WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

 CASE OF THE HAUNTED FOREST

THREE DETECTIVES SCARED

On a sunny Autumn day, the Three Detectives hike up a trail in Utah through an Aspen Forest.  Jack asks Gloria and Valerie, "Do you know what the Utah state tree is?  

Valerie replies, "Isn't it the Colorado Blue Spruce?"

Gloria answers, "It's the Quaking Aspen.

4th graders in Monroe county petitioned the governor, stating the Colorado Blue Spruce tree only resides in 1% of Utah, while Aspens grow in 29 counties."

Up the trail they are surprised by a toddler SCREAMING and CRYING all alone.

Coming around a bend, his sister grabs his hand, and waits for mom and dad.

Valerie asks, "Is he hurt?  Is he all right?"

Sister says, "He said he saw a ghost!  He has nightmares at night and has to have a night light on when he sleeps.  I didn't see any ghosts up here!  Probably wind blowing leaves and swaying trees."

Gloria smiles, "I'm more afraid of snakes, than ghosts.  One time I nearly stepped on one."

Jack adds, "I'd be scared too!  Treating a rattlesnake bite can cost from $30,000 to $150,000 for multiple anti-venom treatments."

The little boy's parents arrive comfort him as the family continues walking down the trail.

Jack, Valerie and Gloria hike up the trail seeing beautiful golden leaves clapping in the wind.

Gloria speaks, "God made all these beautiful leaves!"

Walking around some trees they see a Witch standing in the trail, holding out her arms and wiggling her fingers at them, shouting a Witches cry!"  

Secretly someone behind Gloria sneaks you yelling, "BOOOO!" 

Gloria jumps, turning around to see a white ghost.

Valerie gazing at the witch and ghost, feels someone touching her arm.  Hearing a LOUD, "GROWLING."  

Turning around, she sees face to face to a ghoul.

  

Witch smiles, "Did we scare you...he, he, he, he, he?"

Gloria replies, "What is your purpose and why are you doing this?"

Ghost replies, "We're preparing for Halloween.  It is Samhain our high sabbath day."

Ghoul adds, "For me, I'm practicing scaring amigos for the Day of the Dead.  We celebrate our dead ancestor on November 1st and 2nd."

Witch adds, "Shall I cast a spell on all of you?  Do you want to see the power of the dark side?"

Jack smiles, "You certainly surprised us and made us jump; but you traumatized a 3 year old toddler."

Ghoul shakes his head saying, "Good!"

Jack adds, "You scared us, but is there anything that scares each one of you?"

Ghoul answers, "I'm terrified of bears. They can chase after you 40 miles an hour." 

Valerie adds, "I keep my distance from Bison.  I saw a video of a man being thrown 10 feet up in the air after approaching the buffalo."

Gloria adds, "For me, it's snakes.  Rattlesnakes and gartersnakes freak me out!"

Witch has a wicked LAUGH, "The howl of the wolves make me tremble."

Jack smiles, "I've seen bears, moose, snakes, scorpions, and even a Wolverine; but do you know what the most scariest creature I ever encounter was?"

Ghouls replies, "Was it a bat?  Ticks?"

Jack answers, "It was a skunk blocking the trail.  I waited until it moved into the bushes, then I ran past it, hoping I wouldn't be sprayed."

Ghoul, "LAUGHS."

Jack adds, "Do you realize that even people in the Bible got scared?"

Valerie adds, "John saw Jesus in His glorified body and this is what he said, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last."  (Revelation 1:17  NLT - New Living Translation)

Jack reads: " Now Moses was pasturing the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.  Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not being consumed.  So Moses said, “I must turn aside and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burning up!”  When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”  Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”  And He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.  (Exodus 3:1-6  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Gloria asks, "Coming close to God's presence on Mount Sinai...'The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear."  (Hebrews 12:21  NIV - New International Version)

Witch replies, "But we don't believe in God!

We believe in Lucifer."

Gloria quotes, "Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn."  (Proverbs 1:7  ERV - Easy-to-Read Version)

Valerie adds, "Fear of the Lord leads to life,

bringing security and protection from harm."

(Provers 19:23  NLT - New Living Translation)

Gloria qoutes, "Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding."  (Proverbs 9:10 ERV)

Jack says,  "I am not here to judge you, but are you involved in any of these things? 

"The result of sin’s control in our lives is clear. It includes sexual immorality, impurity and wild living,  worshiping false gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, having envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not be in God’s kingdom."  Galatians 5:19-21  ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Witch snaps back, "Don't point your finger at me; you're a sinners too!"

Gloria smiles, "You're right."

Valerie quotes, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"  (Romans 3:23-24  LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Ghoul replies, "I attend mass with grandma.  Maybe I'll end up in purgatory when I die."

Gloria states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 6:23 LSB)

Jack says, "One day we will stand before the Creator of the universe and have to give an account for your life.  For those who don't love God, this will be the most terrifying day in their life."

Valerie reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  LSB)

Ghost begins to panic, "I know, you are trying to scare us with God and the Bible."

Gloria answers, "What if today was your last day on earth.  If you reject Jesus in this lifetime, why would you want to live with Him forever and ever?  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!  By His shed blood on the cross, we are saved, if we follow and believe in Him."

Valerie says, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12  ESV)

Ghoul, Ghost and Witch flee up the trail without looking back, hoping to find new hikers to scare.

Jack speaks to Gloria and Valerie, "Looks like the dark side has influenced their lives.  Ever since Eve and Adam listened to the serpant, knowledge of the evil has spread like wildfire."

They hear ghoulish SCREAMING and YELLING coming from futher up the trail.

Gloria frowns, "To think, I use to do this when I was young.  I would visit every haunted house and love to explore corn mazes.  We dressed up in our costumes in school and marched around the hallways for everyone to see us."

Valerie states, "Somebody is going to fall and get hurt.  They are disturbing birds, squirrels and all the wildlife."

Ghoul, Ghost and Witch race down the trail.

Everyone sees a Moose charging, running 35mph down the trail behind them.

In a split second, everyone jumps off the trail, turning their backs to the moose.  

Bull moose runs past all of them without stopping.

The Ghoul pulls off his mask, looking Valerie in her eyes saying,  "I don't want to die, can you tell me more about Jesus?"

Juicy tears drip down the Witch's face, saying,

"I saw my life fading away.  I want to get married and have a family one day."

The Ghost yanks off his sheet, falling to his knees, trembling, "That was way too close!"

Jack says, "It's your free choice to decide what you want to do in life.  Would you like to follow Jesus?"

The Ghoul looks up into Jacks eyes, saying, "I don't want to end up in hell.  What do I need to do?"

Gloria speaks, "You need to repent from your sins, and surrender you life to Jesus."

Valerie adds, "You need to trust Jesus and follow him and he will give you his Holy Spirit."

Jack states, "Jesus will give you everlasting life.  If you don't want to be with Jesus in this lifetime, why would you want to be with Him eternally."

Gloria adds, "There is no purgatory.   Hell is eternal separation from God... 'Behold now is the acceptable time. Behold now is the day of salvation.' (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV)

There is a moment of silence as dust on the trail settles from the moose.

Witch removes her hat, smashing it with her foot on the ground.  "I rebuke this curse in the name of Jesus."

Ghost removes the white sheet and rips it in two.  "It's time to get serious now!"

Ghoul removes his plastic mask, crushing it with his feet saying, "Satan is not going to wreck my life anymore!"

Jack states, "If anyone is serious about wanting to follow Jesus, I lead you in prayer."

Everyone finds a place off the trail to gather.

Jack leads them in a prayer of salvation.

Witch, Ghoul and Ghost have a new contenance, with kindness, love and respect.

Gloria adds, "It's important to get a Bible and read it daily.  And find a Bible believing church so that you can serve and grow in the Lord."

Valerie adds, "Be baptized and share with you family and friends that you love and follow Jesus."

Witch, Ghoul and Ghost begin to dance in a spirit of Joy, raising their hands to the heavens.

Everyone has a group hug and returns down the trail.

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN ELECTION INTEGRITY?

 WOULD YOU VOTE FOR JESUS?

PICNIC WITH FOUR PASTORS 

Four Pastors walk to a picnic area in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, to discuss issues and spiritual topics.  Pastor Dave with red hair begins the discussion asking, "Are we all citizens of heaven first, before our United States citizenship?"

Hispanic Pastor Manual reads, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."  (Philippians 3:20-21  ESV - English Standard Version)

Pastor Frank recites, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  (Romans 13:1-3  NKJV - New King James Version)

Pastor Jun De, adds, "We are to submit to God first, then to governing authorities second; only if they don't go against God's commandments and freedoms for public worship and fellowship."

Pastor Dave remarks, "Should believers vote and participate in politics?"  Some religions say no, to political involvement."

Pastor Frank says, "What about separation from church and state."

Pastor Manuel answers, "Yes, I am against the one world religion too!  Everyone in the United States should have the freedom to believe, worship and fellowship."

Pastor Jun De adds, "I believe it is our duty as American citizens to vote and express freely what we believe."

Pastor Manuel states, "You can go online and read where each canidate stands on important issues."

Pastor Dave asks, "Being a citizen of God's kingdom, how should we vote?  Should we vote for one political party?  Should we vote for canidates with the best personality?  Or should we vote on issues according to God's word and pick candidates who stand with Biblical values?" 

Pastor Frank, "There's Christians in every political party.  That's the danger of voting for one party and not examining candidates."

Pastor Dave replies, "But each party has foundational beliefs we need to be aware of.  What issues do your party stand on?"

Do they protect the innocent unborn?

Do they insure freedom of speech?

Do they protect our religious liberties?"

Pastor Manual adds, "Looking at today's issues through the eyes of Jesus and God's word in the Bible will help us select the right canidates."

Pastor Jun De comments, "It's a choice of spiritual examination of issues, or fleshly examining politicians of how well they dress, their skin color and how eloquent they speak."

Pastor Dave concludes, As a citizen of heaven, do you pray and ask God who you should vote for?  Or do you check boxes blindly, without knowing what issues you're really voting for?

Pastor Manuel concludes, "It comes down to this, do we vote for issues or personalities?

Would you vote for Jesus?"

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE A CROWN FROM JESUS?

 TRAIL RUNNERS IN PARK CITY

WOMENS FITNESS TRAINING

Missionary Debra is taking five college age Christian ladies trail running in Park City, Utah. After a steady run uphill, Debra finds a good place to take a break.

Georgina, the black woman says, "I'm not used to the higher elevation, the air is a lot thinner up here than Georgia."

Alicia, sitting with twin sister Sue, says, "I think we're 7,200' above sea level.  Your heart has to work harder up here."

Debra continues, "I've been a missionary around the world, climbing steep hills, daily walking 20 miles to villages, and paddling canoes in rivers.  Do any of you want to follow in my footsteps?  Any future missionaries here?"

Kim, the Chinese sister of Lead Detective Jack, raises her hands with a big smile, saying, "I am willing to go anywhere with Jesus to the ends of the earth!"

Debra smiles, saying, "In ancient Greece, runners who won the race would receive a Stephanos Crown at a Bema seat."

Alicia asks, "Did they receive royal crowns like the ones kings wore?"

Debra answers, "No, a Stephanos crown is a wreath made of laurel, oak, ivy, myrtle, or olive leaves."

Sue comments, "Did they wear it like a sweat band?"

Debra shakes her head, and speaks, "Are you aware that there are five different crowns, Jesus will reward His faithful, only if you earn them?"

Luna, pastor Manuel's daughter blurts out, "Can you tell us what the Five Crowns are, and how we can earn these rewards."

Debra speaks, "Crown of Glory is given to Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Elders, Teachers and anyone who feeds the flock with God's word the Bible, and makes disciples." 

Luna quotes, " Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20  NIV)

Georgina reads from her cell phone: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."  (1 Peter 5:1-4  NIV - New International Version)

Debra adds, "You can lose your reward if you are seeking dishonest gain and use your position to lord over your disciples.  Remember Jesus is the Lord and we are His servants."

Alicia comments, "These crowns do not perish; not like the ones given to Greek athletes?"

Debra continues, "Our next one is the IMPERISHABLE CROWN.  As we discipline our bodies today trail running, if we want to earn this crown we must discipline our lives, body, soul, mind and spirit for Christ!"  

Alicia reads from her cell phone, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27  NKJV - New King James Version)

Debra comments, "We need to have self discipline and use our bodies as a temple to glorify God."

Kim smiles, "Teachers need to set the example and live holy lives too, or they'll lose their reward."

Debra continues, "CROWN OF LIFE, is given to those endures trials and temptations and perserves until the end."

Kim reads from her Bible app, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  (James 1:12  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sue reads from her phone, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (Revelation 2:10  NASB)

Debra comments, "You need to be faithful throughout your life, until death.  Does anyone know what the CROWN OF REJOICING is?"

Georgia blurts out, "I know, it's praising and worshipping God."

Luna reads from her app, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy."  (I Thessalonians 2:19-20  NKJV)

Debra comments, "Paul rejoices for all the people who came to Jesus Christ.  This crown is known as the Soul Winners Crown.  

Does anyone know what are final reward we can earn?"

Alicia raises her hand, saying "CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"

Debra speaks, "Do you remember the Parable of the 10 Virgins.  5 were prepared and waiting excited for the return of the Bridegroom, while 5 were unprepared, sleepy heads.  The Crown of Righteousness will be given to those who are waiting for the appearing of Christ."

Luna adds, "We don't know the day or the hour that Jesus will return. 

Kim reads, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."  (2 Timothy 4:7-8  NKJV)

Debra speaks, "Jesus will return like a thief in the night at a time nobody will expect.  Will you rejoice at His coming, when you can see Jesus face to face?  Or will you be unprepared as a sleepy head?

Georgina adds, "I heard about these crowns, but I never realized this is something we need to earn during our lifetime."

Kim adds, "This is spiritual trail running we need to do every day, to be fit for the Lord."

Debra concludes, "Anyone want to quit running and go home?  Or do you want run the good race, be faithful to God, endure through trials and temptation and be excited rejoicing for the day you will see Jesus."

Debra gets up, and runs down the trail.   All the ladies spring up and rush behind her, trying to catch up.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

 THREE DETECTIVES IN ZION 

ANGELS LANDING INVESTIGATION

A shuttle bus at Zion National Park stops at The Grotto.  The driver says, "Make sure you use restrooms and refill water here before your hike."

Bus doors open, and Jack, Gloria and Valerie step off the bus and put on their daypacks.

Valerie says, "I'm sad we didn't win the lottery and get our permits to hike to the top of Angel Landing."

Jack replies, "We still can hike to Scout Lookout without permits and see great views of Zion National Park.  Let's pray for God's protection before we go."

After, they walk across a bridge.  Valerie asks, "What is the name of this creek?'  

Gloria replies, "It's the Virgin River.  Maybe after our hike we can float down the river on tubes, outside of the park."

Valerie stops at the trail junction, asking, "Right or Left?  How many miles?"

Jack explains, "1.8 miles to Scout Lookout.  There's a restroom and no water."

Three women overhearing Jack, stop to talk.  Skye asks Jack, "Do you know the total mileage and elevation to hike to the top of Angels Landing."

Jack replies, "You're looking at 4 1/2 miles total, 1,540' elevation gain and 4 hours of hiking.  I've been up there 3 times."

Gloria adds, "I'm Gloria, these are my friends Jack and Valerie."

Skye replies, "I'm Skye from Boston, Kalea is from Maui, and Caroline is from Georgia.  We are content creators and social media influencers meeting together for the first time."

Caroline adds, "We are here to hike the Five Most Dangerous Trails out West, to conquer fear!"

Valerie holds her cell phone shooting video of the conversion, asking, "What are the big 5?"

Kalea smiles, "Angels Landing, Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon, Buckskin Gulch in Paria Wilderness, The Maze in Canyonlands, and The Half Dome in Yosemite."

The conversations continue as they walk up the West Rim Trail.  Going up the switchback section,  Kalea asks Jack, "What's with the silly hat?"

Jack smiles, "We are the Three Detectives interviewing and asking hikers on the trail today, "What is Your Greatest Fear?"  Gloria is our note taker, and Valerie shoot our videos."

Gloria asks, "Skye, are the three of you doing the same thing?"

Skye replies, "I do online video content, Caroline shoots pictures, and Kalea is writing a book about overcoming fear, while hiking the most dangerous trails in the west."

Caroline adds, "We have been online friends for years and this is our first outing together."

Skye, Caroline and Kalea stop in shade on the switchback trail.

Gloria asks, "How much water are you carrying?"  Kalea lifts up two 16oz bottles of water."

Valerie asks, "Do you have any electrolytes or salty snacks?  Utah is the second driest state in the United States."

Kalea holds out two sugar coated energy bars.

Later they walk through a small canyon.  Gloria speaks, "Welcome to Refridgerator Canyon.  A great place to cool off."

Then they reach a section of short switchbacks.  Valerie speaks, "This is Walter Wiggles!"

Caroline asks, "Valerie, can you take a picture of us on the wiggles?"  

Skye, Kalea and Caroline stand on different switchbacks, with arms lifted up to the sky.  Valerie shoots a half dozen photos with different poses.

Everyone reaches the top of Scout Lookout.  Jack tells them, "We didn't get a permit, so we have to stop here."

Gloria adds, "The ranger will check your permit before the chain section.  If you are found without one, it's a $5,000 fine & six months in prison."

Kalea speaks, "We were so lucky to get our permit online."

Jack looks serious saying, "Have you prepared yourself physically?  Have you hiked on slickrock in the desert before?"

Valerie adds, "When I hiked up the chain section before, I wore my bicycle gloves.  The chains can get hot in the afternoon."

Skye smirks, "Nobody tells us these things online."

Gloria stares at Skye's shoes, asking, "Do your have good traction?  Have you tested your hiking shoes on slickrock and sand before?"

Caroline says, "We don't have any fear of anything?"

Gloria quotes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  (Proverbs 9:10  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Valerie asks, "Do you have a will or trust? If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Skye replies, "Sorry, we are not religious."

Jack adds, "Do you have fear and worry about your safety today?"

Kalea speaks, "As long as we are focused and hold tightly to the chain, we will be all right."

Valerie adds, "As long as we hold tight to Jesus we will be all right too."

Gloria reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NIV - New International Version)

Skye smiles, "It's been a pleasure hiking with you.  We need to hike up the chain section before it gets crowded."

Jack smiles back, "Can we pray for God's protection on you, before you leave."

Kalea smiles, "Yes please! Yes please!"

After Jack prays for them, they walk over to the ranger checking their permits to hike the chain section.

Three Detectives rest on Scout Lookout, eating lunch and talking to other hikers.  

It was about 1 1/2 hours later, they see the three social media influencers return down the trail.

Skye was in front, Kalea was limping with a scraped knee, and Caroline following behind.

The Three Detectives walked Kalea over to a rock, to sit down.  

Jack stares, "You're bleeding, lets wash out the dirt and put a bandage on it."

Jack takes out a fresh bottle of water and washes the sand out of the wound.  After putting a cotton pad to slow the bleeding, he reaches into his pack pulling out a large Bandaid.

Kalea takes a deep breathe, "Coming down was scarey.  There's sand on the slickrock that made me slip.  I grabbed the chain with one hand and was saved.  Can you tell me how I can follow Jesus?"

Gloria reads, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."                (1 John 1:9  NIV)

Valerie adds, "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3  NIV)

Kalea smiles, "I want Jesus to be my guide!"

Jack quotes, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."  (Romans 10:9-10  NIV)

Gloria speaks to Skye and Caroline, saying, "Would you like to overcome the fear of death and know you have everlasting life?"

Skye, Carolie and Kalea still shaken from the fear of Angels Landing, shook their heads, YES!

Kalea says, "What do we have to do?"

Jack says, "Would you like to pray and receive Jesus into your life?  He has a free gift of everlasting life."

Valerie adds, "If you repent from you sins, have faith and trust in Him, you will receive His Holy Spirit and he will comfort and guide you."

Gloria adds, "He will make you a new person."

After they pray, all of them comes together in a group hug.

Kalea says, "I think we're going to Bryce Canyon next and skip all the trails of terror.  It's time to enjoy the west!"

Skye says, "Goodbye, it has been fun meeting you on Scout Lookout.  I'm sure glad that Jesus is our scout and He is looking out for all of us!"

AUDIO REVIEW

WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE IN A SLOT CANYON?

 CASE OF THE STORM WARNING

THREE DETECTIVES SCRAMBLE

Diego and Sofia arrive at the trailhead to Little Wild Horse slot canyon in Utah.  

Diego says to his newly wed wife, "Sofia, have you ever been in a slot canyon before."  

Sofia answers, "No Diego, where is it?  All I see is one tree in a sandy wash."

After hiking 1/2 mile they see a sign.  Sofia asks, "Do you want to go to Bell Canyon or Little Wild Horse?"

Diego smiles, "Little Wild Horse has better narrows.  Some people hike the 8 mile loop.  But we didn't bring water to hike 4 hours."

They come to a huge crack in the sandstone wall.  Sofia says, "How are we going to squeeze through that?  What if I can not fit through it?"   

Diego laughs, as the enter the slot canyon.

Walking up the slot canyon, Sofia stares at a bizzare gray rock formation with holes in the wall.  She says, "Diego do you see that?  It reminds me of a horror movie."

Diego climbs up a chokestone rock and grabs her hand pulling her up.  Diego states, "Are you having a fun time?"

Winding up the slot canyon, they hear three voices coming down.  Sofia says, "Diego, can we stop and rest for a moment?"

Sofia and Diego observes the high walls of the sandstone canyon seeing a Raven fly by.

Three Detectives come down the slot canyon, and stop to talk with Sofia and Diego.

Jack the lead detective speaks, "Where are you from?"

Sofia speaks, "I'm Sofia, and this is my newly wed husband Diego.  We're from Redondo Beach, California."

Gloria writes down notes, saying, "We are the Three Detectives and would like to ask you a few questions about your experience in the slot canyon today."

Valerie holds her cell phone to video the interview.  She asks, "Is this your first time hiking in a slot canyon?"

Diego replies, "Yes, I never knew that Utah was so fun.  It's like one big playground."

Sofia adds, "Fun for you and all work for me!  We are on our honeymoon."

Gloria asks, "When you were a child, did your mom ever warn you not to touch hot pans on the stove?"

Diego laughs, "Many times!  After a few burns, my mom showed me her pot holders."

Jack talks, "Are you aware there are two types of warnings.  A warning not to do something, like touching something hot, and a warning to do something, like seeing a warning sign to slow down before driving around a sharp curve."

Sofia adds, "I don't like to risk my life racing around curves."

Valeria asks, "Do either one of you have any bars on your cell phone?"

Diego replies, "Nada, no bars!"

Jack speaks, "Utah has Monsoon storms during August afternoons.  Have you check the weather report today?"

Sofia replies, "When we started it was sunny and blue sky.  No clouds anywhere."

Gloria speaks, "We met Joshua carrying a satellite phone.  He warned us to turn back, because of a severe weather alert and possible flash flood heading to this area."

Valerie states, "You need to turn around and leave right now.  The storm can be miles away and still cause a flash flood in a slot canyon."

Gloria says, "I want to warn you that water can get high in this canyon and sweep you off your feet." 

Valeria adds,  "You'll see new waterfalls pouring over steep cliffs, with falling rocks."

Diego hesitates, "A little water never hurt anyone.  Besides, Utah is the second driest state in America."

Valerie asks, "Do you believe in God?"

Sofia replies, "I met Diego in church.  He is so handsome."

Jack says, "Adam and Eve were warned not to eat of the tree of good and bad knowledge.  Because they did not listen, God said, they shall surely die."

Gloria states, "Noah was a preacher of righteousness, building an ark and warned people to turn back to God, before the great worldwide flood.  Did they listen to his warning?"

Diego replies, "That's Old Testament."

Gloria asks, "Are you Born Again?"

Both Diego and Sofia have blank faces.

Valerie reads, "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”  (John 3:5-8  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sofia replies, "I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Why do I need to be Born Again?"

Diego hurries, "We are going to continue hiking up Little Wild Horse.  Do you know how many miles until the end of the narrows?"

Jack speaks, "It's 3.6 miles total each way and 505' elevation gain. I'm not sure how many miles we have all ready hiked.  If the storm comes, wait on the other side, and get out of the wash for a few hours until the weather clears."  

Valerie adds, "You can hike north on the 'Behind the Reef' dirt road 10 miles to the 'Temple Mountain campground' and beg for a ride back to your vehicle."

Gloria says, "Can we pray with you before you leave?"  Diego walks away up the canyon, ignoring them."

Sofia turns her head, saying, "Sorry, we're in a big hurry.  Enjoy the rest of your hike."

Valerie talks,  "Let's go, it's time for us to get out of here.  It's their free choice to do what they want."

With sorrow they watch Diego and Sofia disappear around sandstone walls.

Suddenly, TWO BLASTS of THUNDER RUMBLE the canyon walls!!!

Sofia SCREAMS!

Sofia and Diego hurry back down, meeting the Three Detectives once again.  Diego's face in shock, and Sofia's body shaking.

Dark clouds appear above their heads.

Diego cries out, "Let's get out of here!"

Everyone hurries down the slot canyon.  No one stops for breaks.

Valerie shouts, "HOPE WE DON'T HAVE A HAIL STORM."

Diego says, "Sophia, be careful, don't slip and fall.  I want you back in one piece.  It's our honeymoon."

After exiting the narrows, they enter the dry wash, feeling rain drops on their heads.

Jack yells, "IF YOU SEE WATER COMING DOWN, GET OUT OF THE WASH IMMEDIATELY AND FIND HIGHER GROUND!"

Wind blows with lightning and THUNDER.

Running through the sandy wash they reach their vehicles in 12 minutes and were out of breathe.

Everyone is soaking wet standing in the parking lot.

Sofia asks the Three Detectives, saying, "Before you leave, we would like to know how we can become Born Again."

Jack says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB)

The rain lets up with a cool breeze.

Gloria states, "Repent from your sins, make Jesus the Lord of your life, trust in Him, and ask for the Holy Spirit."

Sofia looks into Diegos' eyes, saying, "Would we risk our lives on our own, or follow Jesus knowing he will lead us and give us everlasting life?"

Jack leads them in prayer, as they huddle together with arms wrapped around each other.

Diego shouts out, "I'm a new man, a new creation in Jesus Christ!"  

Sohia has a great big smile on her face with dripping wet hair.  Diego and Sophia kiss.

Jack concludes, "Go tell all your family and friends that Jesus is your LORD and SAVIOR."