by Ashley Gomez
Forest Lake Academy’s campus was extremely quiet one Sabbath morning this past September. In fact, most dormitory and village students were still in their beds with no intention of waking up.
Anyone who saw the previous week’s schedule might have suspected the students were simply exhausted after attending beach vespers the night before. In the serenity surrounding the normal Sabbath School start time, it seemed unimaginable that a few hours earlier—at 2 a.m. to be exact—the campus was bustling with students trying to find the hidden location of Underground Church.
Pleased to see young people darting to and fro while trying to avoid getting shot by squirt guns, Stephanie Johnson, Campus Chaplain, explained, “I wanted the kids to experience, in a fun way, what it might be like to wake up one morning and not be able to attend church. While we only had the threat of squirt guns, some people around the world have the real threat.”
To start the event, students who dragged themselves out of bed and those who never slept at all met in the Campus Chapel for instructions, group placement, colored wristbands, and directions that would ultimately lead them to the final destination.
Once they found Underground Church (in the bus barn), the service began. Praise music was sung a capella, guest speaker Zach McDonald presented his closing week of prayer sermon, and select students gave their testimonies through the eyes of Christian martyrs. A riveting skit triggered the students to contemplate what it might be like to, one day, face persecution
“I wanted to draw the students’ attention to what it means to stand for their faith,” says Johnson. “I wanted them to ask themselves, ‘What would I stand for?’ We all need to know where the line is which we would never cross.”
The thematic skit placed perspective on the service and paved the way for a Jesus Freak ceremony. After praying in groups, students signed Jesus Freak contracts (see sidebar, below), and each departed carrying a prayer candle.
“The skit was fun; yet, an eye-opener,” reflects senior Ryan Becker, one of the cast members. “It really brought home the reality of what we very well may face in the future.”
Underground Church—Jesus Freak Contract
From this day forward…
I will make a difference.
Jesus, I thank You that You suffered and died for me on the cross to pay for my sins. Father, I thank You that You raised Jesus from the dead to be my living Lord and Savior. Holy Spirit, I thank You that You will lead me to do the right thing and change the world.
Today, Lord, I want to make You a promise. I will not be ashamed of Your name or Your Gospel.
I will do what I can for those who are persecuted and pray for them.
I will look enemies in the eye and love them with Your love. I will pray for them and love them—no matter what the consequences.
I will follow Your voice wherever You lead me, unafraid, for I know You will be with me.
If I should stumble, if I fall, if I should deny Your name, if I should feel guilty that I did not pray or forgot to do something You’ve asked me to do, I will not quit. I will not wallow in guilt. I will turn back to You, confess my sin, and do what You called me to do, because that is why You died for me.
I will stand with You and my brothers and sisters around the world, because no matter what happens, no matter what I face or how it looks, in the end, we will be victorious—we will inherit eternity and heaven with You. I can do nothing else, because,
…I am a Jesus Freak.