"Touched by the holy ghost!" The guest pastor shouted as he touched my forehead.

I felt electricity surging through my body. It hurts. I fell to the ground and held my chest because of the immense pain that I was feeling. I cried because I felt the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. I closed my eyes again and when I opened them...

I wasn't where I was again.

I found myself standing in the middle of what seems to be a huge stadium. The walls and the floor are shimmering gold. Also, I've noticed that I am wearing a white polo and white pants. I didn't have any shoes for I am barefooted.

Not far from where I am, I saw a man in white robes and glowing face.

It was Jesus.

He raised His arms and there arose angels from the surroundings of the stadium. One by one they flew and went in place. I looked up in amazement for it was really a wonderful sight.

I looked up and above me was a crown. In which all angels are aiming their hands. My eyes went back to Jesus who was slowly lowering His arms. The angels followed and I saw the crown slowly inching its way to me.

I faced front when it was near me because I don't want the crown to land in ny face.

Then in an instant, Jesus was in front of me. He caught the crown and proceeded to put it on my head.

I felt a tear flow down my cheek which was immediately wiped by Jesus' right thumb.

Then there I was, back to reality.
=========================
"Hey, Gray!"

I paused from eating the food in front of me and turned to see Colin walking towards my direction. "Yes?" I responded.

"I want to give you this." he said as he handed me a small wrapped box.

"Wow! Thank you!" I reached to grab the box and resumed eating.

"Are you not going to open it?" he asked.

"I'm going to open it after I finish eating." I said with a smile. He smiled as well and sat beside me. He waited as I ate my food.

I don't like being stared at while I eat. Instead of being rude by asking him to not do so, I just ate fast. As soon as I swallowed the last chunk of meat, I placed my plate beside me and went for the gift. I opened it and wow.

It was a DIY box with leopard print. I lifted the cover only to discover that it is an explosion box.

"Wow." I whispered.

"That's the reaction I was waiting for. I'll leave you to it then. God bless!" Colin said as he pat my shoulder. He stood up and went to his circle of friends outside.

The box contained two bookmarks, a note and a necklace with a cross as its pendant. I wore the necklace and it fit me.

"Yo, Gray! You're still not going home?" Vince shouted. He was with Denver, Janette and Jet. Oh and by the way, it's the last day of encounter and unfortunately, Kelly Angela and Allison were not able to attend.

I nodded and packed my stuff. I stood up and gestured for us to go out. When we were out of the room, we saw Pastor Jane waiting for us.

"Ma'am! We're going home now! Thanks for everything." said Janette.

"Oh? Take care, then. And thank you for availing yourself to the Lord." she responded with a smile. She gestured for a group hug and we followed. When we let go, we started walking towards the school exit.

We told each other what we felt during the ministering and I think I was the only one who felt electricity. The four of them felt body pains from the head until the torso.

I waited for a jeepney while the four of them carried on walking. We exchanged waves as our images began to fade from each other's eyesight.

After minutes of waiting, there came a jeepney that had room for me so I went in and sat down. I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted my mom that I am coming home.

I waited until I got to the mall and got down. From there, I walked all the way to our house. As I open the gate, I can't help but think of the possible words that my parents could pierce me with. The dogs barked as I entered and I was greeted by the three of them: Pia, Neggy and Cello. I sat down to pet each of them and they wagged their tails in excitement. After that, I made my way to our front door.

From the moment I opened the door, everything felt weird.

First off, the front door is ALWAYS locked. Mom keeps it that way. She scolds us whenever she finds the front door unlocked. Second, as I walked into the kitchen, they were all smiling. Mom, dad and Matt were smiling and laughing. No insults and screaming, just jokes and laughter. Mom saw me and asked me to join them. Following her orders, I put my bag on the couch and sat on my place at the dining table.

"So what did you do at this encounter?" Mom asked.

"We encountered the Lord!" I exclaimed in joy.

"Oh, is that so? Good for you then!" she replied

"Are you sure that's in our religion though?" Dad suddenly asked in a serious tone.

Oh no. I don't want to lie after encounter but I have to. No, wait. It's wrong. UGH!

"Y-yes, dad." I replied. 

Oh, Gray.

Anyway, we ate our food and I helped mom clean up afterwards. After that, we went upstairs and went to our respective rooms.

I locked the door to my room, killed the lights and proceeded to my bed. ; not to lie down, but to kneel. I knelt at the side of my bed and prayed:

"Lord! Hii! Yes, it's me. Haha. Thank you for today, Lord! It was amazing! Especially the visions you made me see! They're wonderful! I love you Lord! I'm walking in your path now. I'm running your race. Let's run this race together! Haha. I love you so much! I give you back the highest praise and adoration. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen,"

I lied down and proceeded to sleep.

Christmas is coming soon. The birth of Christ marked my birth. A rebirth to be exact. Off with the old and in with the new.

I am born again.
=========================
As promised! Here is the new chapter! You may be wondering "why now?"

It's because today, December 23, is the exact date that I encountered the Lord last year! And yes, the visions you've read are all revealed to me by the Lord Himself at that exact moment of encounter!

1 year and faith is still strong. I am His and He is mine. Sure, I may have stumbled countless times, but God is merciful enough to forgive me and help me get back to my feet to carry my cross.

I wouldn't say I'm halfway through with the race. I have tons more to accomplish.

God has shown amazing things to me this past year and it just makes me happy that within that year, this story was included. It's an amazing ride!

Thanks for your support on this book guys! I have read your comments and messages. It brings me to tears how this story has made a huge impact in your lives!

It's Christmas vacation so I can write more! Yaaaaay!

Again, thank you for everything! This is the best anniversary gift!

God bless you!