The God Box by Alex Sanchez Read Free Book Online

asked Pa,
    "What do people pray for when they kneel at the altar?"His dark brown eyes gazed at me softly.
    "They ask Jesus to come live in their hearts."At my ma's church, the pastor and Sunday school teachers had mostly spoken about Jesus as living in the past, ascending into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of the Father until the day he'd come again in glory.But as I recalled the Sunday school mural of Jesus, my entire body surged with excitement. Could Jesus come to live in my heart now, today}The following Sunday, when Pastor Jose announced the altar call, I edged forward in my seat, eager but unsure. "Go ahead, mijo" Pa whispered. "Don't be afraid."46I stepped tentatively toward the altar, while the congregation joined the choir in singing:Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that that thou me come to thee, O
    Lamb of God, I come, I come.Knees trembling, I knelt beside the others and uttered this simple but heartfelt prayer: "Dear Jesus, I believe you lived and died for us. Please forgive all my sins and come live in my heart. I love you. Amen."I returned to my seat, tears pouring down my face, out of control. Pa wrapped his arms around me so tightly I could feel his heart beat. And I felt God's love surround me. At that moment, being a Christian seemed so simple.I quickly grew to love this church. The music made me want to sing. The swaying and dancing gave me the feeling of worshipping with my whole body, not just my thoughts. I was able to spend more time with Angie. But most of all I loved that church for bringing Jesus into my heart. I'd seen how he had changed my pa, and I believed he could change me.Now, as I polished my shoes and dressed in my best church clothes for our choir concert, I asked Jesus, Please help me calm down and use my voice to share your Spirit.Then I asked Pa to drive us to church, so I could rehearse in my mind for one last time the hymns we'd sing.47

Chapter 10
    DESPITE MY WORRIES,OUR YOUTH CHOIR PERFORMANCE CAME OFF GREAT. IT
    FELT ALMOST ELECTRIC, LIKE GOD WAS IN OUR MIDST, RADIATING THROUGH
    OUR VOICES. AS I LOOKED AT ANGIE AND OUT OVER THE CONGREGATION, I
    COULD FEEL HIS LOVE AND ENERGY IN OUR HEARTS."I think that was your best performance ever." Pa clapped me on the back after the service. He said that every time. I knew he was proud of me largely because he dreaded standing up in front of groups."Thanks." I smiled.Like she did every Sunday, Pa's girlfriend invited us for lunch after church. Today she made arroz con polio, chicken and rice. I loved her cooking, and by dessert time I was stuffed.
    After we cleared the table, Pa stayed to spend the afternoon at Raquel's, and I drove home.I was in my bedroom, changing out of my church clothes, when my cell rang. I glanced at the screen: It was Manuel. Reluctantly, I answered. "Yeah?""Hey, amigo!" Manuel said cheerily. "I made a coconut48custard flan that's got your name all over it. You want to come hang out?""Um ..."
    Unsure what to respond, I plopped down on my bed and peeled off my dress shoes. "Thanks, but, um, I've got a load of stuff to do.""No problem. I'll bring it over. You'll love it.
    Guaranteed!""Look ..." I emptied my pockets and tugged my slacks off, debating the idea of a known gay guy coming over. "I appreciate it, but I just had a big lunch.""Then you can save it for later. Come on, man. You've got to help me. Otherwise I'll pig out till I blimp out."I unbuttoned my shirt, annoyed by his insistence. "I wish I could, but I've really got a ton of chores and stuff to do.""Amigo, please?" Manuel paused, and his voice became soft. "I miss my friends back home. I hardly know anyone here. Can't I just come over for a little while? I'll help you with stuff."I thought for a moment, recalling Angie quoting Matthew: I was a stranger and you welcomed me... As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."All right." I gave an irritated sigh. "Come on over." After giving