11. November 2002
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Liebe Freunde in Christus,

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVE.

In the most trying of times the Lord instructs us to rejoice and be glad in him. In Psalm 9, David says, "I will be glad and rejoice in thee" (verse 2). Why? Because "the Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble" (verse 9).

I believe that one of the greatest testimonies to a fearful and bewildered society will be the peace, joy and serenity of God's people in times of distress and terror. Those who trust the Lord completely will be given supernatural rest and peace. No evil report will rob them of their gift of confidence in God's faithfulness to them.

Here in New York City we see signs of a great financial storm brewing. Next year this city faces a six-billion-dollar black hole, with the possibility of 25,000 layoffs of city workers. New York City employs over 250,000 municipal workers. Wall Street is laying off many thousands more, in addition to the 20,000 who have already been laid off.

We see more and more homeless people sleeping on the streets in cardboard boxes. city shelters are now overcrowded, and the problem grows worse by the week. Vacant office space is mounting. Rents are falling. A number of fire stations will be closed. Not a single government official, state or city, has a solution. The city cannot borrow any more money. The state cannot bail out the city, because it faces a budget shortfall exceeding $10 billion. The mayor is warning the city that very hard times are coming. Even now, signs of civil unrest are evident.

I HAVE BEEN WARNING FOR A LONG TIME THAT AMERICA'S LARGEST, MOST PROSPEROUS CITY WILL GO BANKRUPT. I HAVE ALSO PREDICTED THAT NEW YORK CITY IS GOING TO EXPLODE WITH OVER 1,000 FIRES RAGING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE METROPLEX.

I tell you, we are nearing the fulfillment of this awful prophetic vision I've seen coming. A season of total anarchy is racing down upon us. Young people will be breaking into clothing stores, stealing everything in sight. Unemployed workers will also take to the streets, looting and burning. In the not-too-distant future, the National Guard will not be able to handle all the street warfare.

I am so sure of this that I am making contingency plans to be in a position to shelter and feed as many people as possible during this period of chaos. We will not run. We will be here in the middle of it all, to minister what I truly believe will be a war zone.

The explosion of violence will spread to other cities. I dread the thought. But I must prophesy what I see. And, in and through it all, god's people who trust him will maintain an inner calm and gladness, resting in the Lord's promises.

Your support this week will be greatly appreciated. In a miraculous way, God is meeting our needs through caring, praying supporters. Thank you.

Sein Diener,
David Wilkerson

DW:bbm:11. November 2002