Chapter Six

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35- 39

After school

Diary,

This sucks. I mean I'm so happy to be back at school and all. I'm so thankful for this chance. Plus I am being super careful around my parents but this really sucks. Matthew is in my second period class and this project was assigned. Matthew was made my partner- and trust me I protested. It didn't do any good. So tomorrow after school Matthew is coming here so we can work on the project. Matthew, tonight, is going to do book research while I look on the Internet for information. I'm not a happy camper.

LORD, PLEASE ALLOW THAT EVERYTHING GOES OKAY TOMORROW... LORD, I DON'T USUALLY PRAY FOR PEOPLE I DISLIKE... I NEVER LIKED ANNE OR MATTHEW BUT ONCE THEY SEEMED TO REALLY LOVE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU DID. NOW THEY TRY TO DESTROY YOUR CREATIONS. THEY SEEM TO HAVE LOST THEIR LOVE FOR YOU. FATHER... PLEASE SAVE YOUR CHILDREN. REMIND THEM OF YOUR ETERNAL LOVE. PLEASE RENEW THEM. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

I should go and start researching.

-Mia

1st period

Diary,

Daniel wants to come over tonight. He doesn't trust Matthew.

"Daniel, it's no big," I said, "It's just a school project. Nothing is going to happen." I looked at David for support but he said nothing. I made a face.

"It's a school project!" I cried and then left for class. I think my friends need to chill out! I don't fully trust Matthew but I highly doubt that he will accuse me instead of doing a huge project!

I don't know why Daniel and David are freaking out so much. I mean I have faced more scary situations these past weeks! First with almost being caught at church then the threat at home. You would think they don't think I can handle Matthew. But I am trusting God. That's what we are supposed to do, right?

Okay, I sound like Anne, all superior and such. I am truly scared. My dad was so angry and violent couple days ago. My mom was so cold and angry… they might just change their minds. Even after my talk with mom, they still think that I am in the wrong, that's way I am being very careful around them.

LORD, PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP ME SAFE. HELP ME REMAIN STRONG IN YOU. THANKS FOR LOVING ME AS MUCH AS YOU DO. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

Before Bed

Diary,

I cleaned up the rec room and set two steaming cups of hot chocolate on the table. I love working on homework with a hot drink. It makes the whole experience less painful. The doorbell rang and I ran upstairs and allowed Matthew in. He walked in. He seemed disheveled. His dark hair was messed up and there was a cut on his face.

"Sorry I'm late." He said.

"Your face..." I whispered. He touched the cut.

"It's just from training. Shall we start?" I nodded and led him downstairs. We worked for about a half an hour when Matthew asked me, "Are you worried about Steve?" I was surprised at the question. I didn't think he would bring it up. He quickly continued, "I wouldn't be. They aren't going to hurt him."

"Matt, I am worried about you." I said.

"Me? Whatever for?"

"I would like to apologize. I never made any real attempt to be your friend." I said. I went to take a sip of my hot chocolate but there wasn't any left. Matthew laughed, "That's why you're worried? Because you aren't friends with everyone? That's life, Mia. Come on, let's finish."

"You are Daniel and David's closest friend. I should have made more of an effort."

"Like I said, no big." We continued to work.

"Matthew," I said after a while, "why did you join the Secret Student Police?" I blushed. I didn't mean for him to know our name for that group.

"Mia! I don't see how that is any of your business!" he cried.

"I just want to understand. I always thought you had such a strong love for God. I was... jealous, I guess, you seemed to have complete and total trust for God and I couldn't. But this seemed such an anti- God thing to do." Matthew opened his mouth to retort but he quickly shut it. I think he was speechless.

"That's what you thought?" he finally asked. I nodded and began to wish I didn't bring this up.

"Remember at Jocelyn's trial? You seemed so brave to freely want to express your devotion for God. You just seemed to trust Him so much. I thought that... well I don't know exactly what I thought. Maybe I thought I needed to trust myself instead of always trusting God. I envied you because you seemed to be able to trust God completely without any struggle." Matthew stared at our project.

"I understand that all too well. I suppose I joined because I figured if I looked like I completely worshipped the Leaders then they wouldn't suspect me. They wouldn't have any reason to search my things and arrest me," he looked up, "I've never told anyone that. Not even Anne."

"Matt, it's okay to be scared. I'm scared but we have to trust God. This weekend I could have given in but I couldn't. If we ask for wisdom; He will give it to us."

"But it's too late! I can't undo what I have done! If I quit... they will kill me."

"God is holy." Matthew stared at me.

"'Pick up your cross and follow Me,'" he whispered, "But also if I quit then I will lose Anne. She is so proud that I joined. I am in love with her. I can't lose her."

"Matt, this is going to sound harsh but are you willing to lose Christ?" Matthew picked up a pen and twirled it in his fingers.

"I love God," he paused, "but I love Anne."

"Isn't Anne a Christian?" I asked, "I'm sure she'll understand."

"I used to think she was but then... she began to make comments about Jocelyn, her parents, you and David. Heck, she was the one who turned in Steve."

"She... she turned him in?" I whispered but Matthew continued as if I hadn't said anything.

"But if she isn't then I am in a lot of trouble. If I quit she will turn me in. She knows how bad I felt when Steve was caught. I'm damned." So much of me wanted to ask more about Anne and Steve but I knew that there were more important issues at hand. It was as if God was acting through me which is probably a good thing because I know I wouldn't be able to help Matthew in the way he needed on my own..

"You need to decided what's more important: earthly rewards or heavenly." Matthew nodded. It was now Bible time. I opened my backpack and pulled out my Bible.

"'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave nor forsake you.' Deuteronomy 31:8. 'I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.' Philippians 4:10." Matthew looked at me.

"You have really matured," he paused, "and I have really fallen away," again he paused. He took my hand and bowed his head, "Please Father, please forgive me from turning away from You. Please give me the strength to do what You want me to do, Lord. If You want me to leave the Chosen Students then I will. I want to trust You fully. Help me trust You. In Jesus' name, amen."

I really hope Matthew listen to the Word of God. I also really hope he is able to leave SPS safely. Anyway, we finished our project and we are sure that we are going to get an awesome grade. Matthew promised to keep in touch about his decision.

LORD, PLEASE WATCH OVER MATTHEW. HELP HIM BE STRONG AND MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE. ALSO PLEASE HELP ANNE LEARN ABOUT YOUR DYING LOVE. HELP YOUR CHILDREN WHO ARE AFRAID. LIFE IS SCARY AND THERE ARE TIMES WE WISH TO PROTECT OURSELVES. REMIND US THAT YOU ARE THE GREAT PROTECTOR, YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH US AND YOU ALWAYS LOVE US. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

1st period

Diary,

Daniel and David are dying to know what happened last night. I'm just telling them that our project is finished. I think that if Matthew wants them to know what happened then he would tell them. I don't really think that it's my place, you know?

Anyway I saw Amy today. She's looking rather strange. I wonder what's up with her? But with exams coming up I should begin to study.

-Mia

4th period

Diary,

Matthew just came up to us at lunch. Anne wasn't around.

"David, Daniel, I'm sorry that I broke your trust. I'm really fighting myself about this whole Chosen Students thing. While I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that, I feel that I should tell you this. Anne, and though I tried to tell her not to but I didn't try my best so I'm at fault, turned in Steve."

"What?" Daniel jumped to his feet. David just shook his head.

"Listen... he has been sentenced to death. Probably in a couple weeks they will execute him. It will be public because they will try to catch the remaining members of the church." I closed my eyes. I couldn't believe this.

"My Lord..." David said. Matthew looked uncomfortable.

"I'm-" Daniel cut him off.

"You know what Matt? Just shut up." Then he stormed off. I grabbed my bag and went after him.

I caught up with him outside, heading towards the park.

"Daniel!" I called as I ran up to him.

"Mia, leave me alone." He snapped. I shook my head.

"No, talk to me," I urged, "Please."

"Why don't you mind your own business for once?" he cried angrily, "You have your own issues, so deal with them!" I nodded my head and turned to leave.

"If you want to talk to me, I'm here."

"I don't." I didn't go to class 3rd period. I just sat in the cafe and thought. I thought how easy it was a couple of months ago. I thought that even through there was danger then, we weren't in the spotlight of it. It wasn't until Jocelyn died we were thrust into it. We are forced to look to God more. Some of us grew. Like David. Allow me to be judgmental for a moment but before he was so cocky in his faith. He thought if he was faced with trials he wouldn't be afraid but then it happened and he was fearful. Being made to watch a horrific crime; his world crumbled. Leaning on God, it's being rebuilt with a God foundation.

Others have weakened when we have faced trials. Again being judgmental, Matthew took to trusting himself. Hopefully now that he has realized that he knows to trust God now. I guess it's Danny's turn. I hope he turns to the right people for help.

After judging everyone else I haven't looked at myself. I guess I'm ashamed now. The past couple of days I've been ignoring God. It's like that I know if I continue to approach Him the trials are getting harder and I don't want more trails. I need to face Him but I don't want to. I'm afraid. What if He ups the threats? What if I get arrested? Am I strong enough? I know I'm not. That question is proof enough. You would think I would learn after my experience with my parents. I'm just... bugged.

LORD, PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I SHOULD BE GIVING ALL MY WORRIES TO YOU. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRUST YOU THAT YOU ARE TAKING CARE OF ME. I SHOULD KNOW YOU LOVE ME FOREVER. LORD, HELP ME TO TRUST YOU. HELP ME TO LEAN ON YOU MORE, TO THROW ALL MY WORRIES TO YOU. YOU ARE THE LORD OF ALL AND MY CREATOR. PRAISE YOU! HOW AWESOME AND HOLY YOU ARE LET ME NEVER TURN MY EYES OFF OF YOU! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

Evening

Diary,

David called me. Luckily I can still talk on the phone. Anyway, he told me that he had been talking to Daniel.

"I think Daniel really needs his friends."

"That's what I thought but he told me to go away."

"So did I but it didn't stop you."

"Yeah... Matthew needs us too."

"I know but I think Daniel is more important."

"They are both important. Maybe we need them to become friends again." David gave a bitter laugh.

"Nice idea but unlikely. Daniel sees Matthew as the world's biggest traitor and honestly I am inclined to agree with him."

"David!" I cried, "Matthew made a mistake. He sees his errors and is turning back to God."

"One word: Steve."

"If we refuse to accept him, he will just return to the Chosen Students. We will lose him!"

"He's still a part of the Students! Listen Mia, who's more important- the traitor Matthew or your best friend Daniel?" I said nothing. I love Daniel but I knew Matthew needed our help. There is a Bible story like this. Paul and John Mark went preaching and when the heat came on John Mark ran away. After that Paul didn't want to take him on any more missions. Barnabas insisted taking John Mark with him and John Mark became an awesome preacher. So just because Matthew chickened out once didn't mean he didn't deserve our friendship. What would Jesus do? Accept him anyway.

On the other side I understand where David and Daniel are coming from. Matthew (and Anne) betrayed our pastor. Steve would be murdered because of those two.

"Mia, come on. You honestly can't answer that?"

"I agree with you David but I still don't think we can shun Matthew." David murmured an agreement. There wasn't much left to say. I quickly decided to call Daniel.

"Mia." He answered. He sounded distant, as if I was the enemy.

"Daniel, talk to me."

"About what?"

"How about why you are so mad at me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" I was beginning to get really annoyed. I didn't pay games with my friends so I didn't expect them to play games with me.

"No. Why don't you enlighten me?"

"You are siding with the enemy!"

"I am not! I'm not siding with anyone. I'm trying to be both yours and Matthew's friend!"

"Who is the enemy!"

"What's the difference between Noah and Matthew then?"

"Noah didn't turn in our pastor!"

"He turned his back on my sister! Besides Matthew has repented-"

"Then why is he still a part of that group? If he did then he would have quit by now! Mia, stop standing up for him! Yeah, a couple of months ago I would have wanted you too but now he's untrustworthy. Your first reaction was right."

"How can you judge him? You haven't spoken to him!"

"That you know of."

"What? When?" he paused. I think he was considering telling me or not.

"Just forget it, okay?"

"Okay..." I, personally, want to know but I also know when you are in a middle of a fight with your best friend you don't start another one. No one said anything for a minute.

"Mia, can you just side with me and David?"

"I can't," I said honestly, "Daniel, I don't believe it's right," I told him the story of John Mark and Paul and explained that I couldn't do the same, "I know things are a little different but do you see where I am coming from?"

"I see. I don't agree but I see."

"So can we leave it at that? Agree to disagree?"

"I suppose. Just... be careful." I smiled. I'm glad that this didn't ruin our friendship.

-Mia

1st period

Diary,

Or maybe I'm wrong. David and Daniel are avoiding me. Or so I think. I hope I'm wrong but I couldn't find either of them this morning. So I actually hung out with Anne and Matthew. Anne kept giving me all these looks, like 'why are you here' and 'why won't you go away'? I really just wanted to punch her. Matthew looked at me and he seemed to want to talk to me. I left quickly. There is nothing worst for a teenager than to go to class early. So that's my morning. I hope Daniel and David grow up soon.

-Mia

Lunch

Diary,

Lunch on my own... Matthew has a meeting with the SPS. Amy is nowhere to be seen. I hate this. Am I really that wrong? If we don't be his friend he may return but to the SPS.

LORD, I KNOW YOU ARE MY FRIEND... HELP ME REMEMBER THAT. HELP MY FRIENDSHIPS... PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I AM DONG THE RIGHT THING. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

After school

Diary,

The past two days have really sucked. Daniel and David are talking to me but they are really cool to me. I wish they would grow up already! I'm not the bad guy! Anyway, Matthew cornered me last period and asked to talk to me tonight. So he's coming over under the guise that we need to put the finishing touches on our project. He's coming over after supper.

LORD, PLEASE HELP MATTHEW. ENGULF HIM WITH YOUR LOVE. LET HIM BE STRONG. ALSO HELP DAVID AND DANIEL. HELP ME TOO. IF I'M DOING SOMETHING I'M NOT SUPPOSE TO LET ME NOW. KEEP US STRONG.

-Mia

Before Bed

Diary,

LORD THANK YOU FOR THIS! THANK YOU FOR GIVING MATTHEW THE STRENGTH TO QUIT THE STUDENT SECRET POLICE. THANK YOU FOR GIVING HIM THE STRENGTH TO RETURN TO YOU! PLEASE GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH IN THE COMING WEEKS. HELP HIM KNOW THAT HE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. ALLOW HIM TO KNOW THAT HE HAS HEAVENLY LOVE (YOU) AND EARTHLY LOVE (ME AND HOPEFULLY DANIEL AND DAVID). THANK YOU! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

Matthew came over and he had fear written all over his face. We went down into the rec room and shut the door so Mom and Dad couldn't hear.

"I quit." He said quietly. I smiled.

"Matthew! That's awesome!" I jumped up and gave him a huge hug.

"I might have just signed my own death certificate but I quit. Then I told Anne that I couldn't be with her anymore. I told her that I loved God too much to risk my soul. She was angry. She told me that I was being stupid. I should give up these stupid beliefs. I told her I couldn't. I told her there was no way. God saved me before. I should learn to trust Him fully. She kicked me out of her house when I told her. She's going to turn me in. Mia... I'm going to die. I want to run back and tell her it's all a joke. Mia... I'm scared."

"I don't know what to say. God is in control. Matthew, pray with me," I asked. We closed our eyes and held hands, "Our heavenly Father, please give Matthew peace. He has forfeited comfort and control because he loves You too much. He surrenders his life into Your hands. Please Almighty Lord give him strength. Help him keep his mind on You. Don't let him let go of Your perfect love."

"Lord I love you so much. I long to be with you. I'm not afraid. I can feel Your love within me," his voice cracked. I could tell he was crying, "I love You. I'm not afraid. I surrender myself into Your hands. I fear not. Who can harm me when You are on my side? I love You! I praise You! You are my everything. Amen!"

"Amen." I looked at Matthew, tears in my eyes too. I could sense a heavenly peace that surrounded him. I could understand that peace. It is the same peace I felt last weekend. I hugged him.

"You aren't alone."

"Amelia, thank- you for being my friend." He then left.

THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU!

-Mia

1st period

Diary,

There's a lot of tension in the air. I'm glad the weekend gave Matthew time to be away from everyone. It gave him some time to breathe. Anyway, there are rumours flying around like crazy about what happened with Matthew and the SPS. Matthew hung out with me this morning. Daniel and David came up to us.

"What's the truth, Matthew?" Daniel asked sharply. I almost glared at him. I still think Daniel is being overly cruel to Matthew.

"I quit. I couldn't do it anymore. Mia was right. I was betraying God if I continued." I smiled at Matthew. Daniel nodded. He was silent for a moment, "You serious?" Matthew nodded. Daniel then smiled and said, "Welcome back, man." I thought that was a cheep apology but Matthew seemed to think it was okay. The five-minute warning bell rang. Daniel looked at me. I bid good- bye then started off to class. He chased me.

"Mia... sorry I'm such a jerk." I looked at him. I didn't want to say it was just okay. It wasn't.

"Daniel... you really hurt my feelings. I couldn't choose sides. If we just left Matthew, he may have never make the choice he did. What would Jesus do?"

"I know... I just... Steve was close, you know? I saw him as a brother. When he was arrested and then we found out that it was Matthew and Anne... I couldn't take it. It hurt. I took it out on the wrong people."

"We all have issues," the late bell rang, "but we work through them. We work through them together. We are siblings in Christ and we work together. Daniel, you aren't alone in any of this." I smiled.

"I really blew it." Daniel said. I shook my head then I hugged my best friend, "No, you didn't. Just don't forget you can't walk this road alone. I'm here for you. David is here for you. And now is Matthew. Plus God cares too. He's the biggest comforter of all."

"Yeah." Then we hurried to class.

THANK- YOU, LORD, THAT DANIEL AND I ARE FRIENDS AGAIN. EVEN THROUGH THINGS MAY SEEM DARK... IT'S NOT REALLY. THANKS, LORD. AMEN.

-Mia

3rd period

Diary,

Argh. Matthew just told us at lunch that he was called into the counsellor's office during 2nd period. Mrs. Sweitch is a nice woman but argh. She wanted to know why Matthew quit SPS. He told us he didn't say a word. Just a lot of shrugging. We went outside to pray. We asked God for strength. We asked God to strengthen each of us. We all are facing trials and we are going to rely on God now. I hope Matthew remains safe. But this is bad. If the school is looking into why Matthew has left, it might mean the government is looking into it too. I'm so glad the Leaders have left. Looking back I never recording it. They left several days after the party. I guess I was too busy worrying about David to care.

LORD, PLEASE KEEP YOUR LOVING EYES ON MATTHEW. PLEASE PROTECT AND MAKE SURE NOTHING MAJOR COMES FROM THESE INVESTIGATIONS AT SCHOOL. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

- Mia

1st period

Diary,

The school called Matthew's parents last night. They demanded to know why he quit. Matthew said he felt very tempted to say school- related reasons. He told that he just couldn't do that. I said to him I understood that all too well. He said nothing. His parents are concerned and made a doctor's appointment for him. They think he may be ill or something. We all promised to pray for Matthew. He really needs support.

Speaking of parents all things are still strange at home. I can't wait until I'm able to move out. Dad doesn't say a word to me, unless he has to. I would like to say it doesn't bother me but that's not true. If Dad was once a Christian then one would think he would be able to understand my devotion to God. At least Mom is talking to me. She is acting super nice. Maybe she think if she was a better parent then both Sam and I wouldn't need God. That is absurd. She went a psycho last week but what do you expect? Society hates Christians. They think if anyone is religious then they lower than pond scum. Mom only acted as society told her to which doesn't make sense. You'd think she'd still be psycho but maybe she's feeling guilty or something... Anyway she's acting all sweet. Not lifting the grounding through. Um... I've just read over the entry. I sound so flaky. I guess... I guess I don't want to write how much it really hurts. I know that God is true and all that but I also know I'm disappointing to my parents and no child wants that. All children want their parents to be proud of them. I hate that they aren't proud of me.

I need to get it together. I can't start crying in class. Anyway, I should start studying for exams.

-Mia

After school

Home

alone

lost

afraid

where is the light?

I feel Your presence

comfort

love

peace

hope

I don't need Earth

All I need is You

So why does it hurt so much?

2nd period

LORD, I FEEL SUCH AN OVERWHELMING URGE TO PRAY FOR MATTHEW. I DON'T KNOW WHY. SO I'LL JUST SAY THIS: I KNOW YOU KNOW WHY. I LIFT THAT PRAYER TO YOU. LET HIM KNOW YOUR LOVE AND COMFORT. WHATEVER TRIALS THAT COME LET HIM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR HIM. LET HIM KNOW THAT YOU CARE FOR HIM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS KEEP HIM STRONG. THE OVERWHELMING-NESS IS PASSING NOW SO I HOPE I PRAYED WHAT NEEDED TO BE PRAYED. LORD YOU ARE HOLD AND PERFECT. YOU KNOW EVERYTHING AND YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. LORD... I JUST PRAY WHATEVER YOUR PLAN IS, IT IS CARRIED OUT WITH THE PROCLAIMING MESSAGE OF YOUR GLORY. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

Evening

(in car)

Diary- Dad is driving me to the hospital. David just called. Matthew is there. Something bad has happened. LORD, PLEASE LET YOUR GLORY SHINE THROUGH!

-Mia

Late

Diary,

I... can't... even write. I don't understand why this happens... why can't we be in heaven with You now? Where the is no pain? Or sorrow? Or death? I know we're aren't suppose to ask ' why did this happen? let it go away' but ask 'how is Your will can be done?' but nights like this... OH LORD!

-Mia

Later

(really early in the morning)

Diary,

I should write this all down or else I might think this is all a terrible nightmare. I wish it was.

I was sitting down, about to start my English homework when the phone rang. I answered.

"Mia, it's David," there was something abnormal with his voice.

"What's wrong?"

"Matthew is in the hospital."

"What?"

"Please come." We hung up and my dad offered to drive me. We rode in silence. I ran in and hurried to David and Daniel, who was already there. Matthew's parents weren't anywhere to be seen.

"What happened?"

"I'm not sure," David said, "but Matthew's in surgery."

"Oh God!" I whispered, tears filling my eyes. Daniel put his arm around me. We stood there in silent prayer for a few minutes when Matthew's dad walked up to us.

"You are Matt's friends, aren't you?" he asked. We nodded.

"Sir, what happened?" Daniel asked. He looked back at the ICU doors.

"Matthew was attacked."

"What?" we cried. We all received an angry look from the nurses. Mr. Burns led us to the chairs.

"He was coming home from school and a bunch of Chosen Students jumped him," he swallowed, "They called him a religious freak. Matthew didn't deny it. He began," tears began to fall, " to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Saviour. The boys called him a traitor and began to beat him up. Then they left him for dead. By some miracle someone found him and called 911 to help Matt."

"Sir," David whispered, "how do you know this?"

"Police reports. Apparently those boys then turned themselves in. They will probably be released without punishment."

"How bad it Matthew's condition?" I asked, praying he could survive this.

"A collapsed lung, broken ribs and bones and there is brain swelling."

"Oh God!" I cried and began to sob. How could this happen? Matthew's mom walked up to us. She looked horrible but what could one expect?

"He's out of surgery."

"And?" she shook her head then returned to be with her only son. Matthew's dad thanked us for coming and went to be with his wife and son. We stayed where we were, praying silently for Matthew's recovery. We lingered until around eleven when his father returned to us. Just a side note: Dad stayed with us the whole time. Anyway, Mr. Burns gave us an update.

"He's still critical and the doctors don't think he will survive the night. You kids should go home. Get some rest. I have David's phone number." He advised. My dad agreed and offered to drive David and Daniel home.

"We'll come back after school, sir," Daniel said, "Please call us if there is any news." He promised.

After Dad dropped off my friends he asked me if Matthew was really a Christian. I nodded. I thought I heard him mutter, "Like Seth." We were pulling into the driveway when dad offered to pick my friends and myself after school then drive us to the hospital. I thanked him.

LORD, PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEALING HAND ON MATTHEW THIS NEXT DAY. PLEASE ALLOW HIM TO LIVE. PLEASE. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia

1st period

Diary,

I'm so very tired. Daniel, David and I barely spoke this morning. They were grateful that dad would drive us today. We are just so shocked. We... I don't know. Everything hurts.

-Mia

4th period

Diary,

I can't believe it! How can people be so insensitive? I thought people were rude when Sam was arrested but I thought a part of that was because maybe they didn't know her. At lunch so many people were making fun of Matthew. The remaining members of SPS were boasting about what happened.

"I can't believe Matthew was a Jesus Freak. Oh well, he gets what he deserves." One student said then was complimented with cheers all around him. I heard a giggle from this student's girlfriend, "If he survives, you can beat him again." Again with the cheers. I looked at Daniel. He looked furious and seemed to be trying to bite his tongue. I saw David shake his head and whisper, "I thought they were his friends."

"People are so thoughtless." I commented. Daniel stood up from the table and left the cafe. I looked at David. He didn't notice but continued to listen.

"Well, if he dies then the world is better off without freaks like that." another person piped up. I stand up.

"I can't believe this!" I cried. I was shaking, "We all went to school with him for 4 years. We all loved him until someone suddenly says something so called negative about him and he's better off dead? You are all disguising." Then I stormed out.

I was walking towards the outside when Amy walked up to me. She seemed really upset.

"What is it with you?" she cried angrily, "You want to know why I have problems accepting Jesus? People die because of Him!"

"People die because of other people. They die because people sentence Christ- followers to death. I'm sorry Amy. I don't want to deal with your scepticism today." Then I stormed off. I know I should have probably talked to her. I know I shouldn't have been so cool and short off with her but... right now I don't know. I'm so tired of everyone.

-Mia

After school

(at hospital)

Diary,

He's still alive! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Sadly, according to Dr. Vasner, Matthew's doctor, if he does live Matthew will be mentally handicapped for the rest of his life but the doctor doesn't think he will survive. The swelling has gone only minimally. The three of us are praying silently all day but... this is so hard. I mean I only met Matthew several months ago and he's close to me now.

LORD, PLEASE DON'T LET HIM PASS FROM THIS EARTH. PLEASE GIVE MATTHEW A FULL RECOVERY. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

-Mia