War, Food, Fuel, and Famine
“Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (1887) by Viktor Vasnetsov, Glinka National Museum, Moscow, Russia (PD)
There are those who view the current war in Ukraine as the initial phase of WW III. Whether that is true or not, this war will impact more than Russia and Ukraine.
Food
Under normal conditions, these two nations export enormous amounts of food to the world. Together, they produce 29% of global wheat exports, and 75% of global sunflower oil exports [1A].
Wheat, of course, is an essential ingredient for the bread, pasta, and packaged foods which feed billions.
Global markets are still strained from the Covid pandemic. Food prices have risen, as a result. A further reduction in supply will only drive them higher.
Fertilizer
Russia is, also, among the world’s largest exporters of fertilizer (used to increase soil fertility, therefore, critical to agriculture) [1B].
Fertilizer prices are already spiraling upward. Some types have quadrupled in price. Corn is among the US crops directly impacted. Farmers do not plant what they cannot afford to cultivate.
Projections are that Africa will not be able to grow enough food this year, with up to 100 million left starving [3][4][5].
Fuel
Russia produces more than 30% of the natural gas Europe uses for industry, electricity, and home heating [1C].
Europe plans to cut reliance on Russian gas by 2/3 this year [2]. But other potential energy sources are not in a position to take up the slack.
Natural gas, propane, and coal prices will be impacted worldwide. Natural gas prices in the US are already 60% higher than last year [1D].
Large-volume fuel consumers like power plants, steel and paper mills, can switch from natural gas to coal or petroleum, depending on the cost of each fuel [6]. However, when the cost of natural gas rises, increased demand for other fuels drives their cost up, as well.
The Four Horsemen
The four horsemen of the Apocalypse — variously interpreted as war, famine, pestilence, and death — may be approaching [7]. We cannot yet see them. But we can hear distant hoofbeats.
God alone knows the day and the hour of the Final Judgment (Matt. 24: 36). Each day though brings us closer. In that knowledge, Christians should be on their knees.
“…and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow…and he went out conquering…Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth…and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice… saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius’…and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death…” (Rev. 6: 2, 4-6, 8).
—
[1A through 1D] c4i America/Israel: The Prophetic Connection (April 2022 Edition), “As World War 3 Escalates, Get Ready for a Terrifying Breakdown of Food and Energy Systems” by Michael Snyder, 2/27/22.
[2] Washington Post, “”E.U. presents plan to cut Russian gas imports by two-thirds this year, stops short of boycott” by Emily Rauhala, 3/8/22, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/08/eu-russian-gas/.
[3] Al Jazeera, “AfDB President: Ukraine war could trigger a food crisis in Africa” by Jack Dutton, 3/29/22, com/features/2022/3/29/afdb-president-ukraine-could-trigger-a-food-crisis-in-africa.
[4] Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), West Africa faces its worst food crisis in 10 years, with over 27 million people already suffering from hunger”, https://www.nrc.no/news/2022/april/west-africa-faces-its-worst-food-crisis-in-ten-years-with-over-27-million-people-already-suffering-from-hunger/.
[5] World Vision, “Africa hunger, famine: Facts, FAQs, and how to help” by Kathryn Reid, 2/22/22, https://www.worldvision.org/hunger-news-stories/africa-hunger-famine-facts.
[6] US Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Natural Gas Explained – Factors affecting natural gas prices”, 10/5/21, https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/factors-affecting-natural-gas-prices.php.
[7] Wikipedia, “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypse.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse https://avoicereclaimed.com
A Lawyer's Prayers 
We sure need wisdom on our part as individuals Anna. The context of our lives changes and then we feel it and then we react. With wisdom we recognize that context and get ahead of merely reacting in ways where we are ready, willing and able to do everything. Sharing the gospel and raising a much bigger garden and sharing. We are putting in a starter grenhouse with the possibility of expanding.
So true.
Scary stuff, Anna. The fulfillment of biblical prophecy seems to be “hiding in plain sight.” I’m praying more and more people will wake up to the truth of the Bible and their need for Jesus. As for Christ-followers, His Great Commission should be our top priority these days.
You are so right, Ann.
Recently reread Approaching Hoofbeats by Billy Graham (1983),
Still relevant and applicable.
Thank you so much for the reference!
Liebe Anna, vielen Dank für Deinen guten Bericht. Wir brauchen Mut und Umsicht, um unser Leben trotz aller widrigen Umstände in Würde zu leben. Alles Gute, liebe Freundin, Marie
Du hast so recht, meine Freundin. Alles Gute auch für dich, A. ❤
Thought provoking post as usual, Anna. The speed of change in the world today is nearly impossible to fathom, yet one thing remains clear: the path we are one is irreversible. The safest place I can find is on my knees.
My thoughts exactly, Ron.
We know we are in the last days, not necessarily because of catastrophic world events (there have been lots of those) but because every new testament writer said that they were living in the last days. Those claims can’t be wrong because the Holy Spirit caused those writings to be included in the canon of scripture. So, if they were in the last days, we must be! How many more “last days” will there be? As you say (and again as scripture points out), we don’t know. Jesus makes it clear that our assignment is not to peek into God’s day timer, but to live ready and be found at work for his Kingdom when he comes.
I wholeheartedly agree. May He continue to give us strength for the work.
Many thanks for the reblog. Unfortunately, my browser will for some reason not allow me to comment on your blog. My apologies.