Tom Halleron: Audra Shields’ college beau
Trisha (Patricia) Callahan: head of Patterson Aviation’s Research and Development Department
Yossi Behrman: Israel’s Prime Minister
GLOSSARY
albondigas: meatballs
artesonado: an inlaid wooden ceiling with gilded, painted or carved panels
dabka: a dance only for men
daya: midwife
dhambora: musical instrument
DHS: Department of Homeland Security
DTs: delirium tremens; a disorder found in habitual users of alcohol
couscous: coarsely ground pasta made of wheat
empanadas: stuffed pastry or bread, fried or baked
enrollados: dough filled and rolled with either meat, cheese or vegetables, or combination of all; can also be a desert filled and rolled with sugar, nuts, etc.
falafel: deep fried balls of crushed wheat and chick peas
finjan: small containers for serving coffee
jihad: Muslim “holy war” against infidels
jihadist: a Muslim who participates in jihad
garbanzo salad: salad made from garbanzo beans and a variety of other ingredients
gazpacho: chilled vegetable soup
hijab: woman’s head scarf
IDF: Israel Defense Forces
ISP: internet service provider
ISA: Islamic State of America; fictitious group
kaffiyeh: Arab male head covering
majnum: a demon
muezzin: the crier who calls Muslims to prayer five times a day
neodymium magnet: strongest permanent commercial magnet available
NPR910: fictitious nuclear power reactors that make up the propulsion system of the P2
NTSB: National Transportation Safety Board
PA: Patterson Aviation, a fictitious air frame manufacturing company
paella: a sausage and seafood dish
pollo escabeche: a savory chicken dish
R&D: research and development
shadeed: a Muslim who dies a martyr’s death by blowing himself up or by other means
shia Muslim: believes Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s son-in-law, was first Caliph and successive rulers should come from this line. They also believe their messiah, the Mahdi, will come only after they have called for jihad and created world chaos
snafu: military slang indicating a mix-up
sunni Muslim: believes Muhammad’s father-in-law, Abu Bakr, was first Caliph and that successive rulers should come from this line
SST: supersonic transport
CTOL: conventional take off and land
surah: chapter in the Quran
SUV: Sports utility vehicle
tambours: drums
tostadas: fried tortillas
VTOL: vertical take off and land
Yishuv: Jewish community in Palestine prior to the 1948 formation of the state of Israel
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Many people look at what’s going on in the world today and feel uneasy. Violence and uncertainty seem to mark the times, but no matter how unsettling things become, we, Christians, should remember that God is in control and more than able to protect us and guide us through these troubling waters.
While rewriting the novel which became The Babel Conspiracy I wanted redemption for my character, Audra Shields. After all, God is in the restoring, forgiving, and healing business, and He can do this for anyone. But try as I might, I couldn’t make it fit with the story. That’s when it hit me that, yes, God does forgive and restore, but He does so for only those who want it. He’ll never violate anyone’s free will. In addition, Audra is a reminder that not all those we love, pray for, or witness to will want to come to the Lord. This is a sad reality, but a reality nevertheless.
We are all sinners in need of a Savior, and God waits patiently for each of us to come to that realization. And salvation comes only through Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) If you don’t know Him, won’t you change that now by confessing to Him that you are a sinner, then ask Him into your life? It will change you forever.
Love and blessings,
Sylvia Bambola
Website: http://www.sylviabambola.com
Email: [email protected]
QUESTIONS FOR READERS GROUPS/BOOK CLUBS
The Babel Conspiracy deals with the issue of adultery. As the world loses its moral compass, adultery seems to be on the rise. When men and women work together and share common interests at work, like Michael Patterson and Trisha Callahan, the temptation becomes even stronger. What are some of the things people can and should do at work to combat this?
What does the Bible say about adultery?
The Bible is full of types and shadows. Does physical adultery picture how God views spiritual adultery, when His bride, a member of His church, pursues other gods? Gods like money, pleasure, fame, etc.?
Temptation is real. Christians aren’t immune. As a Christian, how is it dealt with?
Lord Acton said: “All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Given the sin nature of man, could it be possible for even a future president of the United States to abuse his power? What abuse of power have you witnessed?
The news is filled with stories of terrorists who tell their captives to either convert to Islam or die. What would you do if faced with this situation?
Addiction is a destroyer. It destroys individuals, families, communities. And alcohol and drug addition are among the most common. In the novel, Audra Shields begins using alcohol to calm her fears. What are some of the other reasons people begin to abuse alcohol or drugs?
If we are to turn to God for our security, identity, comfort, etc., doesn’t that make using alcohol or drugs as a means of obtaining these things wrong? Aren’t these things, then, like idols? Why? Or why not?
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