Lionel Troy cuts a lonely figure in the pulpit of the First Church of Zion. The congregation appear troubled; the absence of Colt Ramsey weighing heavy on their minds.
“Today, brothers and sisters, we gather to mourn the atrocious abduction of one of our own. For too long, we have been blind to the threats lurkin’ at our very doorstep. We have failed to see the dangers that have been waitin’ to pounce like a pack of hungry wolves in the night.”
The congregation groan in unison.
“You see, friends, the world we live in is a treacherous place. It is filled with temptations and snares designed to lead us astray.”
The Reverend lowers his head, sighing somewhat fraudulently.
“And what be one of the most heinous traps of all, dear flock, than the temptation to open our doors to the wrong kind of visitors? When one opens that door, they are not just letting in a mere person or people.”
“No… They are inviting in a whole host of evil spirits, ready to wreak havoc on our lives.”
Zion’s children begin embracing one another sorrowfully.
“Take what happened to our brother this past week, good people. Pastor Ramsey opened the doors of this very building out of kindness, believin’ that who or whatever stood on the opposite side was lookin’ for the same grace and salvation we all covet.”
Troy points to the front entrance of the Church.
“Only his good will and perpetual faith was shattered by the evil that resided behind our sacred gateway. By unlockin’ that door and allowin’ Apokalypsis to storm our place of sanctuary, our brother opened the floodgates to hell and damnation itself! Once you permit evils like that into your lives, brothers and sisters, it’ll pass through you like a cancer and spread until it’s poison consumes you entirely!”
“It’ll drain you of your faith, your hope, and your soul, until there’s nothin’ left but an abandoned shell – lost and forsaken!”
The congregation gasp.
“That is why Brother Ramsey’s recent kidnappin’ must serve as a reminder to us all to stay on our guards. Much like your beloved Reverend’s renunciation to walk into No Man’s Land and lay his hands upon that godforsaken purgatory, remember to shut your doors each day, lock them up tight, and, if necessary, throw away the keys!”
“Don’t allow insidious people and spirits to get a foothold in your life, for once you do, you may never shake them loose!”
Lionel places a hand on his chest.
“And remember, friends, that it’s the doors of your heart and mind that are the most vulnerable of all… Guard them with all your might; never let anyone or anything in that doesn’t belong!”
“Be vigilant, be strong, and above all else, be faithful to the Lord above, for He alone can protect you from the evils that lurk behind those doors.”
“Keep them closed off, and remember not to open them to anyone but Zion himself!”
Troy holds up the Zionic Plate to a warm round of applause.
“May His love shine brightly upon you all and lead our brother home soon, in the name of the Father…”
“Amen!”