Mission of Freedom Series

By Naomi Sowell

Mission of Freedom (Book 1):
It all starts with a dream, a date, and destiny. What Jewel Neuman thought was just one more thing to battle at Katy High turns out to be so much more. At first, she didn't want a part of this fight. But when she comes face to face with a darkness uglier than she ever knew, now comes the most crucial choice of her life. Will she stay and unite with her new friends against this evil? Or will she choose to ignore the pull on her heart and try to return to normal? Maybe God is using this mission to call her to His purpose. As Jewel learns to find freedom in fulfilling her calling, will she be able to pass that on to those she's fighting for?

Mission of Faith (Book 2):
The fight for freedom continues as Jewel, now happily married and mother of four beautiful children, is sucked into another mission. When she and her team answer a mysterious call for help, the situation quickly escalates to life threatening proportions. Adira, Jewel's oldest daughter, vanishes, and it'll take people from drastically different backgrounds to pull together and find her before time runs out. They can't do it on their own. They're going to need faith stronger than any fear. Will the only man who can save her resist the darkness clutching his soul? Or will her small light end up saving him?

Mission of Hope (Book 3):
It's been fifteen years… Fifteen years since my life fell apart. Music and my baby brother, Dillon, are the only things that keep me sane. But a promise made is a promise I will keep. After running from myself and my parents' ministry for so long, I'm off to a foreign country to serve at a safe haven for people just like me. I can't escape the irony of the situation, but something tells me that this trip may help me find what I've been searching for. Then, a bus accident that was no accident and Dillion's disappearance force me into action. I used to lose hope so easily, but that was before I recognized Who, not what, my Hope is. Now, it's a race against time again to find my brother before he's gone forever. Along the way, I discover more than my fair share of friends, danger, missions, and sure enough, hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naomi Sowell
• Release date: May 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201114275

Book preview

Naomi Sowell

Mission Of Freedom Series

Copyright © 2022 by Naomi Sowell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Naomi Sowell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Naomi Sowell has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Contents

1. Mission of Freedom

2. Dedication

3. Acknowledgment

4. Chapter One

5. Chapter Two

6. Chapter Three

7. Chapter Four

8. Chapter Five

9. Chapter Six

10. Chapter Seven

11. Chapter Eight

12. Chapter Nine

13. Chapter Ten

14. Chapter Eleven

15. Chapter Twelve

16. Author’s Note

17. Mission of Faith

18. Dedication

19. Acknowledgment

20. Chapter One

21. Chapter Two

22. Chapter Three

23. Chapter Four

24. Chapter Five

25. Chapter Six

26. Chapter Seven

27. Chapter Eight

28. Chapter Nine

29. Chapter Ten

30. Chapter Eleven

31. Chapter Twelve

32. Epilogue

33. Author’s Note

34. Mission of Hope

35. Dedication

36. Acknowledgment

37. Prologue

38. Chapter One

39. Chapter Two

40. Chapter Three

41. Chapter Four

42. Chapter Five

43. Chapter Six

44. Chapter Seven

45. Chapter Eight

46. Chapter Nine

47. Chapter Ten

48. Chapter Eleven

49. Chapter Twelve

50. Epilogue

51. Author’s Note

About the Author

1

Mission of Freedom

2

Dedication

This book is for anyone who feels trapped where they are. There’s always hope. Jesus is our Eternal Hope. My prayer for this story is that it will inspire you to be free. That’s what Jesus came to do—to set the prisoners free. Much love & hugs from me to you, my friend. You’re never alone.

3

Acknowledgment

Ah, there’s so many people who helped me bring this story to life!

To Annie Twitchell, my mentor and friend, thank you for being with me every step of the way and pushing me to do my best!

To Naomi Chadwick, my main editor and critic, you rock, girl! Thanks for working so quickly on this!

To Abigail Sowell, my book cover designer, twin sister, and bestest friend in the whole wide world, thank you for the gorgeous cover and making it so fast! Thank you for all your love and support and keeping me grounded when I felt overwhelmed by it all!

To my awesome family, thank you for taking over on some of the band work, so that I could aim for this crazy goal! I love y’all so much!

Finally, all glory to my God and Father!

4

Chapter One

C’mon, Jewel, urged fifteen-year-old Amy, flipping her platinum hair over her shoulder. Chad is like, the hottest guy in the whole school. How can you possibly ditch a date with him?

I could care less. Jewel rolled her eyes. She regretted accepting the invitation to ‘chat’ at her friend’s house. If she had known that she was in for another lecture, she would’ve never walked through the front door. She swallowed her conflicting emotions that threatened to surface and fought to keep a brave face. His rep with girls is not that great, and he has a serious attitude. She sighed, softening her tone and looking away. Besides, I’ve told you before, I don’t date.

Seventeen years old, and she don’t date, Samantha teased, spinning in her best friend’s desk chair. What is up with you? It won’t hurt anything, she argued, her big brown eyes flashing.

Just one date could turn into a big deal, really fast, countered Jewel, standing up. He doesn’t really believe in God, so I know he’s not the type for me. Now that’s final. She was so ready to leave.

Fine, Amy huffed, turning away in disgust. It’s your life. She purposely ignored her and began gossiping with Sam about the latest matchmaking.

The rejection stung sharply, but Jewel forced herself to retreat slowly down the hall and out the door. However, once outside, she ran. She fled from the pain, confusion, and heartache, never stopping until she was a block away, in her own house and upstairs safe in her own bedroom. She threw herself across the bed, chestnut hair falling over her shoulders and tears streaming from her emerald-green eyes. She’d put on a bold face in front of her friends, but inwardly, she was beginning to question her personal convictions.

What is so wrong with dating? she asked out loud to no one. I’ll be eighteen soon, and I always get slammed about this. I’m alone and tired of being alone. It’s not fair!

Jewel’s heart quickened as bittersweet memories flooded her mind. Momma wouldn’t do it, and Daddy… He would encourage me to be strong. Has it been a whole year since I lost them? She loved her technology teacher, Mrs. Grey, and really appreciated her insistence that she stay even when she would age out of the foster system. But nothing could fill the longing in her heart for her mother’s sweet smile and her daddy’s strong arms. Life had been a drag until The Dream. She had criticized herself for allowing a silly dream to distract her during the day and plague her at night—but this was no ordinary dream. She knew it had to have spiritual significance because it kept coming back every time her eyes closed to rest.

Jewel sat up quickly and shook herself, forcing all thoughts of dating and dreams aside. She had a test to study for and no time for nonsense. She sat at her desk and bent over her homework, determined not to waste one more minute. When she finished, she glanced at her phone and groaned. I still have half an hour to kill before dinner. She hated having nothing to do. No friends to chat with. No date to prepare for with excitement. Nothing. Just her persistent thoughts. The vision played itself again in her mind as she leaned back and shut her eyes in frustration.

Sparkles shimmer in a curtain of blinding yet mesmerizing light. A soft, yet powerfully resonant voice speaks, I’ve called you to a special mission. You may not understand it now, but you will soon. Stay strong, beloved, and watch for these signs: the symbol of freedom on his shoulder, follow him through the door marked with the cross of My Son. Find the weeping masses and bring them the message of hope and love that you’ve been given. Always remember, you are loved and cherished. Trust in Me. The voice and light fade with these final words, You have an extraordinary gift. Use it for My glory.

Jewel! Mrs. Grey called up the stairs, shattering Jewel’s focus. It’s time for dinner!

Coming! Jewel answered. She tramped down the stairs and washed up. During the meal, she stayed silent, barely listening to the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Grey. After helping with the dishes, she retreated back upstairs to her room where it would be quiet and she could think.

As Jewel prepared for bed, she decided to crack the stubborn mystery of her dream once and for all. Retrieving a notebook and pen from her desk, she sat cross-legged on the bed. Before beginning her detective work, she whispered a prayer for wisdom. Then she wrote down every word from her dream, thinking out loud.

‘I’ve called you to a special mission. You may not understand it now, but you will in soon.’ That makes sense. I have some special mission. I just don’t know what it is yet. ‘Stay strong, beloved, and watch for these signs.’ Encouraging, now the signs are… ‘The symbol of freedom on his shoulder, follow him through the door marked with the cross of My Son.’

Jewel paused for a moment, tapping her pen against her knee. Hm… The symbol of freedom in America is the bald eagle, but in Texas it’s also the Lone Star Flag. So which one? I guess I’ll just keep my eyes open for both. I follow this guy with the symbol through a door with the cross on it. ‘Find the weeping masses and bring them the message of hope and love that you’ve been given.’ Now who are the weeping masses? There certainly are a lot of sad people these days. The message of hope and love must be the Gospel. So I find the weeping masses—whoever they are—and share the Gospel with them. Jewel rubbed her neck and stretched. It sounds like a mission trip, but to where? She glanced at the clock—9:30 p.m. She sighed. I’d best get to bed.

Placing her notebook and pen back into the drawer, she slid between the sheets. She switched off the light, snuggling down under the covers. Father, she whispered, thank you for helping me. Please give me peace about this. I still don’t really understand. I love you, amen. A minute later, her breathing deepened in slumber.

The next day seemed brighter than usual, despite the dark clouds looming in the sky. Jewel smiled. Today, she felt secure. She’d already had a refreshing shower and her much-needed time with God, and she could almost physically sense His arms around her.

Suddenly, a strange feeling swept over her as a breeze gently caressed her rosy cheek. She turned from the closed window she’d been gazing out of. The door and window are shut. What’s happening? A misty fog from nowhere enveloped her, and her heart hammered in her chest.

The breeze strengthened, and a soft voice breathed, Watch for the darkness that seeks to destroy you!

Jewel gasped as the fog vanished. What on earth? Her legs shook so hard, and she fell to her knees at the bedside and prayed, Father, help me, please! I don’t know what’s going on. Please show me what to do!

Jewel! Mrs. Grey shouted up the stairs. It’s time to go!

Coming! Jewel called back. She stood, grabbed her backpack, and dashed downstairs.

You ready? Mrs. Grey asked as they climbed into her car.

Yes, ma’am.

Great! Let’s hit the road!

On the way to school, Jewel tried to relax her muscles and calm herself, but the trembling returned every time she thought of the bizarre warning. What did it all mean? Trust Me, the words echoed in her mind.

I will, Father. She forced the fear away and remembered Who her Protector was. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Are you alright? Mrs. Grey asked. Her mothering instincts had detected Jewel’s tremors.

Yes, ma’am, I’m fine, Jewel answered truthfully.

Mrs. Grey looked unconvinced, but said nothing. She drove up to the front of the school and unlocked the car doors. See you in class, sweetie.

Jewel nodded and exited the vehicle. She faced the wide double doors and felt apprehension rise again, but she shook it off and walked inside.

By lunch break, nothing unusual had happened, and Jewel made her way down the long hallway to her locker. She exchanged the books she had for the ones she would need in the afternoon classes. As she rearranged everything and slipped the books into her backpack, she spotted Chad leaning against the wall a few lockers ahead—waiting. Giving him a wary look, she paused, remembering that she hadn’t yet told him her final no. What do I do? The other students shoved past her with a few curses, some shooting her dirty looks.

Suddenly, gunshots and shrieking screams assaulted her ears. She jumped and jerked her gaze past the lurking boy to see a figure coming around the corner firing into the panicking crowd. Bullets ricocheted in every direction, and several students dropped like stones while others made a mad dash back to their classrooms. Alarms erupted, and teachers tried to direct and drag teens to safety. Two were yelling in their phones, calling 911.

It was all happening so fast. Jewel stood frozen, her senses in hyper drive. The shots echoed. Bullets pinged off the red lockers. The shooter stopped to release the empty magazine and slam in a new one. Her focus zeroed in on him. He was dressed in black with a rag covering most of his face, but she could see his dark eyes glaring at her. Her brain finally registered the threat, and she bolted.

Seconds later, he whiplashed her back by her hair, and she fell to the floor. Looking up at him, her heart thundered with terror. The killer grinned a sick smile and pointed the gun at her head.

Hey, man, back off! She’s mine! Chad shouted, appearing on his left side. The guy nodded and darted toward the classrooms.

Chad watched him go, his face unreadable as ancient Greek. He turned to her, his eyes seeming to show concern, but there was something else there too. He reached to help her stand, but she scooted back. His jaw clenched, and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her up.

I’m trying to help you, he hissed. She shook her head mutely, the shooting still vivid in her mind. He frowned and tightened his grip on her, yanking her toward him.

No! she cried, her voice finally coming to life. But before she could react, a figure practically flew across the hall and tackled Chad. The collision slammed Jewel into a locker, and she collapsed, unconscious.

5

Chapter Two

Jewel? Someone shook Jewel’s shoulder, breaking into her consciousness. Jewel!

Huh? She struggled to open her eyes.

Oh, thank goodness, a man said, running his fingers through his hair in relief. C’mon, we need to go. He tugged on her hand.

What? Her brain was still kinda fuzzy, and she wasn’t very trustful of handsome young men at the moment.

Jewel, we have to leave now, he urged. His gaze flitted around the hallway, searching for danger, and Jewel felt the seed of fear growing in her stomach. Whoever he was, he was worried. His eyes landed on her face again and in the deep blueness, she found the light of truth. Here was someone she could trust.

Her eyes strayed to his right shoulder and widened in shock. There, stitched onto his short-sleeved khaki shirt, was the Texas flag with a soaring bald eagle over it. The symbol of freedom on his shoulder, she whispered.

He gave a warm smile and blonde strands of hair fell over his forehead as he leaned down. Come on. Let me help you. He slid his hand from hers to her elbow and pulled her up.

The pain in her head struck her full force when she tried to stand. She stumbled, and he caught her. She felt his strong muscles ripple as he helped her regain her balance. Using his tall frame as support, she took a step forward. They carefully walked over to her open locker, and he slung her backpack over his shoulder. Silence echoed eerily in the aftermath of tragedy.

Jewel counted at least ten bodies among the scattered purses and backpacks as they navigated their way to the door. Blood stained the floor and everyone’s clothes. She swallowed hard and pressed the back of her hand against her mouth to hold back breakfast churning in her stomach. Tears burned her eyes. How could this happen?

Once outside, he quickened their pace and guided her to a silver Ford pickup. The police and EMS began to arrive, sirens blaring and personnel rushing in a semi-organized manner. Soon the campus would be under lockdown, but they were able to slip away unnoticed. Jewel slumped into the passenger seat. The pine-scented air freshener soothed her shattered nerves, and her eyes shut involuntarily while the stranger pulled out of the parking lot. Oh, God, please let him be one of the good guys.

An hour later, Jewel woke up with a headache and feeling a little queasy. The young man stared at the road ahead, and the radio played softly. Sitting up slowly, her face twisted in a grimace as her muscles screamed with stiffness.

He sent her a kind glance. How’re you feeling?

Better, I think. She mustered a weak smile. What happened back there?

Chad was about to assault you, so I jumped him. You were thrown against the lockers, and you hit your head pretty hard. But I don’t think you’ll need to go to the ER, he stated in a matter-of-fact tone, almost like they were merely discussing downtown traffic.

Jewel inhaled deeply and gingerly felt the lump forming on her temple. This has got to be a bad dream or something. She considered pinching herself, but a different thought popped into her mind calling away her attention. She squinted at her mysterious companion. How’d you know my name? And how do you seem to know everything about me and Chad?

He sent her an unreadable look. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you right now. I know this has been a really off day for you, but you’re going to have to trust me.

His manner seemed to grow colder. Or maybe just more reserved?

Why? This was getting weirder by the second.

Number one, I just saved your life–

So? Jewel interrupted and winced inwardly, but she was tired and just wanted to go home. Mrs. Grey would be worried sick about her. This was all so… crazy.

Look, he seemed to struggle to keep his voice even. It’s too dangerous to take you home. When we reach our destination, we can get the answers you need.

Where are we going?

He sighed and switched lanes on the freeway. We’re going to see some friends of mine. We’ll straighten this all out with their help. Okay? She started to speak, but he held up a finger to cut her off. No more questions. Rest for now. We’ll be there soon.

He raised his eyebrows at her, and she crossed her arms. Fine.

She didn’t think she could fall back asleep after that irritating conversation. However, a few seconds later, her eyelids drooped, and her breathing deepened.

The young man glanced her way, She looks pretty like that. He shook his head, Don’t go there. Focus on the mission.

A little while later, he gently woke Jewel up. We’re here, he said, pointing out the window.

She rubbed her eyes and looked around, taking in her surroundings. Squinting at the metal warehouse, she moved the seat back up. This is where your friends live?

No. With a chuckle, he unbuckled and opened his door. This is just one of our stations.

She raised an eyebrow. Stations? What are you talking about?

He shrugged. You’ll see. C’mon. Jewel huffed and grabbed her backpack, following him as he walked toward the large black metal door.

After knocking in a rhythmic sequence, he crossed his arms and waited. He noticed her eyes casually scanning the door frame. She stiffened and did a double take. Sucking in a breath, she tapped his shoulder. He turned his head slightly.

What’s that for? She pointed at the small white cross outlined in blood red painted in the top right corner of the frame.

That’s our symbol, so to speak, kind of like the fish sign the early Christians used, he answered just as the door cracked open.

Password, a low voice demanded.

The weeping masses still wait, but hope is coming, he replied, matching the volume of the other’s tone.

The door opened all the way. Come in and welcome. Another young man dressed in jeans, hoodie, and a ski mask held the door and waved them inside. He jerked his head, and they followed him down a short empty hallway to another closed door. He pressed a green buzzer and turned back to them. Captain Liberty will see y’all in a moment.

Thanks, man, Justice said. His friend nodded and marched back to his post.

Is he one of those friends you told me about? Jewel asked, shifting her weight to one hip and smirking with arms folded.

Who? Jonathan? Oh yeah! And he’s very serious about his guard duty, so don’t cross him, he quipped with a grin.

She laughed, the sound almost musical. No kidding!

He joined in, loving it. Then behind her, he saw Liberty opening the door. He shushed Jewel who turned to see the pretty young woman about eighteen years old propping the door open with her shoe and a hand on her hip. Welcome back, she smiled at him. She looked at Jewel, Is this her?

According to our research, yes, but before we get there, let me introduce y’all, he answered. She nodded and stepped aside to let them into her office.

Jewel. He wrapped an arm around the captain’s shoulders. This is my twin sister, Liberty. He paused to smirk at her surprise. And Liberty, this is Jewel.

Liberty swiped loose strands of her curly blonde hair behind her right ear and extended her hand, her dark blue eyes piercing, yet kind too. It’s nice to finally meet you, Jewel. She said Jewel’s name with such familiarity that he noticed she was taken aback.

Nice to meet you too, she replied slowly. Then she glanced expectantly at him, And what’s your name?

I haven’t told you? He gave a mock frown.

You didn’t really tell me anything.

He chose to ignore the snide comment. My name’s Justice Noelle. Satisfied? Liberty snapped her head and sent him a warning look. He held up his hands innocently.

For now. Jewel’s head bobbed in a sharp nod.

Now I’ve really done it. He’d have to apologize later.

Now that the introductions are done, I have a question for you, mister, Liberty turned to him. The corner of his mouth quirked again at her sarcasm. Did you debrief her?

Well, about that… Justice rubbed the back of his neck. During my observation period, I ran into Chad, and… let’s just say he’s going to have a bad headache for a couple of days.

His sister shook her head in frustration. I told you to be careful.

I was! He protested. I knocked him out and extracted her before the police even showed up.

The police! Her voice pitched higher.

Yeah, um, Chad had a shooter there.

Perfect. He won’t let that slide, ya know.

I know, he said with a sigh. His shoulders slumped forward ever so slightly.

Jewel appeared to get tired of them talking about her as if she wasn’t standing right there. She broke in, What on God’s green earth are y’all talking about?

Liberty sat down behind her desk, gesturing to two more chairs. Please, sit, and we’ll sort this out. She blinked as if noticing something for the first time, Oh, Jewel, do you need ice for your head?

No, I’ll be okay. But when Jewel sat down, pain erupted from her temple. She barely stifled a groan and pressed a hand to the offending lump.

Justice, grab an ice bag from the freezer, Liberty instructed. I don’t care what she says. He brought it quickly, and Jewel sighed with relief as the coldness numbed the pain.

Now, Liberty began again, ask as many questions as you like.

Finally! Jewel straightened slightly in anticipation. Okay, who are you people? How did you know about me? And why can’t I go home? Not that she wanted to go back to those juvenile bullies, but still, it was a legit question.

Liberty grinned at the barrage of questions, and Justice rolled his eyes. We’re a secret government group that is fighting human trafficking both in and out of court. We help out the more publicly known organizations, but in underground style. She paused to gather her thoughts. To answer your other questions, I’ll need to go back to last summer when I had the strangest dream…

Jewel raised her eyebrows. Dream? Her pulse quickened.

It had come every night for nearly two weeks. Liberty’s eyes grew distant as she talked. But this particular night, it seemed so real. I saw two pairs of rose-colored and navy marble pillars. Around them stood hundreds of smaller pillars all the same colors as the original two pairs. And a bright white pillar, the largest of all, descended from the sky in the middle of all the pillars. I heard a voice like the sound of a rushing river say, ‘These four I have chosen to lead a battle against the followers of darkness. They will bring My freedom to the weeping masses.’

Jewel’s hand flew to her mouth. The weeping masses?

Yeah. Liberty smiled, seeming not to notice her shock. I believe He means the hundreds of people whose lives and families are destroyed by human trafficking.

He meaning God, right? Jewel asked around the lump in her throat.

Of course! Hey, are you okay? You’ve gone pale.

I’m fine. Jewel waved it off. Please finish.

Liberty didn’t look convinced, but chose to continue. I woke up immediately, wondering what it could all mean. Then Justice ran into my room and—

Whoa! Justice interrupted. Let me tell this part!

His sister laughed. Sure.

Thanks. He turned to Jewel. I had had a dream too. I never have dreams, so I knew this was special. I saw four rose-colored and navy pillars too, but mine had names carved on them. The first two names that appeared were Luke and Liberty, and the last two were Justice and Jewel. The male names appeared on the navy pillars and the female on the rose ones. After I told Liberty about it, she shared her dream, and we discussed how both dreams seemed connected. Suddenly, we heard these words whispered: ‘You are chosen!’ Since then, we’ve searched for the other two ‘chosen.’ In the process, we’ve built our team and received government recognition. Our mission is just beginning, and we need your help.

Jewel’s brain buzzed from all the new information. She shook her head, stunned. I don’t know what to say.

Liberty grinned. Neither did we, but we’re confident that we are following God’s will.

But… Jewel hesitated, fidgeting with her shirt. What do I have to do with this?

You’re Jewel! Liberty insisted, as if she wondered how Jewel could possibly have missed the whole point.

Sure, but there’s got to be more Jewels in the world than me. How’re you so sure that I’m the one you’re looking for? Just because of my name?

There are some Jewels in Texas, but none match the clues from Luke’s dream, except you. Liberty pointed a finger at Jewel’s chest, struggling to temper her passion.

You’ve found the Luke already? Jewel asked, attempting to change the subject.

Yes, well, actually he came to us. His dream was split into four sections, which we think are descriptions of those who are chosen. All four have had a dream and received special gifts. We have the Luke, Liberty, Justice, and now you, Jewel. Liberty’s voice slowed as she reached her