Chapter One

Rayford Steele sighed heavily as he took control of the Boeing 747. The plane had left O'Hare International Airport and was heading to Heathrow Airport in England. Rayford knew his job as a pilot was simultaneously riveting and demanding. It often kept him busy and occupied, and it admittedly caused him to neglect his wife and son at times. Rayford didn't intend for that to happen, but his job was completely beyond his control. Rayford knew that he should eventually find time for his wife, Irene, and son, Ray Jr. He would think of something, hopefully.

He had attended New Hope Village Church a handful of times, simply out of obligation, not because he really wanted to. Rayford didn't buy into the religious stuff like his wife did, and he honestly thought some of the other people that attended New Hope Village Church were hypocrites. They didn't act any better than he did.

Rayford never told Irene what he personally thought. He kept his opinion to himself. Rayford honestly didn't want any part of the Christian lifestyle, thinking it was all just gibberish. Rayford also didn't want to ruin the enthusiasm his son, Raymie, had towards church. Rayford didn't understand why Raymie felt so excited about going, but he wasn't going to get in the way of what Raymie thought made him happy.

Rayford was too fixated on his job as a pilot to worry about anything else. Recently, Irene and Raymie had became Preterists. This happened after Irene had listened to the senior pastor at New Hope Village Church, Vernon Billings. Dr. Billings had recently become a Preterist and was convinced that Jesus Christ had returned in 66 AD and finished his work in 70 AD by destroying the temple in Jerusalem.

Rayford was happy for his wife and son, but that didn't mean he had to go along with it. He could tolerate their beliefs, but he wasn't sure if he himself would go along with it.

The senior flight attendant, Hattie Durham, was busy comforting the passengers as they feel asleep in their respective classes. Hattie had flirted with Rayford a few times, but he had to make sure that he made it clear that he wasn't interested. He wasn't about to cheat on his wife.

Rayford recalled a conversation that he recently had with his wife. Irene was pleading with him to believe in the truth about Preterism.

"It's obvious, Rayford", Irene said. "Jesus already returned."

"It's one man's opinion, Irene", Rayford said. "Surely not everyone in New Hope Village Church agrees."

Irene seemed frustrated. "It's clear that the verses Billings brought up show that Christ would return in their day. Jesus already returned, his work is finished and over."

Rayford sighed, clearly not wishing to discuss this.

"I'll have to think about it, Irene. I have a flight to take care of in a few days. Don't worry about it. I'm sure I'll make up my mind."

Rayford thought that maybe someday he would accept the truth about Preterism and the fact that Jesus already returned. But, he would have to wait and see the evidence for himself.