Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas had to reposition himself at his lookout point to stay out of view of an observer set up further down these heights and closer to the skirmishing.

The Captain, after talking with him, was just about to do something to this interloper, when Elijah appeared and settled him down. Indeed, he said there was no need, as we would soon be departing back for Sy’s redoubt.

As though to confirm his point, the army of the East burst forth from their forward positions at that very instant. Just in time to vacate ground that erupted under an artillery barrage.

I turned to see my friend already consumed in the throes of intercession.

It proved to be an interesting day.

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We passed some tense hours awaiting the return of the Captain and Mawuli. (Which I sought to relieve by intercession). We were aware that their task might require a full day’s travel to accomplish. But as we were sure that they were aware of the advance of the army of the North too, our hope was that they would exercise the ultimate in caution.

Both, thankfully, did return safely – and with a fresh supply of water – from a situation that was even more harrowing than we had imagined.

Like we had surmised, they were aware of the northern army. And reached the well without being detected. But they were nearly trapped there when the army of the East rolled through.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

None of us wanted to leave the area without Magwich. So Reuben led us to a deserted compound that at one time was the residence of a relative who just happened to be related to Magwich as well.

While Elijah and I remained behind, Reuben and Quasimo went in search of our friend.

We originally focused on interceding for our absent trio, but that soon changed. Both of us began praying simultaneously for Tomas and Sy with an urgency that I have seldom experienced before.

In comparing notes with Elijah afterwards, he had had a vision of Moglen leading a bound and gagged Mawuli.

Our earlier intercession was rewarded by the return of Reuben and Quasimo carrying a wounded Magwich.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Word about our intended mission spread throughout the hiding place and we soon had more volunteers than necessary, or, frankly, desirable.

Elijah and I had already selected two to accompany us – Quasimo and Reuben. So the others were all disappointed. I did encourage each one to commit to the all important labor of intercession, and received encouragement myself when they answered in the affirmative.

We made our way North. Knowing that our expedition would take up a few days we kept an easy pace. Especially climbing out by the remaining path in that direction.

We stayed well away from the main road, observing the traffic thereon – mostly tanker trucks.

Reuben found us a nice sheltered spot to pass the night.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

An all-pervading sense of intercession has continued. And a growing awareness of our mortality in the face of these last days is focusing our desire to be more like Him – Jeshua Hamashiach.

Many came to Elijah and myself and recounted visions regarding our deaths, accounts identical through the multitude of details. Details not unfamiliar to either one of us.

But strange to say – not frightening – with each retelling there was the addition of a promised blessing.

During the evening meal, Magwich and the Raj twins returned from Jerusalem. They were much downcast, with no direct news about Mawuli.

An oppressive pall enshrouds the city with the abomination at the center. And rumors at every turn proclaim a coming sacrifice.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The normal hum of activity within the hiding place returned. Then a celebration of some sort down in the quarters inhabited by Jordan’s people added to the din. They invited their near neighbors to join in and the merriment soon spread to all the other groups.

Elijah and I were invited too. But Elijah was missing, so I made an excuse and went searching for him.

This time I found him in the first place I looked – the set apart place, quietly interceding. I entered into that time with him most gladly.

Some time after we were joined by Mei and the Captain, then Tomas and Reuben.

When we emerged there was a stillness throughout and the sounds of intercession.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We stopped short of the sacrificial high place yesterday. And still were undecided as to our next course of action. Elijah thought it best that we seclude ourselves for the day and seek direction as to our way forward.

This we did together, but only briefly, as we almost immediately were convinced that we should proceed in alternation.

So, one stood watch while the other two interceded.

There was little to see when the time for my vigil came around – just that towering column of smoke that has been billowing since we first witnessed it.

Then on my second watch a figure appeared and tended to the altar fire. I was certain that it was Moglen, up from Sy’s redoubt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

As we stopped last night on the first leg of our trek, my thoughts circled our final destination. And I wondered if our friends had made it safely by their different routes to the hiding place.

Setting out this morning they again held my thoughts. Elijah must have been musing on the same theme, for he spontaneously began to intercede for our friends, by name. I joined in as we walked along.

Thereby, the time passed quickly, and it seemed, the miles put behind us mounted even faster.

We slowed as we came across signs of activity close to the well we had uncovered on our outbound journey.

We realized they were only tanker truck tracks upon gaining the well.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We did not see Tomas  the rest of the day yesterday. Because of the good report we did not think it odd. But when he did not show this morning, we wondered if another attack was underway.

We asked to go into the city and were denied. The first time ever.

When Elijah asked to go down to the harbor and the desalination plants, our guards granted the request.

To our surprise the docks were empty of ships. A few were out in the harbor – warships.

We expected to see Tomas at the desalination plants, but were again disappointed.

Sensing that he needed our intercession, we sought out a place to be in the presence of the One who sees.

Day One Thousand Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain got his wish today. Tomas escorted him down to the dock area to visit their former vessel. I wanted to go along but Elijah decided our presence was more necessary here.

I’m looking forward to their return and to what news they will share.

Mei, Mawuli and Sy and Elam went out into the city at Elam’s request to look around. The guards accompanied them as an escort for their protection, not in the least restrictive.

Elijah found a room in the apartment for a set apart place and asked me to join him in a time for intercession. Consequently we missed the return of both parties, and hence did not learn about their news until much later.