2nd Mission: Church Service

"Big brother release me," said Lysella as she smiled at her brother before leading Gabriana to the front pew. 

The two of them sat down quietly as they waited for church service to begin. Once service began Gabriana started to feel joy as they sang along. Lysella noticed Gabriana had a beautiful voice. Smooth like heavenly streams but strong with conviction and hope. While Pastor Blake Andrew played the piano he could hear Gabriana's voice above everyone else. 

Unfortunately the hymn ended too soon and the sermon began. Pastor Andrew made his way to the pulpit. 

"Everyone, please stand in prayer," announced Pastor Blake Andrew. 

Everyone stood, folded their hands, bowed their heads, and closed their eyes. 

"Heavenly father, we come before you. Thank you for bringing all of us here today. Lord, bless this message so that we may understand the plan you have for our lives. We ask for the wisdom to interpret your word in peace and love. We love you Lord. Let your glory fill this place and tonight, lives will be touched. In Jesus' mighty name I pray Amen. 

"Let's turn to John Chapter sixteen, verse thirty-three. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrow. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. Daniel chapter twelve, verse ten says Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trails. But the wicked will continue in their weakness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. You may have a seat," said Pastor Blake Andrews. 

Lysella's eyes sparkled with admiration. One day she would have the courage to give the word. For now, she took every advantage to learn all she could from her older brother. He may only be twenty-one but he was wise in so many ways. 

"In this life we face so much hurt. We see deaths of our friends and family that we couldn't prevent, we have our hearts broken by people who were supposed to love us. Man continues to fail us. In John we are told that we are to face many trials. Trouble soul, don't lose your heart. God is going to bring you joy and peace. He has already overcome the world. Victory has been promised since the beginning. I know right now we may not feel we have a chance but we do. We don't seem to understand why we fall. Analyze your life. Just like in Daniel. We may not be living how God wants us to. So the enemy knows we are weak and he brings us to destruction. Don't look at your pain and failure, instead be wise and look up. The only way we can stand strong is to be on our knees. When we are brought to our lowest, it is then that we become wise and we realize that we need the precious blood of Jesus Christ to purify us and cleanse us from the life we have lived. Yes the wicked will face trials too but they will not change. They will be foolish in the eyes of God, refusing to give up the temporary satisfaction of the world. Do not follow them for they cannot comprehend why they are suffering. Even if their life seems perfect, don't be deceived. They are enemies of the cross with bitter hearts. Last but not least, It is not God's fault when these terrible things in life happen to us. We say he let things happen. Perhaps he does but it is because he has a greater plan. He removes wicked people from your life so that you can rely on him. Any hope and love you seek can only be found in him. Trust him through your trials and he will come through for you no matter how hard life seems to be. At this time please come see me at the altar if you would like to dedicate, rededicate your life to God, or if you have some other need," said 

Gabriana couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. 

"I want to be cleansed and purified from the life that I have lived. I want to rededicate my life to God. Please go with me to the front," She whispered to Lysella who nodded and they made their way to the altar. 

They were the only ones who went to see the pastor Blake Andrews. Seeing her tear stained face brought more compassion from his heart then he had felt the day he first met her. At the altar, Gabriana told pastor Blake Andrews the same words she told Lysella. Placing his hands on his shoulders, he began to pray. Lysella stood behind her placing her right hand on Gabriana's back. 

"Lord, you prodigal daughter is here tonight. She is seeking your embrace and reassurance that everything is going to be okay. She has accepted the trails life has given her. We ask that you bring her healing and strength in this life. Purify her with your precious blood Lord Jesus. Your word says that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Be the map in her life that she may forever trust you. Gabriana? Are you ready to give your life to God?"As Pastor Blake Andrews asked the questions tears continued to fall but Gabriana solemnly nodded and began to pray. 

"Lord, I am broken and I am lost. I need you in my life and heart. I know that your son Jesus Christ died on the cross for me so that I could have a second chance. I am willing to trust you and I'm ready to break these chains in my life. I know that I will find freedom in you alone and love… you will bring to me. I am your daughter now and forever. I have always been and I no longer want to ignore your existence. I give you my heart and soul. I love you Lord. My life is in your hands. In Jesus Mighty name I pray Amen" proclaimed Gabriana. 

The congregation stood and everyone began to clap their hands. They then made their way to the front and embraced her. 

"You are now ready for your walk with the Lord. It will not be easy but with God… all things are possible," said Pastor Blake Andrews as he shook Gabriana's hand. 

Afterwards Lysella hugged Gabriana before telling her. 

"I am so happy for you. How do you feel? I feel lighter. I wanted to be baptized," asked Gabriana as she smiled at her friend's joy before replying. 

The next Sunday, everyone was ready to witness Gabriana get baptized. In the water, Pastor Blake Andrews asked Gabriana a question. 

"Do you have someone to present you?" asked Pastor Blake Andews. 

At that moment Lysella walked over to them and said, "I am presenting my sister in Christ." 

Once all was settled, Pastor Blake Andrews asked her. 

"Do you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins?" asked Pastor Blake Andrews. 

"I do," replied Gabriana. 

"Upon your profession of faith and in accordance with the Lord's command, I baptized you Gabriana LoveSoul, in the name of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death and raised in the likeness of his resurrection," said Pastor Blake Andrews. 

Then Gabriana was submerged into the water and brought her back up. Everyone began to cheer. 

"Way to go Gabriana LoveSoul! You are free," announced Pastor Blake Andrews. 

Once Gabriana changed into dry clothes, she met up with Lysella. Pastor Blake Andrews ended the service with a prayer of thanks and his members began to head home after congratulating Gabriana one by one. As soon as the church was empty, Pastor Blake Andrews joined his sister and his new sister in Christ. 

"How are you feeling Gabriana?" he asked. 

"Brand new. Purified… Cleansed… White as snow. Most of all I am happy. God loves me so much and I am so blessed to have met you and your sister," She said and freely smiled towards us. 

All three hugged then went to the cafe to celebrate with her new found friends. Braxten approached the cafe and this time he entered alone. He made his may towards the counter where Gabriana was and before approaching he asked if he could join us. No one refused him but instead treated him as a guest. They fixed him a latte before finally speaking up to us. 

"Aston and I had a fight recently. I fear after the fight that she returned to (Name_2) for his advice. He's another prophet sent by Lucifer and he's not someone you should take for granted. I know you and your friends have been seeking them out and with my help you can find another one of them," announced Braxten and her friends became quiet as he continued to speak. 

He continued to speak to them telling them more about the Prophets sent by Lucifer to cause mass chaos. 

"Gabriana, I was wrong to push you away and I was wrong to not trust you. Can you ever forgive what I did to you? I know there's still a part of you that never stopped loving me. Will you let me stand by your side one last time as we face this great unknown together?" asked Lysella 

Lysella and Pastor Blake Andrews excused themselves from the table and went to the kitchen in the cafe. Inside the kitchen, Lysella was furious. 

"Braxten can't be serious doesn't he know how dangerous the work we have been doing can be? Second, how can he act like everything is okay after how he treated you earlier this year?" asked Lysella before finally getting quiet and noticing the tears in her brother's eyes. 

"It's not about our will but God's will in this matter before we do anything we need to ask God. No matter what happens we must stay strong in our faith," said Pastor Blake Andrews. 

"I know what you're saying brother and it makes sense to me. It's just that I can't let Gabriana go through this pain again but I understand it's not my will it's God's will. I understand how much you care about her and this must be hurting you just as much as it is me. No matter what happens will be here for her through the pain brother," said Lysella. 

Braxten continued to wait for Gabriana to return and give her response. When Lysella returned to the room she prepared to give their response but before they could answer I gave mine. 

"Braxten, I have already forgiven you for hurting me. I waited so long to confront you and tell you how I felt and now that I have found Jesus. There is no turning back now let's move on together. I don't ever want to lose you or anyone else ever again. I hope you can find the same blessings and peace of mind wherever you go. Goodbye for now until we meet again and next time we will fight side by side together," said Gabriana. 

After the speech Gabriana got up and left to join the pastor and her friends as they headed back towards the kitchen. Braxten was humiliated and torn inside; he didn't believe she could really forgive the pain that he had caused her. At the same time he was relieved to see that she had found new strength in Christ and he wanted to be a part of that more than ever. Afterwards he walked towards the door and prepared himself mentally for what the future would hold. As we walked out the front door he was approached by members of the (Name_3) group that Baxten had swore his allegiance to before they realized what happened to him it was already too late. 

Lysella and Pastor Blake Andrews turned their attention towards the front door and before they could act they noticed something off. Baxten was approached by mysterious figures wearing a hood. 

"What just happened?" asked Lysella as she turned her attention towards her brother and they decided to keep this accident to themselves for now. 

After that happened Gabriana along with the others left the kitchen to join them. 

"What happened to Baxten? Did he leave already?" asked Gabriana.