The Light
My name is Samuel Joshua King, I'm 15 that has excepted the Lord as my savior at the age of 7. I know the bible front to back by memory and I go to St. Paul's Lutheran School plus I attend St. Paul's Lutheran Church. I'm going to tell you a story that you've only read about in fictional books but with one thing different it truly happened to me. I have two best friends Hannah and Daniel and I've known Hannah since we were five Daniel since we were seven the day we all accepted the Lord as my savior.
We just got out of school for summer vacation. Hannah and Daniel were coming to my house so we could ride our bikes to Hannah's grandparents farm to go camping. Hannah and I were waiting for Daniel to show up with the tent. I love to eat so the two coolers full of food that my mother had prepared was already dropped off at the farm. And Daniels late as usual when we want to go somewhere. Hannah must have been reading my mind because she looks at me “ I don't think there has been one single time Daniels being on time,” she said.
“ True, he probably would be late for his own wedding if he can ever find a girl to put up with him.”
“ You got that right.” We both started to laugh.
I will give you some more information about us. We live in Cullman, Alabama. We have Ave Maria Grotto here. It's a landscaped 4 acre Park in an Old Quarry on the grounds of Saint Bernard Abbey. It provides a garden setting for 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous religious structures of the world. It's really cool being able to see the things you read about in the Bible.
“Hey, here he comes finally,” she said looking down the street.
He was coming around the corner carrying the tent across his lap. “That looks like a different tent from the last time we went camping, this one looks bigger,” she said.
Daniel looked like he was out of breath when he rode into my yard. “Dang; that was fun carring this tent. I had to stop a couple time to readjust it on my lap,” Daniel said.
“Is that a new one,” she asked.
“Yea, the other one got a big rip in it somehow.”
"By the looks of this one you should be able to stay on yourside and not taking up my space as well," I said.
“Very funny, ha! ha! Now will you help me here. This one is heavier?”
I go to help him with the tent. “It's true Daniel, remember when my Mom and Dad took us to the Christmas concert. You took up the back seat when you fell asleep,” she said.
“You're not going to let me live that down are you?”
“Nope, but we still love you,” she said smiling.
“Lets let him rest awhile before we go to your grandparents Hannah.”
“Okay.”
“Thanks you two.” He sits next to Hannah and I go to get us some cokes. Mom was standing in the door when I turned around to go in. “This tent is alot bigger then the other one. I got to find an easier way to carry it on my bike Daniel said to Hannah.”
Mom follows me into the kitchen. “Why can't I take you in the truck. You can put your bike's and everything else in back that you're taking.”
“Let me ask them Mom.” I grab the cokes then head back out on the porch. I give them their cokes then sit on the other side of Hannah. “Mom said she would take us in the truck.”
Mom had come back out on the porch with us. “That would be cool with me Mrs King,” Daniel said taking a big drink.
“We could get there faster since we're running late,” Hannah said while looking at Daniel. “I'll grab our backpacks,” she said drinking the last of her coke then getting up.
“Come on Daniel we'll get the bike's and tent load in the truck.”
“Okay. I'll get my purse,” Mom said going back into the house.
We loaded the truck then 15 minutes later we were on the road to the farm. When we got out of the truck I got a whiff of bacon cooking from the house. My stomach started to growl as I started taking the bikes out of the back of the truck then I saw Hannah's grandmother come out.
“Rachel! I wasn't expecting you back so soon since you dropped the coolers off yesterday,” Hannah's grandmother said.
“Hi Ruth, I decided to drop them off,” Mom said going to Ruth and hugging her.
“I have breakfast almost done, why don't you stay and have some with us Rachel?"
“I don't want to intrude.”
“Nonsense, we didn't get to talk much yesterday when you dropped off the coolers. I'm free today if you want to stay and keep me company.”
“Sounds good, I'm free too that's why I dropped them off,” she said then looks at Daniel and winks at him.
Hannah and I saw what Mom did then we looked at eachother and started laughing. Ruth looked at both of us. “What's so funny you two?”
“Sam told me a joke Grandma.”
“He did! What's the joke Samuel?”
I had to think quick. “How do you make Holy water?”
She thought alittle bit. "I don't know. How do you make Holy water?"
“Get regular water and boil the devil out of it.”
“Very funny." She starts to laugh. “Oh my,” she said wiping her eye's. “Lets go in and I'll make you your plates.”
As we follower her in I will tell you why Mom really brought us. Daniel was supposed to be at my house at 6am and I wanted to be at the farm by 6:45am. He finally showed up at the time I wanted to be at the farm. With Mom taking us we got there at 7:45am. Mom already made Hannah and me eat breakfast. Knowing that Daniel probably didn't eat much and I like to eat I didn't say anything plus I love Ruth's cooking as well. “I'm going to use the bathroom,” I said then went in the livingroom to go down a small hallway to the bathroom. As I was passing the livingroom window I looked out and saw a man across the road standing wearing all black clothes looking towards the house. "Mrs. Matthews do you know this person across the road," I hollered.
She comes out of the kitchen and stands next to me looking out the window. "What person Samuel," she asked still looking out the window.
I look at her. "The man in black clothes across the road." I look back at the man.
"I don't see no one Samuel."
I look back at her then back outside. The man was gone. Mom, Hannah, and Daniel came in the livingroom and was standing behind us. "He was right there across the road," I said going to the frontdoor and stepping out onto the front porch. I look up and down the road but he was nowhere insight.
They followed me out. "What's wrong honey," Mom asked coming to my side with a worried look on her face.
"There was a man in black clothes standing across the road but Mrs. Abraham didn't see him."
"I didn't see no one Samuel," she said coming next to me too. "There's really no place to hide either."
She was right too because there was a bean field just barely starting to show. "I swear he was there," I said looking at both of them.
"I beleave you Samuel but I'm sorry I didn't see him and I don't know where he could of went to either."
"I wonder who he was that you saw," Hannah asked.
"I've never seen him before but I did feel that there was something strange about him."
"I will tell Jonah when he gets home to keep an eye out for him now let's go eat before it gets cold," Ruth said.
"I'll be right there, I still haven't used the bathroom." As they go back in I take one final look then head to the bathroom. As I came back I stop and look out the window. Across the road the man was standing but this time he raises his hand then bows, as he rises back up He's smiles and vanishes in thin air. My heart starts to pound faster and I start to shake. I was about to holler for them to come but he was gone so I get myself under control and go back to the kitchen.
As I walk in Ruth turns from the stove. "Sit, overeasy right?"
"You remembered."
"I should, I've fed you enough," she said smiling.
"I love your cooking." I look at mom then lean over and kiss her on the cheek. "I love your cooking too Mom."
"I know honey," she said smiling. "I know you love to eat."
"You love anybody's cooking if they cook for you," Hannah said smiling.
"Hey, I'm still growing. I need fuel for my body," I said smiling.
"You can eat all that fatty food and never get fat," Hannah said.
"He eats and it turns to muscle. I eat and I get a belly plus he don't even exercise," Daniel said.
"I'm just glad our families don't have to worry about money or we would be in trouble putting food on our table's to feed you," Hannah said smiling.
We all started laughing. "That's foresure," Ruth said setting a full plate in front of me.
"I love the way you make your pancakes," I said taking a bite. She adds small pieces of bacon with cinnamon. While we finished eating we talked about the camping trip. My mind kept wondering back to the guy in black. I wonder who and what he wanted if he was really there or my eye's playing tricks on me. "You guy's ready?"
"I'm ready," Daniel said.
"Me too," Hannah said.
"Thank you Mrs. Abraham. That was amazing," I said.
"You're welcome Samuel."
"Thank you Mrs. Abraham. I wasn't able to eat before I left home," Daniel said.
"You're Welcome Daniel."
"Thanks Grandma, I love you," Hannah said giving her a hug and kiss on her cheek.
"Love you honey," Ruth said hugging her and kissing her back. "You have fun," she said hugging all of us and kissing our cheeks.
"Becareful honey especially if that man you saw is still around," Mom said hugging me tight.
"We will Mom but I didn't tell you this before. When I came back from the bathroom I looked out the window and the man was back."
"What was he doing honey?"
"He was standing in the same place but this time he waved at me then vanished."
"What do you mean vanished?"
"Like I said, he was standing there then he was gone in thin air, he vanished."
She's looks at me with fear in her eye's. "I don't think the three of you should go camping now," she said looking at Ruth and holding me tighter.
"Rachel's right, if you saw this man vanish there's a power here that I can't explain and that scares me."
"I promise we will be safe. We've had this planned for month's and no strange man even if you didn't see him." I look at Ruth then at mom who had my hands in hers. "He don't scare me and you know I can handle myself."
Even though I'm only 15, I'm already 6'1" and 225 pounds of pure muscle. Only my family knows that I can bench press 350 and leg press 600 pounds without working up a sweat. Like Daniel said I don't exercise so I don't know where my strength comes from. All this started when I was 12 and every year since I've grown stronger. Mom and Dad has taken me to top specialist in the country and they keep saying I'm the healthiest person they've ever seen. They're right too, I've never been sick a day of my life or hurt in anyway. It's like I have a guardian angel watching over me.
"I'm not scared either Grandma, you know how excited I've been to go. Please let us go?" Hannah hugs Ruth.
"That guy don't even bother me Mrs. King and Mrs. Abraham plus we're not that far from the house either," Daniel said looking at both of them.
"Come on Mom and Mrs. Abraham we will be safe."
Mom looks at Ruth who nods her head yes then back at me. "Okay, you three can go but becareful and keep your eye's and ears open for any signs of trouble." She hugs and kisses me on my cheek. "Promise me you will be okay."
"I promise we will be okay Mom. Thank you and I love you."
"Thank you Mrs. King and Mrs. Abraham," Daniel said.
"Thank you Grandma and Mrs. King. I love both of you," Hannah said looking at both of them then gave them a big hug.
"Your Grandfather will be home soon. I will let him know what's going on and expect him to check on you alot. Now you're going to take a walkie talkie with you," Ruth said going to the kitchen counter and pulling a drawer open. "These walkie talkies go up to 25 miles. I want you to carry it on you at all times," she said pulling two out and handing me one.
"Okay, thank you," I said taking it and hooking it to my belt. "You two ready because I sure am?"
"I am," Hannah said smiling then hugs her grandma and my mother.
"Me too and thank you again Mrs. King and Mrs. Abraham," Daniel said going to both of them giving them a hug.
We go outside and grab our stuff, leaving our bikes at the house we head to the campsite. As we were heading down the path I noticed Daniel having alittle problem carrying the tent. "Here! You want me to help you with that?"
"I got it but thanks for asking."
"You're welcome. I can't wait to get it set up."
"It's a six man tent with a closed in screen section so we can sit in and not get eaten up by mosquitoes," Daniel said smiling.
"Wow, that's alot bigger then the other one," Hannah said.
"I'm glad it's not far from the house because we still got the coolers to get yet and I will do that while you and Hannah set up the tent. I will leave the walkie talkie with you Daniel," l said as we walk into the campsite.
"I always loved coming here. It's so beautiful and peaceful plus Grandpa always keeps the pond clean so we can go swimming," she said stopping and looked around.
"You got that right, this is my favorite place to come to." I turn to Daniel. "Here Daniel," I said handing him the walkie talkie. "Let them know I'm on my way back to get the coolers then when I get back I will get some firewood."
"Sounds like a plan," Daniel said taking the walkie talkie.
As I head back I get the feeling that someone or something was watching me. I stop and look around but I didn't see no one. I try to shake the feeling but it wouldn't go away as I start to walk again. When I get closer to the house the feeling did leave. On the porch I saw Mom talking to both the Abrahams. "Hi Mr. Abraham."
"Hi Samuel, you getting the coolers and what's this Ruth and Rachel is telling me about a man you saw watching our place?"
"He was dressed all in black but I couldn't see his face and if I had to guess he was Mom's age maybe alittle older. There was a strange feeling coming from him but what really was strange was the second time I saw him. He waved like he saw me then vanished into thin air."
"I beleave you Samuel and I wished I knew who he was. I will let all our friends know to keep a watch out for him. I will be checking on the three of you."
"Thank you. Oh Hannah said she love's you," I said then bent down and put the other cooler on top of the other one.
"Welcome Samuel and tell her I love her too. You need help with them? They look pretty heavy."
"I got them but thank you for the offer,and I will tell her," I said bending at the knees to pick them up like they weighed nothing.
"Before you head back I need a favor," Mr. Abraham said.
I look at him. "Bye Mom and Mrs. Abraham.
"Bye honey have fun and I will see you Saturday."
"Have fun Samuel," Ruth said.
They wave as Mr. Abraham walks with me to the path. "What do you need help with Mr.Abraham?"
"I need your help to put hay up in the loft later on next week. Would you please help me do that?"
"Yes! I would be happy to help you just call me when you're ready to do it."
"Thank you Samuel, I will do just that. It amazes me still where your strength comes from," he said shaking his head. "You three have fun and I will come and see how you're doing later."
"You're welcome Mr. Abraham and we will see you later."
He heads back to the house as I go back down the path. When I got awaze down the path the feeling came back of someone watching me. I look around but I still don't see no one. As I get closer to the campsite the feeling diminishes. I put the coolers next to our backpacks and go to where they were setting up the tent. "You still amaze me at how strong you are. Those coolers looked light to you when they weigh probably 100 pounds maybe more with both together," Hannah said.
"They were light and it amazes me that I can do what I do. This last week it seems my strength has increased and I don't know why. Do you need any help with the tent or can I go get the firewood?"
"We're almost done by the time you get back we will be done," Daniel said.
"We've got it," Hannah said.
"Hey! don't forget this," Daniel said holding the walkie talkie out to me.
"You keep it, I will be okay and I won't be far," I said then went to get the wood. For some strange reason I didn't see any wood close to the campsite and that was very strange because Mr. Abraham and I cut some tree's down earlier that spring where they had enough time to dry so we would have it when we came camping.
I walk farther into the woods finally seeing a tree that looked like it got hit by lightning on the otherside of the creek. I found some rocks sticking up in the the creek so I crossed there. I knew this was going to take some time getting the wood back. I estimated that I was a half a mile from the campsite. As I bend over to pick up a couple logs, I start to feel a tingling go through my body then a bright light surrounded me.
I raise back up looking up into a beam of light coming through the clouds that wasn't there a minute ago. "Don't be afraid Samuel, for the Lord your God is with thee wherever thee go."
I drop to my knees with my hands together in prayer. "What do you want of me Lord?"
"Thee spirit of your Lord is with thee. Your strength is that of Samsons."
"Why is this bestowed on me my Lord?"
"Thee Father of lies has sent his minions to do evil against thou who is weak. You will prevent this from happening."
"Why me my Lord, I'm only a 15 year old kid?"
"Your heart is pure. You won't be alone, Hannah and Daniel will be by thou side. They will be thee eye's."
"Lord, I saw a man in black but no one else saw him. Who is he my Lord?"
"Thee Father of lies Satan himself, he will appear in many forms. Thee will have thee power to see his true form."
"Will Hannah and Daniel have the power to see his true form?"
"They will."
"How will I fight his minions?"
A flash of light hits the ground in front of me then there was a wooden staff floating in mid-air. "Thou will use thee."
I reach out and take it then I feel the power of the staff follow through me. "I don't know how to use it my Lord."
"This is thee staff of Arron. Stand! Use it."
I stand feeling the power flowing through me. I start moving the staff around, doing things I've only seen Master's do. I was going from one move to the next faster and more precise then a true Master. "How did I do that Lord," I asked now holding the staff at my side.
"Thee is my vessel for good. I will send an angel to give you guidance."
"How will I know?"
"Thee will know." Then another flash of light and there was a belt with a foot long slender leather holder on it hanging on a branch. I take in my hands then I feel power going through it too and I put it on.
"This will hide it until thee needs it. Speak in Hebrew thee word shrink.
I speak the Hebrew word and it appears in the holder at my side. "How do I make it bigger?"
"Touch it."
I touch it and it appears in my hand full length. I speak the Hebrew word and it's back in it's holder. "Go be with your friends." Then the light around me was gone.
I look up and the clouds dispersed. I stand there looking around fully at peace. I pick up the logs I dropped and head back. As I get closer I noticed logs everywhere. "My Lord, I won't let you down. Thank you for what you have provided me in this time of need. Amen." When I was insight of the campsite. I saw a man talking to Hannah and Daniel. I knew who it was at first sight. Archangel Michaels who commands legions of angels, all serving on the first ray of protection, faith, and the will of God.
Michael looks my way and Hannah and Daniel turn towards me. "Michael told us what's going down with the Father of lies," Hannah said.
"Thank you Michael," I said walking up to them and putting the logs down.
"You're welcome Samuel."
"Michael even told us that you have the strength of Samson. So that's why you are so strong," Daniel said.
"The Lord has already told me. Are you afraid of what Michael told you," I asked looking at Hannah.
"Alittle but I know the Lord will protect us," Hannah said looking from me to Michael.
"Remember when I arrived and the light surrounded both of you. The Lord gave you special powers as well. Samuel has the most power but you two have powers of your own and strength to match."
"I felt something go through my body. I was at peace and I do feel different too," Daniel said.
"I felt it too and I feel different too," Hannah said.
I look at both of them and they had muscles that they didn't have before. I look at Michael and he nods his head. "We are the Lord's vessels against the Father of lies and his minions." I touch my staff and it appears in my hand.
"So cool," Hannah said.
"This is Arrons staff," I said as I whirl it around. Then I say the Hebrew word an it's back in it's holder.
"Wow now that was very cool," Daniel said.
"I know, I'm going to get the rest of the wood."
"Go and finish what you was doing because all three of you will be starting your training.
"How will the Father of lies do it," Hannah asked.
"I will tell you when Samuel gets done." They watch me go. When I get the last of the wood stacked up by the fire pit I go and sit by them. "His demons will possess the host that's when you two step in," he said looking at Hannah and Daniel. "The possessed will be stronger but once you Daniel bind them that's when Hannah steps up and cast the demon out with the Lord's word. Samuel will do the rest."
"I've never been in a fight, none of us has and how will I bind them" Daniel asked looking at Hannah and me then towards Michael.
"Like I said you will be trained. You will be prepared for what is coming."
Michael looks at me. "Are you ready for your training?"
I look at Hannah and Daniel then stand up. Hannah and Daniel look at Michael then at me. They both stand up and move on both sides of me. "We're ready," I said then another light surrounds us and our bodies start to glow.
When the light diminished I felt more power in me. "That was the Our Lord giving you his final protection. You will know what to do from this point on. Look behind you Daniel and Hannah." We look behind us and hanging on a limb was a golden whip and Cross. "The whip is yours Daniel and the cross belongs to you Hannah. The whip is the whip of binding souls and the cross has two powers. Take these and you alone will be able to use their power's." They both step up to the tree and take their Implements of Holy power. "Hannah raise your cross above your head."
She holds it up then it glowed turning into a sword with a lion head on the hilt. The cross is used for exorcizing the demons and the sword for your protection.
"I don't know how to use it."
"You do now step over there and use it," he said pointing. She goes where he pointed then starts doing things with the sword that only masters do.
"Oh wow, I knew what to do when I start to move the sword."
"You will know how to defend yourself as well. Hold it up again." She does and it turns back to the Cross.
"That was cool," Daniel said.
"Daniel everytime you fight with your whip when not binding a host you can destroy a weaker demon on impact and the stronger one's will be slowed down but if you hit them enough you will finally destroy them too. I will tell you more later when we train." Michael then looks at me. "Arrons staff will destroy the strongest demon and I will be showing you where their weak points are so you can send them away." He looks back at Hannah and Daniel. "You two finish what you we're doing while Samuel and I train."
