History teaches us again and again that disasters, wars and political misfortune befall people. Today we are seeing the proliferation of modern weapons of mass annihilation, a dramatic rise in natural disasters and crime and a gradually increasing intrusion of big government upon our lives and liberty. There are no absolute guarantees in life. However man can defend himself against these threats. Preparation mitigates _disaster. Pre-ventive and protective measures enable us to secure the best possibilities for the survival and well being of family members, friends and neighbors. Without _protective measures, we as individuals and our nation as a whole are vulnerable to blackmail, intimidation, control, injury, loss and death.

      Everyday life involves making decisions and taking risks. We take risks not only when we decide to take an action, but also when we decide not to take an action. Risk is found both in action and inaction. How much impact do you think a particular calamity could have on you and your family? We all have to decide to either prepare or not to prepare. Either choice represents a gamble. How much risk are you willing to take? Are you willing to wager the life and welfare of your family on a bet that nothing unpleasant is going to occur in the future, or are you going to try to stack the odds in your familyÕs favor through an investment into preparedness. The future is an undefined element. Preparedness is a form of alternative life insurance that can provide an invaluable return. This type of policy doesnÕt pay a financial dividend, but in time of natural or man-made disaster, it provides a priceless return. It can insure the well being of your family and loved ones.

      Unfortunately, the concept of preparedness questions the foundations of societyÕs generally accepted belief system. This encroaches on peopleÕs sense of security and causes many to feel uneasy. Most people just want reassurance that everything is okay and that the authorities have things under control. People prefer that which is familiar and are threatened by the unknown and the possibility of change.

      Many times those who embrace preparedness are categorized as "doomsdayers." This pattern is not unique to our times. Noah was mocked for years as he and his family built the Ark on dry land. If you decide to pursue a path of preparedness, realize that this sort of treatment comes with the territory.

      A more enlightened point of view sees preparedness as a sort of spare tire. No one would think of going on a long automobile trip without a spare in the trunk. Why should anyone living in a nuclear age consider it foolish to build a fallout shelter? They were popular and accepted in the 60s! International conflict, terrorism, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons has escalated since then. By all rational logic, preparedness should be considered an intelligent move.

      The real "doomsdayers" are those who canÕt face reality so they resort to denial. These individuals fear change and lack a basic will to be. They view disaster, be it nuclear, biological or natural as a literal doomsday, an unsurvivable and terminal end. For those of us who have courage and a will to be, such a catastrophe is viewed _as an unfortunate but survivable event, possibly a resolution and potentially a new beginning.

      From a spiritual standpoint there is considerable support for the concept of sheltering and preparedness. For thousands of years various prophets have spoken of a coming "planetary" event. This foretold event has been suggested to involve some sort of worldwide disaster such as Armageddon, nuclear war, plague, famine, pestilence, polar shift or earth changes.

      From a scientific standpoint, there have been recent geological indications suggesting the potential for massive earthquakes on the West Coast in the near future. There has also been scientific evidence showing that the ice caps are starting to melt and, of course, there is the hole in the ozone layer and other environmental problems.

      Modern civilization is dependent on the continued flow of electricity and the availability of economically priced gasoline and diesel fuel. If the supply of any of these is interrupted our technological house of cards will come crashing down. The power shortage in California may well cause rolling blackouts and shortages throughout the national electrical power grid.

      The evidence supporting the threat of a coming planetary event or crisis is not _limited to what we have discussed here. There are many seemingly unresolvable _problems that face this nation and the world today including the national deficit, abortion, crime, the inner cities and international politics. If you lump all these situations together, the growing magnitude of the problem points to an impending resolution in the near future. Like the bodyÕs immune function which combats uncontrolled infection, nature has always exhibited an ability to reestablish balance and order.

      Preparedness, by all rights, should be the acceptable calling of the hour.


Threats From A Religious and Prophetic Standpoint
    From a religious standpoint there is considerable support for the concept of sheltering and preparedness. For thousands of years various prophets have spoken of a coming planetary event. This foretold event in all cases has been suggested to involve some sort of worldwide disaster such as Armageddon, nuclear war, plague, famine, pestilence, polar shift, earth changes, etc. Such prophecies originate from numerous and diverse sources, both ancient and contemporary. These include the Bible (most notably the book of Revelations), the messages of Mother Mary from Fatima, Lourdes and Medjegoria, Nostradamas, Edgar Cayce, native American Indian prophecies, George Washington's vision at Valley Forge and much more. .Also many contemporary individuals who claim contact with various spiritual sources have the same message. Somewhat unique in this tradition of apocalyptic prophecy are the recent books on hypnotic regression and near death experiences. There are also interpretations from the Great Pyramid which indicate a coming planetary disaster. This tradition of end time prophecies cuts across all lines of religious belief.

    Considering the diverse sources and historical origins of these similar prophecies, it would appear that some sort of awareness of the course of future events exists, buried deeply, at the level of the mass subconscious. Many interpretations of these prophecies suggest that an event will occur some time between now and the year 2,000. As close as we are to the year 2,000, it would seem prudent to seriously consider the need for some sort of preparation.



    From a scientific standpoint, there have been recent geological indications suggesting the potential for massive earthquakes on the West Coast in the near future. There has also been scientific evidence showing that the ice caps are starting to melt and of course there is the hole in the ozone layer and other environmental problems.
    The evidence supporting the threat of a coming planetary event is not limited to what we have discussed here. There are many seemingly unresolvable problems which face this nation and the world today including the national deficit, abortion, crime, the inner cities and international politics. If you lump all these situations together, the growing magnitude of the problem points to an impending resolution in the near future. Like the body's immune function, which combats uncontrolled infection, nature has always exhibited an ability to reestablish balance and order.