Leon sat quietly his head down. He could hear whispers, not the demons whispering, but the whispers of the Cooper family, and their friends.
He’d almost rather have the demons whispering in his ear. Almost.
Before she had died Belle had figured out that the creatures he was seeing and hearing were more than likely fallen angels, or demons. Their sole purpose Belle had said was to drive people away from Jesus.
Leon shifted in the chair, and peeked to see what was going on. He saw Matt Cooper standing across the room talking to another young man about his age. There was some family resemblance, so he figured he was a cousin.
He saw Maddie talking to three young women and Kristen. Leon’s eyes lingered on the bruises on Kristen’s neck. Shame filled him. He in his stupor had tried to kill her thinking she was a demon or ghost.
Belle had sat him down and explained that Kristen was in fact alive and well. Shade had rescued her from Mikey’s garage several months ago. Leon had tried to deny the truth, but Belle had refused to let him retreat into his own mind.
“You have to face the truth Leon. That is the only way you will ever be able to forgive yourself.” She had told him.
“There is no way I can forgive myself.” He had cried. “Could you? Knowing what I did to that little girl, can YOU forgive me. Can SHE? I know you can‘t and neither could she, and I don‘t blame either of you. I only blame myself. I don‘t want to live. I just want to die and go to hell where I belong.”
Belle looked at him straight in the eye. “Yes. I have forgiven you, and so has Kristen. And Jesus will forgive you too if you ask Him to. That is the only way you will ever find peace. Not by dying, and certainly not by going to hell. Jesus died so that you could find peace, the peace only He can give. Don‘t tell Him that it‘s not good enough, that what He did on Calvary wasn‘t enough. It was more than any person deserved, a sinner like me deserved, or a sinner like you. Don‘t throw His love away. Don‘t throw His perfect love away. Please.”
Those were the last words Belle had said to him.
Leon squeezed his eyes closed. How could anyone, how could Kristen, and especially Jesus forgive him for what he had done. Leon closed his eyes as Shame, Loneliness and Despair stood behind him and began to whisper.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
He walked the deserted streets checking the businesses and found no one around. The wind had picked up and it looked like it would start raining at any moment. He noticed the door to the hardware store was open so he cautiously made his way inside turning his head from side to side trying to see if anyone was in the building. One of the glass cases was open and knives were strewn about on the counter, on the floor was a box with hammers, nails, string, and other materials. He and Bud were in last week to get some tools and had left the store in the same condition they had found it. Who was here and where are they now? Steven crouched down to avoid being seen and slowly made his way around the back side of the case then suddenly he saw movement. He drew his gun watching for movement then he saw someone dart out from behind the counter and run out the door. He couldn't very well arrest anyone for taking things from the store when he and Bud had taken what they needed. The surprise was that anyone was in town in the first place and who could it be? He walked outside and decided it was best just to go on about his business and forget about whoever had been inside the store.
"Shoot, I've been a sheriff far too long to not investigate this further. Sure wish Bud was here to get my back, but whoever it is probably is just passing through," Steven was talking out loud and then chuckled to himself, "Bud would say get on with it." He continued walking down the street checking doors and looking for anything or anyone that didn't fit. He slowly peeked into the alley and all of a sudden he heard a loud sound and found himself falling backwards. He faintly whispered, "What happened?"
"Shoot, I've been a sheriff far too long to not investigate this further. Sure wish Bud was here to get my back, but whoever it is probably is just passing through," Steven was talking out loud and then chuckled to himself, "Bud would say get on with it." He continued walking down the street checking doors and looking for anything or anyone that didn't fit. He slowly peeked into the alley and all of a sudden he heard a loud sound and found himself falling backwards. He faintly whispered, "What happened?"
- P4H
________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
Belle's funeral was almost over. It had begun with a Shade leading a prayer, and then everyone had told a favorite Belle story.
Without a doubt the story that brought more laughter and tears was Mo telling the first time he had ever seen Belle.
"This little old lady was dragging a cooler behind her in one of the toughest neighborhoods in OKC and she wasn't scared. She just walked right up to me, easy as you please and offered us the food." Mo shook his head. "The lady had guts, I tell ya. Before I knew it somehow I had invited her back to my house!" Mo looked stunned at the memory. "Leon you remember don't you?" Mo said.
Leon ducked his head, but gave a small nod.
"Anyway, that's the day I met Belle. She was a wonderful lady, kind and generous. That day she not only gave me and my crew food for our bodies, she gave us food for our souls. She told us the Truth, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you Belle, and thank You Jesus for bringing her into my life." Mo finished with tears rolling unashamedly down his face.
Shade stood and led everyone in singing one of Belle's favorite songs.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angels wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
The final chorus trailed off and Shade finished the service with one of Belle's favorite Bible versus.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (New King James Version)
Striving for a Crown
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
"You've finished the race Belle, and in my opinion you finished strong. God bless you Belle." Shade finished the service and Mo, Raul, Skunk, Trevor, Matt and Nathan all acted as pall beares to carry Belle to her final earthly resting place until that day Jesus gave her her new body.
Belle's funeral was almost over. It had begun with a Shade leading a prayer, and then everyone had told a favorite Belle story.
Without a doubt the story that brought more laughter and tears was Mo telling the first time he had ever seen Belle.
"This little old lady was dragging a cooler behind her in one of the toughest neighborhoods in OKC and she wasn't scared. She just walked right up to me, easy as you please and offered us the food." Mo shook his head. "The lady had guts, I tell ya. Before I knew it somehow I had invited her back to my house!" Mo looked stunned at the memory. "Leon you remember don't you?" Mo said.
Leon ducked his head, but gave a small nod.
"Anyway, that's the day I met Belle. She was a wonderful lady, kind and generous. That day she not only gave me and my crew food for our bodies, she gave us food for our souls. She told us the Truth, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you Belle, and thank You Jesus for bringing her into my life." Mo finished with tears rolling unashamedly down his face.
Shade stood and led everyone in singing one of Belle's favorite songs.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angels wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
The final chorus trailed off and Shade finished the service with one of Belle's favorite Bible versus.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (New King James Version)
Striving for a Crown
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
"You've finished the race Belle, and in my opinion you finished strong. God bless you Belle." Shade finished the service and Mo, Raul, Skunk, Trevor, Matt and Nathan all acted as pall beares to carry Belle to her final earthly resting place until that day Jesus gave her her new body.
- Zags
________________________________________________________________
Good Morning ladies and gentlemen. This is Anna and Charles broadcasting live from the Wailing Wall here in Jerusalem. Just over the last 24 hours reports have come in that the 2 so called prophets of God have caused all water sources to turn to blood across all of Isreal and parts of Iraq. Investigations are under way as we speak to find the true source of what has transpired over the last day here in Jerusalem. As we pan the cameras out you the viewer can see that a large crowd has gathered here and the police are here as well to stop any violence that might erupt. Even at this early hour of the morning the two witnesses are viewing the crowd.
The camera was turned off of Anna and Charles as it focussed in on the faces of the two witnesses. They seemed to be preparing to speak to the crowd.
“For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten son. You rejected Him!
Whoever will believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. Over 2000 years ago
He died for your transgressions. And still you reject Him today. Who will accept the son
Of God? He is your long awaited Messiah. Isreal open your eyes!
The camera turned to see the faces of the early worshipers. Many hands were lifted high
And many faces had streams of tears. The camera watched as anger turned to joy as many
Knees began to drop as the realization hit hearts that the Messiah was among them . Cries
Of forgiveness could be heard as many began to ask Jesus into their hearts.
The faces of Anna and Charles came back on the television screen. “What just happened here Charles?” Anna asked with a quizical look on her face. “I’m not sure Anna. The Jewish nation has never called out to the christians savior before. Ladies and gentlemen we will now take a staion break to gather new information for you.” Charles stated as they faded out to a commercial.
Charles looked at Anna as they took their mikes off. “We better find out what is going on here. The government is not going to be too happy if Isreal is changing into the ones who disappeared a few months ago.”
The camera was turned off of Anna and Charles as it focussed in on the faces of the two witnesses. They seemed to be preparing to speak to the crowd.
“For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten son. You rejected Him!
Whoever will believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. Over 2000 years ago
He died for your transgressions. And still you reject Him today. Who will accept the son
Of God? He is your long awaited Messiah. Isreal open your eyes!
The camera turned to see the faces of the early worshipers. Many hands were lifted high
And many faces had streams of tears. The camera watched as anger turned to joy as many
Knees began to drop as the realization hit hearts that the Messiah was among them . Cries
Of forgiveness could be heard as many began to ask Jesus into their hearts.
The faces of Anna and Charles came back on the television screen. “What just happened here Charles?” Anna asked with a quizical look on her face. “I’m not sure Anna. The Jewish nation has never called out to the christians savior before. Ladies and gentlemen we will now take a staion break to gather new information for you.” Charles stated as they faded out to a commercial.
Charles looked at Anna as they took their mikes off. “We better find out what is going on here. The government is not going to be too happy if Isreal is changing into the ones who disappeared a few months ago.”
- Renee
_______________________________________________________________
Shanice Brutus quietly sneaked back into her house. She knew it was the early morning as she glanced at her watch. Shanice picked up her pace. Hoping that her boyfriend, Fredrick was asleep, she cringed at the thought if he wasn’t, it wouldn’t be pretty.
Without a pep Shanice opened the locked door but cringed when her keys fell on the porch. Bending to picking them up and turned around, there, standing in the dark watching her, was Fredrick.
Stared her down; “Girl,” he said in a raspy voice, “Why do you always have to do things that will get you in a whole lot of trouble?” With his hand held high, he slapped her face, sending Shanice crashing into the door then to the floor. Standing over her, Fredrick forced her back on her feet.
“What is wrong with you, Girl?” Fredrick began to curse and spit at her, “What are you doing out so early?”
Tears flowed from Shanice eyes. She couldn’t answer him, she didn’t want to.
Slapped her again and again, she crashed to the ground once more. “Answer me when I’m talking to you!” he screamed.
Shanice regained some strength and her composure then stood up. She could feel the swelling build on her face from the slaps. “Fredrick,” she said, unsure if she should say what she was about to say, “I don’t wanna be in this relationship anymore. I’ve had too much. I’m…I’m leaving.”
Fredrick glared at her, his face red with anger. Then like turn off water, he suddenly seemed to cool down. “Honey,” he said in a calmer voice, “Come with me.”
Taking her hand and he led the battered girl to the balcony and once again something had turned the water back on. He pushed her so that she was close to falling over the edge but then quickly grabbing her and holding her so she wouldn’t fall over, but so that she knew what he was implying. “Honey,” Fredrick said, “I love you to death, and the only way you’re leaving is when death makes us part. Now, as you see the ground from this wonderful view, and you realize how you might leave this relationship, I ask you this question: Will you stay with me?”
Shanice wanted to cry. If she said no, Fredrick would kill her. If she said yes… “Yes, I’ll stay,” she said, “I’ll stay…I’ll stay.”
Fredrick suddenly sounded happy once more, “Come with me, you can take a nice hot bath. We have a big day today. And then…you can get some sleep.”
Without a pep Shanice opened the locked door but cringed when her keys fell on the porch. Bending to picking them up and turned around, there, standing in the dark watching her, was Fredrick.
Stared her down; “Girl,” he said in a raspy voice, “Why do you always have to do things that will get you in a whole lot of trouble?” With his hand held high, he slapped her face, sending Shanice crashing into the door then to the floor. Standing over her, Fredrick forced her back on her feet.
“What is wrong with you, Girl?” Fredrick began to curse and spit at her, “What are you doing out so early?”
Tears flowed from Shanice eyes. She couldn’t answer him, she didn’t want to.
Slapped her again and again, she crashed to the ground once more. “Answer me when I’m talking to you!” he screamed.
Shanice regained some strength and her composure then stood up. She could feel the swelling build on her face from the slaps. “Fredrick,” she said, unsure if she should say what she was about to say, “I don’t wanna be in this relationship anymore. I’ve had too much. I’m…I’m leaving.”
Fredrick glared at her, his face red with anger. Then like turn off water, he suddenly seemed to cool down. “Honey,” he said in a calmer voice, “Come with me.”
Taking her hand and he led the battered girl to the balcony and once again something had turned the water back on. He pushed her so that she was close to falling over the edge but then quickly grabbing her and holding her so she wouldn’t fall over, but so that she knew what he was implying. “Honey,” Fredrick said, “I love you to death, and the only way you’re leaving is when death makes us part. Now, as you see the ground from this wonderful view, and you realize how you might leave this relationship, I ask you this question: Will you stay with me?”
Shanice wanted to cry. If she said no, Fredrick would kill her. If she said yes… “Yes, I’ll stay,” she said, “I’ll stay…I’ll stay.”
Fredrick suddenly sounded happy once more, “Come with me, you can take a nice hot bath. We have a big day today. And then…you can get some sleep.”
- Quinton
________________________________________________________________
“Sir 30 minutes to station”
“Very well” Captain Barlow said with a smile
“Weapons give me a status of your missiles”
“Sir, VLT (Vertical Launch Tubes) 1 and 2 are loaded with W-100 Tomahawk missiles, awaiting the GPS waypoints”
Tim Barlow smile grew bigger, “Copy, I am sending you the waypoint now, once you have them programmed let me know”
“Copy sir”
Tim pulled a small sealed envelope from his pocket and handed it to a young seaman. “Son, you take this to the Weapon Officer and hand it to him and only him. Don’t stop of anything understand?”
Shaking his head yes the young man took the envelope and headed aft.
“Very well” Captain Barlow said with a smile
“Weapons give me a status of your missiles”
“Sir, VLT (Vertical Launch Tubes) 1 and 2 are loaded with W-100 Tomahawk missiles, awaiting the GPS waypoints”
Tim Barlow smile grew bigger, “Copy, I am sending you the waypoint now, once you have them programmed let me know”
“Copy sir”
Tim pulled a small sealed envelope from his pocket and handed it to a young seaman. “Son, you take this to the Weapon Officer and hand it to him and only him. Don’t stop of anything understand?”
Shaking his head yes the young man took the envelope and headed aft.
- Alex
___________________________________________________________________
Standing on the main deck of the sub, Ben watched as the boat pulled along side.
“Evening sir, I have boat duty so I will not make the meeting tonight” Seaman Galloway said with a smile.
“That’s OK, study the book of James later, that is what we will be discussing tonight.”
“Will do. Sir I want you to know I have not felt this much peace in my life since I welcomed Jesus into my life. Sir, one of the guys told me that I wasn’t saved until I get dunked it water. Is this true?”
“Son, they are talking about Baptism and Jesus told all to be baptized to show a sign of you dedication to him. When the weather turns warmer, we will all jump in the water and be baptized but for now, you are saved and if he calls us home, we will go with thanksgiving in our hearts. Now it is 17:30, let’s get a move on so I’m not late.”
A young female sailor setting in the front of the boat started singing a hymn her mom use to sing. “When we all get to Heaven”
“Evening sir, I have boat duty so I will not make the meeting tonight” Seaman Galloway said with a smile.
“That’s OK, study the book of James later, that is what we will be discussing tonight.”
“Will do. Sir I want you to know I have not felt this much peace in my life since I welcomed Jesus into my life. Sir, one of the guys told me that I wasn’t saved until I get dunked it water. Is this true?”
“Son, they are talking about Baptism and Jesus told all to be baptized to show a sign of you dedication to him. When the weather turns warmer, we will all jump in the water and be baptized but for now, you are saved and if he calls us home, we will go with thanksgiving in our hearts. Now it is 17:30, let’s get a move on so I’m not late.”
A young female sailor setting in the front of the boat started singing a hymn her mom use to sing. “When we all get to Heaven”
- Alex
________________________________________________________________
"Ugh, I smell terrible!" "Is there anyway a girl can get a shower without being covered in blood?" "Anyone have some cologne?" These were the common phrases going around at GF Headquarters in New Babylon. Since the water was not available to anyone for cleaning their bodies or anything else, their was a distinct odor in the air at all times. People tried to mask their B.O. by liberally spraying perfumes and colognes on their skin, but it just made the area smell worse and it gave the employees headaches. Some had tried odd things, like bathing in soda or alcohol to try and scrub off their bodies, but it had little effect except to add the smell of sticky soda and rubbing alcohol.
Even Teodor seemed to be affected by the plague in this sense, but it was difficult to see as he somehow managed to look impeccable every day. His cologne was strong and expensive, so people were not able to smell anything unpleasant whatsoever. However, if one looked closely, he would see a liberal layer of male makeup on his face in order to make it look clean.
Of course, even if Teodor looked as terrible as the rest of the GF staff, no one would "see" it, for he was their loyal and loving leader, and all they saw was his "devotion" to them all.
Jerome, again, had to keep up the act despite his ability to shower perfectly fine each morning. He put some gel into his hair and messed up his hair on purpose to make it look disheveled and dirty. He also put on some cologne but not enough to bother him, but it did add to the mixture in the air. He did not shave his face to make it seem like he had not been able to shave because of the bloody water. He looked completely "legit" and he again kept his cover.
Lena, on the other hand, was so used to being clean and lovely that she found it hard to let that go. But she knew Jesus wanted her to be used to glorify God's kingdom in the future, so she also kept the appearance of looking unclean. She applied liberal amounts of makeup to make it appear that she is covering up the dirt on her face. Her hair was hairsprayed into place and immobile, making it look like she needed to keep it in the same condition or it would look greasy and stringy. She put some rubbing alcohol on her arms to give the impression of cleaning herself with that product. The only people she actually interacted with were the guards and occasionally Teodor would open the door to say a quick "Good morning" and immediately leave. Lena was grateful that Teodor stayed away because she couldn't bear to be around him, knowing his true nature. It also tore her to pieces knowing that her little boy was evil to the core. Jerome tried to stop by and chat, sometimes sharing brief lessons they had learned while reading the Word personally. It was her spiritual food and she craved fellowship and the ability to discuss what God was revealing to her. She kept her Bible locked in a safe at all times when she wasn't reading it in order to keep herself from arising suspicion, and when she did read it, she did so late at night when no one would visit her.
Thank God the Lord kept them safe under His wings as they spent so much time in close proximity to the Antichrist.
Even Teodor seemed to be affected by the plague in this sense, but it was difficult to see as he somehow managed to look impeccable every day. His cologne was strong and expensive, so people were not able to smell anything unpleasant whatsoever. However, if one looked closely, he would see a liberal layer of male makeup on his face in order to make it look clean.
Of course, even if Teodor looked as terrible as the rest of the GF staff, no one would "see" it, for he was their loyal and loving leader, and all they saw was his "devotion" to them all.
Jerome, again, had to keep up the act despite his ability to shower perfectly fine each morning. He put some gel into his hair and messed up his hair on purpose to make it look disheveled and dirty. He also put on some cologne but not enough to bother him, but it did add to the mixture in the air. He did not shave his face to make it seem like he had not been able to shave because of the bloody water. He looked completely "legit" and he again kept his cover.
Lena, on the other hand, was so used to being clean and lovely that she found it hard to let that go. But she knew Jesus wanted her to be used to glorify God's kingdom in the future, so she also kept the appearance of looking unclean. She applied liberal amounts of makeup to make it appear that she is covering up the dirt on her face. Her hair was hairsprayed into place and immobile, making it look like she needed to keep it in the same condition or it would look greasy and stringy. She put some rubbing alcohol on her arms to give the impression of cleaning herself with that product. The only people she actually interacted with were the guards and occasionally Teodor would open the door to say a quick "Good morning" and immediately leave. Lena was grateful that Teodor stayed away because she couldn't bear to be around him, knowing his true nature. It also tore her to pieces knowing that her little boy was evil to the core. Jerome tried to stop by and chat, sometimes sharing brief lessons they had learned while reading the Word personally. It was her spiritual food and she craved fellowship and the ability to discuss what God was revealing to her. She kept her Bible locked in a safe at all times when she wasn't reading it in order to keep herself from arising suspicion, and when she did read it, she did so late at night when no one would visit her.
Thank God the Lord kept them safe under His wings as they spent so much time in close proximity to the Antichrist.
- Katy
_________________________________________________________________
The sound of breaking glass filled Teodor's office as he threw a vase at the wall. He was shaking with anger, the vein on his neck pulsing dangerously on his flushed skin. He was watching the Two Witnesses speaking to the people at the Wall, and he wanted to vomit as he saw a multitude of them get on their knees and pray to Jesus. "They are practically groveling at their feet!!" Teodor yelled, speaking of the Jews and Gentiles praying near the feet of the Witnesses. The newscasters had made it a split screen, and they looked confused at what was happening. Of course they didn't understand what was happening---people were flocking to that idiot Jesus in large numbers, and there was no way to stop them! "God, stop ruining my plans! This is MY time! You will let me do what I want to these people and you will NOT interfere! How DARE you tear these people from me?! Curse you!"
Teodor feverishly concocted evil plans to dismantle the new Christian regime and finally came up with a brilliant idea.
"I will turn them against each other! I will spread rumors about various countries insulting each other for harboring the "extremists", which will cause a global war! This will destroy those extremists hiding in holes as nuclear bombs cause them to die of radiation poisoning. And Israel will be wiped off the map as they get caught in the crossfire. I'm a genius!"
Unfortunately Teodor was not smart enough to realize that this would also kill many of his own followers due to his near insanity concerning Christians. All he cared about was destroying anyone who resisted him, and sometimes his hatred blinded him from clear thought.
Teodor feverishly concocted evil plans to dismantle the new Christian regime and finally came up with a brilliant idea.
"I will turn them against each other! I will spread rumors about various countries insulting each other for harboring the "extremists", which will cause a global war! This will destroy those extremists hiding in holes as nuclear bombs cause them to die of radiation poisoning. And Israel will be wiped off the map as they get caught in the crossfire. I'm a genius!"
Unfortunately Teodor was not smart enough to realize that this would also kill many of his own followers due to his near insanity concerning Christians. All he cared about was destroying anyone who resisted him, and sometimes his hatred blinded him from clear thought.
- Katy
________________________________________________________________
Andrew and Mark prepared to leave and found Ester to thank her for the delicious meals she had prepared for them and then told Yoshi they would be ready to leave as soon as they said their good-byes.
Andrew shook Bill's hand and patted Connor on the back, "I feel so honored to have spent time with both of you. I pray you both will be used in a mighty way for our Lord. Connor, the days before you will be terrifying, but the Lord will be with you until the end." He turned to the Rabbi, "I thank you for taking Steve under your wing and for teaching him about Jesus. I thank you for all you are doing in the name of Jesus Christ and it has been a blessing spending time with you."
"My son, it has been a blessing to me, too. I have enjoyed our time together and will be praying for you. We will take good care of Steve, Bill, and Connor. We have much to do before Jesus returns. God's speed and we shall meet again soon," the Rabbi said as he gave Mark and Andrew each a hug.
They got into the van with Yoshi and departed for the airport. Mark wiped a tear from his eye, "Andrew, I feel as though I've been standing on the holiest ground on earth and really don't want to leave. The two witnesses are amazing and the Rabbi, wow, I just can't begin to express how lost in the Rabbi's words I became when he read the Bible. The last verse he read will stay with me always. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." The Rabbi helped me realize just how much God loves us, yet His wrath will be poured out over all the earth because we have rejected Him. Thank you, Andrew, for bringing me here with you."
Andrew nodded, "It was a pleasure having you along on the trip. To me finding out Bill had been adopted and he was really Jewish then Connor being chosen as one of the 144,000 witnesses was the best part of the whole trip. The look on Connor's face when they came back from the wailing wall was truly the most inspirational thing I've witnessed. Bill was so utterly shocked, but at the same time proud and humbled to find his true origins. It's been an amazing and fulfilling trip."
Yoshi darted in and out of traffic and they could see the airport up ahead and knew they would be soon on their way back to the states. Yoshi brought the van to a halt, "I will have to leave you here. I pray for your safe trip home. It has been good to know you."
The men shook hands and Andrew and Mark made their way to the hanger. Mark checked the plane and paid the fuel bill. Andrew made his way to the co-pilot's seat and began checking his computer for flight schedules and entered their flight plan with the tower. They were cleared for runway 102 as Mark took his place in the pilot's seat and checked the instruments then started the engines. He taxied to the runway and waited for clearance from the tower to take off. He pushed the throttle forward, the plane picked up speed, and they were soon high above the city. Mark banked to the north and made one last flyover so they could get one more glimpse of the beautiful city below. They would be back.
Andrew shook Bill's hand and patted Connor on the back, "I feel so honored to have spent time with both of you. I pray you both will be used in a mighty way for our Lord. Connor, the days before you will be terrifying, but the Lord will be with you until the end." He turned to the Rabbi, "I thank you for taking Steve under your wing and for teaching him about Jesus. I thank you for all you are doing in the name of Jesus Christ and it has been a blessing spending time with you."
"My son, it has been a blessing to me, too. I have enjoyed our time together and will be praying for you. We will take good care of Steve, Bill, and Connor. We have much to do before Jesus returns. God's speed and we shall meet again soon," the Rabbi said as he gave Mark and Andrew each a hug.
They got into the van with Yoshi and departed for the airport. Mark wiped a tear from his eye, "Andrew, I feel as though I've been standing on the holiest ground on earth and really don't want to leave. The two witnesses are amazing and the Rabbi, wow, I just can't begin to express how lost in the Rabbi's words I became when he read the Bible. The last verse he read will stay with me always. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." The Rabbi helped me realize just how much God loves us, yet His wrath will be poured out over all the earth because we have rejected Him. Thank you, Andrew, for bringing me here with you."
Andrew nodded, "It was a pleasure having you along on the trip. To me finding out Bill had been adopted and he was really Jewish then Connor being chosen as one of the 144,000 witnesses was the best part of the whole trip. The look on Connor's face when they came back from the wailing wall was truly the most inspirational thing I've witnessed. Bill was so utterly shocked, but at the same time proud and humbled to find his true origins. It's been an amazing and fulfilling trip."
Yoshi darted in and out of traffic and they could see the airport up ahead and knew they would be soon on their way back to the states. Yoshi brought the van to a halt, "I will have to leave you here. I pray for your safe trip home. It has been good to know you."
The men shook hands and Andrew and Mark made their way to the hanger. Mark checked the plane and paid the fuel bill. Andrew made his way to the co-pilot's seat and began checking his computer for flight schedules and entered their flight plan with the tower. They were cleared for runway 102 as Mark took his place in the pilot's seat and checked the instruments then started the engines. He taxied to the runway and waited for clearance from the tower to take off. He pushed the throttle forward, the plane picked up speed, and they were soon high above the city. Mark banked to the north and made one last flyover so they could get one more glimpse of the beautiful city below. They would be back.
- P4H
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