Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
II Timothy 4:2

I scattered my gaze around the University Park to see if Anna and Mercy had already arrived. It was second period when I received a text from her that they needed to talk to me, and it seemed really important. After a few minutes, I finally saw the two coming out of the school canteen, smiles drawn upon their faces as they approached the bench where I sat.

"Hey, how were your classes, Professor?" Anna asked as she sat beside me.

"Oh, it was okay Anna... got into a debate with another student again who believes there is no right and wrong... How about you, are you guys okay?"

"Oh about that Professor, she got embarrassed in front of the class for saying the name Jesus..." Mercy began to speak.

"Really? What happened?" Anna lifted her gaze and took a deep breath before she spoke.

"Uhm... well, I just found out that indeed, other people don't like the idea of God. We were talking about methods of changing the world, and my answer was Jesus. One of my classmates didn't seem to like my answer, and so he..." Sadness was painted all over her face as she explained.

"I think I get what you're saying. I do understand... that happened a lot to me in my college years too."

"I see. Why, though? Why do people hate the idea of Christ? I once also seemed to hate the idea of God, but that was because I was ignorant of who He really was... but these people, they know Christ! I've even seen some of them attend churches, but why? Is it because in the school only secular things are to be tolerated?" I was fascinated by her questioning, and with this, I began to reply.

"Well, one reason would probably be because the idea of Christ in itself already requires something, and that is change. Humility to accept and confess we are sinners and that we need a Savior. It requires the strength to give up our pride, our ways, and surrender to His will. That is why some people don't want to accept the idea of Christ, because they cannot let their own selfish desires go... and to some people, they reject Him because they know that God will never approve their actions, their behaviors." I paused and took in a breath,

"It is a sad reality, but here is the thing, for us who have decided to believe. The deal is not whether they listen to us or not, the deal is whether or not we speak God's Word in spite of the pressure. Our skills to persuade is not the one on trial here, what's on trial is our desire to serve God despite the opposition. Do you have the desire to serve God no matter what it takes?"

"Wow, that's intense." Mercy remarked.

I saw Anna take in a breath, returning her gaze towards me before she spoke.

"I do, I do want to... with all my heart. But I am too weak, how can I say His words with boldness? With the courage and power, it demands? When, even I don't have the strength in myself?" I was astounded as I watched Anna speak the words in tears. Her heart for God being revealed with each word.

"... It is the Holy Spirit that will put the words in your mouth, His strength will be your strength and you would do and say things you never thought you can..."

"But, How?"

"Through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit."

I sat on one of the benches as I waited for Melchour. Happy that at least I have someone knowledgable about Bibles as I pick one for my own.

I lowered my gaze, his words from earlier ringing in my head once more. I knit my brows in wonder. What's the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is that some sort of getting into the water too? I asked him about it but he wouldn't explain. He said he will, but not at the moment.

"Hi there." The minute I heard the voice, I knew he has arrived.

"Oh, hi!" I replied with a smile.

"Sorry for the wait, we had a brief meeting with the faculty a while ago."

"Oh, no problem, you're the one doing me the favor, after all," I assured.

"It's a pleasure. By the way, where is Mercy? I thought she'll be coming with us this afternoon?"

"Yeah about that, she said she had to run some errands for her mom's business. You see, she's an only child and she's the only one who can help her mother out." I explained as I stood up.

"Oh... alright. So since she's not coming, should we get going?"

"Oh yes, we should, Manung. Which store are we going to?"

"It's a Christian book store, and books are cheaper there."

"Really? That's great I was hoping I could buy one at around five hundred pesos?"

"Yeah, that'd be enough..." He gave me a brief smile and began to walk.

After walking for about ten minutes, we finally arrived at the store. My gaze widened in amazement. It was really big, and all of the books were Christian books. A wide smile involuntarily adorned my face. This is paradise!

"Woah, I didn't think there a store like this here in Baguio!" I remarked, scattering my gaze around the book stacked shelves.

"Of course there is," Melchour replied, a smile on his face, "So, shall we go choose a Bible, now?"

"Yeah!" I nodded in assent, "What version do you think I should take?" I asked, clueless as I read the versions that marked the Bibles' spine. Goodness, who knew there was this much versions?

"Well, it actually depends on you. The NIV is the most common and easy to understand version of the Bible. The King James version is harder to understand and yet one of the most reliable versions because it's the earliest English translation. There are other good versions as well like the Amplified, New Living Translation and such." He explained and showed me an example of each as he was speaking.

"Wow, you really are a Pastor."

"Oh?" He chuckled. "But I should warn you, not all who knows the versions of a Bible is a Pastor." He concluded leaning to my ear.

"Oh, copy that." I gave a quick smile
and began to speak. "Is there a version of the Bible that Philosophers and such, use?"

"Probably the King James Version or there is one version that is really inclined with what they do and that is the Apologetics Bible. But not unless you have at least three thousand there with you, I suggest you buy that for later."

"Oh my... maybe later indeed." I agreed.

"Why, you want to be a philosopher?"

"Not really, Manung. I like Philosophy but, I'm not smart enough to become a philosopher."

"Oh, I doubt." He chuckled. "So which of these versions do you pick?" He again asked as he raised the different Bibles in his hands...

"Uhm, I want the NIV but, I think I'm going to get the King James, for now," I replied and took the other version in my hand. We then went to the counter and paid for the Bible I picked.

Ah, finally. A Bible of my own.

"By the way Anna, the semester is already coming to an end this week; do you have plans for the break?"

"Oh... actually I haven't planned anything yet, I'd probably be in my Aunt's Restaurant for the rest of my vacation."

"Is that so? Hmm, then if that's the case I would take the chance to invite you to something...."

"And what is that?"

"Next week we're going to a mission, in Bokod, not as far as your place but it will take two hours ride. It will be a good experience for you... that is if you want?" I paused as I listened to him explain, the idea somehow made me feel excited and privileged of actually being invited.

"Really? But hey, you'd take me?"

"Sure, why not?"

"But how about the fare, how much is it?"

"Don't worry about that Anna. I got it covered."

"Really are you sure about that?"

"Of course, Anna..."

The corners of my lips lifted at his word, amazed of how kind he was. These days, free stuff are extremely hard to find. Being offered a free ride is something you don't experience everyday!

"Thank you so much, Manung." I breathed, strange fluttering in my chest as I spoke.

"Good, prepare for it then." He said, and gazed forward, "We're going to Bokod."