The Blurr: The Beginning of the End

By David Gates

A disease . . . the end of the times . . . a quest for survival? Where is a safe place to hide from the dangers that lurk behind a mask of lies?

Daniel Gains and his best friend Carson Dennison own a retail establishment outside of town and have expectations in expanding their business. Little did they know that those plans were about to change. One day Dan is inspired by God to deliver a message to his church. Deeply disturbed by it, he ministers to them anyways. Shortly afterward, an unannounced disease, Blurr, is threatening the lives of millions, and he is afraid for his family. He embarks on a journey, meeting others along the way while searching for a safe place from the disease.

When Dan, is chosen to search for a safe place for his family and friends to escape the terror of the disease Blurr, he encounters obstacles that only God can help him through. With the betrayal by many, the numerous of unexplained deaths, and the unquestionable acts of the elements of the world, will they survive as they hope for another day? Despite all that is going wrong, Gods power is at work, helping him and others along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512783407

David Gates

David Gates lives in Missoula, Montana, and Granville, New York. He teaches at the University of Montana, and in the Bennington Writing Seminars, and was an editor at Newsweek, where he specialised in music and books. He is the author of two novels, Jernigan and Preston Falls, and the story collection The Wonders of the Invisible World.Jernigan was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award. Gates's short stories have appeared in the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Paris Review and Granta.

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Copyright © 2017 David Gates.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-8338-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8339-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8340-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017905820

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/05/2017

Contents

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1

‘Surviving Tribulation’ was the main topic projected on the wall of country church. The coolness of the October night, crowded the sanctuary. It was filled with enthusiasm and praises as the songs of deliverance ranged throughout.

Dan, was sitting in his chair with his eyes buried in the notes from the message that deprived him of his sleep the last few nights. Some of the notes rested on the floor in front of him from opening his overstuffed briefcase. His tie was pulled out of place. His short brown hair, which was once spiked up at the beginning of the night, laid almost flat to his head. Sweat poured down his face, he pulled on his collar.

Periodically, he would glance up at the clock and barely lift his head towards the service leader, waiting for his cue.

Why am I so nervous? He asked himself out loud, rolling up his sleeves. In the back of the church, the entrance door opened, letting in a whisk of cold air. A tall, older gentleman with a hat walked in and sat on the back pew. He took off his hat and glanced at others sitting close by. His pale complexion and long countenance gained much attention. One of the members around him stood up to greet him with a friendly handshake. He pulled off his brown overcoat and doubled it up, placing it beside him. His eyes were fixed on the preacher. A lady nearby stared, stunned by surprise. They hardly ever get a visitor and when they do its mainly family.

Overwhelmed by thoughts of the message, Dan never noticed the stranger. Little did he know about what was taking place in the minds of the people as the old man sat there. Dan had always been known for his outgoing personality and being full of energy, despite the husky look. Tonight, he was not himself. He had experienced a depth within the End Time message, more than any other message that he had studied before. Something opened his eyes to the understanding that the Church must go through tribulation before Christ’s return. Some of the elect will be safe, while there will be others put to death for His sake. How was he to let the people know? That was the question at the moment.

He racked his brain trying to figure out how he was to bring out such a stirring message. He considered that he had never been this deeply moved about a message before. Will the church accept it? Would they take notice of God’s warning to flee from the dangers that will soon be coming upon the land?

Finally, after prayer and deep meditation, it finally came down to the moment he had eagerly waited. The service leader motioned him to take the podium. He stood to his feet looking at the people, then stared at his notes for a moment. He tried to hide the nervousness with positive posture. He remained silent. He looked up and saw the confusion on the faces of the people. His heart seemed to beat at the speed of light with every breath he took. Great drops of sweat covered his forehead and dripped from his nose.

Behind the podium, he lowered the microphone and cleared his throat. Okay Lord, I’m here, now what? He said under his breath.

He squinted as he opened his mouth to speak. Matthew 24 tells us all what will be upon us during the tribulation period. There will be famines, earthquakes and pestilences. Nations will rise against nations. There will be many offended, and false prophets will rise. One passage says, Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved." Matthew, 24:22.

These things will happen. There will be a trying time for all of those who are saved. Then another scripture shortly after that says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:" Matthew 24:29-30.

Jesus will return for His Church. He cleared his throat. This we know for a fact, but He will not come until we endure through to the end of Tribulation. We that survive this troublesome time at the end will be rescued from the judgments of God. I believe that God will not let us go through more than we can bare. Choose this night, whom you will serve? Choose now, before it’s too late. I believe that we’re at the door of the end as we speak. Let me elaborate on this for a moment.

He began to read an article from the local newspaper.

"An Epidemic Spreads Across Europe. An outbreak of an unknown epidemic disease is ravaging Europe. Millions are infected and now with a death toll growing rapidly in the thousands, the rescue crews are fanning out as attempts are being made. Since the first outbreak, the origin of which is still unknown. From the north to the south of the European countryside the disease has spread like wild fire, devouring all those that come in contact with it."

He placed the article down and removed his glasses. He unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up. In Matthew 24, the disciples wanted to know the signs of the end of the world. Jesus explained them in verse 7, For nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in diver’s places."

There is a pestilence devouring Europe, and its only one example of the beginning of the end. These signs are being fulfilled right before our eyes. Look at the major earthquakes, mudslides, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Tribulation is upon us and if we’re not ready to go through it, then we should start preparing now.

Dan continued to relate more of the importance of the message. He elaborated on the thought that the Saints were to endure the Tribulation. The heat of the message was hotter than the glowing wood stove in the back of the old church. Eyes were fixed on him with their undivided attention. He became briefly silent and glanced over his shoulder toward the corner. He could hear murmurs, questioning his motives. He continued with the sermon holding nothing back. He portrayed a picture of what the lake of fire would feel like by the tone of his voice. His actions described the excruciating pain from the gnashing of teeth, to the lost souls burning in fire, as if someone was being tortured right there in front of them.

From the middle pew, Sister Joan gained everyone’s attention when she waved her arms in the air to interrupt. She pushed her long gray curly hair out of the way. Just what do you think you are doing? You shouldn’t preach about Tribulation and whatever else happens before Jesus returns. That kind of nonsense confuses the people. Preach more on Heaven, prosperity and peace. We want only positive messages. We can all agree on that. We give too much of our tithes to hear such preposterous ideas anyways.

Dan was deeply disturbed by the outburst coming from a long-time member such as Sister Joan. Her husband Clay, a retired police officer was shocked by her outburst, but agreed with her anyway to keep peace. Dan’s heart broke as she proceeded to interrupt the service with her absurdity. He gripped the microphone tighter as his face flushed red from embarrassment. He pointed his finger toward her, Sister, God told me to preach this message to warn you… all of you. He waved his finger across the whole congregation, That we are in the last days, in the end time. He wiped the sweat off his brow with his hand. Jesus is the only one who can save us from these judgements that we are soon to be facing on earth.

Sister Joan snarled her nose at him. She forced her arms through the sleeves of her jacket. She signaled her husband to follow her, We’re done here. God loves everyone and he will not allow anyone to go through Tribulation or even go to such a place that you will be tortured for eternity. They both walked to the back of the sanctuary as everyone stared at them. Is there anyone else done with this madness? If yes, then come with me and we will find us a real preacher, she said, with an overpowering tone.

Questioning fears arose throughout the room. Some of them with righteous indignation. Others puzzled, and the unlearned about the truths of the Bible, got up from their benches and headed towards the door.

Dan did not know what to say. He was overwhelmed by the negative vibes of those who abandoned him due to the message. He lowered his head as several walked out. Some of them were those who had signed the deed of the church, and a few who had helped build up the church to what it had become.

Tears fell from his face as his heart was breaking. Compassion came from the remaining congregation as they watched Dan stand there in silence. One-by-one, they stood to their feet and took each other by the hand and prayed.

Dan waited for a sign or something out of the ordinary to take place to convince himself that God was in control. He surrendered, walked over to the piano, and knelt beside it to pray. He had made up his mind, Lord, please forgive those that know not what they do. Now help those that remain to see your truth. I’ve warned them. I’ve obeyed your voice.

He wept as thoughts of giving up swirled through his mind. What is going on here? He asked over and over in his mind. Out of all the sermons, this had to be the one that broke the bond of many in this church. What were the reasons that so many walked out on God’s Word? What will happen now that more than half of the church is gone? He asked himself.

He knew that the message, which was given by God, had to have significance to it. He was overwhelmed by feelings that he had never experienced. The message that consisted of such considerable study, the results of which he thought would be life changing, ended another way. Is this what you wanted Lord?

The stranger stepped out of the pews. He walked up behind Dan, placing his hand on his shoulder. "Preacher, don’t be discouraged. Harvest Time is at hand. God will remove the wheat from the tares, meaning that He will have a people that will choose to listen and obey His commandments."

The stranger walked back to his seat as Dan stood to his feet, wiping the tears from his cheeks. He gathered himself and glanced at the congregation.

The collar of his gray shirt was soaked with the sweat from his body. Dan knew what his calling was and what sacrifices would have to be made.

Evil had entered the equation to overthrow Dan and all who followed him. Things were set in motion that very evening.

On their way home, there was a silence. Laura tried to comfort Dan, but she too was a bit in shock. She felt helpless but was eager to try to cheer him up. We needed that message just like the desert needs rain, She looked out at the passing buildings. She pressed the side of her head against the window, imperceptivity shaking it and wiping away a tear.

She had a gut feeling that something out of the ordinary was about to happen. Something even greater had been dealing with her, but she could never put her finger on what it was. The last few nights of being concerned about her husband’s late studying and skipping his favorite dishes were bothersome.

I felt something different in the middle of your sermon. It was like God was speaking directly to me. When I saw Sister Joan walk out in her rage, it all became clear to me. There is more to going to church than just giving your tithes or being faithful to every service. There is also an importance that the whole truth is being preached and followed. The truth will separate the elect from the false believers.

Dan interrupted, I heard a voice that said something similar to me when I prayed. Maybe there is going to be a big separation or something? Maybe during the Tribulation, is where God will separate the unbelievers from the believers?

Laura clinched her fists as an inner inspiration kept her spirit strong, knowing that whatever was keeping Dan spiritually occupied would soon reveal the truth that has been lurking in their hearts for many of years. She always felt that their lives were meant to be so much more.

This time was different. She felt for the first time in her life that she could see a clear path which had seemed like a blur most of the time before now. She felt like a new woman ready to conquer the unconquered.

Dan chewed on his fingernail due to his shattered nerves. He peered into the rearview mirror as if he was being followed. They pulled up to a flashing red stoplight that seemed to always go out with every storm. Well, it looks like the light is out again, Laura said jokingly. She tried to break the tension that’d been in the car ever since they left the church.

Dan was caught up in his own little world thinking about all that has happened. He didn’t hear Laura’s comment about the red light. Unwittingly he was still waiting for the light to turn green, I just don’t understand why they got so upset. I’ve preached on the Tribulation before and no one walked out on me then.

Sweetie, the light is flashing red again. You can go at your turn, she said calmly patting him on his shoulder.

Was I too hard on them or something? I just don’t get it, Dan questioned.

Dan! She shouted trying to gain his attention.

Dan panicked. He adjusted the mirror eagerly to see who was in the car behind,

Oh no, it’s them! Probably wanting to talk to me about the message.

Laura implored, Calm down sweetie! They are waiting on you to move on through the light. The storm has caused the red light to go out again so, can we please just drive now?

The cold rain began to beat harder on the windshield. Lightning struck through the dark sky and lit the top of the trees in the background. Katy and Lane sat in the back with their faces to the windows as they watched the lightning streak across the sky.

It would have to rain on this particular night. It seems to always rain when something goes wrong, Dan said as he pulled into the drive.

Honey, you did nothing wrong. You did what was intended. So…quit, quit complaining about what God intended to happen. Remember, that God doesn’t do anything unless he’s going to bring good out of it.

Laura reached in the back, unbuckled Lane. She felt she had good intentions to make him see the good that can come from it all. Did she get the point over or will it remain a problem? She exited the passenger door and opened her umbrella to shield herself from the rain. Dan rushed around to help get the kids out. They reached the door soaked from head to toe. Dan leaned into Laura and kissed her cheek. What’s that for?

You’re right sweetie. I shouldn’t interfere with the good things God is trying to produce.

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On a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, Third Mate, John Carter was conducting a routine check with the life-saving equipment. Pressed for time, considering the long coffee break he took, he decided to skip the life raft check and come back to it later. He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes until ten, and there’s not a soul in sight, he said, as he walked along the edge of the ship. He briefly observed the inside of a storage room that contained maintenance supplies. Before he closed the door, a faint whining sound caught his attention. Desperate, but frantic to discover the distinct noise, he picked up a broom handle and neared the corner. A small dark figure moved its head. He proceeded with caution. Behind a bucket, lay a brown mutt. There was no dog tag to specify who the owner was. The dog seemed friendly as he patted its head. John was worried that Captain Barnes would find the dog after he had already performed his daily