Page 43 of Firestorm

She and James had decided they would walk out in faith and trust God to bless their union for as long as possible. They planned to marry the following morning. Their announcement was met with joy by the rest of the team. A chance for celebration amongst so many bad things was a welcomed change.

But Sarah couldn’t relax.

“What has you so worried?” James asked as if reading her thoughts.

She smiled and told him.

He stopped walking and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Nothing’s guaranteed here on earth. But we have God’s promises, and we have each other. That’s plenty good for me.”

As she gazed into his handsome face, the worry she’d been struggling with evaporated. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him close. “Thank you,” she whispered. The steady beat of his heart was a reminder of the strength of the man himself.

“For what?” His words ruffled her hair.

“For knowing just what I need to hear.”

He chuckled and pulled away. “You’re welcome.” James kissed her forehead. “I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”

Her eyes were shining as she gazed into his. “And I can’t wait to be your wife.”

Looping her arm in his, they started walking again. “So, it sounds like we should have a place for Janine Mills soon.” She told him about the group of former police officers who had already begun to create a safe place for those disenfranchised by Pamphili and the recent events in D.C.

“That’s good to know. Aiden will be relieved once she’s safe.” He stared ahead. “There are so many in need. People are terrified.”

The stories pouring in through the website were emotionally draining. People who had lost loved ones during the bombings. Others whose houses had been destroyed. Most were afraid of what was coming next. Many believed the Bible was unfolding before their eyes. Many were just afraid.

“We’ll keep trying. I’m grateful Ben is posting messages online. I pray it will lead many to accept Jesus.”

James tugged her close. “He’s going to outline what is coming, so those who don’t know God will have an idea what to expect after the rapture.”

She was happy to hear the news. “That’s wonderful.”

“I’m thinking of writing a detailed guide as to how to set up the website and keep it operational, as well as information about our security details around the compound. Unfortunately, there are many here who haven’t committed their lives to God.”

“That’s a good idea. When the rapture happens, those left will know how to keep the place going.” Sarah believed in her heart that this would be the last place they lived. The events of the Bible were unfolding rapidly.

“Those are my thoughts. I’ll ask Garrett and Jordyn to help me out. We’re all spread thin, but this is too important to leave undone.”

Sarah agreed. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

He kissed her temple. “Thank you, but you’re doing important work putting the safe houses into place. We need to have as many as possible ready.”

Something she hadn’t thought of occurred to her. “So, what happens if we have these safe houses organized and the church is raptured? Will there be people left there?”

“I hope not, but I’m afraid there will be. If those in charge are gone, we can have information for those who are left behind to keep the safe houses going. At that time, it’s going to be crucial to have a way to communicate with each other. Just supplying the basic needs will be hard. Especially after people are forced to take the mark of the beast. No one will be able to buy or sell anything without the mark. Which means there will be no way to buy food and other necessities.”

It was going to be a frightening time. The church would be gone, along with its influence on the world. It would literally be hell on earth.

“There’s so much still to do.” The task seemed daunting to Sarah. “We should find a way to outline how to grow food. Create an energy source. Then there’s medical needs.”

He smiled. “I’ll meet with some of our medical people to create a simple guide, and we have some engineers. Let’s talk to them about creating directions for making homemade solar panels.”

They reached the building once more.

“Are you coming inside?” she asked because she hated to let him go.

“No, I’m going to take your ideas and start with them. You’re right. There’s so much to do.” He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “And I will see you in the morning.”

The smile on his face took all her worries away.

---