PART ONE: THE CALLING
Preface
In Secular
City, where many worldly devices and ideas are
invented, there lived a peaceful group of people.
These people dwelled in a part of the city that had
a natural state filled with trees, flowers, a few
birds and a few animals. They didn’t care to be in
the midst of all the action and hubbub so these
folks chose to live in nature. They started out with
cabins, gardens, a few pieces of furniture, and
books to read for the extra time they had to
themselves. They enjoyed this lifestyle for a while,
then they began to live like their city-like
neighbors. They bought fancy clothes, trinkets to
spruce up their cabins, expensive cars to replace
“the old clunkers” they drove for so long, game
machines and video machines, and Boxes that
displayed moving pictures behind a glass screen.
Everyone was happy with their new treasures. No one
would ever think of them again as backwards and old
fashioned.
Soon their
nature loving ways were slowly changing into hi-tech
ways. However, one person from this now very worldly
group would come out of it and become a blessing to
both God and man.
Chapter One
Karen, a young
17-year-old girl, was busily playing games on the
Box. She very nimbly pressed the buttons on the
controller to move her pixeled character behind the
glass screen.
Her mother came
into the living room and watched Karen’s progress
with her game. “Playing Flash the Terrier
again?” she asked chuckling.
Karen paused the
game and turned her head to face her mother. “Oh, hi
mom! Yeah, I thought I’d try to get to level 5
today. This game is really awesome! That dog sure
moves very fast!”
Her mother laughed.
“I sure wouldn’t be able to play that game. That dog
is way too fast for me!”
Karen laughed back.
“I guess I kinda got used to it. Sure took a lot of
practice though.”
Her mother nodded
and then turned around to go back into the kitchen.
Karen returned
to her game. She was getting close to the Big Bad
Dog Catcher and she was looking forward to beating
that character up.
*******
Later that
night there was a knock on the door. Karen’s mother
opened the door and in walked her husband, tired and
sore.
“Honey, you wouldn’t
believe what I had to do today! That no good boss of
mine! He made me ... ”
“Why don’t you take
your coat off and relax in your easy chair while I
brew you some coffee?” his wife quickly suggested.
She didn’t like to hear his tales of anger and
frustration when he arrived home from work.
After following
his wife’s advice and taking a sip of his coffee his
rage cooled down. A few minutes later she joined him
in the living room with a nice cup of peach tea. Her
husband spoke, “I’m sorry, dear. I just had another
hard day at work. I wish I could be a chef in a
place that wasn’t so busy all the time and where the
boss didn’t act like such a jerk.”
His wife didn’t say
anything. She wished that he could find a less
demanding job for the profession he had chosen. But
Secular City didn’t have many small restaurants.
Ever since the big ones came some of the small ones
closed down because of the competition.
Her husband
then changed the subject. “You know what I heard on
the news at work?”
“What dear?” she
asked.
“Small Faith has
been invaded by a tribe of dangerous natives. They
burned up the homes and took the people away into
captivity.”
His wife was shocked
at this news. “That’s awful! None of the poor people
got killed, did they?”
“Nope. They were all
taken from their home,” he answered.
His wife placed her
teacup on the table and shook her head. “The Small
Faith People are such a sweet and innocent
civilization. How could these natives do such a
thing to them?”
“I don’t know
dear,” said her husband, “but the news report did
say that the natives were descended from an ancient
tribe that traveled far to enslave those who believe
in the Good King.”
“I sure hope
something will be done for the prisoners,” said his
wife.
“Me too, my love,”
said he.
*******
Karen was
upstairs in her room sleeping. As she slept a
strange dream came into her mind:
She saw a dense
darkness covering up the whole world. People tried
to run away but the darkness would catch up to them
and swallow them up, making them miserable and
scared. The darkness kept spreading around the
globe, but before it could cover it up completely a
strong powerful voice cried:
“Arise, shine; for
thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is
risen upon thee!” (Isaiah 60:1). Then a small
streak of light appeared and charged against the
darkness. Just when it looked like the light would
be overpowered by the darkness, more streaks of
light appeared to fight the huge threat. Then more,
and more, and more joined in. Working together the
small streaks of light finally overcame the dense
darkness. The people who were infected by it became
free and worshipped the Good King.
Karen woke up
from this dream. For the first time in her life she
felt that she had to do something, but she didn’t
know what. The dream stayed with her at breakfast
time. She tried to eat her pancakes but she was
deeply troubled. Did the dream have an important
meaning? What is the meaning of it?
Her parents sat
at the table with her. As they ate their breakfast
they noticed that their daughter wasn’t eating as
much as she used to. They knew something was wrong
because she always ate her pancakes like a hungry
horse.
“Is something the
matter, Karen?” her mother asked her.
Karen quickly jolted
back to reality. “Oh, no, mom. I’m okay. I was just
wondering about something.”
“About what?” asked
her father after he gulped down a big piece of his
pancake.
“I really can’t say
yet,” said Karen staring at her breakfast. Then she
looked up at both of her parents and said smiling,
“But I have this strong impression that I must do
something with my life.”
“What will you do?”
they asked her.
“I don’t know.
However, I believe that by some mysterious way my
life will be used to help others.” Karen answered
them.
Chapter Two
All throughout
the day an intense hunger filled her soul. It wasn’t
physical hunger but a spiritual hunger for things
that were above her natural desires likes watching
shows on the Box or playing video games. This hunger
got worse when she was finishing up her household
chores for the day. She wanted to do something to
appease the pangs in her soul but what kind of
things would be better than those of the world?
She decided to go
for a walk outside when she was done with her work.
Maybe something would come to her mind if she were
out in nature.
In the later
afternoon Karen told her mom (her dad had gone to
work in the restaurant) that she was going to be
outside for a bit. Her mom cautioned her to be
careful and to hurry back inside by sunset. Karen
nodded respectfully. Her mom was always so watchful
of her. She appreciated her concern for her
well-being, but sometimes she wished her mom
wouldn’t worry about her so much.
Outside Karen
walked through the woodsy area by her house. The
birds sat on the branches to warble their sweet
songs and a couple of squirrels jumped from branch
to branch in their mad game of chase. Karen watched
these creatures and smiled. If only humans could
experience the same kind of joy and freedom that
these little critters of nature had. Was it possible
for humans to be this peaceful? She then pondered of
the dream she had last night. She recalled the voice
that commanded the little lights to shine so that
the darkness wouldn’t succeed in completely covering
up the world. The voice sounded powerful, yet gentle
and musical. Who was that? And why did that voice
make her want to do something? Was it more than just
a dream? If only she could know!
Soon she came
to an old oak tree that was standing alone.
Underneath the tree was a pile of dead leaves. Karen
liked the colors of the autumn leaves so she went to
see if she could find some real pretty ones. She
picked a couple out to inspect their colors and saw
something hidden in the pile. She carefully pushed
the leaves back and saw a book. She picked it up and
noticed that it was a very thick book.
Amazing that it
doesn’t feel so heavy, she said to herself. Then she
noticed that the front cover said: HOLY WORD. The
letters were golden and sparkled when the sunlight
touched them. Karen gazed in awe at the book.
What’s the Holy Word? She wondered to herself.
She opened the
book to see what was written inside. The words she
saw appeared to be very beautiful. Could something
like this satisfy her soul hunger? She was willing
to find out.
The sun started
to go down. Karen tucked the special book under her
arm and ran home. She couldn’t wait to show her
parents what she found.
*******
When she showed
the Holy Word to her mother and told her of the
wonderful things that were written in it, the young
woman was speechless. Karen asked if she was okay
because her mom was staring at the book and not
saying a word.
“I’m okay,
sweetie,” her mom finally answered, “It’s just that
while you were outside I received a visitor.”
“Who was it?”
Karen asked.
“I don’t know.
He was a stranger to me, but he was very beautiful
and friendly. He asked to come in for a minute. I
took him in and at his request gave him a small
meal. When he was done eating he explained that he
came from Heaven with a message from the Good King.”
Karen’s eyes
widened.
Her mother
continued. “He said that my dear daughter would
become one of the Good King’s faithful servants. She
would be used to share the Light of His Truth with
others, both verbally and by example. And her
mission will start after she finds the Holy Word and
with the Holy Spirit’s aid, hides the words in her
heart.”
Now Karen was
speechless. She had heard of the Good King and His
home called Heaven, and that He uses people to do
His will. But those that worked for Him were so good
and saintly. Why would He use a Worldling?
This has got to be a
mistake!
Her mother then
wrapped her arms around her and said, “Karen, you
are going to be the Good King’s Lightbearer.”
Karen fainted
in her mother’s arms.
Chapter Three
When Karen
awoke she found herself on the couch in the living
room. She tried to remember what happened, then
recalled what her mom told her.
Lightbearer?
The Good King of Heaven wants me to be His
Lightbearer?
Karen became uneasy at the idea.
How can I share
the Light of His Truth with others? What is the
Truth anyway?
She heard the
door open and a familiar voice called out:
“I’m home!”
It was her
father. What would he think of the calling that just
came to her?
She heard her
mother’s voice from the kitchen. “Hello, dear!
Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Okay,” said
her husband as he took off his jacket and removed
his shoes. “I think I’ll go relax in the living
room,” he said.
When he entered
the living room he saw his daughter laying on the
couch.
“What’s up,
dear?” he asked as he sat down in his easy chair.
Karen didn’t
know what to say. How could she explain to her
father what just happened to her?
Her father
noticed something on the nightstand next to the
couch. “Say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that book
before!” he exclaimed as he got up from his easy
chair to get a better look at it. He picked it up.
Thick, but not heavy, he commented to himself. He
saw the golden words on the cover. “Holy Word, huh?
I’ve heard of this book before, though I’ve never
seen it until now. Who found this book?”
“I did.” Karen
answered. “It was under an old oak tree buried in a
pile of leaves outside.”
“It’s a shame
it wasn’t golden plates you found. Because if it
was, we could live in luxury.”
“Dad!” said
Karen frowning.
“Just teasing,”
said her father smiling. Then he looked closely at
Karen. “Say, are you all right? Your face looks very
pale. Are you sick?”
“No,” said
Karen, trying her best to smile. “I’m not sick at
all.” But there is something I must tell you.”
Her father
listened attentively.
Karen then took
a deep breath and said, “Dad, the Good King has
chosen me to be His Lightbearer. He wants me to
share the Light of His Truth with others. But before
I go He wants me to read the Holy Word, the book I
found, and store its truths in my heart.”
Her father
stared at her blankly. He couldn’t believe what he
was hearing.
“Karen, do you
understand what that means?” he finally asked her.
“Yes, dad, it
means that I’ll have to leave home. I would have to
say goodbye to this life.”
“It means more
than that, kiddo,” said her father, “if you decide
to obey this command of the Good King you will so
through severe trials and troubles. I’ve even heard
that out there is a great lion that devours those
who cross his path. I can’t bear the thought of my
sweet daughter being food for that horrible beast.”
Tears began to fill his eyes. “Please reconsider,
dear,” he pleaded as he went over to Karen and
kissed her on the cheek.
The young girl
became silent. She had never seen her tough hard
working father on the verge of tears before. She
didn’t want to hurt him but deep down inside she
really wanted to obey the impression she received
from Heaven. The command to be the Good King’s
Lightbearer was strongly tugging at her heart.
*******
At dinnertime
Karen wasn’t very hungry. She wanted some time alone
to think about what she must do. Her parents
understood and permitted her to leave the table.
Karen went into the living room to pick up the Holy
Word and then made her way to her bedroom.
She placed the
book on the floor and then knelt in front of it. She
wanted to read it so she could know the Good King,
who was calling her into a new life; but she didn’t
want to hurt her father with her decision. She loved
him and didn’t want to cause him grief. She didn’t
know what to do.
Then she did
something that was new to her: she prayed. She had
seen some people pray when she was a little child at
an old church that she and her family had attended
about twice a year (It’s the custom of some
Worldlings to go to church on special occasions like
Christmas and Easter). Unfortunately, the church
closed down in her early teens and became a store
that sells sour grape juice, much to the delight of
the worldly community.
Karen missed
the old church but the shows on the Box and the
video games made her forget that unique place of her
childhood. But now at this point in her life she had
a strong desire to be a part of something that was
more than worldliness.
She felt
nervous as she prayed. She really didn’t know what
to say to the Good King. All that came out of her
mouth was this: “Dear God—I mean, Your Majesty,
please show me what to do.” When she finished
praying she picked up the Holy Word and started to
read it.
Chapter Four
Karen started
with the stories about the Good King in one of the
four books in the second section. She read how He
came down from Heaven and was born of a virgin young
woman. He grew up and became a man who was dedicated
to serving His Father and His fellow men. He, though
the Son of God, became human to save humans from
eternal death. These stories warmed Karen’s heart
and when she realized that He personally died for
her sins and resurrected from the dead for her, deep
gratitude filled her soul. She wanted to know how
she could show her love to the Good King, who showed
such mercy toward all of humanity.
She then read
the stories of the Good King’s followers who were
called apostles. She was amazed at what they could
do when the Good King gave them His Holy Spirit. The
apostles preached in different languages, raised the
dead and performed other miracles. They also
fearlessly traveled to distant countries sharing the
gospel of the risen King of kings. She was almost
done reading their stories when she heard a knock on
the door.
“Come in!” she
said.
Her mother
entered her bedroom. “How are you doing, dear?” she
asked.
“I’m doing
okay,” said Karen as she dog-eared her place in the
Holy Word.
“How’s the
book?” her mom asked.
“It’s
wonderful. This book has great stories in it. I just
read about the Good King and now I’m reading about
His followers, the apostles.” Karen answered.
“I just had a
talk with your father. He doesn’t want you to leave
because he’s afraid of what may happen to you out
there. He knows how bad the world is and he doesn’t
want you to get hurt.”
“I know, mom,”
said Karen, “I love dad very much and I don’t want
to cause him grief, but I just realized how much the
Good King loves people (including me) and I want to
be obedient to His call for my life. I want to
dedicate myself to Him because He dedicated Himself
to us.”
Her mom went up
to her and hugged her tightly. “You are changing,
Karen. I can see that the Light of Heaven is
beginning to shine through you.”
The teenage
girl was deeply touched. She was glad that in spite
of herself the Good King of Heaven wanted to use her
and was starting to.
“Mom,” said
Karen as she looked at her face, “Why would the
great Good King choose Worldlings to do His will
when He’s got others who are really good and
saintly?”
“Maybe they
were once Worldlings too,” her mom answered.
Karen nodded.
She believed that what her mom said could be true
because it seemed that the World had something for
everyone.
Chapter Five
The following
days were days of newness for Karen. She began to
pray and read the Holy Word when she got up and
again at nighttime before she went to bed. The
neighborhood began to notice changes in Karen. She
was now sweeter, kinder, gentler, and more than
ready to lend a hand to someone who needed help. She
was becoming such a blessing to all her neighbors.
“That Karen
sure is a nice girl.” Becky commented one day.
“Every time she goes out she’s always smiling and so
joyful.”
Joyce, one of
her friends, couldn’t agree more. “Yeah, and the
funny thing is she’s no longer spending her time
watching the Box or playing video games.”
“Did she really
stop doing those things?” Betty questioned,
overhearing the conversation. “Wow! Who told you
that?”
“Her mom told
me when we were at the laundry mat. She said that
little Karen has been chosen by the Good King to be
His Lightbearer.” Joyce answered.
“A king chose
young Karen? That’s quite an honor for someone!”
Betty said amazed. Then she asked, “Who is the Good
King any way?
“I remember
hearing about Him in the old church before it got
converted into a sour grape juice store.” Becky said
trying hard to find her memory of those old times.
“Unfortunately, it’s been so long that I can’t
recall what I’ve heard about Him.”
The two other
women sighed in disappointment. They wanted to know
who the Good King was and where He lived. Becky was
disappointed too. She wished she could remember what
she heard about Him.
“How about we
all go and ask little Karen at her parent’s house.
She must know who this king is.” Betty suggested,
breaking the silence.
The other women
heartily agreed.
*******
At the
restaurant Karen’s father busily cooked the food for
the orders that were coming in. Rows and rows of
tickets were hanging up front and the executive chef
was barking the orders. Philip didn’t like this fast
paced atmosphere, but he did his best to succeed for
his family. Fortunately, he wasn’t the only chef who
had to put up with this; there were twelve other
chefs who were also working hard and trying to keep
up with the orders. This was the busiest night they
ever had in the history of the restaurant. The
reason was that the mayor of Secular City along with
his family was among the customers being served, and
the owner of the restaurant wanted to make a good
impression on him.
“C’mon, Philip!
Hurry up with glazing that ham! What do you think
we’re running, a country diner?” the executive chef
hollered at Karen’s father.
Philip gritted
his teeth. He hated being talked to like that. He
had worked just as fast as everyone else for six
months and he was still looked upon as slow. He
finally finished glazing the ham and cut a slice of
it for a serving plate, then he placed a small
portion of salad next to the meat. When all the
orders for the glazed ham and salad were done he
moved on to get the new orders prepared.
Now executive
chefs are supposed to aid and guide those who are
working under them. They are meant to not only make
sure things got done on time, but to also be a team
player. This executive chef flunked these
qualifications badly. He was very bossy and screamed
so much that his voice would become hoarse. The
chefs didn’t like him. They would rather have
someone else take his place but this was not
possible. The owner told them when they brought it
to his attention that he was the only one he could
find so they would have to get used to him or leave.
They decided to stay and put up with the stress.
“We don’t have
all night, chefs! Get moving!” he yelled.
“I would love
to throw this pie at sergeant over there,” Bob
mumbled to Philip as he pulled out a cherry pie from
the oven.
Philip
chuckled.
When all the
guests were served the chefs were relieved that it
was over. Another night was done. As they got their
hats and aprons off the owner came into the kitchen.
He congratulated them for another job well done and
mentioned that the mayor was very pleased with the
service. The chefs clapped their hands and cheered.
On their way
out, Philip thanked his fellow chefs for helping him
through another tough night. They told him that it
was no problem. He then smiled and said goodbye to
them as he walked to where he parked his car.
As he went past
the bushes that were lined side-by-side of the
driveway he heard a sound. He noticed one of the
bushes moved and went over to it. When he got in
front of it he heard a squeaky voice moaning,
“Someone, help me.”
Philip pushed
the branches of the bush aside and gazed down.
Chapter Six
He saw a small
form crouched down in the bush. The little thing was
shaking and crying.
“Are you okay
kid?” Philip asked concerned.
The squeaky
voice answered sniffling, “Sir, I’m not a kid, I’m a
man. My name is Edward Matthews. I’m a Small Faith
Person.”
Philip quickly
apologized for his rash observation. It was so dark
outside that he really couldn’t discern if he was a
man or child. The little man accepted his apology.
“Would you like
me to help you out?” Philip asked.
“Please,” said
the little man.
Philip reached
out his hand and gripped the small hand. He then
gently pulled Edward Matthews out of the bush. In
the dimness of the street lamps he noticed that the
little guy appeared famished and weary. He felt
sorry for him and wanted to help him somehow. He
then remembered that he had a couple of sandwiches
and a can of punch in his car.
“Wait here for
a minute, Mr. Matthews,” he said as he ran to where
his car was parked. He opened the door, grabbed the
sandwiches and drink, and ran back to where the
little man was, only to find him gone. He searched
the whole parking lot and called his name but there
was no sign of him.
Philip shook
his head and went back to his car. He hoped that the
poor little fellow, wherever he was, would be okay.
Why did he leave like that? He wondered.
*******
There was a
knock on the door. Karen’s mom answered it and saw
her friends Betty, Joyce, and Becky. “Why, hello
there, girls!” she said cordially. “What brings you
three here?”
“Is your
daughter, Karen around?” Betty asked.
“Why yes, she’s
in her room right now. Is something wrong?” Karen’s
mom asked.
“Oh, no, we
just have some questions we’d like to ask her.”
Joyce explained.
“We won’t be
long with her,” said Becky.
“Okay, you
girls can have a seat in the dining room and I’ll go
get Karen.” Then Karen’s mom left the guests to get
her daughter.
*******
In her bedroom
Karen was praying hard to the Good King. She sensed
in her spirit that her time of departure was very
close. But she wasn’t sure if she was ready. There
was still so much for her to learn from the Holy
Word. She didn’t want to go until she knew for sure
that she would be the best Lightbearer for the Good
King.
As she prayed
with her whole heart and impression came into her
mind to read a quick story about the Good King. She
opened the Holy Word, which was on the floor in
front of her, and read where she placed her
bookmark.
The story was
about the time when the Good King was going to send
out His disciples. He instructed them on how to
reach out to people when they were out there. They
would also have power over demons and would be able
to heal people of their ailments. God would give
them this wonderful power as long as they had faith
in Him. And furthermore, the Holy Spirit would give
them the right words to say when they had to defend
their faith.
Sure is
amazing what God can do through a person, Karen
marveled to herself. I wonder if He would do the
same for me too? I can’t be a Lightbearer in my own
power.
“Karen!
There are some ladies here who would like to see
you!” her mom called.
Karen placed
the Holy Word on her bed and got up from the floor.
She walked to the door and opened it. Her mom was
standing right in front of her.
“What do they
want, mom?” she asked.
“I don’t know,
but they have a few questions they would like to ask
you.” Her mom answered.
Karen followed
her to the dining room. When the three women saw her
they all greeted her and had her sit at the table
with them. Karen shyly found a seat and waited to
see what they wanted.
“I’ll be in the
living room if you need anything,” said her mom.
Karen smiled
sheepishly at the visitors. She wasn’t out in the
world yet and she already felt out of her comfort
zone.
“Karen, can you
please explain to us who this Good King is?” Becky
asked.
The teenage
girl swallowed hard. How could she answer that when
there was still so much for her to know about Him?
“Take no
thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be
given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For
it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your
Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10: 19-20)
This promise flashed in
Karen’s memory and made her feel better. She now
trusted the Good King to help her just like He
helped His disciples.
“Karen?” Becky
repeated. The other two waited anxiously for the
girl’s answer.
Karen began to
tell them about the Good King. How He lived in
Heaven and came down to earth as a human baby and
soon grew up to be a man because of His great love
for all mankind. She told them of how He lived His
life for His Father and others. His whole ambition
was to serve and to give His life as a ransom for
many. Becky, Joyce, and Betty listened spellbound.
This story was one of the most beautiful stories
they had ever heard.
Karen couldn’t
believe the words that were coming out of her mouth.
This was truly the work of the Holy Spirit. She kept
on talking about the Good King. The listeners were
greatly touched when they heard of how the Good King
gave His life so that no one would die eternally.
They also cheered when they heard that He arose from
the dead and was now in Heaven interceding for all
humanity. When the stories were over the three
ladies were grateful to know that there truly was a
God who loved them very much. But they wondered if
He would accept them because they had done some bad
things in their lives.
“Would the Good
King want us?” Joyce asked, speaking for them all.
“He most surely
would. He gave His life for everyone.” Karen assured
her.
“You have truly
answered our question about who the Good King is. He
is a very beautiful God indeed. We would like to
start serving Him just like you are,” said Betty.
“Oh, most
definitely!” Becky exclaimed joyfully.
“We want the
Good King to do for us what He did for you. How do
you become a part of His friendship and service?”
Joyce asked.
The sight of
these eager women nearly drove Karen to tears. She
was happy that they wanted the Good King and she
couldn’t wait to tell them how to begin this great
change.
“All you have
to do is come to Him in prayer just as you are.
Confess your sins to Him and thank Him for dying on
the cross to destroy your sins. Then ask Him to come
into your heart and take control of it. After that
He will lead and guide you into a new life.” Karen
explained to them.
The three women
smiled. It seemed too good to be true for something
like that to be so easy. They asked Karen if she
would pray with them and she gladly accepted their
request.
*******
Oh, why did
I run away like that? Eddy thought as he
wondered through a dense forest. That gentleman
was very nice. He was going to help me. Why, oh, why
did I abandon my aid? A terrible roar in the
distance interrupted his thoughts.
“The great
lion!” he gasped as he picked up his pace. Of all
the fears that were inside of him his fear of the
great lion was the greatest. In Small Faith his
people told stories of a huge lion that roamed the
World looking for someone to devour. This beast was
very cruel and delighted in eating people who were
alone, away from others. Eddy was very much alone
now. His home was in ruins and the Natives of Doubt
took everyone he loved. He barely escaped during the
attack and now he was going to be lion food, unless
he could find some shelter fast.
To his great
joy he saw a wooden shed in a clearing. He ran to it
and opened the door. It was very dark inside. Eddy
crawled in. The floor was very dry and the shed
didn’t smell musty. He felt around for something
soft to lay his head on. His hands felt something
that would serve as a good pillow. He carefully
pulled it out from where it was and placed it on the
floor. Then he rested his head on it and said this
prayer before he went to sleep:
“Dear Master,
please watch over me tonight. I’m so very scared.
Please be my Protector and Shelter in this land. And
please be with my captured people. Help us, Master,
for we are very small in faith and stature.”
*******
“Thank you very
much, dear Karen,” said Joyce as she and her friends
headed out the door. “You really are a Lightbearer.
Thank you for sharing the Light of the Good King’s
Truth with us.”
“The Good King
showed you the Truth through me. Give Him the
glory,” said Karen as she waved goodbye to the
visitors.
Her mom waved
goodbye to them too. When they were gone she closed
the door and gazed at her daughter. She had
witnessed the whole incident from the living room
and was amazed at how much Karen changed since she
found the Holy Word outside. She was becoming less
like the Worldling she once was.
“Dear, your
time to go may be drawing nearer. Are you ready?”
she asked her daughter.
“Yes,” she
answered.
This wonderful
opportunity made Karen see how close the Good King
was to her. As long as He was with her He would help
her to be the best Lightbearer she could be in His
service.
Chapter Seven
Karen was fast
asleep when her dad came home. She didn’t hear his
car when he pulled in the driveway or when he
knocked on the door. She was very tired and the
sleep was very sweet to her.
Outside her
bedroom her parents were talking in the living room.
Her dad told his wife about the rough night he had
at work. He went into detail of how busy the
restaurant was and how mouthy his boss was. Then he
mentioned how the mayor enjoyed their service, which
was an honor for the restaurant.
His wife
congratulated him on the achievement. She was glad
to hear that something good came out of his hectic
night.
Then he talked
about the little man he met at the parking lot. The
poor fellow was shaken and his frame looked like he
hadn’t eaten in days. When he went to get some food
the little man left. He searched for him in the
driveway but he couldn’t find him.
“That’s
dreadful,” said his wife. Then she asked him, “Did
he tell you his name?”
“Yeah, he said
his name was Edward Matthews and he came from Small
Faith.”
“Isn’t that the
place that you heard on the news?” she said.
“Yes, dear. I
just hope that the little guy is okay wherever he
is. I can’t understand why he left like that.”
“Perhaps he’s
trying to protect himself. He may be afraid of
getting caught by those who attacked his home. He
may be going through great fear and turmoil.”
Philip agreed
with his wife’s reasoning. It would be a fearful
experience to see your people or loved ones taken
and your home engulfed in flames by a ruthless
tribe.
His wife then
changed the subject.
“Karen is
changing a lot. I think her time to serve the Good
King is very near.”
“Why do you say
that?” her husband asked.
“She led my
three friends, Becky, Joyce, and Betty to the Good
King. She told them about Him and explained some
things she learned about Him in the Holy Word. I’ve
never seen anything so beautiful. I think I’ve
beheld what a Lightbearer actually does, for she led
my friends to the Light of the Good King’s Truth.
Philip, she’s going to be a blessing to others out
there. I’m so proud of her for deciding to obey the
call of Heaven.”
This was too
much for Philip. “I DON’T WANT HER TO GO!” he
shouted.
His wife was
taken aback by his furious response. This was the
first time he hollered at her so. “You don’t have to
shout,” she said calmly.
Her husband
sighed. “I’m so sorry, dear. I’m just so afraid of
what’s going to happen to Karen when she goes out
into the World.”
“Don’t you
believe that the God she’s beginning to serve will
protect her?” she asked him gently.
Philip shook
his head. “Dear, I can’t believe that. So many bad
things happen to those who serve Him. Look at what
happened to the people of Small Faith. They were
totally devoted to their God and He allowed them to
be captured and completely lose their home. The news
said lately that Small Faith is nothing more than a
memory because it’s nothing but ashes on the ground.
How could the Good King let something like that
happen to His faithful servants?”
His wife didn’t
know how to answer her husband’s question. After
giving it some thought, she said, “Maybe the Good
King will make something good come out of it.”
Philip’s anger
was roused again. “Did He do anything good for my
brother when he was in His service!?”
“Your brother?”
she questioned, ignoring his rage.
Philip cooled
down. “Oh, I never told you, huh?”
“No,” said his
wife.
Philip then
began to tell her of his brother:
“Ten years ago,
my brother decided to follow the Good King. He would
call me on the phone to tell me of the things he
learned from the Holy Word that he was reading at
the time. I got sick of hearing about the things of
Heaven at every conversation we had, but I didn’t
want to hurt his feelings so I kept quiet. He was my
youngest brother and it was normal for him to find
excitement in every new thing. We were still very
close despite the different routes we chose for our
lives. Then one day he called to tell me that a
messenger came from Heaven saying that the Good King
wanted him to be His Lightbearer in the World. I
laughed it off and he told me it was true.”
“What happened
then?” asked his wife, who was becoming very
interested in his story.
“Well, he
believed the call and went out into the World. He
kept touch with me during his travels. The successes
he had in his call made me think that maybe being a
Believer in the Good King wasn’t so bad after all,
until an awful event took place where he was, which
was going to be his last stop. The people there
became influenced by some who were against my
brother, making them hate him. The whole village
condemned him to death by beheading. Before he died
he told me on the phone that he wasn’t afraid
because he had done everything the Good King asked
him to do. He was only a Lightbearer for a year.”
Philip’s eyes
were then filled with tears. His wife embraced him.
“That’s why I
don’t want my daughter to go. I dread that she will
share in my brother’s fate,” he sobbed.
“I don’t want
her to die either,” said his wife. “But I also want
what’s best for her,” she added, trying hard to hold
the tears in her eyes.
Her husband
stared at her. “Do you really think it is best for
her to obey the Good King and maybe lose her life?”
he asked, confused and hurt that his wife wasn’t
against the idea of Karen being a Lightbearer.
She answered.
“It’s up to Karen. She’s old enough to decide her
destiny.”
*******
Karen quickly
dressed herself. When she was clad in her long
sleeved shirt and jeans she combed her short curly
brown hair and picked up the Holy Word. She then
went to the living room. Her parents were not up
yet. She found a piece of paper and wrote on it:
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am leaving to do
what the Good King has called me to do. I wish I
could personally tell you both goodbye but a
messenger from Heaven told me in a dream to go early
the next morning. It’s time and I must obey. Please
don’t worry. The Good King promised to be with me,
so I won’t be alone in my work.
Dad, I know you
don’t understand what I’ve decided to do, but I ask
that you find it in your heart to trust the Good
King. With Him everything will be okay.
I’ll keep in touch
with you both as often as I can. I love you so very
much. Please pray for me.
Your loving daughter,
Karen
Karen placed
the note on the kitchen table. They would find it
when they have their breakfast. She prayed that they
wouldn’t worry about her. With misty eyes she opened
the outside door, turned her head to where her
parents’ bedroom was, and whispered, “Goodbye mom.
Goodbye dad.”
Chapter Eight
In the shed
Eddy whimpered in his sleep. Scenes of fire filled
his mind. He could hear people screaming as they
fled from their homes in the disaster. He also saw
hordes of tall men dressed in battle attire entering
the city. Their facial expressions were very cruel
complete with war paint. They pursued the escaping
people and captured them one by one. All the men,
women, and children were then led out of their once
beloved city in chains; imploring the Good King to
save them from their foes.
The scene got
worse when one of the attackers gazed ahead and
shouted, “Hey! You over there!”
Eddy got out of
his hiding place and ran for his life. Two of the
attackers chased him through the burning land. He
dodged this way and that, hoping to lose them. They
were getting closer to him.
“Stop or we
will kill you!” they ordered.
This threat
made Eddy run faster.
The two
attackers threw their spears at him. Both of them
missed.
Eddy saw a way
out and sprinted to it. He almost got through it
when one of the pursuers jumped at him and grabbed
his ankles causing him to fall face down to the
ground.
Eddy’s
whimpering became louder. He tossed and turned his
head on the sack of grain that he used for a pillow.
A voice
interrupted his nightmare. “Hey, sir!”
The little man
shrieked and opened his eyes. He saw a tall young
man with an odd object in his right hand. Fearing
that his enemies had found him, he pleaded with the
individual for mercy.
The young man
watched him confused. This fellow was of a very
fearful sort indeed.
“And please
don’t harm me with that weird weapon you have in
your hand! I will willingly join my people in
captivity if you’ll spare my life.” Eddy pleaded
further.
“Whoa, calm
down sir! I won’t hurt you,” said the young man in a
friendly tone.
Eddy was
doubtful. “If you don’t have the intention of
injuring me, then what’s with the weapon you have?”
he asked.
The young man
chuckled. “This?” he asked holding it up. “Why, it’s
only my grabber. I use it to grab things off of
shelves, see?” He then demonstrated by using his
device to pick up a box from a shelf.
Eddy laughed.
He was so relieved that this person wasn’t his
nightmare coming true. “Please forgive me of my
apprehension. I’ve had a really rough time lately.
My name is Edward Matthews. I’m a citizen of Small
Faith, which is far from here.” Then he added sadly,
“However, my once beautiful home is now in ruins. My
people are gone and I’m the only one that is not
with them in slavery to the Natives of Doubt.”
The young man
went over to comfort him. “Wow! No wonder you are so
afraid,” he said as he patted his back, “Maybe I can
help you. I follow a man who assists those who have
been persecuted and downtrodden by this wicked
World. He cares for those who suffer and has stood
up for them so they could get fair treatment. I
could take you to him if you’d like.”
“Does he serve
the Good King?” Eddy asked. He didn’t want to see
this person if he wasn’t a Believer like he was.
“Oh,
absolutely, in fact he’s a Lightbearer of Heaven. He
tells us what the Holy Word says and he also takes
such good care of us.”
Eddy agreed to
see this very caring person. As he and the young man
walked out of the shed he asked him, “What’s this
fellow’s name?”
“His name is
Man* Mercy,” he answered him.
* “Man” is
short for “Manuel.”
Chapter Nine
Karen went out
into the woods. As she walked amid the trees and
flowers she saw a narrow path up ahead. The
messenger from Heaven had instructed her in the
dream to go on this path; it would take her to where
the Good King wanted her to go. Before she walked on
the narrow path a bright light appeared in front of
her. Karen shielded her eyes for the brightness was
very intense.
A gentle voice
spoke from the light. “Karen, don’t be afraid. I’m
the Spirit of the Good King. I will be with you in
your missions as I was with you in your
preparations.”
Karen trembled.
God was speaking to her! “Lord, are you sure you
want someone like me? I’m so young and very shy. How
can I perform such a weighty task?”
“‘Not by
might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.’” (Zechariah
4:6) the voice quoted.
Karen gave a
faint smile. “I thank you, Lord, for Your promise
and I totally believe it. But why would you pick a
lowly person like me? Such a task would demand
someone with great courage. I’m not courageous at
all,” she answered.
“When a human
soul is completely surrendered to the Good King, He
can work in them to will and to do of His good
pleasure. You are the perfect candidate for this
Heaven appointed task. The Good King is starting His
work deep inside of you.”
Karen bowed to
the ground in reverence. “Thank you, Lord, for
choosing to use me in Your plan. Your will be done.”
The bright
light faded.
Karen arose
from the ground. A bit dazed from the experience.
Now I think I know how the Ancient Believer, Moses
felt. She thought.
She then went
to pick up the Holy Word and was surprised to see a
Lantern in its place. It was a golden color and the
fire burning inside it was more beautiful than any
she had ever seen. “‘Thy word is a lamp unto my
feet and a light unto my path.’ “She quoted as she
walked on the narrow path with the Light of the Good
King’s Truth in her hand.
PART TWO: MERCIVILLE
(Things are not
always what they appear to be)
Chapter Ten
As Karen walked
on the narrow path she wondered what kind of
adventures the Good King had in mind for her. She
knew that she would be put in scary and dangerous
situations but her trust in the Good King and her
enthusiasm to share the Light of His Truth with
others banished her fears.
A village met
her gaze. It was very big and the gates were opened
wide for anyone to come in or go out. The narrow
path was going that way so Karen obediently followed
it to this place. She stood in front of the opened
gates. They were huge and had the appearance of
gold. They were very beautiful to her eyes. She then
slowly walked through the opened gates. Just as she
set her feet on the dusty road a tall man dressed in
camouflage came up to her. He aimed his rifle at
Karen, who stood frozen in her tracks.
“Who are you?
How did you get in here?” he demanded.
Karen stared
uneasily at the rifle.
“Speak
Stranger!” the tall man growled.
Karen finally
found her voice. “I’m Karen, a Lightbearer of the
Good King. The path that He bid me to walk has led
me to this village. The gates were opened so I
entered in.”
The tall man
kept his rifle pointed at her. The teenage girl
closed her eyes. Was the Good King going to let her
die before she accomplished what He wanted her to
do?
Lord, save
me! She prayed silently.
The tall man lowered
his rifle. “Did you say, Lightbearer?” he asked.
“Y-Y-Yes!”
Karen stammered as she slowly opened her eyes.
The tall man
gave her a friendly grin. “You are welcome here.
Anyone who serves the Good King has a right to
become a part of this community. Our benevolent
leader and founder of this village will be more than
happy to see you. Come, I will take you to him.”
Karen shyly
followed him. As they walked down the street she saw
adults helping one another with their chores, and
the little children playing and doing what they
could to help out. She also saw gardens and fruit
trees. The fruit on the trees looked mouthwatering
to her. The apples and bananas were bigger and riper
than any she had ever seen.
Soon they came
to a small house. The tall man knocked on the door
three times. A minute later the door opened by a man
with the appearance of a stately gentleman.
“Yes?” he
answered.
“Tell Mr. Mercy
that he has a visitor,” said the tall man.
“Yes, sir,”
said the stately gentleman as he closed the door and
went to get the master of the house.
He must be
very wealthy, Karen thought to herself.
Just then the door
opened again and this time a man in a short-sleeved
shirt, blue jeans, and sunglasses appeared.
The tall man
bowed respectfully. “Oh, wonderful and loving Man
Mercy, I have found this young girl who claims to be
a Lightbearer of the Good King like you, oh, great
one.”
Man Mercy
walked up to Karen and inspected her. “Hmmm ... she
looks like a Lightbearer and she has a Lantern like
a Lightbearer. What’s your name, child?”
“Karen, sir,”
she answered meekly.
“She sounds
like one too. Well done, Tom, you have found the one
that the Good King has sent to aide me in caring for
the citizens of Merciville.”
“You’re very
welcome, sir,” said Tom as he gave another bow.
“Now you may
leave us. I wish to have a talk with this fellow
Lightbearer.”
“Yes, sir!”
said Tom as he arose from his bow and saluted him.
When Man Mercy
was alone with Karen he invited her into his house
for an interview. Karen went inside with him. He led
her to his office and offered her a seat next to a
desk. Karen sat down and Man Mercy sat at the desk.
“So tell me a
little bit about yourself. What inspired you to take
the call of a Lightbearer?” he asked her.
Karen told him
how she was once a Worldling, playing video games
and watching the Box. She enjoyed her lifestyle very
much until she began to feel that maybe life was
more than just having a good time. She began to have
a desire for new things: reading the Holy Word and
prayer. It was during that time that the Good King
impressed her to be His Lightbearer. She accepted
the assignment, left her home, and followed the path
that was marked out for her.
Man Mercy was
deeply touched by Karen’s account of her experience.
This young girl was totally devoted to the Good King
and His cause.
“How did your
parents feel about you being a Lightbearer?” he
asked curiously.
“My mom greatly
encouraged me to do what I knew to do, but my dad
was totally against it.” Karen said, recalling her
father’s deep concern for her.
“And you still
obeyed His Majesty even though it would go against
your father’s wishes?” Man Mercy asked surprised at
the teenage girl’s devotion.
She nodded. “It
was a real struggle for me, but I decided to do what
was right. I pray that some day dad will
understand.”
Man Mercy shook
her hand. “Karen, it would be an honor to have you
in this community. You will be of great service to
Merciville.”
Karen blushed
at this honor. She thanked God for this wonderful
opportunity in leading others to Heaven.
Chapter Eleven
Edward Matthews
was outside picking apples from an apple tree that
was next to his house. Because Small Faith people
were very short in stature (3ft-4ft high) he had to
use a ladder to pick the delicious looking fruit. He
hummed a little tune in joy. He was so happy to be
in a place where he was welcomed and where the love
of the Good King spread everywhere. He then looked
down and saw a young girl with a golden lantern in
her hand. He had never seen her before in the
village and by his judgment she looked like someone
who was going to fit right in well. He wanted to
meet this new person and find out who she was. He
was so concentrated on her that he lost his footing
on the ladder and fell from it.
“HEEEEELLLLLPPPP!”
he screamed. He was such a long way up that if he
hit the ground his bones would surely break. He
closed his eyes and prepared himself for the worst.
A minute later he opened his eyes and gazed into the
kind face of his rescuer. It was the young girl! She
had seen him fall and had run to catch him before he
hit the ground.
The little man
was very grateful. “Thank you for saving me, Missy,”
he said relieved.
The young girl
helped him to his feet. “You okay, sir?” she asked
gently.
“Yes, I’m fine,
a little shaken but fine,” he answered. Then he
reached out his small hand and said, “By the way, my
name is Edward Matthews, but you can call me, Eddy.
I’m a Small Faith Person.”
“My name is
Karen. I’m a Lightbearer of His Majesty, the Good
King,” she said as she shook Eddy’s hand.
Eddy’s eyes
popped in amazement and awe. “Lightbearer? I’ve
heard of them. They are people that share the Light
of the Good King’s Truth with others. I’ve never
seen one until now, and I am greatly honored.” Then
he asked her, “What brings you here to Merciville?”
“The Good King
led me here. It appears that He wants me to work
with Man Mercy in helping the citizens of this
beautiful place. He’s a Lightbearer too, so I may
get some good training and experience here. I want
to do a good job in what His Majesty called me to
do.” Karen answered.
Eddy was
starting to like the teenage girl. She was so sweet,
innocent, kind, and loving. The characteristics of
the Good King seemed to be shining through her very
young frame. He felt that she was going to fit right
into Merciville and He was curious to see how His
Majesty would use her in His will.
The sound of a
dinner bell rang through the air.
“Karen, would
you care to have lunch? The food is really good. The
fruit and veggies are truly out of this world! Their
tastiness will bring your mind back to the Garden of
Eden.” Eddy offered.
Karen accepted
the little man’s invitation and followed him to a
huge building, which served as a diner.
The food was
very delicious. Karen wondered how the fruits and
veggies could taste so wonderfully different than
the kind she used to get at the supermarket. She
savored each bite and thought, this could be a
foretaste of the food we will have in the Garden of
Eden on the New Earth.
After lunch Man
Mercy got up from his seat and spoke.
Chapter Twelve
“Friends, I
would like to introduce you all to my fellow
Lightbearer, Karen. She will help you with your
problems and will also lead you to the sacred
teachings of the Holy Word. Treat her as you would
treat me and make her feel at home.”
All the people
turned to Karen and shouted joyously, “The Good King
bless Karen! The Good King bless Karen! The Good
King bless Merciville!”
Karen blushed
at this show of appreciation. She prayed silently to
be protected from pride, for she knew that pride was
the one sin that could ruin everything.
When the people
were done cheering, Karen gently said: “May the Good
King bless us all and may we all be opened to the
Light of His Truth.”
“Amen!” Eddy
shouted.
Everyone else
shouted “amen” after him. Everyone but Man Mercy.
When the
fellowship was over, Man Mercy spoke with Karen in
private. “Child, I know that you desire to do your
job as a Lightbearer, but you mustn’t rush
yourself.”
“What do you
mean, sir?” Karen asked.
Man Mercy
gently patted her back. “Child, I’m glad that you
care about the people and their eternal welfare.
That’s the marking of a true Lightbearer, but you
can’t force the Truth on them. They are not ready
for it yet. There are many things that I would like
to tell them from the Holy Word but they are not
ready to hear them. We don’t want to make them
uncomfortable, do we?”
“Excuse me,
sir,” said Karen politely, “but I thought you told
the people that I would help them with their
problems and lead them to the Holy Word. What did
you mean by that?”
Man Mercy
smiled. “We must take this slowly. What I meant was
that you will tell them things from the Holy Word
that they are ready to hear. I will give you a list
of topics that will tickle their ears and hearts.
Making them happy is very important. We can’t ignore
that.”
This whole idea
made Karen uncomfortable. She believed that there
was always a good time to share the Truth with
others. Man Mercy noticed her reaction. “You’ll get
used to it, child. Just remember, mercy is not
roughness.”
When the
private meeting was over, Karen walked away with a
disturbed conscience. It sounded logical what her
boss said, but it also sounded unscriptural. She
needed to pray about it. She left the building to
look for a place outside where she could pour her
heart out to the Good King. She found a tool shed
and went inside it. She locked the door and prayed
that the Good King would help her with this
challenge that came her way.
Chapter Thirteen
As nighttime
approached the citizens of Merciville flocked into
their leader’s church. Tonight there was going to
two sermons: one by Man Mercy and one by Karen. As
everyone made their way to their seats Karen peeked
through the closed curtain. All these dear souls
needed to know what the Good King said in His Holy
Word. How could she withhold the truth from this
multitude of hungry people? It would be despicable
if she did such a thing.
“Lord, what
must I do? I want to share with these people the
Light of Your Truth but Man Mercy said that I
shouldn’t. Help me to do the right thing.” Karen
prayed earnestly.
Light whooshed
out of her Lantern that she placed on a wooden
table. She watched stunned as the bright light shot
passed her and hit the wall, revealing a message.
She walked over to the glowing words. They read:
“Preach the
word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
(2 Timothy 4:2)
Karen then knew
what she had to do. She must play her part as a
Lightbearer faithfully no matter what others say.
She thanked the Good King for the way He answered
her prayer.
The glowing
words on the wall disappeared as Man Mercy walked in
with a piece of paper in his hand. “Greetings,
Karen,” he said cordially, “Here’s your topic for
tonight. I know that the listeners will find it
enjoyable.”
Karen glanced
at the topic: “The Quality of Compassion and
Equality.”
“Since you are
new at this, I want you to watch me closely as I
give my message. Try to present it the way I do when
it is your turn.” Man Mercy advised.
Karen nodded.
She hoped that this fellow was really the
Lightbearer that he said he was.
The event
opened with music. The choir sang the old hymn,
“He’s Able.” This was one of Karen’s favorite songs.
She sang along with them believing that the Good
King was able to do anything. When the song was
over, Man Mercy got up on the pulpit. “Yes, we are
able to do anything. Nothing can stop us,” he said
to the crowd.
Karen winced.
She didn’t recall that meaning in the old hymn.
Man Mercy
started his message.
“Why didn’t he
pray first?” Karen wondered.
“Friends, we
are all brothers and sisters. It doesn’t matter how
different we are: we can be white, black, brown,
red, tall, small, or wise and foolish. We are made
to live in harmony with each other.
“Those who are
against this fellowship don’t know the meaning of
love, charity, and compassion.
“We have all gone
through persecution and unfairness, mostly by those
in the government, and some by very cruel people.
“We would have all
been stuck in that rut if divine intervention wasn’t
given me to move us all out of our homes and into
this land of promise. Here in Merciville, we will
live in peace and unity, away from persecutions and
bigotry. And we will be nourished by much better
food also.
“May our village
prosper forevermore!”
Everyone
shouted Amen and halleluiah. This message was really
energizing them.
“And now, our
good friend, Karen has a message for us. She will
make the teachings of the Holy Word delectable to
us,” said Man Mercy as he beckoned her to come
forward.
Karen grabbed
the Lantern and slowly walked toward the pulpit. She
prayed with each step she made that what she said
would be under the Holy Spirit’s control. She wanted
her words to be true and scriptural for the sake of
those who were listening. When she faced the crowd
her knees smote against each other. Her face also
turned redder than a ripe tomato. This was the
biggest crowd she had ever seen in her life! There
were hundreds of people including women and
children. Karen tried to fight against her
bashfulness, but it was really coming on her full
force this time.
An elderly lady
in the crowd noticed her discomfort. “Don’t be shy,
dear. We want to hear what you have to say,” she
encouraged her.
Karen swallowed
hard. She opened her mouth but no words came out.
A squeaky voice
sounded from the crowd. “You can do it, Karen! His
Majesty is with you! Believe in Him!” Eddy cheered
her.
These
encouragements inspired Karen with the courage that
she needed.
She took a deep
breath and started her message with a prayer.
“Dear God,
I ask that the Holy Spirit will be with me as I share
Your Word with these people. I ask that He will be
with them too. May our hearts be opened to what you
desire to teach us.”
In Jesus’ Name,
Our Lord and King.
All the people
said Amen. Man Mercy was getting antsy in his seat.
Karen shared
with the listeners verses from the Holy Word that
talked about the Good King and His great love for
human kind. Using her Lantern prayerfully she showed
the listeners word for word on what the verses said
so they wouldn’t think she was making it up.
The people kept
their ears open in great interest. This was
completely different to them. They had rarely seen
the Holy Word presented like this. Some found it
more filling than their leader’s message and some
felt that it was the same as his.
Man Mercy
gritted his teeth. The teenage girl was going
against his advice. He would gladly have stopped her
right then and there but the people loved the
message she was giving. If he interfered he would
lose his popularity and he didn’t want that at all.
Karen ended the
message with another prayer. When the prayer was
over she walked off the stage to her seat in the
crowd.
“That was
beautiful,” Eddy said to her when they walked out of
the church together. “I especially liked it when
your Lantern showed verses from the Holy Word. It
really made the scriptures come out clear.” Then he
gave a puzzled look. “Strange that Man Mercy didn’t
share the Holy Word. Since he’s a Light bearer he
should be doing that.”
Karen agreed
with him. “Yeah, and I noticed that he doesn’t have
a Lantern that contains the Light of the Good King’s
Truth.”
Eddy’s eyes
widened in concern. “You don’t think he’s pulling
the wool over our eyes, do you?”
“Let’s hope and
pray that he’s not,” said Karen. “It would be ashame
if someone who cares deeply about people turned out
to be against the Good King and His ways.”
Chapter Fourteen
In the office
Man Mercy called an emergency meeting with his
guards and workers.
“Men, we are
faced with a serious problem. Karen, who is my
fellow Lightbearer refused to follow my wishes
tonight. She totally disregarded the policy
procedures of Merciville by preaching the Holy Word
to the citizens. Such an action requires immediate
discipline, for if nothing is done the people may
leave this place and all my hard work would be in
vain. Any ideas on what we should do about her?”
A gentleman
stood up. It was his trusted advisor, Jeremiah
Coverall (he was the one who gave Man Mercy the idea
to build a village away from civilization in answer
to the problems they were having with the law). He
was very conniving and sneaky, as his last name
indicated. “I think, sir, that we should closely
watch her to see if she’s persistent in breaking the
rules again. If she continues on like this then we
should give her a warning, if she refuses to listen
then our last resort would be to make a public
example of her. Her punishment would save the people
and our village.” *
* See John 11:50.
Man Mercy
smiled a very wicked smile. The Light of the Good
King’s Truth was going to be snuffed out and he
would make sure it happened rapidly.
*******
The next
morning Karen went to see how the villagers were
doing. She helped them when she could, spoke words
of encouragement to them, and prayed with them.
Everyone liked the new Lightbearer. They were happy
that she came their way.
She also played
with the children. She participated in their
childish games and shared in their childish joys.
When they were through playing she told them stories
from the Holy Word. The children loved her so much
that they affectionately called her Aunt Karen. They
saw her as someone who cared about them and who
would protect them from harm. The teenage girl
prayed that the Good King would bless the little
ones and their parents.
When she left
them to see her friend, Eddy the Small Faith Person,
a soldier hid behind a tree and made notes. He had
watched Karen’s every move and what he saw deserved
the attention of their leader.
*******
As Karen and
Eddy ate apples for lunch on the green grass the
teenage girl shared with the little man the deep
feelings she had of the place. “Eddy, I’m afraid
that Man Mercy really isn’t a Lightbearer after
all.”
“Why do you say
that?” he asked her with his mouth full.
“I spoke with
some of the people today. They told me that he said
to them that he is the Good King reincarnated and
that what he says is truer than what the Holy Word
says.”
Eddy choked on
his apple. “That is one of the worst lies anyone can
say!” he exclaimed coughing and gasping
Karen firmly
patted his back, which helped him to finally stop
coughing. “Thanks,” he panted.
She waited for
him to relax for a bit before she continued. When
her recuperated from his choking she went on:
“The good news
is that some of them are going to leave Merciville
as a result of hearing the Holy Word last night.
They now believe that only the Good King is their
Lord and Savior, not man. I praise His Majesty for
this.”
Eddy began to
feel uneasy at this report. “If this all true, dear
Karen, then I was a fool for listening and following
such a man. The Holy Word says, ‘Cursed be the man
that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and
whose heart departeth from the LORD.’ (Jeremiah
17:5) As a Small Faith Person I should have held on
to His Majesty alone, but I was so desperate that I
turned to a man to help me in my troubles.” Then he
lamented his quickness to trust in the arm of flesh
during hard times.
Karen pitied
him. Eddy was so ashamed of himself for hurting his
King and Master. She showed him promises on the Good
King’s forgiveness with her Lantern. The Light
flashed from the Lantern and Eddy saw the burning
words in front of him. These promises filled him
with hope. He thanked Karen for sharing the Truth
with him and then excused himself for a few minutes.
He went into a
storage shed (the same one he slept in when he was
fleeing for his life) and knelt on the floor. He
asked the Good King to forgive him of his sin and to
strengthen his weak faith in Him. He also thanked
Him for showing him the Truth through his new
friend, Karen. When he got up from his knees he saw
rows and rows of bottled water on the shelves. There
must have been enough water for the whole community!
Eddy tried to rationalize this sight. Was Merciville
going to go through a drought? What did this mean?
He would soon find out what this water business was
about.
Chapter Fifteen
A very small
number of the citizens of Merciville went out
through the opened golden gates. When a guard asked
them why they were leaving they told him that they
were going back home. They saw the Light and they
were going to follow it. The guard couldn’t keep
them from leaving so he had to allow them to go.
Man Mercy is
not going to like this! He thought as he wrote a
short message to deliver.
*******
“You saw lots
of bottled water in the storage shed?” Karen asked
Eddy after he told her the sight he saw.
He nodded.
“Maybe it’s nothing, but seeing all that water made
me nervous. I have a funny feeling that something
awful may happen. My gut is really strong in this.
It could be the Good King’s Spirit trying to warn
us.”
Karen didn’t
like the sound of this. She’d been having awful
feelings about the village and its founder. There
must be a dark reason on why he was so against the
Light of the Good King’s Truth, and she didn’t want
to behold what it could be.
“Karen, what
should we do?” Eddy asked her.
“We must pray
and be opened to what the Good King tells us,” she
answered.
*******
The reports
came to Man Mercy’s office. When he read them his
face turned red in rage. Some of his followers had
left him and others were following in their
footsteps.
“It’s that
girl’s fault!” he growled. He had to do something
now. The damage has gotten so bad that it was
getting close to being irreparable.
He walked from
his desk and opened the door of his closet. He
pulled out a worn out copy of the Holy Word. “I’ll
fix you, Karen the Lightbearer!” he hissed as he
took the old book with him.
Hidden in the
closet was as rusty Lantern. It had cobwebs all over
it and the glass was smudgy. Inside, the wick was
completely burned out and in the bottom there was no
oil. It was just as useless as its possessor.
Chapter Sixteen
Another night
meeting was scheduled at the church. The hall was
once again full of people (except for those who left
early). The speakers were still Man Mercy and Karen.
The people were on the edge of their seats. What
kind of message would be preached this time?
Behind the
curtain Man Mercy confronted Karen. His expression
was no longer mild but angry, so angry that it
appeared to be beyond human.
“Now you
listen, Karen! Tonight we are going to have this
settled once and for all. You have caused a ton of
damage in Merciville. You are scattering the flock
by not diluting the teachings of the Holy Word.
Those that have left will die in their sins because
of you! More people are ready to leave and they will
die also! Karen, if you really care about the
citizens of Merciville, then you must recant
everything you told them. If you refuse, then I will
have no choice but to punish you severally. My
compassion is running out for you.”
Karen
shuddered. She didn’t want to be punished and who
knows what kind of punishment she would go through.
But she couldn’t recant everything she said because
it was the Good King who said it, not her. If she
did what she was ordered to do then she would make
His Majesty look like a liar. And He’s definitely
not a liar; on the contrary, He’s the God of all
Truth.
“You will speak
first, rebellious child,” said Man Mercy as he
pushed her toward the pulpit.
Karen trembled
with each step. Her mind was screaming at her to
recant. Why should she suffer for this group of
people? It was their own fault for following a mere
man instead of the great Good King. She was so young
and she had a loving family. Why must she risk her
chances of ever seeing or hearing them again?
She went behind
the pulpit and gazed at the crowd. As she looked
into their eager faces, compassion filled her being.
These poor souls needed to hear the Truth one last
time. Their spiritual lives depended on it. She saw
Eddy smiling at her. This may be the last time she
would ever see him. He was a good friend to her and
she prayed that the Good King would be very close to
him and comfort him when she was gone. She then
prayed for the dwellers of Merciville, asking the
Good King to save them from the deceptions that was
being fed to them. She prayed that these lost sheep
would know their True Shepherd.
The people
waited patiently for her to speak. They noticed that
she was very sad about something. The children
wanted to run up and hug her but they couldn’t leave
their seats. Eddy also noticed that she was
troubled. He said a quick prayer for her, asking His
Master to see her through her problem.
Karen finally
spoke:
“Friends, this
may be the last time I will ever be able to speak
with you. It was a privilege to know you and be your
friend. I thank His glorious Majesty, Jesus Christ,
for this wonderful opportunity, though it has been
very short.
“I beg you to
please listen to the Good King’s Spirit. Let Him
lead and guide you into everything that is true.
Pray earnestly and if you can, read the Holy Word.
Don’t believe the words of man, for they will always
lean toward their own understanding, which is very
limited.
“Believe that
the only God and Savior we have is the Good King. No
man can save us from sin and ruin.
Please don’t
let anyone rob you of your eternal crown, no matter
how merciful and nice they may appear on the
outside.”
Karen’s pleas
touched everyone who was present. Some got up to
leave and some discussed among themselves what was
just said.
Man Mercy
scowled. He ordered two of his guards to arrest
Karen. The guards went up to the pulpit and grabbed
her.
The people
gasped.
Eddy jumped up
from his seat. “What are you doing? Let he go!” he
cried.
The guards
didn’t listen to him. They started to drag the poor
teenage girl away. The little man ran to the stage
to stop them but was blocked by Man Mercy.
“Sir, you must
let her go! She’s an admirable Lightbearer!” he
exclaimed, trying to see where the guards were
taking his young friend.
“She’s an enemy
of the village and all enemies must be punished.”
Man Mercy replied coldly.
“She was doing
her duty. Lightbearers are called to share the Light
of the Good King’s Truth wherever they go. You’re a
Lightbearer, why haven’t’ you been faithful in your
Heaven appointed task? Why have you been leading
these dear souls in the Darkness of Deception?” Eddy
said, bravely confronting this deceiver.
Man Mercy
slapped his across the face, knocking him down.
“”Don’t rebuke me, midget!” he growled. “Is this the
thanks I get for making you a part of my community
when you came to me homeless and friendless? If
anything you should be grateful for I could have
turned you away, and then you would have been
captured by your enemies.”
Eddy rubbed his
sore face and looked up at the fake Lightbearer. He
wanted to say more but he realized that it wouldn’t
be the wisest thing to do. Instead he got up, dusted
himself and said in a strong yet gentle voice, “May
His Majesty forgive you,” then he walked away upset
at the treatment Karen the Lightbearer was getting.
Man Mercy
wasn’t bothered at all by the little man’s inspiring
words. He went up to the pulpit, calmed down the
crowd and started his message.
Chapter Seventeen
Karen was
handcuffed in the office and watched by the two
guards. She closed her eyes, praying silently for
strength. An hour passed and the door opened. Man
Mercy entered the office.
“Are we nice
and comfortable, Karen?” he asked sarcastically.
Karen said
nothing. Her heart was so in tuned in prayer that
she didn’t hear him.
Man Mercy
chuckled. “I have set the record straight tonight.
Thanks to my persuasive tongue no one else will ever
dare think to leave me. In fact, I made sure that
the things you just told them went in one ear and
out the other.”
Karen opened
her eyes. “What did you do?” she inquired in a
concerned tone of voice.
Man Mercy flung
an old book at her. It was his copy of the Holy
Word, battered and ruined. The pages in it were
ripped and torn. “I gave them a demonstration of how
powerless this book is. While I destroyed it your
great God didn’t intervene. I even challenged Him to
strike me with lightening and He didn’t. You serve
either a Mickey Mouse god or a marshmallow god.” He
then gave a big laugh.
Karen felt
righteously indignant. How could he show such
disrespect to the Good King? “You are ignorant of
our great King and His ways,” she said trying to
control her anger. “If you truly knew Him you
wouldn’t have committed such a sacrilegious act. The
Good King have pity on you.”
Man Mercy
became furious. “I don’t understand you, child!
Don’t you know that you will suffer extreme
punishment for going against me? You’ll not only be
in pain, you’ll lose your life! Don’t you care
whether you live or die?”
“I don’t wish
to die,” Karen answered, “but I love the Good King
and others more than I love myself. If sharing the
pure truths of His Word means death then His will be
done.”
Man Mercy’s
conscience was aroused by the fortitude of this very
young Lightbearer. She was willing to sacrifice her
life for the Truth’s sake. He once loved the Truth
when he was a young man starting out as a
Lightbearer. Memories of him going to places and
leading people to the Good King filled his
recollection. So many were blessed and so many
became Believers as a result of his witness.
He was once a
very useful man to Heaven until pride and love of
attention entered his heart. He soon gave up his
calling and instead taught people the things he
wanted to teach them. His rebellion made him lose
the pure heavenly Light that was in his Lantern.
When he discovered the Light was gone he tried to
bring it back by lighting the wick but the fire
burned it up because there was no more oil in the
Lantern. He still called himself a Lightbearer
because he liked the title so much, and he kept his
damaged Lantern well hidden from human eyes.
He had gone in
the wrong direction for so long that he no longer
cared about the Good King and His Truth. Even at
this moment the pricks in his conscience couldn’t
make him want to change his ways. He ignored the
past and held on to his stubborn will.
“Karen, if
that’s the way it’s going to be, then it will be.
You are hereby sentenced to be executed after three
days. You will be an example of what happens to
those who dare to go against me. Guards, take her to
the basement and chain her up. If anyone wants to
see the wretch make sure to watch them well so they
can’t help her escape.”
The guards
dragged the teenage girl away.
Chapter Eighteen
Eddy was badly
worried about Karen. He feared that she was in
danger and he wanted to do what he could to save her
from it. But the problem was he didn’t know where
she was taken. He went around the neighborhood and
asked those he came into contact with if they knew
of the whereabouts of Karen the Lightbearer. They
didn’t know where she was but they assured him that
they were keeping her in their thoughts and prayers.
Eddy thanked them for their kindness and then left
them to continue on his search.
Eddy’s heart
was heavy. What if Man Mercy did something horrible
to her? The thought of the sweet teenage girl being
harmed by that unmerciful man made him wish that he
was taller so he could give that fake what for. She
was like a sister to him, a sister that he never had
and always wanted to have. If he wasn’t so small and
cowardly he could have prevented her from being
arrested by those tall brutes, or so he believed.
He was
pondering hard on how he could find Karen that he
bumped into a guard. The guard turned and gazed
down.
“What do you
want?” he asked gruffly.
Eddy looked up
at the guard. His size was very intimidating to a
Small Faith Person: six feet tall, dressed in a
soldier’s uniform, and bearing a rifle that could
blow him to pieces if triggered. He found his
courage and spoke, “Sir, I’m looking for Karen the
Lightbearer. She’s a very dear friend of mine. Can
you tell me where she is?”
“She’s in the
basement of Man Mercy’s house. She is confined there
until her execution, which will be in three days.”
The guard answered him.
“Execution!”
Eddy exclaimed. “What did she do to deserve that?”
“She disobeyed
the rules of Merciville by rebelliously telling the
citizens things that she was forbidden to say. Now
she must pay with her life,” the guard further
explained.
“May I see her
before it’s too late?” he pleaded with the guard.
The guard gave
him permission. He led the little man to Man Mercy’s
house and showed him where the basement was. Eddy
walked down the stairs. The guard stayed at the top
of the stairs to make sure that no funny business
would take place. When Eddy reached the floor of the
basement he saw Karen chained to the back wall. He
walked over to her. When he got close his eyes
became wet with tears. Her arms and legs were
chained and her feet were in stocks. Her Lantern was
on the floor next to her, glowing brightly in the
dense darkness. She was asleep and there were
tearstains on her face.
“Karen? Karen,
it’s me, Eddy the Small Faith Person,” he said
gently.
The teenage
girl opened her eyes and grinned when she saw her
little friend. “Oh, Eddy! You couldn’t have come at
a better time! I’m so lonely that I need someone to
talk to. You are an answer to my prayer.”
Eddy sniffed.
He couldn’t bear the sight of Karen’s imprisonment.
The founder of Merciville was truly a monster for
treating a devoted servant of the Good King like
this! He embraced her and said in a broken voice,
“Dear Karen, what have they done to you?”
The young
Lightbearer patted his back and tried to soothe his
grief. “Eddy, don’t cry for me. Cry for those who
are remaining in this deceiving village. If I should
be killed for doing His Majesty’s service then maybe
my death will be used to lead more lost souls to the
Light of His Truth, which is found in the Holy Word.
‘Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and
service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you
all.’ “(Philippians 2:17)
Eddy sobbed
harder. “Don’t say that! Please don’t say that!” he
begged. “You’re such a beautiful young girl who also
has the Light of the Good King’s Truth deep in your
heart. Why must a loving person like you die?” He
then added, “You’re my friend and also a sister to
me. I lost my people to the Natives of Doubt and now
I’m going to lose a very dear friend to death. This
is more than I can bear.”
Karen tried to
encourage him. “Brother Eddy, you must keep trusting
in the Good King. He has your best interest at
heart. Everything will work out fine. And we’ll meet
again at the Good King’s second coming.”
“But I will
miss you so much until then!” he cried. “I love you,
sister Karen!”
“I love you
too, Brother Eddy,” she said trying to keep herself
from crying also.
“Sir, it’s time
for you to go,” the guard called from the top of the
stairs.
Eddy gave Karen
one last hug and said goodbye. Karen said goodbye
back and reminded him that the Good King would take
care of him.
Eddy walked up
the stairs and the guard closed the door behind
them.
Chapter Nineteen
In his small
house Eddy prayed intensely for Karen and for the
remaining citizens of Merciville. He beseeched the
Good King to save his young friend from the fate
that awaited her. He didn’t want her to taste the
sleep of death. The idea of her dying broke his
heart.
In the middle
of his prayer he heard voice outside his home. He
peeked out of his window and saw a well-dressed man
speaking to one of the guards. He listened carefully
to the conversation and tried to keep himself well
hidden behind the curtain.
“Man Mercy is
deeply disturbed in his spirit. He received a
message that government officials are going to come
and invade our village. He has given orders to lock
the gates so no one will go in or out. It’s the only
way to protect the people.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll
be sure and give the other guards this command,”
said the guard saluting the well-dressed man who was
none other than wicked Jeremiah Coverall.
The advisor
stopped him for a minute. “One more thing, we may
have to result to difficult measures since the
government is a strong force against us. Man Mercy
has given a solution that will spare us from the
iron hand of the law.”
“What is it?”
the guard asked.
Jeremiah
Coverall snickered. “There’s going to be one last
meeting in a couple of days. During that meeting our
leader will prepare a special drink that will put an
end to everyone’s problems permanently. If you know
what I mean.”
The guard
protested. “That’s hideous! Mr. Mercy is going to
stoop to something like that?! Where’s the
compassion in such an act?”
“Do you want
the government officials to kill us all instead? I
think our leader’s way is very compassionate.”
Jeremiah Coverall pointed out.
The guard
consented to the plan. “What about Karen the
Lightbearer?” he asked.
“The wretch
will be shot in front of the people at the meeting.
When her wretched blood is spilt, Man Mercy will put
his caring plan into action.” Jeremiah Coverall
answered.
Eddy’s face
turned pale. That’s what the bottled water in the
storage shed was for! He now understood why Karen
admonished him to cry for the remaining people
instead of for her. Their lives were in danger! If
they trusted the lies of their leader and drank the
poisoned water they would be forever lost. They
would be dead for eternity!
“Master, such
fearful times are going to come upon this village.
Everyone here is doomed to perish. Please save us,
somehow.” Eddy prayed quietly.
He then
realized that he would have to go and warn the
people of the water treatment they would receive.
He snuck out of
his house, unnoticed by the advisor and guard, and
ran as fast as he could to his neighbors. He tried
to warn them of the destruction that was fixed for
them but the warnings fell on deaf ears. They
thought he was out of his mind to suggest that their
benevolent leader would do such a thing to them.
Eddy pleaded with them in vain to open their eyes to
the darkness that was about to consume them, but
they acted indifferent to what he said. Defeated, he
sadly left his neighbors. They were totally blind of
their danger. There was absolutely nothing he could
do for them.
“Forgive me,
Master, I tried,” he prayed as he made his way back
to his small house. Suddenly five guards stopped
him. He stepped back and held out his hands in fear.
The guards surrounded him and aimed their rifles at
him. Sweat poured down from his head.
“Please don’t
shoot me!” he begged them, clasping his hands. He
was so terrified at this sight.
“So is the
timid Small Faith Person following in the footsteps
of the Lightbearer?” Man Mercy inquired
sarcastically as he walked toward the trapped
manikin.
Eddy clenched
his fists. “I heard what you are planning to do to
the poor deluded people. You will not get away with
this! The Good King won’t let you! When He comes
again you will be held accountable for this great
wickedness.”
“Big words for
one who is so small,” said Man Mercy amused. “What
am I going to do with you? Perhaps I can let you be
the guinea pig of my special drink. It doesn’t take
long for the poison to kill the body of one who is
so short in stature.”
Eddy trembled
like a leaf in the wind.
“What’s the
matter? Are you afraid to die?” Man Mercy asked in a
very cold voice.
Eddy admitted
that he was very afraid to taste the sleep of death.
He didn’t want his life to end so soon. Then he
remembered Karen. He was so impressed with her
willingness to lay down her life for the sake of the
Truth. She was five years younger than him and yet
she was willing to let the Good King have His way
with her, even if it meant death. Courage began to
fill his being as he meditated on the Lightbearer’s
fortitude.
“I will spare
your life, Edward Matthews, if you will recant what
you said to the people. I will even let you leave
Merciville unharmed. You have my unbroken word.” Man
Mercy offered.
Eddy declined
the offer. “It’s better to die than to lie. I’m not
as brave as dear Karen, but I can’t hurt my Master
and King by recanting. Though I’m a very timid
fellow I am willing to lay down my life for the sake
of the Truth too.”
Man Mercy
scowled at this show of bravery. “Then you will
perish after your friend. Guards, lock him in one of
the sheds. If need to put chains on him. In a couple
of days we will leave this world and enter a much
better one.”
The five guards
took the little man away.
It appeared
that the lives of the Believers and the people were
over.
Chapter Twenty
On the second
day the golden gates of Merciville were closed
tight. This didn’t alarm the citizens because they
were told that it was for their safety. They
occupied themselves with their work and play not
realizing that they were going to be led like sheep
to be slaughtered.
The lie that
Man Mercy gave them on him having more power than
the Good King and His Word made them no longer
believe the things that Karen the Lightbearer shared
with them. Their persistence in believing the words
of Man Mercy fulfilled what the Ancient Believer
Paul wrote:
“Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all
power and signs and lying wonders. And with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause
God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2: 9-11)
Since they
didn’t cherish the Truth that the Good King
presented to them through His young servant there
was nothing more He could do to save them from
deception. They were going to reap what they sowed.
*******
“Lord, comfort
dear mom and dad when I go. Don’t let my fate cause
them to distrust You. Help them to know You as the
Good King that You are. Forgive Man Mercy and
forgive those who are following him. Please do what
You can to save them from the eternal sleep.”
Karen prayed
this prayer with her whole heart. Though she was in
pain from the chains and stocks she concentrated on
the well-being of those who were of Merciville. She
hoped that everything would turn out fine for them.
*******
Eddy paced back
and forth in the locked shed. The guards decided not
to chain him but to make sure that the door and
windows were locked. Two of them kept watch so he
couldn’t escape easily, which would have been
impossible for him to do anyway.
So this is it,
he thought, Karen and I are going to be executed,
and then every single one of the poor people will be
killed by their leader. I wish I never came here. It
would have been better for me to be captured by the
Natives of Doubt and be their slave than to go
through this. Oh, Your Majesty, please do something!
*******
“You did what?”
Man Mercy inquired frightened.
“I’m sorry
sir,” said a guard apologetically, “we should have
told you sooner but we didn’t want to put more
burdens on your shoulders.”
Man Mercy
slumped in his chair and sighed.
“When did you
shoot him?” he asked in dread.
“Right after
you had Karen arrested. He was going to report the
incident to the government, telling them that the
treatment we gave her was brutal and inhumane. We
took him outside the village and shot him. We had to
do it sir.” The guard tried to explain.
Man Mercy shook
his head. “We just killed a police officer. The
government will waste no time in getting here. This
has become much worse than we could have imagined.
We must have the last meeting now. Hurry and summon
the citizens to come. The meeting will take place in
the wide field outside my home this time. Be sure to
bring the bottled water and the poison.”
The guard
readily obeyed him.
Chapter Twenty-One
In the basement
something extremely heavenly took place. An angel
came and released Karen from her imprisonment. The
teenage girl thanked the Good King for delivering
her from her shackles.
The angel then
said to her, “Go and get your friend. He’s being
held in a shed. His Majesty will show you where it
is. Don’t worry about the guards because He has put
them in a deep sleep so they won’t interfere.”
The angel then
disappeared and Karen went to find Eddy.
*******
Eddy was on his
knees praying. He prayed for Karen and also for the
citizens of Merciville. He asked the Good King to
let Karen live because she was such a nice person
and also a faithful Lightbearer. The World needs
people like her to spread the Light of the Good
King’s Truth to those who were in darkness. This
beautiful place was a clear picture of what
deception could do to people. The Master of Darkness
really had a hold of Merciville. His lies were very
strong and convincing to those who wouldn’t accept
the Holy Word.
“Eddy, are you
okay?” a gentle voice asked.
Eddy was
stunned by the voice. Was that Karen? It couldn’t
be, she was all chained up. He stood on tiptoe to
look out of the window that was on the door. Great
joy filled him when he saw her with her Lantern
shining brightly in her hand.
Karen unlocked
the door and he came out running to her with opened
arms. “Karen! Praise the Good King that you are
free!” he exclaimed joyfully, as he embraced her.
“But how did you escape from your confinement? And
why are the guards sleeping so soundly?”
Karen told him
of the angel that set her free and how he explained
to her of the guards sleeping.
Eddy praised
the Good King with his small heart. “His Majesty is
with us and is watching over us. I’m so glad we
serve such a loving and caring God!”
His joy then
quickly turned to fear. “Karen, Man Mercy is going
to do something very evil. He’s going to poison all
of the people! And he’s going to do it now! I heard
one of the guards talking about it before you
rescued me. We must stop it!”
Karen couldn’t
believe that the founder of the village would do
such a thing. True he was a deceiver and a false
Lightbearer but she never imagined the he would
destroy his own people as well.
“Have you heard
where he’s going to do this?” she asked.
“Yes, he’s
going to do it in the wide field outside his home.”
Eddy answered.
Karen wasted no
time. Clutching her Lantern tightly she ran as fast
as she could to stop Man Mercy from committing this
inhumane act. Eddy ran close behind her. Would they
make it in time?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Karen and Eddy
ran through the dusty streets of Merciville. There
was not a soul in sight. The place was now like a
ghost town to the two Believers. They finally saw
Man Mercy’s house up ahead. They dashed to the wide
field, hoping and praying that they were not too
late.
“Friends!
Please don’t listen to him!” Karen cried as she ran
into the field first. “He’s not speaking the Truth!
He’s ... ” she stopped and stared in horror. As far as
the eye could see she saw the men, women, and
children lying on the grassy ground.
She went up to
an elderly lady and bent down to shake her. “Please
wake up! Please wake up!” she begged.
The elderly
lady didn’t respond. Karen felt her wrist. There was
no pulse. She left the poor soul heartbroken and
then went to a little girl, whom she recognized as
one of the children she used to play with. “Child,
it’s Aunt Karen, your friend,” she said as she
gently shook her, “please open your eyes.” The
little girl remained motionless. Karen shook her
harder. “Please wake up! Speak to me!” she cried as
tears fell from her eyes. The little girl remained
silent. She was also dead.
Karen sobbed.
Everyone was dead! That monster clad in mercy had
killed them all! She walked among the poor dead
souls and found Man Mercy. He was on the ground with
a chilling expression on his face, one that would
have been on the face of a demon.
She shook her
head. “Sir, why were so determined to fight against
the Light of the Good King’s Truth? Why did you stop
being a true Lightbearer?” she asked in a mournful
voice. She then walked away from the still form and
sat on a tree stump. She was so crushed by this
scene. Did the Good King send her to Merciville to
witness this? She buried her face in her hands and
wept.
Eddy walked
over to her. He too had tears in his eyes. “Oh,
Karen!” he cried as he hugged her tightly.
Karen hugged
her small friend back. “This is all my fault, Eddy.
If only I tried harder in giving the Truth. These
people are dead because of me. I’m not worthy to be
His Majesty’s Lightbearer.”
Eddy tried to
get her out of her negative mindset. “Dear Karen,
this not your fault. The people decided that they
wanted the lie instead of the Truth. There’s nothing
more you can do when they reach that place. There’s
nothing more the Good King can do either. He can’t
force them to accept the Truth that is presented to
them.”
Karen nodded.
She understood what he was saying but she still felt
responsible for the fate of the deceived people. “I
wish I tried harder at my job as a Lightbearer. If I
did this never would have happened.”
Eddy then said
something that was full of the wisdom that comes
from Heaven. “Child, it’s not about you. It’s about
the Good King. You did your very best and His
Majesty has rewarded you for it. In fact, He saved
others through you. I’m one of them because I had so
much faith in Man Mercy. If you didn’t come I know I
would be out here and would be among the dead. I
thank His Majesty and I thank you as His
instrument.”
Karen wiped her
eyes. She was starting to feel better. She saw that
the Good King succeeded through her in saving Eddy
the Small Faith Person and also those who left the
village. She was still sad for those who were
destroyed by the deception but she was also
comforted by the positive results of her witness.
“Thank you,” she said smiling through her tear
stained eyes.
Eddy patted her
knee. “The Good King did not make a mistake in
calling you to be His Lightbearer. And I’m so glad
to have one as a friend.”
“Can she be our
friend, too?” asked a voice.
Karen and Eddy
turned and saw a crowd of people coming their way.
They all went over to the surprised teenage girl and
hugged her, thanking her for sharing the Truth with
them. Little children also came up to her and
showered her with hugs and kisses.
“We love, Aunt
Karen!” said the little ones in childlike happiness.
When the hug
fest was over the people explained to the two
Believers that they were protected from the last
meeting because they were meeting together in their
homes praying and seeking the Good King’s will. They
never received the invitation to see their corrupted
leader. It was like a shield was placed on them,
protecting them.
Karen looked up
at the sky and verbally thanked the Good King for
this marvelous miracle that took place. Eddy also
rejoiced by singing a hymn of His greatness.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Back in Secular
City, Philip and his wife were watching a talk show
on a popular news network. They were so into the
discussion of the economy and how it could be fixed
until an alert came in. A sad looking reporter
appeared on the Box.
“This is a news
alert. It has been confirmed that Man Mercy, founder
of the village, Merciville has been found dead along
with his followers. He had been on the run since the
police wanted to question him for actions that they
considered suspicious and dangerous to the
well-being of others.”
Images of the
bodies scattered on the wide field filled the screen
of the box. Philip and his wife gasped at the awful
sight.
The reporter
went on. “The police have found evidence of poison
in the water that have been offered to the followers
during what appeared to be a meeting that Man Mercy
may have conducted. We have one of the former
followers on the phone now. Sir, can you please tell
us a little about yourself and what you know about
Merciville?”
The caller
answered, “My name is Sloppy Joe. I’m a man who is
very untidy and who came to Merciville because I
wanted to be in a place where I would fit in. The
people there were very kind and the founder seemed
like a very caring man. I felt I was where I
belonged.”
“Why did you
leave Merciville if you felt so at home there?” the
reporter asked him.
“There was a
young girl with a very bright shining Lantern that
told us things that were wonderful and true. Things
that Man Mercy never told us. I was so impressed by
these words that I prayed about them and then had a
strong feeling to leave Merciville. I left along
with some others and I thank the Good King I did.”
The reporter
marveled at this account. “So this young girl saved
your life and the lives of others. That’s amazing!”
Sloppy Joe
chuckled over the phone. “Well, I believe sir, that
the Good King saved us through her. I don’t think a
human could’ve done this alone.”
“How do you
feel about these recent images from Merciville, Mr.
Joe?” the reporter asked.
“Terrible just
terrible! It surprises me that Man Mercy would do
such a devilish deed. I just hope that the kind
young girl is okay. Though it looks like survivors
in this heartbreaking event are very few.”
“Do you
remember her name?”
“Yes, her name
was Karen the Lightbearer. She had a true caring
heart for others.” Sloppy Joe answered.
Philip flung
his remote across the room. He then buried his face
in his hands and wept. His wife wept with him.
“Why did she
go? WHY?! Now she’s dead and we will never see her
again!” he cried.
His wife tried
to comfort him. “We can be proud of her. She
actually helped those who would have died if she
weren’t there. She shared the Light of the Good
King’s Truth with them and they are still alive
because of it.”
Philip said
nothing. He really was proud of his daughter’s noble
deed but he was also angry and sad that he would
never hold her again.
The neighbors
also heard the report. They too cried for their dear
friend who had shown such love to them. They would
never forget sweet bashful Karen.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The two
Believers were on the path away from the evil
village. They were thankful to the Good King for
saving their lives and the lives of the former
villagers. But they still grieved for those who
perished there, their eagerness to accept the lies
of man instead of the Truth of God had cost them
their very lives. Karen was determined to keep on
being a faithful Lightbearer because she saw with
her own eyes what happens when people listen and
obey the message, the Good King protects them and
they are saved from being eternally lost. She
realized that everyone wouldn’t accept the pure
Truth but she now knew that it wasn’t her fault as
long as she obeyed the Good King and did her best.
Eddy spoke.
“Karen, we’ve been on this path for such a long time
now. Do you think we can rest for a bit? My feet are
killing me.”
Karen felt
tired too. But where could they rest? They soon saw
a motel up ahead. Talk about a quick answer! They
walked up to it. Eddy stood on tiptoe and banged the
knocker on the door.
A tall chubby
man opened the door and invited them in. When they
entered he looked closely at one of them. His eyes
widened and his mouth gaped in surprise. Then a big
smile formed on his face. “Karen! You’re alive!
Praises to our wonderful God!” he exclaimed as he
gave her a big bear hug. Karen gasped for air as
this huge affection was shown toward her.
He then
released Karen and looked at her small friend. “And
who’s this fellow?” he asked.
“I’m Edward
Matthews of Small Faith,” the little man answered.
“A handshake from you would be enough for me, thank
you.”
The tall chubby
man chuckled. “Don’t worry, I save my hugs for the
ladies.”
Poor things,
Karen mumbled as she felt her breath slowly
returning to her. Then she asked him, “Sir, who are
you and how did you know me?”
The tall chubby
man giggled. “Silly me for not introducing myself.
My name is Sloppy Joe. I used to reside in
Merciville and followed the teachings of its
founder, Man Mercy. I would have been a lost man if
you hadn’t come and lighted the way for me. Thank
you, Karen, for letting the Good King use you. He
delivered my soul as well as the souls of others
from eternal ruin.”
“Praises to His
Majesty!” said Karen beaming in great joy.
Sloppy Joe then
showed the two Believers to their rooms. When they
were well situated they got ready for the night,
which was fast approaching.
In her room
Karen used the telephone on a small white table. She
had to make an important phone call.
*******
Philip was
sitting in his easy chair gazing at a family album.
Tears formed in his eyes when he saw pictures of his
beloved daughter. Karen was such a blessing to him
and to his wife. If the Good King was really good
then why did He take her from them? She was gone
forever. They would never be happy without her.
His wife was in
bed. She was so broken in spirit that she wanted to
stay in bed all day. She didn’t blame the Good King
for this tragedy but she couldn’t understand why
someone who only wanted to help people had to die
such a terrible death.
The phone rang.
She didn’t pick it up because she didn’t feel like
talking to anyone. The phone rang three times and
then the answer machine started. When she heard the
voice on the answer machine she quickly picked up
the phone and called out to her husband. Philip ran
into her room. “What is it, honey?” he asked
concerned.
His wife
pressed the speaker button on the phone and a soft
gentle voice spoke through it: “Mom, dad, this is
Karen. Hello, is anyone there?”
The parents
shouted in joy. Karen wasn’t dead! She’s alive and
well! When they were finally able to contain
themselves they talked with their daughter. And oh,
what a wonderful conversation they had together!
Karen told them
of her adventures in Merciville and the awesome
miracle that took place there. She also mentioned to
them Eddy the Small Faith Person and his sweet
friendship toward her.
Philip recalled
the little man he met in the parking lot days and
days ago. His name was Eddy and he was also from
Small Faith. Could this fellow Karen met by chance
be the same one? It would be quite a thing if the
fearful little guy he met crossed his daughter’s
path.
As they
continued talking to their beloved daughter they
heard a squeaky voice in the background. “Karen, who
are you talking to?” it asked.
Her father
recognized the voice. It was the same little guy he
met!
Karen answered
him, “I’m talking to my parents. I want them to know
that I’m okay.”
“That’s sweet,”
said Eddy, wishing that he were still able to speak
with his parents. Then he said, “Tell them that they
raised a beautiful caring young lady.”
Karen giggled
modestly.
Her parents
smiled. Though they were Worldlings they did their
best to teach and show their daughter how to be a
good person in the World. Their efforts had truly
paid off. Not only was she good but she was also a
servant of the great Good King of Heaven. Philip was
now glad that she obeyed the call. He accepted the
peace that the Good King’s Spirit tried to give him.
He trusted the Good King to keep his daughter safe.
He was so impressed by the stories that Karen told
that his hard heart began to soften. He was no
longer against her being a Lightbearer.
Karen talked
for hours on the phone until dinnertime. When Sloppy
Joe announced that the meal was ready she ended the
conversation and went to eat. Eddy was at the table
waiting for her. The two Believers said the blessing
and enjoyed their dinner of noodle soup and garlic
bread. It was funny that a sloppy dressed fellow
could cook such delicious food and keep his motel
clean and in order. As they ate and talked they
didn’t know that they were being watched.
A tall creature
clad in a robe as black as midnight spied on them
invisibly. His face was hideously ugly from
centuries of wickedness and his eyes were bright
red. He clenched his fists in anger when he gazed
upon the teenaged Lightbearer. He had tried to kill
her through his servant Man Mercy and he didn’t
succeed. This chosen young girl was a threat to his
plans. If she wasn’t stopped she would encourage the
Light of the Good King’s Truth to be spread
worldwide.
“Rejoice while
you can, Karen,” he hissed in a guttural voice, “for
I am determined to get you and your little friend
too.”
End of First Book
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