Читать книгу The Chest of Visions: New Pathways ‘cross Broken Highways - Tim Ferguson - Страница 14

April 7th

Alex and Laura,

Thank you for sharing with us. We are sorry that Alex and Toby’s team lost the championship game. Thank you for telling us of the game basketball. We play nothing like that here.

Things are really getting revved up here in Caperston. The Mountain Youth are ready to challenge Pontos. It could be any day. They blame him for the death of Mattpaul. We will keep in touch with you. We will hold another prayer meeting soon and Michaeling is, once again, volunteering to hold it. Please pray that Pontos might see that he needs to do something. So far, he just stays in his fancy home and seems to hope that the problems will go away. We do not think that they will.

Huchfee

April 8th

Hi Huchfee,

I went to the Soup Kitchen in New York City for the first time since Kevin’s death. There were many children there and Laura and I were asked to take them aside to share some Bible stories, while their parents stood on a line, waiting for food. It was a nice day with almost two hundred homeless people on the line.

Laura and I took the children to a nearby park. Laura knows the Bible stories much better than I do and told them of the family of Joseph. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him to slave traders. Many years passed and there was a famine in their land.

During the famine the brothers walked for many days to another country in order to ask for food. The brothers met with an official to make their request. They had no idea that the man they were speaking to was their brother, whom they had sold into slavery a generation before. The brother forgave them and gave them food and the family was once again together.

The children loved the story and I saw one boy, resting on a crutch, holding a comic book. I asked him what his injury was, and he said, “My ankle. It is not too bad. Pastor at the Soup Kitchen gave me this crutch.” I asked him about the comic book, and he showed me. It was called, “Forbidden Universe.”

I told him that I did not know of the forbidden universe, but I knew of a wonderful other universe, the universe of Caperston. I started telling him your story and he was very interested. Then his mother came and, after listening to me finish, she asked “Where is this place called Caperston?”

I relied, “in another universe.”

His mother responded, “My son already imagines too many things. Did you see his comic book? I don’t want you filling his head with fantasies from another world. There are too many problems right here.” She then called her son, “Matthew Paul, we have to find a place to sleep tonight.” She looked at Laura and me and said, “Yes, we are homeless.”

We will pray for you in Caperston. Please pray for Matthew Paul and his mother on Earth.

Alex

April 12th

Hi Huchfee,

This is a short letter. We must share a new concern. Alex seemed to enjoy staying with us at the Soup Kitchen four days ago, but he is now missing. He disappeared two nights ago. He said nothing to anyone.

His parents and all our church group are very worried for him. He has struggled with so many things, for instance, Kevin’s death and then losing the championship game that was so close. He kept going over the last seconds of the game in his head. I heard him talking to himself. “If only I did this . . . if only I did that.” The rest of us felt all the boys played great, but he still goes over everything in his mind.

Laura

April 13th

Dear Laura,

I do not know how to tell you this. Alex is safe.

I sent you a letter a while ago telling you of Chihaysu visiting Earth in a dream. Three days ago, he called four of us together and stated that it was time for us to have a prayer session with the candles.

This meeting, at Michaeling’s home, was not the same as in the past. It was very focused. Marcus, Rachaeling and I joined Chihaysu and Michaeling. We prayed and I know I have never prayed more intensely. We were aware from Chihaysu that Alex was facing a crisis in his life. He would soon be facing the same decisions Chihaysu faced a short time ago. We were to pray for a safe journey through the wormhole for Alex and that he makes a thoughtful and wise decision when he comes to the door with the window. Chihaysu said Alex is being given an opportunity to come to Caperston. When he arrives at the door, he will have to decide whether to open the door. Chihaysu said that, if we pray hard enough that we want him to visit us in Caperston, then he will sense our prayers and possibly open the door. If we are not sincere in our prayers, he will probably turn away.

Michaeling, Rachaeling, Marcus, and I were very quiet as Chihaysu spoke. We sensed the importance of this prayer meeting. As we prayed, we each had a vision of Alex making the turn towards the long tunnel. An instant later he was at the door, peering through the window. He seemed happy. Then, after looking back down the tunnel, he opened the door and, an instant later appeared in the very room in which we were praying. We greeted him enthusiastically and he sat down. He was confused, unsure who we were and where he was.

I instantly recalled that the face I saw in the smoke of Michaeling’s candle at our last prayer meeting was the face of Alex.

We introduced ourselves and he recognized our names. He instantly seemed more relaxed and was smiling.

He told us that a few hours after he last wrote to us, he walked outside in the back of his home. It was a warm, clear night and there was no moon in the sky. The stars were very bright. Suddenly he felt very tired. He sat down on a lawn chair and closed his eyes to rest. The next thing he recalled was being at a fork in the road, choosing the right fork, being escorted down the tunnel by a ray of light and appearing at a door. Upon opening the door, he suddenly found himself in our room.

We told him why we were together and Alex stated that, when he was at the door, even though the sign said, “Warning, unknown land,” Alex said he could hear people calling out, “We will be happy if you visit us.” He said there was no doubt in his mind what he should do. Alex seemed tired and Chihaysu suggested that he stay at his mother’s home to rest. Alex agreed.

One thing that struck us was Alex’s dark skin. It is darker than the skin of anyone in Caperston, even after we are exposed to the sun. Do all people from Earth have dark skin?

Huchfee

April 14th

Thank you Huchfee for writing back and we are glad Alex is safe. We look forward to having him write to us, but he must be wondering what happened. Tell him our pastor visited Alex’s family. Alex’s mother keeps asking how this could happen and is it true?

Is there a way for Alex to return and when?

Please tell Alex that his family misses him tremendously and they hope he is truly safe and happy. When Alex is ready, please have him write to us.

Regarding people with dark skin, yes, many people on Earth have dark skin. Earth is much bigger than Caperston and we have many different groups, which we call races, who look different from each other. In our youth group we have six people with dark skin and eight with lighter skin. Even though we look different we treat each other as equals as we believe we are all equal in God’s sight.

Laura

April 17th

Dear Laura, parents, and friends of Alex,

To begin Alex has stayed with Chihaysu and Chihaysu’s mother for a week. Michaeling and I visited with him two days after he arrived and then Marcus visited. He is still adjusting to our world.

Alex walked to the Caperston market to pick up some food for Chihaysu’s mother yesterday. He noticed right away that we walk everywhere. He talked about something you call cars and then said children and young people on Earth have bicycles. He also noted that our roads are simply wide paths except for the one main street in town.

Five years ago, Pontos ordered that our Main Street be flattened out so that he could ride his mobile into town whenever he visited. It was hard work to flatten it. Water was sprayed on it and a wooden structure was built that could be pulled along the street flattening it. Now, every ten days, workers sprinkle water on the street then take the structure out and drag it down the street twice, once up and once back.

Our food is also different. We eat a lot of vegetables and fish. Alex says he misses a food called a hamburger. He tried to describe it and it sounds delicious, but apparently it comes from an animal Alex calls a “cow,” and there are no such animals living in Caperston. Perhaps a goada, if killed and cooked, would taste like a hamburger but we need our goadas to provide milk, particularly for the little ones.

Chihaysu suggested that Alex visit the Mountain Village. Marcus will come back in a few days to escort Alex to the village. After this visit, Alex can take the much longer walk with Marcus to spend more time on Main Street, which he briefly saw a few days ago while picking up provisions. There Michaeling, Rachaeling and I will meet Marcus and Alex to have a midafternoon lunch and show him the main buildings in town. Perhaps then he will feel comfortable writing to you.

Huchfee

April 21st

Dear Laura and friends of Alex,

You will not believe what is now happening in Caperston. There was a rumor that the Mountain Youth were going to march around Lake Gael and Jonas went to investigate along with myself. There were about thirty of the Mountain Youth—both young men and young women. They were carrying signs asking for justice for Mattpaul and got halfway around the lake when soldiers, sent by Pontos and under the command of our old classmate Zester, met them. The soldiers had long, metal spears and made a line across the road where the youth were walking. There were thirty soldiers, all men and heavily armed. The Mountain Youth had no weapons.

Just as the soldiers stepped forward to confront the Mountain Youth, Alex stepped out of a path from Chihaysu’s mother’s home towards the Mountain Village. Marcus was with him.

Zester stepped forward and told the youth that the “Ruler” was not interested in talking to them and they should return home. He said, “You do not belong in the village of the Valley People and you are not respected enough to gain an audience with Pontos.” The youth shouted back, “We want the Ruler. We want the Ruler.” One of the youth leaders stepped towards Zester, “If we cannot go to his home, tell him to come here. We want to speak to him, not to you.”

Zester was getting angry and replied, “You will talk to me and my message is clear . . . go home, now, where you belong, every one of you.” The Mountain Youth responded, raising their voices, “Pontos, yes; Zester, no; Pontos, yes; Zester, no.”

Now Zester was furious. He pulled out a long sword and stated, “You will leave now or risk the consequences.” The response became louder, “Pontos, yes; Zester, no.”

Suddenly and without warning Zester called out, “Charge,” leading the attack. The Mountain Youth had no weapons and began to run, but the soldiers did not stop. The soldiers caught those who were not fast runners and began spearing them.

Zester picked out two girls who had stumbled as they ran. He raised his sword above his head. Just then Alex sprang into action. He picked up a tree branch fallen on the ground and charged towards Zester. “You coward, you attack defenseless girls with a sword.” He swung the tree branch and knocked Zester’s sword out of his hand. Zester reached for his sword and Alex put his foot on it. Looking at Zester he softly said, “Coward . . . you and your men leave while we take care of the wounded.”

Zester snarled but said nothing. He knew every person, on both sides, was watching. He looked towards the other soldiers and called out, “We’ve taught them their lesson.” Waving his hand towards the valley side of Lake Gael, he said “Warriors . . . let’s go.”

The battle was over. The Mountain Youth did not know what to say to Alex. They had never seen someone so tall. Alex was more than a head taller than anyone in Caperston. The tallest Mountain Youth walked up to Alex and stood next to him. The top of the youth’s head met Alex’s neck.

The youth looked up at Alex and said, “Thanks. You saved the day for all of us. What is your name?”

“My name is Alex.”

“And where do you live?”

Alex was unsure what to say and Marcus stepped forward. “Alex is living with Chihaysu’s mother. I was bringing him to meet all of you, not here but in the village. We are still coming to visit, but let’s see who was hurt.”

It was only then that the youth realized that so many were wounded or killed. If it was not for Alex’ intervention, at least two more would have died.

The final count found eight dead and seven wounded. The wounded were assisted as they walked to the Mountain Village. Marcus ran ahead to speak to the parents of those who had died. As the youth were returning to the village, they saw Marcus leading several grieving parents to the place where their teenagers had perished.

When Pontos heard of the massacre, he asked Pav-ed to see him. He told Pav-ed that he was not feeling well and asked Pav-ed to speak with Zester to find out what happened.

Pav-ed spoke to Zester, who attempted to blame the Mountain Youth for instigating the attack with their words. Pav-ed responded, “Words are just words. The soldiers should have simply blocked the road and the Mountain Youth would have no choice but to leave.”

If the Mountain Youth were angry before, now they are ready to explode. They said they will make wooden spears with sharp points, and the next time they march to Pontos’ home, they will come in secret, in the middle of the night, through an uninhabited area known as Stone Woods.

There is a new banner up in a Mountain Village with on large word on it, written in red. It is the word “Revenge.” Chihaysu is asking us to pray for peace. He is sending Jonas to reach out to Marcus and to have both speak to the youth. Alex is staying at Marcus’ house for the night. What an introduction he has had to our world.

Huchfee

April 27th

Dear Earth friends,

Marcus reported that he and four other Mountain Youth met with Chihaysu after the attack on the Mountain Youth led by Zester. The Mountain Youth cannot be angrier. They want revenge and they want it now. Chihaysu stated that something must happen “now” but not revenge. He stated that the Mountain Youth can build a memorial in the middle of the road where their friends were killed. It should be a big enough memorial that it will prohibit any easy access on the road by Zester and his soldiers again. A blockage can be built soon and later memorial stones, with each deceased youth’s name engraved on a stone, can be added.

One of the youth stated that there were some large boulders that can be easily rolled into and across the road so that there will be no easy access to the Mountain Village again. Another youth asked, “How do we get to the valley stores, when we have to, without the highway?”

Chihaysu replied: “You do not want to travel on this highway, broken by the murder of Mountain Youth again. Rather there is a pathway that leads to Lake Gael. I take it all the time. It is quiet, peaceful and I feel the presence of God when I walk down that pathway to the lake. Walk to the old highway. Just a few steps beyond it, there is a path. Cross the highway then turn right and follow the path. It takes you to Lake Gael. Make a left at the lake and walk around it. On the other side of the lake you will see a small opening ahead. It has some flat stones on which to sit and rest. Once rested, follow the path up the hill. It much shorter than the one you have been travelling. It will take you to the street that ends with the House of the Dead. Across from this path is the market you have used to make purchases.”

Chihaysu then concluded that, until we can come up with a name for this trail, we should call it “Pathway ‘Cross Broken Highway.”

The next day Marcus met with myself and several Valley Youth and asked if anyone would join the Mountain Youth on this project and we all agreed. Work on the Memorial begins tomorrow. I must add this. One of our Valley Youth responded to Chihaysu’s instruction by stating, “We believe in hope . . . the past is gone. All there is . . . is future.” He is one of our quieter youth by the name of Lukius. He could not have stated our beliefs better.

Huchfee

April 29th

Dear all,

Seven of we Valley Youth joined ten Mountain Youth and it did not take long to roll thirty large boulders across the highway. Alex was a great help as he picked up the largest boulders. He is not only tall but very strong. A tree limb was placed at the center propped up by three of the stones. On it was a sign . . . “We remember.”

Marcus told us that already work is being done on the memorial stones. When we were done and ready to leave, Chihaysu appeared. He congratulated us for our accomplishment then said, “It is more than a new physical path we begin using today. Everyone will face a broken highway or two sometime in life. When these times come, we must all seek a new pathway, a new course of action for our lives, based on the guidance of God’s Spirit.”

Michaeling stopped by as we were finishing. After Chihaysu spoke, she reminded us how powerful the prayer meeting with everyone present was. We remembered the lights of the candle and how bright even one light was. Alex stated that he remembered a teaching of the man Jesus that his followers be “lights of the presence of God to the world.”

Chihaysu excused himself and then one Mountain Youth asked, “So you have been praying but look what happened. Eight Mountain Youth were killed after you all prayed. What type of a God is this that would allow those following him to die?”

It was a difficult question to answer. Alex stated that he struggled with this same question a short time ago. His vision of seeing Mattpaul and Kevin in heaven, being acknowledged by Jesus, himself, helped him understand but he still, at times, has doubts.

Marcus suggested, “I will not be surprised if there are other questions that we all have. Let’s schedule a prayer session but make it longer. Everyone should write down their questions and doubts. We will put them in a hat and take them out one at a time. The person withdrawing the question will read it and open a discussion. Doing this in this manner will protect the identity of the person asking the question and that way people can really share things that bother them. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea.

Marcus stated that he was supposed to see Chihaysu tomorrow so he will ask him if he wishes to be involved.

Huchfee