Hi Pastor Karl- This summer our daughter Breenah attended Timber-lee Christian Camp and loved everything you said and did.  We purchased your book and read it as a family.  The spiritual growth in our family as we were reading this book was awesome (especially for Mom and Dad).  As adults this book spoke to our hearts about the way we take our Bibles for granite and our time with God. God used this to change the heart of our family- Thank you!!

We would like to know when the next book is coming out? If there is no more books in this series please answer a few questions for us. (1) Is Josiah’s father still alive in prison and will Jeremiah find him in there? (2) What about “Brent’s” Guardians, will they become believers?  (3) Will Josiah and Amy grow up and get married? (4) Is this book taking place before or after the rapture?  As you can see we are hooked and would love to hear from you!!!   Love- The Seivert Family

because I answer e-mails like this often, but because they asked both the common quesions but also some rather unique ones, I thought I’d answer their e-mail publicly in case others may have similar curiosities. And if there happens to be anyone out there who would like to fund the printing of Book Two, let me assure you, we have the demand, we lack only the funds for the initial printing!

Dear Brooke,

Without spoiling the next book, which I am writing and lack only the funds to print, there are some VERY cool developments and I am very impressed with your insights into it… so I will tell you: Yes! Jeremiah is reunited with Josiah’s dad in a VERY cool way, but that’s all I can tell you without spoiling it for you. Brent’s Guardians? Hmmmm…. you’ll just have to pray for them (as much as you can pray for fictional characters!) Brent and Amy’s romance? I’ll keep you guessing, but tell you, I do like happy endings.  Theologically, the book takes place before the rapture, in fact, in the same theological time period WE are in. The only difference is that the freedom we enjoy as Americans has been removed, so the challenges faced in the book are the same we would face if we didn’t have the freedom we have here in America and are the same many of our brothers and sisters in Christ face around the world today. I wanted kids to understand what it is like to live for God in other areas of the world. What would it be like to be a Christian if it wasn’t “safe?”

The next book is VERY cool, and very different. Rather than taking place during the next year of school, it takes place during the summer break. Less of a ‘Harry Potter’ in school feel, it is more of a Lord of the Rings journey feel, as they learn of other Remnant groups gathering in far away places without the Book of Books and set out to take copies of the Book of Books to them and have to travel on foot through dangers to get there avoiding capture while Jeremiah has an adventure of his own in prison being reunited with David and discovering a grander plot…. but, again, I’d said too much. While the last book emphasized salvation this one will emphasize missions.

Has your family read the Christmas short story I released last year? You’ll enjoy it! You can get it here:

Josiah, and the Mysterious Child

and there is a discussion guide if you’d like to dig a little deeper into the novel:

The Order of the Ancient – Discussion Guide

THANKS AGAIN for writing and please keep in touch!!!

It’s been several years since my novel was written and I am continually encouraged by the impact it in having on young readers young and old alike. It’s a unique book. It has a compelling and exciting story – and yet it delves into theological and apologetic issues in a way few children’s books do without every getting boring. If you haven’t read it – regardless of your age, I’d encourage you to check it out! And right now, the new discussion guide if FREE with a case order! Call it shameless promosion, but I’ve seen the impact of this novel on so many kids it’s worth the backlash if a few kids can benefit from it. Over and over I hear kids call it the best book they ever read and all the honor and glory goes to God for the story and the impact is all about Him!

“Here we go again,” was my first thought when I got my first (of many) e-mails warning me about the latest assault on Christianity in the form of a major motion picture based on a trilogy of children’s books written by a professing atheist. The Golden Compass became almost an obsession to parents and children’s leaders across the nation as blogs and church bulletins were filled with warnings against this “threat” to our children. The author, Philip Pullman, seemed pleased by the uproar and fueled the debate himself with his own anti-Christian, anti-religious, anti-God, and anti-C.S. Lewis comments. Unlike R.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, whose message may have been harmful or dangerous to an unparented child, but was not written for that purpose, Pullman practically boasted his anti-Christian agenda. And so the e-mails and blogosphere erupted in a frenzied panic to fight the message of this upcoming film. (Remember The DaVinci Code?)

I’m all for this wave of helpful communication. Well written reviews have been written both by Christian and secular reviewers. (Focus on the Family and TIME magazine) My own website, Kidology.org, hosted a lengthy forum discussion on the topic with good spirited debate about how serious the threat may be, and shared resources to put into the hands of concerned parents. I shared my own thoughts on the movie there – echoing many of the concerns that were confirmed in my mind when I read the first book and viewed the film for myself on opening night. Some will not agree with my conclusions, and that’s fine. Debate is one of the realities that makes our freedom in America such a blessing, and the dialogue of ideas within online communities one of the best applications of the Internet. Bring it on! We all benefit from sharing and then being sharpened as others challenge our thinking. But in the midst of the debate do we miss a broader opportunity?

As often happens when the world infringes our assumption that everyone ought to be Christian – Christians turn on each other and miss a golden opportunity to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach.

I find it tragic that when the world shows us its hand, often through entertainment and literature that contradicts the Truth we hold so dear – we show ours – and all too often it isn’t the nail-scared hands of mercy the world sees. Instead, they see just how judgmental and self-righteous we can be and watch (sometimes with surprise, other times with delight) as we in-fight over something that isn’t ours to begin with. Some embrace, some damn, while the rest nitpick over every shade in-between. And then we wonder why so many lost souls have no interest in joining our ranks! In our rush to “protect the children” we miss out on our other calling – to reach a lost world for Christ.

I am often surprised at the shock and awe the Church displays when non-Christians produce something, well, um, non-Christian. All art, literature and entertainment flows out of worldview. Some admit it, others deny it, a few others are simply ignorant of it – but one cannot help but produce out of the worldview one holds. It is impossible to create without reflecting one’s view of life, humanity and even God. Those who would deny their worldview influenced their work must look at why they need to insist such – an internal struggle against their own convictions is usually at the root. From J.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis to George Lucas to R.K. Rowling and now Philip Pullman, authors have put their views of life and humanity on record for readers to consider as well as enjoy.

I did not have to thoughtfully and intently incorporate my worldview into my novel, The Order of the Ancient. The entire concept of my novel and motivation to write it flowed out of what I think about the world, where it is heading and the message I think needs to be communicated in this world, today. This was not a conspiracy – it was not sneaky – it is simply why authors write books. Likewise, it was not a plot to brainwash children that inspired Pullman – it was a reaction against something he found destructive (in this case the Church) and by a message he wanted to get out. And it was a message that found a receptive audience – a point often missed as we attack Pullman but give his thousands of readers a free pass as though they were mere victims and not recommending the book to others, giving it awards, or resonating with what they read enough to buy book two and three. While we may wish to protect our children from Pullman’s message, it is a message we need to hear and understand, if we are to ever reach him or the thousands of others who resonate with what they read in his books. They would not be popular or the recipient of awards if they did not echo themes that many others believe and share.

Would I let my son see this movie or read the books? No. That is not a passionate red-faced, panic-stricken, fuming paranoid “no,” just simply “no” because there are far better things for him to be reading and viewing. Of the finite number of books he can read during his childhood, I see no benefit to him reading these. If my son were older and expressed an interest, or if his school required it, then I’d probably allow it, but I would read it with him and use it as an opportunity to talk about the inner struggles of lost people. Teaching my son to think critically is as important as telling him what to believe.

Pullman’s books and theatrical release reveal much about what the author, and in turn, his readers, believe about God and the Church we believe He has established here on earth. Condemning the books does little to address the issues that inspired their writing. Ironically, for Christians to attack Pullman and threaten him with boycotts or to label him as “evil” only serves to validate the very things he has written so creatively against. As Larry Shallenberger expressed on his blog, “the church’s response validates Pullman’s critique that the church suppresses critical thought.” Our treatment of Pullman, as a person, can either help to address his negative opinions of the Church, or reaffirm them. I fear he is less likely to come to Christ by the way those who bear His Name have responded to his writing.

Would R.K. Rowling ever accept Jesus as her Savior after the way Christians have treated her? Her spiritual journey is evident in the Harry Potter books, but we don’t seem to allow non-Christians to be on a journey toward Christ – they have to be either one of us, or one of “them.” But every believer, especially if saved in adulthood, is a former “them” who finally came to Christ. We ought to be thankful for those who show where they are on the journey – and lovingly correct and guide them closer to the Truth. It sure is easier to witness to a non-Christian who knows where he is spiritually, than one who does not believe, but also doesn’t care or know what he believes. We live in a lost world. Condeming a lost world is a waste of energy, it stands condemned already. Rather, like the Apostle Paul on Mars Hill, we would be much better off to boldly but with grace address the beliefs of the world and redirect people’s thoughts and minds toward the Truth. Too often we push the lost away from Christ rather than listen to them and engage them in a way that might draw them closer. I have yet to meet a Christian who was argued into the Family of God. That is why Jesus said we were to be known by our love, not by our condemnations or smart arguments or Scripture quoting. What has Pullman heard from Jesus’ followers the last several months?

If I had the opportunity to meet Philip Pullman, or if out of all the Christian articles floating the Internet about the Golden Compass, mine might reach Philip, I would love to say something like:

Dear Philip,

I have read your first book and went to the movie on opening night. Your story is engaging and highly creative and it’s hard to miss the message you are trying convey. Even without the statements you are credited with in various interviews about the books/movie and your thoughts about the Church and Christianity in general, your story speaks clearly for itself. While, as a Christian, I do not share your worldview, I do share many of the criticisms of the Church that come out in your narrative.

The Church often is controlling, judgmental, narrow-minded, and abrasive. The love which Jesus said we are to be known by is too often buried under our passionate zeal to protect ourselves and fight against what we deem a threat to our belief system. I fear as a result of writing these books and producing this film you have only experienced more of the ugly side of Jesus’ followers than His love. I say that to our shame and for what it’s worth, I apologize. That is not how Jesus would have treated you – and we have perhaps missed our opportunity to show you how Jesus truly desires us to be. But therein lies the problem. The Church is made up of people – and none of us are perfect. I’ve often quipped, ‘If you find the perfect church, don’t join it – you’ll ruin it!”

I want you to know that your criticisms of the Church are often valid – it too often ceases to be God’s institution and too quickly becomes an institution that reflects more of man’s nature than God’s. That is why there was a Reformation hundreds of years ago, and why since then there have continued to be countless splits and reformations forming countless denominations and even lately “non-denominational denominations.” As you have clearly discovered, the church is flawed and broken – but please understand – it is not because God is flawed, but because we are. Religion, as you have reportedly stated, is dangerous and destructive. Religion by itself only organizes and institutionalizes the real core issue, man is broken and needs redemption. It is not any religion that redeems mankind, it is only a genuine relationship with God that can repair the brokenness that exists in each and every one of us.

Thank you for drawing attention to the weaknesses of the Church. It is my prayer for you that in time you will be able to see past the humanness of the church and see the God who is perfect; the God who is the opposite of everything you have so eloquently spoken against. Ironically, our world is in the mess it is in precisely because God isn’t controlling. He has given us genuine free will – and waits patiently for those who will exercise that free will to seek Him. In the world of your books God is not truly removed – the need for Him is only multiplied for each parallel universe that could exist. And just as the Magestarium sought to shut down free thinkers and critical thought, I fear our real world church has done the same to you. And for that, I am sorry.

I wish you well on your spiritual journey and hope that those of us who claim to have found the Truth aren’t the very ones who cause you to stumble on your way to God. Please forgive us, and seek God. The Church needs more pioneers like you who show us just how ugly we look when we fail to reflect the grace and patience of the one who saw past our flaws to redeem us.

Sincerely,

Karl Bastian

Pullman may never read my letter, but I hope that in our day-to-day encounters with the lost we might find ourselves less likely to fight and more likely to love, listen and gently engage in a dialogue about Truth. God gave the ability to think critically to all mankind, not just believers. Let’s not rob non-Christians of the ability to think critically with us – it is part of their journey, and an invitation to us to listen and consider as well. Not only will we have a better chance at reaching the lost, but if what we call Truth, truly is – then our faith will only be made stronger in the process. Otherwise, we deserve the label of the Magestarium, blind defenders of a system rather than Truth.

I look forward to the next time our lost world comes out with a book or movie that shows us what their real questions are – because God’s Word has the answers they seek.

Josiah and the Mysterious Child is a short story that tells the Christmas Story in a fresh new engaging way. Our hero Brent is still living in a post-Christian world, but as a secret member of the undercover Remnant of believers. Struggling with how to share the Truth with his best friend, and wondering why December 25th, known as Gift Day, is such a big deal.

I wrote this story for parents to read with their kids, or for children’s pastors to give out to the kids at church. It includes some discussion questions at the end to help parents and teachers engage their children in discussing the significance of Christ.

Those who love the book and are buggin’ me for “Book 2″ will enjoy returning the world of Brent and Amy and the Remnant – but you don’t need to have read the novel to enjoy this story.

ORDER TODAY! Only $5 for Kidology members, and only $10 for permission for unlimited reproduction within your church! SEND EVERY CHILD HOME WITH JOSIAH, AND THE MYSTERIOUS CHILD!

I look forward to hearing your feedback, either here in comments, or in the official Josiah and the Mysterious Child discussion on Kidology.org

ENCOURAGING FEEDBACK ALREADY COMING IN:

I love the fact that from the very beginning this story starts with action and adventure even with the first chapter title “A Shadow.” There was a very readable progression in the story line and a very powerful plot being set up all the way through this short story. The Cliffhanger at the end was well I will just say the word WOW so that I don’t give it away. I as a father really appreciated the discussion questions. The great thing was that we all sat around our Christmas tree and really used the questions. This whole series of the Order of the Ancient has really been a catylast for brining my family even closer together.  – Alan Phillips

Loved loved loved it. I’m so glad I found this on a Wednesday, so I could get it into the hands of my die-hard OOTA kids tonight. Thanks, Karl! I think my kids would be happy to have short stories every few months if they can’t have another novel next summer. -  Donald Martin

My Blog Readers always get the inside scoop! So you can be the first to know that I have written an Order of the Ancient Short Story called: Josiah and the Mysterious Child. (A Christmas Special!) I get lots of requests for “Book 2″ – so this is my way to try and answer the calls for the further adventures of Brent Camdon.

This 12 page mini-novelette will be released on Kidology.org as a PDF download early in December. (I will update this post when it is live) It is currently being reviewed by a few select readers (several are expert kids!) and edited… and will be available soon!

The unedited teaser has been removed. The complete story is now available on Kidology.org:

ORDER TODAY!

READING!

I have never met Tyler in person (yet!) but I hope to some day! His parents are missionaries in a remote part of northern Canada, where kids church looks like this:

(Tyler in the yellow shirt)

I got to know Tyler via his mom when I learned that he is a big fan of Toyboxtales.com, my novel (Order of the Ancient), and my blog. In fact, I am blogging about him today in order to encourage him with his new blog, since I just discovered tonight that he credited me as his “inspiration” to begin his blogging career:

Maybe some of the zillions who come here can visit his blog and leave a comment to encourage him!

Here is Tyler, at a local landmark–the moose head at the gas station, with the autographed copy of my novel I sent him after I learned that he only had the downloads and needed to clear up some harddrive space and was sad to lose it. (The book was released originally online a chapter a week, which is when Tyler read it)

Here is Tyler in trouble with the UFP, er, I mean, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police). Not really, this was at a police station open house.

According to his mom, Lori, in explaining her son’s fascination with my websites and ministry, said Tyler “was happy to find an adult with an unnatural fascination with Legos, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.”

I think he is just a Children’s Pastor in the making! But whatever God’s plan is for this young man, I’m excited to watch it unfold.

I’m excited to have my novel on Amazon.com to hopefully increase the sales and expand the market. If you haven’t heard of it, or seen the book’s website, be sure to see www.orderoftheancient.com! We continue to pray that this novel would have a profound impact on the spiritual development of every kid who reads it – and yet many adults have said it made a huge impact on them too!

Seriously, those of you out there who have read and liked the book, I’d really appreciate some positive reviews on Amazon to help sell the book! THANKS!

Here I am – driving to meet our printer with the
first shipment of the books!We met in an undisclosed parking lot. I pulled up next to him, looked both ways, and whispered, “You got the stuff?” He said, “It’s all in my truck.” He assured me it was good stuff. After examining a sample, I agreed.

After one more glance around, we began the transfer.
No one seemed to notice even though we were on a busy street.

How to fit them all in a PK Cruiser? Hmmmm…
The rest had to go in the building. But now I can have a mobile bookstore and can open shop in parking lots everywhere!

Here is the happy author excited to hold the
FIRST OFFICIAL COPY in his hands! WARNING: Shameless Promotion Ahead!

The PRE-ORDER SALE ends midnight Friday, so this will be your last chance to get 11 copies for only $9 each, plus a signed copy. AND FREE SHIPING! There will never be a sale like this, this is to help with the initial printing cost. (every order is greatly appreciated and celebrated!) ORDER TODAY before it is too late. Some churches and bookstores are ordering at this discount rate and selling them for $10 or $12. (Not a bad fund raising idea!)ALSO: INDIVIDUAL ORDERS are also being accepted now and will ship next week!

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT:
www.orderoftheancient.com

He writes:

Subject: Hi Man! Your Book Rocks!

Hi! My Pastor Printed Me A Copy Of ”Order of the Ancient”, And I Am STILL Reading It! It Is By Far On My Top 10 List Of Books.(Published Or Not!) Hey! I Was Thinking, My Name Is Jordan, Yes I Am A Christian, And I Am 10 Yrs Old, And Thought, Maybe We Could Start ”Remnant.org”, And To Sign Up They Need To Tell Us The Very Important Parts Of Their Lives, So We Can Tell Them Their Name E.g. Josiah, Jeremiah, Shaphan , Rahab etc. It Would Be Real Nice To Know You, Your Obviously A Very Strong Christian,….(info on how to chat online and his MSN name)…. You Probably Don’t Have Time Now For Someone You Don’t Know, But It Would Be Great To Get To Know You.

Jordan

Here is the Icthus he sent me to complete:

I replied with this:
I wrote back and promised I’d send him a free signed copy of the book once it was in print. Next I get an e-mail from the children’s pastor who gave him the book…. (Pastor Glenda from Highway Christian Church in Ormeau Queensland Australi) I guess Jordan called her as soon as he got my e-mail. Jordan has since written and told me that he started a “Remnant Club” at his school! How cool is that??

This is so encouraging because the book isn’t even in print yet, and yet it is making an impact in the lives of kids, and literally all over the world. The #1 purpose of the book was to show kids that being a Christian is as exciting as any Great Story, and has REAL potential for drama, danger, and adventure!! I am hoping that this book will get kids all over the world excited about being a Follower of the Redeemer, and that they would be challenged to Seek the Sovereign!

THE BOOK WILL BE IN PRINT NEXT WEEK… THE PRE-ORDER SUPER SALE IS ALMOST OVER! Order copies now at a HUGE saving, PLUS FREE SHIPPING!

Order NOW before it is too late! For more info see: www.orderoftheancient.com

While a few super duper minor changes will be made, overall, it was perfect, and the PRESSES CAN NOW RUN! Which also means that the ADVANCE ORDER OFFER will soon be over! That’s right, if you missed it before, there is an advance order special running right now that will be discontinued AS SOON THE BOOKS ARRIVE!

It was an AWESOME feeling to hold this final proof in my hands after YEARS of working on this! It was in ten bound sections with a color cover proof… soon it will all be bound and available for kids everywhere! The arkwork by Todd Hampson is amazing, and really brings the book to life! It could be ready in about TWO WEEKS, so order your advance copies today! Every order is a huge help toward our initial printing costs and is greatly appreciated.

Here are some quotes about the book already:

Perhaps the most damaging thing about the way adults present Christianity to children is the anemia. We’ve given our children faith stripped of adventure. Karl’s new book “Order of the Ancient” changes all that. Your kids will love the high adventure and colorful characters of Karl Bastian’s universe. – Larry Shallenberger, Erie, PA

It’s not often you come across a book that has excellent morals and an excellent storyline. Pastor Karl presents a believable, adventursome boy with whom kids (and adults!) can relate. Reading this book will not only entertain you, it will present you with truths that challenge you to view your life and relationship with God in a different light. Good luck putting it down! – Melissa Hunt, Centerville, OH

“Why?” It’s the question that all kids ask, but for Brent, it leads to the most incredible answer possible. Your kids will find themselves swept away to a place in the not so distant future where God is forgotten by the mainstream populace. As they read this incredible story, they will find their faith challenged, strengthened, and anchored in a very powerful truth: God’s Word is precious and powerful! Do yourself a favor and purchase several copies to hand out to all of your family and friends. What I want to know is when do we get to see the made for TV movie, comic books, action figures, t-shirts, Monopoly Games, and other cool spin-off stuff from this most excellent of children’s literature. I can’t wait for the sequel and maybe even a prequel. – Tony Waller, Jonesboro, AR

I loved this book! Spiritual lessons delicately interwoven with a fascinating story. Who is this Sovereign and what did he do to make people take such high risks in following him? It makes you wonder! I believe kids of all different backgrounds will love the story of Brent getting answers to (some of) his many questions. – Els Zuidweg, Amsterdam (NL)

I just finished. WOW! I thought it was great – you’ll have to write a sequel!! My church group loved the book as well. How refreshing to have a group of kids so into a book of this nature. Thanks! – John and Cindy Martin, Virginia Beach, VA

For more info visit: www.orderoftheancient.com
DON’T MISS THE PAGE WITH THE COOL WALLPAPER DOWNLOADS!

Well, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… I hope! My novel is now at the printer and will be in print by the end of November! (hopoefully sooner) We have opened up advance sales so that those eager to get their hands on it, can!

For complete details visit the SPECIAL OFFER on Kidology.org, or check out the OrderoftheAncient website! This is a GREAT DEAL – free shipping and a great low price for ten copies, PLUS a FREE signed copy, for a total of 11 copies at one low low price. This will greatly help us offset the initial printing cost, so we will appreciate and celebrate every order!

Post your feedback on the book and/or website as well, and it may get included in some marketing materials. (Your chance to be famous!) Looking forward to hearing from y’all.

This novel is the result of several years of work and included the help of a few key friends who offered help on plot/writing/editing/etc. But the idea came to me after seeing the first Harry Potter movie – I loved the movie and even the moral lessons it contained, BUT did not like the foundation of witchcraft… then I included my own fascination with Star Wars and decided to isolate the elements of what makes GREAT stories that kids (and adults) love… the greatest ‘danger’ of Harry Potter is not so much in the reading of the books, but in the imitating of Harry and his friends, kids end up dabbling in witchcraft… whereas imitating Jedi is pretty harmless (No, Mom, I do not have to clean my room…. just won’t work! ) – but I began to think… THEN IT HIT ME – all the elements of Great Stories EXIST IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – but we just don’t realize it, or appreciate then, precisely because they are real….what if there was a story that had all the elements of Great Stories (good vs. evil, and ancient tradition, a young hero mentored by a wise older sage, supernatural powers and miracles, great battles and mystery) but where if KIDS IMITATED the characters, they would actually be practising the Spiritual Disciplines! I wrote the middle chapter of the book that night and passed it around church, and the feedback was overwhelming positive, “Karl, you’ve got to finish this!” It took awhile, but with the help of some friends, it is finally ready to offer to you, my friends….

The Order of the Ancient

BOOK JACKET:
It is over 100 years in the future. There is One government. There is One church. And finally, after centuries of turmoil, the world is finally free of the one religion that caused all the problems… the Christians are no more. Truth has been traded in for prosperity. But there is a Remnant. They walk among us. They wield a great power. And slowly the tide of history is being drawn toward it’s ultimate conclusion. Indeed, Truth has not been eliminated, only purified and focused. These are the Chronicles of the Remnant.SCOPE and PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of this book is to give a new perspective on living as a Christian in today’s ever increasingly secular culture. While it is written for grade school kids, its perspective and message is ageless. It strives to create a new appreciation for the power of Scripture and prayer by moving them to a time when neither is prevalent and are not everyday occurrences taken for granted. It’s purpose is NOT to predict or lay out any ‘end times’ events or prophesies. These “Remnant” believers are in the same theological, biblical time period as we are – awaiting the second coming of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The only change is that both the freedom and complacency brought on the Church during the Age of Democracy is gone. The ‘Age of Democracy,’ whose keystone was Capitalism, brought great advances to the Church, but it also removed our sense of urgency, dumbed our belief in the supernatural interventions of our God, and reduced our eagerness for the return of the Messiah. But in the time of this story, with freedom removed, only genuine believers could persevere: they are The Remnant.

SNEAK PEEK TO THE OPENING OF THE BOOK: (what I wrote that first night which became the very center of the novel)The Prologue

Out of breath, he ducked into a corner, but not quite out of sight. Anyone who walked by would see him, and that just could not happen. Directly across from him was the doorway he had worked so hard to get to. Before he could open it, he had to cross the hallway where several guards was stationed not more than fifty feet from his present position. The door was only feet away, but it might as well have been a mile with those guards standing so close. He looked at the sign on the door, “RESTRICTED” and realized that once he entered that door the stakes would suddenly get higher. He was already in great danger. It was a miracle that he had gotten this far without capture, but the mission was of the utmost importance. The future of the Remnant depended upon it. It was warm in the hall, and he had relaxed his guard for a moment to catch his breath. He felt a chill go up his back as a draft from a vent below his feet sent a burst of cold air up inside the cloak that covered his youthful looking face.

He heard footsteps, and then voices. They were coming his way. There was no way he could go back the way he had come, not after… His thoughts were interrupted as the voices suddenly got louder. They must have rounded a corner and joined the guards down the hall. Now they were coming toward him!

Just months ago he would have panicked, but not now. He was a Disciple of the Redeemer, a Member of the Order of the Ancient. He knew who was ultimately in charge here. Besides, he’d had so many close calls in just the past forty minutes he knew that if the Master had allowed him to get this far, He would certainly deliver him again. The question was not ‘if’ but only ‘how’.

His Mentor was always saying to ‘look up’. While this was usually meant figuratively, he looked up and offered another intercession. Then he saw it. Recessed into the ceiling, across the hallway between him and the guards was a blast door. If it could be lowered it would block off the guards and hide him as he crossed over into the room that waited beyond the restricted door.

He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and extended his arm up toward the blast door. With his palm outstretched and his fingers slightly curled, he concentrated. He had to summon enough Faith. He interceded for the power in the way of his Mentor. He had never moved anything this large before, but if a mustard seed could move a mountain, he only needed a few molecules of faith. He took a deep breath, and interceded for the strength he needed. He could feel his spirit buoyed by the many that were interceding for him at that very moment. But nothing happened.

The voices got louder. A drop of sweat formed on his forehead. Was that doubt creeping up? Or fear? He could not allow his spirit to be distracted. He focused harder, but the blast door would not move. Then, in his mind he saw a number, 2911. What was that? He tried to ignore it and focus on the blast door. But it would not go away. Was it a reference to the Book of Books? He had only seconds before he would be discovered. But the number burned on the inside of his eyelids. He opened his eyes and saw the unmoving blast door. He knew that sometimes the Counselor chose to say ‘no’. After all, the Power belongs to the Sovereign, not His followers. He could only connect to it, not command it. He was wondering what use he would be to the Sovereign if he was captured, when he noticed a keypad on the wall right next to him. Time seemed to stop as he lowered his hand to the keyboard. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see the guards appearing before him. They were looking at each other as his fingers typed 2911 into the keypad instinctively. The guards heads started to turn toward him as the blast door suddenly came surging down and sealed into the floor with a loud sucking sound and deep thud. Josiah rushed across the hall and using the key card he had been given by Jeremiah, he entered the Restricted Archive room. It was dark. He reached over to the wall and passed his hand over where the infrared light sensor should be and instantly the room was flooded with light. He was startled by the light, but as his eyes adjusted, his heart suddenly sank. In the middle of the room stood a cylinder pedestal with an enclosed glass case. Inside the glass, levitating and rotating slowly was the object of his mission! But throughout the room, in every conceivable place stood an armed guard pointing his weapon at him. A tall gaunt man with a wickedly evil smile stood in the back of the room with an obvious satisfaction. It was a trap and he had taken the bait.

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