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The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

.....Rich Symbolism .....Intriguing Allegories ....Powerful Metaphors .............A Must Read Book

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The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

The Last Martyr - A Theological Thriller!

.....Rich Symbolism .....Intriguing Allegories ....Powerful Metaphors .............A Must Read Book

.....Rich Symbolism .....Intriguing Allegories ....Powerful Metaphors .............A Must Read Book

.....Rich Symbolism .....Intriguing Allegories ....Powerful Metaphors .............A Must Read Book

.....Rich Symbolism .....Intriguing Allegories ....Powerful Metaphors .............A Must Read Book

John Jeffries
John Jeffries
John Jeffries
John Jeffries
1 Campaign |
Chalmette, United States
$1,020 USD 20 backers
34% of $3,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

The Last Martyr 

Before the 1st Coming of Christ,

God gave John

– the Last Prophet –

Whose Death Closed

The Old Testament Church Age


Before the 2nd Coming of Christ,

God gives another John

The Last Martyr

Whose Death will Close

The New Testament Church Age


The Manuscript for The Last Martyr Is Finished!

Projected Publication Date - April, 2015 -- Contingent On Campaign Success

Help make it happen

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A Metaphor. 

It’s Beautiful.

Look.  On God’s Finger. Look.

A Butterfly.

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Catch the Vision!  This campaign is more than publishing a book, or two! 

Its a Vision of touching people beyond pastoral ministry! 

Its a long-time vision of extending my pastoral ministry into the field of writing with multiple goals -- touching lives and strengthening families!


From The Book....

He was a strange looking man, shabbily dressed.  His dusty black jacket was fashioned like an old style drum major uniform.  It was threadbare and had a double-breasted row of dull silver buttons running down its front.  He wore a drab silvery-white cloak that had an insignia across the chest; an insignia that featured an eagle, a winged man, an ox and a lion, symbols of the four evangelists.

At the conclusion of the service the man emerged from the shadows and discretely pulled me aside, away from the congregation as they exited the sanctuary.  He seemed distracted, disturbed, somewhat agitated, and worried.  He also appeared to be frightened, yet keenly observant and decidedly sensitive to everything and everyone in the church building.  He constantly turned his head one way, then another, scanning the crowds of people as they exited the church.  He was looking for something.  Or someone.  He leaned close to me, placing his hand in the small of my back to draw me closer, and then he spoke, yet without ever really looking at me, his eyes constantly scanning the people as they exited the sanctuary.

“This is for you.  Put it in your suit pocket, quickly.”

He hurriedly pulled a manila envelop that contained what appeared to be a small ancient scroll, a rough, faded parchment, from under his coat and handed it to me.  His hands were trembling.

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So begins the journey of John, The Last Martyr.  Readers will explore Extraordinary Places, including Christ Cathedral: The Church Of The Final Judgment; the Grand Library of Christ Cathedral with its Hidden Treasures and Ancient Artifacts; The Chapel of the Candle, plus mysterious Gothic Cathedrals, Ancient Chapels, Labyrinths, Bell Towers and the other-worldly site of the ancient Menorah whose majestic flames control the flow of time and history.

Through The Last Martyr readers will marvel over the powerful imagery of Towering Frescoes depicting the Great White Throne Judgment, the Judgment Seat of Christ, The Lamb’s Book of Life, and many more mysterious medieval motifs and biblical images.

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Here’s more from the opening of the book…

Special instructions were given concerning the ancient scroll, titled A Psalm of the Apocalypse:  “I was to translate and eventually interpret A Psalm of the Apocalypse, written by a boy, John the Younger.  It was originally written in New Testament Koine Greek, with some stanzas written in Aramaic.  The translation revealed that the parchment was actually a sonnet, a psalm or psalter of the Apocalypse, comprised of a series of unbalanced verses and poetic stanzas.  In substance, it was a faint foreshadowing of the end of what is and the beginning of what is yet to be. “

About Me

A Call  A Challenge  A Commitment

Destiny is a fragile thing!  Delicate!  So too are dreams -- and choices!  It’s choice, and the consequence of our choices – not chance – that shapes and determines destiny.  Our choice can also hurt or help others fulfill their destiny.

 

I chose to publish my first book at the tender age of 4.  I drew and colored all kinds of stuff, mostly bull frogs and butterflies – and momma stapled the pages together.  My first book! 

My second book?  Fourth grade.  A book of poems and sketches of all kinds of stuff, mostly bull frogs and butterflies.  Momma three-hole-punched the pages and put them into a three-ringed binder.  My second book.

I’m only telling you about these two books because I thought you should know -- I have writing experience.

Then, something happened.  It happened to you too.  You grew up – and so did I.  And, well, many of those childhood dreams sort of fell by the wayside.

Destiny is a fragile thing!  Delicate!  So too are dreams!

I graduated.  Married (Yeah)  A lovely wife.  Three beautiful children.  A mortgage (yech!)  Two dogs.  Double car garage.  You get the idea. But here’s an idea -- the winds of destiny sometimes blow when we least expect them – and in ways we hadn’t anticipated. 

A Call.  God issued a Call to me. (salvation) He issues the same call to each of us.  “The grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to every man.”  “Be ye saved all ye ends of the earth.”  Then, God sent me a Challenge (full-time ministry).  I responded by making a Commitment (to serve Him as a pastor). 

Now, many decades later I look back as a seasoned pastor and share that I have served three congregations and I’m still running the race in the 24th year of my fourth pastorate.

In the midst of it all I sporadically sensed stirrings that were impossible to ignore yet impossible to fulfill because of the demands and pressures of pastoral ministry– stirrings to write.  Stirrings!  I often suppressed them.  How often did I say, “I wish… I wish…”  But I never did.

I believe you understand.  I really do.

Destiny is a fragile thing!  Delicate!  So too are dreams!

“I wish… I wish… ”  But I never did.

A wish is a hope, a desire to do something that we haven’t yet done. We know how to wish, don’t we?  We know how to wish because we all have hopes, and dreams and desires -- wishes! But, sometimes, dreams, hopes and wishes sort of fall by the wayside.

Can I let you in on a little secret?  I believe sometimes God peeks at us and smiles through the unplanned moments of life!  He does this because He knows all about our forgotten dreams, hopes and wishes.

God peeked and smiled at me through the Walt Disney cartoon character -- Jiminy Cricket.  By Jiminy!  God has a sense of humor!  How do I know?  Imagine, God using a cartoon character of all things.  There He stood, smiling and peeking at me in the midst of one of those unplanned moments of my life.  He pointed his finger at me through Jiminy Cricket who was skipping and dancing across the screen of my television set – and here’s what he said…

When you wish upon a star;

Makes no difference who you are

Anything your heart desires will come to you.

Here’s the message I received -- "it makes no difference who you are" Anyone!  Everyone!  Any age!  Make a wish!  Dream a dream.  And strive to fulfill your destiny!  Do that which God has placed on your heart, and do it well1  By the way, Jesus in John 15:7 tells us to “ask whatever you WISH [theleo], and it will be done for you. [ESV -- English Standard Version]

Writing for me is a delicate thing.  It is a fragile desire, a small part of a larger dream… a destiny rooted in childhood and woven into the fabric of my life. 

One final note in this About Me section.  Every Sunday when I stand to share a message from God I see God’s people, the congregation seated in the Sanctuary.  High above them, near the vaulted ceiling are flags, flags representing 34 American states and the District of Columbia.  In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina our church and community were destroyed and the entire population was displaced.  People from across America came – gave time, money and effort – to build us a new church. 

Each Sunday I have a visual illustration, a reminder of the Grace of God and the Generosity of His people.  We couldn’t have built this new, debt free church without the help and generosity of His people from across the country.  In like manner, this aspect of ministry, this campaign can only be done through grace and generosity – to fulfill the dream.

Destiny is a fragile thing!  Delicate!  So too are dreams!

Sometimes God peeks at us & smiles through the unplanned moments of life!

Jesus is our Hope!  His People -- our Help!

Thank you for visiting my campaign.  I’ve been consumed for more than a year in writing and completing – The Last Martyr – and I’ve felt God’s guidance in many marvelous and mysterious ways!  I have a calm assurance that The Last Martyr will be published – I am convinced of that! 

The Last Martyr focuses on (1) the conflict between science and religion, (2) between atheism and theism, (3) between that which is secular and that which is sacred – from a biblical perspective – cloaked in the context of biblical fiction.

For More About Me….

Jeffries and Hurricane Katrina - PBS Tells Our Story



Why This Story?

Many, within the Christian community, have protested through pen and pulpit, the derelict state of the Christian mind.  This book  -- The Last Martyr  -- introduces and orients the reader to critical biblical thinking -- with a clarity that fosters biblical thought and facilitates Bible comprehension – utilizing the fascinating narration that details the final journey of The Last Martyr!

The Last Martyr  also touches upon other competing Classical and Contemporary ideologies, philosophies, theologies and scientific positions that are currently vogue and viewed as culturally relevant by contemporary thinkers  – while clarifying and contrasting their conflicts and compatibilities with the biblical revelation.

A Psalm Of The Apocalypse

Stanza 1-2-3

(More Stanza's Added Each Monday)

Remember, Special instructions were given concerning the ancient scroll, titled A Psalm of the Apocalypse:   Here's a portion of the Psalm....


Stanza 6-7-8

(More Stanza's Added Each Monday)


How You Can Help

Everyone can be a part of this campaign. Here are some ways you can help

Help make it happen

1.  Coat Our Campaign With Prayer

The greatest gift you can give is to intercede on our behalf.  As you pray, remember, this campaign is greater than the publication of a book or two or three.  It is part of a larger providence – something precious.

2.  Become An Investor

Pick one of the of rewards options and become an investor.  Your gift, no matter how small or large, is a valuable part of a larger dream – a lovely, delicate dream.

3.  Give Through Your Business, Bible Class or Group

Individual giving is the backbone of this campaign; but, a business or Bible Class or other groups can also invest in this campaign. Many of our perks can be utilized for group giving. Have your church or business invest and take advantage of some of the reward incentives to help your cause or mission.

4.  Give A Gift To A Friend

Though the perks and rewards won’t be available till 2015, you can give your perk as a gift to someone else.  Or, if you would like to give in memory of a family member or friend your reward incentive can be used in that way too.

5.  Share Our Campaign on Facebook, Twitter Or Other Social Media

A quick tweet or status update with a link to our Indiegogo page is super important.   So to is sharing a link through face book.  Donate your online influence and let people know why you're supporting us.  Make sure to provide a link to our campaign page.

What Am I Funding?

Professional Publishing Services (Listed below)

$2,000.00

Theological Review

Paperback Format

E-book Format & Distribution

Image Insertions / Text Treatment

Classic Interior Design

Classic Cover Design

Personalized Back cover Design

Bookstore Listing (see below)

Retail Channel Distribution to 38,000 Retailers

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, Books-A-Million, and more

File Access, Archiving, and Distribution

Professional Marketing Strategist

Marketing

$1000.00

Campaign Goal (Publication of The Last Martyr (Total of Above)

$3,000.00 

Stretch Goal (Publication of a free book --Why I Can’t Find God)

$2,000.00

Super Stretch Goal (Publication of a free book – Sick and Tired)

$2,000.00

GRAND TOTAL (Campaign & Stretch Goal

$7,000.00


Campaign Goal Description

Catch the Vision! 

This campaign is more than publishing a book, or two! 

Its a Vision of touching people beyond pastoral ministry! 

Its a long-time vision of extending my pastoral ministry into the field of writing with multiple goals -- touching lives and strengthening families!

Stretch Goal Description

The “Stretch Goal” will launch a exciting different way of evangelistic publishing. 

Here’s an initial internet script to be promoted on Facebook and

other social media concerning a second book titled: 

Why I Can’t Find God

  You’re In The Think Of Trouble

-- And You Know It

-- And, To Make Matters Worst

You Can’t Find God

Why I Can’t Find God

A Profound, Powerful Book

-- And Its Free

Postage and Preparation Not Included

Receive Your Free Copy

The Stretch Goal is to give away 500-1000 copies or more, dependent upon either meeting or exceeding the Stretch Goal.

Super Stretch Goal Description

The "Super Stretch Goal" will continue the free give-away of a third book.

Here’s an initial internet script to be promoted on Facebook and other social media concerning a third book titled: 

Sick and Tired

Sick and tired of being sick and tired

Enough Is Enough! 

You’re at the End of your Rope!  Bottomed Out! 

You’ve had enough! 

You can’t go any further!   You can’t take it anymore!

Everyday is….          Another Grueling Grind!  Another Losing Battle

More Stress          More Struggles

And You’re [finally] sick and tired of being sick and tire! 

                         Congratulations!

                        Now that you’re,,,

Sick and tired of being sick and tired

God can – and God will -- Turn Your Mess Into a Miracle!

Count On It!

The Super Stretch Goal is to give away 500-1000 copies or more, dependent upon either meeting or exceeding the Super Stretch Goal.

Help make it happen

Thank You



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Choose your Perk

A Macedonian

$10 USD
Paul speaks highly of the example of the Macedonians as generous, committed, loving Christians centered not on their own needs but on those of others 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. As an expression of appreciation for your generosity if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book.and if we make the Super Stretch Goal your name will be listed in the third book. Remember, our campaign is not about a book or two -- but about touching people.
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
1 out of 200 of claimed

An Arimathean

$25 USD
Joseph of Arimathea was a generous man who provided his own tomb for Jesus (Matthew 27:57-60). As an expression of appreciation for your generosity you will receive an ebook version of The Last Martyr and, if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and if we make the Super Stretch Goal your name will be listed in the third book. Remember, our campaign is not about a book or two -- but about touching people.
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
3 out of 100 of claimed

A Nicodemus

$75 USD
Nicodemus generously supplied expensive spices for the burial of Jesus (John 19:39). As an expression of appreciation for your generosity you will receive a soft cover copy of The Last Martyr and, if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and if we make the Super Stretch Goal your name will be listed in the third book. Remember, our campaign is not about a book or two -- but about touching people.
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
0 out of 100 of claimed

A Corinthian

$100 USD
The Corinthians generously gave money to help impoverished Christians in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8 and 9). As an expression of appreciation for your generosity you will receive a signed soft cover copy of The Last Martyr and, if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and if we make the Super Stretch Goal your name will be listed in the third book. Remember, our campaign is not about a book or two -- but about touching people.
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
4 out of 100 of claimed

A Philemon

$250 USD
Philemon was generous in opening his home for church meetings (Philemon 2). As an expression of appreciation for your investment you will receive a signed soft cover copy of The Last Martyr and a signed copy of A Psalm Of The Apocalypse printed on parchment paper (11” X 17”), suitable for framing. and, if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and if we make the Super Stretch Goal your name will be listed in the third book.
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
0 out of 100 of claimed

Priscilla/Aquila

$500 USD
Priscilla/Aquila were generous in inviting Apollos to their home to tell him about Jesus (Acts 18:26) As an expression of appreciation for your generosity you will receive three signed soft cover copies of The Last Martyr and a signed copy of A Psalm Of The Apocalypse printed on parchment paper (11” X 17”), suitable for framing and, if we make the Stretch Goal your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and if we make the Super Stretch Goal, listed in the third book
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
0 out of 50 of claimed

A Roman

$1,000 USD
The Romans were recognized by Paul as being generous in giving and a leader in compassion (Romans 12:8). As an expression of appreciation for your generosity you will receive five signed soft cover copies of The Last Martyr and a signed copy of A Psalm Of The Apocalypse printed on parchment paper (11” X 17”), suitable for framing and, if we make the Stretch Goal and Super Stretch Goals your name will be listed as an Encourager in the second book and third book
Estimated Shipping
April 2015
0 out of 8 of claimed

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