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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: JESUS (09/07/23)
I GOT JESUS

Tyler walked around the open-air market browsing the stalls with interest. It was way bigger than the small-town bazaars he was used to. Those were dull, predictable and one of many things that had made Tyler feel like he was suffocating.
‘What was good enough for our fathers is good enough for us …’
How sick he was of those words. He needed to get out. He needed a year off. A year away from home and church bazaars and narrow-minded, small-town thinking.
How the miracle happened Tyler still wasn’t sure, but he got his wish. A whole year after school to explore life, decide what he wanted to do and broaden his mind.
Tyler moved up to a stall that displayed all kinds of clothing and accessories printed with the names of celebrities.
MADONNA.
BON JOVI
THE BEATLES
“Hi, do you have anything that says JESUS?”
Two teenage girls were speaking to the stallholder. Tyler had not noticed him before but now saw a tall, dark-skinned man with dreadlocks and a wide mouth displaying an assembly of friendly, white teeth.
“Gud mornin’,” the man said in what Tyler took to be a West Indian accent. “Wah can I do for ma sisters this day?”
“We are looking for T-shirts that have the name JESUS on it,” one of the girls explained. “Shauna said you had all kinds of celebrities.”
“You name it, I got it!” the man smiled enthusiastically. “JESUS T-shirts, JESUS caps, JESUS coasters, JESUS mugs …” while he spoke he pulled the named items as by some kind of magic from several shelves and boxes. “JESUS is all over the place!” He laughed merrily. “So, see some that’s taken your fancy?”
The girls held up several items and finally decided on T-shirts and caps with the words JESUS IS KING in bold, gold letters.
“Bless up! Say how-dee to Shauna fo’ me! Tell her Sam said so!” he called jovially as they waved goodbye. Turning he noticed Tyler who was standing at a clothes-rail as if studying the printed garments.
“How you doin’?” the man greeted Tyler. “See some what take your fancy?” he asked. “Maybe you looking for JESUS too?”
Tyler shook his head.
“No,” he replied in a non-committal tone.
The man named Sam studied him openly.
“Sure look like you can use some JESUS,” he said.
“I know the REAL Jesus, thank you, not the one you’re selling,” Tyler said with a touch of disdain in his voice. He couldn't help it. He had heard about it in church often - people were commercializing Jesus to profit by Him. It started with Christmas. Now people don’t even know who Jesus really is. They think He’s some celebrity they haven’t heard about yet.
Sam tilted his head.
“Oh, I’m gettin’ it,” he said, his hand on his heart. “You offended. It’s OK, it’s OK,” he added with a smile as he saw Tyler’s dark frown. “You’re like my Granny. She also took offence. Said I had no respect and awe for the Lord. He’s no common celebrity.” Sam chuckled. “I explained to her that I’m like a secret-agent for Christ.” Sam looked around secretively. “She just had to open her mind some. Jesus said we are to be WISE as serpents. We need to use Satan’s tactics against him. Drives him crazy!” Sam chuckled again. “Yuh see, people are drawn to this here stall by all them celebrities. I says, OK, and I start em off with a little Madonna or Queen. I say, ‘yea, them good, but not close to REAL GREATNESS. Not close to the MAIN MAN JESUS. Yuh see, this guy, He actually DIED, and then He came back from the dead and is alive EVEN THIS DAY! And this all happened two-thousand years ago! It’s INSANE what this guy did. And on top of this we get to live forever too! All because of JESUS. I’m not messin’ with you! He’s A-MA-ZING!” Sam laughed as Tyler’s face displayed his own amazement and a touch of shame. “Yuh see, yuh judged my cover, brother,” he grinned, “but all you need is to open your mind to new ways of evangelism. People come for this world’s glitter. But I spring JESUS on em’. From the Babe in the manger to the blessed Ascension. I tell it all! Hallelujah!” Sam put his arm around Tyler’s shoulders. “So, what yuh say? Yuh want a JESUS T-shirt too?”
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This article has been read 233 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
09/14/23
What a great story. I loved the new way to evangelize, along with the reminder of the greatness of Jesus.
Avigail David
09/15/23
A good evangelistic method. Thank you for the enthusiasm of these precious young people for their love for Jesus. :-)
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/21/23
This is a fascinating story. You have a couple spots where I wasn't sure who was speaking, but I enjoyed the dialog. Tighten it up some, add double spaces between the paragraphs and you'll have an even stronger piece. You did a great job of writing on topic while delivering a powerful message. Congratulations for placing 1st in your level and 3rd overall. The winners are posted on the message boards.