Persecution: Inflicted

By LaChelle Parker

Khristy Monzel finds herself being held captive by a megalomaniac for being a Christian woman who refuses to denounce her faith. She wants to teach Gods message of love and forgiveness to all, but finds herself struggling to practice what she preaches when she becomes a pawn in an evil power struggle for control of a nation. Her faith and devotion will be tested in ways she never imagined. Khris will have to lean on her knowledge of the Bible and her trust in God. Marked for extinction, she wrestles with her faith and the one who wants to break her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512775792

LaChelle Parker

LaChelle Parker has dedicated her life to serving God and spreading His message of salvation. She grew up in Utah and Colorado before graduating from Lubbock Christian University where she met her husband. After graduating with a Missions degree, she and her husband now work with the youth in their local congregation.

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Copyright © 2017 LaChelle Parker.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-7580-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7581-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7579-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017902571

WestBow Press rev. date: 03/09/2017

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

DEDICATION

To anyone struggling, wondering why it’s so important to keep to the faith, may this book help to remind you that things will not always remain as they are.

Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

—1 John 3:13 (NIV)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Primarily, I’d like to give honor and thanks to God. Without His guidance and love in my life, the dreams He provides, and the purpose He has placed on my heart, the Persecution series would have stayed an idea and nothing more.

A special thank you also goes to my husband, Matt, for his knowledge in the scriptures and willingness to read my many drafts. Thank you for patiently sticking by my side through this entire process.

I’d also like to acknowledge Lynne R. Waide for her cover idea and initial artwork for the design, my youth group for giving me the drive to publish, and my parents and siblings for their continued support and encouragement.

Last, but most certainly not least, I want to thank my aunt, Maureena Ruff, for putting more time and energy into content editing than I could ever acknowledge and praise. Thank you for your honesty and support, and for not giving up on me. This start to the Persecution series would not be what it is without you. You truly are The Coolest!

PROLOGUE

Mirrors are interesting. They reflect the outward appearances without giving away any indication of the inward man. My uniform says a lot about me that I am dedicated, intelligent, a hero to many, a villain to others, but most importantly, it says I am in control. General, they call me, but I am so much more. Those who follow me only fear my power. They will never learn to appreciate the mastermind behind it all. They will never have to know. Not even my son needs to know why I do things the way I do. He need only do what I say and do, without question. He will be the one the world fears for everything he accomplishes. He will be the one whose reign goes on indefinitely.

Father, my son snuck in beside me diverting my eyes from my reflection to his. He looked very much like me. Why must we go today?

Because today is a special day, I fixed the sleeves on his uniform. Giving him a firm grip on the shoulders I stared him in the eyes, Today, you find how you are to fulfill the plans set before you.

It’s also the anniversary of Mother’s death, I could see the pathetic tears forming in his eyes.

Your mother was too weak to live. She was not a survivor. She gave up what little strength she had so that you could be stronger. Will you waste her gift by mourning her? The young soldier swallowed his tears and sorrow. I’ll be proud of him…today will change that. I’ve made sure of it.

Now then, I said, straightening his collar, let’s get going.

With my guards at my command, assassins would have no opportunity to thwart my plans. Today was too important to leave to chance. We drove to a place far away from the civil life, where men and women made their living off scraps and saps. I knew their games and kept my senses on high alert. If there were any other way, I would have taken it, but my son needed this. My men provided a human wall around us as we parked and walked to a large, covered wagon. Two men searched the inside before we entered. Two more guarded our entrance while the rest secured the perimeter. No one was to come inside until we left.

Keep your chin up and your shoulders back, I reminded my young soldier as we stepped into the wagon.

Yes father, he said, fixing his posture. I could hear a slight quiver in his voice. Fear is good. It’s easier to mold people who are afraid.

Welcome, the greeter bowed and stepped aside as we entered the door. Madam Sybille has been expecting you.

My son knows better than to break formation, but I could feel him inch closer to me with each step. He was already nine. He shouldn’t be this dependent. Brushing streamers of feathers and beads out of our faces, we stepped into a darkened room. Candles and incense burned creating a fog of smoke and dim lighting. Beads and jewels outlined the inside of the wagon’s cover, and different kinds of cards and statues of mythical creatures decorated the edges of the floor.

At the far end of the wagon, a round table with a purple and gold cloth held a crystal ball in the center. Madam Sybille, an old woman with thinning grey hair, seated herself on one side of the table, eyeing my son. She greeted us by name and held out her hand, Have a seat boy.

My son didn’t move. I cleared my throat. He eased his way to the chair and then looked back at me. With one look, I let him know he was to do everything the woman asked. Then, I stepped back into the shadows.

Madam Sybille grabbed my son’s hand and felt over his palm. She reached out and plucked a hair from his head. Sniffing the hair, she struck a match and lit it on fire. She placed her hands on the crystal ball in front of her. You’ve come to inquire how you can successfully complete the plans your father has for you.

Yes, my young soldier muttered.

She paused, leaned in close, and asked, Are you scared?

I saw my son’s spine stiffen and become straight. With his chin up, he said firmly, No. Now tell me what I must do. He could be convincing when he wanted to be.

The Madam placed her hands back on the globe and began to hum and chant. Smoke circled the globe. There is darkness in your past and even darker paths in your future. You have greatness in you that no one has ever possessed. Still, you are weakened by memories that haunt you.

My mother, my son whispered.

Yes, your mother, the Madam sighed. To accomplish your goals you must let go of her. The woman glanced in my direction, Look to your father for guidance. She reached out and grabbed my son’s hand again. Lights flickered. Echoing voices filled the room. The Madam’s eyes became vacant while still staring in the direction of my young soldier. You will take your father’s place, but you must find an appropriate heir. He must be born of a Christian woman, a virgin. You will not love her. Only then can you fulfill your destiny.

The room fell silent and dark. The candles suddenly relit and the Madam’s eyes were back to normal. The smoke in the globe had disappeared. My son jerked his hand from hers, but stayed seated. The Madam breathed heavily, Don’t be afraid, boy. Learn from your training. When the right prospect comes along, you will know what to do. She looked at me, I am very tired now. Leave me.

Let’s go, I said and my son fell back into formation. I waited for him to follow the soldiers through the door. Your work is done, I set the woman’s payment on the table.

He’s very impressionable at this age, she slyly grinned. It would be a shame if he found out the truth.

Indeed, I turned back around. What do you want?

Business is slow this time of year, she tapped her fingers on the globe. It’s hard to keep food on the table.

I see, I reached behind me and pulled out my gun. Its silencer was in place. Perhaps fewer mouths to feed will help. Her fretful eyes begged for mercy. Had she not just tried to use my son’s future for blackmail, I may have spared her. The head would be an easy shot, but the heart would send the best message.

Please, she put her hands out in front of her. I didn’t mean it. I won’t tell a soul.

I wish I could believe you, I put two slugs in her chest, picked up my payment, and left.

The woman’s voice wheezed behind me, A Son to save… a son to rule… a son will make a man a fool.

I had no reason to turn around as she laughed out her final breath. She was too crazy to pay any mind. She had done her job with my son. That’s all that mattered.

Do you understand what Madam Sybille said? I asked my young soldier on the ride home.

I think so, he sighed. I will have to be like one of them. I must convince them I can be trusted so I may receive my heir, but I must never lose sight of my course.

It won’t be easy, I patted him on the shoulder, proud that he came to that conclusion himself. I’ll make certain you don’t stray.

CHAPTER 1

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The LORD had said to Abram,

Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.

—Genesis 12:1 (NIV)

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Sirens suddenly blared. A voice boomed from the speakers, Due to terrorist threats, the U.S. border is now closed. All air travel is canceled. Airport security rounded up the travelers and began prodding us towards the exits. Chaos surrounded us as everyone scrambled to make new travel arrangements. College students, who hoped to experience spring break for all its drunken fun, created havoc as they cursed the situation. One college kid ran into a businessman, not paying attention.

Watch it punk! The man yelled.

The kid grabbed the man by his arm, swung him around, and planted his fist into the man’s jaw. The man dove at the kid, dropping him to the ground. Two more college boys jumped on the man. No one tried to stop the fight. My friends, Jeffrey and Steven, and I were on our way to break them up when two security guards pulled the kids off the man.

Get your stuff and go, one of the security guards said, standing between them. The other guard picked up the kid on the ground and shoved him towards his bag. As the kid stumbled on his hands and knees, the guard kicked him from behind. Their hostility must have frightened the boys, as it did me, because the three left some of their luggage behind as they ran away.

Security jostled us right and left while herding us towards the exit. We now stood on the sidewalk at the pickup curb. The scene I just witnessed shook me to the core. That was not how those in authority treated people.

A little girl shoving past me interrupted my thoughts. I was being overwhelmed. I needed to find peace. Squeezing my eyes shut, I attempted a temporary escape. I couldn’t block out the noise so I began to sing. It was a trick my dad taught me when I was younger as a way to calm myself down. The lyrics quietly drifted off my lips. My friends, Jeffrey and Steven, sang with me, When forced through fire, God will cool the flames. His hand will hold to yours all along the way.

Our coming together helped me find tranquility as our voices joined as one. Calmness replaced fear. Relief replaced stress. Unity replaced chaos. We continued to sing and others from our group joined us.

Onlookers passed by on all sides. At first, I only noticed the annoyed glares. Snide remarks came from some who had to redirect their path around us. A handful of militant type youths shoulder checked a couple of us on the outskirts of the group. My voice shook.

I opened my eyes and saw the same child who had bumped into me pulling her mom closer to us while exclaiming she knew this song. She, too, sang along as her mom stood by and listened. I felt peace flowing again through my mind. Other travelers gathered around as we finished our song. Their gentle presence helped me brush away the last of my fear.

Security guards tried to get us to leave. No one moved. I began to pray aloud, God, we are scared, but we know You hold the world in Your hands. We cling to Your promises, and to Your love. Don’t let us lose sight of You.

Phillip, a member of our group, continued the prayer, Lord, we serve You, and You alone, above all else. Our sole purpose is to glorify Your name and spread the message of Your love.

If there is anyone here who hasn’t experienced Your mercy or Your love, let them feel it right now, Steven added. You have provided a way for them to receive Your forgiveness through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Don’t let them be afraid to seek knowledge of You through us.

Macy followed, Don’t let any of us waver in these times of trials, but let us grow closer to You. We love You, Father.

When no one continued, Jeffrey ended with, Be with us all as we depart. Be with our loved ones. Please take this prayer to the Father for us, Lord Jesus, for it’s through Your name that we pray.

Together, we all said, Amen.

Mixed emotions filled the faces surrounding us. Tears flowed down cheeks, arms held loved ones tight, and many thanked us. We received warm smiles, handshakes, and hugs. Hearts worshiping in spirit and in truth caused other hearts to react and it lifted my spirits. Despite the situation, I was encouraged by the responses to the gospel. It didn’t matter what denomination or faith background a person had. We all joined as one, in love. Even though fear had brought us together, we knew God’s peace would allow us to go our separate ways.

Omar, a Christian in our group raised in a Muslim family, approached me after the prayers ended. Thank you, he said, I did not know how to speak up on our situation, but I am glad you could start us off. God will bring good from this, I know. Many passing hearts were blessed today.

It was more to help my own sanity, I smiled, but it seems the Spirit always leads me in the right direction.

A hand on my shoulder stole my attention.

Khris, Jeffrey said to me as I turned around, this woman has offered us a spring break alternative. He pointed to a woman who had striking silver hair and wore very little makeup. She didn’t need it though; she was gorgeous.

Hi Khris. I’m Joy, she reached for a handshake. The back of her hand had a few sunspots, which made me guess she was in her sixties. It was very smooth and warm. Between her firm handshake and her brilliant smile, she made a likeable, first impression. I was immediately at ease in her company.

I smiled while shaking her hand, I’m pleased to meet you.

I know you all had other plans, but if you’re willing to work with change in the last minute, we have an alternative option in place of your mission trip.

What kind of alternative are we looking at?

A Christian camp, Joy said kindly. It’s the first of its kind, fit to hold over five thousand people; created for Christians of all ages who have committed their lives to Christ. We hope to strengthen them and send them back into the world refreshed, ready to lead others to discipleship in Christ.

My interest was piqued. What would be our purpose in attending? I asked.

Well, I’m hoping your group can take the place of some of our missionaries who were scheduled to fly in as guest speakers. Apparently, they’re not going to make it. I don’t doubt, for a second, that God brought us together today. When I met Jeffrey, she signaled to Jeffrey, as if I wouldn’t know who he was, he told me that you are all missionaries. I believe God wanted me to find you.

My heart felt right while she spoke, which persuaded me into thinking God really had planned this change of events. I accepted Joy’s offer for myself, but I couldn’t speak for anyone else. Steven and Jeffrey accepted right away. Everyone else stood excited and ready as well, except for Macy.

Macy found herself overwhelmed by the circumstances. She chose to leave and be with her family for the week. No one could fault her decision. We prayed safe travels over her and helped to find her transportation home. By the time Macy’s rental came through, three hours later, we had all checked in with our families and let them know of our newest plans.

When I called my family, my mom could barely speak. They saw on the news that the border closed and had assumed we were already out of the country. I wish I had called sooner. Suddenly my father’s voice came on the phone, Thank you for calling. Dad put me on speaker. I divulged what information I could. Mom calmed down, and they were both thrilled to hear about our new plans.

Khristy, be safe, Mom said in a trembling voice. I imagined her warm smile sending blessings my way because I didn’t want to think of her being afraid. Keep God close.

Always, Mom, I smiled back even though she couldn’t see me. Mom never stopped trusting God. The security that Dad’s presence brought her probably strengthened her trust. I couldn’t talk long, but hearing their voices was enough to push me forward without regret. I missed my family, but God’s work called. I promised to check in once we arrived at the camp. For now, I had some paperwork to do with the team.

Joy had a small bus ready for us. Our previous plans consisted of me cozied up next to strangers in an aircraft that could fall from the sky at any moment. Sarcasm dripped in my thoughts, surely, I can manage sitting next to anyone on a grounded bus for eight hours. I laughed to myself.

We loaded our gear, having nothing left to stay for, and headed to Salt Creek Mountain Pass Christian Camp.

CHAPTER 2

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Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

—Romans 15:7 (NIV)

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Do you mind if I sit with you? I asked Omar on the bus.

Not at all, he began moving some of his things to the floor.

I threw my bag on the carrier above us, brushed my frizzy, dark curls out of my face, and sat down. It’s been an interesting change of events.

Yes, it has been. Now we head to unknown territories in our own country, Omar chuckled. Tell me: do you prefer Khris or Khristy?

Khris is fine. I’m used to it by now.

I heard your friends call you Khris, but on the lists they gave us, it said Khristy.

They’re just too lazy to say my full name, I chuckled.

Omar looked at me as if I was serious.

Laughingly I said, No, Jeffrey and Steven are close friends. We met at college and have been on several mission trips together.

Omar and I continued to talk. We told stories about our families and mission experiences up until the bus stopped for gas. We had the choice of four fast food restaurants. I knew immediately where Jeffrey, Steven, and I would eat when I saw the Taco Spot sign. Omar politely declined our invite after I introduced him to the guys. He was fasting, as he said he always does during the first day of a mission trip, praying for the safety of everyone during our travels.

While eating, I shared what I learned about Omar. Jeffrey and Steven talked about those they had met as well. Jeffrey had sat next to Sandra White, an older woman from Oklahoma, and Steven sat beside Riley, a former drug addict. When we finished eating, we said a prayer before loading back onto the bus. I was the last one in line. Joy smiled as I passed her. Eyeing Jeffrey and Steven, I saw that they both returned to their old seats. I, too, decided to return to my seat only to find that an attractive young man now sat in my place. He wasn’t from our group. His hair was dark and hung to his shoulders. Brown eyes looked up at me. His lips caught my attention framed by his dark goatee. I always preferred a guy with facial hair.

Khris, this is David, Omar said, which kept me from ogling, Joy’s son.

Hello, I shook his hand. I didn’t see him come on the bus the first time. I always did a head count on trips; it was my OCD curse. Macy had opted to go home. I probably included David in the count and forgot we should have had one less. Either way, I now found myself in an odd predicament.

Was this your seat? David asked, acting as if he was going to stand.

Yes…well, no…you can sit there, I insisted as I thought of a way out without making him feel bad.

Are you sure?

Yes, I umm… I fumbled for an answer. I reached up into my bag, I only came to get my headphones. I really do need a nap. As I searched through my bag above him, the bus started to roll. My headphones fell into David’s lap while I caught the seat behind him to keep from stumbling to the floor.

You okay? David asked as he turned to try to help.

Yes, I stood embarrassed.

He handed me my headphones with a laugh, Good reflexes. I’m impressed.

You too, I wanted to slap my face. Well…umm… I’m going to find an open seat.

Okay, David replied. Nice meeting you.

You too, I said again feeling foolish. Then I went back closer to the front where an empty seat called my name. Two seats held single occupants, but I was too self-conscious about playing off the idea that I truly needed sleep. I passed them up to the place where I could sit back and close my eyes. I must have been more tired than I thought, because I slept through the rest of the drive. Jeffrey said he tried to wake me, but thought it was best to leave me in peace.

I looked down at my phone.

Joy, I asked while flashing my phone, will we have service out here?

She looked up and smiled, Only when you climb the mountains. We do have a landline in the main office you can use.

With five thousand people in one area, I doubted there being much available phone time. I was glad I called at the airport. I had promised to check in when we arrived, but my family would understand. I peered through the window, up at the tallest peak. Perhaps later I could find time to climb it. Not only would it allow me to call my family but, also, it would be the perfect place to spend time in prayer.

Jeffrey came to my seat while everyone in the back exited the bus. He waited on Steven who had said he would get both of their bags. I would get mine once everyone else got off. As usual, Steven was the last one wandering down the aisle. He trailed behind Omar and David. When David came closer, he held up my bag and said, Delivery for one Khristy Monzel.

Thank you, I replied as Jeffrey took it from him and handed it to me.

Figured I would save you the trip, David grinned as he walked off the bus behind Omar.

At that moment, both Jeffrey and Steven sent a sly smile my way while Steven joked, Oooh, someone has a boyfriend.

Jeffrey added in with a very feminine voice, Mmhmm, girl you better go catch that man.

CHAPTER 3

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God saw all that He had made,

and it was very good…

—Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

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Stepping off the bus, I arched my back and stretched my shoulders. As my eyes regained their focus, the beauty of the camp stole my breath. It rested on at least one hundred acres within a vibrant valley of greens and blues with a splash of color here and there. The mountain range that bordered the west side of camp stretched wide and towered high. Its evergreen trees waved hello to us as a breeze combed through their needles. Below the tallest mountain, six large cabins settled around a pond that looked as smooth as glass. Three cabins sat on each side of the pond with a cluster of smaller cabins between them.

A large tent took up a great portion of the middle of the camp, proclaiming its importance. I could hardly wait to see its purpose. Farther down the valley, south of the tent, the ground had a deep, cliff like ledge. Past the ledge, two football fields sat side by side appearing freshly mowed. Bordering the edge of the field, a creek transitioned the rest of the plain into more forest. In the middle of the open fields, a dark circle caught my eye. From where I stood, it just seemed to be a silhouette. I tried squinting through the sun’s rays to no avail. The vast layout of the campground left me speechless. No doubt, five thousand people could spend an entire week here together. The parking lot alone could easily fit four or five hundred large busses.

Let us hope we are not the only adults attending, Omar whispered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

Of course not, David shocked us, turning to face Omar. We plan to have Christians of all ages, and we have at least eight hundred adults over the age of thirty who have registered.

Do you have any counselors assigned to the cabins? I wondered how this camp would compare to those from my childhood. Looking around I could see the other members of our group equally curious as they turned to listen.

Not exactly…I mean we have a few, but… David stumbled for the right explanation.

Joy rushed to help her son explain, We have experienced staff assigned to certain areas at all times to assist campers and counselors. They will have staff shirts and communication devices on them. You’ll find those men and women already here. There are also certain groups assigned to song leading, meal preparations, clean up, entertainment, and daily messages. Those people will continue to trickle in over the next few hours. Your group will be one of our guest speakers. You’ll receive further instruction during the staff meeting about where we need you throughout the week. She then looked at David, Why don’t you show our guests to their cabins and help them get settled. She smiled at us all and then left in a hurry.

Yes ma’am, David said, pulling our attention back to him. Grab your luggage and follow me.

On our way to the cabins, we passed the tent that took up so much space in the camp. The curtains on all sides draped so that no one could see what it looked like on the inside.

What’s in the tent? Gunner, one of our great outdoorsmen asked. I had a chance to talk to him on the first flight. He hoped to open up a Christian deep sea fishing tour later on in his life. He wanted to take people out fishing and preach God’s message during their long hours on the water.

A surprise, David smiled craftily.

The men’s cabins, called First, Second, and Third John, were the cabins nearest to us on the north side of the pond. We walked into First John where the guys received first pick of their room and beds. Inside, the cabins looked even larger than they had from the outside. The first door opened into a hallway and, inside the hallway, doors lined up one after another along both walls. Water fountains, bathroom facilities, and showers were located in between every two doors that opened to a bunkroom. The rooms each had one large window in the very back. Bunk beds lined the other walls and the middle of the room, allowing space for fifty people to sleep per room.

Gunner and his friend, Richard, took to the back corner near the window of the first room they entered. After throwing their items on the bed, they left to check out the rest of the camp. The other men entered the same room. Of course, Jeffrey and Steven found bunks next to each other inviting Omar to join them.

These larger cabins are built to sleep about seven hundred people each, David said with pride. The smaller family cabins, which we’ll pass on the way to the women’s cabins, have two rooms and can hold a family of five; though, we can accommodate larger families with extra air mattresses.

The log walls reminded me of the Lincoln Logs my mom gave me from her childhood. As I scanned the rest of the room, David’s eyes caught mine. I can take you and the other ladies to the women’s cabins while these gentlemen settle in, he said.

Thank you, I smiled. As we turned to leave, I threw one of my travel pillows at Steven, who had forgotten his, We’re headed to our cabins. See you in a bit.

We followed David on a trail that passed in front of the family cabins next to the pond. The girls’ cabins – labeled Ester, Ruth, and Phoebe – were on the south end of the pond next to a windmill. The location gave us privacy from the other cabins yet, it didn’t feel completely secluded. I stood in awe at God’s creation around me. My heart yearned for the morning to come quickly; to hear the birds sing their waking songs, and smell the dew on the ground.

David opened the main door to Ester’s cabin with his arm stretched out in front of him. After you, he smiled.

Ah, chivalry is not dead, said Geneva, one of the older women in our group. She and her sister, Agnes, laughed as we all stepped inside.

These cabins have the same layout as the men’s, David explained. Except that there are more mirrors on the cabin walls.

Yes, and we all know how important mirrors can be in the morning, Agnes said with a touch of sarcasm.

I entered the first door to the left and chose the closest bunk to the exit. Agnes apologized for not coming into the room with me, probably because she saw that the men had all stayed in the same room. She insisted that she sleep by the restroom in case of an emergency in the night. Geneva followed behind her, and so did Sandra. Sandra seemed to feel more comfortable with them than she did with the other girls in our group.

Four of the other girls snatched up their own room. That left Jasmine. Jasmine is one of the quietest people I have ever met. She stood in the hallway trying to decide on where to go looking back and forth at the two rooms.

I like my space. Why don’t you go with them? I smiled. Her eyes lingered more in their direction anyway. Had she hesitated, then I would have asked her to join me. For now, she seemed content as she darted into the other room.

That was nice of you, David commended. Don’t worry; you’ll have a full cabin before tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks for the warning, I joked.

He gave a nervous laugh.

I took the opportunity to ask, So what is the tent in the middle of the camp really for?

I told you, it’s a surprise, he teased. Don’t worry. You’ll find out soon enough. I need to check in with a few people. I can give you a tour later, maybe after the staff meeting. Is that alright?

I’d like that, I grinned as I let the door spring shut. David was very personable and easy on the eyes. Charm could only get a person so far in the world, but I hoped he had more to offer. It didn’t take long to see that he wore his heart on his sleeve… I laughed at myself for thinking such thoughts; to assume I knew him. Maybe I read too much into his gestures. David and I are strangers. Perhaps we could get to know each other over the week. That is, if he even had time to visit.

Shoving these thoughts aside, I rolled out my sleeping bag on the bottom bunk next to me. Having a mattress under my back would be much more comfortable than the hard ground we planned to sleep on in Mexico. Father, be with the villagers that expected us, I prayed while shoving my luggage bag under the bed. Don’t let them assume that our absence represents Your abandonment of them. I wondered if other countries even knew what had happened.

Again, I had a chance to admire God’s creation while heading back to meet up with Jeffrey and Steven. This time I stopped for an extra moment and watched as the sun started its descent in the sky. It still reflected off the glass waters of the pond. It was the setting for a perfect evening. There were no strong winds to disturb the vegetation, though a gentle breeze still rustled the pine needles. The trees reached for the sky, showing their majesty off to the world. Little patches of lilies, blue bonnets, and daisies covered the pond shore, getting as close to the water as possible without drowning. I spotted a trail that seemed to lead behind the family cabins and up to the side of the mountain.

CHAPTER 4

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Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…but his delight is in the law of the LORD…

—Psalm 1:1–2 (NIV)

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Jeffrey and Steven met me outside of their cabin with Omar. Busses pulled in as we walked and talked, exploring the camp. Men in dark blue uniforms stepped off each bus, first, and then extended their hands out in front of them. Several people followed, taking the men’s hands for balance. We recognized some of them immediately; Christian actors, sports players, authors, musicians, and artists.

A loud booming sound came from the surrounding trees and buildings, Now that everyone is here, please make your way over to the Tabernacle – the enormous tent – and we will fill you in on the details of the week. You will have time to unload your luggage afterwards, while we prepare for dinner.

At the Tabernacle, we were stunned with awe as the curtains drew open on all sides of the tent. Rows, upon rows of round tables covered the floor. Each table had eight chairs around them, white and purple tablecloths on top of them, and beautiful flower centerpieces in the middle. Scattered around the centerpieces were different colored packets of paper and pens. White lights hung above the tables, giving the room a very elegant look. Rectangular tables, cloaked with white tablecloths and black skirts, held drink dispensers and cups along the sides of the tent.

A stage centered in the front of the Tabernacle was visible to all of the tables before it. Purple and white cloth curtained the stage at its base. Large flower arrangements draped over the corners of the stage, with their vines stretching to the ground camouflaging the stairs behind them. In the middle of the stage was a single glass podium with papers on top of it.

Searching to sit next to someone we all recognized, we were disappointed. Most people came with their own families and friends filling up entire tables. Finally, we settled for a table where