My Very First

C4:I'm glad we're friends

The four of us entered the church excitedly. I, for one was very elated to attend church with Mikayla. She seemed like a mature and truthful Christian. Plus, Sarah always thought church was overrated. Imagine!
Anyway, who was I to judge?

We were early and intersession had recently began. "After you." I led Mikalya to the bench and took a sit right next to her. We began praying. I thought she'd be shy attending a new church but no, she was praying very confidently.

"Amen brothers and sisters. Glory to God. May we all raise a hand of praise for our God." We all clapped our hands.

"Welcome to this youth service in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," said Treven, our senior youth member. Then he began a song, goodness of God. Treven was blessed by God with spiritual wisdom and an angelic voice.

I love Your voice, You have led me through the fire. All my days, I've been held in your hand. From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head. I have lived in the goodness of God.

The entire church began singing along. Even Mikayla. It was truly beautiful, the voice of praise in the room was amazing. I felt the presence of God enter the room.

As we were praising, Ashton our service coordinator called me to a corner. "Hey Andrew, we have a problem. Our guest speaker couldn't come through." I was bummed out. Today's talk was an important one and without the speaker, it was all in vain. Oh God, what were we going to do?

"So if you don't mind, would you please take over the service. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job." What?!

"Me? Unfortunately I can't, I'm not that good." I've only been in this church for three years. Wayne and I have been sneaking in here ever since. Our families weren't excatly the religious type.

"Come on Andrew for how long will you make excuses? Allow God to use you, plus it can't be as bad as not having no speaker at all, please." Ugh, that's emotional blackmail. God be with me.

"Alright Ashton I'll do it, let me go fetch my things." Oh well, here goes everything.

I went back to my sit and found Mikayla praying, when she saw me she smiled. And then she took my hand and began praying for me.

"Heavenly father, we thank you for Your Love and Grace. We thank You for Your refreshing blood oh Father that cleanses us and makes us white as snow. Bless oh God, the souls of all those who allow You to use them. Give them strength to continue doing good and bless their souls. May no weapon fashioned against them be able to prosper. People like Andrew, oh my Father are very much appreciated. Let them feel your embrace in the midst of darkness and sadness. I pray in the name of Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen"

She opened her eyes and looked at me, "Thank you Andrew, may God bless you richly." Then she smiled revealing her dimples.

"May God bless you too. You have no idea how helpful your prayer was. Thank you." I said gently squeezing her hand. She looked at me in confusion and then I took my books and headed towards Ashton who led me to the pastor's cabinet.

"You need to be ready in 10 minutes. Intercession is almost over. God be with you, Andrew." Ashton said making my nerves skyrocket. I asked him to get Wayne and Mikalya for me. I needed all the support I could get.

"What are you doing here bro? I thought Ashton was pranking me or somethin', " Wayne asked.

"Yeah, what's going on Andrew? Why are we here?" I felt frustrated, nervous and happy all at the same time.

I groaned in frustration. "The guest speaker couldn't make it, so Ashton asked me to cover up." I expected Wayne to laugh but instead he got me a cup of water.