PREPARE FOR FAMINE!
World
leaders predict mass famine and starvation. God's Church knows total
famine is coming. What should we do as members of the body of Christ?
What is the balance of FAITH AND WORKS that we should have in facing
THIS end-time crisis? During the last Ministerial Conference Mr.
Herbert W. Armstrong commissioned Mr. Garner Ted Armstrong to begin
preparing a program on this vital subject for the Church. Working
directly with him in this program is Mr. Dale L. Schurter. Read the
basic, beginning research in this article from the Instructor in Animal
Husbandry and Agriculture at Ambassador College in Texas.
by Dale L. Schurter
HUNGER pangs plague millions today!
Jesus
Christ prophesied worldwide
famines would be a sign
preceding His second coming. This prophecy is being fulfilled today.
Its last stages will end in the grizzly horror of children being eaten
by their own parents!
The world sees the problem, but doesn't know what to do about it. Or if
a solution is suggested, how to put it into effect is an insurmountable
problem in today's strife-torn and hopelessly divided world.
The World's Insoluble Problem
The latest quarterly of the National Federation of Grain Cooperatives
reports: "The world is on the threshold of the biggest FAMINE in
history." The three continents of Asia, Africa, and South America are
being stricken this very minute. The populations of these continents
are growing out of control and production of food is falling
drastically behind. This is one of the greatest and most insoluble
problems in the
HISTORY OF THE WORLD.
Shocking???
"Such a famine will be of massive proportions affecting hundreds of
millions, possibly even billions of persons. If this happens, as
appears very probable, it will be the most colossal catastrophe in
history."
Famines in China and India are already involving thousands and even
millions of persons. The peoples of the United States and the British
Commonwealth have not yet had to cope with such a problem in this age.
Modern Israel does not realize that its prosperity is almost over.
Dr. Raymond Ewell, vice-president for research at State University of
New York at Buffalo, states, "This problem seems likely to reach such
enormous proportions even by 1975 that it will dwarf and overshadow
most of the problems and anxieties which now occupy our attention, such
as the threat of nuclear war, communism, the space race, racial
problems, unemployment, Berlin, Viet Nam, the Congo, Cyprus, Cuba,
etc., etc."
"In past famines, many people have died of disease as well as
starvation, but now modern medicine will keep people alive even though
starving, and they will still compete for a share of the inadequate
food supply . . . but it will be persistent and get worse year by year,
unless ways and means are soon found to increase agricultural
production."
Possible Answers Inadequate
It is hard for us, sitting in a rich, comfortable, over-fed America, to
realize that total famine in all the world is just around the corner.
President Johnson, British Prime Minister Wilson, and other men
in high positions of government, around the world, have reasoned,
studied, pondered the problem, and have come up with two "possible"
answers: 1) Reduce the population growth rate, or, 2) Increase
agricultural production, or both.
Reducing the population growth rate is the only real answer according
to these men. Improved agriculture could conceivably take care of the
expected increases in population for a few more years. Beyond
that-STARVATION.
An effort to reduce population through birth control is being actively
promoted by governments and private groups throughout the world. But,
no marked decrease in birth rate is expected until the 1980's. By then,
it will be TOO LATE !
The only remaining possibility of averting world famine in the 1970's
is therefore increased agricultural production. Technically, it is
possible to double or even triple agricultural production in Asia,
Africa, and Latin America, through the use of more fertilizers, more
irrigation, better seed varieties, pesticides, and other improved
agricultural practices. Dr. Ewell believes that most fertilizers needed
by these countries will have to be imported from the industrialized
countries through foreign aid.
This presents another problem. Even after the quantities of fertilizer
we have been discussing become available, there is still a big
educational job ahead to get farmers to use the fertilizer. This would
require an extensive and intensive propaganda campaign together with
adequate economic incentives. The countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin
America (except Japan) do not have enough agricultural specialists of
their own to put over such a program. These proposed "possible answers"
are a far cry from a desperately needed solution.
Modern Israel Included
What about modern Israel? American exports of food in 1965 were larger
than ever before, and the demand grows daily. Peoples of other
countries, and the leaders, refuse to face the fact that the United
States cannot feed the world. In 1965, U. S. surplus dwindled to a mere
seven to ten percent of what it had been. In the same year, cash income
from farm produce was at an all-time high.
What would be the result if the drought that has hit India and South
Africa were to hit the world's "breadbasket"-America and Canada? Our
government is already committed in a foreign aid program for this year
that will ELIMINATE our "surpluses." Canada and Australia offer little
help. The facts show famine is inevitable, worldwide, including
modern Israel.
God prophesies that is exactly what will happen. "... I shall send upon
them [modern Israel] the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for
their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: And I will
increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread"
(Ezek. 5:16).
God's prophecies emphasize all facts and trends, which show that world famine is just around the corner.
Only Possible Solution
What a fantastic blessing it is that there is an Almighty God in
heaven. What an incomparable miracle that "Surely the Lord God will do
nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants
the prophets" (Amos 3:7).
The rulers and planners of this world have based their predictions on
the assumption that the weather and growing conditions will remain
constant, and that crop yields will increase, not decrease. Not knowing
God, they neglected to take prophecy into account.
God says, "The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is
wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth. Be ye ashamed, O
ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the
barley; because the harvest of the field is perished" (Joel 1:10-11).
"But it shall come to pass /'/ thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of
the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His
statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall
come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city,
and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and
thy store" (Deut. 28:15-17).
God's people know the only possible way to avert a disastrous worldwide famine is through worldwide obedience to God.
Will You Suffer in Famine?
Will truly converted Christians be required to undergo the suffering of
the coming famine along with the rest of the world? Is there something
you can do to prevent it? Does the Bible offer any guide?
In the Old Testament, when the children of Israel were held as captive
slaves in the land of Egypt, God sent great plagues which troubled and
harassed all the inhabitants of the land. At first, there was no
difference made between the Israelites and the Egyptians. As the
plagues became more grievous, God put a division between His people and
the Egyptians for a sign to all that He was the LORD in the midst of
the earth (Exodus 8). The first three plagues of that tribulation were
suffered by the Israelites along with the Egyptians, but they were
spared worse plagues that followed.
In Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, we read that the coming of false
prophets, wars and rumors of wars, world war, famines and pestilences
are the "beginning of sorrows" [tribulation]. These sorrows are coming
on the world in the end time. Notice Matthew 24:16-21, God is going to
allow true believers to live in
this world's society until
Satan brings intensified persecution on the true Church, and increased
tribulation. At this time, God will deliver the Church into her place
of protection (Rev. 12:13-14). There God will provide her needs
supernaturally.
How God Preserved During Famine
Examples are given in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, how
God guided and cared for His people when it was necessary for their
area of the country to be chastened through famine.
During the time Israel (Jacob) lived in the land of Canaan there was a
great famine throughout that land and Egypt. God knew famine was coming
and allowed Joseph, one of Israel's sons, to be sold into Egypt in
advance of the famine.
Three years after Joseph arrived in Egypt, Pharaoh, the king, had two
dreams foretelling the coming of seven years of plenty followed by
seven years of extreme famine. Pharaoh was greatly troubled by the
dreams because he could not understand them. Joseph was summoned and
God gave him the interpretation of both dreams. Joseph told Pharaoh of
the seven fat and seven lean years that lay ahead, and signified a way
to HANDLE the problem. Pharaoh looked upon Joseph with much favor and
made him governor over all Egypt. His main responsibility was to
initiate plans for the
coming fourteen years.
Joseph appointed officers over the land to store up the fifth part of the produce of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
When the famine came, Israel sent to Egypt for food. Soon, he and his
whole household came into Egypt. Joseph told his family, when they
arrived, that God had sent him on ahead to preserve them and their
posterity on the earth, and would save their lives by a great
deliverance.
The children of Israel and all their household were nourished for the final five years of famine.
New Testament Example
A New Testament example of how God preserved his
people during the time of famine is mentioned in Acts 11. "And in
these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood
up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there
should be a great dearth throughout all the world; which came to pass
in the days of Claudius Caesar" (verses 27-28).
This drought was extensive in the region around Jerusalem, Palestine.
History records that it was during this famine, that the apostle Paul
wrote the first book of Corinthians. In chapter 16, he gave an order to
the brethren at Corinth: "Let every one of you lay by him in store . .
. and I will bring your gift unto Jerusalem."
Paul also had ordered the same type collection from the church in
Galatia. This order instructed the brethren to lay in store for the
famine stricken saints at Jerusalem. Paul urged them to have it ready
so he could pick it up later that year and take it on to the
headquarters church.
In these examples from the Bible, we see that it is wise to prepare for what God says is imminent in the very next few years.
There IS Something You Can Do
The time has come for true believers and members of the body of the
Living Jesus Christ to begin thinking about and preparing to save up to
"lay by him in store." Jesus Christ commands us to watch (Luke 21:36)
the signs and events that were prophesied to come. They are now
happening before our very eyes. It is time for us to prepare for the
coming, last, worldwide famine. There are ways that all of us can lay
aside supplies of food.
There are several commodities of high nutritional value that can
satisfactorily and economically be stored for long periods of time. The
Bible speaks of high-quality foods such as grain, honey, milk, the
fatted calf, and others. The following are suggested basic staples that
you will want to consider in
beginning
your "storehouse": wheat (or other kinds
of cereal grains), honey, cheese, smoked meat, canned and frozen meats,
fruits and vegetables.
Do NOT Become a Pharisee
Understand thoroughly, brethren, before we go into the technical and
physical details
that NO MANNER OR
AMOUNT OF FOOD STORAGE CAN SAVE
YOU! Only God can!
If you get to looking to the physical, dedicating all your time,
efforts and energies to food storage to save your physical life-then
you will be the greatest loser of all time! Read Luke 9:24-25-"For
whosoever will save his life [seek to selfishly maintain his physical
life at all costs] shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for
my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he
gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Avoid the extremes!
Don't be super and pseudo-spiritual and declare that you are going to
trust the Lord and not do anything for yourself. Remember God's
admonition given through Solomon, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or
ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer [the time of plenty] and
gathereth her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8.) We have been
warned ahead of time and should do everything within our power to
prepare, ALL
THE TIME KNOWING ONLY GOD CAN SAVE US THROUGH THESE END-TIME CATASTROPHES !
And DON'T become a food fanatic! Don't look to the physical. Pray for
Godly BALANCE. In fact it would be a good idea for you to do JUST THAT
RIGHT NOW! Before you continue with this article, go to a private
place, or drop to your knees with your whole family and ask God to help
you see this instruction in its proper balance, to see it THROUGH HIS
EYES!
It may well be that many of you, being city and apartment dwellers,
will not be able to follow through on this as much as you wish you
could. But if your attitude and spiritual growth is right, God will
supply your needs when the time comes-directly, or through the other
brethren as those in the provinces supplied the saints in Jerusalem in
their need.
Now About Wheat
Wheat ought to be the core of your storage program since it is the most
generally available grain in our Western countries. It is a well-known
fact that human beings could survive in health indefinitely on wheat
and water alone.
Scientific and medical research shows that wheat contains the
properties to help: strengthen nerves, develop muscle tone, promote a
healthy heart condition, improve circulation, build resistance to
disease, increase the ability to learn and remember, aid normal
reproduction, increase the power of a mother to nurse her babies.
Any wheat is better than none. We should select the best available
while it is available. In the selecting and storing of wheat, the
following points should be kept in mind:
Kind or variety: Dark Hard Winter Wheat (Turkey); Dark Hard Spring or Marquis Wheat.
Grade: The grade should be No. 2 or better (Not less than 58 lbs. per
bushel). Protein should be from 11.50 to 12.50 percent or more. Wheat
should be cleaned for human consumption and free from smut and foreign
material. Be sure it has not been treated for use as seed.
Moisture: Moisture content is most important. It is recommended that
the moisture content be 10 percent or less. (Some say 12 to 13 percent,
but the dryer the better). This may pose a problem necessitating your
drying the wheat artificially in areas-or times- of high humidity by
means of heated, forced air. Insects are unable to reproduce in clean
grain with a moisture of nine percent or below. (A moisture test can be
made at most feed stores and grain elevators.)
Containers: Containers should be suitable to hold weight of grain,
protect it from rodents and insects, and should be non-conductors of
moisture (metal containers have been most satisfactory). Also be sure
the covers fit tightly.
Quantity: Quantity will vary according to needs. An active person will
require more than an inactive one. As a guide, one year's requirement
will vary from 70 lbs. for children to 100 lbs. for adults. (This
refers only to bread, cereal, and other normal requirements. If
circumstances cause wheat and wheat products to become the principal
diet, the amount required per individual would
be proportionately increased.)
Storage: Wheat will keep indefinitely if properly stored in a cool, dry
place with moisture content under 10 percent. Wheat stored for more
than one year should be aerated by turning it at least twice a year.
Wheat can be cleaned by screening it over a hand sieve made of screen
similar to wire door screen. Five-to ten-gallon metal containers are a
handy size to use for storage and aeration.
You may check with farmers in your local area about acquiring wheat.
Honey
Honey is a natural, unrefined food that can be stored for an indefinite
period of time. It is safe and wholesome. Bacteria, which cause certain
diseases in human beings, cannot live in honey because of its high
sugar content. Honey is available the year around and may be purchased
in various forms. It is on the market in liquid, comb, chunk, cut comb,
solid, sometimes called granulated or finely crystallized, and creamed
honey. The various forms do not change its food value. Here are some
points to keep in mind:
To purchase honey: Select the flavor you desire. The flavor depends
upon the kind of flowers from which the bees gather nectar. Honey
producers frequently mix several honeys by heating moderately and
stirring to produce a blend with a flavor that is most satisfactory.
To store honey: Keep liquid honey in a dry place. Freezing does not
injure the color or flavor, but may hasten granulation. Avoid damp
places for storage because honey has the property of absorbing and
retaining moisture. It is best not to put honey in the refrigerator.
Containers should be suitable to hold the weight of the honey (one
gallon weighs 12 lbs.), protect it from rodents and insects, and should
he nonconductors of moisture.
To liquify honey that has granulated or solidified: Place the container
in a bowl of warm water, not warmer than the hand can bear, until all
crystals are melted. See that the honey container does not rest on the
bottom of the water container. Getting it too hot will injure its
quality and food value.
Dried Products
You are all familiar with canning (or bottling) as a means or
preserving fruits and vegetables, but what about drying? Drying, which
used to be a common method of preservation, has become a lost art.
Instructions are still obtainable as stated at the end of this article
if you care to try it. This is a good way to preserve fruits if you
don't have much storage space, or if you have an
abundance beyond what you are able to can. Apples, apricots, cherries,
peaches, pears, figs, grapes and even berries may be dried at home with
a minimum of equipment.
Unprocessed raisins may be bought directly from vineyards at a price
substantially less than that of processed and packaged raisins. The
unwashed raisins keep better than washed ones, too. They will stay in
good condition two years or longer if stored in tightly covered metal
containers.
Some vegetables may also be dried. These include corn (maize), green
lima beans, okra, peppers and green peas. In general, however,
vegetables are more palatable canned or frozen than dried.
Cheese
Cheese has been a popular food for thousands of years. An important
point to consider about cheese is the fact that it is a concentrated
source of many of the nutrients of milk. Finished cheese contains a
large proportion of the milk protein, the minerals, the fat (if it is a
"whole milk" cheese), and the fat-soluble nutrients of milk. It is
interesting to note that the peoples of the world who exhibit the
highest degree of national health, on the basis of longevity and infant
mortality rates, are also the leading cheese eaters of the
world. Some points to
consider are:
Types:
There are only eighteen distinct types of cheese, of which there are
over 400 varieties. Despite the diversity among cheese varieties, it is
possible to classify all cheeses under three main divisions-hard,
semi-hard, and soft. The relatively low moisture content of hard and
semi-hard cheeses permits their storage for long periods of time, if
conditions are favorable. Soft cheeses, which contain a higher moisture
content, are more perishable.
Purchasing:
United States and foreign cheeses have no difference in food value if
they are of the same variety. Cheese manufactured in the United States
consists largely of hard cheeses (cheddar and swiss). Wisconsin and New
York are the leading cheese-producing states. In Wisconsin, most cheese
is made from pasteurized milk, while in New York, raw milk is used
almost exclusively. During the curing or aging period (60-day minimum),
the cheese not only develops a desirable flavor and texture, but
through bacterial action all harmful micro-organisms are devitalized.
The longer cheese is held or aged past the minimum 60-day period, the
better the flavor and texture if proper temperature is maintained.
Storage:
Hard and semi-hard cheeses are best for storing. Many varieties of
these cheeses are cured for as much as 12 to 16 months. The length of
time aged usually appears on the label of both New York and Wisconsin
cheeses. Most cheeses purchased in a large lump will be coated with
paraffin, which helps to preserve it. In such cases, a wedge of the
cheese can be cut out and wrapped in foil for immediate use while the
larger remaining piece will keep better if the cut surfaces are spread
with softened butter before wrapping in aluminum foil. Cheese should be
stored in a cool place, preferably the refrigerator-or no warmer than
about 50° F.
Digestibility:
Some people are reluctant to use cheese freely because of their
mistaken notion that it is difficult to digest. This idea is not
supported by research. Experimental evidence of the high digestibility
of cheese shows it to be 90-99 percent digestible. This range compares
favorably with that found for other foods normally used in a mixed diet.
Preservation Methods
There are various methods of preserving foods for storage. Those most
frequently used are: canning, freezing, smoking, drying, pickling,
brining, and making preserves or jellies of several types. Each one of
these methods has merits of its own, depending on the food selected for
preservation and the pleasure of the user. In each case, the proper
selection of the food, choice and care of equipment, preparation of
food, suitable application of heat, packaging, labeling, dating, and
slicing are necessary if products of excellent quality are to be your
reward. Each method may be checked to determine which would serve you
best.
Instructions for the
above methods mentioned can easily be acquired by writing
for information from your local Home Demonstration or County Agent.
They usually maintain offices at the County Court House. Another
excellent source of detailed information is, The United States
Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. This material is free for
the asking.
Plan To Save
To be effective in your planning you will need some definite goals. Few
will be able to lay up large quantities of food all at once. It would
be wise to first take time to sit down and consider what you want to
store, its availability, and the quantity you wish to purchase. It is
helpful to schedule your planning in the form of an outline or chart.
At certain seasons of the year there are usually special sales on
various products. If you make room in your budget to begin saving a
little from each paycheck, you will be able to take advantage of these
sales when they become available.
Another method of saving that is simple, yet effective, is to set aside
certain portions of items each time of major shopping. You should use a
method or combination of methods you feel will best satisfy your needs.
Whatever your decision, begin now.
Physical Preparation Alone Is NOT Enough
Our Creator, a loving, benevolent God, wants us to ". . . prosper and
be in health" (III John 2). Jesus Christ foretold the signs and world
conditions that would appear just prior to His second coming.
Immediately following, He gave those of understanding a solemn
admonition, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up,
and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21: 28).
Remember, lack of obedience to God's laws is the reason the world is in
its present condition. If we are not prepared spiritually, our
spiritual house being in disorder, all the physical preparation in the
world will avail nothing. We need desperately to keep close to our Lord
and Savior. Obedience to Him needs to become automatic.
The prophecy of world famine is being fulfilled before your very eyes.
God may not intervene to help you, if you, knowing famine is coming, do
not help yourselves-according to your ability to do so.
Reprinted from the April 1966 Good News Magazine
