ARCHIVED NEWS REPORTS
Crossroads Assemblies (1996)

Conclusions & Report

This page contains a summary of the findings of three meetings held in November 1996, at Nottingham, Wigan and Cambridge. It is intended as an adjunct and complement to the set of six audio tapes of the meetings. This report should not be considered as the complete record in itself, as it does not cover the same subjects as the audio tapes.

INTRODUCTION

The call of God in these meetings (as it appeared from an early stage) was not to all Christians or churchgoers regardless, but to the Remnant - those who had turned their backs on Toronto and other errors, and who had made a commitment, often at great personal cost, to withdraw from apostasy.

This was therefore a further gleaning from the vine (Jer 6:9) in order to test the resolve of the Remnant and to prepare a company who would be totally dedicated to God's will in the endtimes.

The main premise of the meetings was that the Lord is warning of perilous times ahead. In readiness, His people are called to get rid of excess baggage, purge the dross, and make a definite dedication to the way of Truth. It is the time of the "parting of the ways" .

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him." I Ki 18:21

Studying the passages about Abraham and his beloved son Isaac demonstrated the principle. Whatever thing or person or scheme that we cherish dearer than God Himself, however "good" or Godly, has now to be laid down on His altar. We must strip ourselves to the bare essentials of faith, and strengthen what remains, in preparation for what is to come.

This obedience would lead to the opening up of a "new way" from God - a new place of protection, peace and provision beyond the present storms, in which the matters of deception had been settled and in which the focus was on service to the Body in rescuing and caring for those who were wounded in the next wave.

This blessing, however, would come in the midst of intense persecution, and in the context of a time of judgement and darkness to befall the Church and the Nation.

Those whose dedication to God was genuine, who endured the flames of testing, would emerge unscathed to a broad place, [Job 36:16, 2 Sam 22:19-25, Ps 118:5], a "land" of deeper fellowship with God in Spirit and with other like-minded Christians where they would shine like bright pinpoints of light on a dark background. They would become God's ministers of mercy and blessing to any who needed them in the dark days to come. Their fellowship would not be in large churches but in small groups - some as small as two or three, and often meeting in homes rather than church buildings. It would be a hidden work with no prominent names.

The Gilgal passage in Josh 5:2 (seminal to the meetings) spoke of the need for circumcision.

The meetings continued this theme of the call for re-circumcision of the heart [Deut 10:16/ 30:6, Jer 4:4, Rom 2:29] in order to cleanse us of all that displaces God as Ruler and Guide; of the ears [Jer 6:10 Acts 7:51] in order to be able to hear clearly the Word of God, and in lifestyle and walk [Phil 3:3, Col 2:11] in order to purify ourselves before God and come back into total obedience to His ways. There must be no compromise with the things of the world or false teachings.

The remainder of this summary will contain the condensed findings of all three groups under a number of headings, which are:

1. Need and Relevance of the Meetings
2. The Established Church and the World
3. Coming Out/Living Outside The System
4. Judgement and the Future
5. Ministry and Service - Our Role
6. Commonly Asked Questions
7. Personal Devotion and Faith
8. Promises and Commands of God

1. THE NEED AND RELEVANCE OF THE MEETINGS

Sounding the Trumpet: warning about impending judgement, the need to prepare for persecution and the possibility of another huge wave of deception was a large part of these meetings. Indeed, the meetings represented a watershed in the life of the Church, marking a division, or crossroads, in which some continued along their self-centred paths of wilfulness while others dedicated themselves to the narrow path of obedience to God's will. These two paths were presented as the path of self versus the path of the Cross.

Unity of the Remnant Body: despite hindrances on the day, there was a very real sense of the unity of the Body and of mutual support.

Encouragement: most often people spoke of the desire for confirmation of their choices/decisions/feelings. People came for encouragement and to share what God had been doing and saying in their lives.

Teaching and guidance: people also came seeking direction.

Body ministry: Many people expressed relief and joy that they were, at last, being permitted to participate in the worship and ministry of the Church, having been suppressed by dominant leadership for years. Part of the vision for a new path was to encourage every-member ministry. In this way, dependence upon outside sources such as national ministries and travelling speakers should fade, and the Body should recover the use of all its limbs in eldership, giftings, ministries and worship. (But see below, under "problems")

"Non-professional" leadership: God is raising up ministers from among the sheep, the former shepherds often having failed to fulfil their tasks. It was encouraging to see that there are ordinary people who show an ability to lead and a discernment way beyond that of their leaders. As time goes by, this will become more and more apparent.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

Is 40:3-5 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain...

Joel 2: 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly...

Ezek 33 [The watchman blows the trumpet, but the response is up to the individual.]

Neh 4:19-20: "And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us. "

Nehemiah 8:1-8 [Ezra reads the book of the Law to the people and causes them to understand it.]

Ezra 8:21-23 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance...So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

PROBLEMS THAT EMERGED:

• Many still obsessed with their own problems and situations. A self-centred desire amongst some to push their own agendas. Lack of humility. Lack of sensitivity to others; lack of love/gentleness.
• Many still unable to stand or withstand on their own; an over-dependence on others/ministries to solve their problems and advise them. A looking to people rather than God when discerning error.
• Body Ministry: while there is a keen interest in this, much of the Body seems paralysed and unable to take up the challenge of body ministry. Too many are either unwilling or unable to think/study/act for themselves. The danger, at a time of persecution, is that churches, national ministries and speakers will be removed and the people will be left to fend for themselves without any idea how to go about this. NOW is the time to learn!
• A fear of spiritual gifts and spirituality in general engendered by Toronto.
• An unhealthy lack of balance in dealing with error, failures in the area of discernment, some paranoia and wrong attitudes in response to deceptions.
• Much fleshy zeal to see an improvement in the Church, but little desire to wait upon God for ways to achieve this.
• Little desire to get to the root of the problems - personal sin, and spiritual poverty. Much more maturity needed!
• A continuing naiveté about deception in the churches, with almost a desperation to force an improvement through prayer, or debate. (Some personal interests detected here!) Unwillingness to accept persecution.
• How long do we continue to pray for leaders and churches? Opinions were divided. A significant number were beginning to sense that God is drawing the line, and some had felt God telling them NOT to pray for fallen leaders any more. The emphasis was seen to be moving from mercy and repentance into areas of judgement.
• A division was noticed between those who see the need to withdraw from error, and those who (for various reasons, some spiritual, some emotional) want to carry on believing for an improvement.

CLOSED MINDS:

Is 6: 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Jer 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

2. THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH AND THE WORLD

• The established Church has largely failed. It is no longer offering answers to the world or to its own members. The world and much of the Church is following a new-age humanistic creed.
• The most consistent and troublesome problem with the former churches of many was the abuse of authority/dominant leadership/refusal to listen to correction/arrogance. There was also an alarming lack of sound Bible teaching or prayer. Genuine spiritual life was at a low ebb in many churches.
• Splits are being discerned in almost all traditional denominations, occurring along the fault lines of "revival", spiritual gifts, authority, eschatology, the place of Israel and of course Toronto. In the CofE, there was alarm at the lax attitudes towards sin, homosexuality, ecumenism, and the new-age. Many felt the traditional churches were selling out the world. In charismatic churches, there was perceived to be a lack of reverence, addiction to "excitement" and "power", disregard for/lack of knowledge of the scriptures and an obsession with "bringing in the kingdom" before the return of Christ.
• Mixture - some in local churches were claiming to be saved but continued to attend non-Christian services. Some fellowships did not require a born-again experience or separation from the world. No real emphasis on holiness/Word of God.
• False Unity: the largest difference of opinion involves unity. Religious unity and ecumenism in a common cause (such as anti-abortion) is contrasted with the spiritual unity of the true faith, in obedience to the doctrines of Christ.
• The world is hungry for improvement, leadership, certainty, faith, spiritual power and enlightenment, but the Church in general is offering poison for meat - spiritual experiences divorced from true faith, and social adjustment instead of regeneration. There may be a move towards "revival" in the nation involving morality, legalism and religious harmony outside of the Word of God. "Transformation" without conviction, repentance and regeneration is a subtle but powerful deception.
• Ichabod: God is about to withdraw from apostate churches - expect judgement. God's mercy only on those who repent fully. Few will repent. Prophecy that God will answer our prayers with a shaking as of an earthquake.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

Jude 17-19 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Ezek 13: [the wall daubed with bad mortar, of the wrong consistency - unsaved and worldly people making the Church unsound, thus it will fall.]

Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

1Pe 2:7,8 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. [Separation by God of those who obey and love Him, and those who reject Him as Lord. God is calling His own to withdraw from error. This is a time to stand up and be counted.]

1Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Num 35:30-33 [the land polluted by bloodshed, and judgement MUST come.]

3. COMING OUT/LIVING OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM

• The "Moses" of the old system is now dead - we must pass on to what God has promised.
• What does God do, biblically, when leadership fails? He provides for the people HIMSELF. He also provides His own pastors. Jer 23:1-3/ Ezek 34:10-14
• God will raise up teachers and instructors for the Remnant. New Covenant leadership is not man-centred. Teachers are needed to confirm, correct, guide - but in the Lord. Of his choosing and appointing.
• Small groups are not invalid as churches - God adds to them as He wills.
• We are required to follow the pattern of the Temple God has shown us. (Heavenly, not of man). Apostate Church is now trying to manufacture a copy, a counterfeit - looks the same, but does not have Jesus.
• We need eachother like never before. Much debate on how to keep in touch. A prevailing belief that one-to-one fellowship is vital and small groups are most useful for helping the wounded.
• We should expect to be vilified for our stand, as others before us have been. We should make up our minds not to be shaken, or to compromise, despite being misunderstood. Stand fast in our liberty.
• We must beware of divisions between ourselves; walk in love. Love is the command of Jesus for the Body.
• Problems most often encountered are loneliness, rejection and the hurtfulness of being misunderstood or criticised by former friends and pastors. (Some found this led to a stronger, more enduring faith as they were forced to turn to God. Others found their faith shaken and tried, and suffered confusion, doubt, fears and depression.)
• Husbands and wives are sometimes split over the issue of leaving their fellowship; family problems are the most difficult to bear. Prayer to resolve these is required. Be tender-hearted. Be patient. Forgive!
• We must stand on our own feet, and rediscover the Priesthood of all Believers. At the same time we should avoid a ghetto mentality. Let leadership be raised up and established by God from among us.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

Joshua 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

Is 8:11 -15 For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people...Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you...

Dan 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many...

Matt 18:20 .. where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Heb 8:5 Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Neh 4:10: And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Jn 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

4. JUDGEMENT AND THE FUTURE; Preparing For Persecution

(A) REBUILDING: Many times, scriptures from Ezra and Nehemiah were used. There was a consensus that a rebuilding was taking place, invisibly and under the hand of God. Lessons learned from these two books were the need for great faith and dedication to the task, single-mindedness, prayer, (the intercession of Daniel was often mentioned in this regard) and the need for vigilance to discern the enemy attacks that would shake the workers or the walls.

(B) FIRE: Another oft-repeated emphasis was on the fire of judgement/purification. There was a sense of approaching disaster that would require Christians, and indeed the whole world, to pass through the fire. However, our response at this time would dictate to what extent the fire would affect us. Many pictures and exhortations about this were offered:

• lights shining in the darkness; but to be lit up, one must go through the fire.
• two prairie fires raging; one fire for purification, one for destruction. Those who were not prepared and were complacent would be burned but purged in the fire; those who made preparations now would not be touched by the fire, as the three men in the furnace. The fire = deception.
• fire will burn the churches, but in so doing will illuminate the wrong things. Fire will purge and refine, also cause new growth from seeds.
• silver is perishable, but gold is imperishable. Gold is purified by fire. In house of God are both silver and gold vessels. If we are silver, we are valuable and cherished, but must go higher to become gold. Only through endurance, going through the fire, are we made as gold. God tries our faith.
• a field of stubble after the fires, with green shoots appearing.
• only fire makes some seeds germinate; no growth without the scorching.

(C) ONGOING DECEPTION: Though there is at present a lull in things, a new onslaught will come, requiring greater reserves of faith and dedication to the Word. We have not seen the end of abominations. Two pictures about this:

• the seashore, with the tide bringing in wave after wave of filth, dirt and rubbish. Each wave brought more filth. There is another wave of deception coming.
• looking towards the heavens, in hilly country, objects above the hills that were in the heavens. Hordes - an army with faces that appeared grotesque. This horde had swords, and the swords were drawn in their hands. This army was ready, just waiting for the command to go forth - it was an alien army. (Compare Joel 2:1-11)

(D) PREPARATION: Now is the time to deal with sins, failures, burdens - there's a sense of urgency to prepare. Get rid of excess baggage - it will weigh us down, make us unable to run the race. Material things are not now so important; God is refining us to value His ways. God has been using the present-day climate of deception to force us to look to him alone; training us in boot-camp to discern error and endure hardship and opposition. But a more fierce trial is around the corner. This is a time for the whole body of Christ to stand, in the face of coming persecution.

(E) A NEW THING: Fruit will come in the rebuilding process after the war/fires/judgements/deceptions. The testing time will bring out the best in some people and enable them to minister. It will show the true worth of God's people - either exposing the flesh or confirming those who are spiritually-minded. Expect a new direction from Him, let go of our own ways and desires. God will not allow "show-ministries" to continue, but will raise up whom He wills. There will be a new emphasis on the Body as Jesus intended it to be, rather than institutions and national ministries, or one-man ministries. Two people had pictures of pearls, God's own, being threaded by Him onto one string.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

Ezek 8:6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.

Psalm 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Psalm 121 [Promises of preservation - the Lord is our Keeper.]

1Thes 5:1-3 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Ezek 9:4-6 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

Dan 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

Mal 3:3-4: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

5. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is what is happening God's doing, or the devil's?
• Should we see deception as totally evil, or as a means to strengthen our faith?
• Will things eventually get better?
• How do we know precisely the right time to leave a fellowship?
• What is to be done if one member of a household insists in staying in a church?
• Where do we direct new converts?
• What kind of discipleship is possible, needed or available?
• How do we find eachother and/or find sound teaching?
• Loneliness - how to deal with it/live with it
• Is it necessary to go to a church service of some kind, even if it is unsound?
• How precisely can we offer solutions to the problems in the Church and society?
• Where do we go from here? What is our role?

6. MINISTRY AND SERVICE; Our Role in Days To Come

(A) CITIES OF REFUGE: One of the most outstanding directions the Lord gave during these meetings was to prepare "Arks" or "Cities of Refuge" in readiness to help others. [Heb 11:7] Some people had already begun to "build arks" of refuge for themselves and others, in preparation for hard times. Some were moving to larger houses. Others felt led to open their homes for fellowships to isolated Christians. It was felt that, in a time of persecution, we would need eachother in a much more profound way, and that we should make ready now.

(B) THE HIDDEN CAVE: The cave of Adullam, to which David fled when persecuted, and in which he was joined by the disaffected of his people, was used as a type for our situation now. The work of God would be a hidden one, with people driven out of their churches - or even their homes. Some are making ready "caves" to accommodate these.

(C) CROSSING THE JORDAN: In Joshua Chapter 3, the priests and the Ark passed over the water first, to lead the people to safety. Some are now being prepared as ministers to help those affected in the future.

(D) MINISTRY: God has not finished sifting the churches yet. There are those who still need to hear the truth. ALL of us are ministers. ALL are called, all are accountable before God, and all have a responsibility to be salt and light. [TT1]Are you willing to go? This may be the last harvest, the last chance to take the Word to those who need it! We must move with God, under His protection, in His power and by His inspiration. "Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross...the arm of flesh shall fail you..."

(E) LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS: There was a picture of pinpoints of light on a dark background, denoting the nature of true faith and fellowship during the next deception/judgement. Those who truly love God and are dedicated to Him would be places of holiness and light, ministering to the needy. However there was also a warning that light attracts moths and unwelcome things. Unstable people will also be drawn to these centres of fellowship. Therefore we must be wise, and not go beyond God in ministry.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

1Sam 22:1 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

Jude 20-23 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jer 15:16-21 Sit not with the mockers/God will preserve the faithful/the need to speak out against error.

Is 43:1-7 [God will call out those who are His/He will be with them and preserve them.]

7. PERSONAL DEVOTION AND FAITH - Our Walk In God

• A contrite heart - before God builds, he breaks down. Only those who are broken before Him will be useful in rebuilding.
• Get rid of the dross - forsake sins, especially PRIDE. Self must go to the Cross.
• Cleansing - the inner light of the Holy Spirit is being clouded by the dirt on the outside of the lampshade. Make your lights shine brighter by cleaning the mantle of your lamps. Bodily and lifestyle holiness required. This is a time of laundering our clothes, a time of cleansing. We are getting ready to meet our Bridegroom.
• Holiness - our reason to chose the right is because HE is holy. We walk IN HIM.
• Separation - there must be no compromise. Mixture has to go. Chose the right according to God's leading.
• Endurance - endure for Me, says the Lord, trusting My wisdom and discernment.
• The Word - great care is needed in choosing tapes and teaching materials. Love the truth of God. Make a commitment to truth. Utter dependence on and obedience to the Word saves us from being deceived.
• Preparation - there is a need for more personal prayer and Bible study. Get to know God and the Word.
• Rest - we must cease striving in our own works, depend on the Holy Spirit. The "land" ahead is "rest" .

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [The need for uncompromising faithfulness to Truth.]

Amos Chap 7, esp v.7 - [The plumbline that God sets in the Body.]

1 Pet 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Col 3:1-17 (all chapter) - [The need for holiness.]

Col 3: 1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1Th 5:5-6 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

8. PROMISES AND COMMANDS FROM GOD

Prophecy: "There is a time of great fear coming upon the world, but His people are not to fear, nor to look to the left nor the right, but to be in total obedience to Him. TOTAL OBEDIENCE." (See Zeph 1:14/2:3 - the day of coming wrath. verse 3 - seek ye the Lord.)

God will comfort his people - be not afraid. Fear of man is a snare [Prov 29:25]; Fear of the Lord is wisdom. [Prov 1:7/9:10].

"I am with you always, leading step by step." God is with us through the fire and the water. God is in control. What befell Joseph was in God's will, and He used it for good.

Loneliness: a promise that we will be provided for. Moses was not left alone - God gave him Aaron.

We will hear His voice - have confidence. Mary recognised Jesus when He spoke to her in the Garden.

Three significant words from one person:

"I will forge a Job-like mentality amongst My people."
"I will allow satan to sift you for My higher purposes."
"Lo, judgement is at the gate, and the elders laugh and talk."

God separates us both from, and unto. The Red Sea was separation from the world and evil; the Jordan crossing was separation unto God and his promises. We need both. Let God lead us through to His new thing.

He has put a new song within our hearts. Dawn is coming, the light is about to break for the righteous.

A promise of success, even amid persecution. A new thing to come, if we endure.

SOME SCRIPTURES GIVEN:

Ps 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Ps 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Is 43:18-19 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.