As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.
Psalms 55:16

Johanna

"—get in here now, we have a lot of customers here in the restaurant and Olivia is out."

Aunt Riza's sharp voice crackled through the phone, slicing through the calm evening air. Panic surged through me, my heart lurching into my throat.

I started pacing, phone still pressed to my ear. My mind churned in frantic circles. This could be my last chance with her. If I didn't show up, it could mean the end of her support—and with it, my education. I couldn't afford to lose that. But if I left now...

I hesitated, shaking my head. There had to be another way. I knew Aunt Riza's threats weren't empty; she could easily stop funding my studies. But deep down, I felt an inexplicable pull anchoring me to this place. If I left now, I might never have this opportunity again.

I drew in a shaky breath, my pulse hammering in my ears. "I'm so sorry, Aunt Riza, but..."

"What?" Her voice was sharp, impatient.

My palm pressed against my chest as though trying to still my racing heart. Come on, Anna, say it.

"Uh, Aunt Riza... I—I'm afraid I can't come right now."

"What!?" I flinched, pulling the phone away from my ear as her voice rose in disbelief. "I'll ask you one more time, Johanna. Come. In. Here. Now, or I'll cut your allowance for a whole year!"

My stomach twisted into knots. My mind screamed in protest. Could I really risk it? Could I handle her cutting me off?

Silence filled the line for a few seconds. I wanted to scream, to explain—but words caught in my throat. I longed to graduate, to make her proud. But a stronger voice deep inside me whispered that tonight was different.

"Hello? Anna!" Her voice snapped me back.

I sucked in a breath. No. I couldn't leave. As much as my rational mind urged me to go, something stronger—a hunger I couldn't name—rooted me in place.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Riza. I really can't come tonight. I promise I'll make it up to you. This... this is really important for me."

Before she could say another word, I hastily ended the call, turning off my phone with trembling fingers. A sigh of mixed relief and dread escaped my lips as I slipped it into my bag. I tilted my head back, gazing up at the starry sky.

Oh my... at least I got away. For now.

"Tough choice."

I gasped, spinning around to the voice behind me.

"E-excuse me?" I stammered, my gaze locking onto a man emerging from the Pastoral House.

"The choice you just made—between God and your aunt," he said with a gentle smile. His dark brown eyes glinted with a quiet understanding.

"Oh... that," I said softly, dropping my gaze. "I just... couldn't let this pass. I feel like I need to be here tonight."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I believe you made no mistake. Come on, the service is about to begin."

I hesitated a moment before nodding. "Alright, sure."

We started walking, the hum of voices and distant music growing louder. I discreetly eyed him, my brows furrowing. He looked so familiar. Where have I seen him before?

"Go ahead, take a seat," he offered, gesturing to a spot in the fourth row. "I'll be prepping for the service. Will you be okay here?"

"Yes... I'll be fine. Thank you."

I watched as he walked away, the question gnawing at the edges of my mind. I know him... but from where?

⸻

"Are you ready to worship like David?!" Pastor Marina's voice boomed from the microphone, signaling the start of the revival.

A wave of joyful shouts rippled through the tent as everyone rose to their feet, clapping in unison.

I looked around in awe. The energy was electrifying. Almost everyone was clapping and dancing to the beat of the drums. Only a few, like me—newcomers—remained hesitant, still at first.

The songs were nothing like I expected. I'd always thought Christian music meant slow, solemn hymns. But these songs were vibrant, pulsing with life and joy. My palms itched to join in. Before I knew it, I was clapping too, my lips slowly curling into a smile.

What is this feeling?

As I read the lyrics flashing across the platform screen, my heart felt tugged, drawn deeper into the music.

Oh Lord, You search me... You know my way.
Even when I fail You, I know You love me...

A wave of emotion surged through me. I pressed a trembling hand against my chest as tears pricked my eyes. The words spoke to something deep inside me, awakening a longing I hadn't even realized I was carrying.

At the Cross, I bow my knee,
where Your blood was shed for me.
There's no greater love than this...

I lowered my gaze, tears streaming silently down my cheeks. My whole body trembled. This... this was power.

After a few more songs, Pastor Marina led a fervent prayer. The atmosphere seemed to shift, growing thick with something indescribable—weighty, yet freeing.

As the prayer ended, we sat down. The MC stepped up, beaming. "Are you blessed?!"

A chorus of "Amen!" rose from the crowd.

"Hallelujah! Now, I believe everyone's ready for the Word. Please welcome Pastor Melchour Eyasan to deliver tonight's message!"

The crowd erupted in applause as the man from earlier—the one who had led me to my seat—stepped onto the platform.

My breath caught. Eyasan... Now where have I heard that name before?

I watched him intently, recognition dawning slowly. Could he be the one Pastor Marina was talking about?

"My message tonight, brothers and sisters," he began, "is about—" He paused briefly, bowing his head, then continued. "—the reward of Jesus' suffering."

I adjusted myself in my seat, slightly leaning forward as I anticipated his next word. And as the message unfolded, memories of my past life, things that I have done, those unintentional and on purpose, all resurfaced. I released a breath, amazement and wonder both engulfing me as I listened.

How can someone know so much about these things? I felt a prick of pain in my heart, guilt, and shame engulfing me as words of rebuke were spoken.

Tears slid down my eyes as I let the words sink in. This is definitely what hell-bound means. I lowered my head in shame, pondering the words he was saying.

"We all are broken Brothers and Sisters. We all have failed in the eyes of God, we all have come short." His voice now decreased in volume, compelling me to return my gaze to the pulpit in the curiosity of his next word. "This is why we all need Jesus."

I was taken aback, I have heard this Name many times. I even actually thought that I knew this Jesus, that He was a concept so common that there is no need for further understanding. But it didn't take me very long in that service to find out I was so wrong. I don't know Him, what exactly can He do about my situation? Who is He?

"If you ever felt that no one actually loves you in this world, if you felt that there is a void in your heart that longed to be filled. If you have been living in pain, always questioning why some things had happened to you... if you are so overwhelmed by the sin that dominates your life... Then this is your moment, God is waiting for you to respond, willing to give you another chance. He offers you forgiveness, He offers you acceptance, He offers you Love..."

I stared at the preacher in amazement. It's as if he was reading my whole life! I lowered my gaze; the walls I have built around my heart ... Gradually came crashing down.

"No matter what you may have done, His love is Greater than all the things that you have ever committed! His Love is greater than all your weaknesses!" Claps of praise resounded in the place. "My Friend, He has accepted you as you are, but He won't leave you the same, He wants to change you into the person He created you to be..."

My heart was held captive by his words, and I felt hope fill my being.

My heart raced as I noticed his gaze fall upon me. "Jesus loves you..." I felt a tear escape my eye, my gaze towards him unaltered as he spoke.

I furrowed my brow in wonder. How could this man who I barely knew, know exactly the words that I needed to hear? And had I not heard this words from somewhere before? How is it that it affected me so, now?

"How much longer are you willing to live life pretending, how much longer do you want to live in the darkness of sin when all it caused you was pain, condemnation, and death?" I scattered my gaze towards the others in the place, gradually realizing the sobs that resounded all over the tent. I wasn't the only one it seems..
The faint plucking of the guitar began to be heard, all the more intensifying the atmosphere.

"God is waiting for you my friend, either we follow God and forsake the world, or follow the patterns of this world and forsake the One that loves us so much..." There was a sudden silence as he spoke those words.

"My Friend, He died to set you free, and He deserves to receive the reward for His suffering! A reward that He and only He deserves," There was a pause in his speech, I leaned forward in anticipation. "His reward... Is your life. Will you respond?" The guitar then played a little louder, seemingly lifting the place to a higher plane. I sat there in wonder, bewildered that I felt as if I was the only person in the place. My gaze was now anchored to the cross painted on the pulpit, and again tears filled my eyes.

"Matthew 11:28, Jesus says... Come unto Me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I drew a deep breath as I heard his words.

Maybe it's about time I confessed. Maybe it was Him that I needed all along. I do want Jesus, I want Rest, and I want to follow Him. I want my life to be all about Him.

My heart raced wildly within me, my eyes focused on the preacher as he spoke. "The Gift is here, brothers and Sisters, the question now is will you receive it?" I looked down towards my lap. I hadn't even realized, but my hands were shivering.

Yes, yes I want to receive it.

"Those among you who want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, come now. Come here to the altar and we will pray for you..." The throbbing of my heart intensified as I heard the invitation; and it wasn't long before I found myself rising to my feet, moving out of my seat and towards the altar along with others.

"All of you who have come in front; follow me in this prayer..." The preacher instructed, "'Jesus, I thank You for dying on the Cross for me, thank you for loving me and coming to my rescue." I opened my mouth and followed as he prayed, making the prayer mine. "Forgive me Jesus for committing all these things, all these sins. Forgive me, I repent. You are my Lord now, I believe with all my heart that You are my Lord and you are a resurrected King. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Please write my name in the Book of Life..."

Indescribable joy welled in my heart as we all said Amen. Tears slid down my cheeks continuously as I raised my hands and worshipped the Lord.

Wonderful; this is the most wonderful thing I have ever experienced in my life. Words of thanksgiving incessantly slipped out of my mouth.

I saw the preacher come down from the platform and began to pray for the people; and it wasn't very long when I sensed his presence in front of me, as I opened my eyes I was surprised as I saw everyone from where he came from lying on the floor, crying and praising. Wonder surged my heart as a question arose in my mind; what is happening?

A gasp escaped my lips as soon as he lay his palm upon my head, mystified as I felt what seemed to be electric currents run through my body. What is this? My heart throbbed wildly, and yet, it felt surprisingly amazing.

"In the Mighty Name of Jesus, receive the fire of the Holy Ghost!" As soon as he uttered those words I felt heat engulf my body, like a wave it went from my head to my feet then back. My lips seem to move on its own, words of praise incessant from my mouth. Warm tears slid down my cheeks, my chest heaving as I allowed the fascinating experience to unfold.

"Recieve!"

A gasp escaped my lips as I surrendered to the Power overwhelming my whole body, and instantly, as though tossed by a mighty wind, I felt my body fall backward.