Have you ever been bold about your faith and not worried about what people think?
This week we went around with a mic and asked girls and guys your age some questions–these are:
- Have you ever felt embarrassed to admit you’re Christian?
- Have you ever pretended you’re not a Christian?
- Have you ever been bold about your faith and not worried about what people think?
Tune in to listen to their answers!
How about you? What would you have said? What would Pete, the guy in our story, have said? Take a read of his story.
STORY
Pete felt on a complete high after their youth outreach, and he couldn’t wait to do more. It felt great to be working together to let others know of God’s love and offer them hope.
For the past three months, Pete and some of the youth had been meeting twice a week to
Unfortunately, the next outreach was scheduled for Tuesday night, and that was when he played soccer with his school team. But he knew Pastor Jay would rotate the days every fortnight, so he wouldn’t always miss out.
Tuesday night was one of the best games he’d ever played. He’d even scored 2 goals, including the last winning shot!
“Nice one Petey!”
“Awesome job.”
“We wiped the floor with them,” His teammates congratulated, lifting him up in the air.
Pete laughed! Their team had won each round, making it to the finals, which would be played in the big city stadium on Thursday night.
Next week couldn’t come fast enough.
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The next weekend at church, Pastor Jay gave out the next outreach day, which was Friday night. Pete couldn’t wait.
Friday night didn’t disappoint. It was amazing. Pete and 2 of his mates handed out all their books, although they did get some weird looks and nasty comments from some people who obviously didn’t appreciate their efforts.
That weekend at church, the youth got together again and set the dates for their next outreach times. Pete checked the dates on his phone. He wouldn’t be able to make it next week at all.
Wednesday was an extra soccer practice. He couldn’t miss it since they would be training for their big game on Thursday. And why had they changed the outreach to Thursday instead of Friday?
“Pr. Jay, I can’t come to any of the outreach days this week. We usually do it on Friday, not Thursday.” Pete pointed out, feeling a little annoyed.
“No worries, Pete, we’ve got some people who are free Thursdays and Wednesdays and who are really eager to experience it for them self so we’re alternating days to give them a go.” Pr. Jay smiled.
Pete nodded, but was still a little annoyed. He loved outreach, and he loved spreading God’s word. Plus, he was really good at it, too.
Getting up from the chair, Pete decided to head home early. He really didn’t need to be there anymore.
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Thursday night was tough, very tough, but they managed to score the winning goal with only seconds to go!
Pete agreed while he gulped down his water. Tonight had been incredible, and Pete would never forget it.
Pete opened his mouth to say just that when he saw one of his teammates pointing and laughing at something in front of them. Threading past his teammates and the crowd that had gathered, Pete almost choked when he saw Pastor Jay in the middle of the mocking throng.
Pete felt the blood drain from his body.
“Look at that loser,” one of his teammates said loudly.
“I’ve seen those religious freaks at the stations,” another added, rinsing out his mouth and spitting it out with enough force to land at Pr Jay’s feet.
A girl Pete had seen at other games started snickering and whispering to her friend.
Then suddenly, she locked eyes with him!
“Hey, aren’t you part of those freaks?” she accused.
Pete felt like he swallowed a rock. What could he say?
Then, with a mind of their own, his lips parted, and he croaked out a no!
“Yeah, she’s right,” a member of the opposing team stated. I’m sure I’ve seen you at the stations with the other goodie two shoes,” he smirked.
Pete felt his face grown hot as more eyes turned to watch him.
“I don’t know them,” Pete growled.
“Yeah, I’ve seen you, plus you talk and act differently. ” someone Pete wasn’t sure he’d seen agreed.
Pete couldn’t take it. He felt humiliated.
Suddenly, like something out of a nightmare, Pete heard words come out of his mouth. He didn’t even realise he knew.
He cursed and yelled, denying any affiliation with the church or Pastor Jay.
Breathing heavily, Pete came back to his senses, but this time, all he noticed was the wounded look on Pastor Jay’s face.
Pete felt the sting in his eyes before he turned and ran. No direction in mind. And he wept bitterly.
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Sometimes, girls, you will be tested for your faith, and you might stand strong or buckle under the pressure. But we have a few tips for you that we hope will help. So, play the button and tune in to listen!
PICTURE CRDIT: Pexels-Timur Weber
