Thank you for visiting the survival section of our website.
We hope you will find interesting and helpful information here.
I believe it is only fair to let you know up front what our thoughts and focus will be for this section of our site.
There are many different internet websites on that discuss survival issues (some of our favorites are listed under "Survival Blogs" in the left column of our site).
With so many different Survival websites in existence why add another one? Almost all Survival websites approach the topic from a non-religious viewpoint: they discuss survival skills, what to expect, how to prepare, etc. Very few have any significant focus on this issue from a distinctly Christian viewpoint. While we will include some posts on survival skills, preps, weapons, etc., we want to focus on how these issues pertain to Christians in particular. For example:
Some Christians disagree about whether it is permissible (biblical) for Christians to use a weapon to defend themselves against an attacker. Some fine tune this argument by saying Christians should not use violent means to defend themselves, but that biblically it is allowed for Christians to use such means to defend the helpless or 3rd parties.
Another example might be: Should Christians prepare for a tribulation period or disaster? Some believe Christians should "depend on God" to meet our needs and so there is no reason to prepare. Many of the issues the more ‘mainstream’ Survival websites take for granted may cause uncertainty with many Christians.
Our goal (main focus) will be to explore the theological and biblical underpinnings of what is biblical, and what should (or should not) be allowed from a Christian/Biblical worldview.
Over the next week I will be posting my book review/response to a book titled "Fight, Flight, or Faith?" by Charles Cooper. I think this multi-part interaction with Cooper’s book will give you a good idea of the direction this site will take.
We look forward to interacting and responding with you on this and other issues in the future.
© 2010 – 2011, Matt. All rights reserved.
Greetings,
What a blessing it is to find your site. Some brothers at my church, North Olmsted Evangelical Friends Church of North Olmsted, OH, would like to like to meet on a regular basis to learn how to prepare for trying times if and when they come. I feel that now I found your site, putting together a curriculum won’t be so intimidating. In fact, if you have a plan or suggestion on what you have found the best way to start, and if you wish to pass it on, we would appreciate it. Thanks and blessings,
George Mason
P.S. Thanks for making the math easy–I flunked basic math in college!
Hi George!
Thanks for leaving a comment.
A very simple plan I would recommend would be to start off with a two week’s supply of every thing you would need to survive: Food, water, shelter (a way to stay warm in the winter,etc.). Then just add a few things to it each week.
I found it is important to just keep track of the basics you need and may not think about: like toilet paper, food for your pets,etc.
One area some Christians do not like to discuss but that is important, is you need a way of protecting your family. As a Christian you may be called on to defend the life of your families if things ‘fall apart.’ I took the time to get my Concealed Carry Permit and practice. If it is possible get out of the big cities and some place smaller to live. In any kind of catastrophe or collapse, the cities are going to be a nightmare with looting, killing, etc. (just look at New Orleans after Katrina, or L.A. after the Rodney King trial). It wouldn’t take much to turn people into savages.
Here are some books I recommend:
How to non-fiction books or sites:
1. The survival blog (http://survivalblog.com)
2. “How to Survive the End of the World as we know it...” by Rawles.
3. “Gardening when it Counts” by Solomon
You also need to read material that will make you think about how you would respond in that situation: what did the characters do right, wrong, etc.
My two favorite fiction books are:
1. One Second After by William Forstchen (excellent and realistic book. It will make you think about such things as how important medicine and dog food are in planning!).
2. Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse by Rawles (Rawles shows what could happen if someone is very prepared, while Forstchen shows what will likely happen with those not prepared or not prepared enough).
From a Christian perspective on living during the endtimes I really like the two novels by Kristen Wisen:
1. Overcomer
2. The Appearing
The best non-fiction book to help you understand the endtimes I believe is:
1.The Prewrath Rapture of the Church by Marv Rosenthal
2. The Church and the Tribulation by Gundry
You will also want to learn some basic skills if you don’t know them already: how to garden in your area, etc.
If you haven’t already seen it, the show that sparked my interest in preparing for the end times or the collapse of the USA, is called “Jericho.” It was on for one full season, and a short second season. The show really draws you in (probably my favorite every) though it may not be as realistic as say the book “One Second After.
Matthew
Thank you, Matthew, for the suggestions. The Friends group is scheduled to begin this Saturday with a breakfast and discussion. I’ll pass along your ideas and website. Ultimately I would love to see our group not only excel in preparedness, but also evangelize through offering guy-type stuff to our neighborhood community and gently bring our discussion to what really matters in the long run–a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
George