LISA STARED STRAIGHT Into Her Raging Husband's eyes....Not unlike the demoniac who had stared so hissingly at Jesus Himself!...Her husband's rage so overwhelmingly threatening...the two angelic host standing at her side...Yet Lisa unaware....the stage set for disaster...FOR MURDER and satanic triumph
Then as Jack's hand begins to shake with a certain purpose....a small still voice rises in Lisa's ear..."Fear Not...I am Here" "What you hear ...speak now"
Lisa opened her mouth..."Jack ..JESUS STILL LOVES YOU"
Then as Jack's hand begins to shake with a certain purpose....a small still voice rises in Lisa's ear..."Fear Not...I am Here" "What you hear ...speak now"
Lisa opened her mouth..."Jack ..JESUS STILL LOVES YOU"
- STA
______________________________________________________________________
St. Louis, Missouri
They had met little traffic coming into the city and there was still debris from all wrecks in the streets, garbage was piling up and the city looked as though a bomb had been dropped on it. Sam found the clinic close to his office and Kerri went in to find out if a doctor was on duty. He came back and told Shannon there was a doctor on duty and he would be glad to examine her. Sam said they would be back in an hour to pick them up.
Sam parked in his parking space and notice few cars in the parking lot. He went inside and the hallways were empty, the receptionist wasn't at her desk. She was such a sweet older lady who had worked for the company 30 years and she was always trying to talk to different ones about going with her to church or a Bible study. She was probably one of the lucky ones that is now with the Lord. He opened the door to his office and saw his friend, Kyle, sitting at his desk.
Kyle looked up and as soon as he saw Sam he jumped up and grabbed him, shaking him with all his might, and said, "Man, I thought you had disappeared with all the others."
"No, Kyle, I wasn't that lucky. What's been going on here?"
"All the new government rules has made my job difficult and then we we've had an increase in orders for new planes. Are you back to help us out. I certainly need your expert advise on so many things. We only have three engineers left and you were the best in the company," Kyle told him.
"Where's Miss Lillian? I didn't see her at the front desk?"
"She is one of the many that's missing along with Sherrie Andrews, Melissa, Alexis, James, Brian and a several in production, too. It's been a mess trying to get anything done around here. You didn't answer me, are you back to stay?
"No, I'm not coming back. I have more important things to do now. Kyle, the people that are gone are now in heaven with God the Father and Jesus the Son. Do you know about Jesus and what He did for us? The world is going to change even more over the next few years until Jesus returns for us and I don't plan to be a part of this new world that's forming," Sam told him.
"I guess you have really gone a little crazy since all the people went missing and now you are talking like some of the those idiots standing on the street corner saying the world will end in seven years and now is the time to get right with the Lord and save ourselves. You have got to be kidding me that you fell for their story. No, I don't plan on doing any such thing as to join a group of people claiming there is a God and that Jesus actually was here on earth. I never believed it and I don't believe it now. I am going to be working for the new global government and have been promised a great opportunity. I may even be able to work for the Potentate himself."
Sam shook his head, "Kyle, we are talking about eternity and what will happen to you at the end of the world as we know it. You would rather follow a lie and burn in hell for all eternity than to turn your life over to God to work His plan for you. You don't understand all the the horrible things that will begin to happen over the next 7 years. I want to tell you the end of the story.....God wins. God has control over all and He will bring His wrath upon the world and you will not be able to escape. I beg you to reconsider and think about asking for fogiveness and accept Christ as your personal savior."
"Man, I am not going to do that. Not now or ever. If you don't want to be a part of this new global initiative, then why did you bother coming back here?"
"I came by to get a few of my personal things and to check on my friends here. I will pray for you that your heart will be open to receive the good news." Sam took a few things out of his desk drawer and left the building for the last time. He would do as he promised and pray for Kyle. He walked to the car and he and Tom drove back to the clinic to meet Shannon and Kerri.
They had met little traffic coming into the city and there was still debris from all wrecks in the streets, garbage was piling up and the city looked as though a bomb had been dropped on it. Sam found the clinic close to his office and Kerri went in to find out if a doctor was on duty. He came back and told Shannon there was a doctor on duty and he would be glad to examine her. Sam said they would be back in an hour to pick them up.
Sam parked in his parking space and notice few cars in the parking lot. He went inside and the hallways were empty, the receptionist wasn't at her desk. She was such a sweet older lady who had worked for the company 30 years and she was always trying to talk to different ones about going with her to church or a Bible study. She was probably one of the lucky ones that is now with the Lord. He opened the door to his office and saw his friend, Kyle, sitting at his desk.
Kyle looked up and as soon as he saw Sam he jumped up and grabbed him, shaking him with all his might, and said, "Man, I thought you had disappeared with all the others."
"No, Kyle, I wasn't that lucky. What's been going on here?"
"All the new government rules has made my job difficult and then we we've had an increase in orders for new planes. Are you back to help us out. I certainly need your expert advise on so many things. We only have three engineers left and you were the best in the company," Kyle told him.
"Where's Miss Lillian? I didn't see her at the front desk?"
"She is one of the many that's missing along with Sherrie Andrews, Melissa, Alexis, James, Brian and a several in production, too. It's been a mess trying to get anything done around here. You didn't answer me, are you back to stay?
"No, I'm not coming back. I have more important things to do now. Kyle, the people that are gone are now in heaven with God the Father and Jesus the Son. Do you know about Jesus and what He did for us? The world is going to change even more over the next few years until Jesus returns for us and I don't plan to be a part of this new world that's forming," Sam told him.
"I guess you have really gone a little crazy since all the people went missing and now you are talking like some of the those idiots standing on the street corner saying the world will end in seven years and now is the time to get right with the Lord and save ourselves. You have got to be kidding me that you fell for their story. No, I don't plan on doing any such thing as to join a group of people claiming there is a God and that Jesus actually was here on earth. I never believed it and I don't believe it now. I am going to be working for the new global government and have been promised a great opportunity. I may even be able to work for the Potentate himself."
Sam shook his head, "Kyle, we are talking about eternity and what will happen to you at the end of the world as we know it. You would rather follow a lie and burn in hell for all eternity than to turn your life over to God to work His plan for you. You don't understand all the the horrible things that will begin to happen over the next 7 years. I want to tell you the end of the story.....God wins. God has control over all and He will bring His wrath upon the world and you will not be able to escape. I beg you to reconsider and think about asking for fogiveness and accept Christ as your personal savior."
"Man, I am not going to do that. Not now or ever. If you don't want to be a part of this new global initiative, then why did you bother coming back here?"
"I came by to get a few of my personal things and to check on my friends here. I will pray for you that your heart will be open to receive the good news." Sam took a few things out of his desk drawer and left the building for the last time. He would do as he promised and pray for Kyle. He walked to the car and he and Tom drove back to the clinic to meet Shannon and Kerri.
- P4H
______________________________________________________________________
Anderson Family Medical Clinic, St. Louis, Missouri
Shannon lay on the examining table waiting for the doctor to return while Kerri sat in the chair beside her. The door opened and Dr. Anderson approached with a broad smile, "Dear, you are very healthy and everything seems to be right on target. Let me help you sit up. I will give you something for the morning sickness and of course you will need to start prenatal vitamins. We will need to see you again in a month and schedule for your first sonogram."
Shannon let out a sigh of relief and tears streamed down her face, "Thank you doctor, I was wanting to hear that everything was ok."
"You need to eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise and I don't foresee any problems with your prenancy," Dr. Anderson said.
"Doctor, we don't live anywhere near a clinic or hospital and we may not be able to get here every month, will that cause a problem?" asked Kerri.
"No, I don't think so, but you should try to get here at least every other month then when she gets closer to delivery, I would suggest you get a place closer to the clinic or hospital," the doctor replied.
"We thank you so much for seeing my wife and we will try to get here."
Kerri shook the doctor's hand and he left the couple alone. Kerri was beaming that all was well with Shannon and it was such a relief to know that the sickness would soon leave. They hadn't planned this child, but welcomed the thought of a little Kerri or Shannon joining them. The group was excited about the baby and the only negative was that their parents weren't here to see their first grandchild, but they would see them all very soon.
Shannon and Kerri walked into the waiting room and saw Sam and Tom waiting for them. Kerri gave both men the thumbs up sign. They all walked to the car with a much lighter step than when they had first arrived. Sam stopped everyone before they got into the car and said, "Let's pray. Father we thank you for this child and the news that Shannon is healthy. We ask that You guide this young family in all they do. Father, be with us as we travel and give us safety. We praise Your Holy Name and give You all the glory. In Christ's name we pray, Amen."
"Now to the airport and then home," Sam announced.
Shannon lay on the examining table waiting for the doctor to return while Kerri sat in the chair beside her. The door opened and Dr. Anderson approached with a broad smile, "Dear, you are very healthy and everything seems to be right on target. Let me help you sit up. I will give you something for the morning sickness and of course you will need to start prenatal vitamins. We will need to see you again in a month and schedule for your first sonogram."
Shannon let out a sigh of relief and tears streamed down her face, "Thank you doctor, I was wanting to hear that everything was ok."
"You need to eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise and I don't foresee any problems with your prenancy," Dr. Anderson said.
"Doctor, we don't live anywhere near a clinic or hospital and we may not be able to get here every month, will that cause a problem?" asked Kerri.
"No, I don't think so, but you should try to get here at least every other month then when she gets closer to delivery, I would suggest you get a place closer to the clinic or hospital," the doctor replied.
"We thank you so much for seeing my wife and we will try to get here."
Kerri shook the doctor's hand and he left the couple alone. Kerri was beaming that all was well with Shannon and it was such a relief to know that the sickness would soon leave. They hadn't planned this child, but welcomed the thought of a little Kerri or Shannon joining them. The group was excited about the baby and the only negative was that their parents weren't here to see their first grandchild, but they would see them all very soon.
Shannon and Kerri walked into the waiting room and saw Sam and Tom waiting for them. Kerri gave both men the thumbs up sign. They all walked to the car with a much lighter step than when they had first arrived. Sam stopped everyone before they got into the car and said, "Let's pray. Father we thank you for this child and the news that Shannon is healthy. We ask that You guide this young family in all they do. Father, be with us as we travel and give us safety. We praise Your Holy Name and give You all the glory. In Christ's name we pray, Amen."
"Now to the airport and then home," Sam announced.
- P4H
______________________________________________________________________
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Earl Myers jerked awake. He sat up, his body drenched in sweat, his hands shaking with fear.
He'd had the nightmare again. It was always the same. He was in a dark place. It smelled like rotten eggs, decaying flesh, and the air was so hot it burned. Each breath he took drew the odor into his lungs, and the air felt like it was actually searing his lungs. He could hear breathing, grunting, and laughter. But it wasn't happy laughter, it was the most sinister laugh he had ever heard. He could feel something moving around his feet. There would be an occasional flash of red light, and he could see snakes slithering around everywhere.
Something or someone would bump into him, burning his skin and sending him staggering. When that happened the snakes went into a frenzy, hissing and striking at his legs. They would coil around his legs and he would beat at them until they slithered away. As long as he stood still they stayed away. He knew he was surrounded by evil. He could feel it, he could actually smell it. With every moment his terror mounted.
He could see when he tilted his head back a Light. It was very faint, but if he concentrated heard enough, he could see it. It was the only thing that brought him comfort. He forgot the smell, the snakes, and the thing that kept grunting, and pushing at him.
As if it could sense that his fear had lessened the thing would growl, and shove him roughly. It was then that the red light would flash again and he could see himself falling into a large pit of snakes, each of them with their mouths open, fangs dripping venom. Unable to stop his momentum, Earl fell into the pit and immediately the snakes began to twine around his body, biting and squeezing him.
One snake in particular always stood out in his nightmare. It was much larger than the others, and it's eyes held such hatred and evil that it made his blood run cold. It was the one that opened it's mouth wide and began to devour him alive.
Earl always woke up at that point, his heart pounding in terror. He could remember the snakes mouth closing over his head and seeing into the snakes belly.
Earl stood up and crossed the room, heading for the liquor cabinet. He poured a glass full and swallowed it in a few gulps. He sat in the chair, and waited for the alcohol to take effect.
After a few minutes he stood and went to the restroom, took a shower and put on some clean clothes. When he was walking down the hall he took note of the pictures on the wall. One photo in particular caught his attention. It was of him and his brother. They actually looked alot alike. That was why Earl had taken on his brothers identity. To people in the neighborhood he was Ronald Myers.
When Earl had arrived several days earlier, he had been shocked to find his brother and his family all gone. Clothes had been on furniture as if they had dissapeared right out of them. The house had been looted of course, but oddly enough, the clothing had not been disturbed. The open Bibles left untouched.
Earl had made himself at home, and when the school his brother taught at called to schedule resuming of classes, he had claimed to be his brother and agreed to come back to the school and teach when classes resumed. All in all Earl thought, things were working out. He had a roof over his head, a job, and Shade Cooper had no idea where to find him.
He had kept an eye out for arrest warrants out for him, but so far nothing. He had grown a beard and had been careful with the neighbors, acting like a man who had just lost his family. No one suspected that he was not his brother.
Earl walked out the door, locking it behind him, and headed off the the school. It was the first day of classes and his new life as Ronald Myers.
Earl Myers jerked awake. He sat up, his body drenched in sweat, his hands shaking with fear.
He'd had the nightmare again. It was always the same. He was in a dark place. It smelled like rotten eggs, decaying flesh, and the air was so hot it burned. Each breath he took drew the odor into his lungs, and the air felt like it was actually searing his lungs. He could hear breathing, grunting, and laughter. But it wasn't happy laughter, it was the most sinister laugh he had ever heard. He could feel something moving around his feet. There would be an occasional flash of red light, and he could see snakes slithering around everywhere.
Something or someone would bump into him, burning his skin and sending him staggering. When that happened the snakes went into a frenzy, hissing and striking at his legs. They would coil around his legs and he would beat at them until they slithered away. As long as he stood still they stayed away. He knew he was surrounded by evil. He could feel it, he could actually smell it. With every moment his terror mounted.
He could see when he tilted his head back a Light. It was very faint, but if he concentrated heard enough, he could see it. It was the only thing that brought him comfort. He forgot the smell, the snakes, and the thing that kept grunting, and pushing at him.
As if it could sense that his fear had lessened the thing would growl, and shove him roughly. It was then that the red light would flash again and he could see himself falling into a large pit of snakes, each of them with their mouths open, fangs dripping venom. Unable to stop his momentum, Earl fell into the pit and immediately the snakes began to twine around his body, biting and squeezing him.
One snake in particular always stood out in his nightmare. It was much larger than the others, and it's eyes held such hatred and evil that it made his blood run cold. It was the one that opened it's mouth wide and began to devour him alive.
Earl always woke up at that point, his heart pounding in terror. He could remember the snakes mouth closing over his head and seeing into the snakes belly.
Earl stood up and crossed the room, heading for the liquor cabinet. He poured a glass full and swallowed it in a few gulps. He sat in the chair, and waited for the alcohol to take effect.
After a few minutes he stood and went to the restroom, took a shower and put on some clean clothes. When he was walking down the hall he took note of the pictures on the wall. One photo in particular caught his attention. It was of him and his brother. They actually looked alot alike. That was why Earl had taken on his brothers identity. To people in the neighborhood he was Ronald Myers.
When Earl had arrived several days earlier, he had been shocked to find his brother and his family all gone. Clothes had been on furniture as if they had dissapeared right out of them. The house had been looted of course, but oddly enough, the clothing had not been disturbed. The open Bibles left untouched.
Earl had made himself at home, and when the school his brother taught at called to schedule resuming of classes, he had claimed to be his brother and agreed to come back to the school and teach when classes resumed. All in all Earl thought, things were working out. He had a roof over his head, a job, and Shade Cooper had no idea where to find him.
He had kept an eye out for arrest warrants out for him, but so far nothing. He had grown a beard and had been careful with the neighbors, acting like a man who had just lost his family. No one suspected that he was not his brother.
Earl walked out the door, locking it behind him, and headed off the the school. It was the first day of classes and his new life as Ronald Myers.
- Zags
_____________________________________________________________________
Washington DC
Frank Keller watched as Brett Reed left his office. With a sigh he picked up the phone. He punched in the numbers and heard the line ringing.
"Hello?" he heard his wife answer.
"Hi honey. It's me." Frank said.
"Hi!" Tansy Keller said to her husband.
"I was just calling to let you know we will be having company for dinner." Frank said.
"Oh really. Who?" Tansy asked.
"Brett Reed."
The line was silent as he let his wife absorb that information.
"Brett. We haven't had him over for dinner in ages." Tansy recovered. "I'll fix meatloaf. I remember the last time he had dinner with us he remarked how he likes meatloaf."
"Sounds good." Frank told his wife. "I expect to be home around 6:00pm. I love you."
"6:00 it is. I love you too." Tansy replied hanging up the phone.
Frank sat back in his chair. His wife had recovered herself pretty well he thought.
The real test was going to be dinner.
Frank Keller watched as Brett Reed left his office. With a sigh he picked up the phone. He punched in the numbers and heard the line ringing.
"Hello?" he heard his wife answer.
"Hi honey. It's me." Frank said.
"Hi!" Tansy Keller said to her husband.
"I was just calling to let you know we will be having company for dinner." Frank said.
"Oh really. Who?" Tansy asked.
"Brett Reed."
The line was silent as he let his wife absorb that information.
"Brett. We haven't had him over for dinner in ages." Tansy recovered. "I'll fix meatloaf. I remember the last time he had dinner with us he remarked how he likes meatloaf."
"Sounds good." Frank told his wife. "I expect to be home around 6:00pm. I love you."
"6:00 it is. I love you too." Tansy replied hanging up the phone.
Frank sat back in his chair. His wife had recovered herself pretty well he thought.
The real test was going to be dinner.
- Zags
_____________________________________________________________________
Washington DC
Frank thanked his wife as she set his coffee in front of him. He noticed that Brett didn’t. He lifted the cup to his lips to hide his grimace. Looking at the set of his wife’s shoulders, he could see the evening had been tough on her.
Just a few more minutes he thought to himself.
Tansy sat back in her chair, glanced at her husband. He looked tired.
“So,” Brett said. “What do you think really happened?”
“What do you mean?” Frank asked.
“With all those people disappearing?” Brett slanted a look at Frank as he nonchalantly took a sip of coffee.
Tansy reached for her cup of coffee and Frank noticed that her hand trembled. Frank frowned at Brett.
Brett didn’t take the hint. “So, what do you think?” he persisted.
Frank reached out and took Tansy’s hand in his. Frank again frowned and gave a small shake of his head at Brett. Tansy had tears in her eyes as she looked at her husband. She had dreaded this moment. She had known that Brett would ask, and she also knew how he had felt about her son’s faith.
Max had always talked about his faith in Jesus, and it had driven his mother to distraction. She had always felt like he was trying to force her to believe in something that was unreal. That night so many weeks ago, had proven that all those years, everything her son had told her was true.
Tansy had woken at the ringing of the phone, and her husband rushing off to an emergency meeting at FBI headquarters. She had turned on the news and the reports of hundreds of thousands of people disappearing instantaneously has shocked her to the core. She had known immediately what had happened.
It had been the event her son had looked forward to every day of his life since he gave his heart and life to Jesus. It had been the rapture. Tansy had waited anxiously for Frank to come home, and when he finally had two days later looking tired and scared, she hadn’t needed to tell him her thoughts. That night they had both given their lives to Jesus.
Now they were faced with an atheist who’s hatred for Christians surpassed any they had ever encountered. Knowing what the next seven years held, they knew that if they told Brett it had been Jesus, Brett would turn them over when the time came. His hatred was that intense. He had been under investigation before the rapture for killing a fellow FBI agent. As a matter of fact, he had been suspected of being a mole for the terrorist organization Hamas.
Frank shrugged. “Aliens. You see the same reports I see.”
Brett looked at Tansy. “You don’t believe that do you?”
Tansy looked at Brett in the eye, her fury evident on her face. “All I know is that my son is gone.” She stood and glared at Brett.
Brett glanced back at Frank, and it finally registered why Frank had seemed not to want to answer his question. Tansy must still be sensitive about her son’s disappearing. “Tansy, Max has been gone for weeks. I’d think you would have come to terms with it by now.” Brett said.
Tansy’s hand flashed out, slapping Brett across the face.
“I will never get over the loss of my son!! Get out of my house!!!” she shouted.
Frank thanked his wife as she set his coffee in front of him. He noticed that Brett didn’t. He lifted the cup to his lips to hide his grimace. Looking at the set of his wife’s shoulders, he could see the evening had been tough on her.
Just a few more minutes he thought to himself.
Tansy sat back in her chair, glanced at her husband. He looked tired.
“So,” Brett said. “What do you think really happened?”
“What do you mean?” Frank asked.
“With all those people disappearing?” Brett slanted a look at Frank as he nonchalantly took a sip of coffee.
Tansy reached for her cup of coffee and Frank noticed that her hand trembled. Frank frowned at Brett.
Brett didn’t take the hint. “So, what do you think?” he persisted.
Frank reached out and took Tansy’s hand in his. Frank again frowned and gave a small shake of his head at Brett. Tansy had tears in her eyes as she looked at her husband. She had dreaded this moment. She had known that Brett would ask, and she also knew how he had felt about her son’s faith.
Max had always talked about his faith in Jesus, and it had driven his mother to distraction. She had always felt like he was trying to force her to believe in something that was unreal. That night so many weeks ago, had proven that all those years, everything her son had told her was true.
Tansy had woken at the ringing of the phone, and her husband rushing off to an emergency meeting at FBI headquarters. She had turned on the news and the reports of hundreds of thousands of people disappearing instantaneously has shocked her to the core. She had known immediately what had happened.
It had been the event her son had looked forward to every day of his life since he gave his heart and life to Jesus. It had been the rapture. Tansy had waited anxiously for Frank to come home, and when he finally had two days later looking tired and scared, she hadn’t needed to tell him her thoughts. That night they had both given their lives to Jesus.
Now they were faced with an atheist who’s hatred for Christians surpassed any they had ever encountered. Knowing what the next seven years held, they knew that if they told Brett it had been Jesus, Brett would turn them over when the time came. His hatred was that intense. He had been under investigation before the rapture for killing a fellow FBI agent. As a matter of fact, he had been suspected of being a mole for the terrorist organization Hamas.
Frank shrugged. “Aliens. You see the same reports I see.”
Brett looked at Tansy. “You don’t believe that do you?”
Tansy looked at Brett in the eye, her fury evident on her face. “All I know is that my son is gone.” She stood and glared at Brett.
Brett glanced back at Frank, and it finally registered why Frank had seemed not to want to answer his question. Tansy must still be sensitive about her son’s disappearing. “Tansy, Max has been gone for weeks. I’d think you would have come to terms with it by now.” Brett said.
Tansy’s hand flashed out, slapping Brett across the face.
“I will never get over the loss of my son!! Get out of my house!!!” she shouted.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
Missouri Ozarks
Bud and Steven were busy planning the security system when Christiana walked into the main room. She had been feeling uneasy all morning and finally couldn't take it any more and asked, "Steven, when we were saying good-bye this morning, I felt as though someone or something was watching me. I looked all around, but didn't see anything......but it still felt as though I was being watched."
Steven frowned and said, "You, too? I had the same feeling last night. As soon as we get these plans finished, Bud and I will take a look."
"How could anyone know where this place is unless we were followed?" she asked.
"There are people that live in these hills that no one really knows and they might have known about this place or someone from Pastor James' church that helped bring the supplies up here. I went to that same church, but I'm still here," Steven said looking down at the floor.
Amy joined the group, but she seemed distracted. "Jason left again last night. He's not anywhere that I can find. I think he faked being saved," Amy said starting to cry.
Christina put her arm around her, "Sweetie, Jesus knows if he was telling the truth. He knows our hearts and He will deal with Jason. Why do you think he was faking?"
"He was giving me those far away looks last night and pacing constantly. Usually when he did those things and couldn't look me in the eye when we talked, he would soon disappear. It's like he is planning something and doesn't want me to figure him out. You know I did start to figure out the signals and all the signals were there last night. We need to find him," Amy cried.
"It's called guilt, Amy. He can't look you in the eye because he knows he's about to do something that is wrong. Christiana is right, God knows his heart and He is in control. We will look for Jason, but you are going to have to understand that we may not be able to stop him from doing bad things," Steven said giving her a fatherly pat on the arm.
Steven gave Bud a concerned look, "You and I set all the alarms last night and nothing was disturbed when we all got up this morning so he must have slipped away before we settled in for the night. I looked in his room and was sure he was on his cot asleep, but I'm wondering if I really saw him or just a heap of blankets."
"When we get the security cameras in place and the alarm system, he won't be able to leave after they are set and we will need to watch him closer," Bud said.
"We were so happy celebrating what we thought was his salvation that we forgot to keep a watchful eye on him. After all he learned from the best deceivers and he kept telling us of the voices in his head, remember? Satan's demons are all over putting ideas in peoples' heads and that could have been the voices he was hearing. They told him not to believe in Jesus and he bought the lie....again," remarked Steven.
Bud and Steven were busy planning the security system when Christiana walked into the main room. She had been feeling uneasy all morning and finally couldn't take it any more and asked, "Steven, when we were saying good-bye this morning, I felt as though someone or something was watching me. I looked all around, but didn't see anything......but it still felt as though I was being watched."
Steven frowned and said, "You, too? I had the same feeling last night. As soon as we get these plans finished, Bud and I will take a look."
"How could anyone know where this place is unless we were followed?" she asked.
"There are people that live in these hills that no one really knows and they might have known about this place or someone from Pastor James' church that helped bring the supplies up here. I went to that same church, but I'm still here," Steven said looking down at the floor.
Amy joined the group, but she seemed distracted. "Jason left again last night. He's not anywhere that I can find. I think he faked being saved," Amy said starting to cry.
Christina put her arm around her, "Sweetie, Jesus knows if he was telling the truth. He knows our hearts and He will deal with Jason. Why do you think he was faking?"
"He was giving me those far away looks last night and pacing constantly. Usually when he did those things and couldn't look me in the eye when we talked, he would soon disappear. It's like he is planning something and doesn't want me to figure him out. You know I did start to figure out the signals and all the signals were there last night. We need to find him," Amy cried.
"It's called guilt, Amy. He can't look you in the eye because he knows he's about to do something that is wrong. Christiana is right, God knows his heart and He is in control. We will look for Jason, but you are going to have to understand that we may not be able to stop him from doing bad things," Steven said giving her a fatherly pat on the arm.
Steven gave Bud a concerned look, "You and I set all the alarms last night and nothing was disturbed when we all got up this morning so he must have slipped away before we settled in for the night. I looked in his room and was sure he was on his cot asleep, but I'm wondering if I really saw him or just a heap of blankets."
"When we get the security cameras in place and the alarm system, he won't be able to leave after they are set and we will need to watch him closer," Bud said.
"We were so happy celebrating what we thought was his salvation that we forgot to keep a watchful eye on him. After all he learned from the best deceivers and he kept telling us of the voices in his head, remember? Satan's demons are all over putting ideas in peoples' heads and that could have been the voices he was hearing. They told him not to believe in Jesus and he bought the lie....again," remarked Steven.
- P4H
_____________________________________________________________________
George and Stu continued their conversation over lunch as the snow continued to fall outside unnoticed as the inches piled up. Stu had felt comfortable with George and had began to open up about his life before the disappearances. He had been adopted by his own grandparents when he was just a baby because his parents had been young and irresponsible high school kids when he had come along. His Dad had never acknowledged him and his Mother had run away from home shortly after never to be heard from again. His grandparents had mourned the loss of their only daughter for many years before finally giving up the search. They had been very strict thinking it was the way to protect her from the world. When he was old enough they sent him to a all boys christian academy for his education hoping that he would eventually give his heart to Jesus if he heard it enough in school and on the week-ends when he came home. To the disappointment of his grandparents he never did but gave them a lot of rebellion instead. He told George that now that they had disappeared he wondered often if his mother was still around. Maybe someday he would see her again but for now he could only pray for her and live his life the way the Lord intended him to. He had been given a second chance now to see his grandparents at the end of all this and he thanked God everyday for not giving up on him. He had been one of the good people in the world who never cheated or stole or lied. He told George that he only rebelled when it came to church, otherwise he was a good person who had been left behind. "You might say I rose from the dead 3 days after they were gone, giving my heart to Jesus and asking him to help me survive the coming days for His glory. Reading my grandmothers bible has helped me alot too. I feel the Lord speak to me often as I read and it makes me feel less lonely." Stu glanced up at George to see tears streaming down his face. George burried his face in his hands as one sob after another escaped from somewhere deep inside him. Somehow Stus story had hit home and had made him think hard about the things his older parents had tried to instill in him. He had rebelled against them too, not wanting to be caught up in what he thought was their own kind of religion. He felt so ashamed now to have disappointed them. As he continued to sob he kept repeating over and over again "Its too late, its too late." Stu jumped up and walked over to georges side of the table. Kneeling down he touched Georges shoulder. "George, listen to me. I know that no matter what Jesus will stay right by our side every day if we ask Him too. He told us He would never leave us or forsake us. He doesnt care what you have done, though I doubt you've done anything that bad. If you just ask Him, He will completely cleanse and forgive you. He wants to love you and show you the way through all this mess we are now living in. He sure changed my life for the better. Wont you ask Him to save you? He'll cast all your sin as far as the east is from the west and he wont even remember it anymore." "YES, please Jesus save me from all this. I know I dont deserve it and I know you have been trying to reach me for a long time. Oh God, forgive me for not listening. Forgive me for ignoring you. Please take my sin away and make me new so I can serve you and you can guide me to bring glory to your name." He sobbed uncontrollably through his prayer and as he finished he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his chest. He wiped the rest of the tears off his face as he looked up to see Stu smiling at him and thanking God for his new friend in Christ. Suddenly George jumped up glancing toward the huge conservatory window. " I dont think you're leaving anytime soon." he said to Stu. Following the direction of Georges eyes, Stu glanced out the window to see the snow piled almost 5 feet up the window. Realizing he wouldnt be getting off the mountain this night he turned to George grinning from ear to ear. "What ever the Lord wants of me, that is what I will do and it looks like He wants me here with you for awhile. Maybe you can teach me something about all the planets and stars as you do your job. What do you say?" "I'd be honored." George replied. "I do have something I want to show you. Maybe you can explain to me if there is anything in the bible concerning it." Stu and George walked over to the telescopes and they each sat down. George showed him how to focus and they both settled in for Georges nightly duties of star gazing. The sky was clear even as the snow continued to fall. Stars shown brightly over head. Stu was amazed how much clearer the sky was through a telescope. It was so breathtaking, he could'nt take his eyes off. He watched as something else caught his eye. "George, Look to the left over there. What is that thats moving so fast across the sky?" "I'm not sure. I've been waiting for NASA to tell me. I sent the data to them several days ago and they sent it to the Pentagon. I have'nt heard back from them yet." he answered Stu. Stu had turned very pale as he listened to Georges answer. "Do you have a bible George? I want to show you something."
- Renee
______________________________________________________________________
Missouri Ozarks
Jason sat in the woods rubbing his hands across the pistol and the voice said, "The master is proud of you today. You will watch until the time comes to remove the one that spreads the lie comes into view. We will stay with you as the master has commanded." Jason laughed as he remembers how he had told them he believed in God and the Son, Jesus Christ. Fools that they are rejoiced thinking he had turned to the ways of the Lord. "My master is one that will lead us to victory against those that would follow Jesus," he said aloud. Jason had watced as Christina had walked close to him, but she was not his target then Steven and Bud had also come very close to where he had hidden himself. A smile came upon his face as he thought of Sam lying on the ground and finally silenced. He would lead no more and then the Master could take possession of the others easily. "Jason, you have been marked for the Father, why do you follow a lie?" the voice said. The struggle continues, but Jason continues to deny the one voice that could save him.
Jason sat in the woods rubbing his hands across the pistol and the voice said, "The master is proud of you today. You will watch until the time comes to remove the one that spreads the lie comes into view. We will stay with you as the master has commanded." Jason laughed as he remembers how he had told them he believed in God and the Son, Jesus Christ. Fools that they are rejoiced thinking he had turned to the ways of the Lord. "My master is one that will lead us to victory against those that would follow Jesus," he said aloud. Jason had watced as Christina had walked close to him, but she was not his target then Steven and Bud had also come very close to where he had hidden himself. A smile came upon his face as he thought of Sam lying on the ground and finally silenced. He would lead no more and then the Master could take possession of the others easily. "Jason, you have been marked for the Father, why do you follow a lie?" the voice said. The struggle continues, but Jason continues to deny the one voice that could save him.
- P4H
______________________________________________________________________
A group of Global Family Ambassadors approached the crowd encircling the Wailing Wall with caution; they secretly feared the fire that could kill them if the two men became angry.
"Make way, make way!" Jax said, causing the crowd to part and allow the ambassadors access to the front of the group. Jax was the head of this delegation, and he was determined to get the two men to listen to reason.
The witnesses were silent, their eyes focused unblinking at the ambassadors. Jax swallowed nervously and began to address the men. "We come here before you peacefully to speak with you about your presence here at the Wall. The Potentate wishes to make an offering of safety to you in exchange for you leaving the Wall." Jax paused, awaiting a response.
"We do not do dealings with minions of the son of perdition," said one of the witnesses.
Jax was confused. Who was the "son of perdition"? Were they referring to him? Or perhaps the Potentate?
"W-who is the son of perdition?" Jax asked clumsily.
"He is the ruler of this world, the one who wishes to defy the Lord God to pursue his selfish desires."
Now Jax was angry. "Are you telling me the Potentate is some sort of evil man? How dare you speak to him in that way-" Another ambassador pulled Jax back before he could say anymore; if Jax made the men angry, Jax could be killed.
The witnesses nodded. "You are right to silence this man, for he speaks foolishly. We do not do dealing with minions of the son of perdition. Leave this holy place and return from whence you came."
Jax was panicking. Surely the Potentate would have him fired...or worse if he didn't succeed with these proceedings. "But, but you must listen to the Potentate!"
"We take our orders from the Most High God and from no other!" Their voices boomed throughout the area, rattling the stones and scaring the audience into a terrified silence. Now the rest of the ambassadors became furious with the lack of progress being made, but before they could continue attempting a dialogue, Jax rushed the witnesses, pulling out his firearm and firing round after round into their bodies. Amazingly, the bullets went right through them without causing harm. Jax dropped his gun to the ground in shock, and a second later was engulfed in supernatural flames. The rest of the ambassadors and the crowd ran screaming from the area, terrified that they were next.
Teodor had watched the proceedings on the live feed, and yelled in fury and frustration when Jax was lit on fire. "Apparently peaceful negotiations do not work for you, you crazy lunatics!" Teodor pounded his fist into the soundproof walls, feeling the need to hurt someone.
"I guess more drastic measures must be taken," he muttered scathingly, a maniac gleam in his eye. He pushed the intercom button. "Jerome! Get in here!"
Almost immediately Jerome entered the room and shut the door. Nicolae stared at him for a moment, a smirk appearing on his face. "You're getting faster and faster each time I call you in here."
"Thank you sir?" Jerome replied, unsure of how to respond.
Teodor sat down his chair. "Now, let us get down to business, shall we? Our plans for a peaceful dialogue with the two men failed, so I must implement Plan B." Jerome had a feeling of what Plan B was, but he kept his mouth shut. "Jerome, I need you to find me the best rocket launcher shooter in the world. He needs to be top notch, with no record of being caught or missing a target. Understood?"
Jerome nodded. "Yes sir, I will get right on it." He shifted uneasily in his chair. Teodor noticed. "Is there something wrong Jerome?"
"Well, Mr. Potentate...these men have been able to survive bullets from very close range a number of times, and they have...eliminated every person who has attempted to kill them by fire....um....how do you know a rocket launcher will work any better?"
The vein in Teodor's neck began to pulse a little, but his demeanor remained calm. "Do you trust me, Jerome?"
Jerome nodded slowly.
"Then trust my judgment on this. I have a number of plans set in place in case this one does not work. Believe me Jerome, those men will be silenced, if its the last thing I do!"
After a few minor details were discussed, Jerome went back to his desk to think about all he had just heard. Something wasn't sitting right with him about the Potentate, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He had heard rumors that the Potentate was considered the Antichrist by Christians, and had even done some historical research on the Antichrist to see if it made sense. Jerome tried to brush off the uncanny similarities, but it was getting more difficult as he witnessed the actions of the Potentate behind closed doors. His public views of peace and security did not translate to their meetings in his office.
Maybe the Christians are right...maybe he really is the Antichrist...but what do I do about it?
"Make way, make way!" Jax said, causing the crowd to part and allow the ambassadors access to the front of the group. Jax was the head of this delegation, and he was determined to get the two men to listen to reason.
The witnesses were silent, their eyes focused unblinking at the ambassadors. Jax swallowed nervously and began to address the men. "We come here before you peacefully to speak with you about your presence here at the Wall. The Potentate wishes to make an offering of safety to you in exchange for you leaving the Wall." Jax paused, awaiting a response.
"We do not do dealings with minions of the son of perdition," said one of the witnesses.
Jax was confused. Who was the "son of perdition"? Were they referring to him? Or perhaps the Potentate?
"W-who is the son of perdition?" Jax asked clumsily.
"He is the ruler of this world, the one who wishes to defy the Lord God to pursue his selfish desires."
Now Jax was angry. "Are you telling me the Potentate is some sort of evil man? How dare you speak to him in that way-" Another ambassador pulled Jax back before he could say anymore; if Jax made the men angry, Jax could be killed.
The witnesses nodded. "You are right to silence this man, for he speaks foolishly. We do not do dealing with minions of the son of perdition. Leave this holy place and return from whence you came."
Jax was panicking. Surely the Potentate would have him fired...or worse if he didn't succeed with these proceedings. "But, but you must listen to the Potentate!"
"We take our orders from the Most High God and from no other!" Their voices boomed throughout the area, rattling the stones and scaring the audience into a terrified silence. Now the rest of the ambassadors became furious with the lack of progress being made, but before they could continue attempting a dialogue, Jax rushed the witnesses, pulling out his firearm and firing round after round into their bodies. Amazingly, the bullets went right through them without causing harm. Jax dropped his gun to the ground in shock, and a second later was engulfed in supernatural flames. The rest of the ambassadors and the crowd ran screaming from the area, terrified that they were next.
Teodor had watched the proceedings on the live feed, and yelled in fury and frustration when Jax was lit on fire. "Apparently peaceful negotiations do not work for you, you crazy lunatics!" Teodor pounded his fist into the soundproof walls, feeling the need to hurt someone.
"I guess more drastic measures must be taken," he muttered scathingly, a maniac gleam in his eye. He pushed the intercom button. "Jerome! Get in here!"
Almost immediately Jerome entered the room and shut the door. Nicolae stared at him for a moment, a smirk appearing on his face. "You're getting faster and faster each time I call you in here."
"Thank you sir?" Jerome replied, unsure of how to respond.
Teodor sat down his chair. "Now, let us get down to business, shall we? Our plans for a peaceful dialogue with the two men failed, so I must implement Plan B." Jerome had a feeling of what Plan B was, but he kept his mouth shut. "Jerome, I need you to find me the best rocket launcher shooter in the world. He needs to be top notch, with no record of being caught or missing a target. Understood?"
Jerome nodded. "Yes sir, I will get right on it." He shifted uneasily in his chair. Teodor noticed. "Is there something wrong Jerome?"
"Well, Mr. Potentate...these men have been able to survive bullets from very close range a number of times, and they have...eliminated every person who has attempted to kill them by fire....um....how do you know a rocket launcher will work any better?"
The vein in Teodor's neck began to pulse a little, but his demeanor remained calm. "Do you trust me, Jerome?"
Jerome nodded slowly.
"Then trust my judgment on this. I have a number of plans set in place in case this one does not work. Believe me Jerome, those men will be silenced, if its the last thing I do!"
After a few minor details were discussed, Jerome went back to his desk to think about all he had just heard. Something wasn't sitting right with him about the Potentate, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He had heard rumors that the Potentate was considered the Antichrist by Christians, and had even done some historical research on the Antichrist to see if it made sense. Jerome tried to brush off the uncanny similarities, but it was getting more difficult as he witnessed the actions of the Potentate behind closed doors. His public views of peace and security did not translate to their meetings in his office.
Maybe the Christians are right...maybe he really is the Antichrist...but what do I do about it?
- Katia
______________________________________________________________________
St. Louis Community Airport
Sam pulled up in front of the hanger where his plane was housed and brought the car to a halt. He turned to Tom, "You sure you know the way back from here?"
"I can follow your directions just fine. I called Steven and told him to expect you to touch down in about 45 minutes," said Tom.
Sam got out of the car and walked to his plane giving it a loving pat then turned and waved to Tom. He did all the necessary checks then started the engine. He felt so invigorated when he was flying and the freedom he felt could never be matched. He taxied out to the runway and asked permission to take off. Soon he had his bird in the air and on his way toward home.
Tom asked Shannon and Kerri if they wanted to stop for lunch before heading out to the main highway. They all started looking for a place to eat and settled on a small diner on the outskirts of Arnold. The three sat at the booth waiting for the waitress to take their order and Tom noticed the joy in the young couples eyes that couldn't be ignored. "You both look so much better this afternoon than you did when we left this morning. It was great news that everything is going well. We will see that you get here for your appointments, Shannon."
Shannon smiled at Tom and said, "I just felt better knowing that everything was as it should be and there would be no surprises. It was good to hear the sickness should soon pass then I will be more like my old self."
"I can tell you I will be glad when this mess stops because I was beginning to be sick whenever Shannon was sick," laughed Kerri. "Hope I don't do this until the baby is born. Guess it isn't all that unusual to have sympathy pains, etc, but I sure hope it stops soon."
"Maybe on our way back we can check out some of the towns close to home for a doctor. Steven and I checked to see if old Doc Humphries was still around, but I guess he was raptured because the office was closed up tight," remarked Tom.
"This baby will be extremely lucky to have so many aunts and uncles to care about him," said Shannon.
Tom threw back his head laughing, "Already thinking a boy, eh?"
"No, just thinking about having a miniature Kerri around to bring us lots of joy."
Kerri looked at her and said, "Oh, no you don't. How about a miniature Shannon?"
"We will just leave it in the Lord's hands whatever He chooses to bless us with, we will love him/her with all our hearts. As long as the baby is healthy, it really doesn't matter," Shannon told her husband.
The three enjoyed their lunch laughing and talking about how it will be to bring up a baby in a cave. Tom paid for the lunch then stopped to gas the car before heading home. He was amazed how expensive gas prices had gotten and was grateful he had stuck extra cash in his pocket. The clerk had gladly taken his money saying he would be able to exchange it for the new currency, but there was talk that soon there would be a different system in place for buying anything. Tom looked at Kerri and each knew what that would mean for them as believers in Jesus Christ. It would soon become more difficult to buy on the open market.
Sam pulled up in front of the hanger where his plane was housed and brought the car to a halt. He turned to Tom, "You sure you know the way back from here?"
"I can follow your directions just fine. I called Steven and told him to expect you to touch down in about 45 minutes," said Tom.
Sam got out of the car and walked to his plane giving it a loving pat then turned and waved to Tom. He did all the necessary checks then started the engine. He felt so invigorated when he was flying and the freedom he felt could never be matched. He taxied out to the runway and asked permission to take off. Soon he had his bird in the air and on his way toward home.
Tom asked Shannon and Kerri if they wanted to stop for lunch before heading out to the main highway. They all started looking for a place to eat and settled on a small diner on the outskirts of Arnold. The three sat at the booth waiting for the waitress to take their order and Tom noticed the joy in the young couples eyes that couldn't be ignored. "You both look so much better this afternoon than you did when we left this morning. It was great news that everything is going well. We will see that you get here for your appointments, Shannon."
Shannon smiled at Tom and said, "I just felt better knowing that everything was as it should be and there would be no surprises. It was good to hear the sickness should soon pass then I will be more like my old self."
"I can tell you I will be glad when this mess stops because I was beginning to be sick whenever Shannon was sick," laughed Kerri. "Hope I don't do this until the baby is born. Guess it isn't all that unusual to have sympathy pains, etc, but I sure hope it stops soon."
"Maybe on our way back we can check out some of the towns close to home for a doctor. Steven and I checked to see if old Doc Humphries was still around, but I guess he was raptured because the office was closed up tight," remarked Tom.
"This baby will be extremely lucky to have so many aunts and uncles to care about him," said Shannon.
Tom threw back his head laughing, "Already thinking a boy, eh?"
"No, just thinking about having a miniature Kerri around to bring us lots of joy."
Kerri looked at her and said, "Oh, no you don't. How about a miniature Shannon?"
"We will just leave it in the Lord's hands whatever He chooses to bless us with, we will love him/her with all our hearts. As long as the baby is healthy, it really doesn't matter," Shannon told her husband.
The three enjoyed their lunch laughing and talking about how it will be to bring up a baby in a cave. Tom paid for the lunch then stopped to gas the car before heading home. He was amazed how expensive gas prices had gotten and was grateful he had stuck extra cash in his pocket. The clerk had gladly taken his money saying he would be able to exchange it for the new currency, but there was talk that soon there would be a different system in place for buying anything. Tom looked at Kerri and each knew what that would mean for them as believers in Jesus Christ. It would soon become more difficult to buy on the open market.
- P4H
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