Julie and David sat with their heads on each others shoulders quitely sleeping. The sun had gone down several hours ago and the jet silently hummed its way across the ocean. Up in the cockpit Bill reached above his head as he stretched his arms, stiff from setting so long. Neither one of them had taken a break since take-off. Checking the instruments on his panel he flipped the autopilot on. "I'm gonna take a little break and see what Amy packed for our dinner". he told Mark. "we are on course and auto is on. Would you look after everything for a few minutes and then you can take a break when I get back?" he asked Mark. Mark nodded and set his bible to the side and checked the instruments as Bill unbuckled his seat belt and stood up and stretched. "I wont be long." he said as he stepped out of the door into the plane.
Seeing Andrew put his finger to his lips and point back, Bill acknowledged the sleeping couple. He walked into the galley and checked on the things Amy had packed for them. He found containers of her homemade beefstew and his mouth began to water. He loved Amys cooking. Placing a container in the midcrowave he also found some buttered yeast rolls she had made and took two out and set them on his plate. Hearing the ding of the microwave he poured his dinner onto the plate and reached into one of the ice chest and pulled out a bottled water. Gathering everything up he walked back to where Andrew was sitting and sat down in the seat next to him pulling down the tray on the back of the seat in front of him.
As he ate he watched Andrew frown as he concentrated on the screen he was working on.
He had a friend at the Jerusalem airport that was suppose to be on duty to help them land later unnoticed and so far he had not connected with Andrew.
Seeing Andrew put his finger to his lips and point back, Bill acknowledged the sleeping couple. He walked into the galley and checked on the things Amy had packed for them. He found containers of her homemade beefstew and his mouth began to water. He loved Amys cooking. Placing a container in the midcrowave he also found some buttered yeast rolls she had made and took two out and set them on his plate. Hearing the ding of the microwave he poured his dinner onto the plate and reached into one of the ice chest and pulled out a bottled water. Gathering everything up he walked back to where Andrew was sitting and sat down in the seat next to him pulling down the tray on the back of the seat in front of him.
As he ate he watched Andrew frown as he concentrated on the screen he was working on.
He had a friend at the Jerusalem airport that was suppose to be on duty to help them land later unnoticed and so far he had not connected with Andrew.
- Renee
_______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch - The Main House
Zoe walked into the bedroom and saw Kristen sleeping on her bed. Grumpy lay beside her his big head lying on the pillow. Zoe grinned. The dog rolled his head on the pillow and opened one of his eyes. Seeing her he lifted his head and gave her a doggy grin.
“Hey boy.” Zoe said quietly. She sat on the edge of the bed giving Grumpy a scratch behind his ears. The dog let out a groan and pressed his head back into the scratch his front legs stretching straight out while his back legs began to kick as if he were the one doing the scratching.
The motion woke Kristen and she rolled over peeking under her lashes at the dog. Seeing Zoe sitting on the bed she smiled. “You’re back.”
Zoe smiled back. “Yeah. We got back about an hour ago. We have something for you.”
Kristen sat up pushing her hair out of her face. “What is it?”
“You’ll have to get up and go down to the living room to find out.” Zoe said giving her a wink.
Kristen frowned. “Is it Leon? Did he come out of it?” She got up and stood stretching her arms above her head.
“No. Trevor says he’s still the same.”
“Then what?” Kristen dropped her arms and let out a yawn.
“Go brush your teeth, wash your face, and then come to the living room and find out.” Zoe said in a exaggerated whisper and then left the room.
Zoe walked into the bedroom and saw Kristen sleeping on her bed. Grumpy lay beside her his big head lying on the pillow. Zoe grinned. The dog rolled his head on the pillow and opened one of his eyes. Seeing her he lifted his head and gave her a doggy grin.
“Hey boy.” Zoe said quietly. She sat on the edge of the bed giving Grumpy a scratch behind his ears. The dog let out a groan and pressed his head back into the scratch his front legs stretching straight out while his back legs began to kick as if he were the one doing the scratching.
The motion woke Kristen and she rolled over peeking under her lashes at the dog. Seeing Zoe sitting on the bed she smiled. “You’re back.”
Zoe smiled back. “Yeah. We got back about an hour ago. We have something for you.”
Kristen sat up pushing her hair out of her face. “What is it?”
“You’ll have to get up and go down to the living room to find out.” Zoe said giving her a wink.
Kristen frowned. “Is it Leon? Did he come out of it?” She got up and stood stretching her arms above her head.
“No. Trevor says he’s still the same.”
“Then what?” Kristen dropped her arms and let out a yawn.
“Go brush your teeth, wash your face, and then come to the living room and find out.” Zoe said in a exaggerated whisper and then left the room.
- Zags
_______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
Kristen walked ran into the living room and came to an abrupt stop. There were balloons and streamers everywhere. “Wh.. What’s going on?” Kristen’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!” Everyone shouted.
Grumpy who had followed her into the room let out a bark as if to add his own birthday greeting.
“Birthday?” Kristen looked around the room.
Zoe walked over and wrapped her arm around Kristen’s waist. “Fifteen years ago you were born today.”
“I was?” Kristen looked stunned. “But how did your find out?”
Zoe looked at Mo. “I did a little searching on the internet. I remembered Trevor saying that Leon said Mikey took you in Nebraska so I searched the database of missing children using your name and it popped up immediately. Your birth date was on there.”
Mo handed Kristen a print out of the poster that Zoe had printed out.
Kristen stared at the poster, her hands shaking. Toward the bottom was an updated picture that resembled her.
“Your parents never gave up looking for you.” Mo said quietly.
“My parents?” Kristen looked up at Mo.
“They were taken in the rapture.” Zoe said quietly.
Kristen nodded, overwhelmed by everything.
Zoe led Kristen over to the sofa and urged her to sit.
Kristen continued to look at the poster. “They never gave up?”
“No.” Maddie sat next to Kristen and wrapped her arm around Kristen’s shoulder. “They loved you very, very much.”
“But how do you know that?” Kristen said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Mo knelt on the floor in front of Kristen. “Zoe and I took a trip to Nelson, Nebraska. That’s where you lived. We talked to your old neighbor Mrs. Pike. She told us alot of stuff about you and your family. She made a DVD for you to watch when your ready.” Mo looked over at Zoe.
“We went to your house.” Zoe said.
“My house?” Kristen almost shouted the words.
“Yes. We brought back some things for you.” Zoe motioned to Matt and he brought over a large package. It had been wrapped in festive paper and Matt set it in front of Kristen.
“Go ahead open it.” He urged.
With shaking hands Kristen tore the paper and saw the photo. A man stood with his arm around a young girl probably ten or eleven years old. A woman sat holding a photo on her lap. The photo the woman held was a computer composite of Kristen. The resemblance was unmistakable.
The breath left Kristen’s body as she stared at the photo, her eyes moving over the man and the woman, and finally over the young girl. “Who is she?” Kristen asked pointing a shaking finger at the young girl.
“That’s your little sister Kennedy.” Shade said as he also knelt on the floor in front of Kristen.
Kristen’s body was shaking so hard that Zoe and Maddie were shaking with her as they sat next to her on the couch. Her breathing was shallow, and tears rolled down her face. “I have a little sister?!”
Kristen walked ran into the living room and came to an abrupt stop. There were balloons and streamers everywhere. “Wh.. What’s going on?” Kristen’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!” Everyone shouted.
Grumpy who had followed her into the room let out a bark as if to add his own birthday greeting.
“Birthday?” Kristen looked around the room.
Zoe walked over and wrapped her arm around Kristen’s waist. “Fifteen years ago you were born today.”
“I was?” Kristen looked stunned. “But how did your find out?”
Zoe looked at Mo. “I did a little searching on the internet. I remembered Trevor saying that Leon said Mikey took you in Nebraska so I searched the database of missing children using your name and it popped up immediately. Your birth date was on there.”
Mo handed Kristen a print out of the poster that Zoe had printed out.
Kristen stared at the poster, her hands shaking. Toward the bottom was an updated picture that resembled her.
“Your parents never gave up looking for you.” Mo said quietly.
“My parents?” Kristen looked up at Mo.
“They were taken in the rapture.” Zoe said quietly.
Kristen nodded, overwhelmed by everything.
Zoe led Kristen over to the sofa and urged her to sit.
Kristen continued to look at the poster. “They never gave up?”
“No.” Maddie sat next to Kristen and wrapped her arm around Kristen’s shoulder. “They loved you very, very much.”
“But how do you know that?” Kristen said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Mo knelt on the floor in front of Kristen. “Zoe and I took a trip to Nelson, Nebraska. That’s where you lived. We talked to your old neighbor Mrs. Pike. She told us alot of stuff about you and your family. She made a DVD for you to watch when your ready.” Mo looked over at Zoe.
“We went to your house.” Zoe said.
“My house?” Kristen almost shouted the words.
“Yes. We brought back some things for you.” Zoe motioned to Matt and he brought over a large package. It had been wrapped in festive paper and Matt set it in front of Kristen.
“Go ahead open it.” He urged.
With shaking hands Kristen tore the paper and saw the photo. A man stood with his arm around a young girl probably ten or eleven years old. A woman sat holding a photo on her lap. The photo the woman held was a computer composite of Kristen. The resemblance was unmistakable.
The breath left Kristen’s body as she stared at the photo, her eyes moving over the man and the woman, and finally over the young girl. “Who is she?” Kristen asked pointing a shaking finger at the young girl.
“That’s your little sister Kennedy.” Shade said as he also knelt on the floor in front of Kristen.
Kristen’s body was shaking so hard that Zoe and Maddie were shaking with her as they sat next to her on the couch. Her breathing was shallow, and tears rolled down her face. “I have a little sister?!”
- Zags
_______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch - The Little House
Rage continued to pace, his influence spreading throughout the air. Belle seemed unaffected, while Leon’s eyes remained empty, the only indication that Rage was having any effect being the occasional fisting of Leon‘s hands.
Rage continued to pace, his influence spreading throughout the air. Belle seemed unaffected, while Leon’s eyes remained empty, the only indication that Rage was having any effect being the occasional fisting of Leon‘s hands.
With each whisper Rage urged Leon to attack. Rage was so intent on Leon that it took him a moment to realize the weakness he sensed wasn’t coming from the man he was trying so hard to destroy. It was coming from somewhere else, from one of the children of God. With a laugh Rage abandoned Leon and went in search of new prey. Although he couldn’t destroy whoever it was, he could interfere with their walk with Jesus.
- Zags
________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch - The Main House
Kristen struggled to regain control. “I have a little sister?” She repeated.
“Yes. She was eleven when the rapture happened. She met Jesus in the air. She’s in heaven now with both your parents.” Zoe answered gently.
Kristen leaned her head back and took a deep breath. Holding it for a moment she slowly let it out. She wiped the tears from her eyes and then looked back at Zoe.
Zoe sat next to Kristen feeling as if maybe it would have been best if Kristen had never known about her family. She twisted her fingers together, her heart heavy.
She looked at Kristen. “I’m so sorry Kristen. I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to give you something of your real family.” Zoe got up and began to pace. “You’ve done so much for me and you don’t even realize it. You’ve been through so much yet you are one of the strongest people I’ve met. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I honestly didn’t. I started looking for your family hoping that maybe I would find someone to bring back to you...”
Kristen jumped up from the couch and caught Zoe in a hug. “It’s ok Zoe. I know what you were trying to do, and I’m grateful. It’s just alot to take in.”
The two hugged for several seconds, finally breaking apart but still grasping each other’s hands.
“So tell me about my sister and my parents.”
Kristen struggled to regain control. “I have a little sister?” She repeated.
“Yes. She was eleven when the rapture happened. She met Jesus in the air. She’s in heaven now with both your parents.” Zoe answered gently.
Kristen leaned her head back and took a deep breath. Holding it for a moment she slowly let it out. She wiped the tears from her eyes and then looked back at Zoe.
Zoe sat next to Kristen feeling as if maybe it would have been best if Kristen had never known about her family. She twisted her fingers together, her heart heavy.
She looked at Kristen. “I’m so sorry Kristen. I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to give you something of your real family.” Zoe got up and began to pace. “You’ve done so much for me and you don’t even realize it. You’ve been through so much yet you are one of the strongest people I’ve met. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I honestly didn’t. I started looking for your family hoping that maybe I would find someone to bring back to you...”
Kristen jumped up from the couch and caught Zoe in a hug. “It’s ok Zoe. I know what you were trying to do, and I’m grateful. It’s just alot to take in.”
The two hugged for several seconds, finally breaking apart but still grasping each other’s hands.
“So tell me about my sister and my parents.”
- Zags
________________________________________________________________
After the mix up at Radio Central was taken care of, Ben found his way to the Combat Information Center. Lt Day was on duty and got the message for Ben.
Paul2,
I am glad to receive your response. I am even happier that your eyes have been opened, so if you can answer 1 question for me, pending your reply. I will move your future correspondence to our secure site where we can maintain secure dialogue. The question is this..... David picked up 5 stones. He used 1 for Goliath. What did he do with the other 4?
Waiting your reply,
Amy and the boys at the shop.
Ben thought for a second, He didn’t do anything with them; he had them in case he needed them but nothing tells us he used the last four.
“Sir you have email here?”
“Yes sir”
“Great, send a reply to this message with this answer. Nothing”
Lt. Day pulled up the email and found a new message.
To the trib warriors of the south,
We are again attempting to make contact with you and prove you out to be added to our secure server. Please disregard the prior email and security question. If you can answer this, we will have you added onto our secure server and we will begin dialogue with you.
What was the name of Elisha's father?
We are sorry that we have to ask such questions, but we must make sure that the truth resides in you, and that the answers you give come from the only source of truth. We are praying for you and hope to hear from you soon.
In Christ,
Amy and the boys at the shop.
Ben looked at the new message and had to think about it. After a few minutes he told Lt. Day to write the following reply:
David only used the one stone so he did nothing with the other four. Elisha father was Shaphat.
We await hearing from you.
Bright Star
Lt. Day typed the message then hit send. “Anything else Sir?”
“Nope, not for now but if you show me how to get back down to the main deck I would be much appreciated.”
“Can do, sir, follow me”
Paul2,
I am glad to receive your response. I am even happier that your eyes have been opened, so if you can answer 1 question for me, pending your reply. I will move your future correspondence to our secure site where we can maintain secure dialogue. The question is this..... David picked up 5 stones. He used 1 for Goliath. What did he do with the other 4?
Waiting your reply,
Amy and the boys at the shop.
Ben thought for a second, He didn’t do anything with them; he had them in case he needed them but nothing tells us he used the last four.
“Sir you have email here?”
“Yes sir”
“Great, send a reply to this message with this answer. Nothing”
Lt. Day pulled up the email and found a new message.
To the trib warriors of the south,
We are again attempting to make contact with you and prove you out to be added to our secure server. Please disregard the prior email and security question. If you can answer this, we will have you added onto our secure server and we will begin dialogue with you.
What was the name of Elisha's father?
We are sorry that we have to ask such questions, but we must make sure that the truth resides in you, and that the answers you give come from the only source of truth. We are praying for you and hope to hear from you soon.
In Christ,
Amy and the boys at the shop.
Ben looked at the new message and had to think about it. After a few minutes he told Lt. Day to write the following reply:
David only used the one stone so he did nothing with the other four. Elisha father was Shaphat.
We await hearing from you.
Bright Star
Lt. Day typed the message then hit send. “Anything else Sir?”
“Nope, not for now but if you show me how to get back down to the main deck I would be much appreciated.”
“Can do, sir, follow me”
- Alex
_______________________________________________________________
Chimes began sounding on Andrew's laptop letting him know a high priority email had arrived in his inbox. He looked at Bill and shrugged his shoulders and crossed his fingers. He opened his email and there was a message from Jerusalem airport, "Drew, all is well in our neck of the woods. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Runway 102 will be your destination. Tower authorization code 4288. Security is cleared. Your Good Friend, Steve."
Andrew scribbled all the information on a piece of paper and handed it to Bill, "Well, it looks as though we are cleared for landing. Steve and I go way back and he was especially close to Claire so I'm almost sure he's made a decision in the last few months. I will definitely ask when we see each other," Andrew said.
Bill gave a sigh of relief, "It will be nice to have people all over the world that can help us as we travel. It's a blessing you are able to do all that you do for us. I know we were all excited to have Sam volunteer to help with deliveries and then to find Mark was another blessing. You will never know how grateful we are for the use of this plane. It's exciting to get to fly a plane like this one again."
Bill finished his dinner, put the cap back on the water and rose to return to the cockpit. He looked over at the sleeping couple and picked the blanket off the floor and covered them. Connor had also fallen asleep and looked so peaceful. Mark looked up to acknowledge Bill's presence, "Anything good left to eat back there or did you scarf it all down. I'm starving."
Bill laughed, "You will find plenty to eat and it is really good. Amy is a great cook so enjoy your meal. What's the ETA?"
"We should be in Israeli airspace in approximately two hours. We've had a good tailwind so we were able to make up a little time. I need to check in with Andrew about our landing instructions," Mark said.
Bill shuffled in the seat and handed Mark the piece of paper Andrew had given him, "I think this is what you need. Forgot to give it to you."
He gave Bill a thumbs up and started toward the back of the plane. He found the food Amy had prepared for them and grabbed two apples and headed for the seat beside Andrew. "You trust this guy at the airport?"
"Yes, with my life. Claire approved of him long before I got to know him and if she says he's a good guy, that's good enough for me," Andrew said.
"You can send him a message ETA is approx. 2 hours. I have some things to do up front. I will keep you up to date on arrival time." Mark said as he slapped Andrew's shoulder.
"Hey, you could try saluting your commanding officer. Don't you think that was a little too familiar?" Andrew laughed.
"Shush, you will wake everyone," Mark said as he gave a half salute and returned to the front of the plane.
Andrew logged on to the secure website and thought about emailing Jerome to let him know they were close to their destination. Instead he wrote one email and copied his friends.
Dear Friends,
Getting close to our destination. Have secured help at the airport. We will soon be able to see God's city and walk the streets Jesus walked. How exciting to be in the holiest place on earth. Thank you, Amy, the food was great. Appreciate all your prayers for this most important flight. Julie and David are well. Bill took to the new bird as though he had been flying it all his life. All is well.
God Bless,
Andrew
He pushed the send button then closed his eyes to get a little rest before they arrived in Jerusalem. Inside he was as excited as a small child getting his first bicycle.......
Andrew scribbled all the information on a piece of paper and handed it to Bill, "Well, it looks as though we are cleared for landing. Steve and I go way back and he was especially close to Claire so I'm almost sure he's made a decision in the last few months. I will definitely ask when we see each other," Andrew said.
Bill gave a sigh of relief, "It will be nice to have people all over the world that can help us as we travel. It's a blessing you are able to do all that you do for us. I know we were all excited to have Sam volunteer to help with deliveries and then to find Mark was another blessing. You will never know how grateful we are for the use of this plane. It's exciting to get to fly a plane like this one again."
Bill finished his dinner, put the cap back on the water and rose to return to the cockpit. He looked over at the sleeping couple and picked the blanket off the floor and covered them. Connor had also fallen asleep and looked so peaceful. Mark looked up to acknowledge Bill's presence, "Anything good left to eat back there or did you scarf it all down. I'm starving."
Bill laughed, "You will find plenty to eat and it is really good. Amy is a great cook so enjoy your meal. What's the ETA?"
"We should be in Israeli airspace in approximately two hours. We've had a good tailwind so we were able to make up a little time. I need to check in with Andrew about our landing instructions," Mark said.
Bill shuffled in the seat and handed Mark the piece of paper Andrew had given him, "I think this is what you need. Forgot to give it to you."
He gave Bill a thumbs up and started toward the back of the plane. He found the food Amy had prepared for them and grabbed two apples and headed for the seat beside Andrew. "You trust this guy at the airport?"
"Yes, with my life. Claire approved of him long before I got to know him and if she says he's a good guy, that's good enough for me," Andrew said.
"You can send him a message ETA is approx. 2 hours. I have some things to do up front. I will keep you up to date on arrival time." Mark said as he slapped Andrew's shoulder.
"Hey, you could try saluting your commanding officer. Don't you think that was a little too familiar?" Andrew laughed.
"Shush, you will wake everyone," Mark said as he gave a half salute and returned to the front of the plane.
Andrew logged on to the secure website and thought about emailing Jerome to let him know they were close to their destination. Instead he wrote one email and copied his friends.
Dear Friends,
Getting close to our destination. Have secured help at the airport. We will soon be able to see God's city and walk the streets Jesus walked. How exciting to be in the holiest place on earth. Thank you, Amy, the food was great. Appreciate all your prayers for this most important flight. Julie and David are well. Bill took to the new bird as though he had been flying it all his life. All is well.
God Bless,
Andrew
He pushed the send button then closed his eyes to get a little rest before they arrived in Jerusalem. Inside he was as excited as a small child getting his first bicycle.......
- P4H
_______________________________________________________________
The Rabbi signed off his laptop just as Lisa tapped on his door. She had not been able to contain her excitement for the last week thinking about Julie and David arriving. "Come in Lisa. I just recieved an e-mail from Andrew that they will be landing on Runway 102 in about 2 hours. Why dont we go ahead to the airport and wait. We can get a coffee and discuss the plans we have for Julie and David." "Sounds good Rabbi. I am so excited to see them."
As they headed for Yoshis minivan, grabbing the keys off the peg, Ester made her appearance climbing the basement stairs. "Everything is ready Rabbi for our guest." she told him. "They wont be guest for long Ester. If all goes well they will be staying until our Lord places His feet on the Mount of Olives. Tell Yoshi we will be back by daybreak. I'm sure everyone will be hungry for one of your delicious breakfast Ester."he smiled at her waving goodbye as they closed the door behind them. Ester smiled to herself as she wondered off to the kitchen to make her famous homemade yeast rolls to go with breakfast. She had lots of time to let them rise. Putting on a pot of coffee for her and Yoshi she set about making her preparations.
As Lisa drove out her mind was racing with the plans for the day. After the airport, the first stop on the way home would be the wailing wall. Julie and David must meet the Two Witnesses before they got home. Afterwords they would plan over the next couple of days to get them settled in and give them the tour of the Holy Land.
As they headed for Yoshis minivan, grabbing the keys off the peg, Ester made her appearance climbing the basement stairs. "Everything is ready Rabbi for our guest." she told him. "They wont be guest for long Ester. If all goes well they will be staying until our Lord places His feet on the Mount of Olives. Tell Yoshi we will be back by daybreak. I'm sure everyone will be hungry for one of your delicious breakfast Ester."he smiled at her waving goodbye as they closed the door behind them. Ester smiled to herself as she wondered off to the kitchen to make her famous homemade yeast rolls to go with breakfast. She had lots of time to let them rise. Putting on a pot of coffee for her and Yoshi she set about making her preparations.
As Lisa drove out her mind was racing with the plans for the day. After the airport, the first stop on the way home would be the wailing wall. Julie and David must meet the Two Witnesses before they got home. Afterwords they would plan over the next couple of days to get them settled in and give them the tour of the Holy Land.
- Renee
_________________________________________________________________
Andrew had dozed off for a few minutes then awoke revived and ready to see Jerusalem. He sent the email to Steven and settled into searching websites for information on all the holy sites located in and around Jerusalem. He had planned to stay two days to take in some of the sites. He found a good website and began reading aloud to everyone.
The Wailing Wall is the most holy place accessible to the Jewish people because of the Muslim control of the Temple Mount. The Wailing Wall is the only remaining part of the original temple of King Solomn. Since the Holy of Holies was destroyed, the concept of eternal Divine Presence grew to be linked with the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. When Rome destroyed the second temple in 70 C.E., only one outer wall remained standing which was not a part of the Temple, but surrounded the Temple Mount. This remnant of what was the most sacred building in the Jewish world became the holiest spot in Jewish life.
Via Dolorosa traditional path Christian pilgrims take in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is also called the "Way of Sorrows", to relive the Passion of Jesus Christ. Shrine of the Ascension on the summit of the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Mt. Zion the site of the Last Supper. Church of the Holy Sepulcher marks the site of the Resurrection. Other sites to visit are Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and Golgatha, site of Jesus' death.
Andrew looked up to see everyone's attention was directed his way, "So much to see and we must try to see as much as possible. I want to walk where Jesus walked and see the site where the Temple of King Solomon once stood. Of course, the Wailing Wall is a must. To see in person the two witnesses is something I want to experience. Bill, Connor, and Mark would it be ok with all of you if we spend a couple of days seeing these sites?"
Mark nodded his head yes, "I would very much like to see all those places."
"I'm in for sure and Connor goes where I go so he's in, too," Bill chimed in.
Connor stirred in his seat, "I would like to see those things, Dad, and you wouldn't be forcing me to go. It is important to see these places before Jesus comes again and the Old Jerusalem becomes the New Jerusalem."
Andrew looked towards Julie and David, "I'm not leaving you out, but I'm sure you will be shown all these things by the Rabbi. Maybe the Rabbi will give us the grand tour before we leave and if he doesn't have time, we will find a guide."
Julie smiled at Andrew, "We knew you weren't excluding us. We will have lots of time to explore the Old City and the Holy Sites close to Jerusalem."
"I'm so excited about getting there. How much longer Mark?" asked David.
"We should be touching down in about 20 minutes," said Mark.
They all cheered and began getting their things ready. Soon, very soon they would place their feet upon the Holiest Land in the whole world.
The Wailing Wall is the most holy place accessible to the Jewish people because of the Muslim control of the Temple Mount. The Wailing Wall is the only remaining part of the original temple of King Solomn. Since the Holy of Holies was destroyed, the concept of eternal Divine Presence grew to be linked with the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. When Rome destroyed the second temple in 70 C.E., only one outer wall remained standing which was not a part of the Temple, but surrounded the Temple Mount. This remnant of what was the most sacred building in the Jewish world became the holiest spot in Jewish life.
Via Dolorosa traditional path Christian pilgrims take in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is also called the "Way of Sorrows", to relive the Passion of Jesus Christ. Shrine of the Ascension on the summit of the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Mt. Zion the site of the Last Supper. Church of the Holy Sepulcher marks the site of the Resurrection. Other sites to visit are Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and Golgatha, site of Jesus' death.
Andrew looked up to see everyone's attention was directed his way, "So much to see and we must try to see as much as possible. I want to walk where Jesus walked and see the site where the Temple of King Solomon once stood. Of course, the Wailing Wall is a must. To see in person the two witnesses is something I want to experience. Bill, Connor, and Mark would it be ok with all of you if we spend a couple of days seeing these sites?"
Mark nodded his head yes, "I would very much like to see all those places."
"I'm in for sure and Connor goes where I go so he's in, too," Bill chimed in.
Connor stirred in his seat, "I would like to see those things, Dad, and you wouldn't be forcing me to go. It is important to see these places before Jesus comes again and the Old Jerusalem becomes the New Jerusalem."
Andrew looked towards Julie and David, "I'm not leaving you out, but I'm sure you will be shown all these things by the Rabbi. Maybe the Rabbi will give us the grand tour before we leave and if he doesn't have time, we will find a guide."
Julie smiled at Andrew, "We knew you weren't excluding us. We will have lots of time to explore the Old City and the Holy Sites close to Jerusalem."
"I'm so excited about getting there. How much longer Mark?" asked David.
"We should be touching down in about 20 minutes," said Mark.
They all cheered and began getting their things ready. Soon, very soon they would place their feet upon the Holiest Land in the whole world.
- P4H
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Possum Hollow
Mathew 10:16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes :and harmless as doves. 17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. 18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.[e] 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers.[f] But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man[g] will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
24 “Students[h] are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons,[i] the members of my household will be called by even worse names!
26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[j] 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin[k]? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.....
Pastor Tim ..finished reading then layed down his bible..staring at the Possum Hollow Gang on this day when ever thing has seemed so calm and peaceful...a day the sun is shining so bright..and spring is in it's full splendor...Tim cautions them all
"guys..we are now in that ole calm before the storm...and you can know as certain as I sit here before you that STORMS ARE COMING" "but we must remember Jesus is with us...He's in our hearts and we are hiding these words in our minds...so when these storms come...we are going to be prepared..we are going to be bold..we are going to fight a good fight and we are going to endure" "I can't promise you that we won't suffer...I can't promise you that you won't die...but I can promise you..that in the end it will all be worth it when we see Jesus"
Dan chimed in "AMEN PASTOR...I can't wait to see Him" "Me either and mom too" Dan's son Daryl added
"can you imagine? just think in no longer than 7 years ...we all will be in ETERNITY...walking and talking together..but sin will be no more...hatred..divorce...cancer...fear...worry....anxiety...NO MORE" Pastor Tim encouraged..and Daryl pipes in "AND NO MORE DENTIST...THANK YOU JESUS" the whole gang laughing
Tim soberminded and with conviction quickly reminds the group .."But Guys ..until that time...It's going to be alot more like Hell than Heaven ...we are going to face pressure on every side...Fear will come knocking...Despair too...we will be facing death on a daily basis...I'm not trying to scare you...I'm just wanting us all to be prepared"
Dan takes off his ole hat and gets down on one knee "there's only place we can find the strength we are going to need guys..."LET's PRAY"
- STA
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POSSUM HOLLOW
"Anthony (his cousin Daryl whispers) Anthony..psssst...psssst Anthony...look over there" "I know I know I see it"...solidly in his gun-sights "an 8 point buck" poses in the distance......."CRACK" "I got it I got it" Anthony shouts....as the two cousins head down the valley to retain their trophy
Meanwhile back up the hillside in the old farm house sits the Possum Hollow Crew...scattered about...some reading the Word of God..some watching CNM News and other's staying busy ..doing anything and everything to "feel normal"
Life in The Tribulation has seen many changes globally of course...daily reminders on the news keep what lies before them in the forefront of their minds..BUT hidden so far off the beaten path has allowed for a certain sense of normalcy for this crew....
If not for technology and the long lines at the nearest grocery stores and places of business...it would almost seems as things were to be as though they have always been since the beginning of time .....a blooming garden and plentiful wild game has allowed the Believer's at Possum Hollow to live and eat in peace.....
FOR NOW
- STA
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Julie felt the butterflies in her stomach as she felt Bill start his descent into the Jerusalem airport. She squeezed Davids arm as the excitement filled the cabin and could be felt by all. David pulled her close as they watched the bright lights of the city fill the night sky and their eyes. For both of them they felt as though they had come home with only one more leg of their trip to go and that was their eternal home that awaited them.
Bill picked up the mic and spoke to the group. "Ok folks. Time to put those seat belts back on. I can see runway 102 in front of me. Its all lit up and ready for this big bird. Connor? You got your belt on?" Julie and David broke out laughing as they watched Connor make eyeballs toward the cockpit door that was closed. " I saw that." Bill replied chuckling at how well he knew his son. Connor smiled and buckled his belt just as the plane touched down and began to taxi towards the terminal.
The Rabbi and Lisa stood at the gate watching as the plane rolled to a stop and the terminal rolled the staircase to the door of the plane. On the otherside of the door Andrew released the latch and pushed the door open just in time to see Steve climbing the stairs to greet the new arrivals.
Bill picked up the mic and spoke to the group. "Ok folks. Time to put those seat belts back on. I can see runway 102 in front of me. Its all lit up and ready for this big bird. Connor? You got your belt on?" Julie and David broke out laughing as they watched Connor make eyeballs toward the cockpit door that was closed. " I saw that." Bill replied chuckling at how well he knew his son. Connor smiled and buckled his belt just as the plane touched down and began to taxi towards the terminal.
The Rabbi and Lisa stood at the gate watching as the plane rolled to a stop and the terminal rolled the staircase to the door of the plane. On the otherside of the door Andrew released the latch and pushed the door open just in time to see Steve climbing the stairs to greet the new arrivals.
- Renee
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POSSUM HOLLOW
"there it is!" Anthony declares "wow straight through the heart" "GREAT SHOT!" ..."here you do the honors" "Nah that's alright..you shot it...you go ahead" Anthony takes the Rambo like hunting knife and kneels down to begin to field dress their future delicacies....deer steak, deer chili, deer sausage...deer jerkey...all sure to be in their future ...thanks to this most successful hunt
It's just part of being from these "neck of the woods" ya know
Watching Anthony carve up their spoil...Daryl is haunted with the thought..."ya know Anthony..we're going to be "hunted" someday?" "we could be just like this deer...hunted because of our faith..can you get your mind around that?" "people are going to hunt us down BECAUSE of our faith in Jesus Christ" "it's pretty sobering ya know?" ...Anthony speeding right along with his work...stops and looks up in a cold stare..as cold as the icy blade in his hands..."DARYL you better learn to take those thoughts captive and you better learn it fast"
"there it is!" Anthony declares "wow straight through the heart" "GREAT SHOT!" ..."here you do the honors" "Nah that's alright..you shot it...you go ahead" Anthony takes the Rambo like hunting knife and kneels down to begin to field dress their future delicacies....deer steak, deer chili, deer sausage...deer jerkey...all sure to be in their future ...thanks to this most successful hunt
It's just part of being from these "neck of the woods" ya know
Watching Anthony carve up their spoil...Daryl is haunted with the thought..."ya know Anthony..we're going to be "hunted" someday?" "we could be just like this deer...hunted because of our faith..can you get your mind around that?" "people are going to hunt us down BECAUSE of our faith in Jesus Christ" "it's pretty sobering ya know?" ...Anthony speeding right along with his work...stops and looks up in a cold stare..as cold as the icy blade in his hands..."DARYL you better learn to take those thoughts captive and you better learn it fast"
- STA
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Out on the front porch
Friends (Stacy and Keisha) quietly swing on the ole porch swing while listening to music playing in back ground
Keisha the ever talking chatterbox ..though very sweet rambles along "Stace I swear..it's so hot here..I have no idea why it has to be so hot" "this is just like home..but at least ya'll don't have corn fields everywhere" "but dear Jesus..ya'll have hay..hay ..hay" "Keisha..you forget I never lived here remember?" "I'm FROM BOSTON"
"well yeah but this is where your family's from!"
Keisha continue's her diatribe..."Missouri's got hay...Kentucky blue grass....Nebraska we got corn"
but all Stace can hear is that thought ringing over "this is where your family's from" glancing down the road to her Grandpa's house she begins to daydream of days gone by ..imagining her parent's pulling upto the graveled drive...so long ago..but YET so close to what lie ahead.
"I wonder if they could have ever imagined this...this day where they would have had a daughter..sitting down the road on a porch swinging..living in hiding..waiting for what lies ahead?" "And just think ...what lies ahead?" "war, death, judgements...plagues, disease,famine, persecution" ...but just as her thoughts begin to run into despair..her thoughts run smack dab into a verse that pops into her mind "Let not your heart be troubled" "I go to prepare a place for you" "A place for me?" Stacy consider's ..her mind wandering deeper in thought ...picture's of streets of purest gold..of her parents waiting with arms wide open..a tear trickling down her cheeks
Stacy's countenance reflecting her thoughts of that place promised stops Keisha's rambling midstream..."what are you thinking of...why the tears?" "I hope I didn't say anything to make you cry?" "No Keisha..it's not you" "I was just thinking of what heaven's going to be like ....we are so close ya know" "so close yet so far away" "I can't wait though..I straight up can't wait" "no more crying...no more fear...no more death or stress or anxiety or heartache" ...."I hear ya Stacy" "I can't wait either...it's goin to be the best...promise me you will still be my friend...you won't forget me when we get there will ya?" "KEISHA..WHEN WE GET THERE..WE"LL HAVE EONS OF TIME TO DO JUST THIS...sit and swing on heaven's porch and visit...don't you worry I will never forget you"
- STA
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Chantel looked at Kenny in a loving way.
They were both sitting at Kenny’s house, watching television. Things had changed. Now they both knew that they liked each other. They had started dating just days ago, and now they seemed different around each other.
After Kenny had visited her, he realized that he loved her and he asked her out on a date. To his delight, she accepted.
“Chantel,” Kenny said, “would you be so kind as to let me take you out for supper tonight?”
Chantel smiled. “I would be honored, to have you be my date, Kenny.”
The two smiled before turning their attention back to the news.
They were both sitting at Kenny’s house, watching television. Things had changed. Now they both knew that they liked each other. They had started dating just days ago, and now they seemed different around each other.
After Kenny had visited her, he realized that he loved her and he asked her out on a date. To his delight, she accepted.
“Chantel,” Kenny said, “would you be so kind as to let me take you out for supper tonight?”
Chantel smiled. “I would be honored, to have you be my date, Kenny.”
The two smiled before turning their attention back to the news.
- Quinton
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POSSUM HOLLOW (dinner table)
Dan stands at his stove frying up a meal that would make weight watcher's cry....biscuits in the oven, fresh bacon grease churning in a pan..eggs galore
Hank stands nearby eagerly awaiting his turn at the chow that awaits.
Pastor Tim sits patiently at the big ole oak table ....and Grandpa Earl Boxberger and Bart (affectionately known as "brat")..hurredly sit down plates for the Possum Hollow gang
outside sitting on the porch..the aroma of what's brewing ..catches the noses of Stacy and Keisha..propelling them from their deep talk into a more carnal reality....FOOD!
meanwhile ..cousins..Daryl and Anthony race from the barn...after having safely prepared their trophy "buck" shot earlier in the valley yonder
running onto the porch and sharing the news of their successful hunt....the crew all sit down around the table and counter tops as Dan finishes his job of frying up the rest of the bacon and stirring his gravy
"well come get it ya'll" "BOY HOWDY WILL I?" "smells delicious" "I could eat it all" "Me too"
The crew all anxiously dig in and sit down to this smorgasbord of old time country delights
After insuring they have all filled a plate...Pastor Tim stands up and looks around the room....Dan takes off his ole John Deere hat...Keisha anxious to dig in...fork in hand ..catches eyes with Tim and lays down the fork...."Heavenly Father, we again come before you with thanksgiving for the meal set before us...truly you have prepared a meal for us in the wilderness...at a time so perilous and uncertain..You Lord still guide and direct our lives with such love and care. Thank You Lord for this meal we are about to receive...please bless our fellowship and our time together...as iron sharpens iron...may we become stronger and more united in our love for you ...in Jesus Name Amen"
A temporarily somber crew all in accord follow with "AMEN" ....sitting down quietly ONLY FOR A SECOND ...as Keisha quickly erupts "UMMMM ...mmmmmmmmm GOOD" and off they go...eating and chatting the evening meal away
Up above in the heavenlies..."Angels having been sent charge over them .... Hover just above...keeping guard" ....IT's Quiet and Peaceful at Possum Hollow
FOR NOW
- STA
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Steve and Andrew gave each other a bear hug and a slap on the back, "Man, you are a sight for sore eyes! How long has it been? Two years?" remarked Steve.
"Yes, it's been quite a while. It's good to see you again. How have you been?" Andrew asked
"Busy as a beaver making a new dam. How's Claire? I think about you both so often?"
Andrew was startled by Steve asking about Claire. Surely he understood she was taken in the rapture. Maybe he hadn't made a decision to accept Christ as his savior after all Christians were taken in the rapture. Maybe he didn't know anything about Claire. He had trusted Steve with his life and thank the Lord he hadn't said anything about his mission in Jerusalem. Now he didn't know if he could trust Steve.
Andrew quietly answered, "Claire is no longer here on earth. She was among those that disappeared."
Steve had a strange look on his face, "So sorry, Drew. I didn't realize she was one of them and I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Don't be sorry, Claire is in a much better place of that I'm sure," Andrew said. "Well, I must get these dignitaries to their destination. Maybe we can get together for dinner before we have to head back to the states."
Steve vigorously shook his hand, "Sure I would really like that."
Julie and David made their descent down the steps and walked toward the airport to meet the Rabbi. Bill and Connor were right behind them eager to be in Jerusalem at last. Mark was busy shutting down the aircraft and doing his normal check list. Andrew waited for Mark to finish then whispered, "Be cautious around Steve and don't mention who and what our business is in Jerusalem."
Mark gave him a look of surprise then tried to also show Andrew some comfort that his old friend might not be trustworthy after all. At least Steve didn't work for the GF, YET.
"Yes, it's been quite a while. It's good to see you again. How have you been?" Andrew asked
"Busy as a beaver making a new dam. How's Claire? I think about you both so often?"
Andrew was startled by Steve asking about Claire. Surely he understood she was taken in the rapture. Maybe he hadn't made a decision to accept Christ as his savior after all Christians were taken in the rapture. Maybe he didn't know anything about Claire. He had trusted Steve with his life and thank the Lord he hadn't said anything about his mission in Jerusalem. Now he didn't know if he could trust Steve.
Andrew quietly answered, "Claire is no longer here on earth. She was among those that disappeared."
Steve had a strange look on his face, "So sorry, Drew. I didn't realize she was one of them and I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Don't be sorry, Claire is in a much better place of that I'm sure," Andrew said. "Well, I must get these dignitaries to their destination. Maybe we can get together for dinner before we have to head back to the states."
Steve vigorously shook his hand, "Sure I would really like that."
Julie and David made their descent down the steps and walked toward the airport to meet the Rabbi. Bill and Connor were right behind them eager to be in Jerusalem at last. Mark was busy shutting down the aircraft and doing his normal check list. Andrew waited for Mark to finish then whispered, "Be cautious around Steve and don't mention who and what our business is in Jerusalem."
Mark gave him a look of surprise then tried to also show Andrew some comfort that his old friend might not be trustworthy after all. At least Steve didn't work for the GF, YET.
- P4H
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When Ben got back to the Wales, he told Jack and Joe about the email. It sounded like a good idea but Jack began to worry if it was possible a trap to find their location.
“How can we be sure one hundred percent that it is not the GF?” Jack asked raising his voice a little.
“I have a feeling, it is the Lord leading them to do this” Ben stated
Jack stood up and walked around in a somewhat circle, “we need to get the higher ups OK on this, we can’t give invite a plane or boat into this fleet without their approval.”
“I understand that is why I came to you and Joe. You two are my next in line of this chain of command”
“Sir, I have been with Ben a long time and if he feels ok with it I’m OK with it. I know Captain Daniel would be” Joe said
Jack eyes grew very big as his face turned red. Quickly he slammed the cabin room door closed then seat down. “Joe, this is where it has to end. You are the Captain of this vessel now, Daniel is dead. No more, you have to make the calls; the right calls every time because if you screw up just once every man onboard could be dead. Now you better start thinking and acting like a captain or you will find cleaning swabs off the back of this boat more enjoyable. Do you understand?”
Joe sat there frozen from the outburst. “Yes sir… It’s just…”
“No just, you are the Captain of the crew and vessel of the HMS Wales, There is no more Daniel, no more Samuel of Ramah, no more Joe Akeman as second in command. You’re it, you answer to no one but myself and Admiral St John. You stand equal to every Captain in this fleet. Josh Beil is your second now and I would heavy weigh Ben here as your third but in the end you make the final call what this boat, this submarine does.” Jack voice lowered as he continued, “Joe, I know you can do it, I have seen it and Daniel seen it. It is time for you to stand tall and be the Captain you need to be, the captain your crew deserves.”
“Thank you sir”
“Now let’s get Josh up to speed on what is happening then the three of us will head over to the carrier and talk with Ken. I mean Admiral St. John”
As they walked out, Ben touched Joe’s back. When Joe turned to look, Ben gave Joe a thumps up and a smile, Joe returned the smile and then asked the Lord for his leadership and guidance.
- Alex
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