Christina has been attending Aldersgate Free Methodist Church for approximately one year. She was baptized May 12, 2002 and is a volunteer at the Near East Side Christian School at First Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis.

Tyrian purple, a Phoenician prize;
A dyed cloth cherished by royalty.
One esteemed to wear such a luxury;
Commanded a very high status.

Our Lord and Master, carrying his cross;
Clothed in purple, beaten and mocked;
As "King of Jews," on Calvary Hill.
Crucified for humanity, dying for our sins.

From an Eternal King, clad in purple;
His only charge, his only command;
Asking believers to submit to his will;
And follow his grace.
Many considered too high a price.

I pray that I not be clothed with pride;
Like the Ancients, in purple-robed splendor.
My humility, and loving grace;
Being the only clothing I wear.
The Lord's word shall be the armor I bear.

Apostles Peter and Paul,
Mastering faith and discipleship;
Imprisoned for our Lordship;
Wearing Christ's chains.

Stephen, his bravest act
Facing death, Never
Renouncing his master.
His blood flowed,
A stone-throwing crowd.

Reading Acts, New Testament
Saintly heroes martyred;
Suffering for Christ, an honor bestowed.

Examine a life,
Going to Sunday Church;
Wednesday service, weekly;
Saying Saintly prayers;
Volunteering services on God's behalf.

Still, we revel in the world.
Lapping our regrets
Licking festering wounds.
Self-importance Mantra.

Bearing no Cross,
Fearing no persecution.
Our path, so easy
Just pray, Salvation is ours.

If a trial by fire,
Persecution's song were sung
Would Jesus be denied?
Who would suffer for our Christ?
Riding martyrdom's coattails....

On Sunday mornings, we hear a sermon;
Then are convicted to repentance;
With an altar call.

So with, kneeling knees,
We all bow to a special place;
Where Lord Jesus knows hearts.
Laying in his hands, an anthology of pain.
Praying for a tapestry's alteration.....

(This poem based on a sermon by Pastor John Van Valin: "An Altar Is a Place to Alter.")