THE DAY: A Novel of America in the Last Days (The End of America Series) (27 page)

         
A
common denominator of the Christians and Jews fleeing for their lives over the
last two hundred years was that they trusted God to provide for their needs as
He promised and as He did. We find no reports of emigrants who fled to America
dying from lack of food.
"Where He
guides, He provides."
But what of those Christians and Jews who
didn’t flee Europe when life was threatened? Jeremiah told his fellow
countrymen:
"Whoever stays in this
city will die by the sword, famine or plague."
(Jeremiah
38:2[a]).

         
In
the same sections of scripture which contain the prophecies warning of what
will happen to the Daughter of Babylon, it is also stated that in the Daughter
of Babylon will be found
"the blood
of the…saints."
Once Americans who are active in church, Bible
studies and various ministries are arrested, hauled away, sent to prison or
worse, God’s warnings to flee will become a lot more urgent. As unlikely as
this may seem, any review of the news over the last few years confirms that
there is a growing anti-Christian, anti-religion sentiment in America.

BUT
WHERE SHOULD WE FLEE?

         
God
has warned the residents of the Daughter of Babylon to flee their native land
before its destruction, but where should we go? Jeremiah suggests that the
residents of the Daughter of Babylon may want to go to their own land (50:16).
That observation fits a ‘melting pot’ nation of mixed peoples
described in Jeremiah 50:37. For many people that will mean moving to countries
in which they have relatives. For those who don’t have any known
relatives in foreign nations, they may be surprised how many people they know
who do have family in other nations. For others it may mean immigrating to
other parts of the world in which they may have some connection.
 
Fortunately, God’s people who have
been engaged in missionary activities, even short term, will have contacts in
other nations who will facilitate immigrating. For many, however, it will mean
locating in a new land, with little or no prior connections.

         
No
one, least of all our Lord, would suggest that leaving the land of one’s
birth is an easy task. When Jeremiah warned the residents of Jerusalem to leave
Judah going into captivity in Babylon their first reaction was to accuse
Jeremiah of treason:
"But when he
reached the Benjamin Gate, the captain of the guard…arrested him and
said, "You are deserting to the Babylonians!"
(Jeremiah 37:13).
The leaders of Judah then had Jeremiah flogged and thrown into a prison
dungeon, where he
"remained there
many days"
(Jeremiah 37:16). Shortly after,
"Then the officials said to the king, ‘This man should be
put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as
well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not
seeking the good of these people but their ruin"
(Jeremiah 38:4).

         
 
What happened to the warned residents of
Jerusalem? Many listened to God’s warnings, given through Jeremiah,
then
they fled Jerusalem and lived relatively comfortably in
ancient Babylon. They wept for home
"by
the rivers of Babylon"
(Psalm 137:1), but they were alive to weep.
After their time in Babylon, along with their families who grew during their time
in relative safety, they returned to Jerusalem, following the prophesied period
of seventy years. Those who refused to heed God’s warnings were either
slain in Jerusalem, or died after fleeing to Egypt, a nation that God
specifically warned them against. (Jeremiah 42:13-22)

         
There
is a distinguishing characteristic between Jeremiah’s warnings to the
residents of Jerusalem of his time to flee and his warnings to the future
residents of the Daughter of Babylon to flee. God told the residents of
Jerusalem at the time of Jeremiah that they would
come back home
after seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10). The
promise was fulfilled. Jeremiah’s warnings to God’s people who
would someday live in the nation called the Daughter of Babylon never, not
once, tell them that they will return home after the destruction of their home
nation. On the contrary, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Psalm 137, and John all
specifically, and unequivocally, say that the Daughter of Babylon will be
destroyed and desecrated.
"The land
trembles and writhes, for the Lord’s purposes against Babylon
stand—to
lay
waste the land of Babylon so that
no one will live there"
(Jeremiah 51:29). Thus, there will be no
return of those who flee to go back to the Daughter of Babylon, unlike the
residents of Jerusalem at the time of Jeremiah who did return home after
seventy years, as He said they would.

         
As
God’s people examine the difficult decision as to where they should
emigrate, it will be evident that European nations will not offer an acceptable
relocation venue. The nations of the European Union, after the fall of the
world’s only superpower, could be re-named the European Islamic Union, or
a similar name will be chosen conveying the new Muslim identity of the
continent. Muslims have tried over the centuries, unsuccessfully, to conquer
Europe. Therefore, moving to a European nation before the Daughter of Babylon
falls could result in living in the "belly of the beast" and would
be highly dangerous for a Christian or a Jewish immigrant. Recall that Daniel
warned that the Antichrist will be
"a
king of fierce countenance"
(Daniel 8:11) and
"He will cause astounding devastation…He will destroy
…the holy people"
(Daniel 8:24). The prophesied Antichrist will
rule the conquered nations of the world with an iron fist. Fleeing to Europe
would be an unwise move.

         
Likewise,
most of the Middle Eastern, many African nations and many Asian nations, would
be poor relocation choices due to current significant Muslim domination of the
government and population of those nations. They also have high levels of
abortion, inviting God’s justice. Islands of the world aren’t ideal
as potential places to move, due to the potential of being
‘trapped’ on an island, with no escape, if things go bad politically
or in any other way. Riots over food prices and against "elites"
broke out on two Caribbean islands in February, 2009, with tens of thousands in
the streets.

         
So
where does one move?
 
This clearly
is a matter for much prayer and seeking God’s face. In doing so, two factors
should be taken into account: a.) does the potential location for immigration
allow abortion; and b.) what is the level of Muslim population? The remaining
nations of the world that today prohibit or severely restrict abortion and that
have low levels of Muslim population are mostly in Central and South American,
nations that, therefore, may offer an appropriate refuge. So what would be a
good move? Pick a nation with: a.) no or extremely limited abortion, and also
b.)
a
nation with no or extremely low numbers of
resident Muslims. (For more detail on nation choices, see pages 240-246 of THE
END OF AMERICA.)

LIVING
CHEAPER

         
Living
in Central and South American countries is generally cheaper than a comparable
lifestyle in America. Food, housing, entertainment, medical care, utilities and
taxes are generally lower, but of course, vary nation by nation, and region-by-
region, within the nation. Some Americans living abroad write that two people
can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 per month, though expenses related to
automobile transportation tend to raise that level of spending. This fact of
economic life has attracted many American "expats," purely on
financial grounds.

         
Good
resources for more research include International Living, (www.InternationalLiving.com),
which publishes guidebooks on individual countries and sends daily e-mail
newsletters detailing how to live abroad. Other resources:

www.liveandinvestoverseas.com

www.escapeartist.com
.

Some claim that over
300,000 Americans emigrate from America every year. That’s a sizeable
number, which goes against the conventional wisdom that the entire world wants
to immigrate to the U.S. Apparently, for many reasons, large numbers of
Americans have decided to live in a nation other than their native land.

         
The
internet provides millions of pages of information about the nations of the
world and allows one to engage in e-chats about specific overseas locations.
Let what you learn help guide your decision, after much prayer and fasting.
[Set forth below are seven practical suggestions for those who preparing to
flee from the Daughter of Babylon/America.]

FORSAKE
NOT THE ASSEMBLY OF BELIEVERS

         
In
planning to emigrate, God’s people should remember the importance of
assembling together with other believers.
"Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
is."(
Hebrews 10:25). We are commanded to associate with, pray and
worship with fellow believers, plus it’s medically indicated.
Neuroscientist John
Cacioppo
concluded that people
who don’t associate regularly with other people are more prone to
illness, obesity and feelings of helplessness. (
Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection
).

         
Those
who decide to emigrate will find that the many tasks involved in doing so are
best accomplished when shared with others, such as those in one’s small
group, Sunday school, Bible study or church. The Pilgrims who immigrated to
America didn’t arrange their moving plans separately, but as a group of
believers, committed to a common goal. Think of it as an adventure, a Godly
venture into the next chapter of our walk with Him, as He leads us to step out
in faith, in obedience to His Word. (The ministry events described in THE DAY
occurring in Uruguay
are
based on true stories, though
they happened in a different nation.).

         
 
As a future safety consideration,
arranging housing in locations not clustered together could be advisable.
Networking in common church activities could still be easily arranged, just
without the obvious "American Christian Compound" potential as a
target. That’s how we live today, scattered in various neighborhoods and
gathering to meet, worship and fellowship as the body of Christ. Most believers
will seek new opportunities for ministry in their new homes overseas. Following
the lead of Biblical Christians, we will naturally desire to spread the Gospel
to those whom the Lord brings into our lives in our new homes. It is exciting
to see the Lord at work in our lives, as we make a difference for the Kingdom
of Jesus Christ. Being used by God to help change eternity, in an offshore
adventure, is no small job assignment.

(THE END OF AMERICA,
Christian House Publishing, Inc. 2013, © John Price)

 
FROM THE DAUGHTER OF BABYLON/AMERICA

         
1.
     
PRAY
–
I know, that sounds elementary. But, no major move should ever be
attempted without a solid, prolonged foundation of prayer, seeking God’s
will through His wisdom. It’s not wise to just read a book, even THE END
OF AMERICA, and then start packing. Be sure that you believe that God has
called you to emigrate out of the US before actually moving. Yes, He tells us
ten times in His Word to flee (seven times to Christians, three to Jewish
residents) the Daughter of Babylon/Babylon the Great. So, it would seem almost
automatic to do so, in obedience. I’m only suggesting that you lay a
basis in prayer before doing anything else preparatory to emigrating.

         
2.
     
RESEARCH
– Google, Google, Google. At your fingertips are literally millions of
pages of material on all the nations on the globe. Try to narrow your search to
just a few nations, maybe three or four. Look not only for socioeconomic facts,
climate, currency, government stability, etc., but also for churches,
ministries and Americans in the area. Search for reader forums where you can
dig deeper and ask questions of people who are already there. You can, of course,
also search for rentals and real estate for purchase (more on this below). Try
to select the top two countries that appeal to you based on your research.
Don’t forget to ask family and friends if they know anyone in the
countries you have preliminarily chosen. We visited several countries before
moving to Central America. Good candidates are New Zealand, Ecuador, Costa
Rica, Uruguay, Chile, Belize and Panama. You may find others that appeal to
you.

         
3.
     
RECONNAISANCE
VISIT
– Once your search is narrowed, buy a ticket for a 2-3 week
visit. Stay in hotels/B&B, etc. while you are looking. We learned a lot
from the B&B owners we stayed with while in New Zealand Ask about local
evangelical churches, if there are any in the area, people there will know about
them. Talk to American Christian and Jewish residents, anyone who can tell you
anything about what it’s like to live in the nation you are visiting. Try
and visit the two or three most popular/most visited communities in the nation
you are visiting. Hook up with a local English-speaking Realtor, who can show
you what rentals in your price range look like. Unless you are mega-wealthy (or
maybe even if you are), don’t look for real estate to buy.
Maybe later, but not at this stage, nor the next.
The main
purpose of this trip is the same as the Israeli spy party, as God told Israel
to go in and spy out the land (Numbers 13:17-20):

         
"Moses
sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, "Go up into the
Negev and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether
the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many,
and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities
that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor,
and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of
the fruit of the land." Now the time was the season of the first ripe
grapes."

         
The
spy party spied out the land, bringing back a cluster of grapes so large it
took two men to carry it on a pole, along with pomegranates and grapes. The
minority of the spy party saw a good land and told Israel to go up at once and
possess it. The majority lacked faith, gave a bad report and led Israel into
the sin of doubting God’s Word. I mention this because a good prayer is
that God show you what you are seeing with His eyes, so you get a good idea of
what you are seeing. If you encounter a nasty taxi driver, does that mean
everyone in that city is nasty? Obviously not, but be careful about seeing the
‘giants’ of the land (Numbers 13:32-33) and not seeing the land for
what it really is.

         
4.
     
TIME
TO DECIDE
– Once you have visited one, two, maybe three or more
countries, and you’re back home, it’s time to decide. Don’t
decide while you are visiting. Realtors offshore call people who do this
‘Margarita Buyers’, referring to visitors who are wowed by the
sunsets and beaches, after too much libation and who then buy real estate
without really knowing what they’re getting into. Again, pray, make sure
that you and your spouse are in agreement. What do the kids who may be moving
with you think? Do a budget. What will it cost to rent an acceptable housing
unit, cell, cable and internet costs, car and food expenses, travel to visit
relatives, etc.? Once you know what it will cost to live in your chosen
location, you will need to decide if you have the income/assets to make it
work. We know Americans who supplement their social security/pension/savings
income by managing properties for absentee owners, handling rentals, etc. Lots
of people make money on the internet. There are books and courses available on
how to do so. Pray and make your final decision.

         
5.
     
SELL
IT OR SHIP IT?
– Assuming you have decided to move you will need to
decide what you are going to sell and what you are going to ship. We’ve
seen it done both ways. Some Americans arrive with a few suitcases, having sold
everything else. Some arrive with steel containers full of furniture,
furnishings, even cars. A middle position is to load a pallet, which is
combined with others in a container. Generally, a container will cost about
$10,000 + - to ship, with a pallet being in the $3,000 range. How much do you
like your ‘stuff’? Frankly, some folks really need to bring it because
it’s what they have grown accustomed to having around them. Others enjoy
getting rid of almost everything, feeling a sense of freedom when it’s
gone. Needless to say, furniture and furnishings are sold in foreign countries.

         
6.
     
TRY
IT OUT
– Next, move to your chosen location. Pre-arrange for up to a
3 month lease/rental of an acceptable housing unit near where you may end up on
a longer term basis. Concentrate on getting to know local Christians (Americans
and locals), your neighbors, a good doctor and local clinic, a good attorney
for residency application, a good fruit stand, a skilled mechanic (if you
eventually buy a car) and your local church. By the end of the 3 months
you’ll know if this area and these people in this country are for you. If
so, look for a 12 month lease/rental and settle in. If not, leave and try your
second choice for a country in which to live. You will probably need a car,
though it’s cheaper not to have one. Buying a used car is expensive in
most foreign countries. If you can buy from a trusted person who is selling
because they are moving, that may be your best option, but it’s not
guaranteed. Cars are machines – they break. Budget for it.

         
7.
     
REMEMBER,
IT"S THEIR COUNTRY
– Here are a few tips we’ve learned
after 18 months living abroad: A.) There is NO perfect country, including the
US, so when you get frustrated over something (local rules, slow responses,
misleading time estimates, excessive heat, high electric or gasoline costs,
etc.), just remember that it’s their country, you’re just visiting.
B.) After a few months we decided to stop asking: "Why Do
They____________". The answer is because they can and….it’s
their country. C.) Look for opportunities to share the gospel. People outside
the US are much more open to hearing about Jesus. D.) Develop relationships
with Americans. Go to dinner. Play cards. Watch movies. All of these
inter-personal actions help in the adjustment from leaving home in the US. E.)
Praise the Lord for allowing you to safely settle in a secure area which is not
a police state, is open to the gospel, not saturated with sin and provides a
home for you. God bless you as you heed and flee!