A Abba's Apocalypse (21 page)

              Pastor Paul maneuvers around Katie as she departs. “How are you doing Joe?” He moves closer and stops almost alongside Moses. Paul reaches his hands up from behind Moses and places them on Moses shoulders. Paul tells me, “I

don’t know where you’d be if it wasn’t for the strength of this big guy?” Moses face begins to blush with and “oh, shucks-it weren’t nothing” look. The only thing I can say to them is, “Thanks guys for holding on.” Moses informs me, “Katie is right. You need some more rest. I got to let you know Joey how happy I am right now. Thanks for saving me and my family. I love you man.” This tough strong face that’s been through so much shows signs of cracking. His eyes glaze over as he retreats towards Katie.

              Dave seems to be going crazy trying to get a word in. I see Paul getting ready to speak as I get ready to sip. I lift my

free hand slightly to signal Paul to wait. I tell Dave to go ahead and tell us what’s on his mind. “Did you see the Angel? Did you see those LD flee when he sliced the thing to pieces? The Angel was huge. I was so scared of it, but he stopped the Demon in its tracks!” Dave fills me in with all the emotional aspects on what happen last night. I fill in the blank spots left in my memory with his explanation. The blast of light last night was what Dave recalls as a huge fiery sword. It caused an explosion as the Angel struck the evil beast. I figure that’s the natural reaction of holy meeting evil. I see the exciting pressure discharge from Dave’s face as he finishes telling me this fantastic story. Pastor Paul patiently waits while nodding his affirmation. Dave looks to him checking to see if Paul continues to agree with his recollection of his story. Dave finally remarks, “That was awesome!”

              Dave returns to his sedentary posture waiting for our reactions. Paul nods up and down as he comments, “It’s amazing what God can do.” Dave asks if I need a refill, as Paul’s mouth pauses in the open position sucking air. I hand Dave my cup and tell him, “Filler up buddy.” He grabs it and moves away. Paul asks if anyone told me what else happened here the day I left. “No,” I tell him. “But, I am sure interested to know about the downed jet and the enormous crater.” Paul sits on the edge of my cot knowing this will take time to explain. 

              “Well, a short time after you left here we were attacked. That downed jet you saw tried to bomb the building.” I remember a jet flying over me in this direction when I was going after Moses. Paul continues with “I heard the roar of its engines roaring nearby. I went to the top of the building just in time to watch it finish circling and head straight at us.” I shake my head knowing something fantastic is coming next out of Paul’s mouth. “The jet starts diving downwards. Then, out of the sky appear these magnificent creatures. One had eyes covering its whole body, and even its wings. It was

gigantic; simply huge. The one with eyes all over it leaps

above the jet, and out of nowhere his sword appears. It was so bright that I could hardly bear to look at it. The creature swung its sword and chopped the jet right in half. The front half shot straight upwards and the back half just dispersed into a rainbow of colors.” I remember concluding that the jet was sliced in two after observing the downed jet. Paul continues explaining, “It raised its sword and flung beams of light at the front half of jet causing it to crash really fast. The flinging light turned into flaming bullets as it passed through the jet. Right after it crashed I noticed the New California Army that had lined up on the edge of the store’s property.” This is the part that really intrigues me. What kind of weapon could kill all those soldiers the way I found them? Paul states, “I heard a command come over a loud radio transmission to ‘Attack’. The two remaining creatures flew fast upwards and raised their open hands towards the heavens. Then, they quickly swung both their arms, dunking this swirling void down towards the army. A second later, there was this enormous crater followed by one large boom. I couldn’t see what the Angels threw, but in a way I could.”

              I ask Paul if he might know what caused the magnificent meteor shower. He tells me he found the emergency radio in the box-I discovered. During the storm he turned it on and tuned it in to different shortwave emergency

frequencies. All the stations reported similar messages about

the shower and its destructive power. I learn this was not a local event. Paul describes listening to places as far away as Europe and Africa, telling how they were experiencing the same catastrophic event. “I went to the roof and saw a million fireballs falling from the sky. They were exploding everywhere except right here.” I just stare at Paul in total marvel. I realize exactly everything we both have seen these last few days. It surely was the mighty hand of God.

Chapter 9: Step of Faith

              I remember reading a 1960s dictionary definition for the word “compassion.” Back then there was no concern for “political correctness,” or the worry of offending those sensitive to the Christian religion. Its definition is one I will remember the rest of my life. It simply stated: “Compassion is the feeling of distress and pity originating from the action of Jesus Christ as he hung on the cross, often with the desire to alleviate his suffering.” I look out from the roof top over the town and feel this same type of desire. I know there are still Irreverent out there who need to be saved. I stand in the satisfaction that I have been able to help some so far. But, my spirit yearns to find every soul who would be saved. I shake my head side to side in disbelief to all that has happen recently. The revelation in my mind of what lay ahead weighs my head down with both worry and pity. I fear a higher calling that’s pushing my chin up towards Heaven.

              It has been two weeks since my legs were injured. I’m now able to hobble around without the handmade crutches the guys made for me. They are still bruised badly, but I’ll live. I stiffly descend the access ladder back into what looks like “Noah’s Ark.” The brothers and sisters have organized this place into a large home filled with lots of love. The women have given it their special touch with witty ways of decorating it. It’s the first time in years since I’ve seen children safely playing and heard them happily laughing. I stop halfway down just to marvel at this phenomenal family, and readjust the swinging crutches strapped on my back-which I still carry just in case. In this moment I thank God for all He has done for all of us. I kind of feel this is what Heaven will be like.
              I see Amanda waving to me while she converses with her two friends. I finish my descent and head over to say hello. During my previous mission Pastor Paul took Amanda and several brothers out to the edge of town and rescued Jerry

and Ruth. These are the same two people that were traveling with Amanda and her brother Jimmy before they were captured. They seem fairly fit now, but the group had to drag them back her. They found them badly undernourished and unconscious. They had not eaten or drank water in a week. They seem to be in high spirits living here in their new home.    

              “Hey Joey, do you got a second?” Scotty yells. He’s waving me over to a group of adults on the far side of this large room. I hand signal Scotty with my index finger, meaning I’ll be over in a few seconds. I detour around Amanda, Jerry, and Ruth while telling them, “We’ll meet up later. I have something important to do now.” I head towards Scotty’s beckoning call alerting me that it is time for the daily briefing. I am forced to slam my brakes on along my venture and give the right away to a wild pack of racing children. I feel my legs being spread forcefully from behind. I am surprised by this kid’s sheer determination as he runs through my legs and after the others. I tell the tiny tike those eternal words of wisdom my momma passed down to me many years ago. “Patience is a virtue kid!”

              I carefully cross the intersection and proceed on course towards Scotty’s continually coaxing hand. There is a small excited group of gossiping women that I try and run over, but they have the reflexes of birds on a highway. I limp through and excuse myself as they part for me. I notice my interruption never causes them to lose a single beat of their chatter. “Ladies,” I tell them, as I hurry to hear the real news from the men on the other side of them. I shuffle pass them to the meeting area. “Sit over here Joey,” Scotty instructs me. I follow his advice and find myself sitting in the front row of this creative bleacher of boxes. Dave tries to squeeze his rear in between Scotty and me. He pats my shoulder with a combination “hello” and a “scoot over.” I think how nice it is not to have to worry about the noise I make, or the LD crashing through my front door. Dave hands me a cup of coffee as I tell him, “Thanks buddy!”

              Kenny has been given authority to oversee and delegate details devoted to our everyday living needs. He leads off the discussion by showing us his new creation. It is a “details list” drawn on a large section of cardboard. He finishes his class by explaining how to read the thing, and how to understand our assignments. Moses steps up next. He has been put in charge of all the supplies. Everyone voted him Quartermaster because of his enforcing size. I think it was a good choice. At the end of each week he tells us how much food we used and how much is still left. He also gives accounting of the total population. This has changed recently, as almost all the brothers of “T” have moved over here. Moses tells us the grand total is now 167. I expect that to change dramatically in the coming days as more find out about this supplied safe haven. A couple other brothers give accounts on their assigned, less relevant, positions. I sit through their lethargic conversations while anxiously waiting for Pastor Paul. His job is to monitor the shortwave radio, and-of course, to also give us inspirational advice. He is our link to the outside world. He knows all the real news. We remorsefully begin clapping for the final departing speaker, and then joyfully for our approaching Pastor Paul. 

              “Will everyone bow their heads,” Paul says. “We thank you Lord for all your blessings and your divine protection. Please lead us towards the kingdom and reveal what you would have each us do. Amen!” Solemnly, I lift my head to see a sea of grace filled faces repeating their appreciative “Amen.” Paul places his daily activity report on top his podium of supply boxes, while several brothers politely instruct everyone to be quiet. I sip my coffee while I tentatively await the news.

              “First of all,” Paul states, “I have new information on the devastating meteor shower. I overheard many request for more military medical supplies. It appears most of the military armies across the continent had numerous casualties. I was able to determine there is a major outbreak of disease among

their ranks. And, it seems to be spreading fast.” I turn towards the interruption caused by the clamoring stares. Each one is worrying these plagues are heading our way. Pastor sees the distress and reassures us God has led us here for a holy purpose. He opens his Bible to Palms 91:1 and reads, “For He will deliver you from...the deadly pestilence. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” I remember this passage that I often repeat. I call it my “911” call for help. Paul comments, “The food of faith is the word of God!” This calms this crowd of believers.

              He continues his report stating other related effects caused by the meteor shower. “Several New California transmissions suggest the military is having problems protecting their own bases of operation. It seems Irreverent forces are assaulting some of the smaller instillation. I was able to decipher that the weaken Guard is having troubling defending them. What I think is really interesting is even starving LD are attempting to loot these supplies.” I figure this is good news to some degree. Although we all have suffered much devastation, it has caused Irreverent to unite against the evil in this world. I deduct it won’t be long before the news reports the Irreverent militias are here.

              The “lunch call” has been sounded by my brother Randy. “Lunch is served!” he yells. Pastor Paul reminds the hungry multitude he will have a Bible study in one hour, and a sermon this evening. I hear his itinerary and make a mental note, but it’s my growling stomach I am listening to. “Come youngsters,” Randy barks, “It’s good and hot.” Dave taps the side of his pot warning us to hurry, because, “It won’t stay warm forever.” Katie and the kids hustle behind me in line. I tell her I can’t see who’s ahead of me. I lazily turn, in my daily ritual, acting like I am hypnotized by other events. It is my way of letting her and the hungry kids cut in front of me. They sneakily snicker as they duck and scoot under my raised right arm dedicated to rubbing my chin. Katie smiles and asks me if

I know what’s in the pot. I lean up to see and report, “It looksss like we’re having whole grain rice, anddd gravy, anddd that’s it.” I think it’s not much, but it’s a feast when you’re with friends. I hear Dave amusingly ask, “How’s Captain Ahab doing?” It’s his way of making fun of my current limp. He chuckles while I ask ,“Rrrr, have you seen my real leg? This peg leg is killing me. I know where it is. Dave cooked it and put it in the pot!” Katie smacks my arm as the kids yell, “Ewww!” She salutes me with, “Darn you Joey!” Randy holds his laughter trying not to acknowledge my bad behavior. But, he smiles as he slides his hung head side to side in disapproval. I tell everyone, “At least its real meat for a change.” Once again I’m clobbered for my ruddiness.

              I watch Katie as she retrieves four helpings. I grab the extra serving knowing it’s for Moses. “I’ll bring it to him,” I tell her, “You go sit with the kids.” She smiles her “thank you” at me while herding the youngsters off. Randy, in the meantime, finishes plopping a portion on my plate. I hobble off heading to join Moses who’s trapped in the confines of the supply chamber.

              “I brought you some lunch Moses.” I lean over with his plate onto the board running across the entrance way of the supply room. I watch as Moses appears out of the freezer room heading towards the aroma coming from his lunch. I swing the board up and step into the restricted area to meet him. We find a spot to sit next to his desk of MRE boxes. I notice the list of supplies on it flutters as we sit. “Thanks Joey,” precedes Moses extending hands. I remark, “I never got a chance to find out exactly what happen that night. So, what did happen after you left ‘T’?” I watch as he hurries to gobble down his first bite. He grabs another portion with his spoon and chews out ,“We made it just past the ‘old mill’ store just as the meteor shower started.” He takes another bite and rushes to swallow. “I saw little explosions begin hitting the ground all around the area, so we turned back into the ‘old mill’.” He takes another spoonful and prepares to devourer it.