Adventures in Odyssey

Eugene Meltsner: Good day, gentlemen.

John Whittaker: Hi.

Tom Riley: Hello.

Eugene Meltsner: You realize, of course, there is a more efficient way to let you know a customer has come in than the employment of that small bell above the door.

John Whittaker: Probably. Are you a salesman?

Eugene Meltsner: No, sir. My name is Eugene Meltsner, and I am a science student and, might I add in all modesty, a recognized genius at the Campbell County Community College. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

John Whittaker: I am John Whittaker and this is Tom Riley.

Tom Riley: Howdy.

Eugene Meltsner: Howdy. An abbreviated form of the phrase, "How do you do?" or in the older English, "How do you fare?" In answer, Tom, I fare well, thank you.

Answering Machine: Hi, you have reached Whit's End. I am sorry, but we are closed until further notice. But you can leave a message at the sound of the tone anyway. Thanks.

John Whittaker: Hello? Hello? Hello? What? Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker! Look, wait! Don't hang up! Bye.

Jack Allen: So, Whit called and you just missed him?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, that seems to be my lot in life. I know how difficult it is for him to phone from those remote archaeological digs. I thought I heard him say something about Jerusalem, so I assume he was near a phone and decided to call.

Jack Allen: I am sorry, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: As am I. Nice tea, by the way.

Jack Allen: Thank you. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Are you showing off your mustache? That is a mustache, isn't it?

Eugene Meltsner: I was wondering if you had heard what has happened at Whit's End.

Jack Allen: That depends. I know Glossman has turned the underground railroad tunnel into some kind of health hazard and got the City Council to close it to the public, right?

Eugene Meltsner: Succinctly put, yes. You seem to know as much as has happened.

Jack Allen: Just because I am not there anymore doesn't mean I don't pay attention.

Eugene Meltsner: Jason negotiated with the authorities to allow employees on the premises while I have been working on a program for the Imagination Station.

Jack Allen: What kind of program?

Eugene Meltsner: One that may help me to understand what is happening at Whit's End and why.

Jack Allen: The Imagination Station will do all that? How?

Eugene Meltsner: As you know, Mr. Whittaker inputted massive amounts of information into the Imagination Station's data bank to help the Bible and historical events come to life.

The accumulated knowledge is comparable to dozens of libraries filled with volume after volume of encyclopediae. Facts related to world history, national history, even local history are buried deep in the Imagination Station's computer.

Jack Allen: I am with you so far.

Eugene Meltsner: I thought that perhaps I might successfully create a search command that will allow me to jump through history to look for information that might help us in this peculiar conflict.

Jack Allen: Now you're losing me. What kind of information?

Eugene Meltsner: Information about Whit's End, for example, and that tunnel. It seems to be at the center of the conflict, and the Imagination Station might help me to see exactly why.

Jack Allen: Very interesting. Have you done it? I mean, have you created the search program?

Eugene Meltsner: I was just about to test it when they closed down Whit's End. The trauma completely disrupted my concentration. I went back to work on it when the phone rang and I was distracted again.

Jack Allen: I am curious to know how it all works out.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. I may have to test the search process on something familiar to me so I can measure its success.

Jack Allen: Good idea. Is there something else, Eugene? I can't help but think you have more on your mind.

Eugene Meltsner: You're a perceptive man, Mr. Allen.

Jack Allen: Well, I have been described as having keen insight into the obvious. What's going on, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, only that I am very concerned about all that has been happening and, frankly, I can't rid myself of a feeling of tremendous loss.

Jack Allen: That is understandable. You're closely connected to Whit's End and to see it threatened must be alarming for you.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, it isn't only Whit's End, though that is certainly a part of it.

Jack Allen: Oh?

Eugene Meltsner: I believe my sense of loss is connected to, well, everything.

Jack Allen: Everything covers a lot of ground, Eugene. Can you be more specific?

Eugene Meltsner: My sense of loss likely began with Mr. Whittaker's departure. Katrina's absence has made the feeling all the more acute. And now the sudden changes around Odyssey, and Whit's End has been taken away from us in a way, and I am overwhelmed by a sense of loss.

Not only by being robbed of those people and things most dear to me, but because I am powerless to even impact these events.

Jack Allen: You feel helpless. Is that what you're saying?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, completely and utterly helpless. I never imagined reaching a point in my life when circumstances would spin out of control.

Lately, I am not entirely sure I can even cope with it all. I don't mean in an abstract way, but in reality. I just feel weak and ineffective.

Jack Allen: Boy, that was a mouthful. When you said everything, you meant everything.

Eugene Meltsner: I am not inclined to exaggeration.

Jack Allen: No, and I want you to know that I understand completely how you feel.

Eugene Meltsner: You do?

Jack Allen: You feel weak and unable to help stop what's happening here.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes.

Jack Allen: But Eugene, that is because you are weak and unable to help stop what's happening here.

Eugene Meltsner: Am I supposed to be encouraged by that observation?

Jack Allen: That is up to you. I am just calling it as I see it. Eugene, you're helpless because right now we're not only engaged in a physical battle over Whit's End, but a spiritual battle as well.

Maybe the toughest battle any of us have ever had. I believe there are forces at work here that can only be comprehended by those who are completely in tune with God, and you're not. You don't have the spiritual equipment to fight the only way we can fight: with prayer and faith.

Eugene Meltsner: But surely there is something I can do to help.

Jack Allen: Oh, yes. You can stop messing around and get yourself right with God.

Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?

Jack Allen: You've reached an inevitable point, Eugene. All the distractions have been stripped away. All the comfort zones are gone. Whit, Katrina, even Whit's End. The everything you mentioned has brought you to this point.

Eugene Meltsner: Philosophically speaking, I am not entirely certain—

Jack Allen: Forget your philosophically speaking, Eugene. Be honest with yourself. My guess is if you could look through everything that's happened to you since you arrived at Whit's End, you'd see all the things that have driven you and are driving you even now to a decision.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen, I don't know what to say.

Jack Allen: Say yes, Eugene. Just say yes. I want you to understand what you may be letting yourself in for.

John Whittaker: What do you mean?

Eugene Meltsner: Emotions are tricky things. They run very deep. I have to try, Mr. Whittaker. I have to try.

Bernard Walton: Eugene! Oh, Mr. Walton. Now, don't just walk by without saying hello.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I am sorry. Greetings.

Bernard Walton: Yeah. You look about as happy as a man who just invested a million dollars in eight-track tapes.

Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?

Bernard Walton: Eight-track tapes. You know, in the '70s, they were tapes—oh, never mind. It's no good if you have to explain it. You look down is what I am saying.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, with all due respect, I don't see what altitude approximation has to do with anything.

Bernard Walton: Huh? Well, and why are you cleaning windows? Whit's End is closed.

Eugene Meltsner: And you think that keeps the windows from getting dirty? They'll be clean when it opens again.

Bernard Walton: Oh, what's with you?

Eugene Meltsner: I suppose you could say I am soul searching.

Bernard Walton: Soul searching. Uh-oh. Last time that happened, I wound up in a Colorado jail and an earthquake in California. What are you soul searching about?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, about the Imagination Station.

Bernard Walton: You're soul searching about the Imagination Station.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I am working on a new program.

Bernard Walton: Something's wrong.

Eugene Meltsner: What do you mean?

Bernard Walton: When you're working on a new program, you walk around with a self-contented, somewhat smug expression on your face. This isn't the face of Eugene Meltsner working on a program. Even those three hairs you call a mustache are drooping.

Eugene Meltsner: And what pray tell makes you so certain you know my facial expression so well?

Bernard Walton: Because I know you! Good grief, Eugene, after all the things we've been through, you don't think I know you by now?

Eugene Meltsner: Can any of us truly know each other, or even truly know ourselves?

Bernard Walton: What?

Eugene Meltsner: Nothing, Mr. Walton. Forgive me. I have work to do.

Bernard Walton: What kind of a question is that? That boy. Didn't even get my eight-track tape line. That's a pretty funny line.

Eugene Meltsner: All right, let's see. Interface. Journal entries from years one to six. Copy files. Yes, thank you.

Connie Kendall: Oh, it is you! I was worried.

Eugene Meltsner: Worried? Overwrite and save.

Connie Kendall: I didn't think anyone was here. I was back in the little theater. Eugene, what are you doing?

Eugene Meltsner: Inputting data into the Imagination Station.

Connie Kendall: From your computer?

Eugene Meltsner: In point of fact, yes. I am copying my journal entries from the past several years into the Imagination Station's data bank so I can accurately test the new search program.

Connie Kendall: Hmm, I get it.

Eugene Meltsner: This will terminate the two proverbial birds with the one proverbial stone. I will take Jack up on his challenge even as I make certain the search command works properly. Transfer files through to the present.

Connie Kendall: Eugene, are you all right? You've got a kind of weird look in your eye.

Eugene Meltsner: I am merely preoccupied.

Connie Kendall: Yeah? About what?

Eugene Meltsner: About completing this program on the Imagination Station, if I might be so terse.

Connie Kendall: Oh, I get it. You want me to leave.

Eugene Meltsner: No, I believe enough people have left already.

Connie Kendall: Huh? What's going on here, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: There are answers in this machine, Miss Kendall, and I am determined to find them.

Connie Kendall: Answers to what?

Eugene Meltsner: To questions!

Connie Kendall: Oh, really?

Eugene Meltsner: Really! To put it as succinctly as possible, I am about to search through my life in Odyssey.

Connie Kendall: You're kidding.

Eugene Meltsner: Not at all. And if it works, then perhaps I'll be more successful with fighting in this battle.

Connie Kendall: Battle? Eugene, you are not making any sense.

Eugene Meltsner: Speak with Mr. Allen. I dare not take the time to explain right now.

Connie Kendall: But Eugene, wait! Just wait!

Eugene Meltsner: Activate search program. How peculiar. Well, engage program.

John Whittaker: Eugene! Eugene, answer me. Are you all right?

Eugene Meltsner: Wait a minute. What is this?

John Whittaker: Eugene, Eugene, are you in here?

Eugene Meltsner: I am right here, Mr. Whittaker.

John Whittaker: Your whole future is at stake here. What are you supposed to do? Push the red button. Of course, then what? Hold on tight. Hold on tight.

Jack Allen: If Whit got a tiny taste of heaven, then maybe you got a tiny taste of hell.

John Whittaker: Eugene, I do appreciate your efforts around the shop, but you're missing something very important in what you're doing.

Eugene Meltsner: I am? What am I missing?

John Whittaker: Your heart. You see, you've automated nearly everything in Whit's End. But Whit's End isn't about automation, machines, or inventions. It's about people. Now you can make it more efficient with your inventions, but can you make it warmer, friendlier, loving?

Guest (Male): Are you interested in the star?

Eugene Meltsner: Academically speaking, yes.

Guest (Male): Then tell me, what do you know of it?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I think the historical ramifications are worthy of consideration.

Guest (Male): You are speaking with your mind. Tell me from your heart. Do you believe in the coming Messiah, the King who will set us all free?

Eugene Meltsner: But how could you believe for so long without proof, without evidence to support your theory?

Guest (Male): Theory! You are still speaking with your mind, Eugenius. What I believe is found in the place where the mind and the heart unite.

Eugene Meltsner: And where is that?

Guest (Male): Faith.

Connie Kendall: Eugene! Eugene! Please! You know what happened in the Imagination Station. The program, Eugene!

Eugene Meltsner: It was the most horrifying thing I have ever experienced. I have never felt such loneliness or isolation. It was as though I were completely separated from everyone and everything, completely and thoroughly alone, non-existent in a dark void of solitude. I was alone, Connie. Utterly alone in a burning blackness and I have had nothing but nightmares since then.

Connie Kendall: If Whit got a tiny taste of heaven, then maybe you got a tiny taste of hell. Do you really believe that, Connie?

Eugene Meltsner: With all my heart. Then you'd better explain it all to me in detail.

Connie Kendall: Now, Eugene, what are you going to do?

Eugene Meltsner: What indeed, Miss Kendall? What indeed?

John Whittaker: But you also need to know that all your studying may fail you when it comes to understanding God, His ways, and the salvation He offers us.

Eugene Meltsner: Fail me?

John Whittaker: You see, Eugene, our minds can only grasp so much about the nature of God, of eternity. After that, it's a matter of the spirit. Our spirit links up with His in an eternal relationship that gives us the right perspective to understand Him better.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, I think I want to believe, but I need help with my unbelief.

John Whittaker: Eugene, that is as good a start as any.

Katrina Shanks: I don't think I've seen you here. Are you new to the college?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I just transferred in this semester. I am Katrina Shanks, by the way. I am Eugene Meltsner.

John Whittaker: You're in love with Katrina?

Eugene Meltsner: Granted, I am not entirely certain what love is, but I am willing to concede that yes, I am. I will be completely candid with you, Mr. Whittaker, because the nature of my relationship with Katrina is still at such a delicate stage, I am concerned about her susceptibility to the influences here.

John Whittaker: You mean our Christianity?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. Now, you know that for the most part, I am in agreement with your ideology, academically speaking. However, I am afraid of how she may react.

John Whittaker: You think she'll resent our beliefs?

Eugene Meltsner: Perhaps.

John Whittaker: Or you're worried that she'll accept them?

Eugene Meltsner: Again, perhaps.

Katrina Shanks: You became a Christian today, didn't you? Oh, yes. It was inevitable.

Eugene Meltsner: You're leaving Odyssey?

John Whittaker: Precisely.

Eugene Meltsner: For good?

John Whittaker: Well, that depends.

Eugene Meltsner: You really mean you're just taking a vacation, right?

John Whittaker: I would like to think of this journey as something more than simply a vacation. This is an expedition to go beyond seeing tourist sites or attractive scenery to connect with the inner person. A journey to myself.

Eugene Meltsner: Sounds like a pretty short trip.

Guest (Female): You cope by becoming powerful enough so you can create your own world.

Eugene Meltsner: Now, couldn't it be argued that by creating your own world, you're actually missing out on true friendships, true feelings? Philosophically speaking, Kelsey, don't you ever wonder what would remain if the artificial world you'd created suddenly collapsed? What would you have left?

Connie Kendall: Eugene! Bernard! Where in the world have you two been? Are you crazy? Why didn't you check in?

Bernard Walton: We see you got back in time to say goodbye to Whit.

Eugene Meltsner: Whit's going to the Middle East? But how could he do such a thing? It's so unlike him.

Connie Kendall: He said he kept thinking about a conversation he had with you before you left, Eugene. Something about the time coming in a man's life when he must broaden his horizons, get out and experience the world.

Eugene Meltsner: What?

John Whittaker: It'll be okay.

Eugene Meltsner: It'll have to be. I'll write to Mr. Whittaker saying how much I have come to love you, pray for you every day.

John Whittaker: Best to just come.

Eugene Meltsner: Eugene, a Bible! You'll read it?

John Whittaker: Of course I will, only because it's a gift from you.

Katrina Shanks: You've played around with that relationship long enough. I love you, Eugene, but we're in a dilemma. Unless you become a Christian, there's no going forward in this relationship.

Jack Allen: Maybe the problem has been us. Me, even Whit, Connie, Jack, Whit's End, Odyssey. All the distractions and the comfort zones are gone.

Connie Kendall: The time coming in a man's life when he must—

John Whittaker: You're missing something very important in what you're doing.

John Whittaker: If Whit got a tiny taste of heaven, then maybe you got a tiny taste of hell.

Eugene Meltsner: I need help with my unbelief.

Jack Allen: Stop messing around and get yourself right.

Eugene Meltsner: I think I want to believe.

John Whittaker: What are you going to do?

Jack Allen: Say yes, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: I don't know what to say.

Jack Allen: Just say yes.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. The answer is yes.

Jack Allen: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen! What are you doing here?

Jack Allen: Connie left a message on my answering machine asking me to come over. But she's not here. Funny, but I had a dream about—are you all right, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: What a journey.

Jack Allen: Have you been somewhere?

Eugene Meltsner: Everywhere. My life in Odyssey. It was all there, just like you said.

Jack Allen: I said?

Eugene Meltsner: Earlier. Was it earlier? I am confused now about the time. You said if I could look at my life in Odyssey, I would see how everything has brought me to this point, the point of decision. And it has. You were right. All of you were right.

Jack Allen: Eugene, slow down.

Eugene Meltsner: I can't! I am afraid that I might talk myself out of it. I might philosophize in my head what my heart is screaming for me to do. I suppose it's been for years and I've drowned it out with theories and excuses.

Jack Allen: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: No, no, I dare not talk about it anymore. I'll begin to consider what a life of faith will do to me, to my life. But who am I kidding? I don't have a life, do I? Not really. Not after losing Mr. Whittaker, Katrina, and now even Whit's End. I must lose my life to save it. Isn't that how it works?

Jack Allen: Well, yes.

Eugene Meltsner: Then I am ready, Mr. Allen. Here in the privacy of a desolate Whit's End, I must ask you: what must I do to be saved?

Jack Allen: Well, you have to do what everyone has been praying you'd do: repent and accept Jesus. Let Him into your heart so you could enter into His life.

Eugene Meltsner: All right. But...

Jack Allen: Is something wrong?

Eugene Meltsner: I am sorry, it's the strangest thing. It feels like something's not quite right. Something's missing.

Connie Kendall: Oh, there you are, Jack!

Jack Allen: Connie, of course.

Connie Kendall: I was looking all over for you. First, I left a message on your machine, then...

Jack Allen: Connie, come here.

Connie Kendall: Why? What's wrong? Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, actually, Miss Kendall, Connie, I've made a decision. And I suppose it's most appropriate that you are privy to it—the decision, that is.

Connie Kendall: Huh?

Eugene Meltsner: The time has come, you see. I would like you both to—to pray with me.

Connie Kendall: Pray with you? Eugene, you mean—is that what all your—I don't believe it. Eugene, you want to pray to become a Christian?

Eugene Meltsner: In a word, yes.

Connie Kendall: Eugene!

Jack Allen: Would you like to kneel?

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. I am sorry, I am not entirely certain how to begin.

Jack Allen: Just start and we'll work it out as we go.

Connie Kendall: Yeah.

Bernard Walton: Oh, hi, guys. What's going on in here?

Jack Allen: Hello, Bernard.

Bernard Walton: Is there anyone else I should invite to this private moment?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, is this private?

Bernard Walton: I am sorry, I was just worried about you, Eugene. I thought I'd check and make sure you're all right.

Connie Kendall: He's about to become a Christian.

Bernard Walton: He is? He is! Well, stuff me with feathers and call me a pillow! That's wonderful, Eugene.

Jack Allen: He hasn't done it yet.

Bernard Walton: Oh, well, don't let me interrupt.

Eugene Meltsner: Would you care to join us?

Bernard Walton: Why, yes! Yes, I'd love to, thanks. Boy, Eugene, this isn't a moment I'd want to miss.

Jack Allen: Okay, Eugene. Let's bow our heads and you take your time.

Tom Riley: There you are! I was wondering where everybody was.

Bernard Walton: Hi, Tom.

John Whittaker: Hello, Mr. Riley.

Tom Riley: Oh, I am sorry. Are you having a prayer meeting? You know, it's funny, I was driving past and suddenly got the feeling like I should stop in. Maybe this is why. Oh, wait a minute. Are you praying, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: If I get the opportunity.

Connie Kendall: Eugene wants to become a Christian.

Tom Riley: What? Eugene! Well, for crying out loud! Well, let's get on with it.

Jack Allen: Okay, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: I didn't expect to have such a large audience. Is everyone here who should be?

Jack Allen: Well, we're missing one, but I guess he's kind of here anyway.

Connie Kendall: Go ahead.

Eugene Meltsner: Very well. O most glorious and majestic Supreme Creator, Sovereign and Lord of all He surveyeth—

Jack Allen: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes?

Jack Allen: Try it from your heart. How about, "Dear Father"?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes. Of course. Dear God, my new Father in heaven, I am uncharacteristically at a loss for words. So please accept my verbal fumblings as I finally respond to Your promptings.

Answering Machine: Hi, you have reached Whit's End. I am sorry, but we are closed until further notice. But you can leave a message at the sound of the tone anyway. Thanks.

Jason Whittaker: Hey, everybody home? Anybody? Connie, Eugene, where are you? Hello? Eugene, we have to talk. There is something I have been praying about since I met you.

It's very hard to explain. Well, I'd like to talk to you about it. It's an old world. Hold down the fort, will you? Okay? Bye.

Chris: John 3:16 says: "For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." At long last, Eugene now understands the truth of that verse. Do you?

If you haven't asked Jesus into your heart, then maybe the time has come to do it now, like Eugene did. Maybe it's time to say yes. If that's what you want to do, I suggest you talk to someone who already knows Him. Maybe your parents, a brother or sister, a friend, or someone at church.

Or you can contact us here in Odyssey and we'll send you a booklet that'll tell you how you can get to know Jesus. Our address is: Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to: Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3.

The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off. Pray for Jesus to come into your heart. It's the best thing you'll ever do. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family.

Today's episode, "The Time Has Come," was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold and music by John Campbell. And I am Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.