By Brannon S. Howse*
November-December 1998 – The Year 2000 (Y2K) computer crisis is just around the corner. For Christians, the Y2K problem could be the greatest ministry opportunity in the last thousand years. A correct spiritual and practical preparation plan that honors the Lord and fulfills our Biblical mandates could have eternal results.
Proverbs 22:3 tells us, “A prudent (wise) man sees danger and takes refuge but the fool ignores it and suffers for it.” Proverbs 27:12 says, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
How bad the Y2K crisis will be is unknown. But everyone must do his own research and answer two important questions: 1. How severe will the Y2K problem be? 2. How long with the Y2K crisis last?
Once you have answered these questions for your family, you must begin making preparations. Those who refuse to take this problem seriously may very well be putting their family in danger. The Bible is clear about the responsibility of a father in providing, defending and protecting his family. I Timothy 5:8 says, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Some see no need to be concerned about Y2K. If my research is sound, and I believe it is, those who are responsible for loved ones will not only fail them, but also the Lord’s command to provide for one’s family.
Some say they will wait until January 1, 2000. But let me ask: “Do you have car insurance, medical insurance, home owners insurance? Do you wait for your house to catch fire before you call the insurance man for quotes on coverage? If you live in Kansas do you have a tornado shelter? Or do you say, ‘Whatever happens, happens, I am just trusting the Lord’?”
Great, trust the Lord, and in your trusting remember the Lord’s mercy to have given you the opportunity to prepare for Y2K and the ministry opportunities that lay ahead. The Lord warned Joseph of impending famine so that he and the people for whom he was responsible could prepare. Genesis 41:36 says, “And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.”
In Luke 21:20-23 the Lord tells of the destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and warns Christians to get out of harm’s way: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them enter thereunto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.”
Preparation and Prayer
So, how much Y2K preparation should Christians make? Should we run for the hills or stay put? Only you can answer that question seeking God’s leading.
For those who live in the suburbs of large cities, preparations should be taken in case looting or stealing spills over into your neighborhood. However, by staying with your neighbors, friends, church and possibly extended family, your opportunity for ministry and leadership could bring great honor and glory to the Lord.
While you are making your Y2K plans, avoid the temptation to become selfish and rely on your plans rather than the Lord’s. Be sure to store enough food and provisions to include neighbors, other Christians and the poor. Romans 13:9 says, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Proverbs 19:17 adds, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Corporate preparation
Pastors, begin to educate your flock about Y2K, so each family can be ready. At the same time your church should make corporate preparations. A clothes closet and food pantry can be used to share God’s love and act as servants. If the families in your church have not prepared, the clothes and food will simply be used by members and leave little to share with your community. Proverbs 14:21 says, “But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” Colossians 3:14 tell us, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” II Peter 1:7 says, “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
Our Y2K goal must not be to look out for our own welfare, as the world does, but consider the welfare of those around us. On January 1, 2000, be prepared to show God’s grace to your world. 
* Brannon Howse is President of American Policy Institute (www.american policy.org), a bestselling author and talk show host.
