.
After church Daniel and I went back to his house. His parents are pretty cool. They never ask him where we go but I'm sure they know. They hate the fact that their son is involved with something illegal but they just can't turn him in. I can't imagine what they would say if they fought out it was Daniel who got me involved with Jesus! I thank God a lot for my friendship with Daniel. He's really special to me and he has helped me a lot.
THANKS GOD FOR ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I ASK A COUPLE OF THINGS TONIGHT: COULD YOU HELP DANIEL AND STEVE GET THEIR HANDS ON A BIBLE? WE ALL REALLY WANT TO READ YOUR WORD DAILY AND WE WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU WANT US TO LIVE. I ALSO ASK FOR YOUR PROTECTION ON YOUR CHILDREN. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
Tolerance? By: Mia Rutherford
A long time ago when Canada was only a baby it was built upon religious morals. Both Canada and United States used the Mosaic Laws to build their legal system. In the nineteenth century it was acceptable because a lot of people were Christians. The United States strongly believed in God and in their Pledge of Allegiance had the phase "One nation under God." It was a time of religious freedom. Everyone could worship their god in anyway that they liked. There was no persecution to follow Christianity, Judaism or Buddhism. One could worship Jesus, Vishnu, Allah or any god or goddess that they wanted.
Soon people began to fight the "religious freedoms" that they had. Why did their children need to pray the Lord's Prayer in public schools? Their children were not Christian! Why do their children have to participate in the Christmas play? Their children were Jewish. So the courts understood their fears and worries and agreed that was not religious freedom. They said that a public school could have prayers in the morning announcements as long as they alternated between the different religions. The public schools could have Christmas plays but they had to have representation for Hanukah and the other religions. No one complained. It was a way to have religious freedoms. People of Canada, of the US, of the world had to show tolerance to the other world religions. It was too much trouble to show every religion so prayer was taken out of school. Christmas was to be celebrated at home.
Time passed and the pledge of Allegiance was attacked. If a person does not believe in God why should they say that phase- One Nation Under God? That simple phase was attacking their freedom of religion! The courts agreed with the atheists. It was not right. The country was forcing Christianity or Judaism on those who did not believe. More time passed and more people stood up and argued that their religious freedoms were being ignored. People began to say those with religions were intolerant. How can you morally pick parts of a century old book that you are going to follow or not? It is wrong to say what is morally right or wrong for someone else. Anything public and had a hint of religiousness to it was taken to court and fought- 'it is against my freedom of religion!' 'Do not impose your beliefs on me!' Outside the government and the courts religious persecution was on the raise. Churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques were graffiti-ed. Sometimes, at night, mobs would come and try to burn down the buildings. People were afraid to worship. Many people began underground churches, synagogues, and etc. in order to be able to worship in peace. Finally, to appease the people, the government decreed that religions were unconstitutional and that Canada, US and other European countries were going to be Atheist countries.
It seems that the tolerance of religious freedoms become so tolerant that it became intolerant. The quest for religious freedom is an impossible one. To have expression for one will squash another. The best way to have religious freedom is to respect others for their religious choices and while some religions are supposed to go out and spend the truth they should do it with gentleness and love. Religion is an important part of people's lives, as it has been a part of life in every period of time. This is a sad tale of intolerant tolerance.
After School
Diary,
I would in so much trouble if I handed that in to my teacher! We have to write an essay in history about something debateable, like whose fault was World War One or something. So in class I started writing the above essay. It's not long enough but even if it were I couldn't hand it in. My teacher would think that I am pro- religion, which of course I am but if he knew that then I would get in serious trouble. No thanks! I probably wouldn't get in trouble with the Leaders or anything because it doesn't say to which religion I belong to but it such says I disagree with them! So I will probably do a stupid essay on World War One. There is so much more I could add to that essay. Like how after religion was declared illegal there was a huge civil war. People who loved God (or gods) fought against it. They knew the persecution they would face but the people didn't care. Then rose four people from four different countries- the United States, China, Britain and Russia. They have this ability to smooth things over. I don't know how they did it but then like ninety percent of the people who were fighting for religion suddenly stop fighting. The remaining ten percent are still fighting. They still want religion back. Some are pretty obvious. They become martyrs, which make some of us strong. Others lead the underground churches, etc. It makes me angry if I think about it too long.
LORD, MAKE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU STRONG. WE WANT TO WORSHIP YOU! ALLOW US THE FREEDOM TO AND GIVE US PROTECTION TO DO SO! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN
-Mia
Lunch
Diary,
I'm in total shock. Today during history our class went down to the
library to work on our essay. My friend, Jocelyn, and I had already got most of
our research done. I went on the computer last night and looked up WWI. Urgh!
It's so boring! So she was showing me some of her songs she had been working
on. She wants to be a musician when she grows up. I, personally, don't like
her songs. They are completely anti- Christian in their lyrics. They speak of
sex and violence like it's commonplace. It is but it shouldn't be! I would
really like her to show her the love of Jesus Christ so; perhaps, her songs
could reflect that message. But her father is a politician and she's been
brainwashed, like everyone else in the world, to believe religion, especially
Christianity, is the cause of all evil in this world. She especially hears a lot
about the "evils" of God because her father is really high up in the
government. If I am correct her father is right under the Leaders in the
governmental line up. I'm sure if I told her about the love of the Prince of
Peace she would turn me in and I don't think that's a risk I am willing to
take. Anyway, her disk is FULL of songs and musical notes so when she typed in
the title 'Jessie Eielson Should Use Somebody' the computer said the title
was too long. So she typed the first letter of each word for the name of the
file. Suddenly a loud alarm went off and metal straps shot out of her chair and
pinned her down. She began to scream. I was so shocked. I didn't know that the
library had a program to do that! I knew the public libraries could. I had no
clue why Jocelyn had been strapped down. Then I figured out the reason. Our
stupid government have special 'key words' that tip them off to the Saints.
Well, her shorten song title was- JESUS- a major keyword! I jumped to my feet. I
told Jocelyn to calm down. I'm sure, after they read her lyrics, they would
realise she wasn't a Christian. She continued to cry and scream. The librarian
cleared out the library, except for me because I refused to leave her there.
About ten later the police ran in, guns raised. Three surrounded Jocelyn and
pointed their weapons at her head.
"LET ME GO!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, "Don't you
know who I am? Don't you know who my father is?" The policemen laughed at
her.
"Shut up, Jesus Freak!" one snapped. (Someone really needs to tell
them that calling us Jesus Freaks isn't really an insult anymore! We are proud
to be associated with our Lord and Saviour!)
"Now we are going to release you from the chair," it was a female cop
who was talking. I thought she was more sympathetic to Jocelyn, "But if you
make any sudden movements we will be forced to shoot." The other policemen
told me to 'get lost' but I refused. I had to know what would happen to my
friend! They arrested Jocelyn and led her away. I wanted to follow but again I
was refused. They wouldn't listen to her as she tried to explain the file
title was only an anagram. But I think, because of who her father is, they might
give her a trial instead of just executing her. I prayed that while she's in
jail that she might find the comfort that Jesus provides.
PLEASE JESUS, MY SAVIOUR PLEASE LET
JOCELYN MEET YOU AND FIND OUT HOW WONDERFUL YOU REALLY ARE! GIVE HER COMFORT
WHILE SHE'S IN JAIL AND PLEASE LET JUSTICE BE DONE. AMEN.
-Mia
After school
Diary,
Mom is a good friend with Jocelyn's mother. Mom just came in with news
about Jocelyn. Mom knows I'm really worried about her. Jocelyn is in the
Juvenile Detention Centre. She will be held there over night. The police,
tonight, are going to search her room for anything Christian. They have another
team on reading her song lyrics. I heard from mother that Jocelyn is in a
crowded cell with other Christian prisoners. I'm sure that Jocelyn with hear
the Good News... I hope she believes it. Mom says tomorrow there will be more
news.
DEAR LORD, AGAIN I PRAY FOR MY FRIEND'S SAFETY IN JAIL AND THAT YOU WILL FIND
HER AND WARM HER HEART. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HER. AMEN.
-Mia
EARLY in the morning
(1:26am)
Diary,
Guess who called just a few minutes ago? Jocelyn! Because of who her
father is she received one unmonitored phone call- on a safe phone even! I
can't believe what happened!
"Mia?
Mia?" the voice came across the line.
"Jocelyn?" I mumbled, it was so early and I was so tired.
"My god Mia! I am so thankful I got through to you! Mia, can you do me
a huge favour?"
"Sure, Jocelyn. Anything."
"I need you to tell me about Jesus. I figured that you would know about
Him."
"Me? Why me?" I panicked. What if this was a trap? Maybe she would
get me to tell her about the greatest Person in the universe and I would get
arrested and she would be free. A real Jesus Freak for a fake one!
"Please Mia! After listening to some of these Jesus Freaks in here I thought a lot of them sound just like you... except they mention God and Jesus and such."
"But why do you want to know?" I didn't know what to do. I thought that maybe if I kept Jocelyn to keep talking an answer would come to me. I decided that I would pray about it in the back of my mind. LORD, GIVE ME GUIDANCE… AND PROTECT ME!
"Because
I'm pretty sure I'm going to die tomorrow. I want to know who I'm dying
for."
"You? Dying? But how do you know?" I heard my parents move around
upstairs. I began to talk softer.
"My dad came tonight. He yelled at me. 'How could you become one
those thieves?' 'Do you know what this will do for my career?' I told him
to read my songs. For once I agree with you- those aren't good songs. I'm
recalling a lot of the songs and I can't believe I even thought them, let
alone wrote them down! They were- are- awful! He told me he did read them. He
said that a lot of them had a lot of hidden Christian meaning, which I don't
see at all! He said that tomorrow I should renounce my faith and go for major
rehab or die. I heard some of the guards talking. Mia, I'm so afraid. I
don't want to die but this Jesus is calling out to me. I sound crazy, I
know."
"Jocelyn, I don't think you are crazy. It's okay. God will protect
you." I said. I was so worried after I said that. My fears rushed into my
head. But now, after the phone call, I know I have to trust everything up to
God. No matter how hard it is. I have to trust Him and at times, like tonight,
let Him speak for me.
"Do you think God will have me? Even after all these years of picking
on His people?"
"Yes," I really wished I had a Bible on me. I would look up the
verses and everything, "In the New Testament of the Bible a man named Saul
went around killing Christians. One day on the road... to somewhere... Jesus
revealed Himself to Saul and Saul became a Christian. He changed his ways and
become a great apostle. He changed his name is Paul."
"I've heard of Paul! Some of the girls in here keep quoting Paul and
Peter!" I smiled. God was answering my prayers. She was hearing the Good News.
I silently thanked God for that.
"Yes.
So you see? Saul killed God's Saints and Jesus still wanted him. God
wants no one to be apart from Him! God loves you and wants you to be His
child."
"Thank you Mia! I'm going back to my cell and I will pray to Jesus. I
know this is the truth. I don't know why but I just do. I don't know
anything about Him but I know He is this great guy and deserves to be
worshipped. And when the lawyers ask me tomorrow to forsake Jesus I will say no!
Thank you Mia! Thank you Lord!" We hang up after that. I'm so glad Jocelyn
found Jesus. Maybe...
DEAR LORD, COULD YOU PLEASE SPARE JOCELYN'S LIFE TOMORROW? I KNOW THAT NOW
THAT SHE'S ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN SHE WILL SPEND THE WORD FOR YOU. PLEASE GOD,
PLEASE LET HER LIVE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN... PS- THANKS FOR LETTING JOCELYN TO
FIND YOU!
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
There
has been no word on Jocelyn yet. Daniel told him he would continue praying for
her safety. He also told me got a lead on the Bible hunting! Yeah!
-Mia
Noon
Diary,
I'm in the car. Afternoon classes are cancelled. We heard news. It
isn't good news. Jocelyn's trial is public in the town square. I'm afraid.
I'm afraid for Jocelyn.
PLEASE GOD KEEP JOCELYN STRONG. LET HER KNOW THAT YOU LOVE HER AND THE DECISION
SHE HAS MADE IS FOR BETTER, NOT FOR WORST. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Afternoon
Diary,
She's gone... I don't believe it. How could anyone be so cruel? I
HATE this world!
-Mia
After Supper
Diary,
I got off the phone with Daniel. He makes me feel somewhat better. I
still feel so cold and numb. I cannot believe what this world has turned into!
But I guess I should record what happened. We arrived at the Square around noon,
which we thought was early because the trial began at 1:30 but the Square was
packed. People were screaming, "Kill the Freak!" I shivered. I saw Daniel
and I told my parents that I was going to talk to him. My parents were okay with
that. I went over to Daniel and he was with his other Christian friends, that he
has met through Jesus Freaks Lives. I didn't know these people very well so I
don't know if I can trust them. They seemed very sobered. One, I think his
name is David, asked if maybe if we should pray- aloud- for Jocelyn.
"Are you nuts?" I cried, "Do you want to be killed?" His friend,
Anne, laughed.
"Oh, Mia! Does it matter? We will be dying for the Greater Cause!" I
blushed. Why did these people make me for so bad for wanting to survive?
"But
if we die who will teach others?" I countered. The three nodded. Daniel smiled
at me and he seemed to say, 'Why are you so afraid?' Gee, I'm glad he is
all ready to die. I want to grow up. Then the lawyers stepped up on the stage.
"People! Welcome! As you all know, this is the trial for Jocelyn
Pearson. She has been charged as a being a Christian. And we all know what our
Criminal Code says?" he called. I shivered. The lawyers were acting like this
was a game show. That our friend's life had no impact, no significance
whatsoever.
"It says that there is no god, goddess or higher being. We are the
higher being. We are in control of our future. It says that anyone caught
practicing any religion can and will be charged with treason That belief in a
god is an insult to man's intelligence!" the people chorused. Again I
shivered. Daniel put his arm around me and I could tell he was scared too.
"Let's bring out the prisoner! Jocelyn Pearson!" Jocelyn came out
in chains but carried her defiant look, as she always did. She looked at the
crowds and gave a small smile when she saw me. My eyes began to fill up with
tears. One of the lawyers walked up to her.
"Let's get straight to the point. It doesn't really matter what
that file was called, does it?" he asked. It wasn't fair! Jocelyn wasn't
even given a lawyer! I hate the Leaders!
"Jocelyn Pearson, are you a Christian?" he cried. Jocelyn grinned at
the question.
"When you arrested me I wasn't guilty of anything except not
thinking. I didn't realise what I wrote when I named that file. That file was
a normal song like every other one I wrote. But you threw me in jail! There I
was exposed to other Christians and for that I thank you. I thank you for
arresting me. Because of your stupid laws I found there is a God! There is a
true living God and that loves each and every one of us! He wants you to know
Him!" she cried. I smiled. She was so brave. How on Earth did she find the
courage to say that with the threat of death in the face?
"Praise God." Matthew whispered. Praise God indeed. There is no other
explanation. God is truly powerful.
"OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN! HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!" Jocelyn cried. The police ran up to her and slugged her. I turned away. The people cheered.
"YOUR KINGDOM COME! YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!"
"Hang the freak!" the crowds screamed. I shuddered as I heard young children yell this. "Hang her! Hang her!" they chanted. As the police looped the noose over Jocelyn's head she continued, "Give us our daily bread, forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one-" the second she said 'one' they dropped the platform and she died. The people cheered all around us. They cheered. Cheered. Don't they know they killed someone's daughter? Someone's friend? Don't they care? Just because of faith. WHY, GOD, DO YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO DIE? PLEASE LORD; PROTECT ME AND MY FRIENDS FROM THOSE WHO WISH TO EXTINGUISH YOUR BEAUTIFUL LIGHT. PLEASE LORD; PROTECT US. IN YOUR SON'S NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
