Dr. Antonio G. Papa is the second Head Deacon at the Local Congregation of Indang, Ecclesiastical District of Cavite South. He is a retired University Professor at the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies, Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite. In 2018, he served as a Scientist 1 and Consultant at Marinduque State College in Boac, Marinduque. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education degree at the Don Severino Agricultural College now CvSU in 1978, and both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Extension Education at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, College, Laguna in 1986 and 1991, respectively.

By ANTONIO G. PAPA, Ph.D.

It was reported that the novel coronavirus––the well-known COVID-19, spread out worldwide, so that the World Health Organization prompted to declare it as a pandemic. 

The virus started infecting people in late 2019 but the total spread of COVID-19 commenced in the first quarter of 2020. And as strategic action, almost all countries followed sought the model strategies of Wuhan City to contain COVID-19––implementing the community quarantine and lockdown. 

The immediate effect of this strategy had boomeranged to the economies of all countries worldwide.  On one hand, expenditures for foods and health assurance were provided for by the respective Governments for almost all of its populace, spending their respective resources for the purpose. 

On the other, the productivity of the countries slowed down because the major industries and commerce and those activities relative to tourism had stopped the operations, which may result in a global recession. 

Both the above-stated actions had significant effects on the economies of almost all countries. 

Thus, there emerges a level playing field for all the affected countries worldwide, as far as the economy is concerned. 

These phenomena have been pronounced in the Bible as manifested by the strong earthquakes, famine, the prevalence of deadly incurable diseases, e.g. SARS, EBOLA, COVID-19, and the like––and the frightening sights in the skies. 

Eventually, the pronouncement will continuously occur until the end of the world.

As a dynamic and proactive spiritual leader, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, INC Executive Minister, had taught the members of the global Church Of Christ with a series of lessons that Church members have to be resilient and be well-prepared for the prevailing situations worldwide. 

It was recorded that at the start of the year 2020, a lot of disasters and calamities struck in various parts of the world, i.e., forest fires, tornados, floods, the eruption of volcanoes, heatwave, typhoons, and haze, among others.  

These phenomena have long been forewarned by the Almighty God. Accordingly, disaster after disaster is coming to earth prior to judgment day.  Likewise, the final doom is coming since God will unleash His anger against humankind to account for all the sins that they have done. 

The warning is very clear –– the end will be coming for men to account for their sins that have been done.  Isn’t it signifying Judgment Day?

Likewise, the flooding that is happening throughout the world must be expected and experienced because accordingly, waves of destructions will roll over the land until it lies in complete desolation, then suddenly, the tents are destroyed and in a moment the shelters are crushed. 

We can conclude then that the end times is very near and really eminent! 

In these gloomy situations worldwide, a very high alert has been signaled by the Almighty God Himself.  He also provided a very safe place to resort to as a genuine evacuation center–––the Church Of Christ or the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).   

Why?  Because the Church Of Christ in these last days was likened to the Ark of Noah during the Great Flood, all those who entered the Ark were saved. So, have a chance to hear the teachings of the Church, so as to give chance to yourself to be saved whatever eventualities happen in the world. God is not looking for numbers but for the obedience of mankind.   

Be happy, despite all these negative situations occurring worldwide because we ––the INC members are always in a safe mode––the Almighty God is our Protector coupled with the assurance of a better life as members of the body of Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

For the chosen ones, rest assured that we are always in good situations and conditions no matter what happens in this world. 

Always remember, we need to possess PAINS––Positive Attitude In Negative Situations––as we wait for the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, let us “put all our hope in the grace that will be ours.” 

So, let us “put all our hope in the grace that will be ours.” And be reminded: “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Likewise, please be guided by the current these for all of the activities of the global Church Of Christ, that is, “God’s elect strive to live in holiness.”

No reservations and no let-up –– let us participate and cooperate in the recent campaign of the Church Administration –– the Intensified Propagation activities, so that more people will enter the Church built by Christ and be saved. 

Pandemic, calamities and disasters as signs of end times must all pass, then, come Judgment Day – the Second Advent of Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Holy City––no more tears, worrisome and wearisome––we will dwell together with our Almighty Father and Lord Jesus Christ, the everlasting life in the Holy City for the chosen.  Hence, always be prepared and be faithful all the time.