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, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

In the first six days of August, five children have died in hot cars, bringing 2019 total to 29. What do we know about the number five (5)? The deaths span five states.

Kristin Lam. USA TODAY•August 7, 2019

The deaths span five states, according to KidsAndCars.org, and include a 9-month-old girl to a disabled 13-year-old. Together, they bring the number of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths to 29 this year, nine short of the annual average. The string of incidents also outpaces the average of one hot car death every nine days, according to KidsAndCars.org. 

On Tuesday, a 21-month-old boy in Georgia, died after getting stuck in an SUV at his family’s house, The Moultrie Observer reported. About 40 minutes had passed between when the parents saw him and when he was found in the car, investigator Austin Cannon told the paper. It appeared to be an accident, the county coroner said. 

‘I wanted to kill myself’: There’s science behind why parents leave kids in hot cars

Police are also investigating the death of a 21-month-old Scarlett Grace Harris in San Diego, KNSD reported. The child’s mother called police on Monday to report she woke up from a nap and couldn’t find her baby, the station reported, then called back to say she found her in the car.

That same day, authorities allege a mother intentionally left her 13-year-old disabled daughter in a car for five hours in Ruffin, South Carolina. Rita Pangalangan and a man living with her are facing murder charges. It is unclear if they have lawyers, and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office has denied them bond. 

Phoenix and Luna: Dozens gather to mourn twin toddlers who died in hot car

On Aug. 1 in Kentucky, a 2-year-old girl was pronounced dead after police found her unresponsive in a hot car on the family’s property, WYMT reported. Police initially responded to a report of a missing child, the station reported, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities said foul play is not suspected. 

Police in Garland, Texas, said a 9-month-old girl was found dead inside her father’s van at a car wash on the same day. The father forgot to take the baby to daycare, according to a warrant obtained by KTVT, and accidentally left her in the van for about seven hours. He could face criminal charges, police told the station. 

To prevent hot car deaths, KidsAndCars.org recommends always opening the back door when parked, placing an essential item in the back seat with a child and asking a care provider to call if a child doesn’t get dropped off on time. Parents can also keep cars locked at all times, teach children to honk a horn and never leave keys within a child’s reach.