Ebola projections

(revised Sept. 11, 2014)
Based on currently available information, being reported by WHO and CDC, by the third week of September 2014, there could be as many as 5500 cases of Ebola in West Africa, 11000 by the third week of October, and 22000 by the third week of November. That would imply at least 11000 total deaths by mid-December.
And this may end up being a modest 'best case' scenario.
God forbid!
Yet, this appears to have been foreseen by an expert with first-hand knowledge of the situation as described below.

A Desperate Call for Help
- the title of an article written by DENISE GRADY and SHERI FINK  on AUG. 9, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/world/africa/tracing-ebolas-breakout-to-an-african-2-year-old.html

- including these words, 'By June and July, Sierra Leone was becoming the center of the outbreak.
At the government hospital in Kenema, Dr. Sheik Umar Khan was leading the efforts to treat patients and control the epidemic.

But he was desperate for supplies: chlorine for disinfection, gloves, goggles, protective suits, rudimentary sugar and salt solutions to fight dehydration and give patients a chance to survive. Early in July, he emailed friends and former medical school classmates in the United States, asking for their help and sending a spreadsheet listing what he needed, and what he had. Many of the lines in the “available” column were empty.

One of his requests was for body bags: 3,000 adult, 2,000 child.

Before his friends could send the supplies, Dr. Khan contracted Ebola himself. He died on July 29.'

President Obama has recently advised West Africans to use proper protective equipment when dealing with Ebola patients. If they had it they would presumably use it.

Dr. Khan was warning of 5000 potential deaths in just one of the several countries struggling to contain this disease. As of September 7th the estimated total is already roughly 2300 fatalities for five countries.

For an academic risk assessment see http://currents.plos.org/outbreaks/article/assessing-the-international-spreading-risk-associated-with-the-2014-west-african-ebola-outbreak/

Lord Jesus, have mercy! Heal the sick, calm those who are anxious, give wisdom, skill and endurance to all who are looking after the afflicted and to those who are tasked to preserve order in a time of fear and extreme need. Amen.

What is theology? Is it helpful?

Theology has sometimes been a great aid to the Christian Church and its work when its study and development has been carried out by intelligent and wise believers for the purpose of edification first of the theologian and then of his or her contempories.

There have been different approaches to this field through the centuries sometimes focussing upon ideals or philosophies, sometimes ideologies and sometimes its more commonly accepted practice, the study of God and godly attributes. Theology has been the domain of Greek and Roman philosophers, priests, kings, courtiers, businessmen, peasants and revolutionaries. It is as varied and complicated in its forms and appearances as the men and women who have shaped it. It was once referred to as the Queen of the Sciences.

Physics, originallly one of its subdivisions, led us into the industrial and information ages. It has provided us with the technological tools with which we now access and interpret our world. Natural theology has provided the foundation upon which rests the so-called scientific method.

Biblical theology has informed and inspired the churches. Systematic theology has butressed our educational institutions. Speculative theology has challenged believers to answer the questions which inevitably come from the world in which we find ourselves.

Doubters and believers alike raise issues for both clarification and encouragement. To the extent that these two goals are acheived, theology has been and will continue to be useful for mankind.

EMERGENCY? Call Jesus

Every child that comes into this world is special. In a way we are all emergency babies, but some are born into the very center of pain and tragedy. So it was with Jesus. His parents searched for the most basic need: a place to stay where Mary could give birth. It was a normal delivery in desperate conditions. Mankind was oppressed. Sin had shot straight into the heart of man. King Herod caused the death of all children found to have been born about the same time as Jesus. It could have been Sept. 11 or Nov.11, June 6 or Dec. 7; 4 B.C. or 4 A.D.; we just don’t know. His mother bore Him in labour and the threats and assaults of the world eventually overwhelmed him. He lived and died for us.

He became the first aid of God offered to us. Our only cost is willingness to make the call for help, to listen to, and follow His directions for our safe delivery. He is indeed risen from the dead! He’s alive today. When we follow Him, the Way, the Truth, the life, our innocence and weakness will mature into wisdom and compassion, and we become co-labourers with Him in ministering to all in distress.

       In trouble? Need help?

       He is indeed risen from the dead; He’s alive!

       Why not call out to Him today...