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THE DEFENDERS

AuthorHouse

Chapter One

Kayla Stevens was the youngest child in a family of three daughters. Kayla's mother, Sandra, had been a nurse prior to marrying Dan Stevens. Once married, Sandra felt God was calling her to stay home and focus on raising a family. Kayla's father was a fireman who nearly lost his life during the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. Although only a small child at the time, Kayla could remember all too well the sight of the two mammoth towers crumbling on the news after being struck by hijacked airplanes. Kayla, her family and millions of Americans watched in shock and horror as some victims of the vicious surprise attack jumped from windows many stories high, desperate to escape the raging inferno. They escaped the flames, only to plummet to their deaths. Later, Kayla and her family learned there had been two other planes, one of which crashed into the Pentagon. The other crash landed in a field in Pennsylvania. It was only by the Grace of God and the bravery of its passengers that this plane was stopped from fulfilling its Kamikaze mission. God only knows where it was to strike.

These four planes had been hijacked by Muslims, members of a violent religion known as Islam. A religion that sanctions deceit, commands the murder of all those who do not follow the teachings of Muhammad and places its women in a position of inferiority. Those most faithful to Islamic god Allah are willing to sacrifice their own lives in suicidal terrorist attacks, an act they believe guarantees their place in Muslim heaven where they will be rewarded if they die in the name of Allah. (John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.")

Kayla's father, Dan, had been one of the many trapped beneath the rubble of the Twin Towers, fighting to survive. He was missing for nearly two days until he and the civilian in his care were recovered by a rescue team. Dan and a young black fireman had attempted to lead six people to safety when suddenly the ceiling caved in on them all, cutting off Dan's escape and that of the only remaining civilian. Dan's best friend, the young black fireman, had been crushed along with the other five civilians. Kayla, her family and their church were all praying earnestly to God for Dan's safety. Sandra commanded the Devil not to harm Dan in any way, in the Name of the Almighty Jesus. Kayla's dad and the woman he had rescued were soon recovered, Dan with only minor bruises and the woman with a serious but not life threatening head injury. That day Kayla and her family embraced Dan during a tearful reunion near Ground Zero.

Had it not been for the power of the prayer of faith and the mighty saving power of Jesus Christ, Kayla's father would've perished in the 9/11 attack, just like thousands of others had. Dan himself would be the first to admit that.

Many would scoff at such belief, but not Kayla. She knew better than to doubt God. He had saved her dad and she would spend the rest of eternity living her life for Jesus, in gratitude for all He had done for her and her family. From the day Dan Stevens was rescued Kayla made a commitment. She promised to use her talents and gifts for His glory and His alone. She promised she'd never quit. A promise easier given than kept as Kayla would one day come to learn.

As if growing up wasn't hard enough, when Kayla was thirteen years old she began to show signs of super-ability, much to the shock of her parents and friends. Kayla had used her ability (the power to transform into water) to put out a fire in a neighbor's home. Her actions probably saved the lives of the elderly couple. Unfortunately, in spite of this heroic act, their pastor advised her family to keep her weird ability "`under wraps' "because it might frighten people and put Christians in a bad light," he had said. For two years they did as he instructed and forbade Kayla from using her power. But Kayla always felt as though she were hiding her talent like the wicked, lazy servant of Matthew 19. Someday God would ask Kayla what she had done with the "talent" He had given her. What would her answer be on that day?

"Sorry Jesus. My parents and pastor told me I was called to do something else besides use my gift to save lives. Try not to be too hurt and angry. I just cared more about what people thought than what you, my Creator and Savior thought ... That's all." Yeah right. Kayla knew an answer like that wouldn't cut it. But what could she do?

When Kayla was fifteen she, her parents and her two older sisters began attending The Way Church pastored by a man named David Strong. He introduced them to his brother, Dr.Samson Strong and his brother's wife, Gale. When Dr. Strong or Gale talked with Kayla or prayed with her, she could tell they were sincere and really cared. Kayla had never felt so encouraged in all her life. Dr. Strong was a tall, muscular man with ash-blonde hair, blue/green eyes and a handsome face. Though much older than Kayla, he never talked down to her and always seemed to understand her problems. Gale was also tall with long, beautiful brown hair, brown eyes and an attractive English accent. She had the air of a queen with the humble spirit of a servant.

After three months of attending services at The Way, Dr. Strong and his wife paid Kayla and her parents a visit. Kayla's dad called her downstairs because their guests had something to tell her. Kayla was a bit surprised, she had supposed they had only wanted to speak with her mom and dad. Why would they come all that way just to tell her something?

Kayla greeted Mr. and Mrs. Strong, who were seated on the couch, with a shy hello as she descended the stairs. Her parents stood next to the recliner and only glanced at her as she came and took a seat in the recliner facing the Strongs. Kayla thought her parents were very somber, almost sad, and wondered why. Sandra even looked as though she had been crying. Dr. Strong and Gale appeared quite serious but not the least bit distraught. Something must be wrong if Mom is crying, Kayla thought. She took a deep breath. Here it goes.

Kayla smiled weakly. "My Dad says you have something you wish to tell me?"

"Yes, Miss Stevens," Strong replied, "we do." Kayla braced herself.

"Kayla," he began, "Gale and I believe God has brought us here at this time to guide you through the open door of opportunity which He has placed before you." He paused. "Several years ago Gale and I founded a school for individuals, specifically young people, like yourself, with special God-given abilities. The school is based in our home. There our students take whatever courses they like to continue their education, and become built up in the Word of God. Under our guidance they are taught and trained how best to utilize their extraordinary gifts to the Glory of God and the benefit of their fellow man."

Gale added, "Our home is very large. We have a gym, basketball and tennis courts, a pool and plenty of space in a secluded area. There are plenty of rooms to go around, more than we know what to do with. Anyone who joins us will find him or herself surrounded by young men and women hungry for Jesus and passionate about carrying on His work in the earth. If you were to...