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Rating:  -
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/07)
Old Testament prophecies, the New Testament book of Revelation, and "End Times" speculation have fascinated Theologians and serious Bible students since the days of the early church. Nellotie Porter Chastain in "Refuge in Emptiness" has combined solid Biblical teaching with the elements of the contemporary novel. Filled with suspense, romance, and science-fiction fantasy the story is filled with probing questions for serious consideration as well as conflict, adventure, and intrigue.
High school senior Jeff Howard and sixteen-year-old Amanda Fountain are faced with the truth of the rapture of the Christians while attending church with their parents. Jeff and Amanda's parents were among those taken during the service. In an effort to comfort each other in their loss, Jeff took Amanda to her father's home and assured her he would keep in touch in the days ahead.
The World Security Force had recruited Jeff when he was a freshman in high school. He had been in training four years in preparation to respond to emergencies of this kind. As a squad leader he reported for duty.
In the hours following her father's disappearance, Amanda sought answers from his Bible and acknowledged her need for God's grace and the salvation offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. She was faced with the realization that as a Christian her life was in peril.
Jeff discovered a letter from his mother in her Bible revealing to him her concern for reuniting with him in heaven. After struggling for days with his decision, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He realized that Christians were the enemy of the World Security Force.
Together Amanda and Jeff came up with a plan to convert the Woodville Baptist Church into a safe place, a refuge, for others who had become Christians after the rapture. David and Gloria, Bill and Alice, George and Sue, are soon partners in the venture. Jeff continues his work with WSF so he can keep the Christians up-to-date on what is transpiring.
In the days, weeks, and months that follow, their lives are filled with threats, deception, spiritual battles with demons, surveillance by the WSF, survival and self preservation. The church is soon filled with over 100 others seeking sanctuary during these perilous times. "Refuge in Emptiness" is a futuristic story of martyrdom for the Christian reminiscent of the first century.
Chastain keeps the reader in suspense as new conflicts face Jeff, Amanda, and their friends as they face the danger of discovery and certain death. Chastain writes with an evangelistic zeal, which comes through in the concern for her characters for the destiny of others.
"Refuge in Emptiness" is a book for young adult readers, who are seeking refuge from the emptiness prevalent in today's society.
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