Welcome to Pages High, where modern teen Bible characters face real-life struggles and walk the halls! — just like you and me!
Meet Mackenzie—always busy but learning to slow down, Miriam—grappling with prejudice, Joseph, a dreamer with unshakable faith, Pete, the bold and outspoken guy, and Summer, shunned for her reputation but stronger than she seems.
Join us on a modern Bible adventure—where faith meets every day teen life!
STORY
Makenzie grinned at the vibrant A+’s of her term report. She’d done exceptionally well. Not surprising since she studying ridiculously hard.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t a grade for the youth the week of prayer she was helping to organise and oversee at church. But she was flattered that they had chosen her. It showed they appreciated her attention to detail and perfection.
“He’s here!” at the squeal of her younger sister’s voice Makenzie turned to see Mia, her face glowing.
“Ooh, his right on time,” Makenzie smiled approvingly “let me go and give him the welcome basket.”
Makenzie quickly glanced around one more time at the church space and smiled in satisfaction at the finished product. It looked great, the lighting, decorations, all of it was ready.
“Relax, Mak. There’s still plenty of time to get to church. You’re just early,” Lewis said, lightly.
“But it’s the same every afternoon I just don’t–“
“By the way,” Lewis interrupted, “these muffins are to die, for I think you’ve outdone yourself with this new recipe. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve eaten.” He winked.
“Four,” Makenzie stated, narrowing her eyes at her brother, who was busily stuffing another muffin into his mouth, “but don’t distract me with flattery, Lewis. You can’t excuse Mia all the time just because she’s the youngest. She’s not a baby.”
Lewis smiled and kept eating.
Makenzie sighed, then smiled. She couldn’t stay mad at Lewis even if she wanted too. Nobody could. And as far as brothers went, he was actually a really good one.
“I’m ready” Mia’s smiling face appeared in the kitchen stealing a muffin and giving Makenzie and Lewis a kiss on the cheek.
“Look, I’m actually 3 minutes earlier than yesterday,” Mia beamed.
“Oh, these are delish Mak,” Mia complimented with her mouth full as they all walked out to Lewis’s car.
The drive to church was uneventful. Mia chatted incisively about how beautiful and inspiring the preaching had been and how Makenzie shouldn’t be missing out. But unlike Mia, she had a job to do and Lewis’s boot full of food proved that.
Makenzie had a lot on her plate.
“Ok M&M’s where here. I’ll come back later. I’m going to go and pick up the preacher”
Mia laughed at Lewis’s nickname for them and hopped out to help Makenzie.
“Oh, I’m good, I’ve got it all under control” Makenzie smiled, then proceeded to walk to the boot of Lewis’s car and unfold a small hand trolley to put the many things she had brought.
“You look like a teacher,” Mia smirked
“Don’t forget, I need your help in the kitchen. Don’t be late.” Makenzie reminded, marching away with her trolley in toe.
The night started like any other, Makenzie and Mia at the door welcoming the church members, youth and visitors that had come. It was steadily growing every night, and Makenzie felt the pressure rising. Had she made enough food? There were at least 20 more people than the night before, at least.
“Mia, I’m going to start something in the kitchen but stay here and greet everyone, then come and help me,” she ordered.
Makenzie hastily made her way to the kitchen and began prepping everything. She’d overheard people commenting on how delicious and well-organised everything had been. She smiled again in satisfaction.
Wait, was that the special item already? Where was Mia? She should be done welcoming!
Looking at her watch, she groaned under her breath and wished she hadn’t rostered Mia on to help her any of the nights.
Makenzie stormed out of the kitchen and into the church, narrowing her eyes when she saw Mia inside just standing there listening! How irresponsible!
“Why aren’t you in the kitchen helping me? She hissed, pulling her sister out the door.
“Sorry, but I love when Sally and her sister sing. The whole program has been amazing. You’ve missed 3 nights already. You ready shouldn’t be stuck down there.”
“Do you think people want cold food, Mia? We’re here to serve the church, not be selfish!”
Mia’s eyes misted, but instead of going down to help, she marched right back into the church and sat in the second row. Makenzie felt her blood boil.
She couldn’t very well go in and drag her out, although it was tempting.
“Makenzie?”
The deep voice of a male startled Makenzie.
It was the preacher. Why wasn’t he preaching?
Makenzie quickly glanced inside the church but saw that a number of youth were standing at the front. They must be giving some sort of testimony.
“Can I help you? Do you need a fresh bottle of water because I can get one?”
“It’s been lovely getting to know Lewis when he picks me up, and Mia has written her name down for bible studies with a new group that will be starting after I leave. And they both speak very highly of you and all you’ve accomplished.”
“Oh, thank you” Makenzie felt awkward. She hadn’t really spoken to him since she gave him the welcome gift basket.
“But I’ve never seen you sit in one of the meetings?” He stated, his wise kind eyes waiting for her to answer honestly.
“Well, I want to make sure everyone is taken care of and the food that needs to be heated be ready for everyone when you finish” Hmmm that sounded kind of lame, even to her own ears.
“Makenzie, your work is exceptional and you’re going to accomplish many great things here. But don’t neglect your spiritual life for earthy accomplishments and recognition. They don’t last.
Put in as much effort into your spiritual life as you do for everything else. God has a very special plan just for you. Give him the chance to make a difference to him.
I really hope I see you inside next to Mia tonight.” he smiled then made his way to the front row to get ready for his turn at the front.
Makenzie stood frozen in place; no one had ever called her out like that. She wanted to deny everything he had said, but she couldn’t.
Sighing, Makenzie opened the door and crept inside while everyone had their head down in prayer.
ON THE PODCAST
On the podcast, we discuss more about Makenzie and give you 3 tips to remember when you feel stressed.
Press the episode above and listen in.
