The Last Sheep

THE

LAST

SHEEP

DL STRICKLAND

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1 (800) 839-8640

© 2016 DL Strickland. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/17/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6478-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6477-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015919916

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Chapter 2 Telling Val

Chapter 3 Preparations

Chapter 4 Time To Go

Chapter 5 Africa

Chapter 6 Evening Of New Beginnings

Chapter 7 Negotations

Chapter 8 Test Of Faith

Chapter 9 Mr. Mayor

Chapter 10 Friend At Midnight

Chapter 11 Turmoil Back Home

Chapter 12 Dedication Of The New School

Chapter 13 Malco’s Revenge

Chapter 14 Against The Clock

Chapter 15 Morning

Chapter 16 The Witching Hour

Chapter 17 Raven’s Return

Chapter 18 Surprise

Chapter 19 The General

Chapter 20 Revelation

Chapter 21 The Lull

Chapter 22 Crisis Back Home

Chapter 23 Back Home

Chapter 24 Ticking Clock

Chapter 25 Nyela’s Trouble

Chapter 26 Determination

Chapter 27 Showdown

Epilogue

This book is

dedicated to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to my husband, Pastor Cortez Strickland Sr. and to my son, Cortez (Bart) Strickland Jr.

I would like to thank my daughters, Janiece, Shakeena, Johnita, Jazzlynn, Joc-Leen, Rita and Jentale for their words of encouragment, editing, prayers and love. A special thanks to Officer Leslie Cornell, Janiece Robinson and Jentale Harris for their help in editing this work. Thanks momma for your prayers and support.

If this story can touch one soul or help just one person to trust in Jesus Christ the soon coming King then it will have served its purpose.

Love to all.

White hot sun beats down from the cloudless blue sky. Swiping my tongue over my lips fills my mouth with the dry taste of dust. Huts with straw thatched roofs dot the landscape. Ghost-like I move through a sea of colorfully dressed people. Next I find myself standing before a wall of wild green foliage. But, where am I? Then it hit me, this is Africa! Instantly I’m in the center of a village. The air crackling with electricity caused the hairs on the back of my neck to bristle. My eyes are drawn upward. Out of the north moving at the speed of light is an ominous black cloud. I run for cover as the thunderhead descends blocking out the sun. I don’t know how long I stood in the doorway of that old hut, but when my eyes finally adjust I thought my heart would explode. It was not a storm cloud, but a massive being with dusky leather worn skin. Around his thick neck is a gold collar encrusted with jewels. A black cloak trails behind him like the train of a bride’s gown. Stopping above me, he inhales, his already wide nostrils flare dangerously. His large bulbous eyes stare past me and a devilish grin works its way across his face. Following his gaze towards the eastern sky I step out of the doorway. A star increasing in size is heading straight towards us.

Kill them, The dark being roared throwing open his cloak. Thousands of demons emerge. I turned when I felt the heat from a burst of light behind me and there stood myriads of radiant angelic beings. A tall African general with piercing brown eyes and perfect midnight hued skin wearing a long flowing white tunic raised a large gleaming sword high in the air.

For the glory of the Lamb, he shouted.

The other angels lifting their swords echoed his battle cry. The General then pointed his sword at the black horde. Fight, he cried.

I should have been afraid yet a strange peace settled over me. A golden haired European angel battled a foul mouthed emerald serpent. The demon’s putrid breath filled the air as he spat curses in the angel’s face.

Silence in the name of Jesus! The angel commanded.

No fair, no fair, the demon croaked clawing at his throat. Then with a burst of unimaginable speed the angel dived toward the serpent. A shining sword appeared in his hand and with one swift blow he separated the creature’s head from his body. Ribbons of green smoke filled the air. However, before the angelic warrior could savor his victory he was assaulted by three other vile spirits.

Raven, the General called addressing the commander of the demonic forces. Yield, you cannot win.

Still Jehovah’s puppet I see Kileon, Raven shot back. Well puppet, tell your master we will not yield. The village is ours! But for the sake of our old friendship, I’ll allow you to live if you leave now. What do you say?

Unlike humans, angels never forget. Eternity is stamped in their memory. Created by the Word of Jehovah they are unique beautiful beings with personalities as different as the flowers in the heavenly garden. A fleeting smile crossed Kileon’s lips. He could envision his friendship with Raven like it was yesterday. Yes, those were wonderful times spent together before the throne of God. The days before the rebellion-before Raven swallowed Lucifer’s lies.

The Covering Cherub, Lucifer driven mad by his own beauty and wisdom lusted after what belonged to God alone.

Why should Jehovah be the only one to receive worship? He questioned. Yet in all the vastness of eternity that kind of thinking had been unheard of.

Kileon we are gods, Raven whispered. Come join us, we will do away with Jehovah’s throne. We will erect one befitting the heavenly host.

You must not entertain such thought. Put them out of your mind; let us go to the Holy Place and worship. Jehovah is merciful and forgiving, Kileon pleaded.

Forgiving? Merciful? Raven spat. Open your eyes Kileon. Lucifer should be ruler. Instead, He has him on a short leash. Can’t you see that our potential is being stifled? Lucifer will set us free. You just need to listen to his song.

Lies!

There is a war coming, it is inevitable. I’ve made my choice now you must choose. Who will it be Jehovah or Lucifer?

Kileon shook his head You don’t mean it, he whispered.

Yet, before his eyes Raven’s youthfulness vanished. The stench of his choice oozed from his pores. His flawless skin began to wrinkle. The skin of his arms slipped down gathering at his wrist like bracelets of flesh.

Kileon backed away. I, I choose Jehovah, he stuttered.

They stood there staring at one other. The spell shattered when an angry eruption of voices broke through their silence. Raven unfurled his now ragged wings then lifted off and flew in the direction of the noise. It has begun, there is no turning back! He screamed.

When Lucifer entered the Holy of Holies the dazzling rainbow canopy situated above the emerald throne engulfed him in a kaleidoscope of color. He followed the Shekinah Glory resembling a burning lamp up to the Mercy Seat. Conscious that he no longer reflected the light of God he lowered his eyes to avoid Jehovah’s penetrating gaze.

What is it you desire Lucifer, Son of the Morning? Jehovah asked.

The Covering Cherub looked up; his handsome face like a slab of marble, void of emotion. Squaring his shoulders Lucifer swallowed hard. You know what I want. I want what’s mine, he sneered.

Have not I made you a Covering Cherub to stand before my throne?

I am a slave, he retorted. But, I will ascend into heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will also sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the heavens, I will be like you most High.

The Archangel Michael trembling with righteous anger dropped to his knees before God. What will you have me do with this usurper LORD? He asked.

There is no place for you here. Now you will no longer be called Lucifer, but Satan, Jehovah said. The sadness in His eyes will be remembered throughout eternity.

Heaven had been filled with shouts of praise, now a painful silence flooded eternity.

Satan looked out at the gathering crowd. Madness filled his eyes. Heaven will be ours, he screamed rushing towards the throne.

Cast him out! Jesus commanded.

Michael drew his sword, its tip pierced Satan’s chest. Away! he shouted.

Do you think you can defeat me? Satan laughed. From the folds of his now dingy white robe he whipped out a long black sword. With lighting speed he knocked Michael’s blade from his chest. It is our time brothers, let us claim our victory!

The shout of war shook the very universe. The angels fought from the throne room to the outer courtyard. The atmosphere reverberated with the clang of metal striking metal. Each clash of swords sent sparks flying upward.

Beltor the Great fought Titian. The rebellion had transformed an already large Titian into a monstrous beast with red bulging eyes, long hard fangs and claws of steel.

He charged Beltor, I’m going to rip your stinkin’ head off! he shrieked. Their bodies collided in a flash of brightness that sent them hurling in opposite directions. Beltor scrambled to his feet then leaped on top of Titian his huge fist smashed into the monster’s face.

Raven spread his wings diving headlong into the battle; his large gnarled talons ripping the celestial bodies of angels. Kileon waded through the crowd in search of his former companion. Spotting Raven, he grabbed his arm then spun him around. Raven swung viciously.

You would fight me? Kileon asked.

To the death, Raven growled.

Kileon unsheathed his sword. The power of God coursed through him. So be it, he cried.

I’m going to kill you, Raven croaked.

Enough talk, let’s get to it. For the glory of the Lamb, Kileon shouted running at full speed.

Raven’s yellow eyes narrowed. He had barely escaped the deadly thrust. He could not win; the angel matched him blow for blow. Raven lowered his weapon. Please Kileon, I-I was wrong. Maybe it’s not too late. You said yourself, Jehovah is merciful and forgiving. His tone dripped with sincerity. The holy angel wanted to believe they were still friends. Kileon loosened his grip on the sword, it clattered to the ground as he opened his arms to embrace the penitent angel. Raven smiled, and then dove at him. The ripping of linen and skin did not compare to the echo of sadness in Kileon’s heart. Light poured from the gaping wound in his shoulder. Deception, Heaven had never known such a concept. Yet Kileon was experiencing what Raven had already mastered.

The battle between the Archangel and Satan raged. Their feathery wings propelled them through the air; diving, weaving faster and faster. Yet, something had changed. Michael seemed swifter, more relentless, untiring. Realizing that he could not defeat him, Satan torpedoed into a fighting mob. His sword struck friend and foe alike in a desperate attempt to escape.

Michael swooped to the rear of the mob. Spotting the evil one’s black sword rising and falling, he unfurled his wings with enough force to clear a path. Sensing the Archangel’s presence Satan whirled around intending to strike.

I cast you out in the name of the Lord! Michael shouted. Satan didn’t see it