Signs of the Times
Fighting between Christians and Muslims
Fighting between Christians and Muslims in Plateau State Nigeria has increased to such an extent that in May the Nigerian President declared a state of emergency there, as recently hundred of people have died in these religious clashes. The fear is that the problems will escalate as they did in 2001 when in the capital city of Plateau State, Jos, a thousand were killed. There are Brethren and Sisters living in this area who had to flee in the 2001 massacres and we do need to remember such in our prayers and pray more earnestly for Jesus to return and deliver his people.
Malnutrition
The Food and Agricultural Organisation estimates 842,000,000 people are undernourished, three fifths of them living in the Asia/Pacific area and a quarter in sub-Saharan Africa. In some areas the situation is progressively worsening. In Congo for example from 1990-2001 the food supply dropped by about 3% a year. In contrast to America where the food supply continually increased over the same period. Whilst the FAO make recommendations for improving the output in poor countries. The only permanent solution is in the establishment of the Kingdom of God "Then shall the earth yield her increase" (Ps 67:6). So great will be the harvests that "The plowman shall overtake the reaper" (Amos 9:13); the people will not have the time to gather in the abundant harvest, before the time comes round for ploughing again. "I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field" (Ezekiel 36:29). These marvellous changes will be a source of blessing for all nations. Come, Lord Jesus, please come to feed the poor and needy and bring to an end the malnutrition of millions.
"In the last days... men shall be... without natural affection... fierce" (Tim3 v1-3). A leading article in a May (Sunday Telegraph) British newspaper was headed, "Passengers fear for their safety as violent crime on railways soars by 30 per cent". Where is all the violence leading? Ultimately the Kingdom when "They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid" (Micah 4:4). "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction" (Isa.60:18).
Israel: Annual Population Statistics
Communicated by the Central Bureau of Statistics Spokesman Monday, May 05, 2003
On the eve of Independence Day 2003, Israel's population stands at 6.7 million. The Jewish population is approximately 5.4 million (counting for 38% of the world's Jews); the non-Jewish population is approximately 1.3 million (82% of these are Muslims, 9% are Christians and 9% are Druze).
Israel's population has grown more than eight-fold over the 15.5.48 population of 806,000.
Since last Independence Day, the population of the state of Israel has grown by 131,000, an annual growth rate of 2%.
Three million people have immigrated to Israel since 1948, with more than one million coming since 1990. 31,000 have immigrated in the past year. 140,000 babies were born in Israel during the past year.
Comment. The return of the Jews to the land of Israel is the fulfilment of such prophecies as:-
He shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah, from the four corners of the earth (Is 22:12). He that scattered Israel will gather him , and keep him as a shepherd doth his flock (Jer31:10). In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely (Jer33:14-16) I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land (Ezek 36:22-24) I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, wither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: and I will make them on nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel: and one king shall be king to them all (Ez37:21-22) I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country: and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: (Zec 8:7-8).
