Andrew and Mark quickly caught up with Bill and Connor. Bill looked at them sensing their serious mood, "What's up, guys? You don't look all that happy to be here."
Andrew quickly said, "Oh, no, we are very excited about being here, but I don't want you to say anything to Steve about our mission or that we are Christians. I thought he might have made the choice to accept Jesus because he had listened to Claire tell him about what Christ did for all mankind so I naturally assumed he realized Claire had been telling him the truth. He asked about Claire and I knew immediately that he didn't really know Claire as well as I thought or that she was a Christian. We will have to tiptoe around him until I can figure him out."
Bill nodded and gave Andrew a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry, Andrew. It would have been very helpful to have a fellow believer in the tower when we have to fly back and forth. Oh well, maybe he will still be helpful to us any way........out of friendship to you."
"I have other sources and he will just not be one of those that I can be outspoken about our faith in Jesus Christ. He is still employed by the Israeli air control so we will be safe for now," said Andrew.
They had lost sight of Julie and David so they all picked up their pace to catch up with them. Mark walked between Bill and Andrew, "Guys, we have a short time to be in Jerusalem so let's make the best of our time here. Let's make a pact to forget for a couple of days about all the world's problems and experience only what God wants to show each of us. I know I'm eager to walk in the footsteps of Jesus."
Both Bill and Andrew said, "Agreed." Connor smiled and asked, "Now can we please get on with this new adventure?"
Andrew quickly said, "Oh, no, we are very excited about being here, but I don't want you to say anything to Steve about our mission or that we are Christians. I thought he might have made the choice to accept Jesus because he had listened to Claire tell him about what Christ did for all mankind so I naturally assumed he realized Claire had been telling him the truth. He asked about Claire and I knew immediately that he didn't really know Claire as well as I thought or that she was a Christian. We will have to tiptoe around him until I can figure him out."
Bill nodded and gave Andrew a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry, Andrew. It would have been very helpful to have a fellow believer in the tower when we have to fly back and forth. Oh well, maybe he will still be helpful to us any way........out of friendship to you."
"I have other sources and he will just not be one of those that I can be outspoken about our faith in Jesus Christ. He is still employed by the Israeli air control so we will be safe for now," said Andrew.
They had lost sight of Julie and David so they all picked up their pace to catch up with them. Mark walked between Bill and Andrew, "Guys, we have a short time to be in Jerusalem so let's make the best of our time here. Let's make a pact to forget for a couple of days about all the world's problems and experience only what God wants to show each of us. I know I'm eager to walk in the footsteps of Jesus."
Both Bill and Andrew said, "Agreed." Connor smiled and asked, "Now can we please get on with this new adventure?"
- P4H
______________________________________________________________
Kenny got dressed in his finest, designer, clothes. He was going out for dinner with Chantel tonight. He was excited and nervous at the same time; he just couldn’t believe that he had found someone so soon after the rapture.
Suddenly, he got a call from Chantel. He smiled and picked up the phone, “Kenny, you need to come to my house immediately!”
Kenny felt incredibly scared and upset. What was up with Chantel? What is she going to say? It can’t possibly be bad, right?”
Openly he began to wonder if he had done something wrong, if she was going to tell him something that he didn’t want to hear.
When he got to her house, he saw a sad looking Chantel allowing him inside her house.
Feelings of sadness flushed him and he began to turn red with the assumption that she didn’t want to see him anymore. He could tell that she was going to do it. She had obviously been crying. She had obviously thought long and hard about it. Kenny’s stomach began to ache. He didn’t want to be stuck in this scenario.
With all the bravery he could muster, he looked at Chantel and attempted to softly ask, “What’s wrong?”
Suddenly, he got a call from Chantel. He smiled and picked up the phone, “Kenny, you need to come to my house immediately!”
Kenny felt incredibly scared and upset. What was up with Chantel? What is she going to say? It can’t possibly be bad, right?”
Openly he began to wonder if he had done something wrong, if she was going to tell him something that he didn’t want to hear.
When he got to her house, he saw a sad looking Chantel allowing him inside her house.
Feelings of sadness flushed him and he began to turn red with the assumption that she didn’t want to see him anymore. He could tell that she was going to do it. She had obviously been crying. She had obviously thought long and hard about it. Kenny’s stomach began to ache. He didn’t want to be stuck in this scenario.
With all the bravery he could muster, he looked at Chantel and attempted to softly ask, “What’s wrong?”
- Quinton
________________________________________________________________
Just six months ago her mother had been killed while walking home from market. Shrapnel from an Iraqi insurgent's bomb threw her violently to the ground. She died a week later, much to her two daughter's grief.
In her sorrow, Aini had clung to Islam's teachings and she became a very dedicated Muslim. Her twenty year old sister was given a Bible by an Iraqi Christian. She read it and after awhile began to attend Christian meetings. Aini and her sister frequently discussed matters of religion and Christianity. Aini saw it as just another one of the thousands of religions, but her sister asserted that it involved a personal relationship with the God who had created the universe. Three months ago Aini's sister had vanished, leaving behind her clothes and her Bible.
Aini rose from her knees and stared out the window at the flowers below her window swaying in the slight breeze. Hopelessness flooded her innocent soul. She beat her chest hard with her fists hoping that Allah would show mercy on her and bring her family back to her. She was truly alone. Or so she thought. Fragments of verses that her sister had read her came into her mind. "For Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world." She smiled bitterly. How could a loving God allow the westerners to invade Iraq? How could He let her mother be killed and her sister disappear? Was He really such a caring God after all for not punishing the militant Iraqis and Sadaam Hussein for robbing the people? But on the other hand, how could Allah proclaim himself to be good and care for his people when he mandated that Muslim mothers must sacrifice their sons through jihad?
Aini dropped onto her cot in exhaustion.
- KBR
_______________________________________________________________
The early morning sun spilled through the window onto a slumbering Aini. She woke with a start and realized that it was long past her usual early morning prayer time. Guiltily she rose and dressed hurriedly. As usual there was nothing to eat in the house. Aini lived off of begging or stealing on the streets of Mosul just to stay alive.
So, she started walking toward the big city. This morning, something unusual captured her attention. Squads of armed military in dress uniform blocked off all the main streets around the city square. Crowds lined the square shouting so loudly that Aini heard their roars even where she stood. Aini gasped in surprise and horror! Surely the insurgents must have revolted again! A faint voice inside her told her to run. Her curiosity told her to stay put. She listened to the voice of the latter and stayed.
So, she started walking toward the big city. This morning, something unusual captured her attention. Squads of armed military in dress uniform blocked off all the main streets around the city square. Crowds lined the square shouting so loudly that Aini heard their roars even where she stood. Aini gasped in surprise and horror! Surely the insurgents must have revolted again! A faint voice inside her told her to run. Her curiosity told her to stay put. She listened to the voice of the latter and stayed.
- KBR
______________________________________________________________
The military shifted and formed two lines on both sides of the streets. Now there was a large path leading straight into the city square. Aini could see more clearly now. The crowds were fighting for a vantage point where they could see above the heads of their neighbors. The incessant drone of motorcycles told her that a motorcade was approaching. She watched intently, longing to see who had attracted this much attention. Ah! The military units were bowing and their heads were bare. He was coming closer now, smiling and waving at all the people who had come to see him. He looked straight into Aini’s eyes, smiled, and had passed her. Surely here was one she could trust in, who cared for her.
He looked at me. He’ll help me. He cares even if all else don’t. Aini mused to herself. She loved the tall handsome looked Greek who promised her peace and safety. She listened intently to his speech to the people of Mosul. How her heart had leapt with joy and the assurance that he would change the world. But poignant memories of her sister, May, reading the Bible to Aini, crept into the corners of Aini’s mind.
“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalm 146:3
She pushed the troubling thoughts out of her mind as she hurried away in search of something to eat.
He looked at me. He’ll help me. He cares even if all else don’t. Aini mused to herself. She loved the tall handsome looked Greek who promised her peace and safety. She listened intently to his speech to the people of Mosul. How her heart had leapt with joy and the assurance that he would change the world. But poignant memories of her sister, May, reading the Bible to Aini, crept into the corners of Aini’s mind.
“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalm 146:3
She pushed the troubling thoughts out of her mind as she hurried away in search of something to eat.
- KBR
________________________________________________________________
Teodor continued to smile and wave while riding his motorcycle through Mosul. These filthy beggars are already in love with me. Teodor knew that these people had never even heard of him due to their lack of technology; his message and his publicity had been spread through the media, and he realized he needed to try a new strategy to get the rest of the world on his side.
Riding through the streets of 3rd-world countries or those that are war-torn was the best way to introduce himself; these people had no hope, and he could give it to them. The people practically bowed when he rode by and seemed to jump for joy at every word he uttered. What they are not aware of is that most of my promises are empty. It was true; Teodor had no intention of "rebuilding the streets of Mosul" or "providing food to all in need" for Mosul or any town or country--he just needed them to think he was going to do those things to get them to trust him.
And boy did they trust him.
In every village he visited, the women were swooning and the men all wanted to join the GFM immediately. This pleased Teodor because he knew he could build up a very, very large army with these willing volunteers. The women would also make very good "rewards" for the men who pleased Teodor with their hard work. Yes, Teodor thought, I will build an army greater than the world has ever seen; not even God will be able to defeat me.
So as he continued to put on the show, no one noticed the evil glint in his eyes, the one that hypnotized the masses to just trust him.
Because as of now, that is all he needs.
- Katy
________________________________________________________________
POSSUM HOLLOW
"Oh brother..will you just listen to that stuff" "Supreme Potentate this..Supreme that" "CNM MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH"..."all they do is blast the waves with their hypnotic mantra's" "I can't believe how people fall for this stuff" Keisha continues to rant
"you mean like we all did?" Anthony pipes in "I mean were all still here because we were just like they are now" "DECEIVED" ...."thanks for reminding me" "joy" "Yeah well all I know it seems like THE WHOLE WORLD IS AGAINST US"
MEANWHILE....UP ABOVE IN THE HEAVENLIES .....A Host of God's servants arrayed in such blinding splendor stand guard observing celestial horizons looking for even the slightest broach of enemy forces
All the while numerous angelic servants of the most high...ascend and descend upon Possum Hollow with fresh instructions
"TURN IT OFF" "IT's too much to bear" "I gotta get alone and pray" Pastor Tim declares....out the front door and down the steps he walks out into the night..."Oh Father..please give me strength to stand" "Help me to be bolder and stronger each and every day and to take each and every thought and dart of the enemy captive in obedience to You"
Raising his eyes to heaven ....a starry night fills his eyes with such glorious delight...."Lord your word says there are more for us than against us" "please help us to know this Lord"
Tim closes his eyes and begins to sing..."for thou oh Lord art high above all the earth ...and thou art exalted above all Gods For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth.
Thou art exalted far above all gods. I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord."
as Tim continues his time in worship ..the angelic host above join in the song "We exalt thee....We exalt thee....OH..OH LORD" Lifting up the Lord in Praise ...the cares of this life and all fears and anxieties leave Tim's thoughts ...unbeknownst to Tim....as his praises ascend...the army of host spread like the red sea...making way ...as God Himself draws closer and closer to the music from below
all the while Tim continues in song ..being stirred in his heart...he changes to a song held dear for ages
In His presence
There is joy beyond measure
And at His feet
Peace of mind can still be found
If you have a need
I know He has the answer
Just reach out and claim it
For you are standing on holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know that there
Are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence
On holy ground
singing with all the might he can muster ...Tim opens his eyes and is startled when he is invited into the most glorious appearing of One Who's Glory radiate's brighter than the Sun...and encamped around him were angels ..angels all around...Tim fell on his face as though dead..."surely my child I have heard your cry and now you can see" "THERE ARE MORE FOR YOU THAN AGAINST YOU!" "Be bold and of good courage for I will never leave you Tim and I will never forsake you"
his body trembling ..Tim continues to lie prostrate ..all he can muster are weak cries of "yes my Lord" and "thank You Jesus" when a last command comes from a voice like thunder..."arise and worship...you are on holy ground"
Pastor Tim slowly raises his eyes but all that's left to see is the starry night ....but the presence he felt just moments ago still very tangible...Tim erupts with emotion and cries out again...
"I am standing on Holy Ground" tears falling as he sings "And I know that there are angels all around.....I will praise you Jesus now..cause I am standing in Your presence on Holy Ground"
"Oh brother..will you just listen to that stuff" "Supreme Potentate this..Supreme that" "CNM MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH"..."all they do is blast the waves with their hypnotic mantra's" "I can't believe how people fall for this stuff" Keisha continues to rant
"you mean like we all did?" Anthony pipes in "I mean were all still here because we were just like they are now" "DECEIVED" ...."thanks for reminding me" "joy" "Yeah well all I know it seems like THE WHOLE WORLD IS AGAINST US"
MEANWHILE....UP ABOVE IN THE HEAVENLIES .....A Host of God's servants arrayed in such blinding splendor stand guard observing celestial horizons looking for even the slightest broach of enemy forces
All the while numerous angelic servants of the most high...ascend and descend upon Possum Hollow with fresh instructions
"TURN IT OFF" "IT's too much to bear" "I gotta get alone and pray" Pastor Tim declares....out the front door and down the steps he walks out into the night..."Oh Father..please give me strength to stand" "Help me to be bolder and stronger each and every day and to take each and every thought and dart of the enemy captive in obedience to You"
Raising his eyes to heaven ....a starry night fills his eyes with such glorious delight...."Lord your word says there are more for us than against us" "please help us to know this Lord"
Tim closes his eyes and begins to sing..."for thou oh Lord art high above all the earth ...and thou art exalted above all Gods For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth.
Thou art exalted far above all gods. I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord."
as Tim continues his time in worship ..the angelic host above join in the song "We exalt thee....We exalt thee....OH..OH LORD" Lifting up the Lord in Praise ...the cares of this life and all fears and anxieties leave Tim's thoughts ...unbeknownst to Tim....as his praises ascend...the army of host spread like the red sea...making way ...as God Himself draws closer and closer to the music from below
all the while Tim continues in song ..being stirred in his heart...he changes to a song held dear for ages
In His presence
There is joy beyond measure
And at His feet
Peace of mind can still be found
If you have a need
I know He has the answer
Just reach out and claim it
For you are standing on holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know that there
Are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence
On holy ground
singing with all the might he can muster ...Tim opens his eyes and is startled when he is invited into the most glorious appearing of One Who's Glory radiate's brighter than the Sun...and encamped around him were angels ..angels all around...Tim fell on his face as though dead..."surely my child I have heard your cry and now you can see" "THERE ARE MORE FOR YOU THAN AGAINST YOU!" "Be bold and of good courage for I will never leave you Tim and I will never forsake you"
his body trembling ..Tim continues to lie prostrate ..all he can muster are weak cries of "yes my Lord" and "thank You Jesus" when a last command comes from a voice like thunder..."arise and worship...you are on holy ground"
Pastor Tim slowly raises his eyes but all that's left to see is the starry night ....but the presence he felt just moments ago still very tangible...Tim erupts with emotion and cries out again...
"I am standing on Holy Ground" tears falling as he sings "And I know that there are angels all around.....I will praise you Jesus now..cause I am standing in Your presence on Holy Ground"
- STA
_______________________________________________________________
As Teodor charmed the world and New Babylon was being built, Teodor's mother was blissfully ignorant about what was going on and who her son really was. As everyone knows, a mother's love for her son is very powerful and unshakable....but what if your son is the Antichrist? Is it possible to see him for who he truly is, or will she push the thought away, whether she suspects something herself or if someone where to take a huge risk to talk to her about it?
Mrs. Argyros was sitting in her large, new suite at the headquarters in New Babylon. She smiles to herself as she thinks about her son. How nice of him to build me a place like this that is nearby him. Now I can look out for him and make sure he doesn't overexert himself. As mothers like to do, she is reading about new recipes from a book she had bought before Teodor had moved her from Greece. The cooks always make her meals for her, but she is hoping to try and get in the kitchen and try something new.
*knock**knock*
"Come in!" she says cheerfully.
Jerome opens the door with a small smile. "Well hello Jerome!" Mrs. Arygros walks over and gives him a big hug. He had become like a second son to her ever since he had started working with Teodor. "Can I get you anything? Maybe some tea or these brownies I had baked for me yesterday? They made much more than I need and I would love it if you would have one".
Jerome nods smiling and says, "Thank you Mrs. Argyros, I would love some tea and a brownie." Jerome says this to be polite, not because he doesn't like tea and brownies but because he is too nervous to eat them.
"How many times have I told you to call me Lena?" she says with a light little swat on the arm.
"Old habits die hard, but if you insist, I will try to call you Lena." Jerome says with a genuine chuckle.
As Mrs. Argyros bustles to get them their refreshments, Jerome collects himself. He was about do to something risky, and he had spent the last 2 days and nights on his knees in prayer about it. He had felt God was giving him the go on this, but he still sent up a silent prayer for strength, tact, and the right words to say.
Mrs. Argyros sat down on a plush chair and motioned Jerome to do the same while setting down a tray with two cups of tea and two brownies. "So Jerome, what can I do for you? Or did you just want to come visit a little old woman like me?" She laughed a little and Jerome smiled, looking down in his lap and then back to her face.
"I have just had something on my mind for awhile and was wondering what you thought about it" Jerome mentioned casually.
She patted his hand. "Well Jerome, I would love to help you."
"Thanks Mrs--I mean Lena. Well, ever since I lost my entire family in the Disappearances, I just....I don't know how to think of them. Where are they? Did they die? Are they in pain? Why them? I don't understand why it happened and there are so many theories going around, official and unofficial, that I just don't know what the truth is." Jerome showed real grief on his face, not because he didn't know where they were, but because he missed them a little and wished he had listened to them when he had the chance.
"Oh honey," Mrs. Argyros squeezed his hand a little. "I understand exactly what you mean. I lost 3 sisters, a daughter, and 2 grandchildren in the Disappearances, and I have had the same questions running around in my head for months as well. My son's explanation makes some sense to me...but I can't help but notice something similar between my relatives who were taken."
Jerome sat up a little straighter. Did she actually think that it was possibly because they were Christians? "What was that?"
"Well, let me ask you this," she looked around, as though making sure no one else was listening, and lowered her voice a little. "were the ones you lost...well....were they believers?"
Jerome had to force his look of shock from registering on his face, and he still had to play a little dumb. "Believers in what?"
She was now whispering. "Believers in Christ."
His wild thoughts confirmed, he furrowed his brow as if in thought and pretended to come to a sudden realization. "You know, I think they were...I always told them they were crazy, you know." Jerome chuckled bitterly. "I called them freaks. That they were too devoted to something they didn't even know existed. But they always seemed so happy...and they always seemed so sad when I would say those things, but I would hear them praying at night sometimes...and they would pray for me."
Mrs. Argyros seemed to understand exactly what he was saying. "When we were growing up, my sisters read little children's books about bible characters. I wasn't much of a reader, so I never read them. They would tell our parents about how cool these characters were and how they wanted to grow up to be just like them. They especially liked the story about David and the giant because he was a little guy who took down a monster. He was their superhero.
"Then, as they got older, they understood the characters were from the bible, and they became Christians. I loved them, but Christianity wasn't my "truth". I couldn't trust in something or someone I had never seen...I didn't have that kind of faith. But they did, and they liked to tell me about it. They accepted my beliefs but they always dropped little hints about Christ when I was around.
"When I got married, I moved a little ways away from them and soon after we had our first child: a baby girl named Lena as well, after me. She loved spending time outside, looking at the ocean or staring at the stars. One day she said "Mama, who created all of this? The stars are so pretty, and the ocean is really sparkly when the sun shines on it. I was just wondering who made it, because they are pretty cool." I didn't know what to tell her, so I told her what my sisters told me. "Well, maybe God made it." She knew who God was because she had spent every other Wednesday with one of them her entire life. "Wow...that's neat" she told me. "God must be really creative; I don't think I could ever paint a pretty picture like that" she told me, pointing at the sunset in front of us. "I remember starting to wonder a little if she was right, but I pushed those thoughts away.
"Then I had Teodor a few years later." She smiled as she thought about him, clearly loving him very much. "He was always so smart and as handsome as his father. He made friends right away, but never got on well with Lena. He didn't like it when she talked about Jesus or God or the bible, but he tried not to fight with her because he knew it made me sad. He and Lena grew up to be beautiful adults; both graduating at the top of their classes and going on to become very successful. Lena became a marine biologist because she loved to look at the creatures in the ocean. She thought each one was a unique creation from God. As you know, Teodor went into the political arena, and I remember being so scared for him. I was afraid he would be hurt by opponents or the media, but thankfully Teodor was unaffected by them, and rose quickly to his position in the Greek legislature.
"Then, of course, you know the rest of the story about how he got to where he is now. I am just so proud of him for taking on this role to save everyone from this terrible time, but I have no idea how one man can manage it all alone. You would think he would need some more help." She waved her hand a little. "But anyway, back to where we were." She again lowered her voice to a whisper. "Please don't tell anyone, especially Teodor, that I said this" Jerome replied just as softly, "Not a soul."
"I think that they were taken in the Rapture," she finally said, her eyes dropping into her lap as tears began to fall. "I never listened to Lena, or my sisters, or my grandchildren because I was too afraid to trust in someone I couldn't see. I still don't know anyone who believes that it could have been the Rapture, but I can't see any other way. Jerome, what do you think about that?"
Jerome had to keep his tears from falling; this was such a beautiful moment. "I think you are absolutely right. I had been thinking the same thing but was afraid to tell you because I thought you might tell the Potentate...Teodor I mean. He is a great leader but not very happy with Christians right now. Anyway, I found this prayer online awhile back, and I think its called the Sinner's Prayer....and I prayed it in my house, on my knees, crying and crying like I have never cried before. I wanted to tell someone, and I just had to tell you. I know I didn't come in here telling you I was a believer because I was afraid, but now that you know the truth about things, I was wondering if you'd like to pray with me."
"Oh Jerome, absolutely." Her tears fell faster now, splashing on their clenched hands like little raindrops.
"Ok, so say this after me Lena: Dear Jesus, I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my sins. I am sorry for not believing and for rejecting you, and I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died for my sins on the cross and rose on the third day, conquering death. I ask you right now to come into my life and become my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my sins and will worship you for the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus name I pray, Amen." Lena repeated every phrase softly and with her whole heart. After she was done, she threw herself at Jerome in a hug, and he hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry Lord, I'm so sorry" she kept repeating, while Jerome chanted "Thank you Lord, thank you".
Even though Mrs. Argyros still believed her son was loving and successful and wonderful, this was a start, and it was enough. For now.
Mrs. Argyros was sitting in her large, new suite at the headquarters in New Babylon. She smiles to herself as she thinks about her son. How nice of him to build me a place like this that is nearby him. Now I can look out for him and make sure he doesn't overexert himself. As mothers like to do, she is reading about new recipes from a book she had bought before Teodor had moved her from Greece. The cooks always make her meals for her, but she is hoping to try and get in the kitchen and try something new.
*knock**knock*
"Come in!" she says cheerfully.
Jerome opens the door with a small smile. "Well hello Jerome!" Mrs. Arygros walks over and gives him a big hug. He had become like a second son to her ever since he had started working with Teodor. "Can I get you anything? Maybe some tea or these brownies I had baked for me yesterday? They made much more than I need and I would love it if you would have one".
Jerome nods smiling and says, "Thank you Mrs. Argyros, I would love some tea and a brownie." Jerome says this to be polite, not because he doesn't like tea and brownies but because he is too nervous to eat them.
"How many times have I told you to call me Lena?" she says with a light little swat on the arm.
"Old habits die hard, but if you insist, I will try to call you Lena." Jerome says with a genuine chuckle.
As Mrs. Argyros bustles to get them their refreshments, Jerome collects himself. He was about do to something risky, and he had spent the last 2 days and nights on his knees in prayer about it. He had felt God was giving him the go on this, but he still sent up a silent prayer for strength, tact, and the right words to say.
Mrs. Argyros sat down on a plush chair and motioned Jerome to do the same while setting down a tray with two cups of tea and two brownies. "So Jerome, what can I do for you? Or did you just want to come visit a little old woman like me?" She laughed a little and Jerome smiled, looking down in his lap and then back to her face.
"I have just had something on my mind for awhile and was wondering what you thought about it" Jerome mentioned casually.
She patted his hand. "Well Jerome, I would love to help you."
"Thanks Mrs--I mean Lena. Well, ever since I lost my entire family in the Disappearances, I just....I don't know how to think of them. Where are they? Did they die? Are they in pain? Why them? I don't understand why it happened and there are so many theories going around, official and unofficial, that I just don't know what the truth is." Jerome showed real grief on his face, not because he didn't know where they were, but because he missed them a little and wished he had listened to them when he had the chance.
"Oh honey," Mrs. Argyros squeezed his hand a little. "I understand exactly what you mean. I lost 3 sisters, a daughter, and 2 grandchildren in the Disappearances, and I have had the same questions running around in my head for months as well. My son's explanation makes some sense to me...but I can't help but notice something similar between my relatives who were taken."
Jerome sat up a little straighter. Did she actually think that it was possibly because they were Christians? "What was that?"
"Well, let me ask you this," she looked around, as though making sure no one else was listening, and lowered her voice a little. "were the ones you lost...well....were they believers?"
Jerome had to force his look of shock from registering on his face, and he still had to play a little dumb. "Believers in what?"
She was now whispering. "Believers in Christ."
His wild thoughts confirmed, he furrowed his brow as if in thought and pretended to come to a sudden realization. "You know, I think they were...I always told them they were crazy, you know." Jerome chuckled bitterly. "I called them freaks. That they were too devoted to something they didn't even know existed. But they always seemed so happy...and they always seemed so sad when I would say those things, but I would hear them praying at night sometimes...and they would pray for me."
Mrs. Argyros seemed to understand exactly what he was saying. "When we were growing up, my sisters read little children's books about bible characters. I wasn't much of a reader, so I never read them. They would tell our parents about how cool these characters were and how they wanted to grow up to be just like them. They especially liked the story about David and the giant because he was a little guy who took down a monster. He was their superhero.
"Then, as they got older, they understood the characters were from the bible, and they became Christians. I loved them, but Christianity wasn't my "truth". I couldn't trust in something or someone I had never seen...I didn't have that kind of faith. But they did, and they liked to tell me about it. They accepted my beliefs but they always dropped little hints about Christ when I was around.
"When I got married, I moved a little ways away from them and soon after we had our first child: a baby girl named Lena as well, after me. She loved spending time outside, looking at the ocean or staring at the stars. One day she said "Mama, who created all of this? The stars are so pretty, and the ocean is really sparkly when the sun shines on it. I was just wondering who made it, because they are pretty cool." I didn't know what to tell her, so I told her what my sisters told me. "Well, maybe God made it." She knew who God was because she had spent every other Wednesday with one of them her entire life. "Wow...that's neat" she told me. "God must be really creative; I don't think I could ever paint a pretty picture like that" she told me, pointing at the sunset in front of us. "I remember starting to wonder a little if she was right, but I pushed those thoughts away.
"Then I had Teodor a few years later." She smiled as she thought about him, clearly loving him very much. "He was always so smart and as handsome as his father. He made friends right away, but never got on well with Lena. He didn't like it when she talked about Jesus or God or the bible, but he tried not to fight with her because he knew it made me sad. He and Lena grew up to be beautiful adults; both graduating at the top of their classes and going on to become very successful. Lena became a marine biologist because she loved to look at the creatures in the ocean. She thought each one was a unique creation from God. As you know, Teodor went into the political arena, and I remember being so scared for him. I was afraid he would be hurt by opponents or the media, but thankfully Teodor was unaffected by them, and rose quickly to his position in the Greek legislature.
"Then, of course, you know the rest of the story about how he got to where he is now. I am just so proud of him for taking on this role to save everyone from this terrible time, but I have no idea how one man can manage it all alone. You would think he would need some more help." She waved her hand a little. "But anyway, back to where we were." She again lowered her voice to a whisper. "Please don't tell anyone, especially Teodor, that I said this" Jerome replied just as softly, "Not a soul."
"I think that they were taken in the Rapture," she finally said, her eyes dropping into her lap as tears began to fall. "I never listened to Lena, or my sisters, or my grandchildren because I was too afraid to trust in someone I couldn't see. I still don't know anyone who believes that it could have been the Rapture, but I can't see any other way. Jerome, what do you think about that?"
Jerome had to keep his tears from falling; this was such a beautiful moment. "I think you are absolutely right. I had been thinking the same thing but was afraid to tell you because I thought you might tell the Potentate...Teodor I mean. He is a great leader but not very happy with Christians right now. Anyway, I found this prayer online awhile back, and I think its called the Sinner's Prayer....and I prayed it in my house, on my knees, crying and crying like I have never cried before. I wanted to tell someone, and I just had to tell you. I know I didn't come in here telling you I was a believer because I was afraid, but now that you know the truth about things, I was wondering if you'd like to pray with me."
"Oh Jerome, absolutely." Her tears fell faster now, splashing on their clenched hands like little raindrops.
"Ok, so say this after me Lena: Dear Jesus, I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my sins. I am sorry for not believing and for rejecting you, and I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died for my sins on the cross and rose on the third day, conquering death. I ask you right now to come into my life and become my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my sins and will worship you for the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus name I pray, Amen." Lena repeated every phrase softly and with her whole heart. After she was done, she threw herself at Jerome in a hug, and he hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry Lord, I'm so sorry" she kept repeating, while Jerome chanted "Thank you Lord, thank you".
Even though Mrs. Argyros still believed her son was loving and successful and wonderful, this was a start, and it was enough. For now.
- Katy
_______________________________________________________________
Steve watched as Andrew and his friends walked away. His thoughts were running wild and he wondered about his good friend and then there was Claire. Dear, sweet Claire and how she had tried to talk to him about Jesus. Could it be possible there really was a rapture? No, it couldn't be true. He had listened tentatively to her talk endlessly about her faith and that Jesus was God in the flesh who had come to earth to reveal the truth about God and His plans for all mankind. He liked Claire and would never show her any disrespect, but had she been telling him the truth? Too many questions were running through his mind and yet, he still wouldn't quite let go of his own will. Did Drew believe now? When he had his last evaluation with airport security they had asked about his understanding of what had taken place when people disappeared and his answer was, "I don't have a clue." During that time his thoughts had gone back to what Claire had told him would one day come to pass.......had she been right?
- P4H
_______________________________________________________________
Julie and Lisa were hugging and dancing around all the while crying and laughing at the same time. David vigorously shook the Rabbi's hand, "It is so good to finally be here. You are looking well, Rabbi. I'm beginning to wonder if those two will ever let go of each other."
"They are certainly glad to see each other. It is good to see you once again, too," the Rabbi laughed.
Andrew, Mark, Bill and Connor joined the happy group and David introduced everyone to the Rabbi and Lisa. They turned to see what all the commotion was about inside the terminal and they could see everyone gathering around the tv screens. They walked to the screen closest to them and watched as Teodor Argros was waving to the crowds that had gathered to watch as his motorcade passed by. He had a smile on his face as the many bowed to him and then the smirk crossed his face, but no one seemed to notice.
Mark shook his head, "How easily people have been deceived. You can see his arrogance and that smirk on his face makes me want to slap him silly. I would imagine only believers see what's behind that smile."
"You are correct. They won't know for some time to come just how evil Teodor will become. There will be those that will eventually see him for who he is, but it may be too late for them. We must be in constant prayer for our brethren that they come to know the evil that comes with following the Anti-Christ," said the Rabbi.
The group stood watching the throngs of people following the parade of limos and armored cars each person just shaking their heads in utter disbelief at what they were seeing. In the distance Steve watched them and wondered to himself what these people were really doing in Jerusalem.
"They are certainly glad to see each other. It is good to see you once again, too," the Rabbi laughed.
Andrew, Mark, Bill and Connor joined the happy group and David introduced everyone to the Rabbi and Lisa. They turned to see what all the commotion was about inside the terminal and they could see everyone gathering around the tv screens. They walked to the screen closest to them and watched as Teodor Argros was waving to the crowds that had gathered to watch as his motorcade passed by. He had a smile on his face as the many bowed to him and then the smirk crossed his face, but no one seemed to notice.
Mark shook his head, "How easily people have been deceived. You can see his arrogance and that smirk on his face makes me want to slap him silly. I would imagine only believers see what's behind that smile."
"You are correct. They won't know for some time to come just how evil Teodor will become. There will be those that will eventually see him for who he is, but it may be too late for them. We must be in constant prayer for our brethren that they come to know the evil that comes with following the Anti-Christ," said the Rabbi.
The group stood watching the throngs of people following the parade of limos and armored cars each person just shaking their heads in utter disbelief at what they were seeing. In the distance Steve watched them and wondered to himself what these people were really doing in Jerusalem.
- P4H
No comments:
Post a Comment