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.

Over 55,000 people in Indonesia remain homeless a year after M7.5 Sulawesi earthquake, tsunami and liquefaction. What do we know about the number five (5)?

Posted by Julie Celestial on September 23, 2019 Watchers.news

A year after M7.5 earthquake, devastating tsunami, and liquefaction ravaged Sulawesi in Indonesia, over 55, 000 residents are still homeless up to now, the Indonesian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies reported on September 23, 2019.

The multiple natural calamities happened on September 28, 2018, taking lives of 4 300 people and destroyed over 103 000 residential properties.

A year after, 55 000 people who lost their homes and agricultural properties are still unsure as to when and where they can rebuild their homes again.

Scientists were surprised that the earthquake generated such a big tsunami. Normally, large tsunamis occur after megathrust earthquakes that cause vertical displacement. But the Sulawesi earthquake occurred along a strike-slip fault, meaning the motion was horizontal.

Some scientists suspect that a submarine landslide, shaken loose by the earthquake, may have provided the energy that fueled the destructive tsunami. In addition, the narrow, finger-like shape of Palu Bay likely amplified the fast-moving surge of water and made it even more dangerous.

The affected residents have been staying in a temporary accommodation facility where they rely on relief goods and emergency assistance.

According to Arifin Hadi, Indonesian Red Cross Head of Disaster Management, their staff and volunteers have delivered relief items such as food, hygiene kits, and blankets to over 108 000 victims in the past year.

The staff has also brought drinking water to an estimated 280 000 people.

“We will now shift our focus on creating a more resilient community, training people to build better, stronger homes, providing permanent water sources, rebuilding health centers and helping people restore their incomes by providing livestock or boats,” he stated.

The government is prompted to redouble their efforts to examine settlement areas and assist thousands of evacuees in camps for them to be able to build permanent homes that are more resilient to further calamities.

“Families still need our help to move on after this disaster,” said Jan Gelfand, IFRC Indonesia Head of Country Office.

The Indonesian Red Cross alongside IFRC and partners will work together to provide the long-term recovery necessities of almost 90 000 residents in 24 of the worst-affected regions in Sulawesi through to 2021.

Volunteers and staff will also assist in awareness campaigns on health and hygiene, training for building stronger and safer homes, and disaster preparations.