Chapter Four
Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Matthew 11:28
1st period
Diary,
Amy, Danny and I were hanging out be Daniel's locker when David ran up to us. He smiled at Amy.
"Can I tell him?" I asked Amy. She blushed but then nodded.
"Amy is coming to church with us Sunday!" I whispered excitedly. David grinned.
"That's awesome!" he exclaimed. Amy blushed an even deeper red.
"So what's up?" Daniel asked David. David became very serious.
"I really need to talk to you guys. Come to my house after supper, okay? Amy, you can come too if you would like." Amy smiled.
"Thanks but I shouldn't. Zak may need my help tonight. He wants to have a couple of friends over and the house isn't the cleanest." She explained.
"Dave, what's wrong?" I asked.
"Tell you tonight. Later." David took off down the hall. I looked at Daniel who shrugged. I guess we will find out what's wrong tonight. I hope it's nothing major.
-Mia
On bus
Concentrating on writing neatly. Should have waited until later. Amy is coming tonight.
-Mia
Late
Diary,
I'm going to get right to what happened tonight. Daniel picked up both me and Amy tonight. Then we went over to David's. Matthew and Anne were already there. Anne made a face at Amy. We sat down in David's room.
"Everyone knows Amy, right?" David asked. Anne rolled her eyes.
"No offence but why is she here?" Anne sneered. Amy looked embarrassed. Daniel glared at Anne as did I. Why did she have to be so rude?
"I invited her. I figured since she is joining us Sunday she has a right to know." David replied.
"Know what?" Matthew asked.
"The Leaders are coming to town." We froze. The room was dead quiet. Amy recovered the fastest.
"Why?" she asked.
"My dad." He looked away from us.
"Why?" Anne demanded. Another pause.
"My dad is getting promoted and they want to come down to congratulate him."
"If they weren't so evil; I would say what an honour that would be." Amy whispered. Anne rolled her eyes.
"Amy, you don't seem to understand. Maybe that's because you aren't saved yet but people like us... what do you like to call us? Oh right 'freaks' are going to die. Die." She snapped. Amy turned red.
"When are they coming?" Daniel asked quickly, hoping to avoid fight between the two of them.
"In a week or so. Then will be a public announcement on Monday. There is going to be a huge party when they come."
"Is there going to be an increase in security?" Matthew asked. Daniel leaned over to me and whispered, "Mia, are you okay?" he knew I was being too quiet.
"Yeah sure." I felt a small headache coming on. David answered that he didn't know if there was going to be an increase. As the headache grew I began to worry. Would there be more searches? Would those in jail be punished even more so? I briefly thought of my sister. We soon went home early. What could we talk about after an announcement like that?
LORD, HELP US WITH THESE COMING WEEKS. PLEASE KEEP US SAFE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
After Church
Diary,
David made the announcement to our church today. Steve, immediately, stood up and told everyone he would have prayer meetings all this week at his place to pray for safety of the Christians. Danny, David and I told Steve that we would come Wednesday to pray with him. Again the group was sobered. I went home straight after.
LORD EVEN IN THIS TIME OF GREAT DARKNESS, PLEASE LIFT UP YOUR CHILDREN. PLEASE MAKE US STRONG AND LET US SEE YOUR LIGHT. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
4th period
Diary,
They put the radio announcement about the Leaders on the P.A. at the beginning on this period. Most students were so excited. They hoped to meet the Leaders and figured this was an awesome chance to show their support. I feel sick.
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
Amy called me tonight.
"I didn't really get a chance to talk to you about Sunday." She said. THUNK! because of all the buzz about the Leaders coming, Amy's visit wasn't such a big or special deal as it should have been.
"I'm so sorry Amy!" I cried. She laughed.
"That's okay, Mia."
"What are you thinking now?"
"Steve is really interesting. But I guess I didn't get the whole effect because of the Leader thing."
"Actually... you did."
"What? We all come in at different times! And we had that old mouldy birthday cake on the table!"
"Well Amy," I said, "we have to come at different times so the authorities don't think we having a church service. Also the cake, we should probably tell Steve it's time to get a new one, is in case the police do come it looks like we are having a birthday party. Steve got that idea from when Christianity was illegal in the Middle Eastern countries that is what some Christians did!" Amy giggled but fell silent.
"Have you ever been in a raid?" she asked. I said no but told her the story about Steve's family and the warning he receive from his friend. Again Amy said nothing.
"Do you want to come with me to Steve's on Wednesday?"
"I don't know yet."
"That's okay."
"Do you think Steve will talk to me? I have a few questions for him."
"I'm sure he would. Why don't I give you his phone number and you can call him?"
"Well... okay." I told Amy his phone number, praying silently that Zak wouldn't get the number, and we hung up.
LORD, PLEASE ALLOW AMY TO RECEIVE YOU. HELP HER GET OVER HER FEARS ABOUT FOLLOWING YOU. HELP US ALL GET OVER OUR WORRIES AND FEARS. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia.
4th period
Diary,
After school we are going to Steve's. As of now it's just Danny, David and myself. I don't know who else from the church is going to be there.
LORD, PLEASE PROTECT US TODAY. IN YOUR SON'S NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
We arrived at Steve's around four o'clock. We stopped to drop off our bags at home and then we went to buy Steve some supper. We knocked on his door. He let us in. *Just a note: His place was really clean this time* I couldn't help thinking about Sam. She was arrested at a meeting like this. Daniel must have sensed what I was thinking and he put his arm around me. Steve smelt the fried chicken we had brought him.
"Shall we eat this later?" he asked. We nodded.
"Is this it?" I asked. Where was everyone else?
"Yup," Steve called from the kitchen, "I had a couple of people over yesterday and one person the day before. As of now no one else is coming the rest of the week."
"That's awful!" David said, "You think everyone else is too afraid?"
"Or they might be busy. It isn't a big deal, is it?" I thought it was. We were praying for our safety. Daniel smiled weakly at me. He thought it was important too. We sat down in the living room. Steve pulled out a notepad.
"What, or who, shall we pray for?" he asked.
"My dad." David replied immediately. Steve wrote that down on the notepad.
"Those who face persecution." Daniel added.
"Sam." I whispered.
"Have you talked to her lately?" Steve asked.
"I didn't know if I could visit her." Steve frowned.
"Probably not. But let's pray you can." I thanked him. For the next hour or so we prayed. Sometimes we would pray aloud; other times we would be praying in silent. I felt the Holy Spirit so strongly in that room. I think we all did because by the end we were all crying. We also prayed for Amy. We prayed that she would receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour. I prayed silently that my parents would welcome Jesus into their hearts.
We ate in silence. We were all thinking about the power we had felt during the meeting. We were almost finished eating when David asked me a question.
"Mia, do you want me to drive you to see Sam?" I was shocked. Why would he want to?
"Are you sure? It isn't a pleasant experience." I asked him.
"Yes, I am sure."
"Thank you." Daniel seemed out of place.
"I'll pray for you two." David and I thanked him.
THANK- YOU LORD FOR REVEALING YOURSELF TO US. THANK- YOU FOR SENDING YOUR SON TO US SO WE COULD BE SAVED AND BE WITH YOU. THANK- YOU FOR LISTENING TO US. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
We went. Mom and Dad still don't know what I did tonight. I'm not sure if I want to tell them.
After school David and I drove straight to the prison. We didn't stop to drop our bags off or anything. I think we both thought if we stopped anywhere we would lose our nerve. We parked his car and walked up the stairs to the foreboding building. I was shaking. David took my hand and whispered to me that it would be okay. We walked up to the front desk. The woman peered at us from behind the bulletproof glass.
"What?" her muffled voice came through the speaker.
"We want to see Samantha Rutherford." David said. He stared her down. I couldn't say a thing. I am so glad that David was with me. The woman stared at David. It was like they were having a staring contest. The woman, after a few minutes, broke first.
"Who are you?" she snapped.
"I am David Orwell." The woman smirked.
"You are a little to young."
"I am his son." I could tell David was trying to be nice. She stared at him. David starred back.
"Just a moment." The woman stood up and disappeared from our view. I looked at David. He smiled at me.
"I hate using my dad's name like that." Suddenly two men appeared from behind us.
"You David Orwell?" David faced the huge man. I immediately thought these men looked like they were a part of the Leader's security team. I thanked God for making us leaving our bags in the car.
"Yes." He replied. I thought I heard his voice crack but I might be wrong. We followed the two men down the hall and into a bare white room.
"Wait here." One said and left.
"Don't worry." David whispered. I was trying not to cry. Why on Earth did we come? Another man entered the room.
"Hello Mr. Orwell, Miss..."
"Her name is Amelia." David snapped, pretending to be a big shot.
"Sorry Amelia. We need to check to make sure you guys are safe to talk to the prisoner." The man apologized. I paled. They were going to search us? I knew I had nothing incriminating on me but I still hated the idea. David did too, as he told me after, but he didn't protest. The man, whose name was Saul Tarson, asked us to empty our pockets. He looked through our spring jackets and when he only found pieces of lent, he told us to wait.
"Never again." I mouthed to David. He didn't reply. He looked rather pale himself. Then the door opened. Sam walked in, again cuffed. She looked worst than before and she was paler and thinner.
"Mia!" she seemed surprised. Her voice sounded different too. The only thing I noticed that hadn't changed was the love of God on her face.
"Sam..." I began to cry. David smiled and introduced himself.
"Samantha, I think you are really brave." He said. Sam smiled.
"I am not brave," she laughed, "The guards don't like me. Since I came here there have been three conversions." I hoped Sam knew how happy I was to hear that.
"Is it terrible in there?" David asked. Sam thought for a moment.
"There are times I want to give in to them. I think this would all be over if I just lied. But then I remember Jesus' sacrifice to us. The night He was arrested He didn't want to do it. He didn't want to die but He knew He had to follow His Father's way. I must too. Things aren't easy but they are God's way and I must follow." Three guards ran in with Billy bats raised.
"Freak! I told you to not to mention that lunatic name!" one screamed as the other two began to beat her with the bats.
"Stop!" I screamed, "Oh please! Stop!" They stopped. The first guard kicked her.
"When the Leaders come you will be the first to die," he spit on my sister then turned to me, "I have lost my best guards to her foolish beliefs. Sorry Mr. Orwell but I am going to return this freak to her cell," He turned to Sam, "Maybe some solitary confinement would shut you up." He spit on her again as the other guard, roughly, pulled Sam to her feet.
"You will never shut me up about my Lord. Mia, don't be afraid. The Lord loves and cares for us!" The first guard whacked her with his bat. They left. I turned to David and he wrapped his arms around me as I sobbed. Why did I need to see her? Why are people so cruel?
LORD, PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE SAM THE STRENGTH TO GO ON. REMIND HER OF YOUR UNDYING LOVE AND THAT ALL SHE SUFFERS IS FOR THE GREATER GOOD. THANK YOU THAT SOME PEOPLE IN THAT JAIL HAVE TURNED TO YOU. THANK YOU.
David and I were quiet on the ride home. We didn't say much. As we pulled into my driveway he took my hand.
"Can we pray for her?" he whispered. I nodded and we did. Afterwards we felt a peace after our hearts. I know God has Sam in there for a reason. Everything He does is for His perfect plan.
LORD, HELP YOUR CHILDREN (MYSELF ESPECIALLY) TO BE MORE TRUSTING IN YOU. HELP US TO LOVE YOU MORE AND TRUST YOU FULLY. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Afternoon
Diary,
I feel drained. I am so tired. I think I could sleep forever. I stayed home today. I just didn't feel like going to school and having to face everyone's questions about last night. I do feel bad about leaving David alone to face the questions. My poor sister... how can she be so strong? Writing what I'm feeling isn't making me feel any better...
-Mia
Later Afternoon
Diary,
David called. He wanted to say sorry for missing school today. I laughed.
"I stayed home too!"
"We can't let this get us down." David sounded very serious.
"I know." I became quiet.
"There is strength in prayer."
"And the worst isn't over yet. It isn't over by a long shot." I didn't want to get into this conversation, so I told him that I should call Daniel and find out what I missed. Luckily, I don't have school until Monday. Maybe I'll just hide out in my room for the rest of the weekend.
LORD, PLEASE UPHOLD ME. KEEP ME STRONG. PLEASE KEEP DAVID STRONG AND DANIEL TOO. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Night
Diary,
Daniel showed up at my door this afternoon.
"Okay I let you mope all yesterday. Let's go out and cheer you up!" Daniel commanded. So we decided to go out for pizza and bowling. The pizza was delicious! We had pepperoni and extra cheese. On one half, we had on olives and bacon (that's my half!) and Daniel's half he had pineapple and green peppers! We ate the whole pizza... okay it was only an eight slice but it was so yummy!
Then we hopped in Daniel's car and drove to the bowling alley. Honestly, I am pretty good but Danny... he plays not so hot. He just "throws" the ball. Doesn't aim, doesn't time, just chucks the ball. After the first game he figured out that he wasn't going to win so his game changed from knocking the five pins down to see how slowly the ball can go. It actually got stuck! We were laughing like crazy. I really needed this!
We played three games then we went out for fries and sat in his car. I told him about Sam. He has known Sam for his whole life and he is heart- broken too. The mood became really sombre. I flicked on the car's disc player and our favourite Christian song came on. It was a message from God. Just trust in Him.
So we then drove to Danny's house and put in a Disney movie and talked about funny stories when we were kids. Like how we used to pretend we were characters from our favourite movies and create our own stories! Or how Daniel wanted to marry Belle from Beauty and the Beast when he grew up. Today was so much fun!
THANK- YOU GOD FOR SUCH A RELAXING EVENING! THANK- YOU FOR MY FRIENDS. ESPECIALLY FOR DANIEL. THANK- YOU! AMEN.
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
And it ends. In preparation to the Leader's visit in a couple of days the school is holding a conference about the new world order and the Leaders. Matthew has also heard rumours that they might try and recruit students to join Chosen Students. The Chosen Students are, in a nutshell, the secret police for students. Then on Monday morning the Leader of the North is coming here. To our school. Yea. To be honest I am scared. David, Anne and Matthew are acting all brave and like this isn't a big deal. Daniel hasn't said a word so I think he is scared too. Danny doesn't like showing others his fear. I think that maybe it's just a male thing.
LORD, I PRAY THAT YOU KEEP US SAFE. HELP US KEEP OUR HEARTS, OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR MIND ON YOU. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
4th period
Diary,
I just found out that the conferences will be held by grade. My grade is on Thursday. Three more days... I'm going to see if Daniel and David (plus Matthew and Anne) want to go to Steve's. A huge prayer session is needed!
LORD, KEEP US SAFE! IN JESUS' NAME AMEN.
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
I talked to Daniel and the others about a prayer meeting. Daniel agreed and promise to call Steve tonight to see if we can come over. David said that he would love to but this week is crazy for him and his family because of all the things that needed to be done for the Leaders' visit. He didn't seem too happy about it but who can blame him? Matthew and Anne said they were too busy with schoolwork. So it's just Daniel and me.
LORD, PLEASE HOLD US TIGHT. WE REST OUR EYES ON YOU. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
Daniel called. Steve said he needs to do some planning for our church services. His police friend told him that the police are planning to raid the house within the month. Since the friend is not in the religious unit he cannot tell Steve what day. So we have decided to pray on our own.
LORD... HELP.
I'm planning from this moment to Thursday to read my Bible every spare second I have!
-Mia
Thursday Morning
(before school)
LORD, PLEASE PROTECT US TODAY. PLEASE PROTECT EVERYONE IN THIS SCHOOL. PROTECT DANIEL, DAVID, MATTHEW, ANNE AND AMY. KEEP US ALL SAFE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Lunchtime
Diary,
We are all hiding in the library. I don't think I can listen to those people anymore! Our grade was sent down to the gym. There, we received free notebooks and pens. Daniel and David vowed to burn theirs after today! In the front row of the gym (which was set up like a huge classroom) were some criminals! They were real criminals, not religious ones.
"What are they doing here?" I asked as we found out seats.
"Dad told me about them," David said, "he said the government wants them re-educated so since the seminar is only the schools the jails paid big bucks to have them here. There are police officers everywhere. They kept this very hush- hush from the parents." Really! If my parents found out there were murderers and thieves here they would have a bird! Sure, they had handcuffs and all that but still! What were they thinking taking such a big risk?
Anyway, the first part of the morning was a quick lesson on religion: how it got started, what were the five major ones and the pagan ones, what was "common" each of them. Next they taught the negative stuff about religion. They told us all about the wars, the radical terrorist groups, and the division of the people. They, however, forget to add all the positive things that happened because of religion. That hospitals and other social services began because of religions. Then we had a small break. I wanted to book it as fast as I could from the gym but Amy came up to me.
"In a way, they make a good point," she said to me. I almost died.
"What?" I cried, "they only tell one side of the story!"
"And I have heard the other side from you and your friends. Just think of how many wars have been started because of religion. Besides no one is really true to their religion anyway."
"Sure they are! People try their best but-" then I got interrupted because the break was over, "We'll talk later." I commanded as I made my way back to my seat.
Then they outlined the slow removal of religion from our society. They skimmed over the civil war but went into the Leaders "glorious" appearance and their stopping of the civil war. A little annoyed at the propaganda they were spewing I asked a question. Few people had asked questions this morning.
"So why did most of the people just agree there would be no religion? They fought for it for so long so why just give up?" the presenter looked at me and smiled.
"Because everyone was so sick of wars, they were so sick of bloodshed and everyone was so sick of pain. They knew that for hundreds of years there were wars because of religion, it was so much easier that it was all given up." He replied.
"Why didn't everyone agree in a one- world religion? That would have stopped wars, pain and the like." David asked. Do not get us wrong. We don't want a one-world religion. We want the True religion legal. The teacher sighed.
"Because our great Leaders thought the pain and suffering would continue if there was a one- world." He said shortly.
"But it's obvious that tons of people want religion. Why else would the government, still, go gung- ho on the anti- religion?" I pressed. The teacher was getting annoyed.
"Because
they are stubborn. Miss, may I continue?"
"No," David replied. "I want to understand! Why would people just
give up their beliefs, their faith, their life without a fight, when only a
couple of days earlier they would rather die then to give up?" I saw Amy
nodding in agreement.
"I don't understand either. There are so many people now that now refuses to give up their faith, why did everyone agree last time? It's so hard to believe!" Amy piped up.
"Those people," the teacher spat, "who have faith in 'God' are enemies of our Earth. Since the end of religion there haven't been any wars. The people wanted peace! Those -Christians- those freaks want to destroy our peace! Our love for each other!"
"But Christians believe in peace! They believe in love!" Amy cried. It looked like she was going to cry.
"Miss, are you a Christian?" the teacher asked.
"No sir."
"Then how do you know this?"
"My parents were..." Amy was very quiet.
"And my sister holds the belief of love and truth yet she is a Christian. Love your neighbour as yourself, that is what Jesus Christ said. He also said to love your enemy. That sure doesn't sound like something someone who is against love would say." I said.
"'But
he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who hate him' Deuteronomy
7:10- that's in the Christian Bible. So is this passage: 'Then the Lord
said, "I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me
alone so my anger can blaze against them and destroy them all."' That is
Exodus 32: 9-10. That doesn't sound like One of love and peace." Some of the
class cheered in agreement with him.
"But my parents... they often spoke of the peace that God brings... I
am beginning to think that the Christian God isn't that hateful." The
teacher smirked.
"By the end of the day, you will think differently." Then the teacher carried on with his lesson.
I think I might go find Amy now. I have to tell her that God isn't hateful and explain to her what that passage meant. I thought we were getting through to her but I fear that this conference might make her hate such a loving God.
LORD,
ALLOW ME TO BE BRAVE IN YOU! HELP ME SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. IN YOUR SON'S NAME,
AMEN.
-Mia
After Supper
Diary,
*sigh* Thank God I'm home! The rest of the afternoon wasn't as bad. Pretty much all that was talked about was the day the Leaders visit and what they will do once they are here. Daniel and the rest of us already knew most of it since David told us so we were bored out of our mind!
Anyway, I didn't get a chance to talk to Amy. When I found her she was talking to a bunch of other teenagers so I didn't get a chance to talk to her privately. But I did hear that she was invited to the huge party. You know, the party were David's dad gets promoted and the visit is celebrated. I am so happy that I'm not going. I feel really bad that David has to go...
But I'm going to go. I want to do some more reading of the Bible. I want cover myself in the armour of God. Later.
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
Sorry, I haven't written all weekend. I've been kind of depressed.
Saturday night was the night my sister was suppose to have... died. I don't
know if she's one of them who died or not and my parents won't let me find
out. I wonder if they even care?
I spent a lot of my time this weekend reading the Bible. I have found a lot of cool new verses that I would like to memorize and I did memorize some of them. Like this one: But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how you are going to say it. At the time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. That's Matthew 10: 19, 20. I like that one a lot. Okay, I know it doesn't sound very comforting but, when I think about it, it is. I mean if God put in my heart to speak for Him then I shouldn't fear about what I am going to say about He is talking for me. I know that sounds weird but it's not...
I've been also thinking about myself. I think, no I'm sure, that I am willing to die for Christ. I'm not scared to die anymore. If I think about it I believe it would be an honour to die for Christ but I must admit I am afraid of how it would be done. I don't want to suffer pain. I know in some other regions the government is very cruel to believers. Some governments embrace the old ways, such as stoning or running believers over with tanks. I don't think our region does that but the Leader has been talking about increasing punishments. I should think differently. If God wishes me to die for Him then I should believe He will also give me the strength to suffer whatever comes my way. I should also think that Jesus suffered for me. Maybe I should look at it that it would be an honour to suffer like my Lord. After all He was in so much pain coming to the cross and then on the cross just so we could have a chance to be with Him forever. Therefore I should be willing… I just pray it will never come to that!
Anyway I went to church this Sunday. I really enjoy going to church. I always feel that I am really really close to God when I am at the service. I know He's with us all the time but, well, at least I have always felt that when I'm with a group of believers, He makes His presence so much stronger. It's like He's smiling down at us. Oh well, it was a really enlightening service! But it was strange, David wasn't at the service. Usually he is. I know that the party was last night but no matter how late he stays up he always comes to service. So I tried to call David all weekend but his dad kept telling me that David wasn't feeling well. Then he would tell me to call back later. After the fourth time I finally called Daniel.
"Yeah,
I've been calling David too and he won't talk." Daniel told me.
"What do you think is wrong with David?" I asked.
"I don't know. I'll call Matthew and Anne after. Maybe they know
what's up."
"I'm not sure about that. David seems to be distancing himself from
those two." I argued. I think this because David seemed to have been spending
more time with me and Daniel than Matthew and Anne. Daniel said he would call me
back later because he was going to call them to see they knew anything. As it
turns out Matthew and Anne didn't know anything.
Anyway, Daniel and I tried to find him this morning but we couldn't. I wonder if he's even at school... or maybe he's avoiding us! Oh no! I just had a horrible thought! What if he got caught?
LORD,
PLEASE MAKE SURE DAVID IS OKAY!
So anyway according to our teachers we're having an assembly during
second period. She says that the Leader of the North is coming and going to talk
to us. I'm a little nervous about that but I'm more worried about David.
Later.
-Mia
2nd period
Diary,
I only have a few minutes to write before I have to head out to that
stupid assembly but I found David! I was walking down the hall to this class and
I saw him. I called out his name but he completely ignored me and continued to
walk away from me! I tore down the hall and grabbed his arm. I looked him
straight in the eye and said, "David." I would never tell him this but he
looked awful! He had bags under his eyes and he was pale. His hair looked like
it hadn't been washed for a long time.
"Mia." He said. Without thinking I wrapped him in a hug. It just
seemed like the thing to do.
"David... what is wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing." He replied. I didn't believe him and told him so.
"Listen, at lunch, can I talk to you? Please," I asked. David nodded,
"I'll meet you at your locker." Then we parted.
PLEASE LORD, HELP DAVID WITH HIS PROBLEMS. PLEASE KEEP HIM STRONG. IN JESUS'
NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
After School
Diary,
I have so much to write down. Okay, starting at the assembly. Our whole
school poured into the gym. I found Daniel and sat with him. I didn't see Amy
anywhere. I haven't seen her since Thursday. Anyway, I updated Daniel with the
David Situation while we waited for the assembly to start. We kept our eyes open
for him but we didn't see him. Then the lights dimmed (we have a small stage
in our gym) and the curtains opened. The Leader of the North walked onto the
stage. He stopped in front of the microphone. He said nothing and the students
were absolutely quiet.
"Hello students of-" but the crowd cheered so loud you couldn't
even hear the name of our school. He raised a hand and the students
automatically stopped cheering.
"For all those who don't know I am the Leader of the North. I am your
own personal prime minister," Again there was cheering, hand, silence, "but
few people know my name. At my birth my mother called me Peter." Daniel leaned
over to me and whispered, "Just like the disciple who denied Jesus."
"But I would doubt this Peter will repent and spread the Word and the
love of Jesus Christ." Daniel nodded.
"As you all should know that all four Leaders arrived in your beautiful
city (cheers, hand, silence) Saturday. There was a wonderful ball, which I'm
sure I saw some of you there! Also that night could be seen as a sad night. My
heart still cries from that night. All those people had to die. I would have
given my own life if I could have stopped it," All I could think was 'Why
didn't you?' "But I also must realise it is for the best. I get many
letters everyday from young children who don't understand why people they know
are dying by our- my- hands. It is never easy to answer them. But we all must
remember this Christians are the lowest form of life there is! They refuse to
assist us in keeping the world peaceful! They insist to live their lives against
the normal peaceful way of life! Their own Bible tells them to hate- yes hate!-
the world! They do not respond to the peaceful ways against them! Hell, they
don't even crease when we kill them! They are the sole reason for our
world's sadness, for our world's pain, for our world's suffering! They
don't care! They won't stop! They continue to insult mankind and they
don't seem to care they are causing harm and hurt to our wonderful society!
"Our
government cannot do it alone anymore. So I implore your help. Please, if you
know anyone who is a Christian, alert the police. If you are a Christian and you
realize the errors of your ways, we will help you! Unfortunately people don't
turn in their family members or friends and Christians don't see that they are
wrong so I need some people to help me, to help your world, to help keep the
peace! Please if you want to help come join me on the stage!" I turned to
Daniel and grinned.
"Otherwise, if you want to be part of the Secret Police, come on up!"
I whispered. Daniel tried not to laugh but failed. Heart-wrenchingly, about 300
students ran to the stage. All those who "weren't willing to keep Earth
peaceful" were allowed to return to class. After that little propaganda
statement another 100 students stayed back. Almost 1/2 of our school stayed
behind. I wonder how many will actually participate?
Then at lunch Daniel decided it would be better if he stayed away when I
went to speak with David. He went to the library instead. I went to David's
locker. If it was possible he looked even worst! Again I hugged David. I think I
surprised him with all the hugs I've been giving him! I just figure that
people feel better after receiving a hug. I know I do. Anyway, I took him to the
little park we have behind the school and we sat on the swings.
"So what happened?" I asked. David shrugged.
"Nothing." He muttered.
"Come on. Was it because of the party?" David's eyes seemed vacant,
"Please David, talk to me."
"I'm praying night and day since I came home. I would think my
parents suspect but they are so carried away with my dad's promotion they
don't even notice me. Mia? Do you understand what it feels like when God
abandons you?"
"David, God hasn't abandoned you! He loves you!" I cried.
"I know. But those martyrs... did they know? When they were shot, when
they were crucified, when they were hung, did they know?
"I'm sure they did! Sam would have!"
"I saw her..." I froze. David saw my sister. That means she was one
of those who died... I had so many questions burning in my mind.
"Her last words were 'He will not falter or be discouraged 'till He
established justice on Earth.'"
"How did she... die?" I whispered.
"They shot her. The people, my own parents who taught me to respect and
love other people, laughed and cheered. I can't say I would be so strong. Mia,
I don't care about myself. What were they thinking? Eloi, Eloi lema
sabachtani?" (That means My
God, My God, why have You forsaken me?)
"God
has never forsaken anyone!" I cried, "Jesus knew that! He wasn't
questioning God. Plus I totally believed anyone who is willing to die for their
faith knows God would never leave them!"
"Are you willing to die for Jesus?" That took me by surprise. It was
the same question Amy asked me, "I have questioned myself. I love Jesus but...
I worry. I am sorry that before I doubted your faith in God." He surprised me
again as tears began to run down his face.
"David it's okay. We all doubt ourselves. Remember what James wrote,
'if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault and it will be given to him' God will make us strong in
Him." David just looked at the ground.
"Thank- you, Mia. May I tell you what happened at the party?" I
nodded. I really wanted to know about my sister. David drew a deep breath.
"The ballroom was decorated like a palace. I thought I was in a castle
or something. Everyone was in tuxedos or a grown. The tables were on the either
side of the room, and there was a dance floor in the middle. In the front/middle
of the room was a stage. In a half circle on the stage were the crosses. We sat
right next the table with the Leaders. Did you know the Leader from the South is
a woman? They were the last to arrive. I was actually forced to shake their
hands. I felt really dirty after that... you know, Mia, I tried my best to see
them like God does but all I saw were horrible hateful creatures. I felt like
puking.
"They went up and gave a grand speech, much like the one Peter did.
They told us that we were the best of the best, cream of the crop and such,"
David sounded bitter, "so again it was like 'please help us fight the good
fight'. Then before dinner they brought out some religious non- believers.
Some of them were beaten up. They were told to give up their religion then told
to leave. Since there were buns on the table, some people threw them at the
fleeing people. My dad laughed and said, 'if they were under my care they
wouldn't get away.' Then we had supper. I'm sure it was good but to me
everything tasted like cardboard. There were roasted potatoes, shrimp, salad,
and some sort of pasta. There were chicken, ham and pork. There was enough food
to feed the all of the 3rd world countries. I doubt we even made a dent in the
food. I started to pray then. I asked God if He could help me get through this.
I begged Him for His help. My parents didn't even notice that I barely touched
my supper. At one point I couldn't stop staring at the crosses. I wondered how
I was going to survive watching the people die without losing my sanity? My mom
woke me up from my gaze and when I looked down at my dinner plate, l swear it
was covered in martyr's blood." He paused then. Our lunch period was over
but there was no way we were going to leave. David moved off the swing and we
sat on the ground. For a couple minutes he said nothing. I think he was praying,
calling for strength.
"Then all the food was cleared away and the first group of Christians
were brought in... they nailed them to the crosses. Some cried, others yelled
praises to the Lord until the guards were ordered to gag them. Then they brought
out dessert. This time I thought I was going to puke for real. I ran to the
bathroom. I looked awful. I know I still do. Nightmares haunt me. I can still
hear their screams. Sometimes I can almost see them. They ask me why didn't I
help them?
"In
the bathroom I was shaking. I gulped some water. I locked myself in a stall and
prayed. That's all I could do... but I didn't cry... not yet. Finally I got
my strength back and returned.
"Dessert was cleared away and the guards shot the Christians on the
cross and took them down. My parents didn't say a word to me. Then the Leaders
returned to the stage. They made some stupid comment on the blood stained
crosses they left up. Everyone laughed like it was the funniest thing on Earth.
It was like no one cared that innocent people died... that innocent people were
murdered at that spot. Then they had the official ceremony for my dad's
promotion. Yea for my dad. To celebrate..." he paused. I took his hand and
squeezed it. 'Thank- you Lord for not making me go. Please, Lord, help David.
He's really shaken up and needs help. Please.' I prayed silently.
"To celebrate they brought more Christians. I saw your sister right
away. For a second I thought it was you... she looked just like you... I
thought... just for a moment... Oh Lord! Help me!" he began to cry. I hugged
him. I had no clue what to do. I can't imagine the horror he suffered.
"I thought it was you," He whispered again, "She was so strong and
through her bruises and scares she glowed. Like some of the others she yelled
out praises for God. Mia, she wasn't scared. She was so happy. Mia, I'm
sorry I didn't help her..."
"It's okay David. This isn't your fault." I told him. Again he
stayed silent for a few minutes.
"After that they cleared off the bodies and set up the band. People
began to dance. It was like nothing happened. I sat there at the table for the
longest time. At one point Amy came up to me. She asked me to dance. I declined.
How could one dance after that? She said that her brother had gotten tickets and
that I was the only person she knew here. After talking with her for a few
moments, I think she wants Jesus. Mia, I am so weak. I could have witnessed to
her but instead I said nothing because I was scared and depressed." Then I
whispered something that both of us needed to hear, "Because God has said,
'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with
confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to
me?'" David looked up at me. He grabbed both of my hands.
"Lord, both Mia and I are scared. We are not as strong in You as we
thought. We are in need of Your help. Please Lord... use us... use us for Your
glory. In Your Sons' name. Amen." He looked at me. I smiled. I was crying
too. We both felt the Holy Spirit run through us.
"Amy left after that. I hung out by myself. A couple of hours before
the end of the ball, the remaining Christians were brought out. They were
hanged. Everyone cheered and praised the Leaders. Then we went home. I went
directly to my room. I refused to come out until this morning. I didn't want
food, I didn't want to talk to anyone and I think if you didn't insist on
talking to me I would have returned to my room and hide there again. Thank- you
Mia." I smiled.
"That's okay, David. We are friends. I wanted to help." By that
time 3rd period was over.
Aie! I want to finish up what happened with the Secret Police Students
but my wrist is killing me! I write after supper... give my wrist time to heal
and my mind to relax a little.
THANK-
YOU LORD FOR YOUR GUIDANCE AND COMFORT. THANK- YOU FOR NEVER LEAVING US AND
ALWAYS LOVING US. AMEN.
-Mia
After Supper
Diary,
Okay... what a day. So I went to my last period class. There were a lot of sad faces in my class. Daniel and Anne are in my class.
"What's with everyone moping?" I asked as I sat down. Anne looked at me strangely.
"Mia, for Pete's sake, why are you such a flake?" she asked.
"These people weren't the right material for keeping our Earth safe," Daniel snickered, "I guess that means they have some sort of moral decency." I smiled weakly at that.
"Mia, what's wrong with you?" Anne asked, "You are so pale and sick looking." Daniel nodded. I guess talking with David drained me out. Not that I wouldn't do it again, I would in a second!
"Um..." I didn't want Anne to know what was up with David. Anne rolled her eyes. I'm sure Daniel understood because he made sure that the issue wasn't pressed. Anyway about 100 students were chosen and will be back next week. They get to go on a retreat. I'm a little depressed now. I'm worried about David; I worried about the students on the retreat. I think I'm going to read my Bible. Later.
-Mia
After School
Diary,
I feel kind of numb. I was fine all day until last period when it finally hit me. My sister is gone. She's dead. I had to excuse myself and I ran to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. Sam is gone. Dead. I'll never see her again. I won't be able to talk to her or receive letters from her. I won't be able to laugh with her or argue with her ever again. I suppose I should take comfort that she's with Jesus now and she's not in pain anymore. Plus I will be able to see her again. But everything feels so empty. I'm feeling empty and I don't know.
(Later)
Sorry. Mom and dad just came in. They just told me what happened to Sam. They didn't seem all that surprised that I knew. They didn't try to comfort me or anything. It's like the whole house is numb.
-Mia
Really late at night
Diary,
I did something really stupid. I emailed Noah, Sam's boyfriend. I have no idea why I did it and I doubt he even knows who I am but I did it anyway.
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
Okay after a half a night of sleep I don't feel much better. But I think David had a chance to talk to Daniel about what happened at the party. We three are a really quiet group today. We really need to cheer up.
-Mia
4th period
Diary,
Skipping but not caring. I'm in the library hiding out. Okay I'll get straight to the point Noah replied. He wants to meet me. I don't know what to do. I have no idea why I emailed him and I have no idea what I'm going to say to him if we meet. To be completely honest I want to know why he isn't dead too? That sounds really awful but he was at the prayer meeting when they were arrested so why didn't he die?
OH LORD I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO. I WANT TO GO. BUT I DON'T. WHAT SHOULD I DO? IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
On Bus
Diary, I replied. We will meet soon. Now the bus is moving.
1st period
Diary,
No reply yet. Maybe he doubts this too! Anyway here's a quick update on everything. Those students who left on the retreat will be returning Monday and there is nothing but silence on the home front. No one says a word to anyone else. This sounds stupid, but it the season of my stupidity lately, I just might drop off another tract in the mailbox. I will continue to pray that Mom and Dad will embrace Jesus.
-Mia.
Lunch
Diary,
At library. I'm checking my email... oh! He replied! Just a sec! ... Tomorrow! We will meet tomorrow for coffee. I hope I'm doing the right thing.
-Mia
Afternoon
Diary,
I have no idea what to say here. I don't even know what to make as my first impression of Noah. So maybe I'll just start writing.
I walked into the cafe and I really didn't know who I was looking for. I had no clue what he looked like and since I've never really talked to him face- to- face before or even over the phone I had no idea what he looked or sounded like. But it turned out that wouldn't be a problem.
"Mia?" a man walked up to me. He had apple green eyes and dirty blonde hair. It was long looking but short... that didn't make any sense. You know, it's long but short enough that it's not obscenely long. Never mind what he looked like.
"Yes?" Could this be Noah?
"You look just like your sister." So this had to be Noah. He smiled weakly and pulled me into a gigantic bear hug. I was a little shocked at first but I got this feeling that it was okay. We sat down in a booth and ordered our drinks (Noah: coffee; me: hot chocolate). We said nothing for a few minutes. Why was I even here?
"Where were you are that prayer service?" I didn't even mean to ask that. It just came out of my mouth.
"I was there." Noah answered quickly and went back to his black coffee.
"What happened then?" I asked. I was turning red. I didn't want to be so blunt but I had to know. Why was it possible that I could talk to him now but not my sister?
"Sam was really brave. She was so beautiful. Not just outside but inside too. She glowed with God's love and she was always so happy because of God. I loved her." I nodded.
"When did Sam find God?"
"That first term of university. I even helped her. I was the one who told her about Jesus and stuff, "I wished so much that she told me that she was a believer," But I suppose you want to know what happened at that prayer meeting." I shrugged.
"Only if you want to..." Yes! I was dying to know.
"I was there. She was leading the prayer meeting. We had these regularly. That night we were just praying for the usual things- protection, guidance and such- it wasn't a special night or anything. But then SWAT busted in and arrested all of us. I was arrested with Sam. She smiled at me and told me not to worry. She said that the Lord would look after us."
"When my family and I visited her, she seemed so brave. She seemed so strong."
"She is strong. It's true, she would get scared sometimes but it wasn't for very long. She trusted God a hundred percent." That last statement came out very bitter sounding.
"What's wrong Noah?"
"I am not as strong as your sister. I feel so guilty about that," I remained quiet, "They would torture us. At the prayer service there were a few believers who got away. The authorities wanted to know who they were. Sam was strong and didn't say a word about our friends. All she would say is that Jesus loves them. If the guards asked she would tell them about the gospel. So many people were converted to Jesus Christ during those sessions but me... I wasn't strong like her," Noah stopped and sipped his coffee. He sat there sitting there, sipping his coffee, for a few minutes, "One day I couldn't take it anymore. It hurt so much! My arms were broken and I have scars all down my back. I was in so much pain. They told me if I just renounced my faith in Christ I would go free. I sat there for a moment. I thought if I just lied then I could go home. So I said it. They let me go home because I said I didn't love my Lord. Because I denied Him in order to save myself." Noah was crying.
"Noah... do you... did you repent of your sin?" my question seemed so weak.
"I cannot go to Him. I feel so unworthy. I haven't spoken to Him since that night I renounced Him," he paused, "I don't deserve to be with Him."
"But God loves you! He wants you to go back to Him! Don't let one mistake ruin your relationship with Him!"
"Do you think He'll take me back? How can He forgive after such a terrible sin?"
"He will take you back and He will do it with open arms. Remember the story of the prodigal son?" Noah nodded and thought for a moment. Then he prayed right in the middle of the cafe! It was really something. He asked the Lord to forgive him and please take him back. He said he knew what he did was wrong and was really sorry that it happened. He promised to be a true servant to Him. A lost lamb returned to the Shepard. It reminded me of my dad. I wonder if he will ever return to the Lord? Noah, smiling like crazy now, grinned at me.
"Mia, you're worried now." He stated. I faked him a smile.
"No big! The Lord will take care of it." Noah sent me an 'I- don't- believe- you' look. The mood was totally lighter now. We talked for a while after that and Noah promised that he would keep in touch. He also said that he would come to church with us Sunday!
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALLOWING NOAH TO RETURN TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR THIS MEETING AND FOR A NEW FRIEND. IN JESUS' NAME AMEN.
-Mia