Global Food Riots in 2009
Rice (Oryza sativa)
Various experts are expecting a probable increase in food riots in 2009:
NEW DELHI, Dec 16 (Reuters) – The economic crisis is pushing the world’s hungriest people to the wall, but a fraction of the cost of financial rescue packages could make a huge difference, the head of the U.N.’s World Food Programme said on Tuesday.
“I don’t think it is just an issue of compassion, it is an issue of global peace and security,” WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran told Reuters in an interview.
If countries already suffering from the effects of high food prices do not get help now, there could be more instability and food riots around the world in 2009, perhaps on an even bigger scale than before, she said.
“Globally, hunger is on a march,” said Sheeran, visiting India for the first time to combat malnutrition there. “The food crisis itself has hit the world harder than I would have ever expected,” she added. “We expect the financial crisis will add to the pressure on the world’s most vulnerable.”
Sheeran, whose organisation will feed nearly 100 million of the world’s hungriest people this year, appealed to the United States and Europe to set aside just one percent of the cost of financial rescue packages to combat global hunger…
The WFP will start 2009 needing $5.2 billion to feed the hungry urgently in places like Ethiopia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Afghanistan and North Korea. Without a rapid injection of funds, millions will run out of help by March when warehouses empty. Rising food and fuel prices have already hit the poorest and hungriest hard. The Food and Agriculture Organization said in June that 75 million more people had been pushed into hunger as a result.
Last week it added 40 million people to that list, meaning there are almost one billion hungry in total — nearly one sixth of humanity. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/DEL347128.htm
In 2008, there were even temporary limits placed on buying rice in the United States (see Rice and the Beginning of Sorrows). We will see what 2009 will bring.
But, of course, famines and related disruptions have long happened, and were even predicted:
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. 9 But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved…” (Mark 13:3-13).
Events seems to be lining up to fulfill the above and other biblical prophecies. But the end (meaning the great tribulation, which starts afterwords) is NOT yet:
18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days…
37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:18-20,37).
A period of persecution combined with successfully proclaiming the gospel to the world as a witness precedes the great tribulation (see also Persecutions by Church and State). And then the faithful church FLEES.
Until then, Jesus says to watch and pray.
Although those who trust in things on the earth will be disappointed, the wise may also wish to look at physical preparation scriptures, such as Proverbs 6:6-8, as they are certainly in the Bible for a reason.
The presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God (LCG), R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God publicly has taught:
Put aside some food and store some water…Bad times are coming, have some supplies (Meredith RC. Prophecy Overview. Sermon, July 19, 2008).
And while spiritual preparation is most important, certainly physical preparation makes a lot of sense.
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