The Reign

By Allen V. Lunsford

With all the turmoil in the world today, I wanted to write a story with the best news of all time! There will come a day when Christ will return to the earth and reign for a thousand years. I wrote the book in the form of a novel instead of a theological treatise. I believe the story is intriguing, suspenseful, and uplifting to anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. This novel is the second greatest story ever told! The greatest story ever told was that of when Christ came to earth, lived a life, died on a cross, was buried, and resurrected on the third day. His promise was that he would return one day and rule for a thousand years.

So The Reign tells the story of a family living during the predicted seven-year tribulation period. The familys patriarch is John Cruz. He leads his family faithfully through this period by refusing to take the mark and figures out creative ways to supply food for his family and combat the Acolytes, who are the Antichrists worldwide police force. The book will take you through this tribulation period and will describe what happens on the day that Christ returns.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512796704

Allen V. Lunsford

I was born in Clover Bottom, Kentucky.. the heart of Appalachia. My grand father was a Baptist preacher. My father and his brothers and sisters were gospel singers. Together, they traveled around the hills of Kentucky preaching and singing. I am a natural skeptic. I used to listen to all the Bible stories and wondered about the factual basis for these stories. At the age of 23, I went to Bible College for 3 years to learn if there was scholarship behind the Bible stories. From a skeptics point of view, I was interested in history, reliability of the Scriptures, extra biblical proof, and an exegetical understanding. I concluded the Bible is true. If the historical stories are true, then what about future predictions? The ultimate future prediction is that Christ will return to earth and establish 1,000 Reign. ‘The Reign’ is that story. I would like to give thanks and special credit to my brother, Harold Lunsford, for providing me historical information and expanding the story of John Cruz’ early life in the 1950’s.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

It was May 15, 2018, when the Great Vanish happened. The day before, it was business as usual—no signs of a worldly upheaval on the horizon. Over seven billion people lived on the planet. The next day, however, everything changed. A trumpet, heard by everyone, sounded across the earth, and an estimated two billion people vanished without a trace. No one knew for sure what had happened to the others; they were simply gone.

Society descended into chaos across the earth. No nation was spared. Riots were rampant, looting was prolific, and the madness spread like wildfire during a drought. Although most people didn’t participate in the destruction, there were too many vandals to bring an end to it. Individuals, families, and countries were left to speculate what had happened to the two billion who had vanished. Where did they go?

The news channels postulated. Some people suspected a government conspiracy. Others were positive extraterrestrials were the cause. Many simply resigned themselves to the fact that they might never know. A healthy contingent, however, operated under the belief that it was indeed the Rapture. There was no simple explanation, certainly not one with concrete proof, and everyone spanning the corners of the world was baffled.

Many nations declared martial law to reestablish a semblance of order, some oppressing their people. Militaries enforced peace, and coups became a fixture of the modern world as people began vying for power. In some cases, religious leaders took control, by will of the people; they seemed best suited to lead everyone out of the darkness. Wars between religions broke out, each believing it had the answers. The larger nations, however, held a summit in Jerusalem to discuss how to proceed forward in a world upended.

It was ultimately agreed upon that some form of a global, centralized establishment was needed. The unchecked violence and havoc needed to be put to an end. World leaders decided a council of sorts, operating from Jerusalem, would be necessary. The United States Secretary of State, Levin Pietzman, led the way and with deft diplomacy and facilitated the summit’s success.

Levin, at forty-four years old, was an ambitious and charming man with a fine pedigree. He had spent most of his younger years focused on academia, obtaining several advanced degrees, including two doctorates from esteemed universities. His first doctorate was in philosophy, where he wrote his thesis on Kierkegaard’s beliefs on religion and ethics. The second was in mathematics and oriented around chaos theory. He traveled a great deal and was fluent in Russian, Mandarin, and Latin.

When thirty-five, Levin began taking his skill set and knowledge and applying it to the world of politics. He started as a state representative for New York, where he served admirably and began developing popularity. From there he ran for state senator and won the election in a landslide. The people of New York had full faith in Levin as a brilliant politician who represented them and their interests with dedication and dignity. His deftness as a legislator, as well as his natural leadership and knack for pushing bills through in spite of the political gridlock, led Levin to gain the trust of many Americans. In no time at all, Levin had become a respected statesman. He was so charming that when he gave public speeches, many felt as though Levin was personally speaking to them.

He didn’t finish his first term as a senator before being handpicked by the next president to be secretary of state, much to the approval of the American people. Although not everyone was thrilled with the new president assuming office, it did help knowing Levin would be responsible for representing the United States at the international level. He was so adept at negotiating with the various polar personalities of Congress that surely he would be wildly successfully as a diplomat.

Levin wasn’t even a full year in office before the Great Vanish took place. Despite the president’s firm desire to be at the conference in Jerusalem, it was decided that sending Levin would keep the American public at ease and give them optimism about the summit’s productivity.

After guiding the world leaders to reach the conclusion that an international council was necessary, Levin almost magically convinced them to hold global elections. Let the citizens of the world be the masters of their own destiny, he said. The summit decided on three representatives to run the council, called the Modern Triumvirate. Levin professed initially to be hesitant to run for Triumvir, but the public begged him, and he acquiesced to their wishes.

His global campaign was funded by all of the major US corporations. With their backing, he was free to travel the world, spreading his message. His thorough knowledge of Mandarin and Russian endeared him to both the peoples and leaders of China and Russia. They saw the wisdom in his policies as an opportunity for humanity to move forward as one in spite of the Vanishing. Across the world, people gradually became enamored with Levin, seeing him as a savior of sorts that would enact beneficial reforms. An unofficial grassroots slogan spread across continents: Live in Peace with Levin Pietzman. Victory was all but assured.

Once the election ran its course, to nobody’s surprise and everybody’s delight, Levin Pietzman of the United States of America was elected, along with Iosef Davidov, a Russian Jew, and Saif Qureshi from Saudi Arabia, who managed to eke out a victory despite stiff competition from a popular German administrator. The Triumvirate was complete.

Upon assuming office, Levin, who took the lead, wasted no time in making sweeping reformations. The destruction from the crime and looting came nearly to a complete stop. Before long, food had become plentiful, and starvation in deprived countries had become a thing of the past. Clean water systems were installed in second- and third-world countries, and disease diminished. Levin pushed a global healthcare system, made housing for the poor, and built schools to make education accessible to all. Change was happening at a nearly impossible rate; people were amazed and awed at the progress happening around them on a daily basis. For three and a half years, the world continued forward in peace and harmony.

Then Levin introduced the Mark. Scientists had found a way to imprint a code onto human DNA that could be read by a gene scanner. They proceeded to link an individual’s code, or Mark as it was called, to their bank accounts and lines of credit, simplifying any shopping or even the need for an ID, checkbook, or credit cards. It was said that it would prevent identity fraud, streamline businesses, and make society overall more efficient. Hospital waits would drop, transactions would be quicker, and overall order and efficacy would reign supreme. One by one, people began adopting the Mark.

Levin mandated for everyone to get registered for the Mark. However, many balked at the notion. They considered the mandate draconian and a violation of their rights. Others thought it too invasive and gave the government too much personal information that would be misused for surveillance. This resistance to the Mark soon fomented into full-blown nationalism among the various nations.

The nations wanted to dissolve the Triumverate. They felt as though Levin had become a dictator, and the other two representatives acted as merely his puppets. Countries wanted to make their own legislation that reflected the values of their unique cultures. People felt that taxes had grown to be exorbitant; so much of their income was funneled into the government that no one could truly enjoy the supposed prosperity. A sum of every paycheck went toward universal healthcare. Most of all, the people believed they should have the freedom of choice, which Levin had taken away. Some went so far as to declare Levin the Antichrist.

Many nations declared independence from the Triumvirate. Levin stated this to be both illegal and subversive, and he began imposing sanctions and cutting entire populations off from resources, including oil, which devastated entire industries and infrastructures. This led to a scramble by the United States, Russia, and China to corner the Middle East and gain control of the oil supply. World War III thus erupted.

Levin, furious over the turn of events, began manipulating those who had taken the Mark to do his bidding. He started a secret police force, known as the Acolytes, to disrupt the newly independent nations and help subject the populace to the Mark. Levin still controlled the global economy, after all—too many people had taken the Mark, including some very prominent corporate leaders. He used the Acolytes as hired thugs who muscled and extorted communities, took away their rights, and deprived them of amenities, essentially leaving those communities as exiles in their own homes. Even basic human rights, such as access to food, was denied to those without the Mark. This methodology had broken the will of many and baited them into taking the Mark.

Chaos propagated yet again. War consumed the Middle East, and the people were oppressed by Levin. There was no longer any hope and no end in sight. Small pockets still banded together and resisted. They grew their own crops, improvised loose confederations and republics, and supported each other. They flourished as best they could despite Levin’s tyranny and the antagonism of the Acolytes. Their struggle was noble and impressive; perhaps they could prevail. One such community in Dayton, Ohio, was led by a strong and wholesome family, the Cruzes. They were devoted to God, faithful to each other, and loyal to those who still believed in a possibility of a future without Levin.

CHAPTER 1

A Day with Levin

"And lastly, we here at Local News 7 would like to take a moment of remembrance for the Great Vanish. People from all ages, all nations, and all walks of life disappeared and have not been seen since. Families were split apart as some were taken and others were left behind with no rhyme or reason. Scientists and theologians alike continue to speculate, trying to offer explanations for what can only be described as the unexplainable. But as of today, no one theory has proven conclusive.

The better part of 2018 has been spent in crisis, with looting in China, the United Kingdom, and even here at home in American communities like Detroit and Los Angeles. We’ve seen religious conflicts explode into violence across most of Eurasia. But I’m happy to report that the Jerusalem Summit was a success. We have peace, prosperity, and a better world. For those of you who have been out of the loop, the Jerusalem Summit, named for its location in one of the holiest cities in the world, took place with the intention of putting a stop to the rampant chaos plaguing the entire globe following the Great Vanish. The summit was attended by a delegate from almost every major nation with the resources to spare—America, Russia, England, Japan, and many more. Notably absent were Germany and South Korea.

The petite blonde newscaster paused, either for breath or emphasis, and shuffled her papers before speaking again.

It has been a historic year. Three and a half years ago, history was made for us by something unknown. But today, humanity makes history for itself. The Jerusalem Summit produced a single globally elected government. The world has never seen anything like this. But I, for one, think this kind of unity is exactly what we needed in the face of so much darkness. This new global government operates out of Jerusalem, already a symbol of coming together following the mass international conflict. The triumvirate truly has represented the people of the world to a world of prosperity, order, and unity. It should be no surprise that the breakout star of this new world government is Levin Pietzman.

The television in Levin’s office clicked off softly as his aide knocked on the door. Leader Pietzman? They’re almost ready for you. Her voice was muffled through the door.

Come in, Jessica. There’s no need for you to wait out there. Levin pulled out his politician’s smile when the young woman entered the room. She had only been working for him for a few months, after his previous aide had disappeared. No one knew where she went, and no one dared ask. Jessica was still sometimes shy around him, which clashed with his everyman image.

Still, as frustrating as it was to have to coax her away from tiptoeing around him, he could admit to himself that some awe was justified. He tried to look at his office as she saw it. The walls were adorned with advanced degrees from well-recognized universities. They included two doctorates, one in philosophy and the other in political science. The bookshelves were ornamented with photographs from his various travels, both prior to and during his tenure as world leader. Pictures included political and religious leaders from around the world. His antique wooden desk was littered with letters in English, Russian, and Mandarin, with notes in the margins in Latin. It was an impressive set of accomplishments for a man who was still under forty-five, even if only barely.

Jessica, have we heard anything back about sponsorship for the campaign?

She nodded vigorously before realizing Levin hadn’t turned around to face her yet. Yes, sir. We have almost universal backing from American-owned corporations, as well as a hefty set of donations from various grassroots organizations. Everyone is excited to see your policies advance.

And keep America in my thoughts as I take the world stage? he asked, turning around with a wry smile.

Of course, sir. She smiled hesitantly. We also have very positive results from the polls on your platform. People love the idea of global health care, housing, education, and clean water. These are easy wins. You’re doing especially well in third-world countries; I think they’re starting to see you as some kind of savior. You even got a couple rosaries in the mail this week. There’s only one problem, sir … She trailed off.

Yes?

It’s the Mark, sir. The technology for embedding the Mark on every human has created some pushback from some of the scientists. I guess they didn’t know what the goal for the project was when they started.

How could they possibly have a problem with preventing identity theft and getting rid of time-consuming paperwork at the hospital? Surely that’s something everyone wants.

Well, yes, sir. It’s not the wants they’re concerned about. It’s the how. They’re concerned about the ramifications of putting a tag on the DNA of everyone in the world just to be able to access their own bank accounts. They’re worried it will be seen as a privacy violation, especially in America.

Psh. Levin waved a hand dismissively. By the time we’re ready to roll it out, the public will be ready to accept it. And if there are still some who refuse to see reason, we will be in a position to persuade them. Levin still wore his dazzling politician’s smile, but his sudden change of tone sent chills through Jessica. Now, you said the jet was almost ready? His voice was once again the genial tone that won him the love and approval of the American people.

Yes, Jessica answered, her voice a little too loud, a little too excited. Levin smiled benevolently at her. Our first destination is Paris, to see the revival projects before you speak. From there, we’ll make our way through the rest of Europe and on to Asia.

Sounds great, Jessica. I’ll join you at the car momentarily. I have a couple more things to grab before I head out.

Yes, sir. Live in peace with Levin Pietzman. Jessica chirped his campaign slogan brightly before leaving.

CHAPTER 2

Meet John Cruz

John Cruz was born the summer of 1945 in a house his father, Charlie, had built. Charlie and Mary Cruz had lost their first two children, so John was like a gift from heaven. He was healthy and had no sign of Hirschsprung disease, which afflicted their first two children. Hirschsprung disease affected the colon’s nerves and stopped a baby from being able to digest properly and pass stool. John and Mary were glad for messy diapers!

Charlie Cruz was a Baptist preacher, ministering to the folks in the hill country around Clover Bottom, Kentucky. He preached on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, and he collected around twelve dollars for the week from offerings. Besides preaching, Charlie and Mary had a small farm, where they raised corn, tomatoes, green beans, and anything else that might grow and provide sustenance for their small family.

John grew up in the church. His mother played piano, Charlie preached, and John listened and watched. He also played guitar on occasion, but there were not too many times when a guitar fit in with the hymns from the songbook.

Charlie worked every day on the small farm, pulling a plow with the strength of his legs and arms. The yield from his small plot of land was plenty to feed the family and have crops leftover, which he sold to Brugeman General Store on Ridge Highway, the main highway in town, not too far from the Cruz house.

As the years rolled by, John helped his dad in the field and marveled that seeds planted in the ground could grow and make food; this was evidence to him that there was a God. He saw this miracle every day and pondered the preaching of his father. It made sense. But the big deal on Sunday was the girls. After the service, the men would gather in groups, and the women would gather in other groups to talk. The kids would chase each other through the woods, laughing and enjoying the freedom of the beautiful Kentucky hills.

Things changed for John when he was fourteen. Charlie was able to buy a tractor. It was fascinating! John wanted to drive it and feel the power of this magnificent machine. The family had a 1960 four-door Plymouth, but John was too small and too young to drive it. However, he was allowed to drive the tractor. In the summer, the Cruz family filled lard buckets with blackberries and sold them to Brumegen General Store. Because the dirt road was oft traveled by tractors, Charlie was fine with John driving the tractor to the store to sell the blackberries. Lynn Brumegen weighed the blackberries and gave the Cruzes sometimes as much as five dollars for their cache. This was sort of an allowance for John; he got to keep all the proceeds from the blackberry sales.

Finally, John’s birthday came, and he was sixteen. He could get a driver’s license. He had saved $250 and was ready for his own car. He simply needed the license. John checked at the post office every day for three weeks until he saw the envelope from the state of Kentucky addressed to him. He ran home and asked his dad if he would go looking at cars for sale.

Son, it’s Wednesday night, and we have a service at the church. We’ll start looking on Saturday.

Okay, Dad. Early Saturday, right?

Yes, John. We’ll drive down Ridge Highway and see what we can find.

It seemed like Saturday would never come, but it did, right on schedule. Charlie and John drove to a small car lot. John saw the car instantly. It was a 1953 Chevy two-door with a six-cylinder motor and three-speed gearshift on the column. After an hour of haggling over price, the dealer agreed to take $240 for the car and $10 for the title work. It was a dream come true.

John would drive every chance he got. With this new freedom, he and his friends would go into McKee to barn dances in order to meet the pretty girls from McKee High School. John’s advantage was his ability to play guitar and sing. This always drew a crowd and gave John the confidence and reason to talk to girls. John and three friends put together a bluegrass band and played barn dances anytime there was one.

When driving from Clover Bottom to McKee, John would see a small garage with a sign Car Repair. One day he decided to stop to see if the owner needed any help. Coming out of the garage was an unkempt bearded man in overalls. What can I do for you, son?

Well, I wondered if you needed any help working on cars, John replied.

What do you know how to do? came a gruff sound from the beard.

I can do oil changes, lubrication, change tires, and brakes, and I learn quickly John reported. Also, I have a lot of friends who have cars and would come here for service. So you would get more business, make more money.

Okay. It’s ten dollars a week and 10 percent commission on all these new customers you will bring in, said the beard.

My name is John Cruz, son of Charlie Cruz the preacher.

They call me Shorty Johnson. I know your dad. We used to work together back in the thirties.

John was surprised. Really? We come by here all the time, and Dad has never mentioned that he knows you. What kind of work did you do?

Well, let’s just say we were in the delivery business.

Shorty, I accept your offer. When can I start?

You can start Saturday morning, at nine.

Deal. I’ll see you then.

When John got home, he went immediately to his dad. Dad, I just talked with a man named Shorty Johnson. You know him?

I do know Shorty from way back.

He says he worked with you back in the thirties in the delivery business. What did you deliver? Plus, why didn’t you tell me you knew Shorty? We go by there all the time.

"Okay, John. Let’s talk. I was young, stupid, and poor when growing up. I met Shorty. He was a car guy and knew how to make cars go fast. You know that around the Kentucky hills, there were moonshiners. There still are. Shorty and I would pick up the moonshine and deliver it to underground bars during Prohibition. The money was good, and it was exciting. When I accepted Christ and was called into the ministry,