We know it’s going to happen, we just don’t know when. What would you do if you knew Jesus Christ was coming back tonight, or in… eleven weeks? Good-looking and athletic, Jake and Zach thought the world was at their fingertips. Identical twins in their last year of high school, life was full of opportunity, excitement and temptation! Little did they know they were so close to the end…but then again, neither did anyone else. Will apathy and temptation fatally eclipse the twins’ hope for the coming Messiah? How will they feel when an angel appears to call them away? What will it be like to meet the Lord Jesus Christ face to face? Probing deep into the future, this novel challenges all of us to be ready and waiting for the return of our Lord. We know it will be soon!
Verity Lovell, the main character from the beginning of this series “In Search of Life” is resurrected and wonders momentarily what has happened to those she loved, in the Prologue. Then, back-tracking a little, we are taken on a journey to discover how the Bryant family is faring, 19 years after her tragic, untimely death. Andrew’s twin boys (Peter’s nephews and ‘look-alikes’) are at a cross-roads in their late teens, allured by many glittering pathways. Jake has been plodding along in his commitment to Jesus Christ, while Zach has recently achieved ‘superstar’ status within his small high school, having performed well in a school play. Opportunities abound and each must choose what their priorities will be and resist envying the successes of each other.
Having pushed the boundaries with his co-stars’ boyfriend, and received the consequences, Zach ends up at the hospital. A major concussion means no sports for the next six weeks. He has a lot of explaining to do at home and his dad is not impressed. Unwilling to miss the end of the school basketball party, Zach tries to keep up with his teammates, but this doesn’t go well. Jake continues to waver between the week long basketball camp with many amenities that Brett has invited them to enjoy, and a week around the Bible, camping on Manitoulin Island.
The twins choose between the camps and set off on their summer adventures. Zach concussions demolished his options and he grudgingly joins his Uncle James and Aunt Sandra to head west. Arriving at Bible Camp, old friendships and discussions around God’s Word reignite stagnant feelings and give him opportunity to reflect on his life. Jake, meanwhile, enjoys the physical activity at the amazing sports camp, but is challenged by enticing sights and sounds that he feels weak to resist.
Deep discussions on the way home, help Zach fortify his heart and choose to apologize to his dad. Difficult as it is to do, he begins to build trust with his parents. To his surprise, he and his brother have switched roles and Zach is now concerned for Jake’s spiritual well-being. However, his attempts to encourage and give advice are just as ineffective as Jake’s were for him, and his twin aggressively tries to pull him in the opposite direction. Between the two young men, many texts go out to Hannah and Melissa, some for good and some for bad.
Jake and Zach have intense discussions about the decisions they are making and the reasons to avoid filling one’s mind with corrupting influences. Jake begins to have a change of heart, until Melissa begs him to come over. Jayden joins the Edentree crew one day and a good discussion ensues about the future of the earth and God’s plan for the Kingdom to come. He tells them all about his positive experience building homes in Uganda. Uncle Peter tries to help Jake, based on his own experience in the past. However, a phone call from Brett with an awesome offer, postpones Jake’s decision to turn things around.
Uncle James’ health worsens and the family gathers around his hospital bed. To everyone’s horror, the pneumonia actually takes his life! While his vital signs are non-existent and everyone is mourning his loss, he opens his eyes! Everyone is thrown into confusion wondering what is going on. Even the hospital staff is perplexed and astonished. Fit and healthy once more, Uncle James comes home in the early hours of the morning, and then a young stranger appears at the front door of the house! A tearful and emotional reunion takes place that eventually includes all the family and friends gathered at the Bryant’s home. When the angels appear, the family finds themselves standing before Jesus Christ at the throne of Judgement.
Facing different outcomes, Jake and Zach are parted forever. One reflects bitterly on his choices, weeping tears of hopelessness and despair, while the other rejoices at God’s mercy and grace and marvels at the priceless gift of immortality. A letter from Jake to his wife, ten years later, tells of his difficult journey when ‘all hope is gone’. The novel ends with Zach and his family returning to Stirling, Nova Scotia, as immortal beings, now commissioned to share the message that Jesus has returned and is the new King of the world. Once again, they encounter Jayden and Isaiah after eleven years of being apart. Miracles help those who have survived Armageddon to believe the message is true. They also encounter a sad, but a wonderful surprise. While many of these ‘End Times’ events are speculative, and may or may not be exactly what occurs when Jesus returns, there is a strong attempt to stay true to Bible passages and invigorate others with the hope of the promises to come. The paperback version of “Eleven Weeks” is available worldwide on Amazon, and contains many, many cross-references that give the basis for the teachings found in this story.
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13
The first 3 books in this series can be found in audio format online at magnifyhimtogether.com:
Original Gospel 