Mystery in the Jungle

     The sun painted streaks of pale blue and yellow through the morning sky. Birds were awake, singing to anyone appreciative enough to listen. The moon was full and bright as it still sat high in the western sky.

     John listened intently. He was used to the sounds of the jungle, something he would actually miss. Gone were the distractions of machines. However, he prayed that they would soon be getting back to the plane that would take them back to their world–civilization.

     Suddenly he was aware of something new–silence. The singing had abruptly stopped, but why? Birds go silent as a survival instinct, he thought. He listened more intently, as the ground would be soft, muffling any footsteps.

     There! In the brush – a slight movement. He focused his eyes to one side of the dark, heavily vegetated area hoping to catch something in his peripherals. Behind about fifty yards, vines and branches moved in one direction as a few stealthy figures filed through. John estimated six people moving in the direction of the clearing. With any concentrated effort, the group would discover them. He nudged Steve, who had suffered with a fever since midnight.

     “Wake up,” John whispered, placing his hand over his buddy’s mouth. He waited a moment for Steve to recover from the surprise. “There are people heading our way. You’ll have to keep quiet.”

     All Steve could do was nod his head in agreement.

 Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

He did everything right. Then the church excommunicated him, his friends abandoned him, and the government executed him. What happened next will shock you.

He did everything right. He cured diseases, ended hunger, and loved the unlovable. Not only did He feel compassion for those in need, He actually met their needs and taught others to do the same. But He never received cash or Nobel Peace Prize. They simply told him to stop.

He couldn't stop. His mind was focused and his heart was determined. He knew His current course would end in personal disaster, but it would give hope to countless. He understood that he might have to give his life, but others would live.

He wasn't alone. His mission was assigned from the highest command and with utmost urgency. As a soldier leading the rescue of a lost platoon behind enemy lines, He set His mind on the goal. No one left behind.

They told him to stop, He didn't listen. They fired everything they had at him: reason, bribery, then insults, slapping, punching, lashing, piercing, and finally execution.

As He stood before his interrogator and said, "My kingdom is not of the earth."

And He kept on. He had to reach the lost behind enemy lines and knew it was more important than this life.

Without regard for his own life, He continued the mission until every order was met. In this case the orders were centuries old doctrine and prophecy outlining the tactics; avenues of approach to the ultimate goal of rescuing the lost behind enemy lines. Once He met the objective, He ended the mission on His terms. With a mighty shout He exclaimed: "IT IS FINISHED".

Though He did everything right the church excommunicated him, his friends abandoned him, and the government executed him.

Here's the shocking part; He overcame death.

Three days later His mission continued. His physical body died, but He returned as the King of another kingdom eager to rescue the lost behind enemy lines.

He forgave those who betrayed and killed him and gave them the mission.

For the next 40 days He issued instructions to his followers. First to 2, then 4, then 8, then 12, then 70, then 500. He gave them the mission: Rescue the lost behind enemy lines.

After an additional ten days, He sent reinforcements. The Holy Spirit empowered them for the mission. Though Jesus had ascended to his throne, He left a plan and a helper. Then thousands believed and they continued the mission.

Though He did everything right the church excommunicated him, his friends abandoned him, and the government executed him. But He overcame that, He triumphed over death and He lives forevermore rescuing the lost behind enemy lines. 

Jeffrey W. Bennett is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. You can see more of his writings @ www.redbikepublishing.com

Wasn't Disturbed All Night

     “Tiom, this is Tarampura, over?” Marta’s transmission came in more clearly with the improving weather.

     Jason, Sandy, Rachel, and other pilots crowded around the radio. Rachel kept busy to keep her composure.

     “This is Tiom. Go ahead,” Rachel answered. 

     “How are you holding up, break? Have you heard anything yet, over?” Marta sounded just as tired as they did, having been in constant prayer. 

     “Not yet, but we haven’t given up, over,” Rachel responded.

     “I’m so sorry, and I haven’t given up either, break. Not with all the experience these bush pilots have, break. I’m just here if you need me, over,” Marta said groggily.

     “We appreciate your staying by the radio for us, break. The pilots are going over the flight route now and plan to fly out tomorrow to search for the... the... plane, over.” Rachel sobbed.

     “Hey,” Marta replied. “It’s going to be just fine, over.”

     “Thanks,” Rachel sniffed.

     “I think we should keep the airwaves clear. So, goodnight, break. Keep me informed if you hear anything, out.” Marta signed off the radio and looked at Numah, who smiled back assuringly.

     “Thank you all for staying up with me. You should go to sleep with your families now,” Marta said under heavy eyelids.

     “No, Marta, we spoke. We each take time to listen radio. Something happen, we wake you up. You go sleep,” Numah insisted.

      Without protesting, Marta went to bed, and wasn’t disturbed for the rest of the night.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

Cold Night in the Jungle

They removed the camouflage ponchos and made a lean-to. Green and brown cover concealed their whereabouts, giving them a sense of confidence and courage. Speaking in whispers, they watched as the dismal evening turned into dark night. Each noted how the night was darker than what they were used to in America. 

There was no glow of electric lights, and in their shelter, they could barely see each other.

Sounds of the night told the story of business as usual. Nocturnal scavengers, hunters, and prey kept the darkness alive, unaware of their visitors’ fear and discouragement. The rain had let up, but they were still drenched, and with the night, cold.

“Why don’t you open that canned food? The calories will help keep us warm.” John noticed Steve’s shaking. The dampness and lowering temperatures drained his body of heat.

“I’ve got spaghetti and meatballs and some Spam,” Steve offered.

“Which do you want?”

“We can share both.” Steve’s shaking became worse.

“I think we should spoon to keep warm,” said John.

“What’s that?” Steve thought he had an idea.

“I mean, you are losing heat rapidly. This rain may be giving you hypothermia. We are drenched, and the only way to keep warm is to huddle up,” said John.

“Well, the only one I ever get close with is Rachel. Even though you are not as cute, I’ll make an exception this once.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.