Operation C: The Gift

By Vontoba A. K. Terry

Jason and Timpani Morris, a Michigan family with two children, face the greatest challenge of their lives when they are confronted with information about their past. Jason, a celebrity branding consultant, meets with TW Global thinking hes about to land his next big client. To his surprise, TW Global, a nonprofit organization of sorts, asks Jason and Timpani to travel to Egypt to collect the Charismaton, an ancient relic of great value that will transform human society.

In the meantime, they are asked to continue the work of the Morris family by mentoring people who have demonstrated spiritual gifts and exceptional abilities. During a forty day period, Jason and Timpani discover a world of secret organizations and supernatural activity. They become embroiled in a centuries old battle between good and evil.

The couple risk their lives searching for clues and looking for answers during a journey that takes them from the Liberty Bell to the pyramids of Egypt. Jason and Timpani overcome danger and peril through the power of faith to discover their true purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491763964

Vontoba A. K. Terry

Vontoba A. K. Terry earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts degree in economics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He and his wife of ten years, Psyche, have three children. They live in North Texas. He enjoys writing about ordinary people that use extraordinary abilities to overcome great obstacles. Connect with Vontoba at www.vontoba.com

Book preview

FEBRUARY 3

W rite. I will tell you what to w rite.

The voice is clear as a beam of sunlight on a hot summer day. Picking up his briefcase, Jason Morris looks into the glare of the bright midday sun as he leaves his last meeting of the day. It is refreshing how the air opens up his lungs as he exhales the day’s labor and prepares for the weekend.

His hand finds the key in the inside left pocket of his sport coat and he unlocks his car. As with any other day, he places his sport coat in the back seat, gets in, turns the key, and pulls out of the parking garage. Jason Morris drives home to have dinner with his wife Timpani and their two children, unaware of the life changing experiences that will soon take place.

This morning Jason woke up thinking about a conversation he had with his father on a sunny August day as a little boy.

Dad? I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but it would be great to do something that changes lives.

Is that right? he said. That is fascinating coming from an eight-year old. I hope that you are able to do something great, change lives and all. You know that God always has a purpose for us in his kingdom.

Today, maybe today is the day he will step out on faith and see what God has for him. "Seek and you will find." A deep, powerful voice enters his ears, one that is kindred yet unfamiliar.

Friday night is his time to enjoy family and take a break from a long week of work. He arrives at home just in time for a sit down dinner, one of their family traditions.

His wife is a beautiful woman with smooth skin and soft black hair. She has a creative mind that is just as amazing as her beauty. How was work today? she says.

Great. I got a weird feeling coming out of the parking garage today.

Why? Are you drinking too much hot cocoa?

You know how? Never mind.

They sit down at a table for four. Jason sits opposite Timpani with their children in between.

She was from southern Georgia, but Timpani always found a way to introduce new foods to her family. Today’s meal is spicy tortilla soup with grilled tortilla strips and chips. The food is always fresh, the taste always delicious.

Lord, bless this food for our nourishment, Jason says. Thank you for providing this meal for us. Amen.

After dinner, Jason calls his friend Mike. Jason knows that Mike reads the Bible more often than he does. Jason hopes that he has an idea or two about what he experienced earlier today.

Hey Mike?

Yeah, what’s up?

Have you ever felt like you heard a voice, maybe God’s voice?

Sure, it is something special, he says. Have you been reading the books I gave you?

Mike had given him a few books to read that would improve his understanding of life and his purpose.

I, well, no.

The most important one is the Word. Pick that one up, read Acts, then let me know what you think.

This is a lot of pages Mike, Jason replies, shaking his head. I used to read it a lot when I was younger.

I didn’t say this process would be easy, Mike says in a strong, big brother like tone.

Mike is that kind of guy. He would give Jason a suggestion and then let him run with it until he had an epiphany or revelation. He opens up the Bible to Acts chapter 1. An index card falls out.

Honey? Timpani calls. He knows her voice. Time was up. He follows her into the bedroom, and prepares for bed.

Jason’s dreams were always vivid. He would dream of highways that went vertically into the air and kung fu ninjas defending a family. In some of his dreams he was a rescuer, and in others he was simply observing something unique that he had never seen in the real world.

He did not know that when he laid his head on the pillow that he would hear the voice again. His grandmother was a religious woman. She would pick up Jason and his sister Roz for church with their uncle and great grandmother, and then treat them to a good home cooked meal after service. He wondered what she would say about the voice that he heard. For some reason, he thinks the source of that voice is linked to what he learned in Sunday school classes recently.

Seek and you will find. Share what you find. Write it.

FEBRUARY 6

L ighthouse is a place where dreams really come true. This is the city where Jason married Timpani Walker, following a four year stint at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. This is the city where their two children were born and the place they call home.

Jason rises up out of bed to the beeping alarm from his cell phone ringing in his ears. The alarm always seemed to wake him first. He heads to the bathroom and grabs his Bible on the way in. Let’s see. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts. The Acts of The Apostles.

He begins reading about some of the last reported sightings of Jesus and how Peter and Paul began their ministries. He wondered how Mike thought this would relate to the voice he was hearing. Then he decides to call him later in the day.

Breakfast usually consisted of cereal, Raisin Bran Crunch, and 2% milk. This was enough to get them going. It was quick, easy, and healthy enough. Timpani would go to the gym a few times during the week, but most of the time they would have breakfast together before heading out to work. Their children, Zara and Harrison, attended school about a mile away and would carpool with their neighbors.

A Chrysler Concorde sat in the driveway. It was Jason’s way of supporting American made cars with some Michigan muscle. His route to work was usually the same. He would listen to 90.9 FM in the morning for some inspiration. Traffic was usually light until he reached downtown, then he would spend the last fifteen minutes of his commute finishing up the last five miles of a 15-mile trip.

Welcome to today’s broadcast. Do miracles happen today? How do we know that certain events are miraculous and not just coincidence? People ask these questions frequently and the answer is difficult to comprehend without faith in God. Miracles happen every day. A miracle can be defined as a positive event that cannot be explained by nature or scientific information and is considered to be divine. This week our series is titled Miraculous.

Exit 11 is Glenwood Avenue. He works in a big office in a high rise in the city’s financial district. His job is to find endorsement deals for athletes and celebrities. He looks at it as his way to connect the best in business with the best in sports and entertainment, while bringing out the best in both of them. His top client was Victor Lee, a linebacker for the local professional hockey team. He was a 5-time MVP and 3-time world champion, and his endorsement of any restaurant was sure to elevate profits.

Good morning Jason, his secretary says. You have two messages already this morning, and it isn’t even 8 A.M. yet.

Thank you Janet, he responds to his secretary.

Message 1: Yo, Jason, this is Victor. I heard about this new deodorant that Ancient Spices is coming out with. I want to rep that. How much do you think they would pay? Hit me back. 555-1962.

Message 2: Mr. Morris, this is Lucy Randall, Vice President of Strategy for TW Global. Let’s talk about how some of your clients might be able to help us with a new product launch. 555-1313.

His morning routine consists of grabbing a fresh cup of water, booting up the computer, and taking a deep breath before returning any calls or emails. On Mondays it was especially important to him to start the week off right.

Jason’s call is sent to Victor’s voicemail. I called the company that you asked me about. They are working with someone already, but I have a better idea for you. There is a new beverage coming out called Liquidity7. You should receive two samples soon. Let me know what you think."

He hangs up the phone and returns the second call.

Hello, this is Jason Morris.

Hold please. A firm, yet welcoming voice answers on the other end.

Good morning, this is Lucy.

Lucy, this is Jason Morris, and I want you to know that you have reached the right person. I bring people together to make magic, to sell products, and to make money. Please tell me about your business. He quickly launches into sales mode. Deals are made and lost in the first call, he whispers under his breath.

Jason, she says, pausing. TW Global is not a business, it is, what you might call, a nonprofit association of sorts.

He chimes in. You are aware that I serve some of the largest clients in this industry, right? He confidently boasts.

Yes, she laughs. TW Global represents a significant client as well. Please schedule a visit to our offices. I will mail a pamphlet to you. Have a good day.

Jason looks up TW Global on the internet and nothing he finds fits the profile of a Fortune 1000 company, a top 100 athlete, or an entertainer. This might be an opportunity for him to do some pro bono work, but it better be worth it.

The phone rings. Wow, this is turning out to be a good start to a busy day, he says.

Hello? Jason answers.

Mr. Morris, this is Professor Klein from Xavier University.

Yes he replies, puzzled.

Ah, yes. I am calling you to discuss my research.

Jason interrupts, I’m very busy and I am not interested in what you’re selling. Have a good day sir.

Janet enters the room. She waits for Jason to put the phone down and look up.

Jason you have a package from a company named TW Global.

Wow that was fast. They must have assumed I would accept their offer.

Inside the envelope was a first class ticket to Philadelphia. Depart in the morning, return in the evening. Jason prefers one day business trips.

Lighthouse is known for its unique blend of Caribbean food and Mexican food. Jason decides to go out for an early lunch on his own to get some fresh air and visit a new restaurant called La Caribbean. Once in the door, he is welcomed by the fresh aroma of freshly cut mangoes and tomatillo salsa.

I will have the chicken mango crispy tacos and the chips and salsa. He orders quickly, feeling hunger in his stomach as the savory foods grip his senses.

Mr. Morris? A short man with wide-rimmed glasses speaks to him.

Yes, do we know each other?

It is I, Professor Klein. How are you?

Where do I know you from?

I called, and I thought I might just come to see you, he says, as Jason glares through the professor’s large, wide rimmed eyeglasses.

Do you always just drop in on people unexpectedly?

I have been trying to reach you, and with your travel schedule, you have been hard to get a hold of.

They stand there, in the middle of La Caribbean. Jason looks at him cautiously and with a bit of curiosity. He says that he is a professor of theology at Lighthouse College. He was completing research on people with special abilities when he saw Jason’s name in the newspaper and thought he might contact Jason for help.

Wait, Jason says.

You mean to tell me, you are one of those sci-fi guys? One of those Star Trek, take me to your leader type of guys? Jason lets out a half-laugh.

Please give me a few more minutes to explain. He pauses, pushes his glasses up his nose, before they slide down again a few seconds later. There are people in this world who possess special abilities, some might even say, spiritual gifts. Have you ever heard the story of Samson, or David, or even the tall tales of Hercules or John Henry? People have come up with these stories over time because of real encounters with people who do things beyond the normal. This is a new area of research for me. This is why I must speak with you.

Jason reaches for his chicken mango crispy tacos and finishes the last bite pretending to be more interested than he actually is.

Look, he says. This has been an entertaining lunch, but now I need to get back to the real world. Closing deals. Making money. Have a good day. I don’t see how I would be able to help you with this kind of research.

Jason leaves abruptly. Last month Timpani tried to convince Jason of some of the deeper topics she had learned about Christianity, particularly concerning spiritual gifts. It seemed to be strange, but Jason is willing to be open-minded about things. Jason decides to call Mike later and ask him what he thinks.

Jason turns around, walks back through the door. Do you have a business card? What do you want from me?

He smiles, and then replies, I would like to speak with three of your clients.

I will think about it. That is all I am promising. Is to consider it.

The sun is beginning to set outside of Jason’s window at the office. Five o’clock could not come sooner, he says. Jason rushes out of the door, excited to see his family once again. Monday’s seemed to be his longest day of the week. Timpani understood, and she would always have a great meal ready for him when he got home. She is a registered nurse, and with her tenure she is able to set her own hours. Jason loved that they could enjoy dinner with each other most nights.

He moves toward the elevator. He presses the down button. Three other people from his firm wait to reach ground level.

Jason enters the elevator first, holding it for his other colleagues, and then he presses the #1 button with a star next to it for the lobby.

A soft voice from the speaker says 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Ding!

The elevator door does not open.

Oh, come on, Jason complains. This elevator has never done this before. Lord, you know how much I want to get home to my wife and eat that good food. Please open this door real quick. If he had learned anything during the bible studies he attended in the past couple of weeks, it was that people believed that God answers prayers. Amen. The door opens and they walk off of the elevator into a torrent of people rushing for the parking garage.

Jason laughs when he reaches his car. It worked. I’ll have to tell Timpani about this.

Baby, guess what? Jason puts his arm around Timpani and kisses her on the cheek.

Yes? Timpani replies.

I said a prayer on the elevator when it got jammed, and the door opened up. That’s cool, huh?

Well, I’m happy that you prayed. She laughs and finishes warming up grilled swordfish, black beans, and fragrant rice.

Timpani was raised in Atlanta by her grandmother. Her grandmother was strict, and a strong supporter of her church. They attended services on Sunday, Sunday night, Wednesday, and choir practice on Thursday. For all of the things that Timpani learned that Jason didn’t quite yet understand, he definitely appreciated that upbringing for the values it gave her. Jason is confident that she is a better wife and mother because of it.

Timpani calls their children, Zara and Harrison, into the kitchen while Jason pulls out some plates and silverware.

Timpani places her hand on Jason’s. You know my grandmother always used to say that prayer changes things.

Well, I’m a believer. How was your day?

It was good. I was training some of the newer nurses today. Giving them some pointers on how we do things at the medical center. We didn’t have any trauma patients today, so it was a low stress day. I think that if I play my cards right, a promotion might be around the corner.

Timpani works at the Lighthouse Medical Center, about two miles from their home. She commutes there on her bike for exercise when the weather permits. Timpani enjoys taking care of the patients and helping them get healthy. Most of all she enjoys training the other nurses and encouraging the doctors and staff.

You keep up the good work. If your work at the center is anywhere as good as this cooking, I will go up there and promote you myself. You put your foot in this. Jason adores her cooking.

Baby, I need to go to Philadelphia. Jason opens up the conversation about his business trip.

What for? You don’t have any clients there, she says.

There’s a potential client. TW Global. They are flying me up there on their dime and everything. It might not be a good fit because I have never heard of this group, but you know my cousin Jaden lives up there. I might be able to visit him while I’m in Philly.

Alright, can I come?

Timpani tries to visit some of the more interesting cites that Jason visits during his business trips. In the last three months they had been to Memphis, Indianapolis, and Seattle together.

Can you take a day off of work?

Yes. She smiles, with an excited look on her face. Now I get to see the Liberty Bell.

Alright. Let’s go next week. Jason says. It’s a free trip.

Zara and Harrison walk into the kitchen and they sit down for family dinner.

FEBRUARY 7

D r. Klein sends Jason the names of three athletes that Dr. Klein thinks are highly talented and qualified for his research. Jason cuts and pastes a paragraph from the bio that he keeps on each athlete in an email reply to Dr. Klein.

A few minutes later, Jason calls Dr. Klein and he leaves a long voice message. Victor Lee is an extremely strong hockey player who has bench pressed 550 pounds more than 50 times. Victor is very active in his community as an advocate for the Boys and Girls Clubs. Cliff Monster Jones is a retired basketball star who landed a broadcasting position at a major network. He is revered as an inspirational speaker. Julie Vazquez is a star soccer player for the United States team. Thanks to my efforts, Julie is on the cover of cereal boxes, in major ad campaigns for fashion retailers, and she is the face of the most popular energy drink in North America, Liquidity7. Her 7 world USA MVP titles and leadership on a 2-time world championship team brought her fame that she leverages to help others.

Janet walks into Jason’s office unannounced. What was that long message about?

This doctor sure picked some of my best clients. They are very busy, so the professor probably won’t hear anything from them. Maybe he can help me land a small deal for one of my clients to represent Lighthouse College in an ad. Were you going to tell me something?

Now is a good time to head out for your 1:00.

Thanks. Jason did his best to be punctual, and Janet usually reminds him of his appointments. Jason has an important meeting with Magic Crunch cereal to learn about a new marketing campaign and to recommend which one of his clients could convince people that Magic Crunch is magical with every crunchy bite.

On the way home he turns on the radio and listens to another segment of the Miraculous series. He was going deeper and deeper into a spiritual experience and becoming less ashamed and more proud of his new lifestyle since he rededicated his life to Jesus recently.

Do you know that God would prefer that we believe without signs? Some people will not believe without receiving a sign. Well, there are things going on around us every day where God is trying to get our attention, to show that he is divine, and that if we follow his perfect will for our lives then we will truly be blessed. Then we can see God everywhere. We can see that he is healing the sick, mending broken hearts, changing lives, and shifting the very course of history through his people.

Later that evening, Zara stops to talk to Jason in the kitchen.

Dad, are you excited about going to the City of Brotherly Love? Zara asks.

Yes, Jason says, with a smile and a big hug.

It is our first time visiting Philadelphia, and I want to run up that famous set of stairs. I’ll take some pictures for you.

Good. I might do my next book report on Philadelphia, and I could use one of your pictures for the cover page. Remember to tie your shoes before running up the stairs. You know, I’m 10 years old now and Harrison is 12. We’re practically adults. You should take us on these trips.

I know you and your brother are growing up so fast. This is a one-day trip, so you’re going to stay with your aunt and uncle for a couple days.

Harrison walks into the kitchen, pretends to shake his father’s hand, and then moves around him and gives him a big hug. Jason winks at Timpani when she walks in with 2 boxes of pizza.

What’s up Pops? Harrison says in a mock elderly voice.

Am I old enough to be called Pops yet? 34 is not old.

Dad. 34 years old is like a dinosaur, he says with a laugh.

How about a game of Scrabble? Jason asks.

Zara and Harrison nod.

It’s game time! Harrison says.

Sometimes Jason would fall into a deep sleep and dream about asking his dad questions as a child. Tonight’s dream is much more vivid, and the memory is different.

Dad? he says.

Yes son? his father responds, looking him in the eyes.

What should I be when I grow up?

Suddenly they are surrounded by a lush forest and they walk toward sunlight that is peeking through the tall, sturdy frames of the trees. They reach the edge of the forest and look out into a vast valley with several stream, hills, and fields of flowers and vegetables.

Son, what do you see? He points to the area in front of them.

I see water, I see flowers, I see hills, I see grass, and I see lemon trees. Jason looks up at him with a feeling of excitement, wonder, and smiles, expecting the comfort of his father’s approval.

Is that right? What else do you see? He smiles at Jason and encourages him to look out again.

I see vegetables, I see animals, and I see fields.

You’re right. His father laughs and shakes his head.

You have described what you see with your eyes. There will come a time when you see beyond what your eyes can comprehend, and you look to God for vision. One day you might look out at this area and see something much different.

Jason is confused by this response but relaxed as they look out into the beautiful expanse. He wakes up a few minutes later.

FEBRUARY 8

"T impani?" Jason taps her on the shoulder and kisses her on the cheek.

Are you ready to get up and head out for the trip? It’s 5:30 in the morning. I know we usually wake up around 6:15, but we have to get our things together, get the kids to their Aunt Roz, and grab some breakfast before getting to the airport.

Yes baby, she responds rubbing her eyes with closed hands. Let me get in the shower first.

She laughs and throws the blanket over me while she runs to the bathroom and cuts on the water. Jason chases her and laughs at her when she tests the water and it is cold.

Ha, he says. You need to let it warm up first. Jason winks at her and he grabs the sports magazine.

Lighthouse Airport is the kind of place that is in between where it once was and where it would like to be. Once a small town hub for private