Endeavor: The Life and Times of Charles—Book V

By R. O. Gunther

The facts presented in the pages of Endeavor clear away the obscure and highlight the existing but hidden real reality way of life that leads to a marvelous future.

This refreshing result is accomplished by following the present life and times of Charles and his companions as they confront and refute the proponents of false reality. The propositions of the false have been laid bare, lifeless, having been trampled upon by reason and facts.

The reader is invited to participate, share in the reasoning, consider the facts, answer the question: is there really a false sense of reality that is dominating and obscuring the true reality in present day living?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514414392

R. O. Gunther

The author had worked closely with the television comedy industry of past eras. There, is love for humor acquired expression from the genius of the renowned comedians of that day. That association built into him, or, rather, brought out what was built in him, a deep-seated “terrible sense of humor;” which has been termed clever imagination.

Book preview

The Prologue

Dear Perspective Reader, if you have been a close companion of Charles and friends and had been traveling alongside them—welcome back! This is the fifth book, which concludes the fabulous life and times of Charles and promises to be a joy and incentive.

If, however, you are being presented to Charles for the first time—well, you will be having a completely new experience opened up to you! Yes, and you will definitely need some catching up to do, won’t you? This, we will provide for you right here and now, in this Prologue. Please, enjoy a brief review of the previous four books depicting the astounding Life and Times of Charles:

Book I: The Life and Times of Charles:

Before embarking on your adventure with our hero, you must first be aware of the vital signs so as to be assured of maximum enjoyment in your proposed travels with Charles. Be it known that the following pages are designed to present you with humour and adventure—humorous adventure, if you please.

Charles’ unique personality and astonishing ability win out over his enemies. This is satire; this is comic book. But finally, it’s the good-guys against the bad-guys; Charles is impelled into their present world of intrigue and deception.

Now, for that uncertain, but greatly desired gift called humour. The adventure itself is comedy, nevertheless, you must be alert to perceive additional, spasmodic bits of humour that appear now and then, throughout. Discern the innuendoes, contradictions, anachronisms, a few originally composed word-forms and poetry that you will find scattered along the way. These, then, are the vital signs that must be detected if your travels with Charles are to be successful. Oh! What choice times await you, Dear Reader, as your precious little eyes anxiously direct you through The Life and Times of Charles … .

Book II: Charles—Spy Extraordinaire!

Charles, the historic figure that he has come to be, has seen and fought evil throughout the world. During his years of adventure, he had gathered around him some close companions; all noble men dedicated to combat the bad-guys of the world. Their determination caused them to become members of the International Good-Guy Spy Agency, with headquarters in The Hague. It’s the good guys against the bad guys—Guys!

In the closing three chapters, however, it is revealed that Charles had become awakened to a terrible reality—We had won every one of the many world-wide encounters with the bad guys; but, in the end we have lost the war! Due to this failure of our altruist fighter for world peace and security, he had become shocked into a deep depression—he was left without desire to live.

But, alas! Something astonishing happened. At home with his parents in England and about at his emotional lowest, King came. He startled Charles with what first had startled him, the results of his research. King, an archaeologist, had spent years of research in Bible lands that had finally led him to an incredible yet unwanted conclusion.

The unwanted conclusion … ? That famous old book called The Bible was, in reality, accurate world history! He was amazed when he saw that his major historical finds had already been written about thousands of years ago—in the Bible!

This conclusion had astounded, then jolted Charles. Why! That’s impossible, Charles responded. The Bible has no real value in the world today. Nevertheless, he was sharply shaken out of his lethargy. He had to find out! His drive now was to research King’s unbelievable assertion. Can this all be true … ? What could be the source of that incredible work? Their research and its meaning form the basis for the continued and more meaningful, life and times of Charles—The Sharp Sword.

Book III: The Sharp Sword:

King’s archaeological studies launched them into research of the Bible. The comparative conclusions between the historical accounts written in the Bible with the archaeological findings were positive. Bible history had been proven reality. They felt that no man or group of men could have compiled this accurate, ancient world history. If that be the case, then how … who … God?! No—can’t be!

The results were wide, eye-opening conclusions! Their altruist criteria had been—no private interpretation of what is clear Bible statement and no personal ideas or religious traditions. The world has enough of that type of miss-direction—no thanks.

Unbelievable as it may seem, Bible truth was firmly established—and especially in its application to our traumatic day!

What is set out before the reader, in this, the third volume, is a challenge; the very same challenge that faced Charles.

Book IV: Confrontation:

As discussed here in Book IV, their year of intense Bible research recorded in The Sharp Sword, had resulted in the accurate knowledge of God’s truth laid out in the pages of the Bible. They found the answers to the world’s most imposing questions together with God’s direction in this, the time of the end of this wicked system. For conformation of this remarkable conclusion, one would have to read The Sharp Sword, Books III.

Now, It was action time—Confrontation! Throughout its pages, it is face-to-face showdown, encounters, with the world’s religious-philosophical societies!

It was during this year of world travel that Charles and King had also gradually become introduced to the worldwide activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their personal research had been found to coincide with the tenants of that one religious group. Charles and King had been loners in presenting their findings to inquirers in different parts of the world. However, now, and without a doubt, it was the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses that was engaged in doing God’s will in the world today. Sheer evidence is seen to point to that conclusion—they were forced to enjoin.

Book V: Endeavor

Therefore, we now find ourselves at the portals of the fifth book tracing the Life and Times of Charles—Endeavor.

Along with Charles and King, his parents have become Jehovah’s Witnesses. They enjoyed the encouraging weekly meetings at the local Wooster congregation; yes, they would go from house to house presenting the Bible truth to anyone who would listen. In addition, a pleasant surprise takes place as elderly Richard and Rita, Americans, join Charles’ household. They relive their real lifelong experiences and share them with others, as they work together greatly amplifying a mutual Endeavor.

Due to their years of Bible research and their confrontations with many religious and ideological societies, our now elite group is especially qualified to benefit others in very special ways.

Of course, as Charles and King had begun to realize, it was God’s way that was the real reality in life. The real reality in life? Yes, which has been obscured by the overpowering present false sense of reality in life. This false sense of reality is that man’s governments, his religions and commerce can do it. They can bring peace and security to beaten, wavering mankind that they, themselves, have created. This was the position that they termed as the false sense of reality—the superficial obscuring the real.

Author’s first note: It would be enlightening for the reader to look over this last paragraph, and think about it. The reason is that the word reality is defined as the rejection of the impractical or visionary; but rather, the accurate representation without idealization. With this description in mind, one needs only a superficial look at the worlds worsening failures and reach his own conclusion concerning valid, ‘reality’ hopes for world peace and security. —R.O. G.

Gratefully, The Sharp Sword had produced a sure and happy answer. The success of their world confrontations had only confirmed their position. God is active and carrying out his will in the world today—but his way.

It is now time to embark on their present world endeavor. Dear Reader, you are cordially invited to accompany our noble adventurers in their amplified altruistic episodes.

Chapter 1

IN THE BEGINNING

King was to accompany Charles to New York City; it was to attend an international convention of dealers in fine gems. A few days before leaving, however, they had received a surprise call from Dimitri Pavlov, the Jehovah’s Witnesses lawyer whom they had met two years ago in Leningrad, Russia.

Brother Pavlov, great to hear your voice! Wow, it takes me back … . Wait a minute; let me get King over here … . Okay, we are both surprised and happy to hear from you, Dimitri. How are you … ?

Fine, Charles, look, the reason for my call is that I’m spending a week at the Branch office in Brooklyn, New York. We have a conference going on concerning our legal work in various countries. I thought if you were free, we could get together … .

What a coincidence, Dimitri! King and I have an appointment to be in the city. What days will you be there?

Well, as it turned out, they would be there during the same week. Arrangements were made for the two to have lunch with Pavlov that Friday.

That’ll be great, Charles, we’ll mix your business with pleasure, Old Boy. concluded King.

It was Brooklyn, New York; they had arrived and found themselves waiting in a very modern and sophisticated lobby. It was the Worldwide Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On arriving, they had Pavlov paged, and arrangements were made to meet there in the lobby; they were invited for lunch.

It was as they had experienced in the Leningrad Branch two years ago. The same atmosphere of happy workers, smiling faces, introductions exchanged—everyone wanted to know who everyone else was.

Dimitri, observed King, it’s just like when we were there with you in Russia; the exact same delightful association.

They were experiencing Jehovah’s Witnesses and there worldwide Christian association in action. After diner, the three moved to a lounge where they could spend a few minutes.

Fellows, there are about ten of us here from different countries; we’re having a seminar to coordinate our legal procedures. The world situation is always changing and we must keep up to date in our work of defending the brothers and the ministerial activity.

That reminds us of Leningrad, Charles looked at King; the three laughed.

You and the Interpol agent got to us just in time, Pavlov; and do you know what? That episode introduced us to Jehovah’s Witnesses, King appreciative, remembered.

Charles reminiscent now … Dimitri, King and I had been dedicated to battle this world’s enemies. Looking at his partner, That is, we along with other noble companions, we endeavored to void the world of crime and corruption.

Smiling, Yes I know, Charles; you did it your way and you failed. You saw it was impossible—your way, added Pavlov. In Leningrad with us, you found the truth; you discovered what the Bible discloses—it is going to be done God’s way. You found his organization here on earth—welcome, Brothers! Bending over, he opened his brief case. Pavlov, with a glint in his eyes, slowly withdrew a very nice looking rust-colored publication. He looked at them smiling as he placed it on the table in front of them. "And you two spent a fabulous year engaged in this! —Confrontation!"

Well, one can imagine the surprise!

Yes, I read it all, Fellows; the chapter about us in Leningrad was great. He laughed; he was happy to surprise them.

Charles picked it up, thought … Yes, Dimitri, that did it. The tour of the Branch, the enormous convention in the stadium, then our research of comparative Bible teachings all did it for us.

Pavlov, added King, all of our research that we had been engaged in, Charles and I, had resulted for us as identical with the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses! We had thus, been convinced that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the truth; it is the only organization that God is using in the world.

That’s right, King. Looking at Pavlov, Dimitri, we had no recourse; we knew that we had to become Jehovah’s Witnesses!"

You find me very happy for you, Fellows. Continuing, Pavlov informed them that in various countries of the world our work is not very well recognized as being beneficial. Therefore, congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in those places find themselves under the hardship of proscriptions or harassment. It is for those reasons that, our brothers there need help to deal with the difficult situations forced upon them. This, of course, is as you yourselves have seen in Leningrad. Hey! I almost forgot, injected the lawyer. That chief of police that had detained you … remember? Well, you two evidently left a very good impression, and do you know what? He and his family had begun to study the Bible and are now with us also."

Looking at each other, smiling, Hey, the chief was so discouraged, we felt sorry for him; he seemed weary of his fruitless efforts—a wasted life. Somehow we will have to get in touch with him, right Charles?

Author note: The episode of their visit to Leningrad, Russia is detailed in Chapter 5, Confrontation in Russia, found in the fourth book of The Life and times of Charles, Confrontation!—R. O. G.

Dimitri, King and I plan to continue our arrangement to present Bible truth to organizations that request interviews with us. So far, as we have detailed in our publication here, Charles pointed to Confrontation! We have had tremendous success in refuting error, you know.

King just had to add, Those encounters have been a tremendous conformation that our reasoning and evidence presented were irrefutable.

So, King, what I’m thinking is that perhaps we can be of help to our brothers as we visit in different countries, spend some time with them, returned a thinking Charles.

Sounds good, Fellows, as you well know, at this time in history—this is no time for sleeping, is it? God’s will is being done by his people to a greater and greater extent every day. Under the direction of Christ Jesus, the good news of his kingdom is now being preached throughout the earth.

They stood, shook hands; and as they parted, they agreed on frequent communication so as to provide mutual assistance in their noble endeavor.

Upon returning home to Wooster, our two world travelers dumped their luggage down in the hall and greeted Charles parents, Martha and Thomas. They were in their 80s now; and yes, the last 30 years of their son’s fabulous life and times had thrilled them and filled their lives. Especially, had they enjoyed these final two years of Bible research along with Charles’ and King’s confrontations with the world’s religious-philosophic communities—wow! Together with their recently acquired activities as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Charles’ elderly parents found themselves vigorous, active—much younger than their ages demanded.

Here in Charles’ home in Wooster, England, King had become a permanent resident during these past two years; for Thomas and Martha, he was another son.

It was in their second floor Bible research room where it begun—that is to say the new beginning. Here is where they had researched the Bible and Bible material month after month creating chapter after chapter of the subjects that finally shaped their literary creation—The Sharp Sword.

Now, they found themselves seated on the leather couch. Not talking, thinking, looking around at their laboratory—the books, computer setup, the huge computer screens along the wall.

Wow! These last two years; what a life we’ve had, Charles!

They sat, relaxed, thinking back—how it all happened.

Thanks to your arrival King that sharply awakened me, shaken out of my dangerously deep depression.

It was after years of their altruist, but futile efforts to further world peace, when the discovery was made of the despicable mole undermining the efforts of their International Good-guy Spy Agency (IGGSA). That failure and treachery had roughly shoved Charles into that latent condition.

Then, one day, King had arrived. His archeological based conclusions that the Bible must be of a superhuman origin was what did it. Because as he put it, It was impossible for men to have produced such an accurate history of the world. To them, that statement opened up preponderate questions: is it possible that God exists; could he be is the answer to world peace? The result being: Charles and King dove headlong into profound research. Their proceeding year-long efforts produced positive and revealing results. Charles had become convinced that the Bible had the answer—the only answer.

Unbelievable, King, we’ve fought the bad guys all over the world; we had won every battle with them. But, Buddy, we lost the war, didn’t we?

We lost that war, Charles, we didn’t know … . We thought we could do it, but found that it was a lost cause.

With our noble companions, King, we did it all … . Happily, they are with us; they realized like we did, the better way, the only way to work for world peace. We are still a team, and what a team. There’s a lot of work ahead, but this time the results will be positive, Guy.

Among the unopened letters, waiting for them was one from an Atheist Society here in London, requesting more information and maybe a personal encounter.

Interesting, Charles, we’ll have to research the subject, prepare information and respond, won’t we?

"Right King, it looks inviting. It appears that we are going to have quite a heavy schedule with our local ministry work here in the congregation and wherever, whenever, we can continue our altruist endeavors in other parts of the world.

It was time for supper. Arriving at the dining room, King looked at the dinner table and remarked, Hey Charles, why the six places, we’re only four?

Thomas was already seated at the head of the table, Dad, why the six places set?

Ah ha! We have a wonderful surprise for you two … .

At that moment, appearing at the door to the basement apartment … there they were, Richard and Rita! The two boys stared at the tall, smiling, elderly couple—Richard and Rita?

Martha came in from the kitchen and set down the large platter of delicious smelling corned beef and cabbage. Rita, can you make room over there for the wine, please … ?

Standing, they looked at their two new home companions. They were observed to be a little older than Thomas, but very alert and smiling. They were Americans. Rita’s hair was all white; she looked like a very distinguished lady. Richard still had his hair and as old age does to most, he was a bit portly. These two must have lived very active, energetic lives together. Introductions were exchanged; a few expressions of surprise and interest were shared. Was this to be a grand and new beginning … ?

Bubbling over with excitement, Boys, Richie here, and I have a very special history together, you know, declared Thomas. "We had served together in the war, and now, last week at the Kingdom Hall—unbelievable! When I walked in, we stood looking at each other … took a few seconds … memories straining … is it possible? No, no, it can’t be. Yet… . Then, all of a sudden, recognition—we closed in and hugged each other, laughing, backslapping and tears… . Others standing around before the meeting began turned and looked. Then, smiling, all realized that something big was happening here right before their eyes—something real big!

It’s you … Richie; is it really you … ?

It’s me, alright, you old fox—Tommie, this is incredible!

Well, they just had to go off by themselves; outside they walked and talked. That day, after the meeting, enthusiasm reigned. A fond revival of close friendship was established along with, now, a newly bonded Christian brotherhood.

So, that’s how it happened, concluded Thomas, quite exhausted.

A typically fine English meal was had. Between enjoying the special Chef Martha’s emporium delight and conversation, friendship was being bonded. It seemed that this elderly couple had also spent decades, themselves, working for peace and safety in the world. However, it was not by supporting the world’s ‘false reality’ endeavors. They had been missionaries and had served as traveling ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The two had been in the full time ministry for over sixty years. Charles and King would, from time to time stare over at them, thinking and wondering … .

Richard, asked Charles, In what parts of the world have you two been … ?

"Well, holding his wife’s hand, we are Americans, you know … .

I had detected that from the accent, quickly injected King. You know, I’m from the States myself, up and down the Mississippi you might say. But that was years ago."

We’re from the State of New Jersey, just across the Hudson river from New York City, returned Richard. We came here to attend the international assembly last month; then attended the Wooster congregation meetings before returning home to the States. That’s how we ran into each other, old Tommie and I.

And, I, People, worked in the Empire State Building, announced Rita with a flare. But, that was in the late forties, then Richard and I met at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jersey City; in a few years we were married. she looked at her husband and took his hand, smiling.

Just to fill in the spaces, injected Richard, We were married in 1951, became full-time ministers; and when the huge International Convention came along in 1958, at Yankee Stadium, New York City, we signed up to attend the Watchtower Missionary School of Gilead. It was only a few months later when we were whisked away to the school, then assigned to Spain as missionaries. That’s it for us, Folks!

Charles found himself silently calculating … 1951 … 1958 … Hey, these two can’t be too young… . Glancing at King gave him the impression that he was thinking along the same track.

Yes, people, Rita and I are not young chickens anymore, you know, injected the observant Richard.

Well, the six retired to the living room, where about two hours of getting acquainted unfolded motion-picture-like.

Yeah, looking at the couple, Charles but-in, In fact that’s where King and I ran into each other some years ago; it was on a Mississippi river steamboat.

Charles, that must have been well over twenty years ago, no? thought King.

We’ve become close friends and companions—for years we’ve been fighting world crime ourselves, our way.

Oh Yes, Rita Dear, I used to worry so, as Charles would be away during long periods to … who knows where. However, he always returned to us without harm. Then, two years ago King came, and became our second son. They converted an upstairs room into a Bible research laboratory. Thomas and I were thrilled; we even participated, you know. We soon had to agree with their reveling conclusions.

"We jolly well took part, and the truth is what we arrived at—it’s all in their book The Sharp Sword. The book was published, received quite a bit of attention; organizations asking for personal presentations … ."

And, Dear, they were off again, weren’t they, Thomas? A whole year of traveling and challenging the traditions and philosophies of the world.

Yes, Mom, but this time it was success in defeating the bad guys of the world. Because this time we had God’s backing—we were presenting his Word as the only real hope for freedom and peace.

King, where have our adventures taken us to, Old Boy … ?

Well … with you, Breeze, Freddy, and your Uncle Schultz, I guess almost all over. Let’s see now … most parts of the States, Europe, Africa, the East—yes, Outer Mongolia. We made great friends—all noble people.

Laughing, Charles injected "—and enemies too,