Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Mass funeral for Papua flood victims as death toll passes 100

4:43 pm on 21 March 2019. RNZ

Mass burials are being planned as the death toll rises from the Sentani flash floods in Indonesia’s Papua Province.

Disaster agency officials said the death toll had climbed again with 104 people now confirmed dead, 160 injured and 79 others still missing.

With 40 victims who had not yet been identified, the Jayapura Regent decided that the victims would be buried en masse.

The Jayapura regency administration is coordinating with families and churches to prepare land for the upcoming mass funeral.

The National Disaster Management Agency said the number of people displaced by the flooding and landslides had also increased with nearly 10,000 victims sheltering in 18 refuge centres.

Numerous buildings had been severely damaged including nearly 400 houses, five churches, eight schools, 100 shops, four bridges and four roads.

The agency said rescue teams were continuing their searches and the displaced are traumatised and fearful of further flash flooding in the Jayapura region.

Meanwhile, the large number of displaced people has led to shelters becoming full and uncomfortable.

The distribution of aid has also been difficult and a decision has been taken by authorities to combine 18 smaller shelters into six larger posts which means many people will be moving again.

Emergency efforts are being conducted by over 2000 personnel from 28 national and Papua-based organisations to help with the search and rescue of victims, evacuations, health services, public kitchens and refugee coordination.

Roads are being cleared, temporary bridges constructed and efforts are underway to source more clean water.

The Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, has declared the disaster as a provincial emergency with an initial response period of two weeks set from the flash flooding which happened on Saturday 16 March where a month’s worth of torrential rain fell in seven hours.