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

Melchour

I scanned the park, looking around to see if Anna and Mercy were here yet. They'd texted me during second period, saying they needed to talk—it sounded serious. After a few minutes, I spotted them coming out of the school canteen, both with easy smiles as they walked over to the bench where I sat.

"Hey, how were your classes, Professor?" Anna asked, dropping down onto the bench beside me.

"They were alright," I said, leaning back. "Got into another debate with a student who insists there's no such thing as right and wrong. What about you two? Everything good?"

Mercy hesitated, then sighed. "Well, sort of. Anna got embarrassed in class for mentioning Jesus."

"Really?" I asked, looking over at Anna. "What happened?"

Anna's smile faded. She looked down for a second, then took a deep breath. "We were discussing how to make the world a better place. I said the answer is Jesus. One of the guys in class didn't like it and called me out. It got uncomfortable." She shrugged, but I could see the frustration and sadness in her face.

I nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I've been there. Happened to me plenty in college."

Anna looked up. "Why, though? Why do people get so worked up about Christ? I mean, I used to avoid God too, but that was because I didn't really know Him. But some of these people—they know about Jesus. Some even go to church. Is it just because only secular stuff is tolerated in school?"

I sat forward, thinking for a second. "That's part of it. But I think it's deeper. Just saying the name of Jesus demands something—change. Humility. It's admitting we're sinners, that we need a Savior. It's surrendering our pride and giving up our own way for His. That's a hard thing for people to accept. Some just flat-out reject Him because they know He won't back their choices or behavior."

I paused for a moment and let the words hang there.

"But here's the real question for us—are we going to speak His truth, even if they don't want to hear it? It's not about how persuasive we are. What's on trial is whether we're willing to stand for God, no matter what. Are you willing to do that? Are you ready to serve Him, whatever the cost?"

Mercy let out a low whistle. "That's intense."

Anna drew in a shaky breath, her eyes locking on mine. "I want to. With all my heart. But I feel so weak. How can I speak up with boldness—with the strength and courage it takes—when I don't even feel strong inside?" Her voice trembled, and her eyes shimmered with tears.

I met her gaze, my voice low. "It's not about your own strength. The Holy Spirit gives you the words. His strength becomes your strength. You'll say and do things you never thought you could."

Anna blinked. "But... how?"

"Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit," I said quietly.

Johanna

I sat on one of the benches, waiting for Melchour. I was glad I had someone knowledgeable about the Bible to help me pick one for myself.

As I sat there, I lowered my gaze, his words from earlier still echoing in my mind. I frowned slightly, wondering. What exactly is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is it like being baptized in water? I had asked him about it, but he said he'd explain—just not right then.

"Hey there." His voice cut through my thoughts, and I immediately looked up.

"Oh, hi!" I greeted him with a smile.

"Sorry for the wait. We had a quick faculty meeting," he said, settling beside me.

"Oh, no problem at all. You're doing me a favor, remember?" I assured him.

"It's a pleasure. By the way, where's Mercy? I thought she was joining us this afternoon?"

"Yeah, about that," I said as I stood up. "She had to run some errands for her mom's business. She's an only child, so she's the only one who can really help her."

"Ah, I see. Well, since she's not coming, shall we get going?"

"Yeah, we should. So, Manung, which store are we heading to?"

"It's a Christian bookstore, and their prices are much better."

"Really? That's great. I was hoping to get a Bible for around five hundred pesos," I said hopefully.

"Yeah, that should be enough," he said with a smile, and we started walking.

After about ten minutes, we reached the bookstore. My eyes widened in amazement. It was huge, with shelves filled entirely with Christian books. A wide smile spread across my face. This is paradise!

"Wow, I didn't know there was a store like this in Baguio!" I exclaimed, looking around in wonder.

"Of course there is," Melchour replied, smiling. "So, ready to pick out a Bible?"

"Yeah!" I nodded eagerly. "What version do you think I should get?" I asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed as I read the different versions labeled on the spines. Who knew there were so many?

"Well, it depends on what you're looking for," he said, picking up a few examples. "The NIV is the most common and easy to understand. The King James Version is a bit harder to read, but it's one of the most reliable because it's the earliest English translation. There are others too, like the Amplified and the New Living Translation."

"Wow, you really know your stuff," I said, impressed.

He chuckled. "Well, just knowing Bible versions doesn't make me a pastor," he said, leaning in playfully.

"Got it," I said with a grin. "Is there a version that philosophers or academics usually use?"

"Probably the King James Version, or there's something called the Apologetics Bible, which is geared more towards defending the faith. But unless you've got about three thousand pesos to spend, I'd save that for later," he added with a chuckle.

"Oh my, yeah, maybe I'll pass on that one for now," I laughed.

"Why, are you thinking of becoming a philosopher?" he teased.

"Not really. I like philosophy, but I'm definitely not smart enough to be a philosopher," I said, shaking my head.

"I doubt that," he said, smiling. "So, which version are you going to choose?" he asked, holding up the different Bibles.

"I was thinking of getting the NIV, but I think I'll go with the King James for now," I said, picking one up. We headed to the counter and paid for the Bible.

Finally, a Bible of my own.

As we walked out, Melchour glanced at me. "By the way, Anna, the semester's ending this week. Do you have plans for the break?"

"Not really. I'll probably just help out at my aunt's restaurant during the vacation," I said.

"I see," he said thoughtfully. "In that case, I'd like to invite you to something."

"Oh? What's that?" I asked.

"Next week, we're going on a mission trip to Bokod. It's not too far from where you live, just about a two-hour drive. It'll be a great experience—if you're interested."

I paused, feeling a mix of excitement and surprise. Me? On a mission trip?

"Really? And you'd take me?" I asked.

"Of course. Why not?"

"But how much would the fare be?" I asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry about that, Anna. I've got it covered," he said, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," he said firmly.

I felt a warmth in my chest at his kindness. These days, it's rare for someone to offer help without expecting something in return.

"Thank you so much, Manung," I said softly, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Great. Then get ready for it," he said, looking ahead. "We're going to Bokod."