Boise City, Oklahoma
Travis pulled up to the gate in Antony’s car. The man at the gate approached slowly with his hand on his sidearm.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes. My name is Travis Dekker. I’m with Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. I was wondering if I could speak to the person in charge.”
The man at the gate looked at Travis’ credentials and then gave a short nod. “I’ll buzz you in then take you to Director Keller’s office.”
Travis nodded and got back into his car and when the gate had opened drove through and waited for the young man to close the gate and jump into a Jeep. He followed the man to the main building. After exiting his car he was led inside the building to Director Keller’s office. The guard quickly explained who Travis was to the secretary and then left.
“Have a seat and I’ll let Director Keller know you’re here.” The young lady nodded towards the chairs. She picked up her phone and buzzed the Director.
Travis took a seat and waited to be called into Frank’s office. The secretary quickly explained who Travis was and after about half an hour Travis heard the secretary’s phone buzz.
“Yes sir.” She said. “The Director will see you now.” She stood and led Travis down a short hall and quickly knocked on a door.
“Come in.” Travis heard Frank say.
The secretary opened the door and waved Travis inside.
“Let’s get down to business. I have a few questions.” Frank began.
“Ok.” Travis said as he took a seat. He noticed that Frank looked a bit uncomfortable.
“You and your partner have been missing for some time, and several ranches that you visited have told your boss that they were not informed about the GF brand.” Frank gave Travis a steely glare.
“Yes sir. I don’t know where Albert is.”
Frank raised an eyebrow at Travis. “You don’t know where your partner is?”
“No sir. I’ll start at the beginning. Albert and I had just left a ranch here in the panhandle and I noticed that brand I had gotten out was still lying in the back of the SUV. I asked Albert about it. He got upset and accused me of accusing him of something.”
Travis noted that Frank glance at his computer. It was then that he realized that someone was video conferencing. Travis took a breath to steady his now rapidly beating heart.
“I just let it go and when we stopped to eat I told him I needed to use the restroom. I went out the back and made a bee line for the car. When I opened the bag containing the branding irons I noticed we had several more than we should have. I closed the bag and began searching Albert’s notes. That’s when I found his plans to steal cattle from ranchers and have a friend of his butcher them and they would sell the meat on the black market.”
Frank sat forward in his chair. “Those are serious allegations. Do you have any proof?”
“No sir. Albert caught me going through his notes and pulled his gun on me. He cuffed me and shoved me into the back of the SUV. He then drove for a couple of hours and then stopped the car. He got me out and shoved me to my knees.” Travis stopped for a moment like he was trying to gather his thoughts. When he began speaking again he made his voice quiver. “I felt him put the gun to the back of my head. I thought he was gonna shoot me. Then I heard a noise and next thing I knew there was a bear right in front of me. It grabbed me and....”
Travis wasn’t faking the terror in his voice any longer as he remembered in detail the bear attack.
Frank looked at his computer again. He nodded and then turned to Travis again. “So you say Albert was going to shoot you but didn’t get the chance because a bear attacked you?”
“Yes sir.” Travis took off his hat and the healed teeth marks of the bear were clearly seen on his shaved skull.
Frank sat back in his chair quickly. “How did you manage to survive?” Frank asked quietly as he turned his computer screen around.
“Someone found me and took care of me until they were sure I wasn’t going to die then they left me on my own.” Travis looked at the computer screen and saw a young man staring back at him.
After several questions from the man the young man said, “It’s a miracle that you survived.”
“Yes sir.” Travis said.
“What do you think Jerome?” Frank asked the man on the computer.
“I think that he’s telling the truth. You have no idea where Albert may be?” Jerome asked Travis.
“He was from Minnesota sir. He may have gone there.”
“I’ll have someone look into finding Albert.” Jerome said. “In the meantime I think you should stay at the education center and work for Frank.” Jerome finished. “I’ll call your superiors and let them know what has happened and about your new assignment.”
“Yes sir.” Travis and Frank both said.
“Frank I’ll be in touch to check on the progress of the center.” Jerome’s face disappeared from the computer screen.
Frank and Travis both released huge sighs of relief. The story they had concocted had passed muster.
Travis pulled up to the gate in Antony’s car. The man at the gate approached slowly with his hand on his sidearm.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes. My name is Travis Dekker. I’m with Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. I was wondering if I could speak to the person in charge.”
The man at the gate looked at Travis’ credentials and then gave a short nod. “I’ll buzz you in then take you to Director Keller’s office.”
Travis nodded and got back into his car and when the gate had opened drove through and waited for the young man to close the gate and jump into a Jeep. He followed the man to the main building. After exiting his car he was led inside the building to Director Keller’s office. The guard quickly explained who Travis was to the secretary and then left.
“Have a seat and I’ll let Director Keller know you’re here.” The young lady nodded towards the chairs. She picked up her phone and buzzed the Director.
Travis took a seat and waited to be called into Frank’s office. The secretary quickly explained who Travis was and after about half an hour Travis heard the secretary’s phone buzz.
“Yes sir.” She said. “The Director will see you now.” She stood and led Travis down a short hall and quickly knocked on a door.
“Come in.” Travis heard Frank say.
The secretary opened the door and waved Travis inside.
“Let’s get down to business. I have a few questions.” Frank began.
“Ok.” Travis said as he took a seat. He noticed that Frank looked a bit uncomfortable.
“You and your partner have been missing for some time, and several ranches that you visited have told your boss that they were not informed about the GF brand.” Frank gave Travis a steely glare.
“Yes sir. I don’t know where Albert is.”
Frank raised an eyebrow at Travis. “You don’t know where your partner is?”
“No sir. I’ll start at the beginning. Albert and I had just left a ranch here in the panhandle and I noticed that brand I had gotten out was still lying in the back of the SUV. I asked Albert about it. He got upset and accused me of accusing him of something.”
Travis noted that Frank glance at his computer. It was then that he realized that someone was video conferencing. Travis took a breath to steady his now rapidly beating heart.
“I just let it go and when we stopped to eat I told him I needed to use the restroom. I went out the back and made a bee line for the car. When I opened the bag containing the branding irons I noticed we had several more than we should have. I closed the bag and began searching Albert’s notes. That’s when I found his plans to steal cattle from ranchers and have a friend of his butcher them and they would sell the meat on the black market.”
Frank sat forward in his chair. “Those are serious allegations. Do you have any proof?”
“No sir. Albert caught me going through his notes and pulled his gun on me. He cuffed me and shoved me into the back of the SUV. He then drove for a couple of hours and then stopped the car. He got me out and shoved me to my knees.” Travis stopped for a moment like he was trying to gather his thoughts. When he began speaking again he made his voice quiver. “I felt him put the gun to the back of my head. I thought he was gonna shoot me. Then I heard a noise and next thing I knew there was a bear right in front of me. It grabbed me and....”
Travis wasn’t faking the terror in his voice any longer as he remembered in detail the bear attack.
Frank looked at his computer again. He nodded and then turned to Travis again. “So you say Albert was going to shoot you but didn’t get the chance because a bear attacked you?”
“Yes sir.” Travis took off his hat and the healed teeth marks of the bear were clearly seen on his shaved skull.
Frank sat back in his chair quickly. “How did you manage to survive?” Frank asked quietly as he turned his computer screen around.
“Someone found me and took care of me until they were sure I wasn’t going to die then they left me on my own.” Travis looked at the computer screen and saw a young man staring back at him.
After several questions from the man the young man said, “It’s a miracle that you survived.”
“Yes sir.” Travis said.
“What do you think Jerome?” Frank asked the man on the computer.
“I think that he’s telling the truth. You have no idea where Albert may be?” Jerome asked Travis.
“He was from Minnesota sir. He may have gone there.”
“I’ll have someone look into finding Albert.” Jerome said. “In the meantime I think you should stay at the education center and work for Frank.” Jerome finished. “I’ll call your superiors and let them know what has happened and about your new assignment.”
“Yes sir.” Travis and Frank both said.
“Frank I’ll be in touch to check on the progress of the center.” Jerome’s face disappeared from the computer screen.
Frank and Travis both released huge sighs of relief. The story they had concocted had passed muster.
- Zags
________________________________________________________________
Jerome quickly let the head of the Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association know about Travis's new assignment, and he made subtle hints that the Potentate agreed, despite Teodor not even knowing about something so trivial. Even a tiny hint of what Teodor wants assures that it gets done...and as long as I can convince them that's the case, they will do it without question. Despite this truth, Jerome felt slightly guilty for lying to people and using Teodor's influence as a way to make sure the believers were safe and undetected by the GF. Lord, I know my lies are sins...but we are dealing with the Antichrist here...who will soon be the devil himself. I pray you will allow me to protect Your children by whatever means you allow me to use. If using lies for protection is not Your will, then I pray You will show me how I should do this.
He felt frustration after ending the video feed with Frank. Frank still believed Jerome to be the enemy due to his proximity to Teodor, and Jerome had no idea how to convince Frank that he was a believer in Christ. Would he even believe me if I told him the truth? He sighed and prayed that God would find a way to let Frank know the truth and to convince Frank of Jerome's honesty.
Suddenly Jerome had a thought. He pulled up his video feed and left a "video message" for Frank to find later. Setting up the camera on his face, Jerome began:
Hi Frank,
I just wanted to let you know that I know the truth about the Son and believe it with my whole heart. I hope I can convince you of my honesty, and I understand if you are suspicious of foul play and are slow to trust me. I have asked Him to protect me as He would protect His own eye, and that He will hide me under the shadow of His wings. I have learned from someone close to me to ask and it will be given to you, to seek and you will find, and to knock and the door will be opened to you. I hope you will open the door for me as He has over the past few months. This message may seem foolish to you, but He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. If you look around the world today, you might ask "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age?" I know who people are looking to right now as the answer to those questions, but I have learned true wisdom from the Son. Paul told me to put on my armor and I have heeded his advice. I know you have too.
Have a great night.
Jerome prayed Frank would see the blatant but coded use of Scripture in the video message; it was too risky to outright say "I am a believer in Christ, the Son of God" because the message could easily be heard by the wrong person. He had used verses from Psalm 17, Matthew 7, and 1 Corinthians to get across his point. He hoped it flowed well enough that it would look innocent to an unbeliever but would be very clear to Frank.
Lord, please let this work.
- Katy
_______________________________________________________________
Bill and Mark were enjoying their conversation as they were about half way across the atlantic. Mark had just commented on how he loves the view of the open water all around him, especially on such a calm, serene day. He just loved looking at the still water while coming accorss an occational ship, or tanker floating along effortlessly. As the beauty of God's perfection had seized his thoughts, the radio had blared and interuped his serenity.
"Attention GFA DC9, this is Caption Wolf of the GFA northeast sqadron, what is your destination? over."
Bill and Mark look at each other with a sense of panic between them. Mark grabs the mic and calls Andrew to the front of the plane.
"Please respond GFA DC9, do you copy"
Bill keys his mic and replys," Go ahead Capt. Wolf, how may we help you today."
"DC9, I am on my way to the new city and thought I could accompany you their. Since we are all ordered by the pontiff to go to Babylon"
"Capt. Wolf, we appriciate you suggestion, but we are on a mission of a higher order."
"Then what is your destination DC9, I can accompany you and then we could fly to Babylon together."
By this time Andrew had joined the others in the cockpit. Having heard the last part of the conversation, Andrew grabbed the mic, and.......
"Attention GFA DC9, this is Caption Wolf of the GFA northeast sqadron, what is your destination? over."
Bill and Mark look at each other with a sense of panic between them. Mark grabs the mic and calls Andrew to the front of the plane.
"Please respond GFA DC9, do you copy"
Bill keys his mic and replys," Go ahead Capt. Wolf, how may we help you today."
"DC9, I am on my way to the new city and thought I could accompany you their. Since we are all ordered by the pontiff to go to Babylon"
"Capt. Wolf, we appriciate you suggestion, but we are on a mission of a higher order."
"Then what is your destination DC9, I can accompany you and then we could fly to Babylon together."
By this time Andrew had joined the others in the cockpit. Having heard the last part of the conversation, Andrew grabbed the mic, and.......
- mdulik
________________________________________________________________
Andrew was trying to stay calm as he relayed this information, "This aircraft has been retired from active duty and is on a mission that requires utmost security. Our orders are directly from Commander Adams and we are not included in the current orders to report to New Babylon."
"Sorry sir, I didn't realize your aircraft was not included in the current exercise. I have found your flight plans and you are free to continue on to your destination. Over and Out."
Mark and Andrew looked at each other and let out a big sigh of relief. "You understand this sort of thing will be the norm and we might not always be so lucky. I made sure the flight plans were on the schedule and noted this aircraft was not on active duty for any scheduled exercises," Andrew said.
"You seemed to have thought of everything. I didn't see this aircraft listed on any active list and figured they wouldn't even notice us. God is with us and we should be more willing to trust His wisdom and power," Mark said.
Bill looked at both men, "The monitor didn't go off before he asked for acknowledgment. Why didn't we know he was in the area?"
Marked looked down at the monitor and noticed the sound was muted, "My bad, I turned it down when I was monitoring over the headset then when I took it off to check the gauges, I forgot to turn it up again. Bill, I am sorry. Next time, you can have the headset while I'm otherwise occupied."
"Hey, no problem. We will soon get used to a routine and each other so don't apologize. It was a good trial run for us and Andrew, you handled it like a pro," Bill said with a laugh.
Andrew grinned for the first time in a while, "Yeah, like a pro.....considering that is my job."
They all settled back watching the scenery below and thinking about what lie a head for all of them. It wouldn't be long before they reached Israeli airspace and they were all anticipating reaching the Holy Land and meeting the Rabbi.
- P4H
______________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank had been mulling over Jerome's reference to Travis surviving the bear attack as a miracle. It seemed an odd phrase for someone in Jerome's position. Argryos had yet to perform any so called miracles so Frank had begun to seriously consider that perhaps Jerome was indeed a Christian. He thought over previous conversations he had with the younger man, and as he thought he began to see the subtle clues that Jerome had so cleverly left.
Frank bolted upright in his chair. Jerome was a Christian!!!!! "Dear Lord protect Jerome as he sits in the lions den. Close the mouth of the lion as you did for your servant Daniel. In Jesus name I ask You Father, Amen."
Frank's hands shook with fear for Jerome and excitement at discovering a brother in Christ as he opened his e-mail to send a message to Jerome that the message had been received when he saw he had a video message.
Hi Frank,
I just wanted to let you know that I know the truth about the Son and believe it with my whole heart. I hope I can convince you of my honesty, and I understand if you are suspicious of foul play and are slow to trust me. I have asked Him to protect me as He would protect His own eye, and that He will hide me under the shadow of His wings. I have learned from someone close to me to ask and it will be given to you, to seek and you will find, and to knock and the door will be opened to you. I hope you will open the door for me as He has over the past few months. This message may seem foolish to you, but He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. If you look around the world today, you might ask "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age?" I know who people are looking to right now as the answer to those questions, but I have learned true wisdom from the Son. Paul told me to put on my armor and I have heeded his advice. I know you have too.
Have a great night.
Frank was smiling from ear to ear as he listened to Jerome's message. Quickly setting up the link Frank sent a quick message back to Jerome.
Hi Jerome,
I was thinking about something you said when it struck me that you had Good News for me. It is great to know that you are led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. My friend you are in my thoughts, as well as my Petitions. I look forward to seeing you. Should you ever make it to Oklahoma know that you will be welcomed with Brotherly affection. If you ever need anything know that I am here. I know that there may be times when you need the Sanctuary of a friend so know that the door is always open Brother. The Work that we are doing is of the utmost importance and I am looking forward to meeting you in person, and if not perhaps we could sit a spell under the Tree during the Son's Millennium and talk of the old days. If you ever need anything know that I am here as well as other Friends.
Frank.
Frank finished the video and hit the send button. He sat back with a sigh. "Thank You Father for my Brother Jerome and please keep your hand of protection over him. In Jesus name, Amen."
- Zags
______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.
Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God; his name was John.
Joh 1:7 This one came as a witness, to bear witness concerning the Light, so that all might believe through him.
Joh 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Joh 1:9 He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Joh 1:11 He came to His own, and His own received Him not.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,
Joh 1:13 who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth.
Shade lay the Bible to the side. “God became a man, and lived breathed, walked, and talked to people.”
“Whoa.” Matt said. “Even the prophets in the Old Testament never actually saw God.”
“Yeah.” Nathan added. “They never saw Him. They may have spoken to Him but they never actually saw Him.”
“Jesus said whoever saw Him had seen the Father.” Kristen whispered. “Can you imagine? John literally, physically leaned on God!”
Everyone sat back absorbing what the Lord was revealing.
“Do you think John realized at the time Who he was leaning on?” Becca asked.
“I don’t know. I think he had an idea, but the full realization probably didn’t set in until after Jesus arose from the grave.” Maddie said.
“Oh boy. Can you see the look on the disciples’ face when they realized that Jesus was God in the flesh. It must have been priceless.” Nathan grinned.
“Yeah. Especially if they horsed around with Jesus the way you and Matt do. Tripping each other. Shoving each other, punching each other. That kind of stuff.” Renee said.
Ryan looked horrified. “To realize that you had played a prank on God!”
Everyone began to laugh.
“I think Jesus probably took it all in stride.” Raul said.
“I’m gonna have to ask John about that stuff when I see him.” Ryan said.
Everyone nodded. It wouldn’t be long before they could get firsthand accounts of what all happened on the road trips the disciples took with Jesus. And even ask Jesus Himself.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.
Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God; his name was John.
Joh 1:7 This one came as a witness, to bear witness concerning the Light, so that all might believe through him.
Joh 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Joh 1:9 He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Joh 1:11 He came to His own, and His own received Him not.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,
Joh 1:13 who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth.
Shade lay the Bible to the side. “God became a man, and lived breathed, walked, and talked to people.”
“Whoa.” Matt said. “Even the prophets in the Old Testament never actually saw God.”
“Yeah.” Nathan added. “They never saw Him. They may have spoken to Him but they never actually saw Him.”
“Jesus said whoever saw Him had seen the Father.” Kristen whispered. “Can you imagine? John literally, physically leaned on God!”
Everyone sat back absorbing what the Lord was revealing.
“Do you think John realized at the time Who he was leaning on?” Becca asked.
“I don’t know. I think he had an idea, but the full realization probably didn’t set in until after Jesus arose from the grave.” Maddie said.
“Oh boy. Can you see the look on the disciples’ face when they realized that Jesus was God in the flesh. It must have been priceless.” Nathan grinned.
“Yeah. Especially if they horsed around with Jesus the way you and Matt do. Tripping each other. Shoving each other, punching each other. That kind of stuff.” Renee said.
Ryan looked horrified. “To realize that you had played a prank on God!”
Everyone began to laugh.
“I think Jesus probably took it all in stride.” Raul said.
“I’m gonna have to ask John about that stuff when I see him.” Ryan said.
Everyone nodded. It wouldn’t be long before they could get firsthand accounts of what all happened on the road trips the disciples took with Jesus. And even ask Jesus Himself.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________
People are banging on the doors of grocery stores all over the world, begging for food as prices soar to highs never seen before. A loaf of bread is $10 and it even costs money to get a cup of water. Expensive jewelry and perfumes have been taken off the market due to the outrageous prices and lack of consumers in those industries. Gasoline is extremely hard to come by, and if a person does manage to find a pump, it will cost them $50 a gallon with a maximum of 10 gallons allowed in the car.
Meanwhile, gang violence and the drug industry is booming; despite jacked-up prices of drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroine, desperate people are willing to give everything and anything to get what they crave: all their money, their homes, even their own bodies, just for a moment of blissful ignorance to escape from the disaster the world has become.
The number of homeless on the streets is higher than ever...if you could call them streets. Sidewalks, freeways, and streets all over the world have still not been repaired from the damage of the Rapture, earthquakes, and other natural disasters since the beginning of it all, so everything looks like a wasteland. Buildings everywhere are uninhabitable with broken windows, leaking gas lines and extreme damage due to pillaging. Sky scrapers have toppled and killed thousands due to the earthquakes, and fields that were once flourishing with crops have either been burned due to grass fires or simply ruined; people even resort to picking of heads of grain from the fields, as the disciples did thousands of years ago.
But if one were to look at New Babylon, he would see a different story.
Tall, gleaming pillars of glass, gold, and silver shine in the brilliance of the sun, decorated with the finest jewels and supported by the best structures money can buy. Expensive housing is being constructed everywhere, and exotic plants are shipped in to make the place look like a paradise....like a Garden perhaps. A moat surrounds Global Family Headquarters, and it is filled with exotic marine life and a bridge of gold connects it to the mainland of New Babylon, and streets of gold surround the palace like rays of a sun on all sides, leading out to the rest of the city. Workers can be seen bustling around the new city, sweating and lifting day and night at the strict orders of the Potentate, or perhaps one could call him the Leader of the World: Teodor Argyros. The handsome, charming, young Greek man swoons the world day by day, promising them peace, safety, and luxury...promising them change. As of now, people believe him, and they cling to his empty promises as a lifeline. He occasionally walks around the city to examine progress and give new orders to the directors of architecture and design to ensure the city is the most extravagant city the world has ever seen or will ever see.
His staff, or rather underlings, work tirelessly and are devoted to him completely. The military branches, the scientists, the politicians, security, medical faculty...everyone seems to place their trust in him. He can almost be considered a messiah of sorts, although he would never admit to it should he be referred to as such due to his "humble" nature. This facade will fall when he declares himself as God in a few years time.
But there are pockets of...resistance in the world which Teodor wishes to eliminate. Unfortunately for him, they have the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, God Almighty on their side, something which the Potentate will never have. He believes his dear Lucifer can destroy God, but even he knows deep down such a feat is impossible. These believers in Christ live in pockets in various countries, trying hard to survive while witnessing to others and worshiping the Lord. God rains blessing upon them daily and provides them with the protection they desperately need to make it through God's Wrath. He does not promise believers survival through the entire Tribulation, but He does promise them His love. This Truth is something these new Christians cling to everyday, and its solidity is much more reliable than the fraying rope of hope the ruler of the world can offer. The Potentate remains unaware of spies within his own ranks, feeding information to other believers while pretending to believe and trust in him. He believes it is impossible for an "extremist" to slip under his radar. What he doesn't know is even his most trusted worker, Jerome Semerad, is on the winning side. Will Jerome's false devotion remain solid under Teodor's constant watch or will it crumble if Teodor finds a hole in Jerome's "story"? Only God knows.
As unbelievers remain ignorant of their futures and terrified of the world they live in, Christians are promised eternity with the Lord, only years away. They have nothing to fear as the Lord holds them close in His hands.
- Katy
______________________________________________________________
Stu and Caleb watched out the window of the Federal Expression airline as they circled Bagdad international airport waiting for clearence to land. It was late in the day and they had been informed that they would be staying in the greenzone until tomorrow morning until their driver arrived from New Babylon to take them to their new headquarters and their quarters for sleeping.
As the plane was landed and the door was opened they felt the hot desert air fill the cabin. Neither of them had ever felt such extreme heat before. Reaching into the top compartment they each pulled out their duffle bags and headed for the exit. As they disembardked they looked to see different signs being raised with different names on them. Stu pointed to a sign and looked back at Caleb as they saw an Iraqi millitary patrol hold up a sign with their names on it. As they reached the gate one of the soldiers grabbed Stus shirt and spoke to him in broken english. "Must hurry! Get you safezone. No time esplain. Danger. Come. Hurry. " Soldiers followed them as the one leading them shoved them into an SUV and sped off. Caleb looked back and could see men in black emerge from differnet buildings firing shots at them as they rounded the corner headed for the greenzone. "I thought the war was over" whispered Stu to Caleb. "Guess they forgot to let all the tribes know or they just dont care." answered Caleb as they drove into the greenzone and the baracade was put back in place. They could hear bombs exploding outside the greenzone as they sped through differnet streets finally arriving at the commanders headquarters and screeched to a stop. Here they would spend the night until their driver arrived tomorrow to take them to their new headquarters.
As the plane was landed and the door was opened they felt the hot desert air fill the cabin. Neither of them had ever felt such extreme heat before. Reaching into the top compartment they each pulled out their duffle bags and headed for the exit. As they disembardked they looked to see different signs being raised with different names on them. Stu pointed to a sign and looked back at Caleb as they saw an Iraqi millitary patrol hold up a sign with their names on it. As they reached the gate one of the soldiers grabbed Stus shirt and spoke to him in broken english. "Must hurry! Get you safezone. No time esplain. Danger. Come. Hurry. " Soldiers followed them as the one leading them shoved them into an SUV and sped off. Caleb looked back and could see men in black emerge from differnet buildings firing shots at them as they rounded the corner headed for the greenzone. "I thought the war was over" whispered Stu to Caleb. "Guess they forgot to let all the tribes know or they just dont care." answered Caleb as they drove into the greenzone and the baracade was put back in place. They could hear bombs exploding outside the greenzone as they sped through differnet streets finally arriving at the commanders headquarters and screeched to a stop. Here they would spend the night until their driver arrived tomorrow to take them to their new headquarters.
- Renee
________________________________________________________________
Teodor was taking a slow stroll around his "headquarters" in New Babylon, breathing in the air of success and power. Then up ahead he saw the man he was looking for.
"Ah Brett! Just the man I wanted to see."
Brett, the man in charge of the complete construction and completion of New Babylon looked up and smiled adoringly at the Potentate. "Good afternoon Mr. Potentate. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
Teodor smiled. "I was wondering if we could meet in my office? I have to talk with you about something sensitive which public ears do not need to hear."
Brett, looking a little shell-shocked, recovered and followed Teodor to the elevator and up to the top floor where Teodor's office was now located. It was full of expensive furniture, with lush carpet, rugs, and ornate lamps. His desk was a rich cherrywood color and Teodor motioned for Brett to have a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. "Would you care for some brandy or wine?" Brett, not wanting to displease the Potentate, nodded and motioned toward the wine cupboard. Teodor fetched a perfect bottle of Pino Noir and poured himself and Brett a large glass. Settling in, he steepled his hands and began.
"Brett, you have been an extraordinary asset to me during this exciting time. When I needed someone to control the construction of my city, you were there. When I needed quick changes made on the spot, you were there. When I asked for more men to build, and knowing very few would be willing, you were there to get the job done with no questions asked. I can see you are very loyal to the Global Family.
Brett was practically glowing. "Why thank you Mr. Potentate. I always do my best to serve the Global Family and our leader." He nodded to Teodor.
Teodor took a sip of his wine and eyed Brett. "How would you feel about a promotion? Or rather, an elevation of position in our global community?"
"I'm not sure what you mean Mr. Potentate, but I am willing to fulfill any wish you have for me."
Teodor leaned a little over his desk. "How would you like to be my second-in-command?"
Brett had to control himself, lest his jaw drop to the floor. "Me? Your second? Mr. Potentate, I am so, so very honored! I don't know what to say."
"Then say yes." Teodor smiled.
Brett nodded, and extended his hand out to Teodor. They shook hands. "I am more than willing. Thank you!"
"Now Mr. Potentate, what would you have me do first?" Brett asked, a large grin still on his face.
"I would like to give you more responsibilities in terms of controlling...the resistance. I would ask you to work with our Pope, who is currently the head of our Global Family One World Religion. Advertise our goals of peace and acceptance of any religion, but make it very, very clear that extremists, particularly the Christian ones, will not be tolerated. Tell them we will hunt them down and destroy them unless they willingly join our cause under the Global Family Banner. Can you do this for me?"
"I would do anything for you Mr. Potentate."
"Ah Brett! Just the man I wanted to see."
Brett, the man in charge of the complete construction and completion of New Babylon looked up and smiled adoringly at the Potentate. "Good afternoon Mr. Potentate. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
Teodor smiled. "I was wondering if we could meet in my office? I have to talk with you about something sensitive which public ears do not need to hear."
Brett, looking a little shell-shocked, recovered and followed Teodor to the elevator and up to the top floor where Teodor's office was now located. It was full of expensive furniture, with lush carpet, rugs, and ornate lamps. His desk was a rich cherrywood color and Teodor motioned for Brett to have a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. "Would you care for some brandy or wine?" Brett, not wanting to displease the Potentate, nodded and motioned toward the wine cupboard. Teodor fetched a perfect bottle of Pino Noir and poured himself and Brett a large glass. Settling in, he steepled his hands and began.
"Brett, you have been an extraordinary asset to me during this exciting time. When I needed someone to control the construction of my city, you were there. When I needed quick changes made on the spot, you were there. When I asked for more men to build, and knowing very few would be willing, you were there to get the job done with no questions asked. I can see you are very loyal to the Global Family.
Brett was practically glowing. "Why thank you Mr. Potentate. I always do my best to serve the Global Family and our leader." He nodded to Teodor.
Teodor took a sip of his wine and eyed Brett. "How would you feel about a promotion? Or rather, an elevation of position in our global community?"
"I'm not sure what you mean Mr. Potentate, but I am willing to fulfill any wish you have for me."
Teodor leaned a little over his desk. "How would you like to be my second-in-command?"
Brett had to control himself, lest his jaw drop to the floor. "Me? Your second? Mr. Potentate, I am so, so very honored! I don't know what to say."
"Then say yes." Teodor smiled.
Brett nodded, and extended his hand out to Teodor. They shook hands. "I am more than willing. Thank you!"
"Now Mr. Potentate, what would you have me do first?" Brett asked, a large grin still on his face.
"I would like to give you more responsibilities in terms of controlling...the resistance. I would ask you to work with our Pope, who is currently the head of our Global Family One World Religion. Advertise our goals of peace and acceptance of any religion, but make it very, very clear that extremists, particularly the Christian ones, will not be tolerated. Tell them we will hunt them down and destroy them unless they willingly join our cause under the Global Family Banner. Can you do this for me?"
"I would do anything for you Mr. Potentate."
- Katy
_______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch - The Little House
Belle held the spoon up to Leon’s mouth and tried to coax him to eat. After several spoons of the broth rolled down his chin, Belle gave up.
“I just can’t get him to eat.” She looked at Trevor.
“If he doesn’t eat in the next twelve hours I’ll have to put in a feeding tube.” Trevor looked closely at Leon’s thin frame. “He’s malnourished as it is. Maybe I should just go ahead and tube him now.”
“No. Let me keep trying.” Belle said quickly. “I know that somehow the Lord will help me find a way to get him to eat.” Belle reached out and brushed Leon’s hair out of his eyes.
“Ok.” Trevor watched Belle straighten Leon’s shirt. If anyone could get through to Leon it would be Belle.
Belle held the spoon up to Leon’s mouth and tried to coax him to eat. After several spoons of the broth rolled down his chin, Belle gave up.
“I just can’t get him to eat.” She looked at Trevor.
“If he doesn’t eat in the next twelve hours I’ll have to put in a feeding tube.” Trevor looked closely at Leon’s thin frame. “He’s malnourished as it is. Maybe I should just go ahead and tube him now.”
“No. Let me keep trying.” Belle said quickly. “I know that somehow the Lord will help me find a way to get him to eat.” Belle reached out and brushed Leon’s hair out of his eyes.
“Ok.” Trevor watched Belle straighten Leon’s shirt. If anyone could get through to Leon it would be Belle.
Rage paced around Leon his whispers unable to penetrate the Light coming from the children of Jehovah.
‘Soon they would have to leave him alone’ Rage thought. And then he would begin whipping the young man into a frenzy.
The phone rang and Trevor picked it up. “Hello.”
Shade’s voice sounded on the other end of the line. “Zoe and Mo just got back. They have some things for Kristen and I think you should be here.”
“Ok. I’ll be there shortly.” Trevor hung up the phone.
“I take it you’re needed up at the main house.” Belle said.
“Yeah. Zoe and Mo got back. They have some stuff for Kristen and they want me there.”
“I’ll just stay here with Leon.”
“Are you sure? I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone. We have no idea what kind of mental shape Leon could be in if he comes out of this.”
“I’ll be fine Trevor. Go on up to the house.” Belle got up and patted Trevor’s arm. “I’ll be perfectly fine.”
- Zags
_______________________________________________________________
Amy had decided to redecorate the living area of the shop. She spent hours moving furnature and moving pictures around on the walls. Several of the pictures were leaning on the door in the entry way. MD entered the room, trying to avoid running into the pictures he caught his pinky toe on the door frame and let out a loud yelp as he hobbled over to the couch to sit down and examine his injury. Wincing in pain as he tried to nurse his baby toe back to life, Amy could be seen on the other end of the room laughing so hard that she had tears in her eyes. "If you would have taken the time to help me like I asked you to, that would never have happened" she managed to blurt out between cackles...
- mdulik
______________________________________________________________
Shannon had been restless all night and the baby was moving so much she couldn't rest. She quietly got up from the cot and walked to the main room to try to get some research done before everyone else was up. The appointment at the clinic had gone well and the doctor had told her that everything was on schedule. They had decided to name their son, Samuel Thomas, in honor of the two men that had done so much for them. She placed her hand on her belly and felt him give a kick as she was reading Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.
Shannon bowed her head, "Lord, this child is a gift from You and truly a blessing. Although we are bringing him into a world filled with evil, we feel Your hand upon his life. We will tell him of Your sacrifice for us and that You came to earth to save all mankind. I praise Your name and give You all the glory for allowing us to find a place we can live that is safe and where we are surrounded by those that love You. Thank You for all the blessings we have received. Lord, I ask Your protection for Sam as he flies around the globe helping others that believe in You. Please protect those traveling to Jerusalem that they will not be discovered. Thank You Lord Jesus. I love you with all my heart and soul. Amen."
She raised her head to see her husband on his knees beside her. He finished his prayer and raised his head to look into the eyes of his beautiful, sweet wife, "I love you more this day than ever before. You have given me more than I could ever repay. This child will bless our lives and knowing Jesus will make it even sweeter. It will become impossible for us to go out into the world, but I will not miss anything this world has to offer because we have so much more promised to us as one of God's children."
"Kerri, I just feel so fortunate that we accepted Jesus as our savior and that we found these wonderful Christians. I'm not afraid of what the AC will do to us because we have already been marked for the kingdom. Isn't it wonderful that we will all be together throughout eternity?"
Kerri leaned over and gave her a kiss and hug, "We are indeed fortunate. I would love to sit and talk with you all morning, but I need to be getting a shipment ready for Sam. How are you coming on getting the network set up for deliveries?"
"Amy is amazing and she sends me a list of needs and I send her a list of what we can provide. Linda and Amy have been sewing up a storm. They were able to duplicate the GF uniform so if we have to go out into the world, we will can go in disguise. Bud has figured a way to duplicate travel papers and other documents we might need. Alexis has been tapping into the weather system and finally figured out how to get into the training center's system. It might come in handy in the future. I found they are preparing a new learning center in Warrensburg close to Whiteman AFB. You know Sam's friend, Andrew, is going to be in command over that location. We are truly blessed."
"I'm so glad Jason is under the watchful eye of Andrew. Amy misses him terribly, but Linda is doing a great job keeping her busy. Well, dear, I really must get busy before it gets too hot to work outside," Kerri leaned down giving her a peck on the cheek before he left.
Shannon was busy catching up on all the latest news when Bud joined her, "Good morning little momma. How are you this fine day?"
"Good morning to you, too. I am fit as a fiddle and you?"
Bud stroked his chin, "I'm doing mighty fine.....mighty fine. I think I've come up with some new dsguises for the men and Linda is working on some things for you women. Thinking maybe the AC is getting ready to start putting a little more pressure on us. I should have enough traveling documents ready, but Alexis says the GF keeps changing things so it would make it harder for someone to fake papers. Clever guy, the AC, but he doesn't have the power he thinks he has and he will not win."
"No, he won't win, but in the mean time he's convincing a lot of lost souls to follow him into the depths of hell."
Bud poured himself a cup of coffee, "Well, little momma, it's off to work for me. We don't have a lot of time to prepare for what's coming our way. Kerri already out in the garden?"
"Yes, he wanted to get some work in before it got too hot out there. I have emails to answer and must work on our inventory list for Amy and MD. We really have a pretty good operation going," Shannon said.
Bud left her to her list and her thoughts. The future was full of unknowns except that Jesus would triumph over Satan in the end. She smiled as she rubbed her belly and thought of seeing the face of Jesus as she held her child out to Him.
Shannon bowed her head, "Lord, this child is a gift from You and truly a blessing. Although we are bringing him into a world filled with evil, we feel Your hand upon his life. We will tell him of Your sacrifice for us and that You came to earth to save all mankind. I praise Your name and give You all the glory for allowing us to find a place we can live that is safe and where we are surrounded by those that love You. Thank You for all the blessings we have received. Lord, I ask Your protection for Sam as he flies around the globe helping others that believe in You. Please protect those traveling to Jerusalem that they will not be discovered. Thank You Lord Jesus. I love you with all my heart and soul. Amen."
She raised her head to see her husband on his knees beside her. He finished his prayer and raised his head to look into the eyes of his beautiful, sweet wife, "I love you more this day than ever before. You have given me more than I could ever repay. This child will bless our lives and knowing Jesus will make it even sweeter. It will become impossible for us to go out into the world, but I will not miss anything this world has to offer because we have so much more promised to us as one of God's children."
"Kerri, I just feel so fortunate that we accepted Jesus as our savior and that we found these wonderful Christians. I'm not afraid of what the AC will do to us because we have already been marked for the kingdom. Isn't it wonderful that we will all be together throughout eternity?"
Kerri leaned over and gave her a kiss and hug, "We are indeed fortunate. I would love to sit and talk with you all morning, but I need to be getting a shipment ready for Sam. How are you coming on getting the network set up for deliveries?"
"Amy is amazing and she sends me a list of needs and I send her a list of what we can provide. Linda and Amy have been sewing up a storm. They were able to duplicate the GF uniform so if we have to go out into the world, we will can go in disguise. Bud has figured a way to duplicate travel papers and other documents we might need. Alexis has been tapping into the weather system and finally figured out how to get into the training center's system. It might come in handy in the future. I found they are preparing a new learning center in Warrensburg close to Whiteman AFB. You know Sam's friend, Andrew, is going to be in command over that location. We are truly blessed."
"I'm so glad Jason is under the watchful eye of Andrew. Amy misses him terribly, but Linda is doing a great job keeping her busy. Well, dear, I really must get busy before it gets too hot to work outside," Kerri leaned down giving her a peck on the cheek before he left.
Shannon was busy catching up on all the latest news when Bud joined her, "Good morning little momma. How are you this fine day?"
"Good morning to you, too. I am fit as a fiddle and you?"
Bud stroked his chin, "I'm doing mighty fine.....mighty fine. I think I've come up with some new dsguises for the men and Linda is working on some things for you women. Thinking maybe the AC is getting ready to start putting a little more pressure on us. I should have enough traveling documents ready, but Alexis says the GF keeps changing things so it would make it harder for someone to fake papers. Clever guy, the AC, but he doesn't have the power he thinks he has and he will not win."
"No, he won't win, but in the mean time he's convincing a lot of lost souls to follow him into the depths of hell."
Bud poured himself a cup of coffee, "Well, little momma, it's off to work for me. We don't have a lot of time to prepare for what's coming our way. Kerri already out in the garden?"
"Yes, he wanted to get some work in before it got too hot out there. I have emails to answer and must work on our inventory list for Amy and MD. We really have a pretty good operation going," Shannon said.
Bud left her to her list and her thoughts. The future was full of unknowns except that Jesus would triumph over Satan in the end. She smiled as she rubbed her belly and thought of seeing the face of Jesus as she held her child out to Him.
- P4H
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