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Thousands of people around the country are preparing for Saturday, also known as Judgment Day, when believers expect they will be absorbed into heaven in a process known as Rapture.

Abby Haddad Carson, left, and Robert Carson, center, who live in Middletown, Md., believe that the earth will begin to self-destruct on Saturday. Ms. Haddad Carson and Mr. Carson with their children, Joseph, Faith and Grace outside their home.