By Ray Gano
The Swine flu virus that has had an outbreak in Mexico has crossed the border. Cases have been reported in California and in Texas. "It has pandemic potential," Margaret Chan, the director-general of the WHO (World Health Organization), told reporters during a telephone briefing. "It is infecting people."
What is a Pandemic? It is medical epidemic (a disease) that spreads over a wide geographic area and affecting a large proportion of the population. Already over 60 people have died due to the flu in Mexico and eight cases have already contracted the disease in the US.
In Mexico the situation has been startlingly severe, with more than 800 cases of pneumonia in the capital alone that are suspected to be related to the swine flu. We as students of bible prophecy know that this is one of the signs of the times that Jesus spoke about.
Matthew 24:7 (KJV) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.Dr Chan continued in the interview..."The situation is evolving quickly," Chan said. "We do not yet have a complete picture of the epidemiology or the risk, including possible spread beyond the currently affected areas.
Luke 21:11 (KJV) And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Nonetheless, in the assessment of WHO, this is a serious situation that must be watched very carefully." It's within the power of WHO to recommend nations declare an international public health emergency. If the Swine Flu was declared a health emergency, this situation could have major global implications on travel and trade.
As I have stated, we as students of bible prophecy should understand that this sort of thing is of no surprise and should be prepared for the situation both mentally, physically and spiritually.
This is why we have made available for download The_Coming_Influenza_Pandemic.PDF: Direct Link - http://www.prophezine.com/pdfs/The_Coming_Influenza_Pandemic.pdf
This is a great document teaching you what you can do in the event of a influenza pandemic. It was written by Dr Grattan Woodson, MD, FACP Medical Director, The Druid Oaks Health Center Decatur, GA USA. To download this 32 page PDF "e-book" go to http://www.prophezine.com/ and we have a link there.
Here is what scripture says...
1Peter 3:15 (KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.In any situation, we should be prepared and ready to share the Gospel. Especially in times of distress. But to do that, we ourselves need to have thought ahead and prepared ourselves. When 9-11 took place, many people sought out churches, pastors and Christians. Unbelievers soon asked for prayer and sought out the Lord. During the hurricanes in the south, churches opened their doors and many came to the Lord. In fact we have a wonderful Christian woman who did not go back to the stricken area and has stayed here at our church. But during those hard times our church opened their doors. So as students of bible prophecy we are able to read the writing on the wall and then do what we can do to position ourselves for service with the gifts and talents God has given us to better His kingdom.
Right now the "pandemic alert level" is sitting at "LEVEL 3" which means the risk of the virus spreading from person to person is limited. But that can change at a moments notice. All it takes is just one person contracting the disease and spreading it to everyone they come in contact with.
How does the flu spread? The main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. (This is called "droplet spread.") This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Though much less frequent, the viruses also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands. Source - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
Dr Chan of WHO noted that...."It has pandemic potential because it is infecting people. However we cannot say on the basis of currently available laboratory, epidemiological and clinical evidence whether or not it will indeed cause a pandemic,"
Folks, we are watchmen on the wall, we are the early defense and responsible to warn the body. We have a chance now to do something. If this does develop into a pandemic, then at that time it will be far to late to react. Even if there is nothing to come out of this, it is better to be prepared as best as one can than to not be prepared at all. We prepare not only to help our own families, but to position ourselves for service to the Lord and the sharing of the gospel in these last days of the last days. Please share the information with your friends and loved ones. Prepare now so that we are not caught off guard.
Related Links
News roundup: WHO says swine flu outbreak has 'pandemic potential' - USA Today
WHO chief to oversee handling of swine flu crisis - AP
Health Ministry: No swine flu cases reported in Israel - Jerusalem Post
Swine Flu May Be Named Event of International Concern - Bloomberg