Great Tribulation 8: Rescue Mission

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Previously . . . Two of Lilith’s senior staff (Chuck and Alex) decided to become Christians. Chuck busted five Christian men out of jail. Then, all seven went to the regional Christian In-Processing Center.

Chapter 8

The Rescue Mission

Kataan, Alaska, Saturday, February 3rd, at 9 pm

In the Kataan longhouse, just before bedtime, Katie saw Rachel lingering longer than usual at the Ham radio console.

Curious, Katie asked, “What’s up?”

Rachel said, “I just decoded a digital message from Ben at the In-Processing Center (IPC). They’ve got some new arrivals, including Pastor Philip, who brought Chuck Blackwood, Lilith’s—”

“Yes, we know him,” Katie said. “That’s very interesting.”

Katie exchanged a glance with Rachel. I trust pastor Philip’s judgment and spiritual discernment. So, if pastor Philip brought Chuck Blackwood to the IPC, Chuck must’ve had an authentic conversion experience. But, if Chuck Blackwood was defecting from Lilith’s organization and joining our side, what will be the consequences from Lilith toward our dispersed communities?

At the mention of Chuck’s name, Ethan, who was relaxing with hot mint tea in a rocker by the wood stove, perked up.

Katie asked, “Do you two feel like going for a ride down to the IPC?”

Rachel said, “I’ll tell him we’ll be there in the morning.” Rachel used her code sheet to compose a message on her laptop’s FLDIGI app, then she pressed the transmit button. After 30-seconds of electronic noises she said, “Okay, message sent.”

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Sunday Morning

At 7:30, a young woman entered the Ketchikan jail carrying a covered plate of hot food.

Not seeing her boyfriend, the jailer, she put the food on his desk and cautiously began looking for him.

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Renewing Old Acquaintances

Their 15-minute flight from Kataan to the IPC was smooth and uneventful, flying just below the solid overcast at 800 feet altitude. Everyone at the IPC heard the plane arriving.

As Ethan tied the floatplane to the dock, Ben, Claire, and the seven new arrivals came out to greet them, quickly zipping their parkas as soon as they stepped outside.

Claire said, “Brrrr. It isn’t quite freezing, but that wet wind goes right through you.”

Ben responded, “And this is the second day of the Two Witnesses’ darkening of the sun, so the sun won’t be warming things up today.”

“I forgot about that. Sounds like a good day to stay cozy inside, with a good book, drinking something hot near the wood stove.”

Katie, Rachel, and Ethan all hugged their friends—Ben, Claire, and Philip.

Then Pastor Philip introduced the other six people. First, he introduced his four congregation members, the faithful men he’d recently faced beheading alongside: Mike Penn, David Banks, George McCaskill, and Josh Richardson.

“And this is Alex Fleming, who joined the Lord’s team recently. Previously, she was Lilith’s executive assistant.”

“And finally, this is Chuck Blackwood, who miraculously came to the Lord on Friday night in the Ketchikan jail.”

Ethan shook his hand, saying, “That sounds like an interesting story. You’ll have to share it with us sometime.”

Katie saw the light of recognition dawning on Chuck’s face. He addressed Katie, “I knew I remembered you from somewhere! But I couldn't place it until now. Seeing you and Ethan together . . . now I remember! You gave me my first helicopter ride, and Ethan treated Howard after he got mauled at Wolf Lake.”

Extending her hand, “Yes, that’s right. Chuck, I’m glad, and surprised, to see you here.”

He stepped forward, his expression a mix of relief and uncertainty. Shaking her hand, he said, “I left Lilith’s organization. I couldn’t be a part of it anymore.”

Katie nodded, understanding the weight of his decision. “I’m glad you did. Welcome to new life and community. I can sense the Lord in you.”

As they talked, Katie noticed Ben Wilkins standing nearby, looking at Chuck, his demeanor cold and distant. I’ve known him a long time, but I’ve never seen him like this. Katie’s heart ached for Ben. She knew all too well the pain of losing loved ones.

Rescue Mission Planning

With introductions completed, they went into the warmth of the Classroom Building, where the conversation turned to the urgent matter at hand—rescuing the men’s families from Lilith’s wrath after she learns of their escape. Between Philip, Mike, and Dave, there were three wives and five children left behind in Ketchikan.

“We can’t leave them there,” Mike said, his hands clenched into fists. “They’re believers, so there’s no telling what Lilith will do to them.”

Mike looked at Ben and Katie. “We should’ve left town when we first saw Hussein’s dictates. If only we’d come here sooner. We stocked up on provisions before they cut us off from the CBDC system. But now, even if our families don’t run out of provisions, Lilith might punish them to get to us, to force us to surrender.”

Ben’s eyes met Katie’s, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of the old Ben—the one who’d do anything to protect his friends. He nodded, his jaw set with determination.

“We’ll get them,” he said, his voice gruff but resolute. “But let’s pray first.”

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Chuck’s heart raced as he listened to Ben, Philip, Mike, and Dave discuss the rescue operation. He knew every decision they made could mean the difference between their life and death.

Ben said, “We’ve got three adults and five kids to get out, so the plane can’t carry that many.”

“And it wouldn’t be wise to use the police boat for the rescue,” Philip said, his voice steady despite the tension that gnawed at his gut. “It’s too recognizable. And besides, it’s not ours, so we should return it. If we’re lucky, they won’t even have missed it.”

Ben leaned forward, his gaze intense. “My boat can handle it. It’s not fast, but it’s big enough to carry everyone, and it won’t draw attention like the police boat would.”

As the men continued to plan, Chuck’s thoughts drifted to the families they were trying to save. From their discussion, Chuck learned of Philip’s wife, Mike’s wife and three children, and David’s wife and two children. All their lives potentially hung in the balance.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Philip said, his voice steady.

1. “Chuck and I will deliver the police boat back to Ketchikan.

2. Ben, Mike, and Dave, you guys take Ben’s boat to the commercial marina.

3. Mike, Dave, and I will collect our families and meet back at Ben’s boat, where Chuck and Ben will be waiting.

4. We’ll all come back here to the IPC in Ben’s boat.”

The men nodded, their faces grim with determination.

The Rescue

As Chuck and Philip exited the IPC’s protected cove in the police boat, the sea was rough, with six to eight-foot waves. The salty February wind stung their faces. Chuck couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled over him.

Philip must’ve noticed because he asked, “What’s the matter? Is something troubling you?”

“I don’t understand the way Ben looks at me. What did I do?”

Philip paused for a moment.

“Ben was out at sea, fishing, when Kataan got incinerated. He saw the bright flash on the horizon. He returned to find the ashes of his home and loved ones.”

Hanging his head, Chuck said, “I’m sorry. I wish I could turn the clock back and change a lot of things.”

Philip put his hand on Chuck’s shoulder to encourage him. “We can’t change the past, but you’ve already changed your future. God has forgiven you, and so has Ben—in his heart. His emotions will follow as he gets to know the new you.”

As they approached the Ketchikan marina, Chuck’s heart pounded. If their escape had been discovered, Lilith’s forces would be watching for them. They could walk into a trap.

As Chuck guided the boat into its mooring spot, everything looked like a normal Sunday morning. Chuck was encouraged.

Chuck and Philip secured the police boat and split up. Philip headed toward his wife and Chuck started walking toward the commercial marina, about a half-mile away.

Chuck’s Capture

Chuck’s senses were on high alert. He scanned the streets for any sign of trouble, his hand close to the gun at his hip.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched, that Lilith’s forces were closing in on him with every passing moment.

As he rounded a corner, Chuck heard the unmistakable click of a gun being cocked behind him.

Chuck froze.

“That’s right. No quick movements or you’re a goner.”

Chuck recognized the Appalachian accent. “Hey Jake.”

He turned around slowly, his heart in his throat, only to find himself face to face with three of his former subordinates, their weapons all pointing at his chest. I guess this answers whether the jailbreak got discovered.

“Well, well,” Jake said, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “Look what we have here. A traitor.”

I won’t get any mercy from Jake. He always was a sadistic little twerp.

Chuck’s mind raced, desperately looking for a way to escape. But there was none. He slowly raised his hands in surrender.

I wonder how they found out about the jailbreak. It doesn’t matter now. Hopefully, the others won’t get captured.

While Jake kept his pistol pointed at Chuck, one disarmed him while the other cuffed him. Then they took him to Lilith.

Philip’s Mission

Philip’s heart pounded as he, Mike, and David made their way through the streets of Ketchikan, their eyes scanning every corner and alleyway for signs of trouble.

They split up, each of them going to his own home. If Lilith knows about our escape, surely they’ll be watching each of our homes.

But even with fear threatening to overwhelm him, Philip knew he couldn’t turn back. His wife depended on him, and he’d take whatever risk was necessary to bring her to safety.

Philip found the key they kept hidden in the flowerpot outside his front door. He opened the door quietly, slowly, then closed it behind him. Philip stood still for twenty seconds. He heard nothing.

“Anne? Are you here?” He heard a rustling sound, then . . .

“Phil! I’m here!” She emerged from a back room, running into his arms.

“It’s okay, I’m here.” Philip said, his voice choked with emotion as he hugged and kissed her.

“How did you get free?” she asked.

“I’ll explain everything later. For now, I’m here to take you away. Let’s quickly pack a bag. We’ve got a boat to catch.”

Ten minutes later, they left their house, hurrying toward the commercial marina.

Meanwhile, Mike and David found their families, quickly packed a few items, and hurried to Ben’s boat.

As they approached it, Philip felt a sense of relief. They’d done it—they’d rescued their loved ones.

A Problem

But as he climbed aboard, Philip felt something was wrong. Someone’s missing. Where was Chuck?

“Where’s Chuck?” Philip asked, concerned.

Ben shook his head, his eyes shadowed with worry. “I don’t know. He never showed up.”

Was this a trap? Did Chuck set us up? No. I know Chuck’s conversion was real. He must’ve had a problem.

Philip looked around at the men, women, and children. Every face looked nervous and fearful, even Anne’s. They all hoped for a quick and clean escape from the mortal danger they faced.

We can’t abandon him. He risked everything to save us.

With a deep breath, Philip turned to Ben. “I have to go back and look for him,” he said, his voice steady. “If there’s anything we can do for him, we have to do it.”

Ben nodded, his jaw set with resolve. “You’re right. But to keep these families a little safer, I’ll move us out into the harbor a little way while you look for him. You can use my skiff to paddle out to us when you’re done.”

“Okay, good idea.”

After securing Ben’s skiff to the dock, Philip walked toward the police boat’s marina to find Chuck.

Chuck’s Testimony

At Lilith’s headquarters, Chuck stood before Lilith and her staff, his hands bound and his face bloody from the interrogation he’d just endured.

Lilith stood before him, her eyes blazing with fury as she stared at Chuck’s face. “You betrayed me,” she said, her voice dripping with venom. “You turned your back on everything we stand for, and for what? A handful of rebels and their foolish beliefs?”

Chuck lifted his head, his eyes meeting Lilith’s gaze with confident resolve. “I have not betrayed you,” he said, his voice steady despite the fear he felt. “I found the truth and followed it. You can do the same.”

Lilith’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a sneer. “The truth?” she scoffed. “What is truth? What so-called truth could make you turn against me?”

Chuck took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he spoke. “The truth is that there is only one God, and it’s not Hussein. Jesus Christ died for our sins, and through Him, I found forgiveness, and I now have eternal life.”

The room fell silent, the weight of Chuck’s words hanging in the air. Lilith’s subordinates shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting between Chuck and Lilith.

But Chuck wasn’t finished. “I’ve done terrible things for you and Hussein,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve caused hundreds of innocent people to suffer, and for that, I’m truly sorry. But I know that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, I’ve been completely forgiven. And for that I thank God.”

Lilith’s face contorted with demonic rage, her eyes blazing with fury.

“Enough!” she shouted, her voice echoing off the stone walls. “I will not listen to this nonsense any longer. You have chosen your path, and now you’ll pay the price.”

With a wave of her hand, Lilith summoned her guards. “Take him to the guillotine,” she said, her voice cold and cruel. “Let his death be a reminder to all those who would dare to defy me.”

Chuck felt peace flood over him, even as the guards pulled him away. He knew his body was soon going to die, but he had confidence he’d soon be in a better place, and there’d be no end to that life.

As they led him to the guillotine, Chuck closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer, asking for the strength and courage to face his fate with dignity and courage.

At the guillotine’s chopping block, the guards were amazed when they didn’t have to wrestle Chuck onto it. Instead, he laid his neck on it voluntarily. Not since Moses had they seen someone do that.

When Chuck heard the blade coming down, his last earthly thought was of Ben, who—despite his pain—welcomed him into the IPC the night before.

Chuck’s Reward

To onlookers, Chuck’s beheading was ghastly. But Chuck felt no pain. Immediately, he was in paradise, with Jesus standing before him, smiling.

Jesus embraced him, “Well done, Chuck. Well done!”

The temperature felt perfect. A sweet fragrance of a thousand blooming flowers, their delicate petals dancing in the gentle breeze, filled the air. The sky above was a breathtaking canvas of purest blue, adorned with white clouds that floated effortlessly across the heavens. The sun’s golden rays cascaded down, bathing the landscape in a warm, inviting glow that seemed to emanate from every blade of grass and every leaf on each tree.

Birdsong filled the air, a symphony of melodious trills and chirps that rose and fell in perfect harmony. Each note was a testament to the unbridled joy and peace that permeated this realm. The birds were amazing to behold, their vibrant plumage a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to shimmer and change with every movement.

Lush grass stretched out as far as the eye could see, a soft carpet that invited you to feel the cool blades between your toes. The trees dotting the landscape were tall and majestic, their leafy canopies providing welcome shade and shelter from the sun’s gentle rays. Each tree seemed to have a personality of its own, with gnarled trunks and branches that reached out as if to embrace the sky above.

Crystal-clear streams wound their way through the landscape, their waters so pure and inviting that you couldn’t help but feel the urge to drink deeply and be refreshed by each one. The sound of the water’s gentle flow was a soothing melody, a constant reminder of the peace and tranquility that reigned supreme here.

Then Chuck saw thousands of smiling, happy, proud people coming to greet him. Some he recognized, like his mother and grandfather, and others he intuitively knew were ancestors from hundreds or thousands of years ago. They welcomed him and led him to his adobe-like home.

Finding Chuck

Philip’s heart raced as he made his way through the streets of Ketchikan, his mind fixed on finding Chuck. After re-tracing the route between the Police boat and Ben’s boat, Philip went into the city center.

Philip felt foreboding. The streets were eerily quiet, and the few people he passed seemed to be in a hurry to get away from something.

Then, as he rounded the corner, Philip saw it—the guillotine, its blade still dripping with blood. A crimson pool formed at its base.

Philip’s stomach turned as he realized what had just happened. Someone had been executed, their life snuffed out in a brutal display of Lilith’s power. In fact, from a distance Philip could see the body was still twitching with autonomic nerve reactions.

As he drew closer, the sight made Philip’s blood run cold. There, lying in the pool of blood, was a severed head, its face frozen in its last expression. Philip’s knees buckled as he recognized—it was Chuck’s head, his eyes staring up at the sky, his mouth open.

For a moment, Philip couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. The horror threatened to overwhelm him. He felt nauseous. As he struggled to compose himself, Philip heard the rumbling of a diesel engine. It was growing louder.

It was a garbage truck driving up to the guillotine, its back open and waiting.

Then, to Philip’s horror, he saw Lilith herself. Her face twisted into a cruel smile as she motioned for her men to throw Chuck’s body into the truck’s cavernous mouth.

Philip watched, frozen in place, as the men grabbed Chuck’s head and body, tossing them carelessly into the back of the truck. Then Lilith ordered the driver to switch on the truck’s hydraulic compacter. Philip imagined Chuck’s dead bones crunching and flesh tearing. He felt a scream building in his throat, a cry of rage and despair that threatened to erupt and expose him to Lilith’s agents.

But even as he opened his mouth to shout, to curse Lilith and her minions with every ounce of his being, Philip knew it was too late. The truck was pulling away, its engine roaring as it disappeared down the street, taking with it the compacted remains of his fallen friend and spiritual brother. May God bless you, Chuck. Your trials are over. We’ll meet again.

Philip felt a wave of grief, a pain so deep it threatened to consume him. He knew the risks, and understood the dangers they faced, but he wasn’t prepared for the thought of Chuck’s compacted head and body being discarded in Ketchikan’s landfill.

For a long moment, Philip simply stood there, his eyes fixed on the pool of blood that marked the spot where Chuck was martyred.

Philip retreated to the boat, his mind reeling with the horror of what he’d seen.

Mission Complete

When he climbed aboard, Philip simply said, “Chuck’s dead.” The look on his face must’ve told them not to ask for details, because nobody did.

As the boat plowed quietly out of Ketchikan harbor, the rescued wives and children huddled together below deck. Topside, the four men leaned on the gunwale, watching the city slowly pass by.

They noticed black smoke rising from different areas of Ketchikan.

Mike said, “That’s strange. What are those fires?”

Within three minutes, six heavy, black billows of smoke and flames rose into the sky.

Then Philip said, “She’s burning the church buildings.”

Already in a weakened state, the sight threatened to overwhelm him. Then Philip felt a hand on his shoulder, a gentle touch. He turned to see his wife, Anne, standing beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. “They’re just wood, hay, and stubble,” she said, her voice steady. “She thinks she’s burning the church, but we know better, don’t we? We need to stay strong.”

As the boat passed Saxman and turned southwest, carrying them away from Lilith, Philip wondered about their uncertain future.

He realized the last week’s events taught them all many lessons.

• They experienced first-hand how Satan controls his world system using lies, threats, and violence.

• Through Chuck, God revealed his miraculous, life-giving and transformative power.

• And, their rescue mission tested their own courage and faithfulness to help each other, regardless of the risks.

Thankfully, the sea for their return voyage was much calmer than it was that morning. As the sun fell below the Western mountains, it cast a warm, golden light under the cloud layer. Philip closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer, thanking God for Chuck, whose faith and sacrifice just extended the earthly lives of five men and their families.

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Coming next week . . . New disciples multiply the effect of Katie and Rachel’s ministry, exercising miracle-working faith across Southeast Alaska.

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