The damage to Jerusalem caused by the earthquake was great. The Dome of the Rock that had stood for such a long time on the temple site was destroyed and bodies littered the countryside. Joseph got a job after classes helping with the clean up.

The demolition of Russia caused a gap in world powers, but 10 nations emerged to take charge as world leaders and formed the New World Government. Lucian Arams, President of the supreme authority that would rule the world, determined to restore world peace, signed a seven-year treaty with Israel. Arams was of Jewish descent, and he had great charm. The whole nation loved him and looked to him for the harmony that had so eluded them.

The Jewish people were excited when Arams announced over radio and TV a new project one early morning.

"My good people, it is time -- time to return to the faith of our fathers and to do what was commanded. Now after all of the problems, we need to get back to serious worship and there is no way we can do that until we rebuild the Holy temple just as Solomon did so long ago," he paused and cheers from the audience resounded through the old City where Arams stood as the Jewish people began to realize that they would have their long awaited temple. Over 2,000 years had passed since the last temple had been destroyed. Many people had planned it, but it had never been built. It would mean a return to animal sacrifices for the first time in 2,000 years. It seemed almost too good to be true.

Debbie Kahn wiped her eyes as she listened to the wonderful news. She had always hoped to see the day that peace would finally come to the world and the new temple would be built. There would be serenity for seven years, perhaps forever. There had been so many wars since 1948 and Debbie knew that if there were war her last child, Joseph would have to go. She couldn't bear to think of parting with her son and was overjoyed with the peace treaty, the temple and President Arams himself.

"Groundbreaking ceremonies will be held for our new temple next month. All citizens are invited to attend this history making occasion," President Arams said.

"How wonderful God was to send President Arams," Debbie told her family. "And to clear out the temple site for us."

Debbie wrote the date of the groundbreaking ceremony on the calendar. She looked forward to it, and counted the days until it came.

Early in the morning on that big day a month later the Kahn family stood among what would be a crowd of 100,000 people, including important officials from around the world as they watched Lucian Arams turn the dirt for the foundation to the new temple. The Eshkols stood beside the Kahns while the first shovel was taken out of the ground.

The planned temple was to be as big and wonderful as Solomon's temple had been. Food and drink were served to everyone and the nation of Israel celebrated the beginning of the long-awaited temple with laughter and excitement.

"Isn't President Arams wonderful?" Debbie asked Frank as they left the ceremony.

"He sure is," Frank agreed.

"Look." Joseph pointed at two men who stood on a platform on one side of the big crowd. They were talking and a crowd was gathered around them. "It's Eli and Moshe."

"I'm going over to listen to them, Joe," Ben said and he walked toward the men. Joe started to follow but his father called him back.

"We need to get home Joseph," Frank Kahn said.

Joseph looked at the two men as he followed his parents. Ben was listening with interest and as they passed Joseph heard the name of Jesus. Joseph still wondered how the two men had known that the Russians were going to be destroyed.

"Ben better not let his father see him," Mr. Kahn said as they walked toward the bus stop. "Mr. Eshkol was real mad and he got upset at the statements those men made in the bomb shelter that night."

"They were very helpful," Debbie said. "But their words were inflammatory."

"A lot has happened since then," Frank said. "It seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?"

As the days went by the Kahns watched the temple being built. The foundation was in place now and many Israeli people came to watch the huge building emerging.

One day the Kahns went to the old city to shop. "Look," Joseph pointed at two men who stood on a platform nearby. "It's Eli and Moshe again, and there's Ben. He's here a lot."

"Hi, Joe." Ben waved at him.

"I understand they have stirred up a big controversy," Frank Kahn said to Joseph, as they stopped to listen.

"Is it because they talk about Jesus?" Debbie asked.

"That, and they were saying that President Arams is the Anti-Christ," Frank Kahn said.

"You're kidding?" Debbie exclaimed. "How can they say that? He's a good man."

"Listen." Joseph stood beside Ben.

"There is still time to repent," the man named Moshe was talking. A crowd was gathering, including soldiers guarding the President.

"The time is short and President Arams knows it. The treaty he has signed with you is not worth the paper it is written on."

Joseph wanted to get nearer so he could hear better but his father put his arm out.

"Close enough, Joseph," he said. "Take a look at the soldiers."

Joseph turned and saw that they were putting their hands on their guns. Moshe was watching them too as he spoke.

"You soldiers, it is not too late for you. Come to Jesus before it is too late," he shouted.

One of the soldiers grabbed his rifle and pointed it at Moshe and Eli.

"Look Dad," Joseph pointed at the gun, but suddenly something strange happened, for Eli put his hand into the air and lightening came out of the sky. The man was so startled by the loud crack near him that he dropped the gun. It discharged and shot another soldier who fell to the ground.

Chaos broke out, screams and sobs echoed through the morning air. When Joseph turned to look at Eli and Moshe they were gone.

"Is Ben okay?" Mrs. Kahn asked as people ran.

"Yeah," Joseph said. "There he is."

"Where did they go?" He strained his eyes and looked around. His father was trying to get his family free from the screaming crowd.

"Where'd who go?" Debbie clutched both Joseph and his father's arms.

"Eli and Moshe, they're gone." Joseph tried to look around but his father was nearly dragging him away from the threatening crowd.

"I don't know, son," Frank said. "We've got to get out of here. I've heard that this is happening many times when these two men are around."

"You mean crowds like this?" Debbie asked as they came to the car.

"Yes, but even more." Frank hurried them into the car. "The soldiers have tried to arrest them and something always happens."

"Like what?" Joseph asked.

"Something like that lightening that seemed to hit just at the right time. I've heard that Eli and Moshe have declared that there will be no rain for three and a half years."

"It has been dry," Debbie said. "The lawn is getting brown and there is such a shortage we aren't allowed to water it."

"Coincidence, pure coincidence." Frank drove towards home.

"They sound like fanatics," Debbie commented. "Did you see the clothes they wore? They're obviously dangerous."

"But Dad," Joseph said. "They told us about Russia getting beat. How did they do that?"

"Pure lucky guess," Frank said.

"But Dad," Joseph protested. "They seem so kind."

"They're dangerous, Joseph," his father repeated. "Stay away from them."

Joseph was silent. He wasn't convinced that these two men were dangerous. He wanted to hear what else they had to say.