Chapter 7

     The day of the guru's address to the UN arrived. It was an oppressive day as the town of Fort Wayne was on the outer rim of Hurricane Nadine. The residents were experiencing bouts of low pressure in the atmosphere, giving rise to feelings of being off.

     Cynthia Washington was glad it would soon be the weekend. She had had a difficult two weeks at school. Things were being taken out of her hands and being the principal didn't appear to mean much any more. Cynthia knew that the authorities were conferring with her deputy Mrs. Myra Willard behind her back. Myra was totally for the guru and very anti-religious. Cynthia was worried about the way things were going at the school. Myra was unpopular with both the staff and the students and she knew that Myra was likely reporting on her.

     It had been announced that governmental education officials were coming to the school the following week to work with staff and students. She was worried about this.

     Her husband Gene came into the kitchen at that moment.

     "Gene! Mom came early for to take the babies. I need to go now. I don't want the television on if that guru entity is speaking as I don't want the kids listening to his poison." Announced Cynthia.

     Gene sighed in exasperation and poured himself some coffee.

     "Cynthia. We need to move on. This guy has some good ideas. We can at least hear him out and listen to what he has to say. I have an open mind about all this. I don't see any harm in listening to him. Maybe he has the answer." Commented Gene.

     "No Gene! He is the anti-Christ. It tells us in Holy Scriptures that we must not even look on the beast or his image. I don't want him influencing my children or anyone else's." Cynthia insisted.

     "Don't you think you're taking this religion thing too far?" Gene asked her as he put bread into the toaster.

     "No I don't Gene and it is time someone shouted out against him." Cynthia yelled.

     "I think we should take ourselves off for a nice weekend somewhere, forget all about the guru, leave the kids with your mom and go enjoy ourselves. Your mom is always asking us to do that. We could go to that nice little place we went to on the road to 'Little Rock', you know the place with the hot springs and the barbecued food." Suggested Gene as he kissed Cynthia on the back of the neck.

     "Gene! That will need to wait. We can go again. This is an important issue and I have had problems with Myra Willard all week again. I'm sure she is reporting on me."

     "Oh I have problems with her Old Man. He is just as bad in fact they are well matched! The guys are sure he is reporting on them. They say he has the mark of the beast. Mike, Bobby and Mark and Joe are sure of it." Laughed Gene.

     "I believe them! Sue is convinced Myra has it also and their son!" Retorted Cynthia.

     "Aw c'mon Cynthia." Said Gene with a grin.

     "Gene please don't have that broadcast on. If you love me you won't. Sister Mary-Jo received some prophecies about it and I am really fearful of the consequences of us having anything to do with this man's broadcast. I don't want my kids exposed to his poison." Pleaded Cynthia.

     "Heck Cynthia! You are becoming more and more like a Catholic nun daily. Perhaps you should join a darn convent." Gene said heatedly.

     "This religion stuff has gone to your head. It is all you ever talk about. There is no fun to you anymore." He added.

     "You are one to talk Gene Washington! All you think of and talk of is the Lodge and the Royal Arch and degree work and installations and harmonies! All connected with your lodge! It's the only apron you ever wear as you don't help around the house!" Yelled Cynthia.

     "That is unfair! I only suggested that you are going over the top about religion."

     "Pity you can't seem to get a bit of it." She said as she grabbed her brief case.

     "We need to move on. And maybe this guru guy has got some good ideas. His ideas on the world food situation and the financial chaos are really concise and well defined." Yelled Gene.

     "There is no food shortage! And the financial chaos is orchestrated!" She shouted back at him.

     "That is your opinion!" He said heatedly.

     "Your toast is burning!"

     Gene made an exasperated noise and swore under his breath.

     "Ok Gene I'm off. Don't forget to put those clothes in the dryer. I want them ready for tonight and put in a second load once this washing finishes." She said kissing him on the cheek.

     Again Gene raised his eyes at this request, grabbed the burnt toast and threw it out. He grabbed his coffee and went towards his study grabbing the papers as he passed. Peace at last he thought. This was something he rarely got having five young children.

     He'd watch his own TV in peace and quiet and read the newspapers to his heart's content.

     How he loved his wife and how proud of her he was despite her hobbies and her affiliations. He just needed to chill out on his own every now and again.

     He could watch the football now and even have a few beers and maybe even a large whiskey. He rarely got the weekend off and a Friday together, and he was going to make the best of it.

     The next few months would be chaotic for him as he took over the running of the precinct as chief of police. He would be lucky to have any time off after that.

     Some distance away Lieutenant Mike Douglas was out in his patrol car on police community business. He had a weird feeling that something wasn't right.

     He knew about the Satanic broadcast of the guru that was to come later that day, but this was something else and he could not account for it. The feeling became extremely more intense as the morning progressed.

     He asked Jesus to cover him in His Precious Blood and waited for direction. His partner Sergeant Bobby MacDonald felt the same.

     Both felt that the Lord was very close and was going to manifest in some way to them that day. He would show both of them what they were to do.

     Up in the hills Charley Jackson had just cooked himself some breakfast. He had been up checking on his new batch of hooch and was pleased at its progress. He would need to remember to take a bottle or two back for Father Ben, Dave Schneiderman, Deputy Mayor Towers and Nat his buddy that owned the distillery. Charley laughed to himself. The guy had a whole distillery to himself and yet he drank Charley's hooch like it was going out of fashion.

     Nat and Father Ben often urged Charley to go legal and register his product but Charley loved the thrill of the moonshining. His moonshining trade had been passed on from his great, great grandfather and was a family business.

     Charley proudly told everyone that Robert E Lee only came to Fort Wayne twice and that was to get some of his great, great grand pappy's hooch. He liked it so much that he came back for a second bottle.

     Charley had stayed overnight at his main still along with his two brothers Wade and Nathan and had spent the night drinking beer and telling jokes and stories. He however had another reason for being up at his still. The old street evangelist Ron Jeffries had warned him that he needed to get right with the Lord and start using these stills of his for storing supplies and hiding remnants. Ron had told him that time was short and the Tribulation was about to begin. The old man's words had bothered Charley this time and he decided that he would assess the potential of his stills and dens for hiding people and storing supplies. He actually had them well stocked as he used the three stills and three dens as places where he and his brothers and Sam, Carl, Will and Brent could come and chill out.

     Meanwhile Sam Elliott was doing some ranch work on his own that morning and was feeling rather uneasy. He's had a bad dream the night before and in the dream he could see the demon glaring at him and heard him telling him that he was after his boys. It was so intense that Sam woke up and sat up and could not get back to sleep. He had said a prayer and read some scriptures. The feeling stayed with him. He would call Pastor Steve as soon as he got back from his business trip to Alabama.

     Sam had work to do and he wanted to go into town later in the morning to buy some stuff for the kids' projects at school. They needed some equipment for their assignments. He wanted to be home later for the kids and had instructed everyone around the ranch that he did not want any guru broadcast on either on TV, radio or the Internet. He had repeated it at the morning staff meeting and would insist that it was complied with.

     Sam was sure that something was in the air. He felt a strangeness and uneasiness that something was about to happen, something big. He'd get into town and get those things for the kids before it got any later. He had a feeling that he needed to be on the ranch that day as the Lord was going to manifest in some way.

     Back at Mercy Hospital Sister Mary- Jo was finishing her rosary. She had been on night shift at the maternity wing where she was a head nurse. It had been a long hard night and they had been run off their feet. She would have a shower and get to bed. She had phoned Cynthia and asked to be excused from the mother and baby cell meeting the next day as she was doing a double shift. She had also been phoning around all her Christian friends and urging them not to have the guru's broadcast on and to pray during it. She and her Catholic friends would say the Chaplet Of Divine Mercy before, during and after the broadcast. Mary -Jo had a strange feeling of expectation that day. She didn't think it was all to do with the man of perdition's broadcast. It was something else. She would phone Sam Elliott and then say the Chaplet Of Divine Mercy and see how things went.

     Sister was an avid advocate of the Chaplet and the Rosary. She knew that the 'Warning' was coming. How she wished it would come soon and illumine mankind's souls. She also knew that the new Pope Pious was the false prophet and feared for the life of the properly elected Pope Peter. She also knew that it would soon be time to flee as the great persecution would soon be upon them. Oh how they needed the 'Warning', the illumination of all consciences that had been predicted.

     She had heard how the Blessed Virgin at Garabandal and then again at Medjugorje had predicted the 'Warning'. Oh how the sad world needed a jolt she thought.

     Mary-Jo phoned Sam Elliott and got him, as he was about to leave for the town.

     Sam was pleased to hear from Sister Mary -Jo and promised her that he would get his friends and his pastor to pray whilst the guru was addressing the General Assembly. Sam liked Mary- Jo. He had never had any Catholic contacts before until the commitment to Jesus course and he really thought Mary Jo was an awesome lady. Sam told Mary- Jo that he had a weird feeling about something that he could not account for. Mary- Jo told him about her similar feeling.

     He found himself telling her about the dream that he had had.

     "Oh don't you be worrying about that Sam. Himself down there is angry because you have raised seven fine Christian sons and two Christian nephews and he is just trying to cause you disquiet. Just ask Jesus to cover you with His Precious Blood. I do think that before this day is over that something will have happened that is awesome and will change things. You know St. Padre Pio always said 'pray hope and don't worry,' That is what you need to do Sam and don't let the kids or anyone else listen to or watch the garden gnome's broadcast. I think he will have a Satanic hypnotic influence on those who are watching and listening." She said.

     "They are seeking to captivate our souls and bring us under their influence but we are all under the influence of the Holy Spirit and we all belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep in touch Sam and keep me in your prayers and I will also pray for all of you."

     "Thanks Sister! I will do that."

     "See you soon." Mary -Jo said.

     Sam put the phone back and headed to his car. He would get to town and get back as soon as possible.

     In town at the entrance to the public park Old Ron was more impassioned than ever that day. He was turning heads. This was unusual as most people usually ignored Ron.

     Many stopped to listen to him as he proclaimed the word of the Lord.

     Sam heard him as he headed back to the parking lot after getting the stuff he needed.

     "By the time this day is over the Lord Himself will have separated the sheep from the goats. Sides will have been taken and the power of Christ will be made manifest. We will all know where we stand with the Lord. as he will let us see into the depths of our souls. Are you going to be for Him or for Satan and the noxious lies of the anti- Christ? Are you going to listen to the falsehoods and false teachings of the Man Of Perdition? Fools! This very day the Lord will call some of you to account. Will you be ready or will you shrink away at the enormity of your revealed sins? Will you futilely try to run and hide when you find out that there is indeed a God and that His precious son Jesus did indeed die for YOU on Calvary? Will you die of shock and shame because you have constantly denied or rejected God and His love for you? Repent whilst you can and make things right with the Lamb whilst you still have the chance to do so. There will be little time left to convert when the 'Great Sign' comes and time is short! Repent and receive the Lord before it is too late!" Thundered Ron.

     Sam wondered what he meant by the 'Great Sign' and by the enormity of ones sins being revealed. Some people had laughed at the old man and some had been shocked. Some thought that Ron was becoming senile and some accused him of getting away from the Bible altogether.

     Sam thought back to the night of the comet and the storm. Ron had known that it was about to happen. Many of the things that he had warned them about had come to past. Sam's pastor, Steve Tyler had often spoken of Old Ron having the gifts of prophecy and revelations and regarded him as a man filled with the Holy Spirit. Sam decided to get home as soon as possible.

     Pastor Steve was getting ready to board a flight from Birmingham and was headed home. He also had a weird uneasy feeling that morning that he could not account for. He sat in the departure lounge restless and anxious to get home.

     As he looked around he noticed that a stocky blond man was sitting in the seat across from him. The man smiled over at Steve, seeming to recognize him.

     Steve looked again at the man and recognized him immediately from the night of the comet and the storm.

     "Dan? Doctor O'Connell?"

     Dan took his reading glasses off and smiled again.

     "Well hello Pastor Steve! I thought it was you. How are you?"

     "Mind if I sit with you?" Steve asked.

     "That would be great. It is great to see you again." Dan told him.

     "How are you doing?" He asked Steve.

     "I'm ok but that's more than I can say for this country." He told Dan.

     "I am more than a bit concerned about the state of the world right now also."

     "Yeah tell me about it! It is even worse back home my family in Ireland tell me."

     "Really? Yeah I always said Europe would get it first." Steve replied.

     "Don't suppose we've time to get a cup of coffee before we go on this flight. I sure could use one." Steve told him.

     "I think that could be arranged easy enough!" Laughed Dan.

     "I always come prepared." He said with a laugh.

     At that Dan took a small thermos flask and poured out some steaming black coffee.

     "Be my guest! Oh and it's 'Gaelic coffee' and has a shot of scotch in it." He said in a pleasant Irish accent.

     "I have just had one and there is enough for yet another."

     "Gee thanks! Could actually use a nip of something stronger right now." Steve answered taking the small cup gratefully.

     "I almost slept in and had to miss out on the coffee to get here." He explained.

     "Oh I have done that myself many times." Dan answered.

     "Where have you been?" He asked Dan.

     "I was at a study seminar on trauma surgery. That is my specialty."

     "Gee that will come in handy for the remnant as the tribulation gets under way." Steve declared. Where are you based now Doc?"

     "I am still working at the Mercy Hospital."

     "Gee! I am there from time to time visiting parishioners." Steve said.

     "Next time you are there give me a buzz. Call the switchboard and ask them to page me and we can have a coffee."

     "Sure! That would be swell! I'll do that."

     Steve noticed that Dan had a small book in front of him. It had 'Scripture Rosary' written on the front. Steve knew from the night of the comet and the storm that this man was deeply spiritual and religious and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Steve didn't know anything about the Catholic religion as he had been brought up to look on it as blasphemous and idolatrous. He had always shunned Catholics and the Catholic faith until now but he liked this man.

     "What do you think of this guru guy and him addressing the UN General Assembly today?" Asked Steve.

     "It is totally evil and without God." Answered Dan.

     "You bet it is and I only hope my parishioners are aware of the evil and its implications and I hope and pray that they will avoid having him on." Steve told him.

     "I have phoned some of my elders and asked them to spread the word to my congregation and to anyone else that will listen." Steve continued.

     "Good on you. It is becoming scary now." Dan replied.

     "What about your new Pope? Think he is going to be popular?" Steve asked.

     "Our new Pope has disappeared. The person that sits on the papal throne is not our pope. He is the false prophet and nothing to do with our faith and beliefs." Dan told Steve heatedly.

     "You only need to hear him speak for a minute and you can tell that he is not of us and is an imposter! He's an imposition on the Catholic Church." Dan went on.

     "I phoned my buddy Sam Elliott, the guy we stayed with that night of the storm and we are considering taking our kids out of the schools. The principal of the elementary school is a Christian but there are others that are preaching about the guru, I have been told, behind the principals back. The other principals of the high school and the middle school seem to be conforming to the new regime." Steve told him.

     "My kids are at a Catholic school but I am not so sure about it either right now as there are some teachers that have also allied themselves to the guru. I hear that some are teaching blasphemy and are ready to follow both the guru and the false pope!" Stated Dan.

     "I have felt that something was about to happen and that it would change a whole lot of things." Steve said.

     "Well of course we are waiting for an event that has been predicted in these times. It is called the 'Warning' and it will illumine humankind's consciences and everyone will see himself or herself as they stand in God's eyes and will also be judged according to how they are right now. They will have no doubt that it comes from God and they will see where they will be going unless they amend their lives."

     Steve stared at Dan.

     "What was this and who made these prophecies?" He inquired.

     Dan looked at his watch.

     "Well we have enough time so if you care to listen I will tell you."

     Steve sat back to listen.

     About then back at the residence of the parish priest in Fort Wayne Father Sean and Father Brendan were having breakfast. Father Brendan was recently ordained and was an enthusiastic devotee of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He was preparing for a pro-life rosary rally the next day. They had a really good mother and baby rescue cell in Fort Wayne with lots of enthusiastic workers like Margaret McNally and Cathy Chan along with some Baptist and Presbyterian ladies. There was also a healing ministry for women who had had abortions. There was also a prison ministry and a ministry for street work, helping the homeless, and those with addiction problems.

     Father Sean was reading his newspaper. He laughed loudly and sat back stretching.

     "Wow! This new pope sure is going to rock the foundations of the church. He's going to abolish confession and allow divorce and there is talk that he is going to reform the whole liturgy and in particular the Eucharist." Father Sean said.

     "He is not our pope. The true pope has gone missing Sean and fine you know it! Things have gone wrong and I fear that we will need to go into hiding pretty soon as it is not going to be the Catholic Church we know. Wait to see him doing something shocking. Father Ben agrees but says we must await decisions from our bishops as to what we should do next." Father Brendan went on.

     "What a load of trash! The church needs to be reformed whether Ben and folk like him agree or not." Father Sean continued.

     "Where is himself this morning?"

     "He's at a meeting of the pro-life cell in town."

     "Stupid old fool." Rasped Father Sean.

     "He needs to stay out of the abortion issue and quit interfering. We're over populated for heaven's sake. He needs to go on home to Scotland and sort out their problems. Why doesn't he keep his nose out of stuff like that and quit running around with all those Baptists and Methodists and Presbyterians. He only goes to Sue Jackson because her dearly beloved, crooked Old Charley fixes his car for him and keeps him going on hooch!" Father Sean informed him.

     "Those are unfair comments Sean."

     "Heck they are true Brendan and I hear he's been socializing with that little nerd Steven Tyler the preacher and Sam his side kick." Went on Father Sean.

     "Oh they are nice sincere guys Sean. Sam Elliott and Charley rescued us on the night of the tornado and Sam took us to his ranch and gee he couldn't have done enough for us. Sam is so sincere."

     "There's none of them sincere guys and you ain't going to tell me that Charley Jackson is born again and saved now, for he is as crooked as the day is long. I'm also told that Charley Jackson was the best cross burner this side of the Mississippi and would have lynched a Catholic before an African-American." Father Sean stated emphatically with a sneer.

     "He's changed now Sean and is seeking the Lord."

     "That remains to be seen!" Declared Father Sean.

     "Jackson has an illegal still up in the mountains and Old Father Ben is one of his best customers." Father Sean told him.

     "Oh and the bishop and the chief of police I believe." Brendan told him.

     Just then Father Ben drove into the courtyard.

     Father Brendan was glad of this interruption. He watched as Father Ben headed toward the house. A minute later he was entering through the kitchen door.

     "Hi Father! There's fresh coffee newly made." Father Brendan told him.

     "Brendan. Did you look in on Old Mr. McNally this week at all?" He asked as he put his briefcase down.

     "Yes I did Father and he was in fine form. Ready to give me a few good tips on the horses." Laughed Father Brendan.

     "Oh God help us then he must be feeling better. I'll call in this week and see him myself and see if he can give me a few good racing tips. Oh I trust you will both hold the fort for me tomorrow boys and see to the First Saturday devotions. We usually have a large turn out as you know."

     "I'll do it Father. I like to keep the Blessed Mother's First Saturdays myself anyway." Father Brendan answered. Father Sean gave a wry smile at this and raised his eyes.

     Father Ben poured some coffee and lifted it and went to go out of the room.

     "I have some work to do lads and a few phone calls to make. Be alert as I've a feeling that something is in the air today. I don't know what but keep alert and watchful anyway. Oh by the way, I eh, would request that we do not have the television or radio or the internet on when that guru fellow is giving his address to the United Nations General Assembly, in fact I ask that you would say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy when he is giving his speech." Requested Father Ben.

     "The Rosary Society is going to pray the fifteen decades before, during and after."

     "That's ok Father. I think there is something evil about the guy anyway." Father Brendan agreed.

     "Aw c'mon! He's got some fantastic ideas. If he were Catholic they'd have him canonized! Let's at least hear what the guy has to say!" Retorted Father Sean sardonically.

     "I don't like that kind of talk Sean and I don't want him on in the house at all! He won't be on in this house as long as I am parish priest here." Father Ben declared.

     Sean smirked and said no more. He knew that he could not argue the point with Father Ben. Father Ben lifted his mug and his briefcase and went out of the room.

     "Silly old fool! In another couple of months they will be promoting his teachings up at the seminary." Father Sean announced.

     "Sean! Stop calling Father Ben a silly old fool. He has an honors degree from Glasgow University and is nobody's fool! Anyway it's uncharitable and extremely un-Christian to speak in that manner." Father Brendan told him.

     "So what?" Father Sean said with a contemptuous laugh.

     "They still live in mud huts over there. Bet Old Ben studied witchcraft and scotch making at that there university in Scotland." He continued mockingly.

     "I need to go! I have a rosary to finish!" Interjected Father Brendan rising from his chair.

     "You'll learn Brendan! You'll learn! Better spending your time watching football and playing golf like me. You are newly ordained and filled with enthusiasm. As I say, you'll learn! I better go and hear these old bags' confessions and then I am off up to the airport to get a buddy. We'll see how things go after a few beers. See you. Say one for me Brendan!" He said leaving the room.

     "Sean. Please don't watch the guru's broadcast. He is from Satan."

     "Brendan! There is no Satan." Laughed Father Sean as he went out and closed the door behind him.

     Meanwhile back at the ranch Sam Elliott needed a break He thought he'd stop for a few minutes and have coffee. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and walked across the grass to his house. As he did this he was stopped in his tracks by a strange escalating noise high above him that increased in its intensity by the second. Sam had never heard the like of it and it made his hackles rise and gave him goose pimples.

     He had no idea what this strange sound could be. It stunned him and penetrated his very being until he was almost trembling. Sam felt every nerve in his body reacting to this extraordinary blast and was almost charged as this event was occurring.

     As it reached its crescendo Sam thought he would pass out if it went on any longer. He looked upward to the source of the noise searching for some answer.

     The strange noise seemed to travel right across the sky from east to west and he could almost feel the ripple of energy from it. The sound reminded Sam of a trumpet but this was like a giant trumpet.

     As he looked around he could see that everyone on the ranch had also experienced the same as he had and they also were riveted to the spot where they stood. There was something else. The cicada of the insects had ceased and the birds had stopped singing.

     The bizarre event lasted almost five minutes and reverberated right across the sky. There was no mistaking it and it was no illusion. Sam could feel his heart beat and could feel the sweat in the palms of his hands. A strange feeling of fearful but mystical excitement overtook him. Sam was instantly aware that the cattle had stopped mooing and the horses were silent and still in their corrals. There was also no wind or any kind of breeze just silence.

     Sam's two eldest sons Will and Sam Junior came running over to him.

     "Dad! What the heck was that? Think it was some sort of sonic boom?" Sam Junior Yelled.

     "Maybe it was some sort of new aircraft. Gee what a sound! Bet that broke more than a few windows. It shook some of the fruit and the nuts of the trees over there!" Said Will.

     Charley Jackson had just driven into Sam's courtyard and was getting out of his truck when the event took place. He was astounded and speechless and stood staring in disbelief. Charley had a feeling that it was a supernatural occurrence.

     Carl Harris Sam's foreman was extremely disturbed by this sound and was trying not to show it. He looked up but offered no explanation.

     George and Byron the stablemen looked at Sam. Their eyes met knowingly but nothing was said at that time. They were both committed Christians and had talked avidly to Sam about these times.

     "Dad! What do you think that was?" Will asked again.

     "Go read Revelations six through eight about the breaking of the Seven Seals and the blowing of the first four trumpets." Sam told him.

     "Heck Dad I thought it was some secret weapon being tested or something." Will said.

     "The Lord has had enough! Something will need to give and I think that was the announcement of it." Sam added.

     George and Byron both nodded in agreement.

     Charley, Will, Sam Junior and Carl and some of the other ranch hands were stunned and speechless. This event had triggered off some deep spiritual, physical and psychological reaction in everybody in different ways.

     The strange audible phenomenon was heard and felt everywhere and many, many people were shocked and perplexed with it. Others thought that it was connected with the weather front in some way, others saw it as secret testing of some kind of weapon or secret device by the government. Others put it down to UFO's and some of the guru supporters claimed that it was from the guru himself.

     The Christians like Sam Elliott and Sue Jackson knew immediately what it was. Steve Tyler and Dan O'Connell heard it as they waited to board their plane for the flight to Little Rock and recognized it as coming from the Lord.

     Old Ron the street evangelist stood at his usual spot at the entrance to the public park as the event happened. He watched as the people who had been going about their normal everyday business stopped in their tracks and looked upwards, every one of them affected in some way. Many were stunned and bewildered and a few fainted.

     Some started to pray in the street and others just looked stupefied. Cars crashed into each other and groceries were dropped in the street. Many people knew that something supernatural had occurred.

     Old Ron never wavered in his mission to tell people about the Lord and Holy Scriptures.

     "The seven angels who were holding the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. When the first one blew his trumpet there came hail and fire mixed with blood, which was hurled down to the earth. A third of the land was burned up along with a third of the trees and all green grass." Yelled Ron.

     "That was only the first one! Repent and believe before you are found wanting! Today you will all be required to decide for Jesus or for Satan. You will all know where you stand before this day is out!" He yelled.

     This time many of the folks were starting to listen to Ron. Ron noticed that an unmarked car was shadowing him and the shadowy occupants seemed to be listening to him and recording what he was saying to everyone. He turned to them.

     "Come and get me you foul sons of Satan. I am ready!" He shouted at them arms outstretched.

     "The Martyr's Crown awaits me and that will be my red carpet to my Father's house. There is nothing you can do to me now, you who are without God and without hope!" He yelled defiantly.

     At this the car slowly pulled away.

     Meanwhile Sister Mary-Jo had heard the strange noise from her bedroom. She was wakened by the intensity of it and knew that it was from the Lord. She reached for her Bible and her rosary.

     "Mother of God it has started!" She said fearfully.

     Father Ben also heard it from his office and recognized it immediately as coming from Almighty God. He got up and went to the church and lay prostate in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Brendan came in and found him there and did the same. After a few minutes both got back up and Father Ben exposed the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance on the altar. Both knelt down and started to say the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

     Mark and Cathy Chan took their children and headed for the church. They to wanted to be near the Blessed Sacrament. Mark remembered how Sister Lucia of Fatima had told everyone to get as close to the Blessed Sacrament as they could.

     Other parishioners were headed there also. The church soon began to fill up and as the faithful came in they joined in the rosary with the two priests. They would begin the Chaplet of Divine Mercy after this and say in unceasingly. Some of the parents would take time to play with the children in the baby and toddler room.

     Cynthia Washington was in her office at her school and knew What it was right away. The children didn't appear to have noticed it. This was a warning for the adults.

     Cynthia's assembly was that morning and there were a lot of things Cynthia wanted to say to her children especially about the guru's broadcast. She needed to choose her words carefully. Myra Willard was shadowing her continually as if she knew Cynthia's very thoughts.

     Cynthia would hold the assembly now and get it over with. Myra Willard was furious.

     "Why the break in school routine? The assembly is usually held at ten o'clock. Children don't like their routine changed and either do staff."

     "I will make decisions in this school Mrs. Willard. I am still the principal." Cynthia reminded her.

     "Yes you are!" Answered Myra Willard icily.

     "Meanwhile!" She added sardonically,

     "Is that a threat Myra?" Cynthia asked.

     "It might just be!" Myra said with a sneer.

     At this point Sue Jackson came into the room. Myra almost pushed her out of the way in her haste to get out of Cynthia's way.

     "Gee! Did I miss something?" Sue asked with a chortle.

     "Oh it is just Myra being her usual bitter twisted self."

     "She must be old as the hills. She taught Charley!" Laughed Sue.

     "He said that she was trained by the Gestapo."

     Cynthia laughed at Sue's light heartedness.

     "Sue I need to mention the guru and let them be able to carry a message to their parents. The authorities will say that I am a religious nut and that 1 am trying to brain wash children. Religion can't be mentioned in our schools anymore. You can tell them about condoms and abortion and gender choosing but you are not allowed to mention God."

     "I know Mrs. W." Answered Sue.

     "If it wasn't for you I would home school my kids. Hey they are all settled down now Cyn. They'll be ok. That noise back there was from the Lord wasn't it?" Sue asked.

     "Yes it was Sue. I hope it shook up my husband. He is needing to be really shaken." Cynthia said.

     "Old Myra was telling them in the staff room that she had heard that there are new supersonic aircraft being tested over at Vincent Field and that accounted for the noise."

     "Just like her to try that. My husband would believe that rubbish also. He is so full of his own importance and will not accept the Lord."

     "He will. Now Charley he is putting it off. Think he's scared that someone might hold him under the water if he got baptized." Sue said.

     "He knows that he needs to accept Jesus but says he wants to be a sinner a while longer."

     "Charley will be ok Sue. He is more religious that he is letting us know. Ok Sue go and tell the others that I am having an assembly in about five-ten minutes. There are some things I need to think about before I go in. Do you think you could get me a cup of coffee from somewhere?"

     "Yeah no bother and if you don't say a word I can also get you a couple of special cookies. Shh!" Laughed Sue.

     Sue went away and Cynthia opened her briefcase. She thanked God for Sue Jackson who was the best assistant teacher that she had ever worked with. She was totally fantastic with kids of all ages. There were three other Christian members of staff that were really loyal to her also. Julie like Cynthia was Catholic, Jane was Methodist and Maryann was Presbyterian. They were all committed Christians. Joe and Leanne were agnostics but they and Cynthia got on really well together. Some other members of staff were ok and some were openly hostile.

     Cynthia thought how sad it was that God and Jesus could not be mentioned in a public school anymore. They used to be one nation under God and the statement 'In God We Trust' had been proudly said at one time. Things had changed and it was more that Cynthia's job now than to mention God or Jesus Christ.

     Sue was soon back with a cup of steaming coffee for Cynthia and a few chocolate chipped cookies.

     "Get that into y'all. Time you did some eating! I got them from Old Myra's shelf. She won't notice they are gone. As long as they don't turn you into a sour old prune like her. Gee, if I was Catholic like you I'd need to go to confession for this." Laughed Sue.

     "So don't you forget that you'll need to go to confession and tell Father Ben that you received stolen and forbidden goods and then he can confess to you that he does the same when he buys Charley's moonshine." Sue said laughing.

     "You are some lady Sue Jackson but I couldn't do without you." Cynthia laughed and sat back for a few minutes.

     "Sue I must warn them. You know I must!" Cynthia stated.

     Sue shrugged and folded her arms.

     "I'm with you whatever you do."

     "Ok you go and 'suss' out the mood for me. I will be out shortly."

     "You got it." Answered Sue. Sue went out and left Cynthia to her own devices.

     Some time later Jane McLintock knocked the door and looked in.

     "Cynthia they are nearly all in now."

     "Thanks Jane."

     "Myra is reading the riot act about things Cyn, and she is sounding off as usual. Just thought I'd warn you. Little Zack Elliott got the sharp edge other tongue a few minutes ago for leaning against the wall and she is going through Leanne's class like a dose of salts. Merton is also on the warpath and seems to be getting at the kids of Christian families again. Grayling is much the same but they are spooked as anything Cyn. Hey keep the chin up and trust in the Lord. We are with you and Sue Jackson won't let anything happen to you. All the other teacher's helpers take their lead from Sue, so don't worry."

     "Thanks Jane." Cynthia said hugging her.

     "You have been so good to me."

     "Well you are worth it Cynthia Washington." Jane said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

     Jane left and Cynthia got ready to go to assembly. As she left she met some teachers in the corridor who homed in on her. Mrs. Merton came pushing her way into the group.

     "What in heck was it anyway?" She demanded.

     "Oh likely something that guru guy is up to!" Stated Mr. Bach.

     "That is offensive to me Mr. Bach!" Snarled Miss Grayling.

     Mr. Bach shrugged his shoulders indifferently/folded his arms and stared defiantly at Miss Grayling.

     "I am a supporter of the great man and won't hear a word against him." She told the teacher.

     "That's your problem!" Mr. Bach came back at her.

     "He is a silly demented old fool and those that listen to his ravings are just as bad."

     "Hey and we don't all want to comply with these dang new regime officials that are coming next week." Shouted Mr.Goldenstein.

     "Some of us may just decide not to come back on Monday!" He continued.

     Myra Willard got ready to square up to him.

     "Ladies and gentlemen! Please. May I remind you all that we are still in a school?" Said Cynthia intervening and preventing any further argument.

     "We need to get ourselves together here for the sake of these children. Now let us get in and get on with the assembly." Ordered Cynthia.

     "What do you think of the guru Mrs. Washington?" Asked Miss Grayling slyly and smirking around at her guru supporter friends.

     Cynthia mustered up all her strength and squared her shoulders and looked Miss Grayling right in the eye.

     "You know that I am a Christian Miss Grayling and you also know that I am active in my church. Try to work out what I think of the guru for yourself!" She replied icily.

     Without another word Cynthia threw back her hair, fixed her collar and walked off along the corridor towards the assembly hall. Just then she felt a tug at her dress.

     She looked down to find Emma Jackson holding onto her with her grubby little hand. Cynthia smiled down at Emma who was with her friend Heidi.

     "Mrs. Washington there is a bad man going to say bad things on the television today."

     "Well don't you listen to him Sweetie. Just you go and play when he comes on." Cynthia said as she bent down to the child.

     "My what a pretty dress you are wearing Emma."

     "My grandma got it for me."

     Cynthia spotted Lee Mitchell's withdrawn little daughter standing on her own.

     "Emma will you and Heidi go and help little Betty-Sue Mitchell? Could you two girls look after her for me?"

     "Sure Mrs. Washington." Emma replied.

     Both little girls ran off to get Betty-Sue.

     "Sue what am I going to do? I need to warn these kids about the guru's broadcast."

     She said in hushed tones.

     "It is more than my job is worth to do so, yet I know I must act in some way. It will mean that my days are numbered as principal but I think all religious teachers are about to be removed anyway so it won't really matter. It doesn't even matter anymore right now. When the persecution begins, as it soon will, they will come for you and me but we will be gone. I need to do something in His name." Cynthia told Sue.

     "Whatever you do I am with you and so are other members of staff."

     "Thanks Sue. You are a good lady and a good friend to me. C'mon! Let's go let them have it!"

     Meanwhile Sam sat on a chair outside his front porch. He had the Bible in his hands and it was opened at Revelations eight. Old Ron had said things that had disturbed Sam. He said that the rapture would not come and that everyone alive would endure the tribulation. This puzzled Sam. Ron had said that everyone but Christians especially, needed to get ready to flee to the hills.

     "When you see the desolating abomination spoken of through Daniel the prophet standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, a person on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house, a person in the field must not return to get his cloak. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. Pray that your flight not be in winter or on the Sabbath, for at that time there will be great tribulation, such as had not been since the beginning of world until now, nor ever will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no one would be saved: but for the sake of the elect they will be shortened."

     Old Ron's words rang in Sam's ears. The Lord was shortening the tribulation for the sake of the elect not the wicked. What were the elect doing in the tribulation when they should have been raptured? Sam pondered all of this and wondered. He had heard conflicting views of the rapture all of his life. He knew that sister Mary- Jo didn't believe in the rapture but Sam didn't really know anything about Catholic teachings and the Catholic religion in general. He had come from a staunch fundamentalist family that was racist and anti-Catholic to say the least. Sam had never had had the chance to investigate anything about the Catholic religion before.

     He had been told from childhood that the Catholic Church was the 'The Whore Of Babylon.' He wasn't sure now what to believe. He did hold great respect for Ron and knew that the old guy was filled with the Holy Spirit and Mary Jo was a staunch worker for the Lord and was also filled with the Holy Spirit.

     As Sam contemplated all these things he felt a spit of rain. He knew that there was going to be a storm, which wasn't surprising in the outer edge of a hurricane. He made fresh coffee and shouted George, Joe, Sam, Junior, Carl, Charley and Will over.

     Charley was under a truck and rattled his head as he came out from under it.

     "Hey! Watch you don't put a hole in the good truck!" Joked Will as Charley rubbed his head.

     Everybody laughed at this including the good-natured Charley. Sam poured out the coffee for everyone.

     "Hey Sam! Y'all think the rapture is going to come now?" Joe asked.

     "There have been some real strange happenings recently." He added.

     "Might be." Answered Sam.

     "I hope the rapture don't come till I've sold my new batch of hooch. Don't want any of them beast regime guys enjoying my good shine." Declared Charley.

     "I'm confused guys! Old Ron said no. He said we'd all undergo the tribulation."

     "Heck Boss! Old Ron has been fired out of more Baptist churches than I know of." Joe quipped.

     "It was Ron that got my father to repent of his sins and accept Jesus. Six months later my father was killed suddenly." Sam told them.

     "Gee Boss! What is that glow in the sky over there? Hope it ain't a forest fire." Joe said pointing. Sam and the others looked up.

     "Seems to be over the mountains." Observed Sam.

     Sam immediately phoned one of his neighbors and asked if he could see any fire. Vance could see it also but was uncertain what it was as it seemed just to be in the sky and Vance could see no evidence of fire.

     Sam and Carl decided to finish their coffee and take the jeep and go find out what the red glow was. The rain had started and Sam hoped that it would nip any fire in the bud if indeed it was a fire. He had a feeling that this also was something supernatural just like the mysterious sound and that it was nothing to do with the weather or with fires anywhere. George his stable foreman thought the same and he simply spoke of the Book of Revelations and the 'Breaking of the Seven Seals.'

     Back at the elementary school Cynthia stood at the entrance to the assembly hall. She was dreadfully worried and had been up half the night debating what to say at assembly. All eyes were on her. The children were so young and vulnerable.

     Cynthia knew that she could not stand back and let her children be corrupted by the foul teachings of the guru who claimed to be God and the new messiah. She had to make a stand and let these kids know that at least she was for God. She knew that Gene would have a fit at her actions as he really had no time for religion whatsoever. She was still working on him though.

     Two of her students Zack Elliott and Nathan Jackson came running towards her carrying some kind of box. These two children were delightful children and Cynthia was very fond of these two as they were mischievous and funny and always gave her something to laugh about. Zack's mother had died when he was a baby and Cynthia felt a special something for him. Sam had worked wonders with all of his sons and nephews. They were a credit to him and good students.

     The boys had excitement written all over their faces.

     "Boys! You are both going the wrong way." Cynthia said with a suppressed smile.

     "Mrs. Washington! Guess what we got in a barn at Zack's daddy's ranch? It's something lovely the Lord made and we want everyone to see it." Yelled Nathan.

     "Can you boys show me it later after assembly? Will it keep till then?" She asked bending down to them.

     "Sure Mrs. Washington." Both answered in unison.

     "I would be very glad to see it later after assembly. Now go quickly and sit with the rest of your class." Requested Cynthia gently.

     "Ok Ma'am!" Both said again in unison.

     Cynthia smiled to herself. Nathan was almost an exact carbon copy of his father Charley and just as mischievous. Zack was quiet and serious like his father Sam, but also mischievous. Cynthia had been in Charley's class at school and remembered his pranks vividly. He used to make her laugh and frequently pleaded with her to help him with his assignments and other schoolwork.

     As she approached the principal's dais at the assembly hall, Cynthia could see all the children eagerly waiting for her. She held up her hand immediately and there was silence.

     The children all loved Cynthia and she was greatly respected in the town. She had been principal in Fort Wayne Elementary School now for twelve years and knew every child by name. She was liked by students and parents alike and was extremely popular.

     She knew that she would have to take some action here. She loved these children and did not want anything or anybody to hurt them or take away their innocence.

     She had a divided staff. Some were practicing Christians. She also had other good friends and staff members like Abe Goldstein, Jeremy Bach and Rachel who were Jewish and Ali her music specialist who was Moslem. They were deeply religious and loyal to her and did not approve of the guru.

     Some of the staff went to church for other reasons and others openly professed that they did not believe in God. Cynthia also knew that some were avid guru supporters. She was also aware that her pro- life activities caused resent among some of her staff. She hoped that she could at least count on some of the practicing Christians and the other religious staff members.

     "Good morning children." She said beaming around at them all.

     "Good morning Mrs. Washington." They all replied in unison.

     A child in third grade put his hand up.

     "Yes Simon?"

     "Mrs. Washington when is your husband going to come back and show us his handcuffs?"

     "Oh he is very busy right now but maybe we'll be able to get him to come some day soon and talk to you." She told the child.

     "Children there are some things I need to speak to you about and it is very important." She went on.

     There was a deafening silence at this statement from the principal.

     "I want each of you to carry an important message home to your parents from Mrs. Washington, from me. Will you all do that for me?" She asked.

     "Yes ma'am!" they all answered.

     "You all know that 1 have children of my own and only a few weeks ago I brought my baby twins to assembly to let you all see."

     There was an excited murmur among the students as they had all been so thrilled when Cynthia did this.

     "You have two babies to wash and diaper now!" Shouted Emma.

     All the students laughed at this.

     "Yes that is correct Emma. They are called Danielle and Jack and they need a lot of diapers believe me."

     Cynthia noticed that Myra Willard was scowling at the mention of the twins. Myra utterly hated kids despite having one very spoiled teenage son.

     Emma nodded in agreement taking this really seriously. She was a little mother and loved helping her mom Sue with the younger children.

     "And if Danielle turns out to be as pretty as you are Emma then I will be so pleased."

     Emma giggled at this and turned to look at her mom. Sue was sitting at the side of all the children. She smiled and winked at her daughter.

     "Well boys and girls after today I might not be here again but I want you to continue to work hard and be the best that you all can be." She announced.

     There was a stunned silence and the staff all looked at each other in bewilderment. Cynthia hadn't said anything about leaving.

     "Are you going to have another baby Mrs. Washington?" Asked Heidi Harris Carl's little girl and Emma's best friend.

     "No Heidi. Not this time. Now you all know that I love each of you and would never want anything bad to happen to you and would always tell you not to do things that could harm you in any way. Don't you?"

     "Yes Mrs. Washington." They all answered.

     The staff all exchanged more glances at this, as they didn't know what was coming next.

     "Well today I have asked the teacher's helpers to inform your parents that you are all to go home early. So after assembly you are all going home and all the buses and other transport have been arranged."

     There was an excited murmur through out the assembly hall at this. The teaching staff was all taken aback at this announcement. Myra Willard was furious and put her hand up to speak. Cynthia ignored her. Again Cynthia raised her hand and there was immediate silence.

     "Today there will be a television program coming on that I don't think you should watch." At this Myra got up from her chair to go forward to Cynthia. Sue Jackson and another teacher's aid blocked her way.

     "Get away from me Jackson!" Snarled Myra.

     "Mrs. Willard. I get on to my husband for going on about gators and repeating himself all the time but if you don't go sit down I am going to take a leaf out of his book and drag you outside, put you in my van and take you down to Sherman Swamp and personally feed you bit by bit to each gator I find and as you and I know Mrs. Willard there are a heck of a lot of 'bits'!" Threatened Sue very quietly and with a smile on her face.

     Myra knew that Sue meant it and went back to her chair swearing under her breath.

     There was a deafening silence now and the staff was stunned.

     "Mrs. Washington is it the one about the guru?" Shouted Steven Tyler Junior.

     "Yes it is Steven and I want you to ask your parents to switch it off and not to watch the program or listen to it on the radio or have it on the Internet. Tell your parents that Mrs. Washington is switching off her television and we are definitely NOT going to listen to anything that the guru has to say. I am Christian and I worship God and Jesus Christ who I believe is the Son of God. As Christians we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and he alone deserves our worship! And all you Jewish children and Moslem children, I love each of you also very much, and I want you also to ask your parents to switch off as the guru insults God and the Jewish and Moslem faiths also." Declared Cynthia.

     "Children! The guru is telling you untruths and the things he claims to do are just cheap tricks. He is a bad man and you must not believe anything he says. We must only worship God our Loving father and pray to him and trust in him. Soon the guru will be stopped in a big and special way."

     "Praise the Lord!" Shouted Jane McLintock.

     "Amen!" Added Sue.

     At this the non-religious staff were outraged and begin to confer among themselves heatedly. The deputy principal Myra Willard got up from her chair and went to go forward to the platform where Cynthia was. She went in the opposite direction from where Sue Jackson was standing.

     "Ok Mrs. Washington! I think I will take over from here now!" She announced as she moved forward.

     She was a big heavyset woman and clumsy. Suddenly she tripped over the outstretched feet of young Zack Elliott and Nathan Jackson knocking a big box that Zack was clutching tightly, onto the floor. She turned in a fury and was about to descend on the two boys in a fit of rage when the box burst open.

     The contents of the box spilled out right at the area where the guru supporting teachers were conferring. There must have been about twenty barn mice in the box and all of them made straight for the terrified teachers.

     Almost immediately there were terrified screams and shrieks as the mice ran rampant all over the place. Some teachers ran off and some jumped up onto chairs. Sue and Cynthia stared in disbelief. The children watched in amazement not knowing whether to laugh or not. Nathan looked around at his mother a guilty look on his face.

     Within minutes none of the non-religious teachers or guru supporters were anywhere to be seen. Cynthia took her chance and continued speaking.

     "Children remember what I have told you. We are proud to be Americans and we honor our own flag and our own God. In God we trust as our fathers did in the days gone by. Good morning children, God bless America and God bless you all."

     With this said Cynthia and the religious members of her staff whom were all chortling away to themselves, and crying at the same time quietly dismissed the children.

     Cynthia grabbed her briefcase and collected her son Kyle. Sue grabbed her own children and quickly hustled them away. She hugged Cynthia and whispered to her.

     "God bless and keep the faith. Gee even the mice were on our side." She chortled.

     "Keep in touch and I will keep in touch also. See you at the monastery."

     The religious members of staff all hugged each other emotionally. They were all proud of Cynthia and agreed with what she did. Some of the other members of staff who were not religious also came over to her and gave their support.

     "Cynthia don't give into them now." Urged Louise Myers.

     "Hey you were great Mrs. W. Please stay and fight them!" Pleaded Jim Bryant.

     "You know that after today they won't let me. Myra will see to that Jim." Cynthia told him.

     "At least you went out with a real good one after your speech Mrs. W." Said Leann.

     "Boy those mice sure scared the living daylights out of them."

     Cynthia said 'God Bless' to her staff and hugged them all in turn and then left the premises. This would definitely be reported and Cynthia would be suspended if not fired immediately.

     Sam Elliott got the call from the school and had sent his older son Wesley to collect the children. He wondered why the school was closing early but trusted Cynthia Washington implicitly.

     Meanwhile Sue got her children into the car and set off for home. She knew all hell would be let loose because of Cynthia's speech. She wouldn't work there if Cynthia wasn't going to be there. Cynthia had turned a blind eye to the many instances of Christianity that had been promoted in one way or another in the school from time to time. She also had filtered out harmful and objectionable literature and other offensive material that she had found unsuitable and non-Christian including sexually explicit books that had been written for children. Cynthia believed in keeping children as children for as long as possible.

     Sue would keep the kids home and have them home schooled, as she did not want Myra Willard having any contact with her children. She also knew that most of the parents would do the same and refuse to send the kids.

     Young Nathan was surprised when his mom hugged him instead of giving him a severe telling off. She didn't even tell him that his dad was going to hear about him. Sue was proud of him today.

     Charley would be surprised when he saw them all home early. She knew that he was going to be at Sam's ranch and decided to drive over there and tell Sam what had happened anyway.