"Wouldn't it be exciting to live like the early Christians did-meeting secretly in homes and caves?" asked Nathan as he and Kirsten walked home from their neighborhood Bible club.

"It'd be more dangerous than exciting," said Kirsten. "Back then, Christians were often thrown in jail or put to death because of their faith. They had to meet in secret to stay alive." She tucked her Bible under a corner of her jacket and waved to a girl on the other side of the street. "Hi, Brooke," Kirsten called.

"Hi," responded Brooke. "I just got out of my gymnastics class. What have you been doing?"

"Oh, just hanging out," said Kirsten with a smile. "See you in school tomorrow." Kirsten turned back to her brother. "I'm glad we don't have to meet in caves and be secret Christians now days," she said.

"It looks to me like you are one," Nathan observed.

Kirsten frowned. "What on earth are you talking about?" she asked.

"You didn't tell Brooke you were coming from Bible club," replied Nathan. "Why not?"

"Are you kidding?" asked Kirsten. "Brooke is the most popular girl in my class. I want her to like me. She'd think I was crazy to go to a Bible club."

"So that's why you hid your Bible under your jacket?" asked Nathan.

"Like I told you-I want her to like me. I don't want her to tell everybody that I go to a Bible club. All the kids would make fun of me!"

Nathan shook his head. "I still think you act like a secret Christian," he insisted. "I think you're ashamed of being one at all."

Kirsten's face turned red. "I . . . I . . ." She couldn't think of anything to say.

Nathan sighed. "I know it's hard to be a witness," he said, "but if the early Christians were willing to die for Jesus, I guess the least we can do is put up with a little teasing."

Kirsten was silent for a while. Then she nodded. "You're right," she admitted, "but what can I do about it now?" A minute later, she smiled. "I know what to do!" she exclaimed. "I'll invite Brooke to come with me to Sunday school this weekend."
Don't be a secret Christian