Conquering the Land of No Return (Part 2)

After having a quick snack of beef jerky and dried mangoes from their adventure packs,  Jack and Eduardo began to survey the island and record their observations. Inaccessible Island was full of wildlife. There were tall trees, many vines, and some green bushes and shrubs. Jack and Eduardo also noticed a stream that ran deeper into the island.

“Let’s follow the stream, that way we won’t get lost.” Jack suggested.

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” replied Eduardo.

           

Jack led the way through some underbrush and Eduardo followed him. Jack tasted the stream-water and determined that it was fresh.

“At least we’ll have an abundant water supply.” Jack said.

           

The farther and deeper they went into the island, the more trees came into view. They soon had to use their army knives to clear a path for them to walk through. There were also very many bugs. Mosquitoes, flies and other insects swarmed around Jack and Eduardo and they were bitten multiple times. After applying some bug ointment, Eduardo noticed something peculiar. The skin where he had been bitten had turned a pale shade of green.

“Hey Jack, wait up! Does this look normal to you?” Eduardo asked. Eduardo showed him his

skin.

“I have never seen anything like that.... which kind of bug bit you? Jack asked.

“I have no idea, they were swarming all around me!” Eduardo exclaimed.

“We better get out of here, let’s find some shelter.” Jack ordered.

           

And that was the problem. There was no place to set up camp! Plants covered most of the land to the point where you could only see plants! As Jack and Eduardo returned to where they had started, they looked up at the sky.

“The sky’s getting dark; I think it’s going to rain!” Eduardo shouted.

           

Indeed it was. Dark clouds gathered together overhead creating an ominous shadow. Jack and Eduardo found a small patch of grass underneath some trees that would be perfect to set up their tents. Just as they were about to take their tent out of their adventure packs, the ground underneath them shook with a fury and Jack and Eduardo fell off balance. The winds picked up and soon it was howling in their ears. Then something totally unexpected happened. The grass underneath them started to sink into the ground. It was as if someone was pulling it back into the Earth! Jack and Eduardo were astonished. Soon, the trees, bushes and shrubs all began to sink into the ground. After a few hair-raising minutes, everything calmed down. The super beautiful and peaceful landscape of Inaccessible Island had simply disappeared. And replacing it was a barren rock land, just like all the photographs.

“I can’t believe this what happened? This is impossible!!” Jack yelled with disbelief.

Looking around them, all Jack and Eduardo could see were rocks. Inaccessible Island had basically been converted from a beautiful island to a rocky plain. But all was not lost. This explained the changes in landscape that the news station had reported. Jack and Eduardo concluded that Inaccessible Island probably changed like this every day. But to be sure, they would have to wait for tomorrow. Jack and Eduardo found an alcove where they would be shaded from the wind. The alcove also allowed them to see everything else that was happening on the island.

The next day, Jack and Eduardo woke up to birds singing in their ears and the sun shining brightly. They had both had a good rest and they were ready for another long day of adventure. They were putting on their adventure packs and just ready to leave when they noticed that everything was back to normal. The trees, bushes and shrubs were all there. The same stream that they had seen the day before was there. It was as if nothing had ever happened. This only proved their theory correct and both men were happy that they had discovered something.

Jack and Eduardo decided that they would go around the circumference of the island rather than through the middle because it would be easier. Plus, they wanted to see the other side of the island. So as to not get lost, Jack and Eduardo both took out compasses that they had brought from Brazil. They were both surprised to find out that both their compasses were broken.

“The man on the docks told me that I would need his compass. How strange.” Jack thought.

Jack took out the old man’s compass from his adventure pack, and it worked just fine. Jack and Eduardo continued on towards the other side of the island. After a couple hours of walking and climbing, Jack and Eduardo were both exhausted. They decided to take a break near a couple of trees.

“Hey Jack, look over here! I think I found something!” Eduardo exclaimed.

“Well, what is it?” Jack asked.

“It looks like a harp to me.” replied Eduardo.

            Jack quickly ran to where Eduardo was standing. In his hands, Eduardo had a golden harp with 12 sparkling white strings.

“I wonder what it’s doing here. Maybe someone left it.” Jack concluded.

“I think I remember how to play a song.” Eduardo said.

            Eduardo then began to play an enchanting melody. The music rang softly in the air and the animals on Inaccessible Island stirred. Eduardo had been a champion harp player back in high school, and he still had most of his talent. Jack was enjoying the music when suddenly the trees that they were leaning against started to move apart. They were sitting above a trap door! The ground underneath the trees continued to separate until Jack and Eduardo could see nothing but darkness down below. Jack lost his balance and plummeted into the pit. Having seen this, Eduardo followed and jumped into the pit, hoping to rescue his friend. 

------- End of Part 2--------------

Stay tuned for Part 3! Leave a like and a comment, and as always, share this with your friends!

Conquering the Land of No Return (Part 1)

Conquering the Land of No Return by Joshua Chua

It was a bright and early Friday morning when Jack and Eduardo were eating breakfast at Jack’s house while listening to the radio.

            “Many years ago, Inaccessible Island flourished with wildlife and activity.” The radio buzzed. “This mystical realm resembled a peaceful haven that people would die to visit. It seems awfully ironic, considering the fact that over the years, many tourists have randomly disappeared without a trace searching for this illusive safe haven. But, through recent investigations, there have been multiple photographs of Inaccessible depicting a barren, rocky land. Could there be a connection between the numerous disappearances and the sudden change of landscape on Inaccessible Island?”

“Hey Jack, have you heard  all the buzz on the news?” Asked Eduardo.

“Don’t pay attention to that nonsense!” Jack retorted.

“Ok... just calm down, would you?” Eduardo pleaded.

            Jack Vaughn and Eduardo Rodriguez had been best friends ever since they had met at the docks in Rio de Janeiro. Jack is a stocky, athletic, 6 feet 4 inches sailor with brown hair that has traveled around the world multiple times. He is 31 years old and was born in the United States. With his cocky attitude and air of confidence, he feels that he can accomplish anything that’s set before him. Eduardo on the other hand, is a Brazilian native that is strong, muscular and also a dock worker. He has dark skin and short brown hair, both as a result of working in the sun all day. His happy go-lucky personality always helps him to find ways to cheer other people up. Jack and Eduardo both live in Rio de Janeiro hoping to find something that’ll make them famous and world-renowned.

            As the weeks passed by, more reports of mysterious disappearances found their way to televised news and the rumors started to rumble.  Many different people in Rio de Janeiro had different opinions about Inaccessible Island. And as the vanishings continued to pile up, Inaccessible Island found a new nickname, “The Land of No Return”.  But even with all the new reports and allegations, Jack was not ready to be ‘brainwashed’ by the news.

“Come on, Jack! This could be our big thing!” Eduardo exclaimed.

“What are you talking about now?” Asked Jack with a hint of annoyance.

“Well, imagine if we were able to sail to Inaccessible Island and take a few pictures and

investigate a little bit.” Eduardo explained. “People would be talking about us for years!”

“Well, you do have a point.” Jack replied. “Let me call my old sailor friend and see if we can rent a boat or something like that.”

            So this is how the journey began.  Jack and Eduardo arranged for a boat to take them to Inaccessible Island the next week.  Although there were forecasts of major tropical storms deep in the South Atlantic Ocean that would be between them and Inaccessible Island, Jack and Eduardo weren't too worried about it; they were only excited about their upcoming trip to the “Land of No Return.”

 A week later, Jack and Eduardo headed for Inaccessible Island.

“Eduardo, hurry up, get your bags! We’re going to be late!” Jack shouted.

“Ok, I’ll be there in a minute!” Eduardo replied.

Jack and Eduardo headed to the docks in Jack’s black SUV. They would board the HMS Titan, which is a medium sized passenger ship that would take them to Inaccessible Island. It would take approximately 18 hours to get there, but neither Jack nor Eduardo were fazed by the prospects of a long and boring boat ride. They were simply just too excited for anything to bother them.

As Jack and Eduardo arrived at the docks, they were surprised to see that there were people swarming everywhere! They all had cameras and there were packs of reporters huddled throughout the crowd.

“Why do you think they’re all here?” Jack asked.

“I have no idea… maybe they’re here for us!” Eduardo replied jokingly.

            Jack and Eduardo grabbed their “adventure packs” which were filled with clothes, photographic equipment and other things that they would need for their adventure. As they were making their way to the HMS Titan, Jack was suddenly grabbed from behind. Jack attempted to wrench his arm free, but his assailant had a firm grasp on him. He turned around and was face to face with a grimy, old man that he had never seen before.

“What’s your problem man?!! You could have seriously injured me there!” Jack yelled.

“I just wanted to give you something. It’ll help you on the island. ” the old man rasped.

            The old man proceeded to give Jack a compass. It was golden and shiny like new. Before Jack got the chance to thank the man, he was gone, lost in the ever-growing crowd of people. After looking around, Jack realized that he wouldn't find the man and ran to catch up with Eduardo near the ship. They checked in with the guards and entered the HMS Titan.  Since it was almost dark, Jack and Eduardo went and found their cabins.  After having a delightful dinner in the dining hall, both men decided to turn in for the night. But Jack couldn't sleep. Something was bothering him. How had the old man back on the docks known that they were going to an island? Jack and Eduardo certainly didn't tell anyone because they didn't want anybody to worry for them. Plus, why did the old man give Jack a compass? The captain of the HMS Titan had plenty of experience according to the ship’s pamphlet. And, if the compass was intended to be used on Inaccessible Island, it was of no use because Jack and Eduardo both had a few compasses in their bags.  With those thoughts in mind, Jack soon fell asleep.  If everything went according to plan, or even if it didn't  Jack and Eduardo would need all the energy they could get.

The next day, Jack and Eduardo roamed around the ship looking for things to do to pass the time. They were extremely lucky because there were only a few passengers on board so the ship was practically theirs.  Jack and Eduardo played some table tennis on the sky deck, swam in the pool, and even watched a game of basketball on television! As the HMS Titan propelled them towards Inaccessible Island, the excitement became almost unbearable between the two. They were about to embark on a journey that would either make them famous or possibly end their lives. There were so many different outcomes that could happen.

“Hey Jack, look out the window! Looks like an island to me!” Eduardo exclaimed.

“It sure does… but I thought Inaccessible Island was a barren, rock land.” Jack murmured.

“I thought so too, but this island has jungles and wildlife.” Eduardo pointed out.

            Looking through the ship’s windows, Jack and Eduardo could see an island with tall trees and canopies, and a white sand beach. After checking with the Captain, it was confirmed that they were indeed heading to Inaccessible Island. Both adventurers were amazed by the island’s beauty and peacefulness. It was as if they were in paradise! But in the back of their minds, they were both thinking the same thing. What could have made Inaccessible Island change so dramatically?

            After observing the island for quite some time, Jack and Eduardo went to their cabins and fetched their adventure packs. They would be docking on Inaccessible Island’s white sand beach in a few minutes and they wanted to be the first people on the island. They were told that the HMS Titan would not wait for them during their exploration of Inaccessible Island and they would be alone for a few days until the ship would come to pick them up a few days later. Of course, this would all depend on whether or not they could survive.

           

Just as they were adjusting their cameras, the whole boat shook viciously and everything lurched forwards. The HMS Titan had reached land. The only thing is that it wasn’t just a regular piece of land, it was “The Land of No Return”.

            Jack and Eduardo exchanged goodbyes with the Captain and his crew. Then, the two men grabbed their adventure packs and slowly headed for the exit. After pushing the metal door open, they both descended a few hatch ladders and jumped off onto the cool, soft sand. The safety feature of the HMS Titan kicked into gear and the ship soon began to retreat back into the water. After a few minutes, the HMS Titan spun 180 degrees and started its voyage back to Brazil. As the ship began to move farther and farther away from Inaccessible Island, Jack and Eduardo had sinking feelings that they were now alone.

“Well, now we’re here. We actually made it.” Jack sighed.

“Getting here was the easy part, now we have to survive.” Eduardo replied. 

----------  End of Part 1 --------------------------

Stay tuned for Part 2! Leave a like and a comment and as always, share it with your friends! 

Is there a gap inside you?

    Have you ever felt as if there’s something missing inside you? It’s like a car without its engine, a pizza without cheese, or a zoo without the animals. Day after day you follow the same routine; sleep, eat and work. You continue to occupy yourself with more work, but you still feel that something’s missing. Even the most accomplished and wealthy people feel this gap. No matter what you try to fill that "gap" with, whether it be entertainment, technology or something else, you're always left with a sense of emptiness. You're feeling lonely, even though you have more friends than you can count. 

    Well, what seems to be the problem, Doc? You need Christ! He is the only one that can fill that gap and be everything that you need Him to be. For you mathematicians out there, you should be familiar with Blaise Pascal. Pascal said that within mankind, there's a God-shaped vacuum! Only God can fill this vacuum. And much like a vacuum, Christ is the only one that can clean up all the empty and useless things that are occupying us. We can let Christ into our Spirit, just by calling on His name. O Lord Jesus! 

John 4:14, But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall by no means thirst forever; but the water I will give him will become in him a fountain of water gushing up into eternal life. 

If you'd like to learn more, click on the link below and watch the video. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlvOrTq4Bes

Who is your favorite superhero?

     This question can be debated, argued and squabbled over for hours at a time. Some people favor Batman because of his suit and his awesome gadgets. Others like Iron Man because his movies are funny and he’s basically a human robot. I know for a fact that Dennis’ favorite superhero is the Hulk and Jimmy loves Mario (he did save Princess Peach). There are so many opinions as to who is the best superhero. I personally like Green Lantern because my favorite colour is green, and Thor because of his super epic hammer of destructivity named Mjolnir (pronounced Meow-meow). But in all seriousness, what is a superhero?

    Is a superhero someone that helps you with your math homework? Or is a superhero someone that helps you stand up against bullies? Is your best friend a superhero? Are your parents superheroes? Or do superheroes always have to be able to fly and have telepathy? Seriously, get real. When was the last time you saw a guy wearing a blue latex suit and red underwear stop a Boeing 747 in mid-air just as it’s about to smash into a baseball field? Never.

     The real superhero is Jesus Christ. He died on the cross to wipe away our sins so that we may have eternal life and that’s the most you can ask for. Our lives are the most precious thing to us. If you think about it, would your favorite superhero die for you? I think not. On the other hand, Jesus came down to Earth as an ordinary man. He didn't have any superpowers (although he did do some pretty amazing miracles). Jesus didn't have to prove that He was the Son of God. Jesus just wanted us to have faith and believe in Him so that He can become your superhero that meets your every need. 

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that ever one who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life."