.Chapter 2:    Attention!!! Attention!!!

Seating locations for the group are interesting, with Rachel seated beside Jacob Levi in the forward part of the tourist section, left side, window seat -- Sam and Sadie Cohen are just two rows behind the Monroes at the center of the plane (just behind the right wing) and Betsy and Bob are just across from each other (one row removed) in the rear left hand section of the plane. Betsy had mumbled her dissatisfaction to the new non-smoking ruling for all international flights. Secretly Bob had been thankful for it, but didn't bring it up to Betsy -- he didn't want to alienate her right off the bat!

On the plane now, there was general confusion in finding seats, getting carry-ons in the overhead and under seats. The plane was right on time -- many had noted that the government's pressure and posting of departure time for the last several years had been fairly effective to get all carriers nearer to on-time situations. Now they were taxiing into position behind several other `wide bodies' in preparation for take-off. Almost immediately Flight 820 was cleared for take-off -- actually only had to wait about 3-minutes. Then there was that very authoritative surge of power which always amazed Harold.

Rachel never really got used to flying -- she always said that take-offs and landings are `white knuckle time'. This was no exception. She was quite nervous, but subconsciously she was still hearing and reviewing the amazing things that Mr. Monroe had been telling her. Oh -- now they were airborne and the nose of the 747 was pointed straight up -- well, it seemed that way to Rachel!

Just before reaching cruising altitude, the Captain came on the intercom to let them know it was ok to get out of their seats, but recommended loosely fastening seat belts when seated -- also, that a light continental breakfast would be served shortly.

Interestingly, Rachel and Jacob had been discussing the group -- how nice it had been to meet -- they all felt very much at ease with one another. She had also brought him up to date per her conversations with Harold on the way to the plane. He, of course, was interested, but skeptical -- not too bashful about saying so. He mumbled something to the effect that: "the scriptures are ok for life and it's problems, but its crazy to lean too hard on them for `prophesy' -- ooowww!!!"

"ATTENTION!!! -- ATTENTION!!!" -- the Captain came on the public address very authoritatively -- it had only been about two-minutes since he had turned off the seat-belt sign --

The Captain continued, " -- May I have your attention. We have just received a sketchy news report that a strong earthquake struck the area of Hoover Dam at 8:31 a.m.; the Dam has a major rupture, is releasing the water of Lake Meade -- initial reports project thousands will be killed. The wave of water is reported at over 100 feet high, carrying houses, trees, boats, animals and people."

"Folks, the wave is progressing down the Colorado River basin (more or less) -- it will take many hours to dissipate itself, and the water level will be very high for many days and perhaps weeks. We will get back to you as we have added information."

Everyone was visibly shaken -- the impact was growing. Most on board had relatives or friends in the greater LA basin.

Ten minutes later, the Captain came on again " -- Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just realized that we will fly right over the epicenter area in about 28 minutes, although we may not be able to see much from 33,000 feet. All flights have been ordered to hold strictly to designated flight plans and altitudes -- without exception! Those that have telephoto lenses on your camera may be able to get some exceptional pictures -- we will try to give you adequate advance time to get set."

There was a pause -- the Captain came back on " -- I just received added word that the noted deaths may be only a drop in the bucket, since it is projected that hundreds of thousands may die in the LA basin from water and food shortages over the next few weeks. Electricity and water supplies have been drastically reduced. Backup power may be inadequate -- the basin will have to operate on about 30 to 40% of normal power and water at best! Scientists at Cal Tech say the initial quake magnitude was 7.9 -- very large and at a critical location."

Rachel finished her breakfast quickly. She wanted to talk to Mr. Monroe. She made her way to the Monroes -- finding them in deep conversation about the earthquake and the related flood progressing down the Colorado River, as they too finished their food.

"Oh, hello Rachel, -- terrible about Hoover Dam. We were just considering and praying for some of our dear friends that live right in the line of that wave going down the Colorado. It'll probably take other flood control dams out too. Terrible -- apparently only the `tip of the iceberg' though".

Rachel commented to Harold, "This certainly seems to fit the pattern that you described earlier -- increased quakes -- last year 14 at or over Richter 6.0, going for 50 or so this year. This one today will certainly get everyone's attention."

"Ummmm", Harold moaned.

"Mr. Monroe", Rachel falteringly ventured, "does this all really fit somehow into the End Time situation?"

Just then Jacob Levi and Betsy appeared at Rachel's elbow -- big question marks all over their faces. They had heard Rachel's last few words and asked also for clarification -- what does all this mean?

It was almost impossible to talk at their seats so Mr. Monroe suggested "Let's all go and stand in the open area back by the galley -- the stewardesses seem to be clear of that area now". That turned out good, they were able to talk and be heard much better.

Rachel was anxious to hear what Mr. Monroe had to say about the recent developments, asking questions seemingly in bunches, " -- did the earthquake fit -- how does this all effect Israel??"

"Whoa Rachel", Mr. Monroe said, " -- take a breath!! You've asked at least two big questions -- each is complicated at best. First, -- yes, every `societal' earthquake of Richter 6.0 or greater is significant to me. Since 1975 the projection of such quake quantities has been growing essentially exponentially -- approximately every three years to a new peak value at least 50% larger than the last peak value. Remember, I told you that 1986 had reached 25 per year, and last year there were 14 as Rachel had noted just a few minutes ago. We can expect this to go to about 50 this year or next. Remember, these numbers say nothing explicitly about deaths or damage, only implicitly shout such probability. Today's may well prove the worst ever for total lives lost due to an earthquake -- even though the worst will probably be the result of delayed or later starvation and thirst."

"How about Israel?" Rachel interrupted.

"Related to Israel, Rachel, -- my studies of God's Word have lately (last few years) pointed up that some very great (probably fantastic or `crazy' to some) situations will probably happen soon. I must say, `probably', since God is very creative and I only know in part -- but it will be just as He said!"

"Bless your heart, Rachel, you live in Israel. You have told us (and Jacob confirmed it rather vividly) that you have seen and others report `sightings' of `crazies', etc. Maybe! Maybe not! -- crazies that is!!"

With that remark, Harold asked that he be allowed to `fall back and re-group'. "You know", he said, "I told you that God told The Prophet Daniel key End Time events related to The Abomination of Desolation happening. Very specifically so. Well, that He did, and He further told The Prophet Daniel that this was all sealed up until much later -- there would be increased knowledge. Jesus clarified this and noted that earthquakes were also a key part of the End Time scene."

"Well sir, and 'mam', -- if you chase this all down, you find that it leads (backwards) from Daniel to Ezekiel to the resurrection of the whole house of Israel, with David as her King for a while, and then to be Israel's Prince forever."

"The whole house of Israel, Rachel -- can you imagine? I really can't! But then, perhaps if some leadership with knowledge of this were to come on the scene to prepare the land and people to accept the whole house of Israel (30 or 40 million perhaps) -- what would it look like? -- Crazies?!! Yes, I dare say!! Weirdo's, for sure!!"

They were all talking at once -- finally, Jacob prevailed. "Mr. Monroe, if this is a pattern -- if there is a plan, -- and you note I say if -- where is it leading ultimately?"

"Ultimately, Jacob, -- to the Return of Messiah to rule and reign here on earth for 1,000 years -- after which ETERNITY will start. There will be a new heaven and a new earth -- the old will be destroyed by fire!"

"More to the point right now, Jacob", said Mr. Monroe, "is the question of how to deal with King David, The prophet Ezekiel, The Prophet Daniel, Moses, The Prophet Samuel, and many, many more (like 30 to 40 millions of the 12 tribes). Just how will your Knesset handle such intrusion? That is really the immediate question."

"What an opportunity is ours, on this trip to Israel to `objectively' as possible evaluate the situation. Keep in mind that today's earthquake, and many more to come, will probably serve to mask what is happening there in Israel. As more and more quakes occur, there will be less and less power, electricity and gasoline, etc. Probably, planes and cars will be idled -- travel will decrease to only that which is essential -- eventually to nil. Wars will cease, -- except by sword and shield, etc. Can you imagine the frustration of world power leadership? -- will there be a lot of concern about Israel then? -- probably not!"

Jacob was getting more and more uneasy --- this, he thought, is idiotic -- can't be! Yet, in all honesty, there have been several `points on the curve' that seem to add up. Certainly his people, the orthodox Jews at least, are looking for the Messiah, -- are expecting Him to come to lead them. Sure raises some questions; how would the Messiah be received? -- what pre-cursor might there be? Interesting thoughts.

His ‘reverie' was broken by the Captain speaking.

"This is Captain Tootlidge again, -- we will be over Hoover Dam in five minutes. It will be on our left. Latest reports predict that the death toll down there is almost double the earlier prediction -- and near panic is sweeping the LA basin as severe shortages of water and food are expected."

With this, the `group' quickly headed for their seats to be ready to see the situation at Hoover Dam, wanting to `see', yet, not really wanting to believe that such a catastrophe could have happened -- be happening!!

From her window seat, on the left of the plane, Rachel was straining to see the dam -- .

"This is your Captain -- the remains of Hoover Dam are clearly in view, coming up on our left, now at about 11 o'clock to us (off our nose) -- also, we can actually see the wave as it is rushing down the Colorado on our right. We understand it has literally buried Willow Beach and a large number of other small towns as it is speeding towards Lake Mojave area. The wave should dissipate a bit before that, but very high waters are expected at Lake Mojave about 9:30 a.m. (that is in about 30 minutes from now). Lake Meade is essentially dumping completely out of control, -- estimates now indicate it will flow for weeks -- all downstream areas clear to Mexico will be effected."

Rachel had seen this view on two other occasions -- but not like this. The dam was literally crumpled and broken -- massive pieces missing. The normal river was a narrow line -- often silvery from reflected sun light, but now, it was very wide -- reaching high ground never reached before -- clearing out roads, trees, homes, etc.

Sam and Sadie, on the right side of the plane, could plainly see the frontal wave as it sped down the river bed, really only slightly guided by the original river bed. Sadie commented that it really looked like a rather gentle even peaceful thing from here.

In just a few seconds Flight 820 had left this dramatic scene behind it --

"This is your Captain again -- we can be thankful that we are well above that disastrous situation. We should all be praying for those that have been impacted and those that yet will be effected. It is expected that it will take up to five years to put the dam back in service -- the LA basin can ill afford it's loss. This can potentially shut down LA as a city. Also, most of the other cities of that basin will be similarly impacted. Only time will tell the full toll -- depends heavily upon emergency supplies and power that can be made available. Remember, this LA basin has a minimum of nuclear and other alternate sources of power -- and, essentially all water is electrically pumped into the area. We will bring you updates from time to time."

"Those of you who have loved ones in the area of the earthquake, contact one of our flight attendants and we will make every effort to get your calls through for you. If you need to make changes in your travel plans, they will be glad to help with those."

"Our planned arrival at Kennedy in New York is still 5:10 P.M.."

Sam and Sadie Cohen were just sitting close, discussing the events of the day -- they could scarcely believe the excitement they were feeling. Perhaps this seemed rather hyper because they were already fairly high related to their anticipated move to Israel soon.

"Sam, Sadie whispered " -- I'm really concerned that all of these `disassociated' things -- here and in Israel -- seem to have a significant relationship."

"Yeah", said Sam, " -- it is kind of weird the way it all seems to mesh together. Mr. Monroe certainly seems to have a handle on most of it. It's interesting, though, that he himself is really not 100% sure -- he gives God full opportunity to be God."

"I like that", said Sadie, "yet, he bothers me -- I guess it's just too literal for my blood!"

Sam interjected, " -- time will tell, honey -- we certainly will be more alert, right?!"

"Sam, when we get to New York, we'll have about two hours -- can we take a walk? -- I'm getting very restless just sitting here."

"Sure thing, honey, but why don't we go visit Rachel or someone, -- we don't need to just sit here."

"Let's go, Sam", was Sadie's immediate response.

On the way to see Rachel, they ran head on into Bob Parker -- they hadn't seen him since LAX. "Bob -- where have you been hiding?", asked Sam.

"Right here `in plain' view", Bob snorted , "pardon the intended pun".

"I need a little lightening of pressures -- it has been rather hectic -- a lot of things happening. Isn't that earthquake something?!! I tried to reach home and couldn't get through. Have to try again when we get to New York."

"Sorry you couldn't get through, trust all is ok at your home", Sadie replied. "It is frightening, really scary the way all these things seem to be fitting together,-- almost like there is a master plan of some kind."

"Plan ??" Bob said, "-- where did you get such an idea?"

"Mr. Monroe has shown us that things happening in Israel are probably paced by increased earthquakes (actually earthquake rate)."

"Oh yeah! -- mow I remember hearing something like that while we were at LAX. Do you really feel there is something to it?"

Sam spoke up, "-- well Bob -- there does seem to be some correlation, but we are all going to keep our senses open and as objective as possible. It'll be very interesting when we get to Israel -- perhaps we will have some opportunities to check into this. I hope so!"

"Umm", said Bob, "-- sounds too much, but certainly can't hurt to wait and see. You know, Sam and Sadie, I'm sort of a practical agnostic -- don't really know -- but being raised in The Church (Roman Catholic, that is), I still have some `ancient' things that poke their head into my sub-conscience every once in awhile."

"Yeah", said Sam, "-- we are a little that way ourselves, although from a Jewish heritage perspective -- we have difficulties with much of the orthodoxy that we see -- we prefer a more modern conservative position."

"But", Bob inserted, "-- you apparently go along pretty well with Mr. Monroe's position."

"Yes", Sadie was quick to say, "we are quite taken with a lot this former farmer and student of God's Word has to say. He doesn't pull any punches -- he talks to us, not down on us -- he is honest and quick to let you know where his shortcomings are --

and willing to show you why he believes the way he does."

"All the same", Sam interjected, "he is quite firm about what the Word of God says and what it says to him."

"Bob", Sam said, "looks like the movie is starting, we should return to our seats to get out of the way of others; but, we will look forward to seeing you in Israel -- by the way, here is my card -- if you like you can contact us there through our family."

"Thanks Sam, I'll try to do just that", Bob said, as they all headed for their respective seats.

"The group was apparently exhausted -- they all took advantage of the movie-time for naps. At the conclusion of the film there was just time to get to the rest room before the Captain put on the `fasten seat belt' sign in preparation for landing. They were about 30 minutes out of Kennedy -- it was 4:40 P.M. right on time.

Just before final approach, the Captain came on the intercom. "Attention please", he said, "-- just before landing I want to give you an update and some instructions. The frontal wave did dissipate itself getting to Lake Mojave, but the water level is still five feet above flood state -- and expected to stay that way for perhaps 3 or 4 weeks, while Lake Meade empties itself and `normal' Colorado River flow is reestablished. The death toll is at 7,600 and increasing every hour, expected to exceed 10,000. LA is being placed under martial law in an attempt to establish reasonable rationing of water, food, gasoline and electricity. That's it for now folks -- see you on the ground in about 15-minutes."

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