Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Almighty (10/03/24)
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TITLE: REVIVAL | Previous Challenge Entry
By dee vine
10/09/24 -
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It was another dreary Sunday, and as I stepped into the teenagers' departments, I nearly turned back. As it had been for the past few months, the church was nearly deserted, with only two faces present: Mitchelle, the lead choir and Dami, the head usher. I was the only regular member present.
“Not again,” I muttered. The truth was painfully obvious: ever since our teens coordinator, or rather, teens pastor had been replaced, church attendance had plummeted, we barely scraped together twenty souls—most of whom were rural kids arriving on the bus shuttle.So there I sat alone, feeling like an outsider in my own church. I couldn't help but notice every neglected detail of the altar—the dusty pulpit, the curtains, frayed and faded–everything.
Disappointed, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, transporting myself back to a year ago, when Pastor Mimshach was still our teens coordinator. I remembered setting my alarm for six-thirty, rushing through my morning routine. Those early mornings were always worth it; church was always vibrant and alive.
The sound of footsteps jolted me back to reality. I turned, only to see Pastor Moriah, the current teens coordinator.
"How can the zonal teens church be this way?" I murmured.
"Why wouldn't it be?" a voice echoed in my mind. "What have you done to change it? Do you ever go out to win souls? You should be the last person to complain—you’re just a seat-warmer, after all."
It was right–I wasn’t involved in any church department. I had contemplated joining the choir, yet my introverted nature stopped me.
"How am I supposed to invite others to service?” I kept asking myself.I prayed earnestly, begging God to make me bold. The next day, I awoke with an unquenchable yearning to share the love of Christ with someone–anyone.
Just then, a voice told me to take a few copies of our daily devotional. I snatched a few and hurried out.
During recess, I watched everyone in pairs and groups head to the cafeteria, laughing and gisting as they went. I still felt the determination, though courage had not yet caught up.
I prayed , then strode into the cafeteria and suddenly,boldness coursed through my veins.
"None have sought after God's mysteries more than I!" I boasted, the words drawing all eyes.
For a moment, the room went silent. Then Amaya, captain of the cheer squad, laughed. "Careful now, Priscilla. Don't start a fire you can't put out."
Though startled she knew my name, I challenged her
"Let's see if your knowledge matches your confidence."
Somewhat annoyed, she got up from where she sat. The crowd leaned in, sensing the tension
"Yaweh?" Amaya raised a perfectly sculpted brow. "You refer to the Ancient of Days before whom all creation bows? At whose command the cosmos was conceived and galaxies given form? In whose hands each life, every mortal breath, is but a flickering flame?"
she paced around me, predatory yet captivating and went on describing the almighty's works, her radiant features holding me rapt"
Unbeknownst to Amaya, her prodding served merely to ignite a spark. I took a steadying breath before beginning. "Thank you Amaya, but I must ask - do you realize our Maker spent a thousand years crafting mankind? Have you pondered how He engineered our pumping hearts and gasping lungs.
I scanned the crowd, sensing curiosity awakening. I pressed on. "Who charts the sun's course, guides the moon in solemn dance across the sky? I mean no harm- only that together we might marvel at His mastery."
I waved a hand to the sunlight
"Have you wondered by what laws of nature we orbit just so, avoiding freeze or flame? Upon what foundation was the earth laid?"
My voice swelled with surety. "What creator can match the almighty, for all creation implies a Creator beyond its bounds. Omnipotent! Omniscient! Omnibenevolent! Ever-present across both the heavens,the earth and under the earth!"
I finished amid hushed awe, and an ovation erupted. Amaya grinned as comprehension dawned. "Well played!"
I distributed copies of devotional and extended an invite for church. To my delight, most agreed to come.
My next plan was to talk to the zonal pastor, which I did and by the next Sunday, the teens department was full again and ascending the pulpit was Pastor Mimshach standing strong and shining, filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit's sweet redemption song. That blessed day was a Sunday I shall never forget.
NB:work of fiction
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One thing that would have helped me is if you told me where this story was taking place. City? Town? Country?
Some of the phrases are unclear to me - if I knew where the story was I think it would make it clearer.
Blessings
Warming the pews comfort some but it won't ever start a fire.
And, if we have a heart desire for reaching others for Christ God will give, even the most introverted of us, the boldness we need to step out in faith and share Chist.