We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but it has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, and so I speak." We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. 2 Corinthians 4:8- 13
1st period
Diary,
Noah came to church with us yesterday. Everyone welcomed him with tons of love. After the service Noah and Steve had a long talk. I hope Noah was encouraged by Steve! I have a feeling that now Noah will make a wonderful addition to Christ's family.
Anyway I should probably record what I wanted to write in here originally. During 2nd period the Secret Police Students are returning from their weeklong retreat and we are having an assembly in their honour. I am so excited.
-Mia
4th period
Diary,
I cannot believe it. There is no way it can be true... but it is. We witnessed it with our own eyes.
David, Daniel and I were all sitting together. I looked for Amy but I couldn't find her. I haven't seen her since last week. The assembly was started with the arrival of the Leader of the North.
"Welcome again," Peter said, "I'm glad to be back (cheers, hand, silence). Since I was last here we selected students who would help me and the other Leaders protect the world from rebels. I would like for you to greet the students!" Peter began to clap. Then male students came out in black dress pants, white dress shirts and a black blazer. The female students came out and they, too, wore white dress shirts, black jackets and a black kilt. David leaned over to me and Daniel, "Do you see him?" I searched the group of students. I didn't see anyone I should have known.
"Who?"
"Matthew." I looked again. Okay well there was one guy who maybe looked at him. But it wasn't until lunch when we found out for sure.
We were heading outside for lunch. I love spring! It's so nice outside and not too hot or cold to eat outside! Anyway, Anne and Matthew walk up to us. Matthew is all decked out in that SPS uniform. Daniel glared at Matthew.
"Matthew Burns! What the hell are you doing?" he cried.
"Undercover, Dan. I am undercover." Matthew was kind of smirking as he said this.
"So you decide to work for the Devil? Or have you always been?" Daniel accused. I haven't seen Daniel this angry in a long time.
"Daniel! I'm insulted that you would say such a thing! Besides I can give you the heads up on things now." Anne nodded, as if this whole situation was totally okay and natural.
"Matthew, you didn't have to do this. I have all the heads up now. Remember my dad?" David said. Matthew shrugged.
"David, Daniel, I know what I am doing." Then he took Anne's hand and walked away. I don't understand why he would do this. I don't understand why he feels like he had to betray who he is. Or why it's okay to betray God.
LORD, KEEP MATTHEW STRONG. DON'T ALLOW MATTHEW TO FALL AWAY FROM YOU. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
Aie. Mom heard of the SPS group. Mom asked me why I didn't try to join.
"I didn't want to."
"You are not letting your sister's crazy and not to mention stupid beliefs get to you, are you?"
"Mom, I didn't want to join. I wouldn't feel right."
"Why not? Don't you have pride for your country? For your world?" I rolled my eyes.
"Mom, I really just didn't want to. Besides now it's too late to do anything about it."
"Well Mia, if there is another opening I think you should try to join. It would look good on a resume."
"Whatever Mom." Then I went upstairs. I will never ever join the SPS!
-Mia
2nd period
Diary,
I need a day off. David told us the Northern Leader was at his house for dinner last night. I felt really bad for him. Anyway, David told Daniel and I that the Northern Leader is planning to crack down on illegal religions. Peter wants David's dad to be in charge of the crack- down. He even hinted if all goes well that David's dad may be promoted to federal government!
"So what will happen?" Daniel asked. David shrugged.
"No clue. We need to continue praying." I totally agree.
LORD, PLEASE PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN DURING THIS NEXT WAVE OF TRIALS. PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN STRONG. HELP US TO LEAN ON YOU. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Lunch
Diary,
It took a few days but David was able to find out about the increase in security. They will be keeping a closer eye on the computers, seeing who goes on Private Internet or not, that sort of thing. While I worry about my friends and my own safety I still worry about Matthew. How can he do this? If he continues to be a part of SPS then he is backstabbing his Christian brothers and sisters unless he plans to give them a heads up… but if he does that then he might be discovered. I pray that Matthew will make the right choice and that he will be safe.
LORD, PLEASE KEEP US STRONG IN YOU. YOUR CHILDREN ARE BECOMING WEARY OF THE BATTLE SO PLEASE REPLENISH US. WE LOVE YOU AND HELP US TO NEVER FORGET IT. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
After Supper
Diary,
My parents think I'm sick. I couldn't eat a bite for supper. I thought I was going to be sick... I just might be. I need to take the time and thank God. He protected me and my friends. I feel so lucky.
Daniel, David and I all went to church today. The three of us were spend ourselves throughout the room. I sat near the front, Daniel near the back and David somewhere in the middle. We do this because there are very few Bibles so those who don't have one can see one. Everyone knows the site to get one but, for several reasons, they might not be able to print one off.
At ten o'clock exactly Steve started today's service. We sang a few songs. Steve took his place in front of us. He reminded those with Bibles to share. Next we repented of our sins and asked God for His protection during this service. Steve began the sermon. Looking back I cannot remember what the sermon was about but I guess it doesn't matter we didn't get very far into it. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I looked at Daniel. He pointed to my bag and nodded. I understood. If need be, hide the Bibles in my bag. 'Oh Lord,' I remember praying, 'don't let this be what I fear it is...' Steve put a finger to his lips and walked to the door.
"Steven Crager?" a voice called from outside, "Open up!" Steve turned to us and revealed four fingers. We've been through this before, as a drill so we are prepared if it really did happen. The four fingers meant that we were to leave the room four at a time. David and Daniel passed their Bibles up to me. The four youngest jumped to their feet.
"What?" Steve called out, as if he just woke up. The four crept upstairs. An older male, Jeremiah, went to the back to see if the police had surrounded the house. Daniel and David walked over to me.
"Do you think this is real?" Daniel whispered to me.
"I hope not!" I answered. David smiled hopefully.
"Mr. Crager, let us in!" Steve turned to us. I saw fear in his eyes.
"Oh no..." David whispered.
"Go." Steve mouthed to us. Panic seized the remaining believers. Everyone was now running upstairs. The three of just stood there. Steve hurried to us.
"Go! This isn't a drill! Save yourselves!" he hissed. We ran to the kitchen. I froze, my eyes on Jeremiah. He was being arrested and dragged out of the backyard. Daniel grabbed my hand.
"Come on." We ran out the back door. Daniel decided for us to take our chances outside instead of hiding inside the house. We heard the cops break down the door and rush into the living room. Steve was slammed to the floor.
"You're under arrest, sleaze bag!" I wanted to go help him. Steve was my friend, my pastor, my brother. Daniel pulled me across the backyard.
"There's nothing we can do now." He told me. David jumped the neighbour's fence.
"Hey!" we glanced behind us. Several cops stood at the back stoop. Daniel squeezed tighter on my hand. I don't think he was aware he was doing that. David waved to the cops. Daniel jumped the fence. Now it was my turn. I suck at jumping fences.
"Stop!" the cop pointed his gun at us.
"Mia, give me your hand." David said. Then David helped me climb the fence. I landed on my bum. The cop shot a warning shot. My friends yanked me to my feet and we were off again.
We went to Daniel's house and went to hide into his room.
"Thank God." Daniel wheezed. We fell to the floor.
"Praise Him." I whispered. I couldn't believe we got away from Steve's. I still can't. We were now safe. That was all God's work. Praise Him.
"I guess I lost my car." David grinned. We were avoiding the problem. David drove us to church this morning so when we left we had to leave his car behind.
"Maybe we can go back for it later." I suggested. David nodded. Daniel rolled over and flipped on the TV. The news came on.
"Welcome to the twelve o'clock news. I'm Rachel Suney. This is what's happening at this hour," Rachel changed camera views, "a local Christian house church has been discovered. Steven Crager, the cult's 'pastor' has been arrested," a picture of Steve appeared. It was one of those police station pictures. Steve had several cuts on his face, "The other 'believers' (and yes she was actually making quotation marks with her fingers) have also been brought in for questioning. It is unclear right now whether they will later be put under arrest. A handful of the members did get away. As soon as the information becomes available the public will be informed of who are the escapees," camera view changed, "In other news..." Daniel shut off the news. His face was red.
"Damnit!" he cried, "Damnit! I hate this place! Lord...!" he trailed off. I hugged my best friend. We remained silent for a moment.
"Oh Danny, I understand you. David understands you. And the Lord will help us through this." David agreed. Daniel was silent. I wondered what he was thinking. Then he quickly smiled and said, "You're right. I'm dying of thirst, want anything?" he ran downstairs to get some cokes. I looked over at David, who shrugged. I hope Danny wasn't going to bottle this up! I hope he reaches out to his friends.
LORD, I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL THAT YOU SAVED US TODAY. THANK- YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR ALL OF US. I PRAY YOU KEEP US STRONG AND CONTINUE TO BE SAFE. I ALSO PRAY FOR STEVE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia.
1st period
Diary,
I wonder if they are out to get us. Matthew and Anne, I mean. We saw them today and they seemed really surprised to see us. David was the first to voice this but Daniel and I can't believe it. I don't even think David honestly believes it. No way it could happen. Anyway, David thinks maybe it was those two who gave away the church. But it can't be, the police already had a heads-up on the place. But what if they were looking for an opening to attack and Matthew gave that opening?
No. I won't believe it. They are Christians, they wouldn't do that to us. No way.
LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR DOUBTING MY BROTHER AND SISTER IN CHRIST. PLEASE KEEP STEVE STRONG. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
1st period
Diary,
I've got a major test last period so I need to study. I really don't want to. My mind isn't on schoolwork... it's so overwhelmed with trying to deal with what happened Sunday. Anyway I'm going to go to the library during lunch to study. But since we aren't doing anything in history (surprise, surprise) I'm going to study some. Hopefully, I will be able to concentrate on it.
-Mia
After School
Diary,
I hope I passed that test. As it turns out I didn't get to do much studying done at lunch. I saw Amy, who was also studying, so I went over just to say hi.
"Hey Amy! Haven't seen you lately, what have you been up to?" I asked her. She looked up, with a rather guilty look on her face.
"Hello, Mia."
"What's new?"
"Nothing. I've been thinking a lot."
"About anything special?"
"God. I don't understand it," I opened my mouth to explain but Amy raised her hand, "I don't need another speech. I have heard both sides." I sat down.
"What's wrong then?"
"How many wars have been started because of religion? If it's all that cracked up to be then why did people just give up when the Leaders appeared? If it's all true then why do people say such negative things about Christianity? Why is Jesus the only way? Why isn't Islam or Hinduism just as valid?" I said nothing for a minute. What could I say?
"Honestly? I don't know the answers to those questions. I believe," I paused. There were so many people around me. I sent a quick prayer to God asking what to do, "I believe He is the Only Way because He said so," I decided not to say His name, "People can take Him as a liar, lunatic or Lord. Amy, you know the story now, the choice is up to you." Amy looked angry.
"But if I accept Him as a liar or lunatic, I'm going to hell. Or so according to you."
"According to God. John 14:6."
"'I am the Truth, the Way, and the Light. No one will see the father except through Me.' Yeah Mia, I know that. Zak took Jesus as a lying lunatic."
"There is proof that He isn't crazy. There is evidence that He was telling the truth!"
"Like what?"
"The Bible is historically and scientifically accurate. Jesus," okay so I said His name but by now if anyone was listening they would know what we were talking about anyway, "said that if people couldn't trust Him about Earthly things, why should we trust Him about heavenly things? If we can't trust Him about the things we can see, there is no reason to believe Him about the things we can't see. Our faith isn't totally blind."
"But have you ever seen Jesus? Talked with Him? Laughed with Him?"
"In my heart-"
"Doesn't count. I don't know about this." I just kept quiet for a minute, allowing Amy a chance to sort her thoughts. I pulled out my textbook and opened it up.
"What? That's it? No more talk?" Amy asked.
"I don't know what to tell you. Like you said you know everything. Amy, tell me what you need to be told." Amy's eyes began to water.
"I want to know for sure that my brother is wrong." she whispered.
"Okay, well... this isn't the best example but it's all I can think of. Remember the first time you went swimming. People told you the water was wet and you could do all scientific analysis to prove that water was wet but you couldn't know for sure until you went in the water. Same thing with God. You can test Him out all you want but you won't be able to know for sure until you try Him."
"You're right. That is a bad example. But I understand what you are trying to say. No one can prove that God is real or not until you meet Him."
"Exactly. And you don't have to wait until your dead to meet Him." Amy nodded. The bell then rang. I packed up my books and smiled.
"Today is the day to be saved?" Amy laughed.
"No jokes, Amy. I'll take to you later." Then I left. I really do hope Amy accepts Jesus today.
LORD I PRAY THAT AMY COMES TO YOU TODAY. I PRAY THAT I GET ANOTHER SISTER IN CHRIST. PLEASE LET HER FEEL YOUR LOVE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia.
Night Time
Diary,
When I came home Mom and Dad were waiting for me. I walk in and they are sitting on the couch in the living room.
"Mia." Mom said to me. I am frazzled right now.
"Hi Mom... Dad. What's the matter?"
"I was cleaning the house today." Mom tends to clean when she is stressing or worried about something.
"Why?" I asked. I began to shake. My room is full of Christian stuff. I don't hide any of it because I figure no one goes in there, after all it is my room. It's suppose to be private.
"Because the house was a mess and I thought I would clean it up a bit." I decided not to say anything. Mom stood up and walked into the kitchen. She returned with a box. She placed the cardboard box on the floor. She pulled out a couple of discs.
"Do you know what this is?"
"A disc?" I asked.
"Don't be a smartass. What's on the disc?" I think Mom enjoyed being an interrogator but I began to fill with fear. I began to silently pray for safety. I told myself that there were no police here so maybe they didn't know anything or my parents weren't going to do anything to me. I shrugged at my mom's question.
"Christian music," Mom spat out the words. She picked up another disc, "and this has a Bible on it. Do you know where I found these?" I said nothing instead. I prayed some more. I prayed for strength.
"Your room," Mom answered for herself, "Explain yourself, Amelia." I hesitated. For a moment I didn't know what to say but then I knew. I could not lie. The urge to lie wasn't even there anymore.
"Mom, Dad, I am a Christian." I simply said. Dad closed his eyes. Mom just stared at me.
"How could this happen?" Dad whispered. I said nothing. There is nothing I could say to make the situation better. Suddenly Dad jumped up and grabbed my upper arm. Anger flashed through his eyes. In his anger he slammed me into the living room wall. I yelped and tears began to fall. I had never been so afraid. I mean Sunday's fear is still there and it is real but this, at that present moment, wasn't as scary as it was on Sunday. Perhaps because I knew I couldn't get away and my fate could be very close. Plus I fear my parents would turn me in.
"I should turn you in! You should be killed like your no-good sister!" he slammed me into the wall once more and looked up, "Damn You!" Dad was screaming now. I slid to the floor and continued crying softly. Mom was totally shocked and did not say anything.
"I told You to leave her alone! I told You to leave me alone! Are You stupid? Why won't You listen?"
"Because He loves you." I whispered. Dad yanked me to my feet and practically threw me across the room. I stumbled into the sofa. Tears continued to fall.
"I told you to shut up!" he began to walk towards me when Mom stepped in the way.
"Hon, stop. Relax and calm down," Mom said. She turned to me and pulled me to my feet, "Go to your room." I nodded, half blinded by tears I hurried to my room. So here I am. I am so scared. Diary, this could be it. The end of it all...
LORD I BEG FOR STRENGTH NOW AS I HAVE NEVER BEFORE. I WANT TO KEEP MY EYES ON YOU. YOU, ALONE, KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR ME. I HOPE MY TIME ON EARTH ISN'T OVER YET BUT IF IT IS LET ME GO SINGING YOUR PRAISES. DO NOT LET ME TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU. I LOVE YOU.
LORD, I PLEAD THAT MY PARENT'S EYES ARE OPENED. LET THEM SEE YOUR GLORIOUS PERFECT LIGHT. MY DAD HAS SEEN YOU ONCE BEFORE, PLEASE LET HIM FEEL THAT LOVE FOR YOU AGAIN.
LORD, YOU ARE SOLELY PERFECT AND JUST. YOUR PLAN IS PERFECT. YOU ARE HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. I TRUST YOU AND NOW, IN MY DARKEST HOUR I GIVE YOU EVERYTHING. DO NOT LET ME BE AFRAID. SURROUND ME IN YOUR PERFECT STRENGTH. IN YOUR HOLY SON'S NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Midnight
Diary,
Mom and Dad haven't been up here yet. I haven't seen them. I suppose that's good. I've been spending my time praying and worshipping God. I have this strange peace in me. I guess it's not all that strange, after all it says in Philippians if we surrender all our worries to God, He will fill us with a peace that is beyond our understanding. THANK YOU LORD FOR KEEPING YOUR PROMISES. THANK YOU FOR LOVING YOUR CHILDREN SO MUCH.
I wonder if I should get up for school tomorrow. I mean, do I act like everything is normal or do I continue to hide here?
LORD, I SLEEP IN YOU TONIGHT...
Morning
Diary,
I am choosing to get ready for school. LORD, COVER ME IN YOUR STRENGTH.
-Mia
Later
Diary,
I walked into the kitchen. Mom stood there, making coffee.
"Where do you think you are going?" she snapped at me.
"School?" I asked.
"Ha!" Mom smirked, "You will stay in your room until I tell you to leave." I nodded. I knew it wasn't time to ask questions or preach. The time for both would come later.
"Do you have any idea what you did to your father?" Mom demanded. I shook my head, "He only fell asleep an hour ago. He was up the whole night ranting. I can't believe he was a Freak when he was a child. You and your sister are driving him over the edge. Mia, just give up your silly- and not to mention stupid- beliefs now."
"I can't." I said quietly.
"Damn it Amelia! Must you be so difficult? If your father had his way you would be in custody right now. I am holding out that you will see your errors."
"I'm sorry Mom. I do not want to cause you and Dad any trouble I love you both very much but I cannot give up my beliefs. Jesus once said, "if anyone denies Me here on Earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven'."
"They have you brainwashed good. Sam said the exact same thing."
"Just have the Freak arrested." Dad entered the room. He looked at me with such disguised and disappointment that I began to cry again.
"Mia, go back to your room." I turned to leave when Dad spoke again, "You are foolish to believe in a God who asks you to die for Him."
"He died for me and you. He died so we could have a free life, so we could live forever. He suffered so much because He loved us. He was whipped, tortured, hum-"
"SHUT UP!" he screamed. Mom stood between the two of us, "You don't know anything. You think He loves you but when it comes to the end, when your hour of destruction comes, He will not be with you."
"Daddy, He has never left you but you have shut your heart to Him. God doesn't want to force you to come to Him so He waits for you. The Lord has promised us that He will never abandon us. 'He will not leave you nor forsake you.' Isaiah 41: 10 says-"
"Shut up!" he yelled again, "Lies! All lies! You will learn. He doesn't care about you! He doesn't give a crap about you!"
"Amelia... just go to your room." Mom said quietly. I hurried to my room.
LORD, I PLEAD WITH YOU AGAIN. LET DAD SEE THAT YOU CARE, LET HIM KNOW THAT YOU REALLY DO LOVE HIM AND THAT YOU NEVER LEFT HIM. PLEASE LET HIM REMEMBER THAT HE LOVED YOU ONCE AND YOU STILL LOVE HIM. HELP MY PARENTS. IN THE LORD JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
After school
Diary,
The phone just rang. My cordless phone happened to be in the living room... I wonder who that was. I really hope it was one of my friends. There I have just turn on my cell phone.
PLEASE LORD... PLEASE HAVE THEM CALL ME.
-Mia
A few minutes later
Diary,
I'm so stupid! Why didn't I think of this before- my cell phone! I could call them! Oh! Someone is calling...
It was Daniel!
"Mia, what's wrong? Why are you whispering?"
"My parents found me out." I replied and then told him of the following events. Daniel said nothing for a moment.
"I'm going to get together with David. We are going to pray for you."
"Thank- you."
"Do you need anything?"
"Just lots of prayer-" I paused. My stomach growled. I haven't eaten since yesterday at breakfast. Then I decided that it could be too dangerous from them to get me food, "just prayer."
"No problem." We then hung up.
LORD, THANK YOU FOR MY FRIENDS. I PLEAD THAT YOU CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ME. AS TIME TICKS BY I WORRY MORE... DON'T LET ME WEAKEN. HELP ME STAY STRONG; INFUSE ME WITH YOUR STRENGTH. OH LORD- I LOVE YOU SO! I CAN FEEL YOUR LOVE RIGHT NOW. IF THIS IS MY END, I WILL GO SINGING YOUR PRAISES. ONLY YOU ARE HOLY. ONLY YOU ARE WORTHY OF PRAISE. I WILL SING YOUR WORTH FOREVER. I SURRENDER ALL TO YOU. I LOVE YOU. I WORSHIP YOU! I WILL NOT FALTER! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN!
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
I was in my room. I had nothing to do; after all I don't spend much time in my room. I've done all my homework and for some reason I felt like I shouldn't be watching TV or listening to my music. I had put my Bible and my diary under my bed, just in case my parents came in.
Anyway, my mom did come in. She looked at me and snapped, "Dinner is ready, come on." Tears welled up in my eyes... my parents really seem to hate me now. I can't imagine anything more painful than when I realised that. This sounds terrible but not even when Sam died, I hurt so badly. I guess no child can stand that their parent's rejection. I followed Mom to the kitchen and sat down.
"I don't see how you can believe in God," Dad spat. I quickly reminded myself not to cry. Crying would not help. I needed to lean on God for strength.
"Dad, why do you ask me such a question? I know you believed, I overheard you after we talked to Sam. You were praying to God. You believe in God. You are just angry."
"Because of this 'God', your grandfather is dead and so is your sister. You could be dead within the week because of this 'God.'"
"We have had this discussion before," Mom said, "Amelia, are you ready to give up your stupid ways?"
"I am not. Please, if you let me explain why I am so adamant my beliefs."
"I don't want to hear your lies!" Mom cried. Hate filled her face as she looked at me. Dad jumped to his feet and walked over to his wife. He wrapped his arms around her. He whispered to her and she nodded.
"Amelia, return to your room." I nodded and ran back to my room. I knelt on the floor and prayed. My parents know where I stand and they know their civic duty. I have to remain strong. The Lord will keep me strong. He will. He promised that He would never abandon His children and I believe Him.
MY LORD, I SURRENDER MYSELF TO YOU. AGAIN, I TRUST YOU. I KNOW YOU WILL KEEP ME SAFE. YOU LOVE ME SO MUCH AND YOU PROMISED US EVERYTHING. I KNOW RIGHT NOW THINGS LOOK BLEAK BUT YOU PROMISED ETERNAL LIFE. I WILL GLADLY DIE FOR YOU LORD. MY LORD, I LOVE YOU WITH MY ALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST WORTHINESS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, THANK YOU. IN YOUR PERFECT SON'S NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Morning
Diary,
It's Friday. I'm so hungry. I didn't get dinner last night due to the discussion with my parents... I wonder if my parents are going to deal with themselves. I didn't even try to go to school today. I wish... I wish I could know what my parents are going to do. OH LORD...
-Mia
Afternoon
Diary,
Mom has gone to work. I worry. Dad is here still. I shouldn't worry but he was so angry with me. I honestly think he hates me now. OH LORD... YOU ARE MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND... FILL ME UP AGAIN WITH YOUR PEACE AND STRENGTH. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Later
Diary,
Dad came to visit me. He brought food- praise God! He said nothing as I ate.
"I was once like you," he said quietly, "I was on fire for God. I was going to tell the world about God and His love for the people of Earth. I wasn't going to be afraid of people's opinions or of the Leaders. I was going to lead people to salvation. I wasn't going to be afraid to let the world know I was God's child," He paused and looked at me, "I told my best friend, Seth, about God first and he fell in love with God. We planned, as soon as we finished high school, to travel the world and preach the Good News. But we weren't content in waiting. We wanted the whole world to know about the majesty of God and His son, Jesus. So we secretly started a Bible study at school. We would ask our friends to join us and we would work our way through the Gospels. We weren't afraid. God would protect us.
"Then one day we were caught. We were in the schoolyard and the police came. Everyone ran. I tugged at Seth's sleeve, urging him to come with me into hiding. He shook his head and said to me, 'What a wonderful opportunity the Lord has given us to present the Gospel!' I told him that we needed to leave but he stood up and began preaching. I remember exactly what he said as I ran into hiding." Again he stopped.
"'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Tell me gentlemen,' Seth called to the policemen, 'are you willing to meet a Being who rather have His own Son die than to see those He created perish? 'The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance!' One of the police officers yelled at him to shut up but Seth wouldn't. He just kept on preaching. The police surrounded him then beat him. Through the punches I could hear Seth sing. When the officers finally left I ran to Seth's side. He had been beaten badly. I told Seth to hold on and I would get him to a hospital. I dialled 911 on my cell phone and waited for the ambulance to come. Seth touched my arm and whispered, 'I see the Lord! Oh Josh! Such an awesome sight!' I hushed him, 'Keep your strength.' 'Oh Josh! What a wonderful God we have. Josh, 'blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.' Again I hushed him. He died on the way to the hospital." Dad looked at me. I said nothing I had tears in my eyes. How brave his friend was! I prayed for that strength. Perhaps one days I could be as strong as he was.
"I went home that day in pain but I still, for some stupid reason, loved God. My dad noticed that I wasn't acting like myself. He asked me what was wrong. At first I wasn't going to tell him. Now I wish I didn't but then I decided I would tell my dad, without fear, like Seth did with those policemen. And what would you know? My dad accepted Jesus as his personal 'Saviour' that night. My dad caught that consuming destroying fire of God's.
"For a year my dad went around sharing the Gospel. He wasn't bold like Seth and I were but at work he would tell anyone who would be willing to listen. One day he told the wrong guy and he was reported to the police. He told them that my father was violating his own religious choice. My dad was sent to jail. Several months later he was released but was not deterred. My mom, a smart woman, sought a divorce and refused to even talk to my father.
"Whenever I went to visit my father he would tell my stories of sharing the Gospel in prison. He told me to never be afraid to because even if he didn't have strength the Lord would give him some." Dad took my hand. I smiled at him. I didn't see hate in his eyes anymore but sadness.
"Dad didn't stop telling people about Jesus and one day a group of guys took the law into their own hands. He had the same death as Seth. After that I couldn't believe the promises of God. How could I? 'The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.' Yet all those who loved Him were dying. So I turned my back on God. I didn't need God. I didn't want God. I even told Him to leave me alone and for the longest time He did."
"Until Sam?" I asked. Dad nodded. I hugged Dad.
"Oh Daddy! He still loves you! Over the past couple of days this passage keeps coming to mind, 'Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.' James 1:2,3. In first Peter, it says the same. Trials are a good thing. They can being us closer to God!" Dad pulled away. He took my face gently into his hands.
"But now He threatens your life."
"No, He doesn't. You do. And if you choose to turn me in I will go singing Jesus' praises." Dad released my face and stood.
"My decision is not set in stone, Mia. Convince me otherwise." Then he left. I do not know if he means about reporting me or about God.
LORD, OPEN HIS EYES. ALLOW HIM TO SEE THAT YOU DO KEEP YOUR PROMISES. PLEASE LET HIM RETURN TO YOU. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Middle of the night
Diary,
I can't sleep... I keep thinking about what Dad said. I don't know how to convince him. I've told him all I can. I have sent this up to God so I should be peaceful, right? I guess I'm only human and I know that isn't an excuse yet I still worry. I just wish I could know what is going to happen to me. Are my parents really going to have me arrested? Oh, I wish I knew...
-Mia
Evening
Diary,
Praise God! Oh He is so awesome! Well, you guessed it I know my answer! My parent's aren't going to turn me in! Praise God! Here's what happened:
I was called down for supper and we ate in silence. I was praying throughout the meal. I also notice Dad wasn't looking at me. Once the last bite was swallowed they made their decision.
"Amelia," Mom said, "your father and I have made a decision. We aren't going to turn you in, but if you get caught don't expect us to come visit you. You have clearly made your side clear."
"Secondly, you're grounded until further notice," Dad continued, "If a project needs to be done, your friends may come here. We are also taking and burning all your Christian... junk. Also you will not be allowed to go on the Internet for anything except school work and then your mother or I will be in the room supervising- understood?"
"Yes," I was grinning, "thank-you." Mom and Dad nodded.
"Now... return to your room," Mom said shortly and as I was about to leave she added, "don't make us regret our decision." I smiled again and ran up here to write everything down.
LORD, THANK YOU FOR THIS! THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING MY PARENTS NOT TO TURN ME IN! I ASK YOU ONLY THING AND THAT IS PLEASE LET THEM SEE YOUR LOVE! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
Afternoon
Diary,
I secretly called Daniel on my cell phone. He was so happy that my parents aren't going to turn me in. He was also really sad that I was going to lose all my Christian related things. I'm just relived that my parents haven't found my Bible/ Chemistry book or this diary. We didn't speak long but Daniel promised to pass the message along to David.
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING ME SAFE THIS PAST COUPLE OF DAYS. THANK YOU FOR MY FRIENDS WHO TRULY CARE ABOUT ME. THANK YOU FOR MY PARENTS AND THEIR LOVE. THANK YOU FOR MY LIFE. AMEN.
-MiaEvening
Diary,
Mom came in this evening to talk with me. She sort of smiled then sat down on my bed. I managed to push my Bible under my bed with my foot. I don't think she saw it.
"Amelia, I love you. I can't understand why you believe in a God, especially since science can explain why life began. There is no need for God." She said.
"Mom, I believe we need God. He gives us comfort and strength. He loves us no matter what we do. He sent His own Son so we could live, so we didn't have to suffer."
"But Mia, we do suffer. There is pain. There is pain because people, like you or Sam, won't give up their beliefs. Families wouldn't suffer as much if they didn't have to see their children or parents die. Your God doesn't prevent suffering but causes it."
"Mom, do you think if religion was legal would people still die because of their beliefs? No. Man created those rules. Man causes the suffering."
"So are you against our government too? Do you believe everything would be peachy keen if there was no worldly government?"
"I have nothing against our government. In fact the Bible tells us to respect and honour our leaders. My issue against them is that they have destroyed freedom of religion."
"Mia, is there nothing I can do to convince you otherwise?" I shook my head.
"Mother, I love the Lord with my whole being. I pray that one day you will understand why I believe so strongly."
"I love you. Please don't get caught. I couldn't bear losing another child." Then Mom left.
LORD, I ASK THAT YOU OPEN THEIR HEARTS. ALLOW THEM TO SEE WHY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. LET THEM FEEL YOUR STRENGTH AND, OF COURSE, YOUR LOVE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
-Mia
