During the next few months we will be hearing much more about the bird flu (influenza A H5N1, or H5N1 avian influenza virus). If the worst predictions are even partially correct, bird flu will not only affect us individually, but will affect our families, churches, and communities.

Churches will need to look after their members, especially those in the low-income bracket and senior citizens without family members nearby. Beyond their own congregations, churches must be prepared to take a lead role in coming to the aid of others in the community. Has your church had any discussion so far about its preparedness for a possible bird flu pandemic?

There is also a prophetic connection. In Jesus’ famous end-times sermon, the Olivet Discourse, he lists plagues and famines as among the “signs of the times” (Luke 21:11). There is no question that widespread disease and famine already mark these modern days. A bird flu pandemic would add to the severity of that truth. Jesus said to “keep on the alert at all times” for such signs, which will precede his coming.