“We will not deny our God. He is the King of the universe, and the Creator of all things. He is far superior to Allah and His Bible is far superior to the Koran. We will follow Jehovah Jireh for the rest of our lives, however unworthy we may be.”

The judge looked at me.

“And you?”

 I nodded my head. “I will do the same, My God reigns.”

He looked hard at us one last time, as he made his final statement. “I have no other choice but to sentence you both to death by hanging in twelve days.”

There I was, twenty-one years old, I would be twenty-two by the time I was to die. I was terrified of that day, I did not want to die, but I prayed the Lord my God would give me strength to stand.

*            *            *

Six days before our execution, Alexandri became very sick. She was hot with fever, and she shook with chills. They gave her no medical attention.

 Four days before our execution, she called me to her side.

 “Andrea, my friend and sister in Christ, whom we will soon see, I am dying. I do not know why, but the Lord has chosen to take me before I must suffer the weight of the gallows. Before I leave this world, you must make me a promise. You must promise me you will stand for the Lord on your judgment day.”  

Tears were rolling down my face as I answered,

 “I promise.”

That was the last time I saw her.

*            *            *

As the final day arrived, I was led outside to the courtyard, handcuffed, and told to stand on the platform. I did as I was told. As the noose was laid over my neck, I began singing, in my weary, shaky voice.

“My chains are gone…”

The hangman stepped down.

“…I’ve been set free…”

His hand rested on the lever.

“…my God, my Savior, has rescued me…”

I heard a loud bang, and the glory of God flashed before my eyes.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”