Great Tribulation 9: Miguel's First Love

She does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it. (Proverbs 5:6)

Previously . . . a daring rescue of family members from Ketchikan. Chuck was captured, then executed. Lilith retaliated by burning all of Ketchikan’s church buildings.

Winter Drags On

Kataan, Alaska

The bitter March wind howled through the spruce trees above Kataan’s longhouse. Inside, Katie, Ethan, Rachel, and Buster sat huddled by the crackling woodstove. The warm glow of its flames made shadows dance on the rough-hewn walls.

Katie said, “It’s been a tough winter for everyone. The short days, cold, subsistence diet, the isolation, and Lilith—all combine to take a toll on people.” Even inside the longhouse, Katie could see her breath as she spoke.

Ethan agreed. “Yeah, I admit it, sometimes I struggle with cabin fever. The long hours of darkness, confinement indoors, hunger pangs, and no coffee . . . it gets to you after a while.”

Rachel nodded, her eyes distant. “I see it in people’s faces—weariness and despair.”

Katie leaned forward, her voice filled with conviction. “As soon as spring arrives, everyone’ll feel better.”

Buster, as if in agreement, let out a soft bark, his tail thumping against the wooden floor.

Ministry Visits

The next morning, as the pale light of dawn crept over the horizon, Katie, Rachel, Ethan, and Buster loaded into the floatplane, preparing to visit three dispersed communities on the West Coast of Prince of Wales Island.

When the engine roared to life, Katie felt invigorated. Thank you, Lord. I’m flying again.

These visits were more than just a chance to connect with fellow believers—they were an opportunity to teach, encourage, and disciple, helping the Lord to raise up a new generation of leaders, evangelists, teachers, and prophets.

They ascended into a cloudless blue sky. Dark green forests contrasted beautifully between the bright, snow-capped mountains and the deep blue sea.

Each community greeted them with a warmth and enthusiasm that belied the hardships of winter. People gathered around the floatplane, their faces filled with joy and anticipation, eager to hear the latest from these beloved brethren.

Katie and Rachel spent a few hours at each stop, meeting with local believers, listening to their stories, and offering guidance and support. They shared lessons about the power of faith, the importance of perseverance, and the infinite love of God that had already sustained them through trials and losses.

Meanwhile, Ethan and Buster worked with the men and women of each community, consulting and helping with the practical, daily tasks of off-grid homesteading. Ethan’s strength and skills were invaluable, while Buster’s loyal presence brought comfort and joy to all who encountered him.

Ministry Status Update

As weeks and months had passed, Katie and Rachel witnessed the growth and transformation of the dispersed communities. More and more people were coming into faith and new life, drawn by the message of divine hope and salvation the communities represented. Those who’d once been lost and alone found a new sense of purpose and belonging, a family forged in the fire of adversity, sharing a common faith and life in God’s Spirit.

Despite the constant threat of persecution from Lilith’s agents, the communities grew in numbers, spiritual strength, and unity.

Katie and Rachel measured their progress both by people and geography.

People

Katie and Rachel estimated 27% of the people within their God-assigned area had already moved into their wilderness communities—widely dispersed around Southeast Alaska’s mainland and islands.

The gospel ultimatum is a black and white choice. If this trend continues, within a year or two the number of people in our assigned area who follow God will outnumber the people who follow Hussein.

Geography

Katie and Rachel calculated they’d reached 78% of their assigned geography with the gospel ultimatum. So they turned their focus onto the last 22% they hadn’t reached—places that still needed to hear God’s end-time ultimatum.

How God Provides

As they planned, they knew God would provide all they needed to do his work. For example, Katie’s plane and Ben’s boat needed different kinds of fuel and oil to operate. In fact, every one of their communities needed to fuel and maintain their own unique assortment of boats, planes, generators, and so on.

Even though they weren’t able to buy or sell in the global CBDC economic system, God always provided them with the fuel, oil, and any other necessities they needed to get their jobs done.

How? God used both natural and supernatural ways to meet his people’s needs.

Natural

These are some of the natural ways God provided.

• Many times, Ben would get donations from the new arrivals at the In-Processing Center who’d donate their extra diesel fuel to him.

• Or, when Katie ministered in a village, people with airplanes frequently showed their appreciation by sharing precious avgas and oil from their reserves.

• Some town and village leaders were sympathetic to local believers, allowing them to barter their skills, labor, fish, or venison for needed supplies.

Supernatural

All the leaders in the Southeast Alaskan ‘camps of the saints’ agreed to follow the prayer and faith principles of missionaries Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, and Watchman Nee.

Hudson Taylor famously said, “God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply.”

Just as Taylor, Mueller, and Nee did 100 years ago, they adopted a rule to never to ask anyone, except God, for financial or material support. Instead, they’d pray, asking and believing God to provide whatever they needed to do his work.

Then, God would usually move a person to donate exactly what was needed. But, when God didn’t have a person available to donate what was needed, God used supernatural means to supply their needs.

Katie reasoned, If God can multiply loaves and fishes, he can do the same with gas and oil.

For example,

• Once God filled her plane’s empty fuel tank as she slept.

• Another time, when strong headwinds opposed her airplane, God kept the fuel gauge from going below the 1/4 mark, supernaturally extending her plane’s range so she could complete her mission.

She thought, If God provided an endless supply of flour and oil for a destitute widow, he can provide all the things we need to do his work.

“The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:16)

As the winter months slowly gave way to spring, Katie and Rachel continued their work, traveling from one community to another, teaching, discipling, and encouraging. They witnessed miracles and wonders, saw lives transformed by the power of God’s love, and witnessed the working of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives.

Everyone Needs Emotional Support

Katie and Ethan’s love grew deeper and stronger with each passing day. Their love was an anchor of certainty in an unstable world.

***

Rachel, too, found healing and comfort in the love and support of her fellow believers. Though she still felt the anguish of Moses’ absence, she knew he was with the Lord, and that one day soon they’d be reunited in that place of life, peace, and breathtaking beauty.

Whenever she felt sad, Rachel would return, in her mind, to that heavenly, light-drenched field, where she last saw Moses.

After her eyes adjusted, the sky was clear blue, without a cloud. A sea of colors danced with the breeze, with long green grass, wildflowers, and groves of fruitful trees stretching for miles. A bird serenaded her, its song like a mockingbird’s, but even better. As a martyr, Moses’ face shone radiant with God’s glory.

There, she felt his strong and warm embrace. She remembered the scent of wildflowers mixed with the fresh smell of grass and earth, filling her with wonder and serenity. There was no sun, and yet she felt the warm light on her face, so gentle it felt like a caress.

Moses is there, waiting for me.

Miguel’s First Love

April

The first crocus flowers emerged through the thawing ground, a sign of new life and new beginnings.

As the spring thaw began, a new community named Eagle Claw took root on an island twenty miles northwest of Ketchikan.

From Kataan, Juan and Catalina sent their son Miguel to help the fledgling Eagle Claw community get established, sharing his knowledge and experience in off-grid construction, foraging, and other skills.

Sophia

Among Eagle Claw’s newcomers was a striking 18-year-old woman named Sophia, with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes. Miguel said I remind him of the crocus blossoms that signaled life and hope after the dreariness of winter.

But Sophia’s heart was restless. She yearned for the comforts and friends she had in the city.

Miguel, drawn to Sophia’s beauty and free spirit, seemed to enjoy spending time in her company. They sat for hours by the crackling fire, talking and laughing, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Miguel, his heart open and trusting, poured out his soul to her, speaking of his faith, his family, and his unwavering commitment to their cause.

Sophia listened, her eyes wide and smile beguiling, but she was thinking, Ketchikan has electricity, restaurants, and indoor plumbing. My friends are there, and together we had places to go and things to do.

As days turned into weeks, Sophia’s discontent festered like an open wound. She pulled away, spending long hours alone, lost in thought.

Miguel, blinded by his first love, failed to see the signs, the subtle shifts in her demeanor that hinted at the storm brewing within.

I’ve gotta get out of here. I need civilization.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Sophia came to Miguel as he relaxed by the fire.

Miguel

He noticed when she sat close to him—closer than normal. That’s different. But I like it. Then, with her eyes full of tears and her voice trembling with emotion, she exclaimed, “I can’t do this anymore.”

He put his arm around her to comfort her.

Their eyes locked.

What’s happening?

Her hands clutched his shirt, and she pulled his face to hers and kissed him, passionately.

His heart raced. His mind was spinning.

What? Wow! She loves me too!

Releasing him, she continued, “I need to go back, to feel the warmth of a real house, eat a hamburger, and hear the laughter of my friends. Please, Miguel, come with me.”

Miguel, his heart breaking at the sight of her distress, found himself torn between his love for her and his commitment to the wilderness network of believers.

He knew the dangers if he returned to Ketchikan.

The last time I went to Ketchikan, Lilith captured me. She knows what I look like. I still have nightmares of Moses’ beheading.

But in that moment, all he could see was the pain in Sophia’s eyes. All he could hear was the desperate longing in her voice.

I have to help her. In this moment of weakness, Miguel surrendered.

“I’ll go with you.”

***

After separately eating breakfast the next morning, they covertly loaded what few possessions they could carry into her father’s small boat and drove it south to Ketchikan.

Sophia’s Parents

By lunchtime, Sophia’s parents were beside themselves with worry, their minds reeling with the possibilities of what could have happened to their daughter. After verifying Sophia wasn’t at any of their neighbors’ homes, they feared a bear had taken her.

But then her father noticed his boat was gone. And, soon after, they learned Miguel was missing too. And so, they connected the dots, surmising they’d gone to Ketchikan together.

They’d seen the changes in her, her restlessness and discontent, but they never imagined she’d run away. They wondered, Where will she live? How can she get money to eat?

As the Eagle Claw community came together later that day, Sophia’s parents shared their suspicions, their voices choked with emotion. They knew the temptations of the outside world, the allure of comfort and familiarity had sorely tempted her. They feared for Sophia’s physical survival and safety, but also for her soul, for her spiritual salvation if she voluntarily went back into Hussein’s world system.

But they also realized she was 18, so she was old enough to choose which path she’d take in her life. They didn't have the right to compel her to make a wise decision.

Miguel’s Lesson

As Miguel tied the boat, Sophia stepped onto the worn cedar planks of Ketchikan’s Marina. She eagerly strode ahead.

Did she forget I was here?

Miguel called out, “Sophia, wait up,” quickening his pace to catch her.

She glanced back. “We need to find a place to stay.”

They weaved through the bustling crowd, past fishermen hauling in the morning’s catch and dock workers securing boats. They approached a modest wooden house near the waterfront.

Rapping on the door, Sophia said, “My friend Jess lives here.”

A dopey young woman with bright red hair answered, her smile fading as she saw Miguel.

“Hey, Soph. What’s up?”

Sophia shifted her weight. “We need a place to crash. Just for a bit.”

Jess’s eyes darted between them, lingering on Miguel. “We?”

“Yeah, me and Miguel.”

Jess’s lips tightened. “Sorry, Soph. I remember him from school. He’s one of those Christians, right? We don't want any trouble.”

The door closed with a soft click, leaving them on the porch. Sophia avoided his gaze.

“Let’s try Jerry’s place,” she said, already moving down the street.

Jerry’s house was larger, painted light brown, which hid the dirt, but the closed-curtained windows looked like they’d never been washed. Wow, that’s a lot of mold on the north side. Bass music thumped through the walls.

A tall, broad-shouldered, 20-something man with oily, shoulder-length blond hair answered the door. His eyes lit up at the sight of Sophia.

“Soph! You’re back!”

“Hey, Jerry. We need a place to stay. Can you help us out?”

Jerry’s gaze shifted to Miguel, his smile dimming. “Sure, but . . . just you, Soph. We don’t have room, or food, for two.”

Sophia nodded, then turned to Miguel. Her eyes, once warm and inviting, now held a hint of pity. “Sorry. But you understand, don’t you?”

Before Miguel could respond, she slipped inside. Jerry closed the door behind her and Miguel heard the deadbolt.

From inside, the muffled sounds of laughter and music mocked his exclusion.

Miguel stood there, stunned. The weight of betrayal made it hard to breathe. He’d left everything behind—for her. And now . . .

Miguel’s Repentance

Wandering the streets in a daze, his old hometown felt alien and hostile. The harsh reality of his situation sank in. He had no money, no food, and nowhere to stay. And, if discovered, Lilith could execute him.

So, unless he recanted his faith, staying in Ketchikan was not a good option. I know what’s true, and I’ve seen God work miracles in people’s lives. I can’t turn my back on the truth and sell my soul for a comfortable life in town.

I’m sorry Lord. I’m ashamed for what I’ve done—for bringing Sophia here—but I have to go back. It’s where I belong. Hopefully, they’ll forgive me.

With a heavy heart, Miguel made his way to the marina. Thankfully, her father’s boat was still there, where he’d left it.

But, inside the boat, he discovered a problem. It’s almost out of gas.

His first thought was, Maybe I could ‘borrow’ some gas from another boat?

But then he thought, No. I’ve gotten myself into this situation by giving-in to temptation and making bad decisions. I need to change that starting right now.

Miguel looked up and said, “Lord, I need two gallons of gas. Please help me get it.”

Miguel looked around the marina, looking for someone who needed help, someone he could offer his labor to, in exchange for two gallons of gas. Nothing.

He waited.

Thirty minutes later, he saw a commercial fishing boat arriving. His boat’s riding low in the water. He’s probably got a heavy load of fish. The white-bearded fisherman seemed to be alone on his boat.

There’s my opportunity. Thank you, Lord.

Miguel’s journey back was long and tiring. The skiff creaked and groaned against the waves, which were larger now, and the cold north wind stung his face. But his face didn’t hurt nearly as much as the shame he felt, and the wound Sophia left in his heart.

Just before sunset, Miguel finally spotted the familiar coastline of the Eagle Claw community. Exhausted and chilled to the bone, he beached the skiff and stumbled up the hill towards Sophia’s parent’s cabin.

“Miguel!” her mother cried, rushing to embrace him. Her father trailed behind. “Where’s Sophia?”

Tears streaming down his face, Miguel pulled back, wiping his eyes. “She . . . she stayed in Ketchikan. With her friends.”

Her mother scolded, “What were you thinking?”

He hung his head, ashamed. “I wasn’t thinking,” Miguel confessed. “I’m sorry. I betrayed your trust. Can you forgive me?”

They both knew their daughter’s ways, so understanding dawned on the father’s face.

The parents exchanged a glance, nodded to each other, then wrapped Miguel in a group hug.

“Yes, we forgive you,” her father said softly. “We’re glad you’re safe. And now we know where Sophia is. That’s something, at least.”

Though sad about Sophia, her mother said, “Have you eaten? You look famished.”

Later, as Miguel walked to his cabin he experienced an unpleasant mix of emotions—shame for his actions, concern for Sophia’s future, relief at being where he belonged, and a deep sadness for the innocence he’d lost. But beneath those feelings was something else—a renewed appreciation for the faith and community he’d nearly abandoned, and a determination to make amends.

Miguel expected there’d be more consequences in the future. But he was home, and he was forgiven. And for now, that was enough.

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Coming next week . . . Sophia inadvertently supplies Lilith with critical intelligence—and disastrous results.

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