Christians Are Preparing for Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters

With most natural disasters, you usually have ample warning, but not so with earthquakes. They strike without warning, catching everybody off guard. And of course, those who are well prepared fare much better than those who aren't.

Since earthquakes can literally tear a house apart, special care needs to be taken when putting together emergency supplies. Also, due to the sudden onslaught, supplies should be stored in an area where they will get the most protection such as a sturdy shed away from trees and buildings. The supplies won't do you any good if your house collapses on them. They may get scattered a bit, but as long as the ground doesn't open up and swallow them, they should be somewhat safe.

While it is recommended that you store three day's worth of food and water for each family member, you really should consider friends and neighbors; who may lose their supplies in the quake and could end up depending on you for their very survival. Furthermore, the emergency could last far more than three days. Therefore, it would be wise to store double what is recommended.

There are also a number of ways to prepare your home. Shelf cabinets should be bolted to the wall and boards nailed across the front of shelves to keep the contents from shaking and sliding off. Cabinet doors should fasten tightly when closed to prevent them from being jarred open. Any lose object can be a threat during any kind of natural disaster such as tornados, floods, or tsunamis. Something that could shake the walls of your home can send lose objects flying.

Planning is essential when it comes to disaster preparation. The list below includes the basic items you should collect and store in a safe place.

1.Food:

2.Water

3.Clothing

4.Bedding

5.First Aid

6.Battery operated lights with extra batteries

7.Tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, heavy-duty knife and a hatchet or ax.

8.Tarps and strong duct tape

9.Lighters and or matches

Remember to include special needs for children, seniors, babies and pets. Insect repellent is also recommended and don't forget prescription drugs. Extra pairs of shoes and socks should be added to your supplies as an earthquake or other natural disaster that hits during the night could send you escaping on bare feet. The debris left from most natural disasters is virtually impassable without proper shoes, which doesn't include bedroom slippers.

Regardless of the cause, a disaster is a disaster and the supplies are basically the same and no matter where you live, disaster can occur at any time. Take the time to assemble your disaster supplies even if it takes a whole year. Consider the consequences your family will have to face if a disaster strikes and you are unprepared.

The times we are living in are unlike any other time in history with war, famine and widespread disease in nearly every part of the world. Mega-disasters such as tsunamis and severe earthquakes are getting more frequent and much more intense.

Jesus Christ said that when we begin to see these things happening to make sure we are in a safe place . He even instructed those in Judah to flee to the mountains .

"Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come... Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved... For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again." (Matt. 24)

To simply ignore these prophecies, given by the Lord Himself, is just plain lunacy. Nevertheless, without the Son of God there is no such thing as a safe place. If you belong to the Savior, your soul will be protected no matter where you are. The physical body, which is temporary, isn't nearly as important as the soul, which is eternal if you bear the seal of God.

"Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age ." (Matt. 28:18)

Jesus said that His return would soon follow all these things and when He appears, it will be too late for those who haven't committed their souls to Him.

"Jesus Christ... All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen."

"Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him- even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!"

"I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come- the Almighty One." (Rev. 1:5)

If you have yet to commit your soul to Christ, do it now before it's too late. Simply go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to come into your heart and be your Savior. When you do this, your soul will belong to the Almighty God. Don't worry about the sin in your life. He will take care of that. What the Lord wants more than anything is faith and love.

"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself- and us, too, while you're at it!" But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:39)