By Teagan Cheney period 6

"He was the pilot who had once consumed two Martini's during a snowy shutdown at O hare and then voluntarily grounded himself when the weather cleared and offered to pay for a relief pilot" (Lahaye 3).

This quote shows that Rayford, for the most part, has a strong moral code and does not struggle to do the right thing. Especially when he gets all credit.

"Irene had become a full flung religious fanatic and somehow this freed Rayford to daydream without guilt about Hattie Durham"(Lahaye 5).

Due to Irene's new obsession with church, Rayford is beginning to grow un-happy in his marriage andis begining to be tempted with a relationship with flight attendant, Hattie Durham.

After the disappearances occur, Rayford returns home and discovers his wife and son are missing. He is full of regret and remorse.

"He did not deserve her, he deserved this, he knew, to be mocked by his own self-centeredness and to be stripped of the most important person in his life"(Lahaye 75).

Rayford has realized too late that he has been prideful and ignorant. Forgetting about his family and chasing his own adventures for his own glory and fun. His regret is infinite.

Rayford discovers his wife's open bible and reads how there is still salvation for those left behind. He is intrigued and curious about this.


"Didn't salvation have something to do with confirmation, baptism, testifying, getting religion, being holy? He hadn't wanted to deal with it, whatever it was. And now he was desperate to know exactly what it meant" (Lahaye 126).

Rayford now has hope that, maybe some way, some how, he will be able to see his family again and be saved. He is optimistic as he sets his sights on a new horizon.

" He knew he was forgiven, but in a childlike way, he wanted god to know that he knew what kind of person he had been" (Lahaye 216).

Now that Rayford has been saved he is overwhelmed with happiness but also with the desire to better himself. He wants to learn more about God as well as teach others about him. He has a whole new outlook on life. However he realizes that now he needs to help others come to Christ, especially his daughter.

"I promised Bruce Barnes I'd come over and watch that Carpathia press conference later this morning" (Lahaye 443).

Rayford has now become a leader in the church and is frequently talking with Pastor Bruce. He feels responsible for the members of his church and hopes to convert them. He is optimistic but cautionary for the rough next seven years to come.

Rayfords character has grown significantly in this book. He has transformed from a lustful sapling filled with pride, into a mighty oak tree strong and unwavering in his drive to help and teach others about Christ. His transformation is finally complete and now he is unstoppable in his faith.