#christian theme

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[highkickfan]

Annie Koo Eternal Hope.mp4

I was given the honor of giving a testimony to many young adults and college students about my relationship with Jesus and of finding hope in Him. There is a...

I was given the honor of giving a testimony to many young adults and college students about my relationship with Jesus and of finding hope in Him. Here is the original interview that I did and I will also give a link to the video testimony someone I know made for this retreat. I hope through this testimony, you can come to know Christ and have faith in him; that you can come to believe in him and start a personal relationship with him.  I want to give God and Jesus all the glory. I also want to thank God, Jesus, family, friends who supported/love me, and everyone who came to the Higher Calling. May God bless you and have a happy new year!      

1.      Introduction

Hello! Nice to meet you all! Let me tell you some things about myself. My name is Annie Koo. I am 28 years old as of this year and I am currently an ISFJ. My blood type is B; I’m the year of the dog; my zodiac is the Virgo sign; my birthday is on 9/11; and I graduated UCI in 2017 as an English major. My favorite color is sky blue; I love meat (especially pork belly); I also like to draw, read, watch kdrama and anime, and write. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and I love them all!

2.      Introduction and explanation of her condition

So as I mentioned before, I am the oldest child of my siblings and I have a disability called Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). Not only I have it, but so does my youngest sibling too. This disability is a genetic degenerative disease, which I don’t really like to refer it to because it sounds like a flu or something. Anyways, it’s a disability that affects the muscles like the organs and other voluntary muscles. As time goes by, people with CMD become weaker and weaker until eventually they can’t do anything pretty much. Most severe cases, they end up using ventilators or Oxygen due to being unable to breathe by themselves; have a feeding tube; or other things. You get the picture. The usual type of Muscular Dystrophy that is most common, though, is the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in which that affects mostly men. Apparently the children life expectancy with CMD averages from age 10-30. Well, thankfully by the grace of God, as a rare female with this disability, it looks like I’ll be blowing past that age! Ha ha ha! Just kidding. But it is super rare to have 2 people in my family to inherit this disability. When I know and see this, it does make me think and realize that God must have a plan/reason for everything. I have yet to have discover it, but I’m sure God will reveal that someday.

3.      How did you come to know Jesus as your lord and savior?

I don’t know about you, but I feel/think like most people who are brought up from a Christian household would automatically refer to themselves as a Christian on a basic level. At least that’s how it was with me. I assumed I was a Christian due to my innocent naïve upbringing being taught by church and my parents’ guidance. I believed in God and Jesus but it was honestly more of a ritual in a way. I would pray before meals, before bed, and when I would get sick. I would talk to God on occasion when I get bored but it felt like I was talking to myself. It wasn’t until 7th grade that I opened my eyes to the fact that just because I was born and taught from a Christian family doesn’t mean that I myself was a sincere true Christian from my heart. I didn’t really actually have a real personal relationship with God himself. He was just always there, kind of aloof just looking at me to see how my life went. I knew in my head, he cared, but I couldn’t feel it. So when pastor Dan from Bethel Church, back then, challenged to us middle schoolers, it hit me hard. Then he lead us into prayer and invited us to accept Jesus as our lord and savior for ourselves. It was then that I decided for myself that I would become a true Christian and accept Jesus. The moment I said the prayer and accepted Jesus, my vision suddenly turned so bright and so white even with my eyes closed. I felt such an overwhelming sense of peace, love, forgiveness, and even pity for those who hurt me in the past. When I opened my eyes, everything was still so bright that it surprised me. As I went outside and I felt the sunlight, I felt the warmth and love from God. It was as if he was hugging me and telling me how much he waited for me and loves me no matter what. As a person with a disability, getting a full hug is so difficult, so I felt satisfied and happy. So now, whenever I go out and the sun is out, I close my eyes and face the sun to feel the warmth and acceptance from God. I even talked to God and pray to him whenever I felt and needed him. I fully relied on him and started my personal relationship with him. I started to see things differently and my mom even noticed how different I became as well. I became a born again Christian. However, as I got to high school and college, my faith and my relationship with God faded away. I still was a Christian but I wasn’t close to him as I had been before. Then I had a nightmare one day that I went to hell. I told this story a few times before to other people, but I do tell this because it is necessary for all Christians to know or be reminded just like I was. I dreamt that I was being judged in front of 3 people/angels (I forgot) and the one in the middle asked me only one simple question: How do you get to Heaven? In the beginning, I was nervous before I had heard this question, but after hearing this, I was relieved and was glad that it was an easy question. I was foolish and arrogant. I overconfidently answered that I believed in God and that God was the answer. The people/judges looked at each other in disbelief and then the middle person looked at me seriously in dismay and shook his head and said, “Wrong answer”. At that moment, I was shocked and deathly terrified. He then, pressed a button in front of him and a hole under me opened and chains shackled my ankles and dragged me down to hell. Panicking and freaking out, I screamed while crying at the person, demanding to know the right answer to the question. As I was being pulled down, he sadly looked at me and spoke, “Jesus. You need to believe in Jesus”. I stopped struggling. The moment I heard the answer, I realized how wrong I was, what a sinner I was, and lastly how could I have forgotten about Jesus. I also realized that there were many religions that believed in “God” but there was only one true religion that puts Jesus as the only way to the way, truth, and life. As Jesus himself says, “no one comes to the father except through me”. It was then I felt that I did deserve to go to hell and so I gave up and readied myself in hell. Yet, with God’s grace and mercy, I woke up. I was so thankful and blessed to be alive. Alive to have another chance. From then on, I never forgot that dream, answer, and Jesus. Now, I always try to include and sincerely mean what I say in prayer in Jesus’s name and I constantly remind myself Jesus is the answer to everything. So I’m giving you all the answer beforehand and you must sincerely genuinely mean it with all your heart, soul, and mind when you say this answer. Prepare yourself. You never know when your time comes.

4.      What are some struggles you face after you became saved?

Oh boy, there was a lot of things and still are things that I struggle with after I was saved as a Christian. One of the few things, I still struggle is to have a comfortable and deep relationship with my dad. I have my issues with forgiveness and inner pain involving him. I continue to need God’s help and I believe that someday I will eventually have a great relationship with him. Another thing that I struggle with is my doubts if whether I am a hypocritical Christian or not. I want to be a true follower and believer of Christ, but it seems that my actions/behaviors at times can come out as hypocritical. I say I want to do what pleases God and yet I get lazy, tempted, or annoyed doing things for God. I feel as if I’m doing it out of obligation. Thankfully, as merciful as he is, I repent earnestly and try again and I’m given another chance. Even now, as I’m talking to all of you, I honestly am worried that what I say now may be different to how I act in the future. However, I want you to know that as of now, in this moment, I am being open and genuine about myself and everything I say. The last main struggle I’m currently dealing with is my trach and the way to live with it for the rest of my life. I never thought in my entire life that I would get a trach. I assumed that I would live out my life as normal as possible like everyone else. But then I developed seizures in 2019 and then pneumonia in 2020 January/February. It was then I had to be hospitalized due to lack of oxygen and being unable to cough out the mucus from my lungs. With a difficult decision, I decided to proceed with the tracheostomy surgery. At first, I thought I would do the surgery and then when I get better, I would take the trach out. Ultimately, it was decided best to keep it in just in case of possible future serious congestions. Mind you, this period was during the time also when I was semi distant with God. While I was hospitalized, I was unable to speak and couldn’t communicate with others, especially the nurses who attended to me. They didn’t know I could talk. I was so frustrated, and I really thought I lost my ability to speak because no matter how hard I tried, no sounds came out. I way later found out it was because they blocked my throat area with a “balloon” or a cuff. However, during the time, I thought I lost my voice, I was so sad, bitter, angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost. It really challenged my faith in God. Why had God allowed this to happen? Was I taking too much of his grace and love for granted? Was he angry at me? Maybe I did deserve it for distancing from God. Maybe God allowed this to happen for me to have a chance/time to get closer to him. The more I thought and contemplated, the more angry I became. Why did I deserve this? Why did God give me a disability? Why couldn’t I be born like everyone else? Why me? Why couldn’t he heal me instantly right there and then? I was in too much grief and agony to be patient any longer. My patience had run out and was at my limit. Then for the rarest and first/second time in my life, I directly and seriously got angry at God. I never cuss but I cussed out loud from all my might (not to God but at the situation) and since I couldn’t produce sounds, the room was quiet. All I could do was form words from my lips. No one was there and no one heard me, besides God. I cried and prayed from my heart, mind, and soul. Ironically at that moment I thought of Hannah who prayed desperately for a child and prayed without making sounds. Unlike Hannah, I didn’t have a priest/ or any person near me to tell me that God has heard me. I knew God heard me, but I still didn’t feel the holy spirit around me. I felt so lonely. After yelling, I gave up hope and felt misery and numbness. In some ways, I suppose I was depressed too. I had lost hope. The only peace I had was that if I died, I would be in Heaven and would confront Jesus. Thankfully, many people were praying for me and with the power of prayers, I recovered well and finally the doctors released the balloon to allow me to talk. Still, even then and afterwards, I was still upset and numb towards God. But I have to admit now, even though it was one of the worst times in my life, God’s timing and plan was perfect and I have to thank him for that. As soon as I was discharged from the hospital and came back home, a few days later, Covid hit strong. I was at home while the hospital was packed with covid patients. If I had went to the hospital during covid, I probably would have no room and receive medical attention I needed. Plus, when I was hospitalized, I had the whole floor to myself. In addition, I had someone helping me and my family for about 3 years. Through this, I was also able to meet my wonderful and awesome nurse who became my close friend. A lot of my other friends worried and cared for me. I could see how much I was and am loved by others. My mom struggled so much as well and I’m grateful to God for providing me with the best mom and family I could ever have. It’s been almost 3 years since then and now I can see that, that event had to have happened to me in order for me to understand other people with serious health issues deeper, especially those with traches. Praise God!

5.      In your current condition, what keeps you hopeful?

So far, what keeps me hopeful in my condition, is that God is good, even if the bad times occur and I can’t feel it at that moment, it will be better at the end. The hope that God is always by my side even though it feels like he isn’t there. The fact that he knows and listens to everything I think and say. I can be open, honest, and vulnerable with him. God’s promises to me and seeing Jesus in my dreams in the past helps me to look forward to the future in store for me. (The only problem is I need to be proactive and not be lazy…) I know he’ll open many doors for me and use me when he needs me to or when I’m ready. The song “Before the morning” by Josh Wilson encourages me to endure the life God has given me and that it’s just the dark before the morning. (off the topic, but another thing I can be hopeful about is that maybe I can married to a great man who likes me for me and sees beyond my disability).

6.      What are you looking forward to when you get to heaven and why?

Let me tell you, I have so much to look forward to when I get to heaven. I want to walk, run, jump, lay on my stomach, roll around, and move without restrictions like any normal people would on Earth. Sure, maybe fly too. I want to lay on the soft grass with the sun on my face without worrying about ants/insects. I also want to snuggle up to Jesus and rest my head on his shoulders. Or lay my head on his lap while he’s combing through my hair or getting a piggyback ride on his back. Or getting a back hug from him while I’m looking at heaven’s landscape. I’m so curious and looking forward to being in my perfect form without a disability. I would be a lot taller, more confident, brighter, more proportion. I probably would stick by Jesus.

7.      What’s an encouragement you can give our current students who are struggling to find hope?  

Honestly, there’s not much right encouragement I can say, but I’ll try. There’s a saying I tell myself when I’m stressed or having a hard time and that is “Try your best, and God will do the rest.” . I did lose hope in the hospital and despaired, but I now realized that perhaps what I lost was temporary hope. The hope that God will rescue me from my pain and anguish. In the long run, however, I didn’t lose my eternal hope in being with Jesus in the end and being at peace once my life was done. So even if things may suck and be so miserable, having God/Jesus by your side and talking to him like he’s your friend can lead you to find joy, hope, and peace even in the little things. Also try to be thankful in every circumstance. When you’re thankful, you tend to complain less and learn to enjoy life God has given you. You become optimistic and positive. In my case, I’m actually most of the time grateful to God that I have a disability, especially this type. Sure there are stress and complications and frustrations and hardships that come along with it, but I feel like there’s still many more blessings than I can count. Just like the song “You make beautiful things” , I believe God can make beautiful things out of me eventually. I can firmly say that the disability God has given me is his grace and mercy to me. If I had been a normal person, I probably would have been very rebellious and be very liberal. I also wouldn’t be able to value my family and gaining understanding of others in a considerate manner. My family would be broken and I probably wouldn’t know or see my other siblings. I also wouldn’t be able to meet people I see now. I have so many people God has placed in my life to hopefully make an impact on others and share the goodness of God. I thank God and everyone in my life who love and shaped me to who I am today.

  Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/uNe9qe48_PY

[heavens-splinter-studios]

(John 3:8): "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'"

[teammiley]

[jonathanpongratz]

Book Review: Heaven Sent

Morning Book Lovers!

Today I'm sharing my review of Heaven Sent, a book by indie author Montre Bible.

At first, I didn't know what to expect, but this book was great!

If you're interested in a good Christian-based urban fantasy novel, this is definitely for you!

Feel free to check out my review, and have a great day!

https://jonathanpongratz.com/2019/12/03/book-review-heaven-sent/

[highkickfan]

Easter Story : Doubtful

Happy early Easter!   

“Thomas! We’ve seen him!” The disciples cried out with excitement and joy in their eyes.

“Seen who?” Thomas asked in a confused tone.

“Our master, Jesus! He’s alive!” They told him.

Yet, Thomas just rolled his eyes and scoffed. “That’s not possible. How could he? He’s dead.”

They tried to convince him even more saying, “It’s true! We’ve seen him with our own eyes!”

Their news of their master returning alive made Thomas start to feel appalled but also upset. It was only a few days since Jesus died. He was still in mourning, so he assumed everyone else were the same. Have they gone insane from the trauma and sadness? “I can’t believe you. You’ve all seen how our master died. He was dead. So how could he live again? It’s impossible!” Thomas denied and vented.

“But Thomas, he really was there. I saw him!”

“Me too! We even talked.”

“So have I! He really is!”

“Thomas, listen to- ”

“Enough!” Thomas cut in angrily. “I told you already. I can’t believe. No, I won’t believe. Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” When he said this, everyone became quiet and looked at each other. Some looked unsure what to say while others shook their head as they gave up on convincing him. However, a week later, he realized how terribly doubtful and wrong he was. In his house, standing before him, was his teacher and master. Thomas just stood in amazement and felt overwhelmed. They were right. Jesus was alive in the flesh. Thomas turned his face away from Jesus in shame. He felt his heart beat with nervousness and self-hatred. How foolish of him to forget who Jesus is and the miracles he had witnessed. But most of all, how could he have no faith in the man who really was the son of God. At this, his regrets and misery grew into the form of tears. He gripped his hands tight and let his tears dribble down his face.

“Thomas, look at me.” Jesus said to him. Thomas shook his head.

Jesus spoke again, “Thomas, look at me.”

Thomas shook his head again, but he wiped his tears and spoke quietly, “I can’t face you, master. I have no right to.”

For the third time, Jesus spoke, “Thomas, look at me.”

This time, with hesitation, Thomas slowly turned his face toward Jesus. When he did, Jesus did something beyond his expectations. Jesus gave him an understanding smile with gentle eyes and slowly put his hand over his shoulder, saying, “Peace be with you.”

These few words of comfort brought a huge sense of relief and a lift of guilt of burden he inflicted upon himself. In that little phrase, Thomas could feel a couple of hidden meaning for him: I forgive you. Be happy. I love you. Thomas felt grateful towards Jesus. Jesus, on the other hand, had another thing he wanted Thomas to do.

“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus commanded.

Thomas froze. The hand? Thomas glanced at Jesus’s hand and stared at the hole that the nail pierced through. Trembling, he slowly grabbed his master’s rough warm gentle hand and used his other hand. He hesitated but surely but slowly inserted his finger through the hole. Thomas took a sharp breath in. His finger felt the tender rough edges of the wounds and scars of the inner hole. The pain and anguish he witnessed at the crucifixion reminded him that Jesus had overcame it. The heat of the hand around his finger symbolized life to him. Jesus is really alive. When Thomas finally took his finger out and looked at Jesus. He called out and declared, “My Lord and my God!”

At this, Jesus smiled and said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  

“Yes, Lord. I believe.” Thomas confirmed with confection. No more will he doubt. He will always believe. Yes. Believe that Jesus is the savior who died for the sins of the people in the world and resurrected 3 days later. The love and grace of God will never fail. In Jesus’s name, he prays, Amen.

 From John 20:24-29

[highkickfan]

2nd Easter skit (simple version + alternative ending)

Easter skit

Cast : 3 Robbers, Traveler, JD, Jewish person, Rich person.

Setting : Desert, Hospital

(near the desert)

Traveler: (carries a backpack and smiles while walking) Oh wow! Jerusalem was awesome! I’m gonna miss that place. It was so big and beautiful. . . (sigh) oh well, at least I got my souvenir! ~ (takes out the souvenir and looks at it). I can’t believe that I bought this for $20.00. It’s obviously not a real jewelry. What a rip off! (pause for five seconds) Eh, who cares! As long as I have something from there to remember by! Now time to go back to Jericho! (Hum) Hm hm hm. ~

(in the desert)

Robber 3: Hey boss. I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.

Robber 2: I told you this was a bad idea, boss. I mean, there is nothing here, literally! No people to rob or anything.

Robber 1: (glares at them) What?

Robber 2: (scared/intimidated ) W-w-well, um… you see I just thought it –

Robber 1: (interrupt) Listen! Was I ever wrong?

Robber 2/3: (hesitant) . . . .No

Robber 1: (loudly but with leadership) So, shut up and follow my lead! No questions asked! Got that?!

Robber 3: (interrupt) Boss! Boss! You’re right! Look over there! (points to the traveler)

Robbers 1,2,3: (looks at the traveler)

Robber 1: (smirk) hmph. Well, what did I tell you? Follow my lead!

Robber 2: I believe you boss!

Robber 3: Yeah!

Robber 2: ooh! Look at that shiny jewelry! He must be rich!

Robber 3: I'm taking that one!

Robber 2: no, idiot, I'll be the one to take it!

Robber 3: no, me!

Robber 1: shhhh! Stop fighting, you babies. quick here he comes!

Traveler: (happy and unsuspecting) I can't wait until I show this to my family. I wonder what they will say.

Robber 1: ok.... steady….steady...now!

Robber 1,2,3 : (surprise him and surrounds the traveler )

Traveler: (surprised)(yelps) Ahh! Who are you?

Robber 3: who us?

Robber 1: That’s none of your darn business. (points a weapon/stick at him) Hand us that pretty thing of yours and we’ll let you go.

Traveler : (holds unto his souvenir tightly) N-No! I can’t! This is important to me! B-b-b-besides, this is f-fake!

Robber 2: (scoff) you lie!

Traveler: (Desperate) It’s true ! I’m not lying! So… So… no!

Robber 1: (angry) No?

Robber 3: (quietly) uh oh.

Robber 1 : (angry yell) No?!

Traveler: (scared but yells) no!

Robber 2: (sighs) Too late.

Robber 1: (snaps his fingers) get him!

Robber 2,3: (beat him up)

Traveler: (gets hit) (painful) ouch...please no! Don't take that one you can have anything but that!

Robber 2: too bad! (hits)

Traveler:  (takes the hit) oofh! Stop…

Robber 3: (grabs the item away from  the traveler) here you go boss! (hands it to Robber 1 )

Robber 1:  (gets it and looks at it) Finally! yes, well done! (triumphantly) We did it. Let’s go!

Traveler: (groans/moans)...no...uhhh...(trying to reach out but fails)

Robber3: (about to follow Robber 1 but stops) (worried) … boss, are you sure we should just leave him here?

Robber 1: (stops and looks at Robber 3) what?

Robber 2: boss just ignore him, we got the stuff. He's just a bit of a softie.

Robber 3: but that he could die out –

Robber1: It’s a dog eat dog world. Survival of the fittest. The strongest survive!

Robber 3: But-

Robber 1: (threatens) listen! It's my way or no way! Now get going! Move it!

Robber3: (scared) ...yes sir...

[Robbers 1,2,3 leave the area]

Traveler: uh...s-someone?.... Anyone?

               [enter jew]

Jew: (as if memorizing) You shall not steal, obey your parents, do not murder, do not steal, do not – huh? (stops)

Traveler: (mumble) uh.. please… help….

Jew: (looks down) Who is this? He looks dead! He must be a sinner! He’s so dirty! Unlike me! (sprays Lysol /disinfection spray)

Traveler: …. He. . . help…

Jew: (gasp) oh! He’s alive! (backs away a little )

Traveler: . . .help me… please…

Jew: Excuse me, sir. I’m sorry I can’t help you. (act like a narcist/pompous/arrogant) You see, today is a holy Sabbath day and I must keep the law! Therefore, I must do nothing! I must keep my self pure and clean! (spray)

Traveler: please… . I beg… of you… (grabs ahold on the Jew’s foot)

Jew: (freak out) (sensitive) Ahh!!! I’m contaminated! (angry) You scoundrel! Your filth has poisoned my body! (panick) I’ve sinned! I’ve sinned! Ahh!!! Oh father in Heaven, forgive me!!! (run away )

               [jew leaves]

Traveler: uh…. C-c-come back…. P-please… ah..

               [enter rich guy]

Rich guy: (upset) Ah darn it, the dirt is getting into my clothes. (takes off his sunglasses)  I knew I shouldn’t have worn this hand designed Italian outfit. What will the paparazzi say when the multimillion business heir looks messy? I should call the secretary. (pulls out his cellphone and looks) Darn it! No reception! (tries to find reception)  Ah here, finally. (stops near the traveler) hmm? (looks down) Ahh!

Traveler: …help…

Rich guy: (shocked) What the – What is this peasant doing here? Oi, (uses foot to poke at the traveler) are you dead?

Traveler:  (moan) Ahh…. Help… help… Me…

Rich guy: Me? Help you? Ridiculous. You must be kidding? As if I, a well known high class elite, would use my precious time and energy to assist you, let alone touch you, a low class beggar like yourself.

Traveler: . . . As… a . . . human being . . . shouldn’t you… help…?

Rich guy: (scoff) Why should I? If I help you, how will you benefit me? If you want help, pay me.

Traveler: You…. Are cruel…. Uh..

Rich guy: (coldly) Life is cruel. Get used to it. Man, you wasted my time and time is money! (looks at his watch) I’m not going to waste any second on you. (calls his Secretary) Secretary, it’s me. Yes the reception is horrible here. Tell the 0il company CE0, I’ll meet with him tomorrow and let me know if our stocks have declined again. I must find out the cause of this. Also, clear my schedule for today. Look, I know how irresponsible that is! Just do your job! Geez. Oh, Another thing, tell the driver to pick me up at Jerusalem. Yes I’m going back, I hate nature. (still on his phone and leaves)

               [rich guy leaves]

Traveler: . . . . uh…. Is… this… the . . . end? Am I….. going… to die..? (sigh) . . . ha. . .ha…ha!!!(crazy laugh then stops) … people really . . . are selfish… I . . . . give up… No one will help…

               [enter Jd]

JD:  (sings) Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! (stops slowly when she notices the traveler) The bible tells me so-oh-oh-oh - ohhhh no! Hey!!! Are you Ok?!! (runs to him and checks on him)

Traveler: . . . huh?

JD: (loudly) Can you hear me? How many fingers do you see? (points 3 fingers)

Traveler: ….seven?

JD: You seriously need help! Here! (puts his arm around her) Can you walk?

Traveler: a little… (gets up painfully)

JD: (helping) That’s it. Let’s go to the hospital.

Traveler: Thank you so much. . . (lose conscious and falls to the ground)

JD: Hey! Don’t black out!

(in the hospital )

Traveler: (wakes up) hmm?

JD: Hey! You ok?

Traveler: Better. Thank you. I would have died without your help.

JD: Thank God you still survived. You had 8 broken bones and a broken rib that almost punctured your heart. You almost died. Seriously, you should be more careful!

Traveler: I know. Do you Know how scared I was to die?

JD: sorry.. I would be scared too . But…. If you died where do think your soul would go to? Hmm?

Traveler: Psh. Probably wandering the earth getting my revenge on those scumbags! I mean, C’mon! if you were me, wouldn’t you be scared to die?

JD: I guess so but I am not afraid.

Traveler: (surprised) Really?

JD: Yup! I’m not afraid of dying!

Traveler: Wow . .  where do you get your confidence from, anyway? How are you not scared at all?

JD: hmm? Oh, it’s because I believe in Jesus.

Traveler: So, if you believe in Jesus you’re ok with dying?

JD: Yup. He because he loves me.

Traveler: If having Jesus makes you different and not scared of anything, then I want to be like you. I want to believe in Jesus.

JD: OK. Know that Jesus is the son of God. God is love. We are sinners and because of this, Jesus died for us and came back to life 3 days later. If you believe and confess all that I told you, then you will have Jesus like me. Then you will be saved and not be afraid to die.

Traveler: That is it? It’s so simple! I want to be saved.

JD: Ok then, pray with me.

JD: Dear Father in Heaven, thank you so much for today and thank you for letting me meet this nice person. Father, This person wishes to receive your grace, mercy, and salvation. Please accept him/her. Okay Now repeat after me.

Traveler: ok.

JD + Traveler: God, I am a sinner and I confess my sins. I repent for all I sinned. I know I can not be allowed in your presence but because of Jesus I am able to. I confess and believe with all my heart that Jesus died for my sins and rose again 3 days later and that it is only through him that I am saved. I believe that after I die I will go to Heaven. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as your child. In Jesus’s name I pray Amen!

JD: Now, you are saved and you are a Christian! Congrats! Hallelujah!!! (clap)

Ending:

Traveler: Thank you so much! I – hmm? You- !!!

Robber  I,2,3: (comes out and upset) We’re so sorry! Please forgive us! Here is your thing back!

Traveler: You know I was hurt and I wanted to kill you. But… I’ll forgive you because Jesus forgives me.

Robbers: Thank you! Thank you! Jesus is good!

[highkickfan]

2nd Easter skit

Easter skit

Cast : 3 Robbers, Traveler, JD, Jewish person, Rich person.

Setting : Desert, Hospital

(near the desert)

Traveler: (carries a backpack and smiles while walking) Oh wow! Jerusalem was awesome! I’m gonna miss that place. It was so big and beautiful. . . (sigh) oh well, at least I got my souvenir! ~ (takes out the souvenir and looks at it). I can’t believe that I bought this for $20.00. It’s obviously not a real jewelry. What a rip off! (pause for five seconds) Eh, who cares! As long as I have something from there to remember by! Now time to go back to Jericho! (Hum) Hm hm hm. ~

(in the desert)

Robber 3: Hey boss. I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.

Robber 2: I told you this was a bad idea, boss. I mean, there is nothing here, literally! No people to rob or anything.

Robber 1: (glares at them) What?

Robber 2: (scared/intimidated ) W-w-well, um… you see I just thought it –

Robber 1: (interrupt) Listen! Was I ever wrong?

Robber 2/3: (hesitant) . . . .No

Robber 1: (loudly but with leadership) So, shut up and follow my lead! No questions asked! Got that?!

Robber 3: (interrupt) Boss! Boss! You’re right! Look over there! (points to the traveler)

Robbers 1,2,3: (looks at the traveler)

Robber 1: (smirk) hmph. Well, what did I tell you? Follow my lead!

Robber 2: I believe you boss!

Robber 3: Yeah!

Robber 2: ooh! Look at that shiny jewelry! He must be rich!

Robber 3: I'm taking that one!

Robber 2: no, idiot, I'll be the one to take it!

Robber 3: no, me!

Robber 1: shhhh! Stop fighting, you babies. quick here he comes!

Traveler: (happy and unsuspecting) I can't wait until I show this to my family. I wonder what they will say.

Robber 1: ok.... steady….steady...now!

Robber 1,2,3 : (surprise him and surrounds the traveler )

Traveler: (surprised)(yelps) Ahh! Who are you?

Robber 3: who us?

Robber 1: That’s none of your darn business. (points a weapon/stick at him) Hand us that pretty thing of yours and we’ll let you go.

Traveler : (holds unto his souvenir tightly) N-No! I can’t! This is important to me! B-b-b-besides, this is f-fake!

Robber 2: (scoff) you lie!

Traveler: (Desperate) It’s true ! I’m not lying! So… So… no!

Robber 1: (angry) No?

Robber 3: (quietly) uh oh.

Robber 1 : (angry yell) No?!

Traveler: (scared but yells) no!

Robber 2: (sighs) Too late.

Robber 1: (snaps his fingers) get him!

Robber 2,3: (beat him up)

Traveler: (gets hit) (painful) ouch...please no! Don't take that one you can have anything but that!

Robber 2: too bad! (hits)

Traveler:  (takes the hit) oofh! Stop…

Robber 3: (grabs the item away from  the traveler) here you go boss! (hands it to Robber 1 )

Robber 1:  (gets it and looks at it) Finally! yes, well done! (triumphantly) We did it. Let’s go!

Traveler: (groans/moans)...no...uhhh...(trying to reach out but fails)

Robber3: (about to follow Robber 1 but stops) (worried) … boss, are you sure we should just leave him here?

Robber 1: (stops and looks at Robber 3) what?

Robber 2: boss just ignore him, we got the stuff. He's just a bit of a softie.

Robber 3: but that he could die out –

Robber1: It’s a dog eat dog world. Survival of the fittest. The strongest survive!

Robber 3: But-

Robber 1: (threatens) listen! It's my way or no way! Now get going! Move it!

Robber3: (scared) ...yes sir...

[Robbers 1,2,3 leave the area]

Traveler: uh...s-someone?.... Anyone?

               [enter jew]

Jew: (as if memorizing) You shall not steal, obey your parents, do not murder, do not steal, do not – huh? (stops)

Traveler: (mumble) uh.. please… help….

Jew: (looks down) Who is this? He looks dead! He must be a sinner! He’s so dirty! Unlike me! (sprays Lysol /disinfection spray)

Traveler: …. He. . . help…

Jew: (gasp) oh! He’s alive! (backs away a little )

Traveler: . . .help me… please…

Jew: Excuse me, sir. I’m sorry I can’t help you. (act like a narcist/pompous/arrogant) You see, today is a holy Sabbath day and I must keep the law! Therefore, I must do nothing! I must keep my self pure and clean! (spray)

Traveler: please… . I beg… of you… (grabs ahold on the Jew’s foot)

Jew: (freak out) (sensitive) Ahh!!! I’m contaminated! (angry) You scoundrel! Your filth has poisoned my body! (panick) I’ve sinned! I’ve sinned! Ahh!!! Oh father in Heaven, forgive me!!! (run away )

               [jew leaves]

Traveler: uh…. C-c-come back…. P-please… ah..

               [enter rich guy]

Rich guy: (upset) Ah darn it, the dirt is getting into my clothes. (takes off his sunglasses)  I knew I shouldn’t have worn this hand designed Italian outfit. What will the paparazzi say when the multimillion business heir looks messy? I should call the secretary. (pulls out his cellphone and looks) Darn it! No reception! (tries to find reception)  Ah here, finally. (stops near the traveler) hmm? (looks down) Ahh!

Traveler: …help…

Rich guy: (shocked) What the – What is this peasant doing here? Oi, (uses foot to poke at the traveler) are you dead?

Traveler:  (moan) Ahh…. Help… help… Me…

Rich guy: Me? Help you? Ridiculous. You must be kidding? As if I, a well known high class elite, would use my precious time and energy to assist you, let alone touch you, a low class beggar like yourself.

Traveler: . . . As… a . . . human being . . . shouldn’t you… help…?

Rich guy: (scoff) Why should I? If I help you, how will you benefit me? If you want help, pay me.

Traveler: You…. Are cruel…. Uh..

Rich guy: (coldly) Life is cruel. Get used to it. Man, you wasted my time and time is money! (looks at his watch) I’m not going to waste any second on you. (calls his Secretary) Secretary, it’s me. Yes the reception is horrible here. Tell the 0il company CE0, I’ll meet with him tomorrow and let me know if our stocks have declined again. I must find out the cause of this. Also, clear my schedule for today. Look, I know how irresponsible that is! Just do your job! Geez. Oh, Another thing, tell the driver to pick me up at Jerusalem. Yes I’m going back, I hate nature. (still on his phone and leaves)

               [rich guy leaves]

Traveler: . . . . uh…. Is… this… the . . . end? Am I….. going… to die..? (sigh) . . . ha. . .ha…ha!!!(crazy laugh then stops) … people really . . . are selfish… I . . . . give up… No one will help…

               [enter Jd]

JD:  (sings) Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! (stops slowly when she notices the traveler) The bible tells me so-oh-oh-oh - ohhhh no! Hey!!! Are you Ok?!! (runs to him and checks on him)

Traveler: . . . huh?

JD: (loudly) Can you hear me? How many fingers do you see? (points 3 fingers)

Traveler: ….seven?

JD: You seriously need help! Here! (puts his arm around her) Can you walk?

Traveler: a little… (gets up painfully)

JD: (helping) That’s it. Let’s go to the hospital.

Traveler: Thank you so much. . . (lose conscious and falls to the ground)

JD: Hey! Don’t black out!

(in the hospital )

Traveler: (wakes up) hmm?

JD: Hey! You ok?

Traveler: Better. Thank you. I would have died without your help.

JD: Thank God you still survived. You had 8 broken bones and a broken rib that almost punctured your heart. You almost died. Seriously, you should be careful.

Traveler: I know. Do you Know how scared I was to die?

JD: Nope. No clue. Geez. If you died where do think your soul would go to? Hmm?

Traveler: Psh. Probably wandering the earth getting my revenge on those scumbags! I mean, if you were me, wouldn’t you be scared to die?

JD: Nuh-uh. Cause I’ll be in Heaven hanging out with Jesus. Plus, I wouldn’t have traveled there in the first place!

Traveler: Geez, where do you get your confidence from? Anyways, still… I’m grateful to you. Thanks.

JD: It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. Of course, I would help!

Traveler:  . .. I wonder about that…When I was dying, I thought someone would help me. But I was wrong. I realized people are selfish and cold. They only think for themselves. . . . you, on the other hand, were different. You helped a stranger. Why?

JD: Why wouldn’t I? I’m a Christian. If I were in the position as you, Jesus would have done the same thing.

Traveler: Jesus? Oh.. I’ve heard of him. Wasn’t he some sort of prophet or something?

JD: Nope! Not even close! He’s the messiah!

Traveler: (sarcastic) sure, he is. I’ve traveled a lot of places and seen and heard many things. He doesn’t seem to be any different from the rest of the prophets or healers.

JD: (pouts) If he wasn’t different from others just as you say, I don’t think I would have helped you. Jesus taught about God’s love for us and how we should love others as we love ourselves. The love that he teaches is selfless and unconditional.

Traveler: Still, I have a hard time believing he’s the real deal though.

JD: I cannot tell you enough that He is real. he really did do all those miracles you heard about like feeding the five thousand, Curing the blind and leprosy, and getting rid of demons from people who were possessed.

Traveler: Sounds like fantasy.

JD: I’m serious. I wouldn’t be alive at all if it weren’t for Jesus.

Traveler: huh? It sounds like you met him.

JD: I did and the first time I met him I was…. dead.

Traveler: (yells) impossible!

JD: I’m not joking. I remember I was in a hot dark place with flames. All around me, there people yelling and screaming in pain. I tried to move but I couldn’t. I felt helpless and afraid. There was a loud voice laughing and saying how pathetic and foolish sinners were.  I thought I was going to be stuck in there forever and there would be no one to save me. But. . .

Traveler: But.. .

JD: But Jesus saved me. As I was giving up hope, I saw a bright light shining on me and I felt warm and peaceful. Then I heard Jesus say “get up”. The next thing I know, I open my eyes and I feel Jesus holding my hand. I will never forget what happened to me.

Traveler: So… then … are you Jairus’s daughter? From the rumor?

JD: yes.

Traveler: So, it was true. Jesus was real…

JD: Yeah. He is real and he saved me.

Traveler: I know. You said that.

JD: yes, but not that way.

Traveler: What do you mean?

JD: I mean yes he saved me from my death earlier but he also saved me from my eternal death.

Traveler: (Confused) huh? What does that mean?

JD: Ok. Let me explain everything.  First, know that God is a loving and righteous God. But because he is righteous, he hates sin.

Traveler: Sin? You mean, the evil bad things in this world?

JD: Well, I mean, even more than that like hating someone or disobeying parents or stuff like that. So basically we sin everyday. Therefore we are sinners.

Traveler: Then why did you say he was loving? If we are called so called “sinners” doesn’t that mean that God hates us? You’re not making sense.

JD: You’re logic is correct on that part. Yeah we are sinners and because of that, we should have died on the spot. God has every right to punish us but since he is also very loving, he gave us salvation.

Traveler: Really? What kind of salvation?

JD: He gave us Jesus Christ, his one and only son, as a sacrifice to die for us.

Traveler: Wait a minute! If Jesus is God’s son, doesn’t that mean he is perfect? But he died? Isn’t he God? How can he die?

JD: oh, I didn’t tell you? He came to earth as a human being and lived a perfect holy life without sin for the sole purpose to redeem us so we can be with him in Heaven not Hell. It was God’s plan to save our souls from the eternal deaths.

Traveler: Poor Jesus though. He died unfairly. He didn’t do anything wrong.

JD: Tsk Tsk Tsk. Not so fast! He did die but…. He came back alive 3 days later! Mind blowing isn’t it? Kya~ God is amazing! ~

Traveler: . . . . uh…what?!! He came back to life? Just like you?

JD: No way, his is way more Significant than mine. I’m just a sinful human. He’s God. He’s on a totally different level than I am.

Traveler: Well…. Yeah that’s true. Now that I think about it, I think I saw the news a long time ago that gossip of him being alive. Man, it must have been true if you saw him yourself. So, where is he? Do you know?

JD: Probably back in Heaven. The last time I saw him was when he went back. Everyone was so sad… I miss him… (suddenly) But!

Traveler: (Surprised by the sudden tone) whoa!

JD:  (excited) That’s okay! Because ~ I believe I will see him again in Heaven when I die. I believe in Jesus and that he saved me from my sins and I also believe that he rose again 3 days later with all my heart!!!

Traveler: So… what you’re saying is that believing and having faith in Jesus is the key to salvation?

JD: Bingo! And the good thing is that anyone can have salvation for free! It’s a gift from God.

Traveler:  . …Does that mean I can have this salvation too?

JD: Of course! But like said earlier, you have to believe with your heart and confess that Jesus is your savior! Then you are saved ! Jesus is the best..

Traveler: …. You really do love him don’t you?

JD: Yes! He is my role model! That’s why I always try to be like him and think what would Jesus do? Then I do it!

Traveler: ….I see… No wonder you’re different. You have Jesus in you. A Christian huh?.. hm… Then… I want to be a Christian too. I want to receive salvation. I want to know more about Jesus. So… how do I . . . become one?

JD: I’II help you.  Ok. Let’s pray. Close your eyes and bow your head. Put your hands together

Traveler: Ok.

JD: Dear Father in Heaven, thank you so much for today and thank you for letting me meet this nice person. Father, This person wishes to receive your grace, mercy, and salvation. Please accept him/her. Okay Now repeat after me.

Traveler: ok.

JD + Traveler: God, I am a sinner and I confess my sins. I repent for all I sinned. I know I can not be allowed in your presence but because of Jesus I am able to. I confess and believe with all my heart that Jesus died for my sins and rose again 3 days later and that it is only through him that I am saved. I believe that after I die I will go to Heaven. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as your child. In Jesus’s name I pray Amen!

JD: Now, you are saved and you are a Christian! Congrats! Hallelujah!!! (clap)

-------- - - - - - - - - - ---- - - - - - - - - - -

Traveler: That’s it? So simple! (laugh) But I do feel good, it actually makes me feel proud!

JD: So Now even if you are in danger or die during your  travels, its ok…. You don’t have to worry about dying now!  God’s got your back!

Traveler: Thank you!

JD: You’re welcome! Oh. I have to go now. It was nice meeting you. If I do not see ever again, I’ll see you in heaven! See ya!

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