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.

UN shifts response as Ebola outbreak in DR Congo drags on

AFP•May 8, 2019

United Nations (United States) (AFP) – The United Nations is stepping up its response to the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, now in its 10th month, and needs additional resources, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.

More than 1,000 people have died from the virus – the second deadliest outbreak on record after the epidemic that killed 11,300 people in West Africa in 2014-2016.

Guterres said he was “concerned by the number of new Ebola cases” and praised health workers who have vaccinated over 100,000 people and saved hundreds of lives.

“Despite these efforts, the outbreak is now in its 10th month and has claimed more than 1,000 lives,” he said in a statement.

The United Nations is carrying out “important shifts in its response”, he said, adding that “at this critical juncture, additional resources are needed.”

Guterres did not provide details, but called on countries and partner organizations to help UN agencies secure the needed resources.

The United Nations — and in particular its health agency, the World Health Organization — came under fire for its slow response to the outbreak in West Africa and it has vowed to learn lessons from those past mistakes.

This is the 10th outbreak of Ebola in 40 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It began last August in the city of Beni in North Kivu province before spreading to the neighboring Ituri region.

Guterres said this outbreak was contained to parts of the two provinces.

Efforts to roll back the contagious hemorrhagic fever have been hampered by rebel attacks on health facilities and clinics.

There has also been resistance within communities to preventative measures, care facilities and safe burials.

Guterres said “the full involvement and engagement of local people remains the key to successfully controlling the outbreak.”