“Sis, may God be with you, Godspeed,” Lavonne waved.
“Okay, come now! We may be followed,” Joshua exclaimed.
“Leave. now.” Roya said to her family, and turned to Julia’s family “I pray all is well with you, Juan, Julia, and your family. You were a blessing in a time of need!”
Roya released her seat forward to watch her daughter climb in the back seat. Then, she sat in the passenger seat, locking her seatbelt, and waved good-bye to everyone as they departed. Jewel cried and blew kisses to them both. Sondrea, Sunny, and Lavonne’s eyes were watery, but Roya wouldn’t look into their glistened eyes as they drove off.
Jewel flagged the others to get in the Mercedes once she hopped in and started the engine with a press of the button. Jewel drove down the street onto 80 Interstate for a while until she merged onto the 15 freeway to head to Los Angeles.
“Before you go home, I need to get my vehicle.” Lavonne yelled from the back seat.
“Right.” Jewel said. “I hope it’s safe after all the madness earlier.”
“I do too.”
“Sis, you might want to leave your car!” Sondrea offered. “Let me turn on my phone again and see if Bernard called or texted me.”
“I guess you can do that,” Jewel said.
“I miss Joy already,” Sunny said in a low tone.
“Keep your eyes open, if anything looks suspicious, I’m driving off and to safety. Like Sondrea said, Lavonne, leave the car! We can get you another one!” Jewel’s voice rang in Sondrea’s ears. She pulled on her ear.
“She heard you loud and clear, Momma Jewel,” Sondrea laughed.
She drove to Greater New World Church.
“No one here. Looks like you’re in the clear, Lavonne.”
“It’s nightfall. Now, ya’ll got me scared to step out of this car to get my own,” Lavonne said as she pressed her key chain to unlock the doors. She eased out the back door. She closed the door behind softly. “I pray its safe.” she whispered,
“All this mess happened visiting this church, I hope she’s okay. Keep an eye on her.”
“I am, Momma Jewel.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“You told me you loved it,” Sondrea said nicely.
“I do, but my heart is racing. I can’t wait to get home.” Jewel said.
The windows were cracked to hear for any sudden movements or noise. ‘You alright?” Jewel kept her voice low.
“Yes. I checked around the car with my chain light. Getting in the car now,” Lavonne whispered.
“Okay, dear. Call or text us when you get home.”
“I sure will,” Lavonne nodded.
Sondrea called Lavonne on speaker phone during the drive.
“We just want to take the extra step to make sure you get home. No problems on the road?”
“Glad I put my Bluetooth speaker on.” Lavonne yelled.
“We can hear you loud and clear, darling,” Sunny teased.
All the ladies chuckled.
“Let’s pray for our safety and Roya’s,” Jewel said.
All of the women added their prayer while driving on the freeway for the safety of Roya, Joy and Joshua as well as for God to send his angels over them to make it to their destinations.
CHAPTER 9
Universal ID
Tavon and Javon Whitmore
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On Saturday evening, at seven p.m., Tavon and Javon were anxiously awaiting their turn in the National Pastoral Sermon Competition, being held this year at Valley Forge College. The large weekend event included competitors, singers, performers, comedians, and visitors from the nation’s top pastoral colleges and ministries, as well as bishops and pastors from around the world. Some of the renowned dignitaries in attendance would share their best sermons during the breaks in the competition. The grand prize offered was $100,000, plus a $10,000 donation to the church ministry or organization of the candidates’ choice. Also, the winning sermon would be aired internationally. They had decided to do their pastoral sermon as co-competitors, since they felt that contending with one another was not an option, plus, the chance of them giving similar sermons was too great.
There was a standing ovation and loud applause as the twins’ names were announced.
Discernment shot through Tavon’s spirit as if a knife had poked through his chest. “Something isn’t fully right.”
Javon shook him, “We can chat about it later, Bro.”
“I don’t know, Jay.”
“We’re on, and our mics will pick up sound as soon as we get closer to the podium.”
“Keep your eyes open, Jay. I will, too.”
“If you say so, Bro,” Javon said, holding his thumb up.
The cameras zoomed in on Tavon as he tapped the wireless microphone. Tavon laid his Bible on top of the glass stand and stepped away to speak to his audience while Javon quickly flipped through the pages.
Tavon stood in a trance. He sensed the Holy Spirit was forewarning him, even though he didn’t know when it would take place. He considered the possibility the Task Force was present, as their purpose was to shut down any discussion of the Antichrist’s plot to take over the message of believers. After all, Jesus did warn of false Christs, and indeed, they had appeared many times in history. Lord, Javon’s sense of You is nearly identical to mine. I trust You to get us through this. Their speech coach stood backstage and whistled to catch Javon’s attention, then spun his hand forward to get them to begin speaking. Javon nodded slightly and spoke, introducing the sermon title, “What you don’t know will hurt you.”
Tavon opened his mouth and smiled as the teleprompter cameras showed the text from the start of their prepared sermon. The words softly came from his lips, “Thank you, everyone for coming. I’m Tavon, and this is my brother, Javon. Tonight, we want you to be aware of what’s going on in our country. We were raised with, and have always believed, the old saying, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me,’ Well this isn’t true, words do hurt. Slander and gossip kill our self-esteem. Spiritually. Emotionally. Even mentally.”
“Okay, Tav!” A female shouted in the audience.
Tavon smiled and continued, “We’re broken. SO broken—to where we’ve lost our desire to read this Holy Word,” He said as he lifted up his Bible and rested it gently back on the glass stand.
Javon interjected, “Insults sting. Slander sticks to our souls. Gossip chips at us, digging a deeper and deeper hole in our hearts.”
“Speak!” Someone shouted.
“Why is it—when you walk in the room, everyone goes silent?” Javon kept going when he heard an expectant murmur. “Why, when you step in the bathroom, you see them glance at you, then giggle, laugh, even chuckle. What’s that about?”
“Right,” a young person yelled in the audience.
Tavon was a little surprised the audience didn’t remain silent while the sermon was being taped. “Let me take it from here, Javon, and say, these lies root deep—not only in our hearts,” he tapped his chest, near his thumping heart. “and souls,” he said, resting his hand on the center of his chest. “but also replays in our minds to where we start to believe the LIE.” He stared sternly at the audience.
“That’s Truth, Bro. Consider how the seed of a lie takes root and grows like a tree in your spiritual well-being,” Javon added.
“Good point, Jay. Just as Eve fell for Satan’s lie. Many of us believe that one little lie will not hurt anybody!” He clapped his hands hard enough to redden his palms. “Again, Eve allowed the lie to take root. Are we wrong to say this is how Eve lost her paradise home, lost her innocence, all because she fell for the lie told by the serpent in the garden as he spoke the words of the devil?”
The audience was silent. Tavon tried to read the crowd.
Javon interjected snapping his finger to tune the audience in, “Think about our homeboy, Adam, who spent the cool of the day with His spiritual Daddy, being in tu
ne with every word His father spoke, soaking in all the wisdom and love. He keened in. Surely, he knew a lie from the truth. But did he?”
“Satan used tactics to pit the two against each other—and God. Who did he choose to speak to—telling her lies? He uses that strategy today. Humans repeat the cycle. They believe the lies, especially with computers able to put words and actions that never took place into people’s minds.”
“Break the silence,” Tavon snapped. “Break the curse. Stomp on the serpent’s head. Jesus did that!”
“Amen!” Some of the audience responded in a chorus of approving shouts.
“Take a stand. Get deeper. Know the Truth. Be mindful of Satan’s deception. Temptation. Just as Michael Jackson sang, ‘You are not alone.’ Know that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Let’s turn to Luke 4:1-2,” Javon said.
Tavon paced closer to the glass stand and read the scripture aloud.
“Remember that we are ‘more than a conqueror’ through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. We can do all things through Christ.” Javon added.
Tavon smiled. “Repeat after me, ‘I,’” He paused to hear the audience respond. “Can do all,” Javon added, gesturing through the air with his arms above his head, smiling broadly.
Tavon smiled at their synergy, and picked up the final part, “‘things through Christ who strengthens me.’
Javon walked to the edge of the stage and raised his index finger in the air, “There’s a warning, though. The Devil will attack your identity. He’ll attack your calling. To stop you from becoming. From becoming who Jesus planned, from the moment you were knit in the womb. Satan wants to stop your destiny before you get to the end of the road. There’s a fork, which road will you choose? A narrow one, with barely a space to walk with another? Or a wide one, where Satan’s minions can join you on the way?” Javon’s question hung in the air with authority. “Press towards the mark. We all have a willing spirit. Be open to it.”
“Preach.” The crowd cheered.
Tavon tapped his brother and looked at the camera, “Good you said that, Brother Javon. Some of you are wondering, what is the mark? God’s standards. He has a plan for each one of us, and it hasn’t changed since the foundation of the world.”
“Yes. Tavon,” Javon said, circling his finger around his face and tapping his temple. “I can see some of you are still questioning this sermon, it’s written on your faces.” He stood closer to the edge of the stage. “You’ve been through hell. Can’t pay your water bill. Can’t even pay the rent.” He kneeled. “You’re sure you need the chip. You worry about not having the chip to travel. You’re feeling the pressure to use it for medical issues. It’s all the ID you’ll ever need.” Some men stood up at the back of the room, and Tavon jumped in, “God does have a great plan, for your life, and everyone’s life.”
There was static interruption in the sound equipment and the mic feed screeched. Those in the front aisles held their ears. The announcer flagged the camera men to turn it to him.
“Sorry, for the technical difficulties.”
Task Force Ops dressed up as security cued the announcer to cut the feed. The announcer gave a slight nod. “As our speakers were stating, we’re fully aware of the Universal ID, which many of you used to get in here tonight. We thank you both for your delightful, insightful sermon. Please give them a round of applause.”
“Amen!” the crowd cheered and clapped.
The twin boys bowed as they finished their sermon. The judges stood up and cheered the boys on. The crowd roared their names as they stepped off the stage into the audience.
Now, there were twenty-five contestants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Africa. Tavon noticed a familiar face in the audience and tapped Javon. He urged Javon to look by tilting and then turning his head toward the audience. Javon focused on the direction Tavon indicated. He whispered in Tavon’s ear, “Is that Yosef?”
“I think so, brother. He’s back.”
“Yes.”
“Maybe he’s here for our safety.”
“Safety? You sense something brother, something I should know about?”
“Can’t put my finger on it. But we’ll know soon,” Tavon said, turning to speak into Javon’s ear, “God is our protection and provision. We’re fine. God has us covered.”
Joshua Mack
California
Joshua spoke once he drove off. “I got your text messages.”
“Good. So, you’re abreast with the text I got from some Luke guy.”
“Yes. We cannot take any chances. I rushed to get here.”
“Did you take the plane?”
“Not exactly. Before Solomon’s sudden death, he tapped into some…elite group.”
“What are you saying? Spit it out, Josh. I don’t have time for riddles.”
“Let’s just say Sol seemed prepared more than you can even know. He not only had property in various states as safe houses, he hired pilots in certain locations to take us where we need to go after the ordeal in Atlanta.”
“Atlanta! Ahh—” she said as awareness suddenly came to her, “Terry had a private jet taking us…” Roya started to say.
“Yes. He has jets ready in Florida, D.C., California to name a few sites. We have a list of certified pilots. Pressed a number on the pilot name on my speed dial and here I am,” Joshua explained.
“Mom, where are we going with Uncle Joshua?” Joy said, using her nickname for him.
“I contacted Uncle Josh to help me save your brothers.”
“What do you mean?” Joy inquired.
“I think a message I got could mean your brothers are being targeted. They could be in danger,” Roya explained.
“Couldn’t it be a hoax?” Joy said boldly.
Roya hugged Joy. “I’m not sure, sweetheart, but I don’t want to take any chances. I believe they’re after your brothers, because, suddenly I was chased down and ended up at Julia’s house. I love all of you, and don’t want to lose a single one.”
Joy looked at Roya, and seeing tears welling up in her eyes, said, “I see. Okay, Mom. I also pray my brothers are fine,” Joy offered.
“That’s wonderful, Joy. You are as quick on the uptake as your brothers. I’m so blessed! God hears us when we pray together. God will send his guardian angels and watch over them,” Roya’s eyes moistened with love as she looked at Joy. “I’m so proud of you. You’re learning so much!”
“We’re at our destination,” Joshua said as they stopped after driving for less than an hour.
“Out here, in no-where land,” Roya said as she stepped out of the car. Joy followed.
Joshua took the keys, pressed the key fob to lock the doors, and then the winds changed. Whizzing in the distance, a jet landed. Joshua pointed at it and waved his hand to them.
After Roya, Joy, and Joshua raced to the private jet waiting for them on an illegal runway. Joshua helped them in, and after they buckled themselves in, he twirled his finger to alert the pilot to take off. Lights flickered as the pilot activated the controls and got the plane in the air several seconds later. Roya sat nervously, twiddling her thumbs, and suddenly received a vision from God. In her trance, she saw a serpent.
The serpent looked like a cobra ready to hiss and attack Roya with a bite of poisonous venom to kill her, and then also attack her daughter Joy while she held her tight in her arms. She ran eastward, then westward, and finally dodged the snake by running forward and backwards and in a circular motion until she saw a split second to run to the open door of a house. She zoomed past the cobra, flew inside and landed on the carpeted floor with Joy in her arms. Roya screamed in fright after the door slammed shut. Then, she heard the snake hiss and thump at the screen door. She saw that the snake had missed her ankle by a millimeter.
She realized, as she analyzed the vision, that God had provided a way out even though her attacker was yet so close. Roya didn’t want to decide to give her life to protect Joy, or make a choice to sacrifice Joy’s life to sav
e herself. She figured if Joy was bit, she’d run to safety and then suck the venom from her wound—spit it out and Roya would’ve survived this threat against both of their lives. If she chose her life to be attacked, once bitten, the serpent would most likely attack her daughter next, and they’d both be destroyed and dead from the deadly venom. Roya knew, deep inside her soul, Satan would do everything in his granted power to destroy, steal, and kill her seed—including her anointed prophetic twin sons. She realized he would also use a diversion to separate the family and attempt to pit them against one another—to lure them in and devour them.
After a few hours had passed, the jet landed safely. A self-driving vehicle met them and they climbed in, and Joshua plugged in the directions to a service station near a silo on the outskirts of Philly.
“We’ve gotten a few men to go to Tavon’s and Javon’s campus.”
“Good to know. Check on my boys, promise me.”
“Covered,” Joshua said. “Um, my guys are in the back. Jim. Ray.”
The two men waved as they exited the vehicle to meet them. “Hello.”
Embarrassed at not realizing they were traveling with two other passengers, Roya and Joy both responded with remorse, “Oh! Sorry! Hi.”
“We have warmer coats, gloves, and boots in the trunk if you’d like to put those on really quick,” Joshua offered. He pressed the key chain to pop the trunk.
“This is a cool car.” Joy shouted.
“You like this self-driving car?” Joshua joked. He snapped his finger, and the trunk closed shut. “Your folks didn’t like them much. Not enough privacy.”
“If I snap my finger, will it open?” Joy’s eyes beamed.
“Nope. I pressed this to open the trunk. But if you clap, I learned it will open the doors just as fast as someone speaking to the vehicle to open the door.” Joshua said with a slight smile.
“Wow, that’s amazing.” Roya sounded surprised. “How?”
“Solomon.”
“What?”
“He updated everything about his family on our computer systems, as an FYI, to provide whatever his family needs. He could see the possibility that a self-driving car might shield us from detection, since it’s ruled by a computer.”
Marked Souls Page 16
