It seems that many people I talk to assume that Y2K and the related disruptions must be an all or nothing proposition. Why is that?

Here's what I mean. I don't know what Y2K will bring anymore than anyone else. But I can evaluate evidence and make decisions based on findings. It seems that many people either think Y2K won't be a big enough deal to worry about OR that it will be apocalyptic to the point that they can't do anything to prevent it. Where is the wisdom and discernment. I don't see any wisdom assuming that if a tornado is coming I either conclude that it will miss me or totally destroy me so why go to the basement.

I doubt that Y2K will be nothing and if it is really, really bad...scrap most contingency plans because they won't be enough. But what about the infinite degrees of severity in between. Doesn't simple prudence and stewardship direct that we should prepare to deal with some changes and be ready to minister to those who did not?

CBN News has a great editorial on there Y2K resource site called "Faith, not Fear: The Churches Position on Y2K" You can find it at http://www.cbn.org/news/stories/y2k-links.asp#2

What do ya'll think? And how can we mobilize the Church to at least pray as never before regarding our times?

Jeff Keim http://members.xoom.com/wakeupcall

-- Anonymous, July 20, 1998

Answers

Hi Jeff...

Your two questions are exactly why I started this forum. Pastors that finally "get it" need to help their congregations "get it". My prayer is that together we can help each other realize how important this issue is, how far reaching it is, and how it must become a priority in each of our lives. The deadline won't change...we must change in our attitudes and get to work.

I believe that this will be the greatest opportunity to share Jesus Christ that the world has ever seen. We need to encourage one another to not only prepare in the physical sense to meet the needs that will come our way, but to prepare to help others in a spiritual sense. This will be even more important as the day gets closer.

I must say, though, that unless one "goes to school" on Y2K they won't get it until it's too late to prepare like they should. They have to read, read, read. They have to study this issue from all angles. They have to fight through various levels of denial. But, one last thing before I go.

I believe the blindness that got mankind into this mess was allowed by God and orchestrated by Satan himself. That is why it is so hard to get people, even pastors, to look at this. Spiritual blindness, pure and simple. Pray that the blind eyes will be opened...for all of us!

Blessings!

-Pastor Chris

-- Anonymous, July 20, 1998

I was asked by my pastor to examine this issue two weeks ago. Knowing something of the character of God, I am astounded by what I have been finding. I think that each congregation needs to have the facts and the potential problems posed by Y2K presented to them within a biblical framework such as that which follows ...

Amos 3:6-7 6 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it? 7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. (NKJ)

Prov 1:5-7 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJ)

Prov 9:8-9 8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (NKJ)

Prov 24:5-6 5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. (NKJ)

The bottom line is that I think that we are, as stewards of resources and people, obligated to arm people with the facts, pray to God for wisdom, discernment and guidance ... for only he knows what he is going to do.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 1998

I have attempted to alert some of the pastors in my city. Their concern has been more for themselves and their family, but do not think it serious enough to alert their congregations. I have met with our members, supplied them with information and have made a "survival kit" available for them to make available for friends and family. The time that it will take to try to get local churches in unity to come up with a city strategy will take away from the time that our members can (by word of mouth) spread the info to their friends who belong in some of these other churches. The strategy God has given to our church is no different than the strategy every Christian should have any way. Proper stewardship, being available to help their neighbors, family members and community and staying in a condition of readiness, naturally and spiritually should not end with the solution to the y2k bug. Cults have been doing it for years, keeping extra's on hand. I am using this time as an opportunity to teach on stewardship and outreach. God prepared Joseph for many years for the famine. As a result, he had a position in government that allowed him to feed everyone. That food would not have been available had they not followed God's laws in planting, etc. I personally believe that God will use anything to get our attention as so many of us are asleep. Y2K will wake a lot of people up. Great ministry opportunities that have been in our backyards for years will now move to our front yards.

Joanne M. Bush

-- Anonymous, September 09, 1998