The Vanishings

The Vanishings is the first book in the Left Behind: The Kids series, by Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye, with contributions from Chris Fabry. It was originally released in July of 1998. This novella along with three others were later released in the compilation volume, Taken (Left Behind: The Kids).

Plot introduction

Synopsis retrieved from back of the book.

In one shocking moment millions around the globe disappear. Those left behind face an uncertain future – especially four kids who now find themselves alone.

As the kids search for help and answers, they are told the truth behind the disappearances. But are they ready to believe it?

In this new series based on the best-selling book Left Behind, Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye present the Rapture and Tribulation through the eyes of four young friends – Judd Thompson Jr., Vicki Byrne, Lionel Washington, and Ryan Daley. As the world falls in around them, they band together to find faith and fight the evil forces that threaten their lives.

Plot summary

The book starts with the backstory of Judd Thompson Jr. Judd is 16 years old. Judd had disdain for sharing the same name as his father. That is, until Judd finds a credit card in the mail wrongly addressed to him, clearly meant for his father. Judd then devises a plan to run away with cash from the card. He plans to go to O'Hare International Airport and board a plane to England. Just before Judd leaves, he yells at his brother, Marc Thompson, and lies to Mrs. Thompson about going to the library to study. Judd arrives at O'Hare and manages to obtain the last available seat on the plane. Rayford Steele makes an announcement that the plane should arrive at Heathrow Airport at 6 AM the following morning.

The second chapter describes the backstory of Vicki Byrne. Vicki is 14 years old and lives in a trailer park with her family. Tom Byrne had difficulty finding jobs and scoffed when Dawn Byrne talked to him about Christianity. Vicki and her neighbors in the trailer park were considered "trailer trash" by upper-class citizens. Vicki recalls her disgust when her parents and younger sister became believers after listening to a speaker talk about God during one of the community dances. This happened two years earlier. Despite these transitions, Vicki refuses to believe.

The third chapter explains Lionel Washington's story. Lionel is thirteen years old. Lionel had several issues on his mind that caused him to think more. One of those thoughts is his maternal uncle, Andrè Dupree. Andre is known to be a troublemaker in the Washington-Dupree family. Lionel watches as LeRoy Banks and Cornelius Grey threaten his uncle. When Andre and Lionel return to the Washington household, Lionel confesses his secret. That secret is that Lionel was secretly never a Christian himself, just like his uncle was never a Christian. Lionel feels ashamed and worried about this because his mother was truly admirable, clearly the most productive member of the family. Lionel is worried that if his family found out, it would be terrible. So Lionel lies to his mother at the end of the chapter, making him feel terrible.

The fourth chapter revolves around 12-year-old Ryan Daley. Ryan is best friends with Raymie Steele, the son of Rayford. Raymie used to hang out with Ryan at his home against the rules set up by Marjorie Louise Daley, Ryan's mother. Raymie stopped doing that. When Ryan asked him why, Raymie told him that he became a Christian and that he decided to follow Jesus. Ryan is disgusted and skeptical when he hears this. Ryan overhears a conversation between Irene Steele and Rayford Steele. Ryan thinks about going to Raymie's church, but he never does.

The fifth chapter then shows that the four kids didn't know each other prior to the day that would forever change their lives. Judd and Vicki attend the same high school, but would not be seen together because of their different and respective social statuses. Judd doesn't remember the pilot of the plane he is on, Rayford Steele, occasionally attended New Hope Village Church. Judd had seen Raymie Steele at the youth group at New Hope Village Church, but did not know his name. The chapter goes on to show that Judd had no knowledge of Raymie's best friend, Ryan Daley. However, that night would change everything. Judd was on the plane consuming the champagne that was in front of him. Judd later watches as Cameron Williams helps an old man named Harold Peterson. Judd listens as Cameron speaks to Harold and his wife. Judd later relaxes and falls asleep, trying to get his mind off of his family. At the same time, Vicki is disgusted that her entire family, most notably her parents, have managed to hold on to their Christian beliefs. Vicki barely attends church herself. She acted really mean when her mother explained what the pastor was trying to say. Her parents are tearful when Vicki scoffs at them. One night, Vicki manages to sneak back into her trailer without being caught by her parents. She wonders about this, but doesn't dwell on that thought. Meanwhile, Lionel's uncle is busy entertaining most of the Washington family. Lionel's younger siblings were already asleep at this time. After Lionel's parents and older sister head to bed, Lionel and Andre then head to the basement, where Lionel falls asleep. Ryan is at home when he hears a bunch of sirens near his home. Ryan also sees a glow of fire in the background from his bedroom window. Ryan sneaks to his mother's room, then heads back to his bedroom and falls asleep.

The sixth chapter then describes Judd's experience on the plane that morning. He was feeling excited as he thought about finding a place in London to hide out at. Judd noticed the passenger next to him had prayed before he ate his meal. Judd also noticed that he had gotten a blanket. Judd also briefly notices Cameron and the Petersons before falling asleep. After sleeping for some time, Judd wakes up to discover panic and worrying on the plane. Judd sees Rayford trying to comfort Hattie. Judd notices the passenger next to him is missing. Mrs. Peterson was holding Harold's clothes in her arms. Judd watches as Rayford tries to assure Mrs. Peterson that her husband would be found. Judd then sees Cameron trying to find Harold. Judd notices a bunch of other seats with blankets, pillows, full sets of clothes, glasses, and jewelry. Cameron is then told by Hattie to sit down. Judd isn't completely sure of what has taken place, until Rayford is on the intercom begging everyone to remain calm. Judd realized that the Christian rapture has taken place. Rayford then announces the flight will be returning to Chicago. Judd leads the cheering when this is announced. Judd plans to return home and pay back the money stolen with the credit card, but also realizes that his entire family is already gone. Judd feels tears as Cameron warns a drunk passenger to stay awake. Judd refused all offers of drinks and food as he worries about what he will find at his house. Rayford announces to the whole plane that chaos will be expected on the ground as they headed back to Chicago. Judd sees smoke on the ground in the Chicago area as the plane descends. Rayford announces that the plane will be landed two miles from the terminal and that passengers would have to slide down inflatable emergency chutes to get to the ground. Judd plans to run through the terminal and find a cab. Judd finds a cab at the front of the line and tells the driver his address. The cab takes two hours to reach Judd's street.

The seventh chapter shows Vicki's reaction. That morning, Vicki wakes up, still tasting tobacco from the cigarettes she had the previous night. She wonders when her mother will wake her up. Vicki decides to lie down for thirty more minutes. After the thirty minutes are up, she checks the clock for the first time that day. After slowly walking to the bathroom, Vicki realizes that she is the only one in the trailer. She also notices that both of her parents's cars are still there. Vicki then smells something burning in the trailer. She sees that a teapot is smoking on the stove. Vicki carefully moves the pot to the sink. In the sink, she sees it is filled with water. Vicki notices through the window her friend Shelly Malloy wandering between the trailers. Shelly says that people have disappeared right out of their clothes. On the top step of her trailer, Vicki notices trailers that have burned down and others sobbing. Vicki finds her mother's clothes in the living room. She turns on the television and watches a replay of a soccer game in Indonesia in which most of the players disappear. Vicki moans and later finds her father's clothes in her parents's bedroom. Vicki retreats to the bedroom she and Jeanni shares and finds her clothes. She then realizes that her family has been taken to heaven because of their beliefs in God. Vicki tries calling Eddie but instead finds herself in a phone conversation with Eddie's roommate, Beryl Gaylor. Bub tells Vicki that Eddie disappeared when he was driving in his car, leaving his clothes behind. Bub also briefly talks about Eddie's beliefs in Christianity. After her conversation with Bub. Vicki then tries to call Clarice Washington.

The eighth chapter begins with Lionel Washington waking up in the basement of his house. Lionel hears the phone in his house ring but doesn't hear the footsteps of his family members. Lionel answers the phone and finds out Verna Zee is calling the house, trying to find out about Lucinda. Verna also says that Vicki Byrne is trying to get in touch with Clarice. Lionel wonders why his entire family is not awake, since it is not a holiday and nothing special was planned. Lionel's finds his father's belongings and robe in the living room. It is at that moment that he realizes that the Rapture has occurred. Lionel checks the rooms of Ronnie Washington and Talia Washington and finds them both empty. Lionel finds Clarice Washington's room empty, with Clarice's Bible on her pillow. After Lionel checks his parents' bed and finds his mother's clothes on it, he is filled with regret and remorse over his choices. He runs to the basement and sees Andre still sleeping. Lionel calls out to Andre to get up, but Andre doesn't stir. Lionel calls his church to see if anyone has been left behind, and Freddie answers the phone. Lionel tells Freddie that everyone in his family disappeared except for him and Andre. Freddie tells Lionel he will be coming to the Washington house. Lionel then calls Vicki and tells her that his entire family disappeared, including Clarice. Lionel agrees to go with Vicki to New Hope Village Church. Freddie arrives at the Washington house and Lionel receives a call from Cameron Williams. Lionel tells Cameron that Lucinda and the other members of the Washington family have all vanished, except for his uncle. After the phone call, Lionel hears Freddie tell Andre what has happened. Andre thinks it is a joke at first, but Freddie assures him it is no joke. Andre races upstairs and finds the clothes of the Washington family members. He then leaves the house, clearly panicked. Lionel tells Freddie that he plans to stay at the house and meet Vicki. Lionel sits on the couch and watches the news, feeling so alone.

The ninth chapter shows Ryan Daley's reaction. Ryan wakes up early that morning. Ryan showers and dresses, then finishes his homework before heading to breakfast. Ryan reads a note from his mother to stay at the house and not to worry. Ryan eats breakfast and thinks about calling Raymie. The phones aren't working, however. Ryan gets a message from his mother on his answering machine. Ryan decides to play a video game. He is immersed in the game when he finds out that millions of people had disappeared around the world. Ryan yanks his video game controller out of the TV and starts searching for a good channel. Every channel on his television suddenly becomes crystal clear. Ryan starts to feel more fear as he sees more reports. After seeing more reports on various channels, Ryan walks over to Raymie Steele's house. Ryan notices Raymie's clothes in his bedroom. He also sees Rayford Steele in his bedroom, sobbing. Ryan finds out on the television that his father, Mr. Daley, had been killed in an airplane crash when the pilot disappeared. Ryan calls his mother's cell phone and finds out from Sergeant Flanigan that Marjorie Louise Daley was killed in a car explosion. Ryan then decides to head to New Hope Village Church to find some help.

The tenth chapter begins with Judd entering the Thompson house. Judd checks Marcie Thompson's room first and finds her nightie. Judd sees socks and underpants in the bed in Marc's room. Judd briefly glances at his own room, in which he can tell his parents were searching through. Judd finds Judd Thompson Sr.'s and Mrs. Thompson's room empty. Judd finds the clothes of both of his parents in the living room. Judd deduces that his parents were planning on driving somewhere to find him. Judd calls New Hope Village Church and finds a message from a visitation pastor named Bruce Barnes. Judd then gets Marc's bike and heads to New Hope Village Church. Meanwhile, Ryan is walking near New Hope Village Church. Judd pedals past Ryan. Judd and Ryan briefly look at each other but don't speak. Ryan walks into the building and sees Judd talking with a man in his thirties. Ryan tells the man what happened to his parents. The man introduces himself as Bruce Barnes. Bruce tells Judd and Ryan he plans to teach about the events to occur. Bruce also says that Vicki Byrne and Lionel Washington will be joining them. Bruce then leads the four kids into a small office where he has a VCR and a TV. Bruce explains his story, that even though he attended Bible college and was a pastor, he always thought he could get by. The four kids share theie stories, crying as they do so. All the kids except for Ryan acknowledge they were wrong. Bruce continues explaining to the four kids about what they need to do. As they watch Vernon Billings's tape, they all have different emotions. Judd feels humbled. Vicki felt like a fool. Lionel feels deep sadness. Ryan is puzzled. Bruce seems to have a future for them as a small group.

After the tape is finished, Bruce then asks, "Are you ready? Will you receive Christ?"

Characters in The Vanishings

POVs

Trivia

First appearance of Judd Thompson Jr.
First appearance of Vicki Byrne.
First appearance of Ryan Daley.
First appearance of Shelly Malloy. She is the only non-original Young Tribulation Force member to appear in this book.
Judd was the only original member of the Young Tribulation Force to not wake up in his home on the morning after the disappearances.
The conversation Lionel has with Cameron "Buck" Williams via telephone also is shown in Left Behind.
The only five characters that appeared in this book that are confirmed to have survived to the Glorious Appearing are Rayford Steele, Judd Thompson Jr., Vicki Byrne, Lionel Washington, and Shelly Malloy.
The 2016 film Vanished: Left Behind – The Next Generation is loosely based on the events in this book.
Judd was on the plane with Rayford Steele, Hattie Durham, and Cameron Williams when the Rapture occurred, yet was not seen nor mentioned in Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days or Left Behind: The Movie.
The only appearance of Mr. Daley, who dies without ever becoming a believer.
The first appearance of LeRoy Banks.
The only appearance of Marjorie Louise Daley, who also died without ever becoming a believer.
The first appearance of Cornelius Grey.
The only appearance of Sergeant Flanigan.
The only appearance of Freddie.

The Vanishings

Contents

Plot introduction

Plot summary

Characters in The Vanishings

POVs

Trivia

Deaths

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