The things that are impossible with men are possible with God
Luke 18:27

Chatter from inside the building gradually faded as I stepped out. Taking in a breath, I momentarily closed my eyes and allowed the cold breeze to caress my form. With a slight shudder, I advanced towards the next building, pulling my sweater closer to my torso as I walked. Numerous faces both familiar and not met my gaze, my vision set forward as I neared my next class' building.

Turning towards the entrance, I felt tension engulf my being as I saw Mercy's familiar features. Her gaze upon me as was mine to her. My heart tugged at her sight, and wonder overcame my mind as I saw her approach.

Is she still mad? For the last few days, she'd never even spoken to me. Her only words left in my mind was those she spoke that night.

'Hi, Anna," She greeted, her gaze lowered as though unsure.

"Hello, Mercy," I replied, forcing a smile as I too felt unsure of what to do.

"I know this is probably really awkward," she began, her gaze now lifted, 'But, can I talk to you for a second?"

Despite the uncertainty, I've somewhat felt a prick of joy as I heard her words. At least she's talking to me now.

"Sure," I replied immediately, "I have thirty minutes more before my next class."

"Yeah, I know," A slight smile now was upon her face, and I couldn't help but smile along. She really is my best friend. "Do you wanna go to the school park?"

I nodded in assent, and with this, we began to walk.
"So, how have you been, Mer?" I began, "It's been days since I 've heard from you..."

"Ah yeah," She nodded, her gaze lowered as she spoke "Well I haven't been able to come to school for the past few days, actually,"

My gaze widened in curiosity, "Why?"

"I've been at the hospital a few days ago, the last couple of days I just spent in my room. Laying around - thinking,"

A gasp escaped my lips as I heard her words. "What? Why?" I gazed at her intently, looking nowhere else as we sat on the grassy ground. "What happened?" I asked. Worried as I thought of her words.

"That's the thing, Anna," She drew in a breath, "Something really weird had happened since that night that we fought. You see, after we've separated that night, I've called the other guys to come with me to the bar. I've drunk so much alcohol that I couldn't even remember the details of what happened in that bar." I leaned in closer to her as she spoke, curious as to what had really transpired.

"But I do remember one thing vividly," She gazed upon me intently, "It was already really dark at that time, my estimate is that it was already around 10 pm, and only a few people were scattered in the streets." She pulled her gaze and anchored it afar, "I crossed the street. I really didn't bother looking sideways. I was too drunk. Then suddenly all I heard were screams around me, I gazed to my side and there was this giant ten-wheeler truck dashing to my direction," My gaze widened as she recalled, my heart seemingly put on pause as I anticipated her next words.

"All I could do was shut my eyes in panic. My mind blacked out and not a single muscle in my body could move. I really thought that was the end of me. But then..." I watched her intently as I saw her brows furrow.

"Just as I thought the truck would hit me, I saw this bright light, even brighter than the truck's light! And it overshadowed me like a giant cloak, I could only watch as all this seemed to happen in a split of a second...' Her palm made her way to mine, locking gazed with me as she prepared to speak.

" There was no way that the truck could've stopped on its own," she spoke with intensity, "It was so, so near to me when I saw it. The people around me saw it. They literally thought I'd be crushed under that truck and so did I!" I saw her take in a breath as her eyes paced to each side. "Anna, you know me. You know I'm not religious. Never in my life! But," Incitement brewed in my core as I waited for her to resume, "I think I've experienced a miracle, Anna..."

"Mercy," I whispered, gripping her palms tighter as I spoke, "You have." I took in a breath, joy welling in my heart, "You've just experienced God's mighty power. You've seen Jesus move first hand!" A smile now adorned my face, fascination engulfing my being.

"Jesus," I heard her whisper, "What do I do to have more of Him?" She lowered her gaze and lifted it again, "Tell me, Johanna. I want what you have..."

With this, I felt tears well in my eyes, overjoyed of the words I heard, "Is this true?" I asked, "Do you really mean this Mercy?"

She nodded in affirmation, and with this my arms flung towards her, pulling her into an embrace as I felt the tears escape my eyes.

---

Days seemed to pass swiftly and Sunday finally arrived. With much excitement, (and nervosity) I walked inside the church building. Ever since my conversation with Pastor Melchour about leading, the thought had never left my mind. And it became all the more mentally demanding as I joined the worship rehearsals. The practice last night was amazing. Marienne, one of the church worship leaders, was a really good singer and leader. I came to admire her the minute I heard her sing.

Silence overcame the church as the M.C. called the attention of the congregation. It's time for the testimonies. With Mercy by my side, we enjoyed listening to the wonderful stories that people shared. I remember the Sunday when Mercy herself got up to the altar and shared her wonderful testimony - a life-changing miracle. Its amazing to me how her countenance greatly changed from the day she received Christ. Indeed, the old has gone, and the new has come.

The view of Pastor Melchour caught my attention as I saw him sit beside me.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

"I feel fine, Pastor. I just wonder where Sis Marienne is? The service has already begun and I don't see her anywhere." I scattered my gaze to confirm my words, and sure enough, I couldn't find her.

"Hmm, I don't know actually, wasn't she here a moment ago?"

"That's right Pastor, Mercy and I were just talking to her when her boyfriend called her and...uhh, I wasn't sure but she sounded quite pissed off."

"Oh, is that so? Oh well, maybe she just freshened up a bit, she'll be around soon."

"I suppose so..." I hoped so. Her absence made me uneasy, and with each moment that passed without her, it intensified.

After three more testimonies, the M.C. closed the altar for testimonies and announced the giving of tithes and offerings. My heart doubled in its pace, my vision still void of Sister Marriene. Where is the world is that woman?

"Pastor... she's still not here. What do we do? Surely there would be another worship leader who would take her place, right? Just in case?"

"Hmm, yes there will be. Don't worry about it, Anna, she'll show up any minute." Melchour assured and began to open his Bible. I could've just believed what he said and relaxed. But somehow I couldn't, I couldn't relax.

The exhorter for the tithes and offering has already finished his exhortation and the people began to stand and give their tithes. Again, nobody sang for the offering song.

"Okay! Praise God that we all were given the ability to give to the Lord, amen?" We heard the Emcee say through the microphone.

"You know the songs right?" My eyes widened as I heard Pastor Melchour whisper.

"Yes, I do. But why do you ask that?" Panic surged my heart as I saw the look in his face.

"Well, it looks like, you're gonna have to experience first hand my words," His lips curved to a smile.

"Let's all rise up and worship the Lord!" the congregation stood up as the musicians went to their places.

"What? Pastor, I can't! I practiced being a back-up singer! Not the worship leader, I..." My words were interrupted as I felt his hands grip both my shoulders, piercing me with his gaze.

"I know, but either a back-up or the main worship leader, it's still singing for God the same, and that's all God wants. A heart that longs worships Him... You can do it, Anna." My chest heaved wildly as he spoke.

"But-" I paused as his grip tightened.

"The only way to learn how to lead worship is to lead worship..."