Hey, guys. This story has been filling my mind for a long time, and now I finally decided to write it. I'm feeling really depressed (not clinical or anything like that). A few weeks ago, a couple at my church had to deliver twins prematurely into the mom's pregnancy, and neither twin survived. That was a hard blow, and I overheard my mom saying that the mother of the twins was sitting at the back of the church during this Sunday's service, just crying.

Then, even though I knew this would happen, I got news that my grandpa, who's been unemployed for almost three years and had finally gotten a temporary job we hoped would turn permanent, wouldn't have a job when the New Year starts.

So, I'd really appreciate it if you'd pray for our church, specifically for that couple (Brianna and Ryan), and for my family.

This story is based on an "Adventures In Odyssey" episode that had me crying the first time I listened to it. Read on and keep waiting for the chapters to come if you want to find out why.

Chapter 1: An Unexpected Phone Call

Jay yawned, stretching himself out like a cat as he relaxed his sore muscles. "Man, does that feel good," he said aloud. His bedsprings let out quiet, contented squeaks as he rolled over, releasing another yawn. "All I need is to replace this bed for a bounce-house bed and I'll be in business."

But just before he could curl up and let his heavy eyelids fall shut, his phone made a series of loud honks that jerked the Ninja of Lightning out of his torpor. "Who the heck would be calling me now?" he muttered, sliding his personalized smart-phone out of his pants pocket. "Probably nobody I'd know, otherwise they wouldn't try to call me right after training."

He answered his phone, yawning again. "Jay Walker speaking."

"Hi, Jay." Jay's eyes widened. He recognized the caller's voice, someone he hadn't heard in years. "Alex?!" Alex Azam was his best friend from his old town, Wintergate. They'd been friends as far back as Jay could remember. But after he moved to Ninjago City and became a ninja, he hadn't heard from Alex in years.

"The one and only." Jay grinned. "How are you doing, old friend? It's been forever!"

"I'm doing all right, I guess," Alex replied. "But unfortunately, Jay, I didn't call to catch up. I've got something I need to tell you."

Jay was a little disappointed, but he shrugged it off. "Okay, shoot."

"Well, I got a job as a mail carrier in your parents' neighborhood," Alex began.

"Oh, yeah, I remember my dad saying something about that the last time I called," Jay recalled. "Have you seen my parents lately?"

"That's what I need to tell you," Alex said. He sounded nervous. "I was delivering mail on your parents' street, and I just saw an ambulance leave."

"From my parents' street?" Jay frowned.

"Well, actually, it was from your parents' house," Alex confessed.

Jay sighed. "Did Mr. Foster have another asthma attack at their Bible study group?" he asked. He'd visited his parents enough to attend several of their Bible studies, and had ended up witnessing one of Mr. Foster's asthma attacks.

"Um, no," Alex said nervously.

"Then where are my parents?" Jay was feeling tense himself.

"Well, your mom is okay-" Jay could hear Alex clap a hand over his mouth. He immediately knew something was wrong.

"Where's my dad?" Jay demanded.

"He was . . . um . . . on the stretcher," Alex said quietly.

"WHAT?!" Jay was shocked and terrified at the same time

"I was trying not to freak you out!" Alex said hastily.

"Look, just stop trying not to freak me out and tell me what happened!" Jay had a hand on the shirt of his collar and was clenching it frantically.

"Your dad was on the stretcher that they loaded into the ambulance that just took off for Ninjago City General Hospital," Alex said quickly.

With a yelp of dismay, Jay shoved his phone into his jacket pocket and dashed out of his room. He sprinted right past his five teammates, Sensei Wu, and Misako, and out the door for his motorbike, grabbing his helmet and biking gloves as he ran. "Jay?" Lloyd called, but his friend didn't hear him; he had already revved up the engine of his bike and sped off.

"Where's he going off to in such a hurry?" Cole wondered, frowning.

Zane checked his monitor. "His motorbike has a tracking device on it," he explained when the others gave him a confused look. "He is on his way to Ninjago City General Hospital," Zane said, confused.

"Why would he be going there?" Lloyd mused.

"I'll go after him," Nya said decisively.

Kai sighed. "There's no talking you into taking one of us with you, is there?"

"'Fraid not, big brother," Nya said. "It's probably best if I go after him alone." With that, she turned and ran out the door for her own motorbike.

Once the others were sure Nya was gone, they glanced at each other. "She doesn't really expect us to stay behind, does she?" Cole said.

Zane rolled his eyes. "To borrow the slang term, duh."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Lloyd exclaimed. "Jay might be in trouble, and we're just standing around like a bunch of dumb clucks! Let's go!"

"Dumb clucks? Really?" Kai muttered, facepalming before running after his teammates.

#God's Not Dead!