Free Hunted by Jerry B. Jenkins Page B

hadn’t had a chance to locate Rabbi Ben-Eliezar and his wife, and Aron was anxious to see them. When the groups finished praying, Tsion Ben-Judah introduced Mr. Stein. “This man’s own child turned to Christ and he disowned her. After her death, he became a true believer and stands before us today to tell of the mercies of God.”
    Mr. Stein stepped forward. Sam was proud that he would have a chance to speak to so many. “For those of you who have not yet believed, I plead with you to consider the truth. Christ died for your sins, and he paid the penalty for your disobedience. Do not run from him any longer, but accept his love right now.”
    A few people near Sam fell to the ground, wrestling with the truth of God. Sam closed his eyes and prayed they might respond while Mr. Stein spoke.
    â€œI would like to ask Rabbi and Mrs. Ben-Eliezar to come forward,” Mr. Stein continued. “Are you here?”
    From the back of the crowd came a faint cry from Rabbi Ben-Eliezar. He and his wife walked as quickly as they could through the masses. Like the Red Sea, people parted and allowed them to walk through and up a steep walkway that led to Mr. Stein. As they came, he described meeting them and their struggle to believe in Jesus.
    Finally, they reached the rocky cliff, and Mr. Stein draped an arm around the rabbi. “They spoke to us of their sons some time ago. When Micah talked about praying for relatives and friends who do not yet believe, my young friend Sam Goldberg took him seriously. He began praying and trying to contact Aron and Joel.”
    Mr. Stein turned. “Rabbi, Mrs. Ben-Eliezar, behold your son.”
    Aron stepped out of the shadows of a cave. The rabbi and his wife were so overcome, Sam thought they were going to topple off the ledge, but they gained their balance and rushed to Aron, hugging him and weeping.
    â€œTheir other son was unfortunately caught up in the desire to follow Nicolae Carpathia, but we can rejoice that this one has believed and has returned.”
    A great roar rose from the crowd as they yelled their praises to God. When the noise died down, Mr. Stein looked at the struggling group near Sam. “What about you? Will you receive the gift of God now?”

9
    THE DAYS passed quickly for Judd and Lionel in South Carolina. Sam’s escape from the GC was all anyone could talk about for a week. Sam’s description of the angel and their return to Petra thrilled the group so much that Judd hooked up a video connection with Sam and had him speak to their group.
    As time passed, Judd read sketchy reports of bounty hunters discovering more people without the mark. He sent a message to Chang Wong asking for any information on the identity and location of the bounty hunters in South Carolina.
    One afternoon Judd was talking to Luke and Tom about their lives before the disappearances. Luke said he had always dreamed of being a shrimper and having his own boat.
    â€œIs that how you got those muscles?” Judd said.
    Luke smiled. “I guess. I’ve always felt like I’ve been cut out for physical stuff, you know, hard work. I like using my hands, where old Tom here—” he patted his brother’s back—“uses his brain, what little he has.”
    Tom socked Luke in the shoulder. “All brawn and no brain makes Luke a dull boy.”
    Luke picked a long piece of grass and put it between his teeth. “I’ve been thinking more about why we’ve been left here. If those verses about us all being part of a body are right—and it’s in the Bible so it has to be—all we need to do is figure out what part we are and do what we were made to do.”
    â€œLuke just figured out he’s an armpit,” Tom snickered. “Smells like one, doesn’t he?”
    Judd laughed and Luke shook his head. “I’m trying to be serious.”
    Tom rubbed his face with his hands. “I’m sorry. Go ahead,