Chapter Three
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The Rescue and Evacuation
Fall-October………………...48 months of Tribulation
Alaska………………………………………….October
The Northern Force members in Alaska which consisted of everyone but Geo, who was in Jerusalem, were preparing for winter. Not only were they preparing but the temperature was already dipping below zero at night. Junior and Chris were meeting to plan the strategy for the coming winter and beyond.
The two leaders knew that their location was very vulnerable to UW forces. Most of the military in the area tolerated the Christians only because the Force did so much good in the neighborhood and surrounding villages.
In case of attack or harassment from the UW military, the Force leaders had set explosives around the complex in strategic positions, designed to go off after they evacuated. They were praying and hoping not to use this tactic, but it was in place if needed.
In the mean time, Chris had noticed while Geo and Chris were gone that the refuges in this part of Alaska were becoming restless. Food was short and winter was on its way. Many wondered how they could make it through another cold one. The UW forces were ready to eliminate anyone who caused any type of disturbance. They didn’t worry about jail. They just shot who they needed to.
Chris Junior acted as if he was rejuvenated by his trip to the Holy Land and his adventures in Texas. He was anxious to get started again with his wife and child, and with his fellow Alaskans. He was ready for what God had for them until HE came back.
“So Junior, Izzy is worn out. We need her to stay close to home and watch the home front. Delores is doing well and she will work with your wife. They have to youngsters to take care of. They can still supervise the cooking and such. Jose will work with us.”
“Dad, how is Jose and Janise doing? They are going to have a baby…but how’s everything else?”
“I believe it is fine. I’m not pretending to be an expert on women but….”
They both laughed out loud.
Chris Senior continued, “Nick is out there ministering to as many as possible just as the Lord has called us to do. I know Geo is where he wants to be there with the missionaries. I wish I was there to but someone has to lead this bunch.”
“Yea, someone does. Are Nick and Margaret…and Penelope really moving up north in a few months?”
“It looks like it. I wish they weren’t. I’m kind of concerned about Penelope. She….is in love with Jason…but he isn’t interested in her. I wish he was. He’d be a good influence on her and it would get him away from that Toni person.”
“Has she taken the mark yet, Dad?….I’m really worried about Jason.”
“Those UW guys are not so concerned about the young teens now…..but how long will that last? Her parents are marked. We have to really pray for that situation, Chris.”
“Anyway, that’s the scoop. Lots to do…Oh, yea, I forgot…you and I have another job we have to begin almost immediately…”
“What’s that?”
“We have to look for a new secluded place to live for all one-hundred and four of us. I have my doubts if it will be as fancy as this one or the last. We may be without the comforts of home. The blood in the water is coming any day now. We need to store up clean water beginning right now. I have already began collecting extra water while you were gone. No one knows where it is but Jose and I. Not even the girls.”
Chris Senior continued, “We are going…at least temporarily, to the Anderson School. Our water stash is near the school. The river isn’t very far from Anderson…but it will be blood soon.”
Junior began, “Jose and I scouted the school a few months back. They had nearly a hundred kids there at one time. Five or six rooms and a kitchen and gym….. There is no electricity there. Might have to dig latrines before it gets too cold.”
“OK, get Jose and few trusted others and make that happen. Don’t tell anyone about it until you get there. In the mean time we need game if you see any along the way. We also need a crew to go up to the river and do some fishing. Maybe Nick can handle that.”
“There is a large refugee camp up on the river just south of Anderson. We need to be really careful along the river. Once the river is bad they will be looking for places to go,” Junior added.
“While you were gone,” Chris Senior inserted, “I scoured the whole area for a quiet, out of the way place like a river cave or something. We need to investigate an alternative. The others may have the same idea as we do about the school. There is no one in the school right now?”
Junior answered, “I’ll check tomorrow…I don’t think so. No power and sewer. Down at the river the UW fixed them up with power and toilets.”
The conversation was completed, and the son hugged his father and eventually found Jose in his room. The two friends recruited the help the needed and began the secret project of digging latrines near the Anderson school. Chris Senior found Pastor Nick and filled him in on the recent meeting and the plans that were made.
Chris and Nick sat at the kitchen table talking and drinking coffee when Margaret walked in carrying Elizabeth.
“Aw my precious daughter, Elizabeth. Can I hold her?”
Margaret handed the baby to Chris, poured herself some coffee, and sat next to Nick.
Nick began, “So, Chris, Margaret and I plan to head north in a couple of weeks. It’s God’s timing. The blood is on its way and we need to advance God’s plan for us... before it is too late. Agreed, Margaret?”
“We heard from God, Nick. You lead and I follow,” Margaret announced.
Chris sat quietly for a few minutes and then asked, “Right now? Before winter starts? That makes sense. We will miss you two. Do you have time to do one quick little mission for me, Nick?”
“Sure, anything for the team.”
“I…We need to….move out of here soon. Probably after you leave…but not sure yet. Do you think you can get a crew together to fish the river for the next few days? You can take whatever you need when you leave as well. There may be an old boat up there to use if need be.”
“Will do.” Nick got up and put his cup in the sink and continued, “Better get started…Got the Lord’s business to do.” The pastor kissed his wife on the cheek and put his hand on Elizabeth’s forehead. “See you guys when we are done. May be gone a couple of days or so. Honey, you get our stuff ready…Pack light. See ya.”
Jerusalem……………………………A few hours later
“Dear, God, be with my dear friends in Alaska. Help them in their every move. Be with Chris and Nick in their leadership. Bless Junior as he learns the reigns of leadership. Minister to Izzy and Janice and to Margaret and Delores. Be with the children, Lord; Jason and Penelope and Christine. Work miracles in their midst, I pray. Thank you for my protection. Thank you for the missionaries who have taught me so much about you and about faith……Amen.”
The streets of Jerusalem were filled with people, many in distress. All the sea water had turned to blood. Food is contaminated and many have lost their livelihood.
Geo spent his days in Jerusalem in continuous prayer with the evangelists. At night they traveled the countryside preaching the truth of Christ and of His imminent return. Many, who had not taken the mark, came to know the Savior and began to follow Joseph and his friends.
“The news is that the Supreme Leader is going to make an important speech tonight,” Geo quipped as they group of believers watched on a bluff overlooking the Jordan River. “What will we mortals do with all the water being contaminated? I’m praying for my friends in Alaska. I see them evacuating the Station and moving to a less secure but more peaceful location in a short while. They are beginning to feel the stress of the lack of water.”
Joseph reached out his hand as if to pray over the valley without speaking. Then he spoke, “You are a wise man, Geo, listens to God. Chris is also wise and he knows what to do. I know you wish you were there, but God had other plans. You will be here for the Glorious Appearing. You will see the Lord step on the mount…….You will…….Wait!! Look!!”
Alaska…………………………………A few days later
“Hey, Dad, I’m glad I found you. Jose and I have most things ready for the bug out….but I’m worried. Have you looked outside?”
Chris slowly opened a outer door. In the distance, Jose was having a heated discussion with some of the refugees that camped nearby. Their hands were bloody, but not from fighting. It was from the water. “They are heading our way…Should we appease them with five gallons of water for now?”
“It might work for a few hours…Here comes Jose. He’s running. I’ll get some water. Dad, you rescue Jose. I’ll be right back.”
By the time Junior had retrieved the five gallons of water Jose was safely inside but Chris Senior was out in the crowd promising them some fresh water.
Junior hurried toward the crowd while Jose watched from the doorway. “Hey, guys, here’s some really fresh water. Take this to your families. Ration it. The children need it first. We are doing the same.”
Chris Senior spoke, “Thanks, Junior. Gentlemen, we know the water is bad. We have a hundred people to ration our water for. We are in the process of cleaning up some river water. Enough for all of us. Give us a little time. Just keep those UW soldiers out of here by not stirring up any trouble, please.”
The men from the camp agreed to be patient and took the water back to their camp. The Force members secured the Unit for the night by posting guards at each entrance. Chris and Junior agreed to begin a recon of the escape route to the new location early the next morning. Jose would be in charge of the home front.
Most members of the Northern Force did not sleep that night. They were vigilant of the danger lying outside. They could hear the restless settlers and their families who were up all night. It was like a wild storm growing into nightmare.
Junior, José, and Chris Senior stood with their rifles ready near the front door and Junior began, “Dad, we might need a change of plans. I’m feeling a sense of urgency. How can we get a hundred people out of here quickly?”
Jose shyly raised his hand as a school child would to answer a question in class. “Chris, I have an idea.”
Jose quickly laid out his plan and they all agreed on a strategy of action. They stopped for a word of prayer to seek God’s guidance.
Then the entire group gathered together. Chris and Jose explained the whole plan. Groups of twenty-five were formed and met in the four corners of the building near a door or window. Each group had nearly an equal amount of ages and sizes. The small groups had a leader person who answered directly to the four leaders. They were exactly one hundred and four.
All the group leaders knew his plan of action for his group. The four Force leaders, Nick, Junior, Jose and Chris senior, led the way. In five minute interludes, one group at a time left the unit in a different direction eventually arriving at the same location through different prearranged routes, all on foot.
Israel……………………………………An hour later
“Joseph, they are moving. I can feel it.”
“Geo, I can, too, but we have our own adventure brewing. I’m going to do my best to protect you and whomever else I can. Evangelists, let’s go.”
Geo hollered, “Let’s go!!”
Alaska……………………………the next morning
Junior leaned against the wall with his 30-30 in his hand. He was dosing in and out of consciousness. Then Chris Senior reached out and grabbed his Junior’s rifle. “Wake up sleepy head. We need some grub…it looks like it’s calm outside…. At least for now.”
“Sorry, I was dozing , Dad. I was dreaming I guess…that I was taking down a trophy bull moose and carried it home for supper..I guess it must have been in a better time than today.”
“We will keep the place on alert and put Nick and Jose in charge….Let’s do this quickly and get back. The native’s are restless out there.”
Junior spoke, “I need to go see Izzy and the baby before we go. You better check on mom and your baby. Assure them we will be back quickly.”
“Yes, Son. I will do that. I’ll meet you back here in thirty minutes.”
The two leaders went their ways and met at the entrance. The loaded their guns and slid backpacks on. Within minutes they were in the woods tracking some game. Several hours later they returned with a trailer full of fresh meat.
Several of the ladies un-packed the meat and began to prepare it as Junior and Chris got ready to go back out to the hunt.
Nick supervised the ladies the best he could in cleaning and filleting the new arrival of food for the Force. He watched his time and figured Junior and Chris should have been back to the complex by now. He wondered if maybe they had problems. Nick whispered a prayer for them.
It was almost midnight and Delores walked into the kitchen and noticed, Pastor Nick sitting at the table drinking some coffee. “Nick, have you heard from Chris? I’m really worried…Not feeling that well either…I don’t like it when Chris….goes off like this. Do you suppose…?”
“Delores, I know…but the enemy would love to trick our minds into thinking the worst…I was doing that earlier…but….You know what, I’ll get Jose and we will figure out what to do. You get some rest…take care of that little one…and your other two. Junior and Chris will be alright.”
“OK, I will…thank you for the word…which I needed. I’ll go check on the baby then lie down. Goodnight.”
Delores left, but Nick was not reassured that his words affected Delores. He whispered a prayer for her, as he got up to find Jose.
Alaska……………………………Two hours later
Jose, Nick and their team stood watching the Village of Nenana from forest than surrounded it. One of the refugees who had come to Christ from Nick’s ministry had informed the group that Chris and Junior were in custody of the local UW.
The informer also let them know that he heard officials would transfer the son and father directly to Fairbanks due to the complications they had with Janise and her subsequent rescue.
Nick prayed, “OK, God what’s the plan? We need a miracle as we speak….Amen.”
Jose inserted, “Amen!! Nick, look.” Jose pointed toward the old trooper headquarters where the UW kept prisoners.
They could see two UW officers escorting what looked to be Chris Senior toward a van that was parked out in front of the jail. At the moment they did not see Junior.
The officials put Chris in the back of the van and locked it. They returned to the office.
Nick inserted, “Now’s the time! Let’s go.”
The team quickly exited the forest and crossed the highway. They got to within a hundred feet of the van, and Jose stopped the team. He motioned for them to spread out. The others surrounded the building as Nick and José started toward the van.
Within minutes Nick had picked the lock on the van. They not only rescued Chris Senior in the van but Junior was there also.
The team and their friends disappeared into the woods before the UW officers knew what was happening. Nick and Jose led the Force rescue team quickly away from Nenana. It was getting dark as they retreated so the leaders decided to put the evacuation plan into action shortly after their returned.
Israel……………………………at the same time
Geo stopped Joseph as they walked in the desert just outside of Petra and said, “stop…can we stop a minute?”
Joseph replied, “Are you OK, Geo? Are you feeling faint? We can get you some water.”
“No, I’m alright…but I feel we need to pray for my friends in Alaska at this time. Can we stop for a minute or two?”
“Yes, I feel the same rousing in my spirit. Let’s pray. Go ahead, Geo.”
Geo prayed, “Dear, God, I see my friends in retreat at this moment, and they are being pursued by the enemy. Give them mercy as it is night there. Give them safety as they move one hundred and four people to the new location. Protect this location from the UW forces. Put a veil of protection around the school where they will live for a few months…..”
Joseph reached his hand toward Geo and inserted, “And God give my friend, Geo strength to endure what he may have to endure until you appear in your glory. Furthermore guide my friend Chris and his family as they deal with a sorrow within this next month. “
Geo and Joseph together said, “Amen!”
Alaska…………………………………that night
The evacuation plan developed by the Force a few days earlier went off like clockwork. The entire team was transplanted into the Anderson Elementary School in what used to be downtown Anderson, Alaska.
The UW forces, amounting to forty armed officers and volunteers, arrived at the former Clear Air Force Station only to find only a few refugees rummaging outside the building.
The lead officers enter the facility forcibly and with seconds a loud explosion was heard. One officer pushed his way out of the front door and fell to the ground near other UW forces.
As he breathed his last breath he whispered, “The rest are gone……”
The remaining UW forces left the area and most of them returned to their homes or to back to Nenana.
In the mean time, while the Northern Force got settle in their new home, Chris realized Delores was again becoming deathly ill. She wouldn’t eat and was rapidly losing physical as well as mental strength.
Junior and the rest of the family were in vigilant prayer everyday for their mom. Jason and Christina waited on her as much as they could. Chris Senior, as well as planning for the future of the Force, was contemplating the inevitable with his wife.
Jose walked into the kitchen where Chris Senior sat, and he began to speak, “Hey, Chris, how are you doing today? You look…beat.”
“I’m…I’m doing. The Lord is my strength even in the Tribulation. How are you and Janise doing?”
“Very good!! She’s going to have the baby soon. I’m praying for safety during these trying times.”
“You know, Jose, you have been such an inspiration to Delores and I these last few years. I don’t even remember telling you this. But I guess now is as good a time as ever. Less than twelve-hundred days until his appearing and we have such an incredible force of people. With his help we have escaped death, prison and many other crazy things that we have gotten ourselves in…”
“Yea, like Janise….That was scary, her running off.”
“But now, we need to prepare for Nick, Margaret and Penelope’s leaving us. Don’t know if I’m ready for them to leave again. This time permanently.”
“I just talked to him. He has a place to go already. A group of Christians up there will take him and his family in until they find their own place. Penelope is who I’m worried about. Jason expressed that to me, as well.”
“God knows, son. He knows. Later we will pray over their family as they travel north. Their transportation is ready. Junior will go with them as far as Ester. The group from up north will meet them there.”
“Well, tonight we will wish them God speed.”
