“Well, Maharaj Hardik, I hope I pronounced your name correctly?”
“Yes sir, you did, thank you.”
“I have a very limited knowledge of Hinduism, but it is my understanding that you believe in reincarnation and your primary God is Agni.”
“Yes that is correct, Jack.”
He called me by my first name, which I thought was interesting.
“Is there anything else that you know about Hinduism, Jack?”
“You have four basic parts to your religion; Dharma, fulfilling ones promise; Artha, prosperity; Kama, sexuality, desire and enjoyment; and Moksha, for enlightenment, which means that a person needs to have complete understanding. So, with my limited knowledge it seems the goal is to reach enlightenment.”
“You are basically correct, but it is a lot more than that. I am not here to teach today, but I want to ask you a question. Do you think you are reincarnated from one of the Bible’s prophets?”
This really surprised me for I would have expected many other questions other than this one, but maybe he had a reason to ask. I did not know how to answer, so as I always did. I closed my eyes slowly, cleared my head and waited to see if I got an answer.”
After a while, I opened my eyes and looked at Hardik, “With all due respect, I don’t know enough about or really believe in reincarnation, other than I know that when I die, God will resurrect my body and make me whole again. So I would suppose that may also be considered a form of reincarnation.”
“I understand that you would not believe as I, but then that brings me to another question. I know your religion of Christianity requires that you believe in your God and in his son for redemption and entrance to everlasting life. So, are you telling all the other religions of the world that unless they don’t convert to Christianity and worship Jesus, God’s son, as described in the New Testament, they are doomed forever?”
I would have thought the cleric would have asked me that question, not the Maharaj. Now I had to answer it and minimize the damage my answer would bring. I noticed that the cleric had perked up. I hoped that he would not jump into this conversation.”
“Maharaj Hardik, I am a witness for the one God, no other god. There is but one God, and the events so far today are just the beginning of the things He will make very apparent to the entire world. He is the one and only God and His son, Jesus Christ was ransomed for the earth from Lucifer. My mission here on earth is to make sure every person in the world has an opportunity to understand this and accept it in his or her own way. I do not intend on attacking other religions. I do not know all that God has wrought in the world over the ages. I do not know how others see God or worship Him, but I do know that Jesus Christ allowed the gospel to offer to what was described as the Gentiles, to give them salvation. As the Lord my God makes his presence known in the world by His actions, through His witnesses, it will be up to each of us to make a decision about who we think God is.”
“Very well put Jack, but I do not understand why your God will destroy or kill as many people as He has today. That seems to me to be quite stern, and the new predictions you have passed on will make the events in California pale with what is to come. It seems He is very, very angry.”
“All I can say to you is that as in the days of Noah, things were similar to what they are today. In that case, God destroyed all His creation, with the exception of Noah and his family, and gave no chance to all the other inhabitants of the earth. This time, He is giving the people of the earth a chance and a choice.”
“So, it’s your God and His son or nothing, I presume? That is what you are telling all other religions of the world.”
He was pushing me to tell him that he would go to hell if he did not believe in Jesus Christ. I knew this, but I decided to answer by letting the chips fall where they may. Therefore, I said, “No, it is God, not a named deity, but the ruler of the universe. I have not met God; I only have faith that He has a plan. Maybe God has manifested Himself to other cultures differently, I do not know. However, I do know for the Gentiles, that yes, it is believe in Jesus Christ or when judgment comes, you will be to his left not his right. There is no other answer.”
“Thanks,” John said, as he stopped the questioning. “We need to go to an update and commercial and we will be right back.”
As the network broke for a commercial, John turned to all of us and said, “We are almost out of time and regretfully there will only be enough time for one more panelist.”
John Roberts, the atheist said, “I really don’t have any questions John. I don’t believe any of this hocus pocus anyway.”
John then looked at the cleric and said, “Do you have any questions?”
“Definitely,” he said.
“Well then, it’s between you and our other guest.”
The Buddhist Monk said, “I’d prefer to bow out John. If you don’t mind, this is not the time or the place for me to discuss my beliefs.”
Chapter 43
12:15 PM EST New York - Bear News Interview Studio
We were notified we had about fifteen minutes until the next and last segment, so I sought out Reverend Marks, now known as Thomas, and my attorney Mark Anderson.
We gathered together in a small corner out of earshot of the other guests. I told Mark that Thomas was going to help us in Kansas City and to give him as much support as possible. He did not say anything like John had so I assumed he was not surprised. I then said, “I was amazed that the Hindu representative was so aggressive and I wondered what kind of damage it was causing in the world with other religious people and countries.”
Thomas said, “To be honest Jack, you said it correctly and it is what it is. God said that he was the only true God and if these people have other Gods, they can either believe or not believe.”
“That’s true Thomas, but now I have the cleric after the break. Islam will not take this lying down, so do any of you have any suggestions?”
They both looked at me, and Mark said, “When I am trying a case, it usually comes down to emotions, and since there are no cross examinations here, I would suggest you avoid direct questions and answer with hypothetical answers, like you just did. In other words, avoid the obvious and use compliments. Let them think what they want.”
“Do you think they are going to directly ask me if I think their Allah is the same God, as that of Christians and Jews?”
“Well is he or not? Or do you know?” Mark asked.
“I don’t know, but I assume that he is not the same God.”
“You are probably right, but remember what Gabriel told you, the Jews are the other witness’ problems and not yours. I would think that also means the Muslims, as you stated earlier, for they also all claim to come from Abraham. So do not commit. You have a long time to go and today you will not win it all.”
“Okay Mark. I understand.” Then I turned to Thomas and said, “How about you?”
“I agree with Mark. I have not met this other witness, but if I know my prophecy, he is not like you. He will tell it like it is regardless of whom it hurts. I would stay with what you know. Avoid controversy today. Also Jack, do you have any direction from God on this?”
“No I do not.” I thought to myself, no I think he has left this one up to me.
Chapter 44
12:15 PM EST New York - Bear News Corporate Headquarters, 41st Floor
John was intercepted by his producer, Donald, on his way to the newsroom and was told that it was not necessary to do the 12:15 p.m. update, “It’s already covered. It is mostly the California earthquake news, weather updates, and some of the highlights of Jack’s interview so far,” he said.
“Okay, that will work. I need to catch up anyway. When will we be back on?”
The producer answered, “At around 12:30; but John, Chris wants to see you immediately. He says it is urgent.”
“What does he want?”
“I do not know, but I would hurry. We will wait until you are done with your
meeting with him of course. You need to go now.” Without another word, John started for the elevators to the boss’ office on the 41st floor.
Chris Morgan rarely interrupted anything John did on these shows and that made him concerned. John pretty well thought that it might have something to do with the next panelist, who was the Islamic cleric. He was known to be very outspoken.
John had known Chris for years, both professionally and personally. Chris was a man that loved his family, but saw them little, for he was also married to his work. He was about 60 years of age with deep blue eyes and a smile that could mesmerize you. He weighed about two hundred pounds, wore very nice clothes, but not flashy, and loved spending time on his boat. However, even when he was on it, he was conducting business. He enjoyed his life and his Network.
The elevator stopped on the 41st floor and Sharon, his assistant, was sitting at her desk, “Go on in John, he’s waiting.”
When John walked into Chris’s office, the boss was standing off to the side of his desk, looking out the window. He turned and asked, “Have you seen the streets John?” John moved over to the window and looked down a madhouse of people.
“No I had not seen it. I had no idea it had grown to this proportion.”
“Well since you have been doing your work downstairs The Network has been covering our front door with their reporters in the throng. They are reporting that we are harboring a criminal and that the justice department ought to pick Jack up. It is just rhetoric, but it is effective. They probably have a few shills in there they placed for the news reporters. That’s their style.”
“What do you want me to do?” John asked.
Finish the interview, and then we will start reporting from the street. We will also get some legal people on our follow up broadcasts to refute that Mr. South has committed a crime. Predicting Mother Nature is not yet a crime anywhere that I know of. The other thing is, the last segment of the interview got a little rough. I would not have thought that the Hindu would go on the attack the way he did.”
“Yes he did; and to be honest, I think he did so, on purpose. However, I think Mr. South held his own and minimized the damage that could have been done. I guess I need to try to control this next segment with the cleric. We are going to have to pass on the atheist and the Buddhist. I think Mr. South is about done with interviewing today and we have to get other things done too.”
“Any idea on how we get him out of the building? That crowd out there will tear him to pieces.”
“No. I will ask Mr. South how he would like that to be handled.”
“Well, see if they can make arrangements for a helicopter or use ours. Also that way we can film it live. When the crowd sees that he is gone, maybe they will disperse.”
“Okay, I will mention it.”
“I guess we are the network for the Kansas City thing he is doing?”
“Yes.”
“Any idea why it is he requested that we have slow motion cameras?”
“I have an idea, but nothing definite.”
“If this crowd is any indication of what is to come, then Kansas City will be a nightmare. But its news, and where there is news, we will be there.”
“Right Chris; uh, I really need to get downstairs and finish this.”
“Okay John, do your best. If the world is still here when it comes up, you will get a Pulitzer for this.”
Chapter 45
12:25 PM EST New York - Bear News Interview Studio
We were all seated again and I was hoping that this would end soon. We were doing unprecedented TV with an unscheduled interview, a hurriedly appointed panel of religious leaders, and a major disaster in California that I was getting the blame for, because I predicted it. Moreover, there were major hurricanes heading for the U.S., major rain in North Africa, and soon, the ice caps would start melting ice. And it was only noon.
John returned and took his seat. The assistant producer used his fingers for the countdown; showing five, four, three, two, and one, instead of the digital counter. John had said almost nothing when he came back. He just let the conversation flow with the panelists. As the cleric’s turn drew closer, I wondered if he would stay out of it or try to moderate; for there could very well be some fireworks. Maybe that was why he was so quiet.
Once we were live, John went through some introductions again, giving the same summary. Then he introduced the world to the Muslim Cleric, Mohammed Asolu, asking if he had any questions for me.
“Yes John, I do.” Then he turned to me and said, “Jack, or Mr. South, how do we know you are from your God?”
I could see that everyone leaned forward on the couch, including John. Then I replied, “Cleric Asolu, this is really very simple.” I was hoping this would work and he would bite, “The Bible and the Qur’an have the test of the prophet correct in its scriptures. The test is quite simple. A prophet or man from God, or a messenger from God, says something. He has to be one hundred percent, right? So far, have I not been one hundred percent correct?”
“I suppose so Mr. South, but that does not prove you are from God.”
“What would you say would make me known as a man of God, other than your opinion, Cleric Asolu?”
“Maybe we can have another test of your ability to communicate with God.”
I was surprised at this request. I would have thought that he would jump on the Hindu’s bandwagon and get me to say Allah was not God. It was working. Thank you God, I said to myself.
“Okay, I am up to the test. Let us say we ask the Bear News to break for a commercial. You and all the rest of the panel get together and predict something that may occur, say by 1:15 p.m., which would be epic. Give the exact time, place, and any other details as to what would occur; and it has to be something not caused by man.” I waited for an answer.
“I am not sure we can do that. We can all pray together and ask for a sign, but specific information we cannot do. But can you? Can you predict something right now that will happen by 1:15?”
“Would it matter to you if I could?”
“Yes it would. I would have to start to rethink my doubts about you.”
“That’s fair.” I looked over to John and asked, “May I have a piece of paper and a pen?”
He motioned to the camera area and a few seconds later a page brought over a clipboard with a pen and blank paper on it. He handed it to me, not saying a word.
I said to the others, “I need a moment please.” I could see the camera had zoomed in on me. I closed my eyes and spoke to God silently. God, I need help here. I need to show them that you are here in my presence, directing my hand and my mind. I stayed motionless, then I opened my eyes and began to write. I took the sheet off the clipboard folded it in half and handed it to John.
“You can read it out loud if you like,” I said to him.
John Roddenburg looked at me as he took the folded sheet and said, “It’s not another disaster, is it Jack?”
“No, it is a prediction with the exact information including the longitude, latitude and time of day it will happen, which is at exactly 1:15 p.m. today. Feel free to discuss it with the panel if you wish. It is in a remote area.”
He unfolded the note I wrote, then read the contents to the panel, “At 1:15 p.m. EST, a new volcano will start erupting in the Pacific Ocean at +13.239 latitude by -147.128 longitude. This is about four hundred miles southeast of Hawaii. Within three days, it will be a small island.” John looked at me and asked, “Are there any populated areas near there, Jack?”
“No. It is pretty well open ocean. You should receive information of an earthquake in that area by 1:15 p.m. EST. The ocean will then start to boil and there will be an ash cloud coming from the sea. As the cone builds, it will begin to form land.”
John looked at his watch and said, “That is in about 35 minutes.”
“Yes it is. Now you will see the power of God; each and every one of you. For this predication is impossible for a man to caus
e and impossible to predict.” I turned to the other panel members and said, “I hope this will answer all of your questions. I am sure you have many more, but for today, I have answered as many as I can, Additionally, I do want to let the viewers and you know that on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri, I will be holding my first rally or sermon.”
John turned to the panel and said, “We appreciate your coming today; each and every one of you.”
He then turned to the camera and said to the world, “We will also be in Kansas City on Thursday, broadcasting Jack’s sermon live. We will soon provide additional information on the schedules for this live event on Bear News. Well folks, it just keeps getting more interesting as the day progresses. We are going to cut away to regular news and try to figure out how to get coverage of a new island being formed in the Pacific, starting at 1:15 p.m., a few minutes from now, as Jack has predicted. If he is correct, that will be four for four at zero odds. He hesitated to let it sink in. “Stay tuned to us and we will bring you up to date as soon as we can confirm or disprove Mr. South’s latest prediction.”
Chapter 46
12:59 PM EST New York - Bear News Viewing Room
We wandered back to the glassed in viewing room. Lunch had been set up for everyone. I got a cup of ice for a soda and started nibbling on a finger sandwich. Mark had followed me in, but had said nothing. I sat down and stared through the glass at the monitors as John Roddenburg continued from the news desk. I turned to Mark and said, “This was an interesting day.”
Mark just shook his head and said, “This has been a very long day.”
“Yes indeed and it is not over yet.”
“Where are we going from here?”
“I’m not sure. I assume that Gabriel and Ariel have something setup for us. I know I’m supposed to be going to the Middle East soon.”
“Well just to bring you up to date, I have my ear to the attorney general’s office in Washington, and so far there does not seem to be any hurry to snatch you off the streets for anything yet. We are however, getting ready to sue The Network for breach of contract and liable. That should happen by Friday at the latest.”
“Thanks Mark. We need to destabilize them as much as possible. They are owned and run by The Waldger Group. Anything we can do to discredit them will be to our advantage. We are running a one man army here against some really powerful people in the world and we do not have much time.” Some of the panelists had entered the room. Cleric Mohammed walked up to me as I stood by the buffet table. He was getting a drink. I asked him if we could talk a moment.