Chapter Five

Raymie Steele was twelve years old and honestly felt like God had blessed him much more than he deserved. He felt an abundance of prosperity and unity because of his beliefs in Preterism. He became a Preterist because of the tutelage and the advice of his mother, Irene Steele, and the senior pastor at New Hope Village Church, Vernon Billings. Raymie was vastly ecstatic and joyful because of his faith in Preterism. It served as an incentive to him. He felt motivated and invigorated because of his commitment towards and God and Preterism. God the Father had given him unique gifts and talents, and he would utilize those talents to faithfully serve God and Preterism.

Raymie was a sixth-grade student at Lincoln Junior High School. Raymie was a top student at his middle school and was one of the smartest students in his grade. He was in the school's chess club and was a talented player, having a chess rating of 1900.

But Raymie had no clue that on that particular morning when he woke up, he would learn devastating and tragic news that would horrify and change the world. He was not prepared for what would await him. He would realize that the days ahead would be perplexing and doleful.

Raymie woke up early that morning. His mother, Irene, was still sleeping. Raymie walked downstairs to the living room. He was feeling bored and was not feeling much torpor. Other than his commitment to Preterism, life seemed mundane with not much excitement occurring at that moment. Raymie hoped he would find something productive to work on.

As it turned out, he would not have to wait long for that.

Raymie turned on the television. The television was showing a news station. What he saw would remain with him for the rest of his life.

"It is true", the news anchor said. "Afghanistan attacked England last night, bombing the England embassy and the England parliament. Afghanistan then dropped bombs on citizens in England trying to flee the carnage. A Christian terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. They declare it as a message and plans to attack other countries and people that disagree with their beliefs."

Raymie was astounded and flabbergasted by what he was watching on the news. His mother and Pastor Billings had told him about Preterism and that Christians were abhorrent and heinous. Raymie had been aware of the animosity and bloodlust of the Christians, but he was not aware that he would experience their evil with his very own eyes at that exact time period.

Raymie continued watching the news as the anchor continued describing the violence and destruction that had occurred in England. It was quite obvious that the carnage and obliteration in England was unprecented to the reporters and had caught them off-guard.

The news anchor then continued speaking. "The Christian terrorists sent a message that they will try to force Christianity down the throats of everyone around them. Anyone that dares to defy them or fight against them shall be subsequently rewarded with death, in their own words. They plan to take over the whole world and make the entire planet oriented towards Christianity, and silence anyone that criticizes or questions them."

Well, if that did not convince him of how vile and abhorrent the Christians were, Raymie was not sure what would. These were malicious and clear threats, and he could not understand why anyone would do anything like this to anybody. Raymie knew he and the other Preterists would have to stay strong in their faith.

Just then, Irene walked into the room. She clearly had just woken up, judging from the fact that she was yawning and fatigued.

"Good morning, Raymie", Irene said. She then noticed his fearful expressions. "What's wrong?"

"You might want to see the news", Raymie said. "It is not good, I'm afraid. You might find it devastating and saddening."

Irene turned to the television and gasped when she saw the destruction caused the Christian terrorists in England. Irene was mortified and revolted by what she was seeing on the television.

"As we said, a devastating and wide-scale attack has been caused by Christian terrorists here in England. The Christian terrorists will relentlessly try to force everyone around the globe to believe in Christianity, and will take decisive and substantial action against anyone that dares to challenge them. The England embassy and the England parliament have been obliterated."

"Maybe you don't want to see this, Raymie", Irene said.

"I have to see this, Mom", Raymie said. "I need to have awareness of the intentions of the Christians and to stay strong in my faith in Preterism. I'm twelve years old, Mom. I think I am mature enough to learn about all these events."

Irene nodded. "I'd better call your father and sister and see what they think about this. Hopefully, this will convince them of the truth about Preterism."

Irene's POV

Irene Steele sat with her son Raymie on the couch as they continued to watch the news about the attack in England. Irene could only hope this would somehow convince Rayford and Chloe about the validity of Preterism.

How can people not see how evil Christianity is after this? Irene thought. How can people not see how nefarious and vile Christians truly are after these appalling events? Truly makes me wonder why more people are not accepting the truth about Preterism.