Earthquakes

Tsunami sweeps away homes on Indonesian island of Sulawesi - AP
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. [...] The region was rocked by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake Friday and numerous strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.7. An earlier magnitude 6.1 quake in central Sulawsi killed several people, injured 10 and damaged dozens of houses. [...] Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because of its location on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin."

Comment: I wanted to be sure and note this because I'm not sure our American visitors will see it, as it has nothing to do with the Washington drama that has dominated the news of late.  It's noteworthy because a 7.5 magnitude quake is a very large quake.

Rumors of War

Dutch police arrest 7, foil twin terror plot
UPI reports: "Police in the Netherlands arrested seven men Thursday, breaking up what the country's public prosecutors said was plans for a major terror attack. [...] The officials said the men allegedly planned to attack a large event that would yield many victims."

Comment: It is a good thing when the authorities describe the plots they have foiled. It's a deterrent to future attacks and encourages the public to see the security services actively protecting the public.

Pestilence

Officials push flu vaccine after most deadly season in four decades
UPI reports: "One year after a severe flu season, medical personnel are giving it their best shot to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by giving a boost to vaccines. [...] Last year there was an estimated 900,000 hospitalizations, and more than 80,000 deaths, according to new data released by the CDC on Thursday. The previous high for regular flu season deaths was 56,000. The number of people vaccinated dropped last year by 1.1 percentage point to 57.9 percent -- far below the goal of 80 percent."

Comment: Thank you for the encouragement, I'll be sure to get vaccinated. 

Covenant With Many

AP - Trump, at UN, backs separate states for Israel, Palestinians
AP reports: "For the first time since taking office, President Donald Trump endorsed a two-state solution as the best way to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as he met Wednesday at the U.N. with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. [...] In his earlier comments, Trump said his much anticipated but still unreleased Mideast peace plan could be presented in the next two to four months, but was not specific as to timing."

Comment: It will be interesting to see how Trump's peace plan differs from those proposed by his predecessors. Expecting big things from a great deal-maker!

Pestilence

WHO warns of 'perfect storm' in Congo Ebola outbreak
UPI reports: "The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could become worse due to a 'perfect storm' of challenges that are allowing the disease to spread, a World Health Organization official warned. A WHO health chief said ongoing violent disputes between armed groups, community resistance to public health officials advice and spread of the disease in broader area are making the Ebola crisis worse [...] Ebola is spread through infected blood and bodily fluids with symptoms including unexplained bleeding or bruising, vomiting, muscle pain, and severe headaches, according to the CDC."

Comment: The words "perfect storm" are not what you hope to hear from medical professionals about a disease outbreak. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran vows revenge for parade attack that killed 29
UPI reports: "Iran warned the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel Monday that Tehran would take revenge for an attack on a military parade in Iran. The Saturday attack in southern Iran killed at least 29 people and injured 70, including military personnel and civilians spectators. The gunmen attempted to make their way to a grandstand that contained government officials. The Revolutionary Guard has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting the attack."

Comment: Whoever perpetrated this attack should be ashamed of themselves. It was indeed a cowardly act to attack civilians at a public parade. What were they thinking? This kind of thing does not suggest a regime in disarray. It doesn't undermine the trust in the government. To the contrary, heroic pictures of military personnel protecting women and children by shielding them with their own bodies only encourages support for the regime. Now Iran is lashing out at the likely suspects and they include the U.S. in that list. I would like to think that no matter how much the Trump team may dislike the Iran nuclear deal, they would never stoop so low. I think it more likely that the Saudis paid some mercenaries to do this with very little guidance as to strategy and tactics.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia to provide Syria with new missile system, over Israeli opposition
UPI reports: "Russia will supply Syria with an S-300 surface-to-air missile system within two weeks, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday. The announcement came after Syria, which now uses the Soviet-era S-200 system, inadvertently shot down a Russian military plane on Sept. 17. All 15 people aboard were killed. [...] Shoigu also said Russia will begin suppressing communications systems of military aircraft 'attacking objects on Syrian territory.' While the reference to Israeli combat planes is evident, it could also include planes of a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Syria."

Russia blames Israel for downed plane because misleading on airstrikes - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia said Sunday the Israeli government is solely to blame for the downing of one of its aircraft by Syria last week because it deliberately was misleading on planned airstrikes. [...] A Russian Il-20 military aircraft crashed near Syria on Sept. 17, killing 15 Russian airmen when the airplane was mistakenly shot down by Syria's air defenses soon after an Israeli strike near the coastal Syrian city of Latakia."

Comment: Have you been wondering how long the friendly relationship between Russia and Israel will last? There are now evident strains in the relationship. 

Pestilence

Scientists eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes in lab tests
UPI reports: "For the first time, scientists have successfully used "gene drive" technology to block female reproduction and eliminate malaria-carrying mosquitoes in lab experiments. [...] Several hundred thousand people die every year as a result of malaria infections. The majority of infections and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa."

Comment: Why don't we start this week off with some good news for a change. According to this report, scientists are close to eradicating malaria. They way they are doing this is very interesting. Instead of curing the disease they are blocking the way the disease is spread. We know that malaria is spread by mosquitoes so this new effort eradicates the disease by killing off the most common malaria-carrying mosquito species. No more mosquito bites, no more malaria!

Persecution

Vatican, China make breakthrough deal on bishop appointments - AP
The AP reports: "The Vatican and China said Saturday they had signed a 'provisional agreement' over the appointment of bishops, a breakthrough on an issue that stymied diplomatic relations for decades and aggravated a split among Chinese Catholics. The deal resolved one of the major sticking points in recent years, with the Vatican agreeing to accept seven bishops who were previously named by Beijing without the pope’s consent. [...] With the status of the seven bishops now reconciled, the Vatican said all bishops in China are now in communion with Rome — even though the Catholic community in China is still split between Catholics who belong to the official Chinese church and those in the underground church who remain loyal to the pope. [...] This spring, a 5-year plan regarding Christians was introduced, along with new rules on religious affairs. Over the last few months, local governments across China have shut down hundreds of private Christian 'house churches.' The Vatican spokesman indicated there was still some ways to go for better relations between the Catholic Church and China."

Comment: Interesting development. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.

Persecution

Religious Leaders: China’s Campaign Against Christians Intensifies
The Voice of America reports: "Officials in central China are increasing pressure on unregistered religious groups and religious centers, including churches for Christians. Observers say Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to contain the growth and spread of Christianity in the country. China’s government tightly controls the activities of religious groups."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.  One of the best books I've ever read on the spiritual life was by a Chinese Christian by the name of Watchman Nee. It is sad to see that not much as changed in China since his time.

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran, Lebanon take steps against Israel nuclear 'threat'
UPI reports: "The Iranian government asked the United Nations Thursday to censure Israel due to what Tehran perceives a significant nuclear threat. [...] The letter also demanded the United Nations not only condemn Israel's threat, but also make the country join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and open its nuclear program to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections. In Lebanon Thursday, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said his country possesses precision rockets that are capable of hitting targets in Israel."

Comment: I'm sure there is a proper word or phrase to describe the absurdity of Iran complaining to the United Nations that they fear a nuclear threat from Israel. How many times has Iran threatened to wipe Israel off the map?

Mark of the Beast

Amazon considering opening up to 3,000 cashierless stores by 2021: Bbg
Reuters reports: "Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) is considering a plan to open as many as 3,000 new Amazon Go cashierless stores in the next few years, Bloomberg reported here on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. [...] The Amazon Go store, which has no cashiers and allows shoppers to buy things with the help of a smartphone app, is widely seen as a concept that can alter brick-and-mortar retail."

Comment: Ok, let's get this out of the way first: I'm not saying this is the MOTB and I don't claim to know what the MOTB will be. That said, I think it is worthwhile to note trends and technologies that may become the MOTB.

I think this is a noteworthy development because it suggests a level of technology that allows people to shop without cash or traditional payment methods. They do, however, need to scan an app before entering the store. In other words, if you don't have the app, you can't buy anything. Commentators have been anticipating the rise of a cashless society for many years now and although we are not there yet, this development is bringing that day closer.  Let's keep an eye on this.

Wickedness Increases

'Vicious" needle scare now includes apples, bananas in Australia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The needle scare in Australia has grown worse -- moving from strawberries now possibly to apples and bananas, authorities said Tuesday. Officials said an apple and banana in Sydney have been found to contain needles, and 20 new cases involving strawberries have been reported in New South Wales. In one case, a man was hospitalized."

Comment: I know that I don't make many posts under the "wickedness increases" tag. That's not because I can't find news reports that relate to that. It's more like there are too many news reports that might fall under that category and I don't want it to be the only thing I post. That would be depressing after a while, right? We all understand this is a fallen world and evil people will act out the evil that is in their hearts. We see it in the headlines every day. But there's just something about this needle scare that is so horrible, more than just your run of the mill story of inhumanity, this is a very cold, calculating and malicious act. Praying that they catch the culprit!

Gog Alliance - Doomed Damascus

Russia, Turkey agree to establish demilitarized zone in Syria's Idlib
UPI reports: "Russia and Turkey agreed Monday to establish a demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib amid concerns of a potentially catastrophic offensive against rebels in the area. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced they would create the demilitarized zone by Oct. 15 during a meeting in Sochi."

Comment: The levels of cooperation between Russia and Turkey are really very high now. What a change from only a few years ago when they were shooting planes down! 

Covenant With Many

Palestinian official says U.S. will never present Middle East peace plan | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The United States will not present its long-awaited plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace any time soon and is instead trying to unilaterally change the terms of reference for any future proposal, a senior Palestinian official said on Saturday. Echoing deep scepticism among the Palestinians, Arab countries and analysts, Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian chief negotiator, said that the Trump administration was siding with Israel on the core issues of the decades-old conflict, burying all chances for Middle East peace."

Comment: Here is an interesting news report that illustrates Palestinian rejection of any Trump peace plan...even before it's announced.  They will now probably fire off more missiles at Israel to demonstrate their sincere desire for peace.

Famine

Isolated and unseen, Yemenis eat leaves to stave off famine - AP
The AP reports: "At least 20 children are known to have died of starvation already this year in the province that includes the district, more than three years into the country’s ruinous civil war. The real number is likely far higher, since few families report it when their children die at home, officials say. [...] The worsening hunger in Aslam is a sign of the gaps in an international aid system that is already overwhelmed and under pressure from local authorities. Yet outside aid is the only thing preventing widespread death from starvation in Yemen. The conditions in the district may also be an indication that humanitarian officials’ warnings are coming true: In the face of unending war, hunger’s spread is outstripping efforts to keep people alive."

Comment: Famine can be natural or man-made. In this case, it appears to be a man-made famine caused by war and neglect.  The neglect arises because international aid is provided but it is not reaching the poorest living in remote areas.

Roaring Waves

'Catastrophic' rains, floods expected as Hurricane Florence hits Carolinas
UPI reports: "Hurricane Florence slowed as it approached land Thursday afternoon, making catastrophic flooding more of a threat for the Carolina coast, the National Hurricane Center said. [...] Though the storm has weakened as it approached land, its biggest threat was expected to be heavy rainfall and storm surges."

Comment: This is welcome news, the storm is slowing and perhaps weakening?

Persecution

Franklin Graham says 'Christians in Nigeria Are Being Brutally Slaughtered', Urges Church Not to Turn 'A Deaf Ear to Their Cries' | CBN News
CBN reports: "Evangelist Franklin Graham is making an impassioned plea on behalf of Nigeria's persecuted Christians. 'Christians in Nigeria are being brutally slaughtered, and they feel like the rest of the world is turning a deaf ear to their cries,' the 66-year-old head of Samaritan's Purse wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend. It comes as ongoing violence between Christians and Muslim farmers in Nigeria's central Plateau state continues to escalate. [...] The central Nigerian state has been the epicenter of vicious violence between Christian and Muslim farmers for months."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Nigeria.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia includes China in biggest war games in decades
UPI reports: "Russia began its war games -- the largest show of military force since the height of the Cold War nearly four decades ago -- Tuesday, amid heightened tensions with the United States. [...] About 3,200 Chinese troops, more than 900 pieces of weaponry and 30 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters will participate in joint training to conduct fire strike and counterattacks, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. China's participation will enhance its counterattack abilities and reinforce ties with Russia, Chinese government officials said Tuesday."

Comment:  Most great powers stage war games on a yearly basis, so this is nothing new, but the addition of China does indeed make this noteworthy. There was a time when Russia and China were more competitive but that has changed greatly over the last decade or so. Their mutual anti-American sentiment seems to have formed a strong bond between them but I wonder, is it too late to undermine that alliance?

Persecution

Reuters - China to crack down on 'chaotic' online religious info: media
Reuters reports: "China has drawn up new draft guidelines to crack down on the 'chaotic' and illegal online promotion of religion, the official Global Times reported on Tuesday, part of a tough state campaign to bring religious worship into line. [...] Chinese citizens are theoretically free to practice any religion as long as it is officially recognized by the government. It has repeatedly cracked down on unauthorized religious activity, with authorities in Beijing shutting down a large Protestant church on Monday."

Comment: Hundreds and maybe even thousands of Christian house-churches are under threat from this new crackdown.  Please join me in praying for the church in China, that the government will realize they have nothing to fear from Christians.

Earthquakes

Japan quake toll up to 20 as rescuers dig through landslides
AP reports: "The toll from an earthquake that rocked Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido rose to 20 on Friday, and 19 others remained unaccounted for in one small town after an entire mountainside collapsed on their homes. [...] Rescuers were using search dogs, backhoes and shovels as they dug through tons of mud and debris from the landslides triggered by the magnitude 6.7 quake that struck before dawn Thursday."

Comment:  That was a big quake, best of luck to the rescuers. I though this was noteworthy to post, after all, you may not have heard about it since it has nothing to do with sensational news and scandals.

Gog Alliance

Syria summit in Iran may decide Idlib military offensive
The AP reports: "The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey will meet in Tehran to discuss the war in Syria, with all eyes on a possible military offensive to retake the last rebel-held bastion of Idlib. The summit Friday, the third between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, may determine whether diplomacy halts any military action."

Comment: The military alliance depicted in Ezekiel 38 is taking shape.

Covenant With Many

Paraguay moving Israeli embassy back to Tel Aviv, after 4 months
UPI reports: "Paraguay said Wednesday it's moving its Israeli embassy back to Tel Aviv, just weeks after moving the consulate to Jerusalem. [...] In response, Israel closed its embassy in the South American nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu on Wednesday raised concern about the move's impact on diplomatic relations. [...] The Palestinian Authority said it convinced newly-elected Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez to reverse the decision to move away from Tel Aviv, which was made by his predecessor."

Comment: This is an unexpected diplomatic victory for the Palestinians, one that underscores how easy it is to manipulate opinion against Israel. 

Pestilence

Topical cream tested as way to enhance bird flu vaccine
UPI reports: "A clinical trial is underway to determine the effectiveness of a topical cream to enhance the immune response to a 'pre-pandemic' influenza vaccine. [...] H5N1 causes severe respiratory illness in birds and, in rare circumstances, humans have contracted the flu through direct or indirect contact with infected birds, such as poultry. The World Health Organization reported 860 cases of H5N1 influenza, including 454 fatal ones, from 2003 through July 20."

Comment: Good news, I wish them success with the study. 

Earthquakes

UPI - 6.6-magnitude earthquake shakes Japan
UPI reports: "A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake shook the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido early Thursday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake struck at about 3 a.m. and was centered about 17 miles east of the city of Tomakomai, with a depth of about 21 miles, the USGS said. There was no threat of a tsunami following the quake."

Comment: The "ring of fire" seems to be very active lately. 

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

UPI - Syrian government forces attack rebel-held city
UPI reports: "Syrian government warplanes struck the last rebel-held province of the country Tuesday. The Syrian government's attack on Idlib, located in northwestern Syria, was assisted by the Russian military, which called the area a 'cradle of terrorism,' the BBC reported. The attacks were carried out after the U.S. government urged the Syrian government, which is assisted by Russia and Iran in its civil war, not to attack the rebel stronghold where approximately 3 million people live."

Comment: I wonder how many observers are secretly hoping for a quick and successful offensive that ends the civil war and restores the status quo ante? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Israel signals it could attack Iranian weaponry in Iraq | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Israel signaled on Monday that it could attack suspected Iranian military assets in Iraq, as it has done with scores of air strikes in war-torn Syria. Citing Iranian, Iraqi and Western sources, Reuters reported last week that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Shi’ite allies in Iraq in recent months. Tehran and Baghdad formally denied that report. Israel sees in Iran’s regional expansion an attempt to open up new fronts against it. Israel has repeatedly launched attacks in Syria to prevent any entrenchment of Iranian forces helping Damascus in the war."

Report: U.S. tells Israel 'please leave Iraq to us' - Israel News - Jerusalem Post
The Jerusalem Post reports: "US officials have warned Israel not to strike Iraq after officials signaled that the IDF could target Iranian military positions in the country. According to a report on Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, Washington asked Israel several weeks ago to not carry out any air-strikes in Iraq, weeks before reports surfaced that Tehran had deployed ballistic missiles capable of hitting Saudi Arabia and Israel."

Comment: I was away for the holiday weekend but did not want these reports to escape notice. I think this is a pretty significant development. Would Israel attack  Iranian forces in Iraq while Iraq is technically under the military protection of the U.S. and UN forces? What would it do to the close relationship between Israel and the U.S. if they did?