In March of 2001 I made a friend over the Internet and eventually decided to meet her in Egypt (being the adventurous fellow that I am).  Me and my Russian friend, Oksana ("Aksana"), met together at a hotel where we learned to communicate with one another despite our different languages (that English/Russian translator book sure did come in handy!).  I was a gentleman and treated her with respect (there were two beds in our room).  (This is to say that nothing unbiblical commenced between me and her.  I believe that sex is reserved for marriage and I let Oksana know about my strong belief before our trip began.)  And I must say, Oksana gives new meaning to the words 'feisty' and 'sassy' (which I kinda like!).  Together we embarked on many excursions in the local area.  We snorkeled off a boat in the coral reefs of the Red Sea (I was specifically looking for old chariot wheels!).  We took a jeep ride as part of a larger caravan of jeeps on a safari through desert regions outside of Hurghada.  We shopped on the streets near our hotel.  And everywhere I went it seemed like I had to explain U.S. policy to most everyone I encountered.

The city of Hurghada caters mostly to European visitors.  I interacted with various people from many nations but never encountered any other Americans in the country except for when I first arrived in Cairo.  At the start of my vacation I learned about the closure of the U.S. airports as well as the closure of the American Embassy in Cairo.  Things did not look good for me.  I also heard a report from the BBC which stated that 200 Westerners had reported being harrassed throughout the Arab world shortly after the attacks.  I knew my faith would have to get me through.  I decided to show my God-given resolve and friendliness to as many people as I could.  I dined with the Russians, climbed sand dunes with the Germans, and listened to the political views of the Egyptians (some of them are real hot heads!).  I would have to say, though, that I was very impressed with the condolences many of the Egyptians extended to me regarding the tragedy in my homeland.  I shook hands with many of these people.  I felt like a goodwill ambassador.  (With the subsequent U.S. occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq my reception in Egypt today would not be as friendly.  I would have to distance myself completely from the U.S. government -- something I am all too happy to do!)

I did take some heat, however.  There were some Egyptians who expressed the belief that the Americans brought the disaster of 9/11 on themselves.  It's well known that there are massive numbers of people in that region who very much resent U.S. involvment in international affairs (more so now than ever, and understandably).  I even took criticism from a hotel worker for what he said is my country's war against the drug cartel in Colombia.  (It turns out that Hurghada also caters to the Colombians.  In fact, when I checked into the hotel on the night of the 11th I was asked by the desk clerk if I was a Colombian...maybe it was the shirt I was wearing!).  The atmosphere at times was a little tense (to put it mildly).  I was callously told by a few men that my country should let the acts of terrorism stand unpunished, to which I confidently and defiantly replied, "We'll see."

I had a very difficult time returning to the United States.  During my trip Trans World Airlines (TWA) decided to discontinue service to the Middle East meaning that my flight home was cancelled.  After spending an unplanned night in Cairo on the 18th (one week after the attacks) I was able to arrange a deal with British Airways the next day and eventually found myself at the London (Heathrow) airport in Great Britain.  When I finally made it back to New York on the 19th I had to spend the night at the JFK airport.  I finally connected on a flight to Florida where I was scheduled to meet my family (for a very brief reunion).  I made it to Orlando at noon on Sept. 20th (twenty-four hours behind schedule) and returned home to Colorado on the night of the 21st.  Because I was low on money near the end of my trip instead of staying at hotels I had to sleep (or try to sleep) in uncomfortable chairs in two major airports while waiting for my flights to board.  Still though, others suffered far longer delays than I did.  And I can't complain one bit when I think about the victims of the attacks who lost more than just time and suffered far greater inconveniences.

I have many stories to tell.  Let me mention one of the inspiring moments.  The Egyptian driver of the jeep I traveled in during the safari shared his sentiment with me at the last stop on our tour.  In the dark of the night while me and others in the caravan of jeeps stopped to view the stars in the Eastern Desert the driver exclaimed to me in private: "God bless America".  (His interest was in the freedom and values America permitted, not in the materialistic aspect...freedoms that are gradually being removed from us following 9/11).  He wanted me to tell everyone I know in Colorado what he had said regarding his support for my country.  Of course, there were also some sad stories.  I'll mention one of them.  The passenger seated next to me on my plane trip from London to New York (who looked to be of Middle Eastern decent) told me that he lost three of his friends in the recent Trade Center building attacks.  He hadn't heard from them since the tragic event and knew that he had lost them.  He also said that in the early 1990's another friend of his was killed at the same location when the parking basement area below one of the Towers was bombed (six people were killed in the 1993 attack).  Regarding that incident, I was told that all the man was trying to do was park his car.

My spirit is deeply grieved.  It is not necessarily due to the loss of life this nation of ours has recently experienced, though that is certainly part of it.  There are a great many other things bothering me at the moment.  I can see the formation of the dominant one-world government in progress.  I can see the one-world universal religion being formed.  All of these things were prophesied by the Holy Scriptures to mark the end of the age.  This is an exciting time knowing that Christ's return is near but it is also sad to see how many people are being deceived to believe that the narrow gate offered through the salvation of Jesus Christ is not the only path to God.  How many Christians are aware of this ungodly ecumenical and interfaith movement now rapidly appearing and know that all of this is part of the end-time apostasy predicted in the Scriptures?  Bible prophecy is just not taught very often in today's churches, and many people in their lack of knowledge do not possess the correct perspective of what is now taking place.

I've monitored the activity of churches through various media outlets in the months and years following the tragedy.  There is something very wrong with the messages now being delivered.  Noticeably missing is a national call to repentance.  My country is facing judgement and only a select few are aware that this is the case.  The sins of my nation are massive and judgement is inescapable.  This may sound like a cruel and insensitive thing for anyone to say after a tragedy but understand that it is out of a real love for humankind that I share my heart.  Consider the testimony of history.  From studying the Scriptures we learn that when Israel was backslidden God often punished the Israelites by using foreign enemies to enact retribution on them.  It was an opportunity given to Israel for the purpose of having them turn from their wickedness and call on their Creator.  The God who created mankind and sent His Son to die for our sins deserves our attention and obedience.  We have a golden opportunity before us at this moment.  What leader will arise and petition people to seek God's mercy?  Such a Godly person is sorely needed.

In a sense the critics of my country that I spoke with are right.  My nation is deserving of judgement.  American educators and politicians have fostered a new view about life in recent years... one that does not include the presence of Almighty God.  The Lord has been and continues to be removed from our history books and from our daily lives.  Only in tragedy do people acknowledge Him.  With lip service people call out to Him in prayer but still refuse to change their wicked lifestyles.  After the towers collasped the cry was heard that "we will rebuild our great city".  But we know that "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1).  Again I declare that repentance is in order.

Make no mistake.  I am not defending the actions of the terrorists.  Just like those who attacked the ancient children of Israel today's workers of terror will also soon give an account of their lives before the Lord Jesus Christ on the Day of Judgement that is to come (as all of us will do).  [I believe that it was a high-level U.S. government / military plot that brought about the events of 9/11, not an Arab conspiracy.  As a nation Americans have been given the kind of goverment they deserve.  The real terrorists are the as of yet unchallenged American conspirators who, I have reason to believe, orchestrated this disaster with the ultimate plan of bringing about their New World Order.  For knowledge as to why I believe this be sure to visit my page dealing with U.S. Government Complicity in 9/11.]  The purpose I have in writing about judgement is to point out the parallel between the sinful Israeli nation of the past (and present) with the United States of today to show that God often uses evil nations and corrupt individuals to accomplish His will.  The people of my nation claim to be Godly yet they have blasphemed the name of God in so many ways.  That's what makes the judgement against the U.S. necessary.  I hope my fellow citizens will call out to God with humility and not speak against Him.  When things become worse I fear that too many will begin to curse Him.  I know human behavior and I know the Scriptures, which is why I know this will soon happen.  God help us all in the time to come.

Some years back I began praying fervently for the judgement of God to fall.  Let me explain to you why I would do that.  In the early 1990's (particularly) I experienced a lot of violent social confrontations... not in a distant land overseas but in my homeland located in the "civilized" state of Colorado.  I wanted my fellow citizens to show outrage over the intensification of the moral and spiritual depravity spreading throughout our land.  But that just didn't happen.  Though there were a few lone voices speaking out against the increase of ungodly behavior most of the nation's leaders sang a different tune:  "We have no interest in biblical discussion or in those who tell us what our view of rightousness should be.  That's not the issue we are interested in.  The problem with our nation's youth will not be solved with the implementation of family values.  A better economic situation will solve our problems."  What did the majority of Americans decide the issue of the day should be? ...

"It's the economy, stupid!"

It was believed by many (and still is) that national wealth would create and sustain a happy and peaceful society.  The people who preached that message might find it contradicting to their ideology to know that the physical (and spiritual) battles I fought during those days were initiated by people who lived in neighborhoods branded as upper-middle class.  Poverty did not create the gleeful tendencies for violence I discovered within many of my peers.  I knew that having more money was not going to heal the hearts of the people in my generation because I knew that materialism could not instill Godliness within them.  The liberal and ungodly argument of those days never washed with me.  I knew that sin was the problem and I came to hate my life because I hated my surroundings.  I could sense the darkness around me and was demoralized by the lack of a call to righteousness.  The people loved other things (including many who professed to be Christians).

"Alright then..." I sadly and reluctantly communicated to my God, "...they can have their precious economy... and I hope it comes crashing down on their heads!"

Think of the frustrating anxiety I was suffering from to give that kind of prayer.  My generation (which the world labeled 'X') has lost far more casualties over the years compared to the thousands who perished during the recent attacks.  How many mourned for them?  There are many living in my country who have a lot to answer for what they have approvingly and disgracefully allowed to happen to their children.  Wealth became to people a greater priority than souls.  God cannot in His rightousness continue to protect an unrightous nation.  I don't like saying this but I must be truthful: Without an act of national repentance there's going to be much more hell to pay here in the U.S.A.  Understand that it is not the will of God that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), nor is it my will.  I would love to see people change their ways but I know that if this does not happen things will continue to get much worse. The judgement of God will not delay forever.  The Lord's true saints are crying out for justice.  (Those who are comfortable living in this world hate this message.)

"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."
(Proverb 11:4)

Many have wondered who the mystery Babylon mentioned in the Scriptures could be... that wicked spiritual Babylon described in the prophetic book of Revelation.  I think a clear and concise answer is available to the serious student of Bible prophecy.  I recently found a very good and sobering article that identifies this entity and explains in brilliant detail why judgement has come and why more will soon come.  Access the link provided at the bottom of this page if you are interested to know.  But be forewarned.  You may not like what you read.

If you are a solid believer in Jesus Christ then do not worry about anything because the Lord has not abandoned His people.  God's presence remains with His remnant even in this new dark hour of human history.  Do not fear anything, not even if you are faced with death.  The kingdom of the saints is not of this world.  The United States of America will not endure forever.

I could probably write a very stirring tribute to the American way of life as others have done and appeal to people's pride by asserting that as a strong nation we will prevail in every situation... but I'm just not that cruel.  I will never conform to the foolish conditioning process designed to make people believe that their hope should be placed in the futility of man and the perishable things of this world.  If I wasn't knowledgeable in the Lord Jesus it would be easy for me to get swept up in the tide of popular opinion and make that mistake but spreading such propaganda will only cause people to experience major disappointment at some time in the future.  I tell you on the authority of God's Word that judgement is coming.  Sin has consequences.  If you are not in fellowship with God, or up until this point you have existed as a nominal believer, then the best advice I can offer is for you to draw near to the loving and forgiving Father (He who has no beginning and no end) and He will give you everlasting strength and peace in a salvation found in none other than Jesus of Nazareth.  Open your heart to His Word.

May the love and grace of the one and only saving Lord be with us all.

Your Servant in Christ,
Brian Karjala

PS:  On a lighter note, that's the last time I'll ever
       vacation in the Middle East!  *smile*

Mystery Babylon  (Author: David Shanahan)
[One point of disagreement with David is the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.  Extensive study of irrefutable evidence convinces me that the bombing was committed by a faction of the U.S. government and was not the work of a small right-wing patriot group:  Video Evidence.]

Pictures of my trip in Egypt