JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning storing food for the prophesied time of famine and tribulation.

To what extent you choose to have food on hand for future needs is a personal decision. Since we live in an interdependent society, where food and water shortages in many areas can occur with little or no warning, it might be advisable to have some supplies set aside for such emergencies. God commends the ant for gathering necessary provisions during the summer for the long winter months (Prov. 6:6-8). This is meant as a lesson for us.

However, it would be foolish to hoard food thinking that doing so will preserve one's life during the prophesied period of famine and tribulation. Christ said that conditions during the tribulation would be so bad that all would perish if it were not for God's intervention to save mankind (Matt. 24:21-23). Therefore, Christians ought to put their faith in God's protection -- not in the amount of food they may have stored away.

Whenever we can be of further service, we hope you will let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT