“What happened in Greece?” Lionel said.
“Someone had tipped the authorities about the deal. GC Drug Enforcement officers were at the dock waiting for us with their bulky protective gear. They seized the ship and searched it. When they found nothing, the captain asked to speak. With all of the officers lined up on that ship, he gave the clearest presentation of the gospel I have ever heard. Most of the GC officers scoffed at him, but I saw a few who prayed and received the mark.”
“Unbelievable,” Judd said.
“And that is just my story,” Mr. Stein said. “There are 144,000 witnesses who are preaching the Good News. Each one of them has a story of God’s working.”
“How did you make it here?” Lionel said.
“The GC had no reason to hold the ship, so the crew asked to escort me to Tel Aviv. As we sailed, I told the men about the commodity co-op of the Tribulation Force. They want to be fishermen by day, helping the coop obtain food, and fishers of men by night, building the kingdom of God.”
Mr. Stein slapped his knees with his hands and stood. Everyone around the room joined hands and stood in a circle. Mr. Stein looked at each one of them. “Now I am back with you in this great city. I am ready to serve however God leads, wherever he wishes. And I tell you that he wants to do something great and mighty through each of you. He wants to accomplish more than you can dream. And I pray that you would let him do it and that none of us would hinder God’s work or become distracted from our true mission.”
Mr. Stein bowed his head. Yitzhak prayed; then others joined in. Judd couldn’t hold back the tears. To think that God would allow him to be part of his plan for reaching others was too much for him.
Judd walked alone later to see Nada. The things Mr. Stein had said were exciting, but troubling as well.
Nada told Judd how difficult it was staying in the small apartment with her family and the others. Her father didn’t want them moving in and out for fear they would be reported. Kasim struggled with whether to call Kweesa and talk with her about God.
Judd told Nada about Mr. Stein’s return and everything he had seen and done. Several times he had to stop and compose himself as he described how God had worked.
“I wish I could have been there with him,” Nada said.
Judd nodded. “I want to be just like him. He’s singleminded and won’t let anything get in the way of doing what God wants.”
Nada stared at Judd. “What does that do to us? Am I a distraction?”
Judd smiled. “You’re a good distraction. But I’ve been thinking a lot about Pavel and Sam. Lionel’s called me on this a couple of times and I think he’s right. I’ve let down my friends. Being with you is great. Our friendship means a lot to me, but right now it just seems . . .”
“Selfish?”
“Yeah, exactly.” Judd paused and looked into Nada’s eyes. “Maybe God wants us to work together. Maybe he wants us apart. I don’t know which it’s supposed to be. But whatever God wants, that’s what I want.”
“I understand,” Nada said. “Me too. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt. I felt like we were growing together. Let’s not tell anyone about this until we’re sure what God wants us to do.”
“Agreed,” Judd said. “Let’s be totally committed to doing what God wants us to do from now on.”
33
VICKI watched the miles roll by as the kids headed west in the minivan. Shelly had driven first on an old tollway coming from Chicago. In places, concrete slabs rose straight up and Shelly had to drive off the road, but mostly the driving was slow, watching out for potholes or separated roadways.
Pete had warned them not to drive too fast. “You’ll hit smooth spots and think you can drive the old speed limit. That’s when people bust a tire and get themselves stranded.”
The kids were aware of news reports of roving bandits. Before the locusts had come, groups of bandits had taken over lonely stretches of roads. They stopped cars, robbed the occupants, and stole vehicles. Sometimes the people inside the cars were even killed. But now reports of these bandits had dwindled.
At night, the kids pulled the van away from the road and slept in it. It took them nearly two days to get to their first meeting in Iowa. Mark had given directions to a college about fifty miles from Des Moines. They found the campus in ruins, most of the stone buildings destroyed by the earthquake. Huge trees had been uprooted and lay strewn between piles of rubble. A few of the older buildings were still standing but looked dangerous.
“Where do you think everybody is?” Shelly said.
“The meeting isn’t supposed to start until sundown,” Vicki said. “Let’s get something to eat.”
They hid the minivan behind some shrubs and ate sandwiches. Vicki used the cell phone to call Mark but couldn’t get a signal. When the sun went down, the kids got out and walked the campus.
“I don’t see anybody,” Conrad said.
Something moved in some trees. At first Vicki thought it was the wind blowing leaves; then she realized the movement was young people walking toward them. Soon the campus was full of teens and young adults.
A girl a little older than Vicki stepped forward and shook hands. “I’m Kelly Bradshaw. I sent the e-mail inviting you here. Are you Mark?”
Conrad shook his head and introduced himself. “Mark stayed behind. Vicki is the one who does the teaching.”
“Come on,” Kelly said, “we’re meeting in Darby.”
Darby had been a combination gymnasium and computer center for the college. Kids with flashlights illuminated the room. The floor was cracked. Bleachers sat at an angle and looked unsafe. What hadn’t been destroyed by the earthquake had been wrecked by looters.
Kelly led them down a set of concrete stairs to a locker room. “We’ll be safe down here.”
“Do you all stay together?” Vicki said.
“Some of us took over my family’s farm a couple of miles away,” Kelly said. “We’re trying to grow our own food so we can live when we can’t buy it. Others are people we’ve met from the area. Some came all the way from Missouri. Everybody’s a believer.”
Some kids sat on benches, others on the floor. Vicki did a quick count and estimated there were almost a hundred in the room. She looked for something to write on, and Kelly handed her a black Magic Marker. “Just write on that wall.”
“My name is Vicki Byrne,” she said, her voice echoing through the locker room. “I believe we’re living in one of the most exciting times in the history of the world. By the end of the soul harvest, there will be more Christ followers than at the time of the Rapture.
“That’s the good news. The bad news is that Nicolae Carpathia and the Global Community are in control. There is so much evil, and that’s only going to get worse. That’s where we come in. Our job is to tell as many as we can about God’s message.”
Mark tried to contact Vicki and the others about their next meeting but couldn’t. He had fallen asleep at the computer and was awakened by the phone.
“You won’t believe how well the meeting went,” Vicki said. “We’re staying another day at a farm nearby and going through the rest of the teaching. These kids are really learning.”
“Great,” Mark said, “but you’ll have to drive tonight if you’re going to get to Minnesota by tomorrow evening.”
“We can do it,” Vicki said.
While he talked with Vicki, Mark opened an e-mail from Lionel.
“Read it,” Vicki said.
“We’re back in Israel,” Mark read, “but our friend Sam is missing. He went to see his dad a couple of days ago and hasn’t returned. We’re trying to decide what to do.
“Mr. Stein is back and you should hear his stories. He could write a book about all that God’s done! But my main reason for writing is Judd. He’s been seeing . . .” Mark stopped and read the rest of the message silently.
“What is it?” Vicki said. “What about Judd?”
“It’s . . . nothing,” Mark said.
“Tell me,” Vicki said.
Mark read on. “Judd’s been seeing a girl ever since we came here. We went to New Babylon because his friend was dying, but I wound up spending more time with Pavel than he did.”
“I remember Judd talking about him,” Vicki said. “Pavel’s dead?”
“I guess so.” Mark kept reading. “Some good things came out of him being with her, but I’m afraid we’re going to lose him. He and Nada are getting serious.”
“Her name is Nada?” Vicki said. “What kind of name is that?”
“Almost finished,” Mark said. “Please pray for Judd and 330 Sam and that we’d find a way back to the States as soon as possible. I want to get back and help you guys with the schoolhouse.” Vicki took a deep breath.
After a few moments Mark said, “You all right?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Vicki said quickly. “Have you heard anything from Carl?”
“He’s checked in a couple of times. He’s still in good with the GC and they don’t suspect anything. He did say they found Traickin along the side of the road somewhere in Tennessee. He’d been stung.”
“What a surprise,” Vicki said.
“They must have gotten some information from you guys because they arrested a bunch of people from Johnson City, and they’re looking for a hideout in Illinois, but Carl doesn’t think they’re even close to us.”
“Is there anything we can do for the people in Tennessee?” “Carl said they’re waiting to be processed as rebels.”
“What will the GC do with them?”
“Maybe some kind of reeducation facility. Or the GC could try to make an example of them and put them in prison. Or worse.”
Vicki groaned.
“You can’t blame yourself. You rescued those people from the GC once.”
“Yeah, but what good did it do? They’re in jail. Can you do me a favor?”
“Name it.”
Vicki gave Mark Omer’s name and asked if Carl could find out any information. “I’m afraid Omer might try something stupid to get his mom and the others out.”
“I’ll get on it and check back with you when you guys are on the road tonight.”
Vicki tried to teach in the afternoon but felt distracted. She had the kids break into small groups to pray and come up with questions.
She took a walk in a cornfield to clear her head. The people in Tennessee were on her mind, but it was the news about Judd that had her stomach tied in knots. She had talked with him before her trip with Pete, but he hadn’t said anything about Nada.
Vicki argued with herself as she walked. She and Judd fought like cats and dogs. He was a couple of years older and from a different background. Still, Vicki had to admit she cared for Judd. There were times when things went well. Now, with news of Nada, Vicki felt frustrated. Don’t you see what this is doing to you? There are a hundred kids waiting to learn more about God, and you’re out here in a cornfield acting like a schoolgirl!
Shelly found Vicki and asked what was wrong. “You didn’t seem yourself this afternoon.”
Vicki told her about Mark’s call. “Believe me, I don’t want to waste energy on something stupid like this.”
“But it feels bad, doesn’t it?” Shelly said.
“It feels like somebody punched me in the stomach. I know I don’t need Judd. Since he’s been gone I’ve grown a lot; I’ve been able to do more things. But there’s still part of me that misses him.”
“Maybe God separated you for that reason,” Shelly said. “He wanted both of you to grow so that when you get back together—”
“How’s that going to happen if Judd’s married? I told you what Lionel said.”
“If Judd gets married, which is pretty unlikely, then you can move on.” Shelly put out a hand and stopped Vicki. “It’s not like you’re the only one who has these kinds of feelings.”
“You like Judd too?” Vicki said.
Shelly laughed. “Judd’s not my type. But when you’re thrown together with so many people, you naturally have feelings for them.”
“Who?” Vicki said.
Shelly rolled her eyes. “No way. I’m not getting into this. But I want you to know you’re not alone with your feelings.”
“Thanks,” Vicki said. “Do you like Mark?”
Shelly shook her head. “Come on, let’s get back to the group.”
When Sam didn’t return or call, Judd went to Mr. Stein and asked his opinion.
The man scratched his beard. “I’ve been thinking a lot about him,” Mr. Stein said. “Before we left for Africa I told Sam I would talk with his father if I ever had the chance. Perhaps that time is now.”
Mr. Stein decided it would be best to go to Sam’s house late at night. Even those who had already been stung by locusts avoided going out at night because of the eerie sounds. Mr. Stein agreed that Judd and Lionel could come along if they stayed out of sight.
As they walked, Mr. Stein told them more details about his travels. There seemed to be no end to the miracles God had performed.
“The temptation is to think that I can do great things for God in my own strength, but that is not true. I can only do what Christ strengthens me to do. I found that the long hours of travel prepared me for what was ahead. I would pray as we walked or rode and asked God for his intervention.” Mr. Stein stopped. “This is a perfect example. As we walk, let’s bring this situation before God.”
Mr. Stein went first and prayed for Mr. Goldberg. Judd asked protection for Sam, and Lionel prayed that Mr. Stein would be kept safe. They continued praying as they walked.
“Our Father, Mr. Goldberg is a servant of Nicolae Carpathia,” Mr. Stein prayed. “He has been blinded to the truth, and we ask that you might open his eyes tonight and accept the message we bring.”
When they came in sight of Sam’s house, Lionel said, “What are you going to say to him?”
Mr. Stein smiled. “I imagine Sam has used every argument he can think of with his father. At this point, I believe the only thing that can change Mr. Goldberg’s mind about God is God himself.”
Judd pointed to the house. A light was on in the living room, but the blinds were closed. Judd and Lionel slipped into the shadows beside the house as Mr. Stein stepped to the front door.
Mr. Stein paused before knocking. Judd saw the man’s lips move in one final prayer. He knocked twice and stood back.
Judd glanced at the street, thinking they might have walked into a trap, but there were no Global Community squad cars in sight. A shaft of light hit Mr. Stein in the face as someone opened the door.
“Yes?” Mr. Goldberg said.
Mr. Stein stood like a stone and stared at the man.
“What do you want? Don’t just stand there; tell me!”
Mr. Stein stepped forward. “Is your son here?”
Mr. Goldberg’s voice trembled. “You’re one of them, aren’t you?”
“I am a servant of the most high God. I have come to find out about your son.”
“He . . . he isn’t here,” Mr. Goldberg said. “They took him away.”
“Who?”
“I called them when he came back.”
Mr. Stein said nothing.
“I have had second thoughts. He is a good son. He’s mixed-up.”
“He is trying to tell you the truth.”
Mr. Goldberg stepped outside. Judd could tell the locust sting had weakened him. He looked thin and his hair was much grayer. Judd guessed he was at the end of the cycle of pain the locust had inflicted.
“I have bad dreams,” Mr. Goldberg whispered. “Can you help me?”
Mr. Stein nodded and glanced at Judd. “Pray.”
34
JUDD told Lionel to keep watch at the back of Mr. Goldberg’s house; then he found an open window at the side.
Mr. Goldberg asked Mr. Stein if he wanted anything to drink, and Mr. Stein refused.
“Why haven’t you been stung? Everyone I know has been.”
“Not y
our son,” Mr. Stein said. “God does not punish his children in these judgments.”
“How could those things possibly distinguish between one person and another?” Mr. Goldberg said.
“You will see greater miracles than that. Now tell me about your dreams.”
Mr. Goldberg sat back and put a hand to his forehead. “How could you possibly help me?”
“Throughout the centuries God has used dreams to draw people to himself. Tell me.”
“It’s the same one each time. There is a hideous beast attacking people. I don’t see its face, but I see the terror in the eyes of the people being attacked. For some reason, I can’t help them. This monster continues until it devours everyone I love.
“Then I see my son. He is running toward me, calling out my name. He runs straight toward the beast and tries to fight him with a sword, but he is so small. I try to move but I can’t. I’m stuck. That’s the end of the dream. I wake up in a cold sweat.”
“Did you tell your son this dream?” Mr. Stein said.
“Of course not! Besides, he was taken away so quickly, I didn’t have time.”
Mr. Stein bowed his head in prayer.
Mr. Goldberg leaned forward. “Do you think this dream means something?”
Mr. Stein nodded. “I’m not sure you’re ready to hear it.”
“I am. Please.”
“Sometime ago I told your son I would speak with you about these things if the time was right. If you will open your heart to the truth, you will understand.”
“I’m ready to hear,” Mr. Goldberg said.
“Then hear the interpretation. The beast in your dream is the Global Community. You are powerless to move because you have been deceived by this monster. Your son carries the sword of truth, which is the Word of God. Though he is small and outnumbered, he battles the beast because he knows one day God will be victorious.”
“Why is he fighting? If he would simply join us . . .”
“He battles for your soul,” Mr. Stein said. “He knows if you do not believe in the only Son of God, your soul will be lost forever.”
Sam’s dad stood and walked a few steps. Judd couldn’t see the man’s face, but he could hear the anger in his voice.
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