Day One Thousand One Hundred Forty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah desires to make all haste to the hiding place. Governed by the restrictions dictated by circumstances, of course. But his disciples would rather have him come with them to Jerusalem.

They consider his presence there as crucial. And more importantly a call that cannot be put off to another time.

For his part Elijah is equally convinced that the next goal should be the hiding place.

This has raised tensions among us, so I suggested we all ask that a united vision be given us.

I pointed out we have at least a day or two before we reach the location at which those paths diverge.

In the meantime we will listen for the Spirit’s approval as to direction.

Advertisement

Day One Thousand One Hundred Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We stayed another day in the village at the edge of the wasteland. But this time it was not Elijah’s call. Both Tomas and myself sensed the urge to remain – for some crucial reason.

While roaming about the town Reuben discovered a cache of food in tins half buried under a trash heap. Wild animals had uncovered them and made off with that which they found interesting.

But that ultimately was not the reason behind what held us here. That became clear before the sun set.

A group of a half dozen men came out of the west under Tomas’s watchful gaze. With a cry Tomas sprinted out to meet them.

They were all that remained of Elijah’s two bands.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were on our own again. The Supreme Commander escorted the three of us to the river side entrance. There Tomas gave us one last rundown on our route.

And we made our goodbyes.

In dismissing us the Supreme Commander intimated that he knew we would not see one another again. And went on to explain why he had put off the offer from Tomas. Long ago he had the call to do what he is about to do. He still awakens in the night to the sound of someone whistling. A call to follow.

And he added to Tomas that he will soon be released also.

It gave me much to ponder on the first day of our trek.

Day Six Hundred Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain and Tomas have kept to themselves since their ordeal. It’s clear to me that they were cowed by their experience. Our neighbor paid a call and they thanked him profusely.

After the ex-islander left, Elijah called us together for a talk. He had not planned on telling us, but something our neighbor had said, released him from his silence and indicated that it would be proper and right to reveal a truth about our friends’ future.

As calmly as only Elijah can, he told our friends that they will die martyrs’ deaths together.

Not surprised, Tomas told us that they each had a vision of the deaths of Elijah and myself.

And Elijah added, “Yes. In Jerusalem.”

Day Five Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We had difficulty leaving.  In fact we made it out by the skin of our teeth.

It all began when the Captain paid a call on the port authorities. He wanted to settle a few things.  There was no cargo for us to carry from here. That was understandable. But for those items due elsewhere, the Captain wanted some compensation for the owners. They wouldn’t hear of it.  They are of the opinion that the world government will take care of it. As they believe it will “take care” of us.

This sent a chill through the Captain.

They threw up roadblock after roadblock, but he got us out.

In our wake we saw a robotic warship enter their harbor.

Day Four Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The fasting and the time apart proved effective for me. I can truthfully say that my mind did not wander once.

Towards the end of my watch I sighted a light in the darkness in front of us. Tomas answered my call, and after observing it himself, judged it to be on land.

Based on that knowledge the Captain ordered the ship to hold up offshore until morning. And had the watch tripled.

The source of the light proved to be a village. We warily watched as one of their boats came out to us.

As it turned out the Captain was acquainted with the person in charge. And he soon agreed to transport some of their tin and bauxite.

Day Three Hundred Fifty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Despite the great distance from our last port, the night sky in that quarter was illuminated still by raging fires. It dimmed only with the rising of the sun.

The Captain informed Elijah that he expects to raise the next port within a week.

Elijah encouraged him to pay a call on the guards. The Captain queried them in turn about the contents of the container in their charge. Neither claimed to have any knowledge about its contents. Even the disaffected one was emphatic  that their orders prohibited the breaking of its seals.

The Captain challenged them that they no longer have to answer to a superior.

They countered that they will indeed have to answer at the next port.

Day Three Hundred Forty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We will indeed be longer at this port. All shipments for this city have been off loaded, but not everything consigned to ship has arrived to be stowed aboard. But even if they were, the Captain would not depart before he gets satisfaction for his claim on the grain ship.

Elijah was happy this time around for we landed and traveled about on solid ground.

First call was at the Customs house, where we were referred to the Port Authority.

We departed from the Captain at that institution and struck out on our own. Elijah and I are seeking those not bearing the mark, and those new followers of Hamashiach.

Our efforts were crowned with success, the Captain’s were not.

Day One Hundred Thirty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We paid a call on Kip today. We were encouraged that there was no difference in the way and manner that the gatekeepers treated us upon our passing through the second avenue entrance.

Kip confirmed all is at present status quo. He added that things will change upon Stan’s return. Stan promised to bring with him the benefits that Kip judges to be the great selling points for which the others traded their votes. And only then will they learn at what cost. He says they thought little about what might be required of them.

Kip asked Lyle if he would meet with his friend who is a co-leader on the avenue.

Lyle is open to any and all.