Chapter 287

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When Eve visited Jamal on January 21st she told him a dark joke she'd heard in the sector. "In the summer of 2032 a teenager, about to start his senior year of highschool, visited a psychic at a local carnival. The man asks 'I'm trying to decide where to go to college, and I'm worried about the future, can you tell me what the world will be like in five years?' The psychic responded 'I see a time of unparralleled peace, without war or sickness.' The man was amazed 'People are really living together peacefully in five years?' The psychic said 'I don't see people in this future." This joke was sick, but part of the gallows humor that people needed these days. Eve also told Jamal about recent developments in Egypt. They had completed the "Anwar Sadat Memorial Temple" on Mount Sinai. It's triangular shape contained a church, a mosque, and a synagouge at each end. The middle area had a museum celebrating the cultural traditions of each faith. In this area christians, jews, and muslims could all worship together. Eve knew that reverand Jenkins was wary of this. But Eve still found this inspiring. Their parliament was even changing the name of the country. It seemed that the word "Egypt" meant "Temple of the soul of Ptah." Ptah was an ancient pagan god largely associated with agriculture and fertility. With the end so close many feared God's wrath. Thus their parliament changed the name of their country to "Osaze." This word meant "Loved by God." The new government of Osaze was considering destroying the ancient pagan pyramids, the Spinx, and other pagan holy sites. Reverand Jenkins ha been very excited about this, he seemed happier than she'd seen him since before the raid on his safehouses. Eve hoped the news would excite Jamal. During the visit his eyes did flicker. Eve feared it was just her imagination, seeing what she wanted to see. But she called for the doctors to make sure, they came. Maybe it was the news about Osaze, maybe good medical treatment, maybe Eve's prayers. Perhaps it was all these things combined. Whatever the cause, Jamal woke up this day.

Eve was grateful that God had allowed Jamal to wake up. She stood by as the doctors examined him, made sure he was okay. Jamal seemed happy to see Eve and her baby. After they finished Eve brought Hope to see him.

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Jamal: You had your baby, a girl?

Eve: Yes. I named her Hope.

Jamal: That's a good name. So, I guess we weren't selected.

Eve: No. And we have less than six months until impact, so I don't want to waste time. I need to tell you something. I've been saved by Christ.

Jamal: You're christian now?

Eve: Yes. And I hope you also accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior.

Jamal: I am a muslim. I will not blaspheme the name of a prophet with idolatry and paganism. I'm sorry Eve, I will not abandon my faith, even for you.

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Eve spent several hours trying to convince Jamal to accept Christ. When visiting hours ended she left. She returned on Tuesday, brought little Hope, and failed to convince Jamal to become christian. When that didn't work, Eve went to see reverand Jenkins.

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Eve: I'm worried about Jamal. There's so little time until impact, but he remains stubborn.

Jenkins: He must make his own choices. All you can do is try, and pray he becomes our brother.

Eve: It seems unfair. He almost died protecting these refugees., and still he is in danger of Hell.

Jenkins: Have you ever heard of Diocletian?

Eve: It sounds familiar. Who was he?

Jenkins: The Roman emperor who legalized christianity within the empire. Diocletian was a life-long pagan, but he accepted christianity when he was on his deathbed. I believe that, because of what he did, God allowed Diocletian to live long enought o become saved. As you said, Jamal came pretty close to death. God allowed him to survive and recover in time to accept Christ.

Eve: But he hasn't, at least not yet.

Jenkins: He has free will. As did Diocletian.

Eve: I have to try, however frustrating it is.

Jenkins: I understand. I am forever grateful that God allowed me the opportunity, and for bringing me and Anne together. Did you know she was in prison?

Eve: No. For what?

Jenkins: Prostitution. She had a worse childhood than mine, but she found Christ in prison. Her parole board was skeptical, they hear a lot of jailhouse conversions, but she made good. Started a homeless shelter for children, risked her freedom to protect battered women, all before 2/4. I know that she is suffering together now, but her pain is temporary. One day, probably soon, we will be reunited in Heven.