Great Tribulation 6: Gooch

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)

Previously . . . after 80% of Kataan village believed the gospel, Hussein destroyed Kataan, claiming it was infiltrated by aliens. Katie and Rachel double-down, taking the gospel ultimatum into Ketchikan’s city center. God healed people, and miraculously delivered the two women from capture. Katie realized they need a way to feed, shelter, and protect new believers.

Chapter 6

The Greater Exodus

Southeast Alaska near Ketchikan

The crisp October air carried a sense of urgency as the group knelt in prayer, seeking God's guidance concerning how to provide food, shelter, and protection for anyone who chose to follow the Lord after hearing the gospel ultimatum.

As they waited in prayer, Jeremiah chapter 23 came into Katie's mind. She opened her Bible to it and read the chapter. Verses 7-8 jumped out at her.

“Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they shall no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.’ Then they shall dwell in their own land.”

Katie said, “God promised there’d be a greater exodus, an exodus from every nation that would surpass ancient Israel's original exodus in scale and significance.”

While Katie read these verses in Jeremiah, Juan found in Revelation 12 where God twice promised to nourish end-time believers in the wilderness, just as he had done for the Israelites during their exodus.

So, with this guidance they devised a plan. Katie's mind raced with possibilities as she considered the challenges ahead. She knew they needed to be strategic, to create a network of communities that could support each other against Hussein's threat of annihilation.

Scoping the Plan

Katie asked, "How big does our plan need to be? How many people could it entail?"

Ethan shared Revelation 7:9, where John said,

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."

He said, "Admittedly, this multitude is from all nations, but it suggests the gospel ultimatum will cause a good percentage of people that believe and come out of Babylon."

Rachel said, "I agree. So, I think our plan should start small, but be scalable to provide shelter, food, and protection for however many people God brings in—up to eighty percent of the people in Southeast Alaska."

Catalina said, "Wow! Do you think it could be that many?"

Katie said, "If Kataan's response was any indicator, then yes. Almost the entire village believed."

The Plan

They envisioned a dispersed network of wilderness communities, havens where new converts could find Christian community, shelter, and provisions.

They understood the importance of this vision, having seen firsthand the death and devastation wrought by their adversaries. Kataan's destruction taught them a valuable lesson — Christians won't survive if they congregate in easy-to-target locations. Instead, they'd need to disperse their wilderness communities, only coming together at varied, locally arranged times. As a result, Hussein's people will never know where or when to target an entire community of believers.

With Katie, Rachel, and Ethan traveling frequently to fulfill their proclamation mission, Juan and his family volunteered to establish and lead the first 'camp of the saints.' It would be a prototype refuge where believers could learn how to live outside the world's economic system.

As they discussed potential locations, Kataan emerged as the rational choice. The Klinatok people chose this site thousands of years ago, drawn by its sheltered location and abundant natural resources. Now, with the village destroyed by Hussein's forces, the land lay unclaimed, waiting for someone to breathe life into its ashes.

Katie felt a deep connection to Kataan, a sense of responsibility to honor the legacy of her ancestors and to create something new and beautiful there. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she believed they could create a haven that would stand as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Rebuilding Kataan would honor the memory of the Klinatok saints recently martyred there.

With this clear sense of purpose, Katie made two floatplane trips to ferry Ethan, Rachel, Juan, and his family to Kataan. As they flew over the inland waterways between islands, Katie's heart swelled with a mix of emotions–grief for what was lost, but hope for what they were creating.

When they landed at the Kataan shoreline, the total devastation was more apparent than from the air. It was dead still and quiet. Charred remains of homes and communal buildings dotted the landscape, a stark reminder of the destruction inflicted by Hussein's regime. But amidst the rubble, Katie saw potential—a chance to rebuild, to create something new and beautiful from the ashes.

Implementing the Plan

They set to work immediately. First, they scoured the area to gather anything that looked like human remains, which they respectfully buried at sea.

Then they cleared debris and salvaged anything they could use, which wasn’t much... a few metal tools.

Having cleansed the site, Juan and his family took the lead going forward. They led the construction of a traditional longhouse, using native building techniques passed down through generations, to create a sturdy and sustainable communal structure. It would be the heart of their new community.

Within three weeks, they completed the longhouse’s exterior. Its strong wooden beams and thatched roof stood as a symbol of resilience and unity.

Besides the building project, they took turns foraging for food, fishing in the nearby streams and shorelines, and hunting for venison in the surrounding forests. With the longhouse's exterior complete, they built a community smokehouse to preserve their fish and venison, stocking up for winter.

In the spring, they'd plant a large garden. Until then, they had this year's harvest back at Uncle Andy's bugout cabin to get them through the winter.

As Katie and Rachel visited remote villages to proclaim the gospel ultimatum, word of the new Kataan Christian camp spread by word of mouth.

Soon, believers started arriving by boat and plane, seeking refuge from the threats and hunger they faced in Hussein's world system. After verifying their faith, Juan and Catalina welcomed them, providing them immediate shelter, food, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

Juan and Catalina led and managed the Kataan community, helping believers whenever and however they were needed. They'd become ministers in the genuine sense of the word.

The Plan's Success

As new people arrived, they stayed initially in the communal longhouse, understanding that they'd begin constructing their own lodging immediately. Miguel and Raphael's job was to mentor these new members. After Juan approved their homesite location, the boys helped them plan and construct their new home, and taught them how to start a garden, how to fish and hunt, preserve food, cut and split firewood, etc.

Everyone who formerly had soft hands quickly developed callouses, gained muscle, and lost weight. Their bodies also adapted to outdoor temperatures and conditions.

Expansion Plans

Juan and Catalina quickly realized that Kataan would not be large enough to accommodate the growing number of believers. So, after six months, they selected and groomed established Kataan couples, who showed both spiritual maturity and the skills needed to prosper in the wilderness, as leaders of new self-sufficient communities throughout the region. Miguel or Raphael went with them, as needed, to assist these couples until their communities became self-sufficient.

As the believers dispersed into many groups, Katie realized this was all part of God's plan. By dispersing, they’d be harder for Hussein's forces to target, plus they’d spread their environmental impact over a wider area, so one location wouldn’t deplete its fish and wild game resources. And, although they were dispersed, they stayed in touch with neighbors and other communities in the network, all connected through faith and a shared sense of sacrifice and purpose.

The network naturally evolved cashless trading between the new communities... bartering, sharing resources, knowledge, and skills to support each other and provide each other’s needs.

Life in the wilderness was hard work, but Katie and her fellow believers found joy and purpose in their new way of life. They gathered in small groups around campfires at night, singing hymns and sharing stories about God's faithfulness. They celebrated each minor victory–a bountiful harvest, a new shelter built, a soul saved, a baptism–knowing that each one was a testament to God's provision and grace.

Katie Reflects

One evening, Katie stood on the shoreline at their cabin near Kataan, looking out over the water and reflecting on how far they'd come. She knew their journey was far from over, and there'd be many challenges and trials ahead. But she also knew God was with them, guiding and strengthening them for each new task and challenge.

In her heart, Katie felt a deep sense of gratitude for the greater exodus God set in motion. She knew their communities were being duplicated in every nation around the world. It wasn't only about survival, but about the transformation of hearts and minds, about building new communities founded on mutual support, faith, and obedience to God.

As the sun set over the cove, casting a golden glow over Kataan’s camp of the saints, Katie lifted her voice in prayer. “Lord,” she whispered, “thank you for leading us to this place, for giving us the strength and skills to build this community. May it be a beacon of hope in a world of darkness, a testament to your faithfulness and love. Guide us as we continue to follow you, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

With a sense of peace and purpose, Katie turned back toward her and Ethan’s cabin, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

A Walk with Gooch

November

Ethan, Katie, Rachel, and Buster could see their breath in the crisp autumn air as they set out on the seven-mile trek from Uncle Andy's bugout cabin to the town of Ketchikan.

Juan and his family were also there, harvesting and preserving the crops they’d planted near the bugout cabin before they moved to Kataan. Along with what the group could catch or forage, this harvest would feed them through the approaching winter.

The trail snaked through the dense spruce and hemlock forest, with thick brush that occasionally opened to stunning vistas of the Alaskan wilderness. As the trail rounded a brushy corner, Ethan's heart nearly stopped at the sight before them — ten feet away.

Katie's breath caught in her throat at the sight of an enormous brown bear, its powerful form rising nine feet tall as it stood on its hind legs. The bear's eyes, dark and fierce, met Buster's unwavering gaze.

Buster stood motionless, his teeth bared in a silent challenge, a deep growl rumbling from his belly. Katie's heart pounded in her chest at the tense standoff between her loyal companion and the wild behemoth. The air seemed to crackle with the primal energy of the encounter, and Katie found herself frozen in place, her muscles taut with a mixture of awe and fear. She knew that the slightest movement or sound could trigger a deadly attack from the bear, and she silently prayed that Buster's bravery would not lead to a tragic end.

The bear's snarl reverberated through the forest, sending a chill down Katie's spine. To her right, she saw Ethan lifting his 12-gauge shotgun, ready to protect her and Rachel from the 1,000-pound behemoth.

In that moment, a strange sense of calm washed over Katie. She couldn't explain it, but she knew violence wasn't the answer. Gently, she placed her hand on the barrel of Ethan's gun, lowering it as he looked at her, bewilderment in his eyes.

Her eyes said, "Trust me."

Katie turned and stepped slowly toward the bear, her movements slow and deliberate, radiating a calm assurance that defied the danger of the situation.

As Katie approached the beast, a sense of calm settled over her, a quiet confidence that seemed to emanate from her very being. She felt a deep connection with the bear, an understanding that transcended the boundaries of language and species. In that moment, Katie knew with absolute certainty that the creature meant them no harm, that it was simply startled by these strange beings who ventured into its domain.

"Hello, Gooch," she said softly, her voice soothing and free of fear. "No need to worry. We're friends."

As the words left her lips, Katie watched in amazement as the bear dropped back down onto all fours, its fierce snarl replaced by a quizzical expression.

It tilted its head, studying the three of them with intelligent eyes.

The bear watched Katie intently, a string of drool hanging from one side of its gigantic mouth.

Ethan and Buster both glanced at Rachel, expecting to see the same fear and confusion he felt, but her expression was one of calm acceptance, as if she had witnessed this scene before. Buster started to relax.

Katie felt a connection, a bond deep within her soul. The bear's gaze lingered on her, and for a moment she wondered if it saw something in her that was invisible to human eyes.

With a gentle hand, Katie reached out and stroked the bear's head, her fingers running through its long, thick fur. The bear leaned into her touch, its eyes closing in contentment, like a puppy receiving affection from its owner.

"Would you like to come into town with us?" Katie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

To Ethan's amazement, Gooch looked up at her, his expression one of pure trust and loyalty. An unspoken bond had formed between them.

As they set off towards Ketchikan, Katie and Gooch led the way, the bear lumbering behind her, taking Buster's place. Ethan, Rachel, and Buster followed behind the bear, still trying to process the incredible scene unfolding before them.

Proclaiming the Gospel Ultimatum

When they entered Ketchikan, the streets fell silent, the bustle of daily life grinding to a halt as people caught sight of the unusual procession. Mouths agape, they watched in awe as Katie and her companion made their way toward the town square, a growing crowd trailing behind them at a safe distance. Katie felt their eyes upon her, a mixture of curiosity, fear, and wonder emanating from the gathered onlookers. She held her head high, drawing strength from Gooch's lumbering presence beside her.

They arrived at the guillotine, the symbol of Hussein's and Lilith's oppressive regime. Katie and Rachel took their places, ready to deliver the gospel ultimatum once more. The bear sat quietly beside Katie, his presence another example of the unexpected, supernatural ways God authenticated the message Katie and Rachel proclaimed.

Katie’s and Rachel’s voices rang out across the square, filled with conviction and purpose. They spoke of the choice that lay before each person—to follow God or to follow Satan, to embrace the truth or to succumb to the lies of Hussein's world system.

Ethan scanned the crowd, recognizing faces from their previous visit—two who had been healed, their eyes shining with gratitude and wonder. Lilith's agents appeared again, but seeing Gooch, they kept a safe distance. Many people raised their smartphones to record the extraordinary event.

As Katie concluded her message, she invited all who would hear it. "If you wish to leave Satan's world system and join God's kingdom," she said, her voice filled with compassion, "all you need to do is pray. Commit yourself to leaving Hussein and following God. If you do this with sincerity, God's Holy Spirit will give you a new life and guide you how to contact us for provisions and protection from Lilith and Hussein. Trust in Jesus, and he will ensure that all your needs are met—outside the Devil's CBDC system."

With the day’s mission complete, Ethan, Katie, Rachel, Buster and Gooch made their way to the opposite edge of town from where they had entered. Katie stood beside the bear, stroking its fur one last time.

"Thank you, Gooch," she whispered, "for your companionship and protection. Now it's time for us to part ways."

With a final, gentle nod, Gooch turned and crashed into the brush, vanishing into the forested mountainside as quickly as he had appeared. The crowd watched in silent amazement, their hearts stirred by the miraculous event they just witnessed.

Their Return

Ethan felt Katie take his hand, her fingers intertwining with his.

Suddenly, the world around them seemed to blur and shift, and in the blink of an eye, they found themselves back inside the longhouse. Juan and his family, who had been going about their daily tasks, jumped in surprise at their sudden appearance.

"Not again!" Miguel exclaimed, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and amusement. Turning to his father, who stood frozen in disbelief, he added, "Don't worry, Dad, they're not ghosts."

Ethan couldn't help but chuckle at Miguel's reaction.

As they settled in to share the incredible story of their walk with Gooch, Ethan marveled at how God was moving in their lives. Through the power of faith, even the most unlikely of allies can be brought into our midst, and God seems to surprise me with another revelation of his divine nature every day. Today it was Gooch.

That thought made him curious. Ethan said, “Katie, how did you know the bear’s name was Gooch?”

Katie and Rachel both laughed. “Gooch isn’t a personal name. It’s our native word for all bears.”

As the laughter and chatter of the longhouse filled the air, Ethan allowed himself a moment to bask in the joy and peace that surrounded them. In this sacred space, forged by faith and love, they’d created a home—a beacon of light in a darkened world.

Ethan and Katie retired to Uncle Andy's bugout cabin for the night, while Rachel and Juan's family slept in the longhouse nearby.

Early the next morning, they loaded their harvest and all their supplies into boats and returned to Kataan.

Thorns in Lilith's Side

November

Lilith Thornblood sat in her office, her icy blue eyes fixed on the screen before her. The video of Katie and Rachel's latest proclamation played on repeat, their words echoing through the room like a haunting refrain. The sight of the massive brown bear sitting calmly beside them only added to the surreal nature of the scene.

With each iteration of the video, Lilith's frustration grew, her perfectly manicured nails digging into the soft leather of her chair. How can these two women, these thorns in my side, continue to foil my plans? Their message—telling people to defect from the global government and trust in an invisible God—directly opposed everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Stopping the video, Lilith leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. She had to admit, there was a part of her that was drawn to their words, a small, flickering ember from her distant childhood that whispered in the depths of her soul. What if they were right? Nobody can deny their healing power, and what about that bear? What if these aliens are right, and there is more to life than the pursuit of power and control?

But as quickly as the thought came, Lilith pushed it aside, her lips curling into a sneer. I’ve come too far to turn back now. I’ve sacrificed too much to let a moment of weakness derail her plans. No, if I’m ever going to get Hussein to promote me out of this backwater assignment, I have to silence these women, crush them, their message, and anyone who follows them.

Allies Needed

Rising from her desk, Lilith paced the room. She needed allies, people she could trust to help her achieve her goals. Her assistant, Alex, had always been loyal, but Lilith knew that she'd need more than just one person to take on Katie and Rachel. They seem to have superpowers.

Lilith pressed the intercom, "Alex, have Chuck and Howard report to me immediately."

Minutes later, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Lilith called out, her voice sharp and commanding.

The door opened, revealing Chuck and his husband, Howard. Both were tall and well-built. Howard had a noticeable deformity on his face and scalp—scars from a bear attack, she’d been told.

"You wanted to see us, Ms. Thornblood?" Chuck asked, his voice deep and confident.

"Yes, come in. I have a task for you," Lilith said, gesturing for them to take a seat.

Lilith explained the situation, emphasizing the need to stop Katie and Rachel from turning people away from unity with the world system. She turned her monitor around so they could see the video. "They've become a thorn in my side, and I want them dealt with," she said, her voice cold and calculating.

Chuck said, “I’ve seen that one with the scar before, but I can’t remember where from.”

Chuck and Howard exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. "We'll take care of it," Chuck said, his voice filled with determination.

As the couple left the office, Lilith couldn't help but wish she had access to satellite imagery. It would have made tracking Katie and Rachel so much easier. But the asteroids had knocked out all the satellites, leaving her to rely on old-fashioned methods of surveillance.

Over the next few days, Lilith threw herself into her work, determined to neutralize Katie and Rachel's influence. She pored over reports and drone surveillance photos, looking for any clue that might give her an edge.

But despite her best efforts, the two women seemed to always stay one step ahead. Every time Lilith thought she had them cornered, they’d slip away somehow, leaving her frustrated and angry.

Bad News

One evening, as Lilith sat in her office nursing a glass of scotch, Alex knocked on the door. "Ms. Thornblood," she said, her voice hesitant. "I have some bad news."

Lilith looked up, her eyes narrowing. "What is it, Alex?"

"It's Howard, Chuck's husband," Alex said, her face pale. "He's dead."

The glass slipped from Lilith's hand, shattering on the floor. "What?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"He was found in an alley downtown," Alex said, her voice shaking. "From what’s left of his body, it looks like a bear ate him."

Lilith imagined Howard suffering a terrible death. Was he conscious while the bear tore chunks of flesh and guts from his helpless body? I'll bet it was the bear that was with those two aliens. I'll bet they sent it.

For a moment, Lilith felt a flicker of doubt. Maybe this was a sign, a warning that she was on the wrong side. Are we fighting God himself? But she pushed it aside.

Lilith Losing Control

Katie and Rachel's message was spreading and gaining traction among the people of Ketchikan.

Lilith knew this because dozens of people were simply disappearing from town. When Lilith’s staff queried the CBDC financial system to find out where missing people went, there was no trace. They hadn’t bought a plane or ferry ticket to leave Ketchikan. Neither had they bought food, or paid rent since disappearing. They just vanished off the global system’s radar.

And this was a global phenomenon. Hussein’s global media couldn't hide it. They blamed the disappearances on alien abductions.

We Found Them

The next morning, as Lilith sat in her office, Alex Fleming burst through the door, her face flushed with excitement. "Ms. Thornblood," she said, her voice breathless. "We've found them."

Lilith looked up, her heart racing. "Where?" she demanded.

Alex pointed to a map on the wall. "There are a couple of structures and a garden on the backside of the mountain. One of our drones found them. It's gotta be their hideout."

Lilith rose from her desk, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Prepare the helicopter," she said, her voice cold and determined. "Grab Chuck and his team. We end this today."

As the helicopter flew around the mountain, Lilith felt a sense of exhilaration. Finally, after months of frustration and setbacks, she had Katie and Rachel in her crosshairs.

But as Uncle Andy's old bugout cabin and the nearby longhouse came into view, Lilith felt a flicker of unease. Something wasn't right. This was November, with temperatures at night dipping below freezing, but the cabin and longhouse were dark, with no smoke rising from the chimneys.

As soon as the helicopter touched down, Chuck and his SWAT team fanned out, their rifles up and ready to fire.

Lilith saw the longhouse doors were open, swaying gently in the breeze. The agents stormed into both buildings, only to emerge seconds later, shouting, “Clear!”

Cautiously, Lilith stepped out of the helicopter, her hand resting on the pistol at her hip. She signaled for her agents to fan out, to search the surrounding woods for any sign of Katie and Rachel.

But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear they were too late. Katie, Rachel, and their compatriots were gone, vanished into the wilderness like ghosts in the night.

All the buildings are empty. All their supply caches are empty too. Where'd they go?

Lilith stood in the center of the abandoned compound, her fists clenched at her sides. She was so close, so close to ending this once and for all.

Enraged, Lilith said, “Burn everything!” As the flames and smoke rose, Lilith watched with grim satisfaction.

I’ll give them scorched earth. I will find them, no matter how long it takes. I'll hunt them down and eliminate both them and their message.

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Coming Next Week . . . Katie and Rachel make significant progress in their mission. Some of Lilith’s closest team members believe the gospel. The Two Witnesses cause the 4th Trumpet to sound, followed by signs in the heavens.

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Answers to Questions You May Have

• Can a believer pet a wild bear?

  • I once read the biography of Sadhu Sundar Singh, an Indian Christian missionary whose life story positively affected Mahatma Ghandi and C.S. Lewis. You can read a summary of his biography at this website: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Sadhu_Sundar_Singh which includes this description of his power over dangerous wild animals.

    • In 1918, he made a long tour of South India and Ceylon, and the following year he visited Burma, Malaya, China, and Japan.

      One of the stories from those tours related that he had Christ-given power over wild animals, like the leopard which crept up to him while he stood praying and crouched as he fondled its head, and over evil, typified by the sorcerer who tried to hypnotize him in a railway-carriage and blamed the Bible in the sadhu's pocket for his failure. He claimed even to have power over disease and illness…

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