Chapter 41
11:55 AM EST New York - Bear News Studios
On the way back to the studio, John Roddenburg caught up with me. I stopped, but Thomas kept following the page. John asked, “Jack, how are you holding up?”
“Fine,” I said. “A bit tired, but I will be fine.”
“You know we still have the other four panelists yet to go and I wanted to talk about them to you.”
“What is it John? Do you have some concerns?”
“Yes, we do. We are concerned especially about the Islamic panelist. If the wrong things are said, there may very well be riots everywhere, including right here in New York City.”
“What do you think I am going to say that would cause that?”
“We know that Christianity and Islam do not mix. If your mission is to save the Gentiles, as you say, then the Muslims may fall under the Gentiles, that is, if I know my history. But if you say that they are evil, like so many have done in the past, then coming from you it could fuel a major crisis.”
“Well, you don’t know your history. John, listen, I am well aware of this and I am well prepared. Islam has the same founder, Abraham, as the Jews. I am selected for the Gentiles, which includes Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, and others, but not Muslims or Jews. You are going to have to trust me on this.” I paused, and said, “By the way, this Thursday we are selecting only your network to carry a live broadcast of a special service from Kansas City’s Memorial Park. It will be my first sermon to the people. The world is going to expect coverage and I want you there doing the commentary.”
“We already know Jack. Your agency told us about that this morning and we’ve already started working on it. We were not sure why, but they told us we had been selected to do this.”
“Did they also tell you during the entire sermon that you need to have a slow motion camera set up on me also?”
“Yes they did; and I was wondering about that. Do you know why we need that technology?”
“Yes I do, but I cannot discuss it yet. It will help your broadcast. And, John,” I said as we drew closer to the studio, “Reverend Marks is going to be my lead man in setting up the sermon in Kansas City. He is in charge of everything. Please have your people get with him. I think he is very well qualified and has done this before using TV and large crowds.”
John looked at me with his mouth half open and exclaimed, “You’re kidding me! He was about to crucify you just a half hour ago. I mean, I don’t understand.”
“John, things just happen. In addition, if you want an interview with me after the sermon, I will be staying at the Crown Plaza. Be prepared for your broadcast. There are going to be some very famous people there. Our agency is confirming the list now and you will probably want to do some spots on that prior to the sermon, especially with this group.”
“You’re news Jack. We will be there and yes we will definitely want an interview after the sermon.”
We had reached the studio area, and John went off to talk to his producer while I walked towards the couch.