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supernova.
What do you mean, 'Whatever this was'? You know as well as I do what it was.
As a matter of fact, I think I do.
Dr. Rosenzweig tried out on Buck what he planned to say live on the air when
asked about the event. I'll even carry the document solemnly in my hand,
rolled up and dog-eared, as if I have been agonizing over it for hours.
I love it, Buck said. He phoned the States, something that grew increasingly
difficult as the hours of darkness continued and would become nearly
impossible within days.
Chloe answered. Yes, dear, she said. Your phone call from Chaim lasted this
long?
No, sorry. Got tied up. I just wanted to tell you to watch for him on the
news with his assessment of what happened.
What is his assessment?
I don't want to spoil it for you. Just make sure nobody misses it. It'll make
your day.
We're having power problems here already, Buck, and this connection isn't the
best.
Save enough to watch Chaim. You'll be glad you did.
FIFTEEN
Eating a late dinner that evening, Tsion shared with the Stateside Tribulation
Force his joy over a wildly successful effort by many believers on the
Internet. I merely put out a simple request" all saw it" translators in
you for
various countries to interpret the daily messages in their own languages. You
can imagine how much of the Net is made up of Asian language groups, Spanish,
German, and others.
Well, he added with a twinkle, not only did I get far more volunteers than
I
needed, but some very advanced computer types are offering free software
downloads that automatically translate into other languages. It's Pentecost on
the
Net. I'm able to type in unknown tongues!
Rayford was always warmed by the joy Tsion took in his work and ministry. He
had sacrificed as much as anyone in their little group" wife and two
a
children. Chloe had lost her mother and brother and now two friends. Rayford
had lost two wives, his son, his pastor, and more new acquaintances than he
wanted to think about.
Everybody around the table, Doc Charles and Hattie included, had reason to go
mad if they allowed themselves to dwell on it.
Momentary smiles were all they could muster when Tsion shared a story like
that or someone made the occasional wry comment. Raucous laughter or silliness
just didn't have a place in their lives anymore. Grief was wearying, Rayford
thought. He looked forward to that day when God would wipe away all tears from
their eyes, and there would be no more war.
That was one reason he looked forward with relish to the ten o'clock news
event that had been trumpeted on the GC Broadcasting Networks all day. The GC
was bringing together experts who would speak to the official statement of the
government related to the darkness that had already begun to take its toll.
Buck had insinuated that Chaim would be entertaining. Although Rayford
couldn't imagine a belly laugh, he looked forward to the diversion.
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I just hope, Tsion said, that we detect some movement in Chaim's spirit.
When I
was laying out all the prophecies again for him, I challenged him. I said,
'Chaim, how can a man with such a mind as yours ignore the mathematical
impossibility of so many dozens of prophecies referring to just one man unless
he is the Messiah?'
He started with the typical argument about not knowing whether the Bible is
authentic. I said, 'My mentor! You would doubt your own Torah? Where do you
think I am coming up with this stuff?' I tell you, young people, it won't be
long for
Chaim. I just don't want him to wait too long.
Rayford, just three or so years younger than Tsion, loved being referred to as
a young person.
Hattie spoke up, her voice stronger than ever. Do you still feel that way
about me, Dr. Ben-Judah? Or have I convinced you I am a lost cause?
Tsion put his fork down and pushed his plate away. Miss Durham, he said
quietly, are you sure you want to hear my thoughts on your situation in front
of the others?
Go for it, she said, just short of gleeful. I have no secrets, and I know
you people sure don't.
Tsion entwined his fingers. All right, since you brought it up and gave me
permission. You and I rarely interact. I hear what you say and know where you
stand, and you know that my whole life is now dedicated to proclaiming what I
believe. So my views are not a mystery to you either. You are nearly twenty
years my junior and we are of opposite sexes, and so there is a generational
and gender barrier that has perhaps caused me to be less frank with you than I
might have been with someone else.
But it might surprise you to know how frequently during each day God brings
you to my mind.
Rayford thought Hattie looked more than surprised. She had a glass of water
suspended between the table and her lips, and her bemused smile had frozen.
Again, I do not intend to embarrass you"
Oh, you can't embarrass me, Doc. Let me have it. She smiled as if she had
finally reeled in a big one.
If you would permit me to speak from my heart. . . .
Please, she said, setting her glass down and settling herself as if ready to
enjoy this. Rayford thought she enjoyed being in Tsion's spotlight.
I feel such compassion for you, Tsion said, such a longing for you to come
to
Jesus. And suddenly he could not continue. His lips trembled, and he could
not form words.
Hattie raised her eyebrows, staring at him.
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