“Johanna Dumay!”

I rose to my feet as I heard my name ring through the speakers of the hall, briefly swiping the dark toga that layered my pitch dress as I took my first step.

“Finally,” I whispered, my lips curling into a smile as I made my way up the stage. The University President met my gaze, holding the rolled paper in his hand. Carefully, I made my way to the center of the stage to receive my diploma, and as soon as the paper came in contact with my palms, my heart leapt.

Thank You Jesus…

"Congratulations." The President spoke, slightly bowing as he handed me the paper.

After saying my thanks to the University President, I turned to the dark-robed graduates down the stage and bowed, as part of our graduation rite.

As I lifted my head, my gaze immediately was anchored towards my grandmother in the crowd, smiling brightly as she watched me stand in the stage. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes, the gladness I felt overwhelmed my being. I smiled once more and began to walk down the stage.

Aunt Riza hadn’t shown up. Somehow I expected it, but I couldn’t deny the slight hope I had in my heart she’d be here. I lowered my head as I came closer to my seat. True, she was the reason for most of my struggles, she never consented to my Faith, and her hatred towards me never changed, but I praise God for her life still, if God hadn’t used her to support me in my first years of education, I would’ve never come this far. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways.

It was such a joy, to be able to feel this way. Although Aunt Riza hurt me a lot of times, by God’s grace, I learned to forgive. I never imagined that there would come a day I’d be able to forgive her, but I did - and it was one of the most liberating experiences I ever had.

---

“I’m so happy for you, Anna…” I looked up to the man beside me as he spoke.

“Thank you,” I replied, the corners of my lips rising as my palms clasped with his. It has been two years since the time God has brought Melchour to my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. He was one of the greatest blessings I’ve received from God.

“Look,” I paused and rested my head upon his shoulders. “The skies are on fire.” I continued, staring at the beautiful mixture of colors around the setting sun.

“Indeed, but not as on fire as my love for you…” A scoff escaped my lips as I heard his words, with this he began to laugh.

“My goodness, Mr. Melchour Eyasan! Have I ever told you before you’re a really bad sweet talker?” I teased. He simply wrapped his arms around me and continued to speak.

“No, Ms. Johanna Dumay, but mind you, as cheesy as that sounds, it’s the truth.” He countered, making me bite the inside of my lip in embarrassment.

“Whatever…” I chuckled.

“By the way, have you prepared already? You’ll be the one to speak in our Outreach Church’s Anniversary this Sunday.” With this I began to feel my heart beat quicker. Right, I was the one assigned for that. Nervousness slowly crept to my heart as I thought.

“Hmm, yeah I have prepared a message already. It’s just that,” I drew in a breath and continued to speak. “I really feel so nervous about it. I mean- I’ve never preached in an event that special yet.”

“Don’t worry, Anna… for the past years, you’ve been with God now, I know you know He’ll be with you as you speak. Besides,” He turned to my direction and began to chuckle. “He anointed you for a reason you know.”

“Ugh, Stop,” I mumbled and buried my face to his chest. He ceased laughing and held up my chin until our gazes met.

“You’ll be okay Anna, by His Grace you will do well.” I couldn’t help but smile as I heard his words. All I could do was nod in ascent.

The congregation broke into applause as Johanna made her way to the pulpit. Her long raven hair was held in an intricate bun behind her head, only leaving a few strands that framed her temples. As she placed her Bible to the pulpit, a smile was drawn from her lips, to which I felt fascination grip my being. I couldn’t help but feel so thankful as I watched her stand in there, clothed in the Presence of God, Power ringing in her voice.

She began to speak, and silence overcame the room.

“A blessed day, brethren!” she greeted, and a chorus of reply from the congregation swiftly followed. I listened intently to her voice, being reminded of how important Hunger for God is to us, as believers.

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Her voice echoed in the room.

"Yes, all of us have hungers. We are living in a world where everything seems to revolve around the self - a generation of 'Me Centeredness'. Just as Timothy said in his second book chapter three, verses one to five - that men, shall be lovers of themselves. Some hunger for money, some hunger for knowledge, some hunger for pleasure, and some hunger for fame..."

I saw Anna took a deep breath and continued to speak. "I know that all of us have our own lives, and priorities, and goals- it maybe your education, or your family that needs to be fended, or a business you need to maintain, but my question for you right now is... How much do you hunger for God?

Today, brothers and sisters, God reminds us to renew our hunger for Him, enough with the complacency. God needs people, who will say 'There must be more than this!', and are willing enough to make their lives all about Him. And I assure you... Just like what Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, Those that are hungry, get filled!"

Gladness overwhelmed me as I listened to God’s word through Johanna. She was more than I asked for, so much more – and for this, I will forever Praise God.

“Before I come to a close Brethren,” her voice echoed around the place. “I would like to tell you a story.” She closed her Bible looked around the room. “It’s a testimony I’ve held in my heart for a long time… that now needs to be declared.” The congregants shifted and listened intently as Anna drew in a breath and began to speak.

“Two years ago, my life was the utter opposite of how it is now. Misery defined me, and brokenness was my identity. I ran away from my struggles, but I never escaped them. This is why, I have spent most of my life trying to fill the void in my heart, trying to fill it with the presence of other people, vices, and other stuff that never really helped.”

The memories of my past began to roll in my mind as I spoke. “I thought doing these things would give my life meaning. I did my passion – singing, but even though I was active in such activities… somehow I still couldn’t find what my heart really longed for.” I paused briefly and recalled the night I had in the bar.  

“And then one night… that night when I thought of ending everything, God intervened, through the person of Melchour, who saw me unconscious behind the bar I was in and took me to the church. Beginning that day, I felt God move in my life in a way I could not even comprehend. It was then that I realized, His love chased me even though I spent my life chasing things that I hoped would satisfy.”

“I never thought, that a God like Him – this God that spins things in orbit, this God that created and designed all things, this God more beautiful than words can describe, would love someone such as me- a sinful, rebellious, prideful woman. Indeed, His love is unconditional, and it's beyond comprehension.” A smile was drawn from my lips as I resumed to speak.

“He didn’t only love me, He set me free! He set me free and now, despite all my sins in the past, He uses me for His Glory. This is not a work of my own effort. No, I would never have had a slight chance! But because of Him, because of His Grace. I am what I am now - and if God can do this in my life,” My gaze probed the room, making eye contact with everyone that was seated in the pews.

“So can He in yours…”