Frankenfoods_&_Famine

The Watchman – The United Congregation of Israel

It is no coincidence that the Word of YHWH is referred to as ‘spiritual food’ to nourish one’s spirit

just as actual food is nourishment to the natural body (soul). During Elijah’s day, The Kingdom of Israel had fallen into false worship and was not following the Word of YHWH. But it was by the Word of YHWH that famine and drought were pronounced on the people. In these latter days, the people are also not following the Word of YAH and prophecy does speak of Elijah’s return. Farming (husbandry) which was once a common means of survival for the people is perverted today. The use of bio-solids, pesticides, viruses and bacteria in cultivating crops is causing disease and death for the people as well as the world’s food supply. No longer an industry practice, the common man is being forced to once again grow his own food. Prophecy speaks of a coming famine for the Word of YHWH, but it also speaks of a coming famine for food and sustenance. “Behold, the days come, said the Adonai Elohim, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of YHWH; And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it”. Amos 8:11-12 Eating meat was a rare treat for ordinary Israelites, and so Elisha’s feeding of the people easily represented the value of prophecy to the people. In several Old Testament passages, food is used

Volume 9, Issue 3 - December 2008

“I have set a watchman upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night. You that make mention of YHWH, keep not silence”. Isaiah 62:6

“Behold, the Adonai, YHWH of hosts, doth

take away from Jerusalem and from

Judah the stay (sustenance) and the

staff (support), the whole stay of bread

(food), and the whole stay of water

(juice/water)…” Isaiah 3:1


as a metaphor for YHWH’s life-giving word. In Deuteronomy 8:3 Moses states that YHWH’s gift of manna was intended to teach the Israelites that humans do not live by bread alone but by everything that issues from the mouth of YHWH. God’s people cannot live without God’s life-giving word, and often it is the prophets who proclaim this word. Elisha’s provision of meat suggests that if prophets heed their call and YHWH, then the prophet will be fed. If the people then heed the warnings and instructions of the prophet given by YHWH, then the people also will be fed.

The World Food Crisis: Are we headed for global famine?

famine–noun

1. extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area 2. any extreme and general scarcity 3. extreme hunger; starvation

The Bible speaks of famine in Jeremiah 50, verse 16 when it says:

“Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest…”.

The term “sower” refers to one that sows seed, meaning the farmer. In these the latter days, the farmer will be cut off and unable to harvest crops bringing about worldwide food shortages and great famine. Already worldwide food shortages and subsequent price increases are causing civil unrest in several countries in what many are calling a global food crisis. The world prices of rice, wheat, maize, and soybeans have risen by more than 100% since 2006. Consumer Price Index reported an increase of four percent in retail food prices in the US, the sharpest increase in seventeen years. Prices are expected to rise another three to four percent by the end of 2008. Scholars and scientists alike have debated the cause of the shortage, citing the increased use of biofuels, the dramatic increase in worldwide population and the increase in natural disasters as contributors. We will explore these factors and prophecy as it relates to what could be the world’s greatest dilemma since World War II: global famine.


According to the US Census Bureau, the current world population stands at about 6.9 billion people with China and India ranking number one and two respectively, each with over 1.1 billion residents. Bureau figures show that the US population grew by 2.8 million between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2005. World population growth is expected to increase by at least 1 billion people every ten years as shown in the chart right. This continued increase in population brings about an increase in the demand for fuel and food. Can the rates of food production keep up with the rate of population growth? A countries ability to feed itself ultimately depends upon three factors: the amount of land available and suitable for crop production, water accessibility and population growth rates. With fertile land masses being destroyed by erosion and natural disasters and mounting concerns over water quality and water conservation, one can see how the nations will not be able to sustain the large numbers of people within their borders. They will begin to ration food and, as parts of the world are currently doing, starve out the poor. Thomas Malthus theorized, in An Essay On The Principle of Population, that in order for mankind to exist, some portion must forever be starving and that efforts to aid the hungry would only lead to misery. He and others theorized that population growth was a function of food availability. For years, population control through starvation has been a tool and practice of the so-called civilized nations in order to sustain themselves. But as it is written in Psalms 9:18, “For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever”. “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.” Psalms 10:2 Environmental issues such as global warming and the need for reduced dependency on fossil fuels has led to increased demand for bio-fuels. The production of these fuels utilizes either crops high in sugar (i.e. sugar cane) or starch (i.e. corn or maize). They can also be produced using plants that are high in vegetable oil (i.e. soybeans). The feedstocks for first generation biofules are usually seeds or grains such as wheat or sunflower seeds. As more and more corn and grains are used to produce biofuels, less is available for food consumption. An Iowa State University study reported that US ethanol production would consume more than half of US corn, wheat, and coarse grains by 2012. Over the last six to seven years, mankind has been faced with a barrage of natural disasters, including droughts, hurricanes and floods that have left many regions of the world in catastrophic ruin. These “Acts of God” have also contributed to the worldwide food shortages and subsequent rise in food prices being felt across the globe.

“For I will rise up against thee, saith YHWH of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the


name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith YHWH. I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith YHWH of hosts.” Isaiah 14:22-23

“Fire, and hail;

snow, and vapour; stormy wind

fulfilling his word”. Psalms 148:8 Since 2002, Australia has experienced extreme drought conditions, particularly in the fertile Murray-Darling River Basin. A producer of major crops such as rice, wheat, barley, maize, and oats, Australia exports nearly eighty percent of its agricultural products. Most of all, the drought has tremendously impacted rice production. The 2007 summer crops were at their lowest levels in twenty years. Over twenty billion in revenue has been drained from a one trillion economy since 2002. Rice exports that used to feed nearly forty million people a day have virtually ceased. In 2007, Latin America and the Caribbean saw hurricanes, flooding, and droughts in a series of unusual weather patterns that damaged food and cash crop production. In August 2007, Hurricane Dean caused reported losses of over ninety percent of crops in Dominica and thirty percent in Jamaica. Significant damage to fruit crops including bananas, cassavas, and mangos has resulted in dramatic price increases. The storms of the 2008 Hurricane season have devastated Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, The Dominican, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas. The islands may not be able to withstand another direct hit this year. Southern Asia continues to be plagued by erratic monsoon pat-terns that have led to devastating floods in many areas of India and Pakistan. In August 2008, Reuters reported that over 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of crops were destroyed in Orissa, India alone. In Pakistan, over 530,000 acres have been affected. The fertile Irrawaddy Delta and the city of Yangoon have been left nearly desolate and the nations’ ability to export rice has been severely impacted. Earlier this year, flooding in Iowa and the Midwestern states caused damage to corn, soybean, and other crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that as much as 3.5% of the US corn projected to be planted this year could be depleted. Reported losses are between one and three million acres. Most recently, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav have left soybean, wheat and corn crops submerged under floodwaters. The heavy rains have also affected tomato crops, causing them to swell and burst. The loss of these crops could result in shortages for the Midwest and increased prices for consumers.


There are mounting environmental concerns over global warming and energy needs; dwindling fresh water resources; and one natural disaster after another; With tremendous growth in the worldwide population, the nations are well aware that famine is inevitable. However, they seek to escape through scientific manipulation of the world’s food supply. Use of bio solids, GMOs, and other foods, “frankenstinian” in nature, has already begun production and will likely increase dramatically in the coming years as food shortages increase. Their attempts to permanently altar the food supply are spent in vain. Sickness and disease and even death will be the results of this scientific wizardry; YHWH has declared this great famine and it shall come to pass.

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Matthew 24:7

Trying to eat healthy? A good place to start is in your bible in Deuteronomy 8:8, where the Hebrew Israelites are promised "a good land; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey."

The ancients might not have known the word "antioxidant," but they were onto something with this list of biblical "super foods." Let’s find out exactly how on-target they were.

Super Food #1: Whole Wheat This grain, which is found in everything from bread to pasta to cakes, is healthier when it is refined as little as possible. Whole-wheat products (those that are certified 100% whole wheat) contain 30 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake, as well as high levels of manganese and magnesium. A diet rich in whole grains is also thought to increase your energy level and lower your risk of type-2 diabetes, gallstones, and other health issues.

“For YHWH thy Elohim bringeth Thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and

depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and

vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive trees,

and honey; A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of

whose hills thou mayest dig brass”. Deuteronomy 8:7-9

http://www.beliefnet.com/topten/biblesuperfoods_intro.html


Super Food #2: Barley Another whole grain, barley can be found in breads and cereals, as well as in hearty winter soups. High in fiber, barley is good for intestinal health and can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of colon cancer and type-2 diabetes if eaten regularly. Barley also contains trace amounts of copper, which have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Super Food #3: Grapes Everyone knows that grape juice and red wine are tasty—but healthy? Grapes contain nutritional compounds called flavonoids, which are believed to reduce your risk of blood clots and protect your body from damage by the "free radicals" found in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. Rich in antioxidants, grapes may provide protection against cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. Super Food #4: Figs These sweet fruits, eaten either dried or fresh, are high in potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure. They are also high in dietary fiber, which may help you lose weight, and they are a fruit source of calcium, which can help preserve bone density. Fig leaves, which are not typically eaten but can be made into an extract, are thought to help lower insulin levels in diabetics. Super Food #5: Pomegranate These strange-looking seed fruits are back in vogue as health-giving superfoods, particularly in juice form. The fruits are rich in anti-oxidants, which prevent LDL cholesterol from doing its damage, and it helps prevent blood clots by keeping blood platelets from clumping together. Pomegranates may also help reduce the risk of breast cancer and lessen the symptoms of arthritis. Pomegranates were carved on the temple doors. Did you know they are said to contain 613 seeds…a seed for each of YHWH’s 613 laws/statues and judgments? Pomegranates were also carved on the temple doors and were etched on the priest’s garments. Super Food #6: Olive Oil Olives, and the extra-virgin oil that is made from a single pressing of the fruit, contain many


Super Food #6: Olive Oil (cont’d) of the antioxidants that are thought to protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol compounds. They also are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are called "the healing fats" because they lower the effects of "bad" cholesterol while raising "good" cholesterol levels. High in vitamin E, olive oil also is thought to protect against colon cancer, and it is helpful in fighting gastritis and other stomach ailments.

Super Food #7: Honey Raw honey, in addition to being a natural sweetener, is replete with antioxidants and is considered to be an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal substance. It is thought to have tumor-fighting properties, and may help prevent colon cancer. The daily consumption of a spoonful of honey is said to increase antioxidant levels in the blood, and is the healthiest sweetener for type-2 diabetics. Honey also may have wound-healing and muscle-regenerating properties.. Nearly every book in the bible contains references to foods along with rules governing their cultivation, preparation and consumption. Among the foods they ate are grapes, figs, pomegranates, dates, cucumbers, carrots, beans, lentils and herbs such as dill, cumin, coriander, mint, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, and mustard, Biblical cooks prepared several different varieties of cheese, which is an excellent and inexpensive protein substitute for meat.

Bible cuisine is naturally healthful! In fact, the Promised Land of Jerusalem was a land overflowing with fruits, vegetables and herbs for health and healing. Nearly all of the foods mentioned contain substances that actually combat disease. Also, dozens of plants and tree leaves were used medicinally in Old Testament times. This fact ends in the New Testament with the Tree of Life bearing 12 manner of fruit (one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel) and the leaves which are to be used for the healing of the nations.

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree

were for the healing of the nations”. Revelation 22:1-3.

“Frankenfoods”:

The Genetic Manipulation and Subsequent Tainting of Our Food Supply It is estimated that, in the US, around 89% of soybeans, 83% of cotton, and 61% of maize (corn) are of genetically modified varieties. Genetic modification, also termed genetic engineering or gene splicing, alters the genetic makeup of living organisms through the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA. Genetic modification of plants and


microorganisms began in 1973 and was later applied to animals in the early 80’s when genetically engineered mice were developed. Since then, many different species have been genetically engineered with various recombinant DNA constructs. Many of these items are already on our grocery store shelves and are unknowingly ingested by American consumers as the FDA does not require these products to be labeled. In the United States, it is estimated that somewhere between 70-

80% of all processed foods contain or stem from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The most common GM crops are soy, cotton, canola, and corn.

Other crops include zucchini and yellow squash. Over 50% of Hawaiian papaya contains GMOs. Other sources of GMOs include dairy foods from cows injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH). The idea behind all of this scientific manipulation is to produce food faster and more efficiently. Companies cite benefits such as a more disease and insect resistant crop, and a greater tolerance for herbicides and pesticides. An EU media source has also stated that the faster growth rates are a means to ending famine in third world countries. So why is it that many countries, including parts of Africa and India, are refusing to accept these practices and even rejecting these “Frankenfoods” as aid from western countries like the USA? For all of the benefits expressed by the pesticide, biotech, and agriculture companies, there are even greater risks. Studies have shown that these altered organisms have links to cancer, allergies, sterility, liver problems, and other diseases. In addition, the altering of these organisms can result in continuous DNA mutation and genetic instability. In the 80’s, a brand of the supplement L-tryptophan killed around 100 people and caused between 5 and 10 thousand to become ill here in the U.S. No cause for alarm from the FDA or other government entities, though. It is no secret that they have formed an unholy alliance with the biotech and agriculture companies, as well as the medical and pharmaceutical companies. Case in point: GM plants are resistant and can be sprayed repeatedly with herbicides and pesticides without killing the plant. However, the residues are left on the plant and ingested by the consumers. It has been revealed that the government raised pesticide limits from 6 parts per million on soy products to 20 parts per million to accommodate Monsanto, the leading GM corporation and producer of Ready Roundup herbicide. Glyphosphate, the active ingredient in Ready Roundup, was the third leading cause of farm worker illnesses. Eyewitnesses all over America describe how several types of animals (cows, pigs, geese, elk, deer, squirrels and rats), when given a choice, avoid eating GM foods. Now


that’s deep! If the animals that YAH has created see a problem with eating these “Frankenfoods”, why do we, who are made in his image, put them into our bodies? “So Elohim created man in his own image, in the image of Elohim created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27 Yes, the crossbreeding of plants, animals and trees has been a traditional process, within the same species, for many years. According to the Institutes for Responsible Technology, it is possible to mate within a species, for example a pig with a pig; however, a pig cannot mate with a potato or a mouse. Even when species do succeed in mixed breeding, the offspring are usually infertile. A horse, for example, can mate with a donkey, but the offspring (a mule) is sterile. With that being said, here are some interesting GM combinations to consider: Potatoes that contain BT toxic to the Colorado Beetle Squash spliced with genes from plant viruses to build resistance to those viruses Arctic fish genes gave tomatoes and strawberries tolerance to frost Human genes inserted into corn to produce spermicidal properties Potatoes that glow in the dark when they need watering Spider genes inserted into goat DNA in the hopes that the milk would contain spider web

protein for use in bullet proof vests

When put to the test, would you have the ability to determine GM foods from other foods? I think not because everything appears as it should. There is no noticeable difference between these foods and foods that are not genetically altered. In fact, the only way to possibly detect genetic alteration is through sophisticated DNA testing; however, even this type of testing cannot determine the source of the GM component such as whether BT is from corn or soy. At any rate, this doe not help as these tests are not available to the consumer. So what is the consumer to do when these foods require no labeling? Here are a few tips: 1. Become and stay informed of legislation and regulations regarding food and food additives 2. Avoid soy and corn containing foods, including those with soy protein, HFCS and other

derivatives, as much as possible. 3. Pray, Pray, Pray!

With the massive amounts of foods that contain these altered organisms, it is almost impossible to completely escape contact. Even buying organic does not help much as the US currently allows up to 10% of GMO contamination of organic foods and still allows them to be called USDA certified organic. Therefore, we must be ever mindful to ask YAH’s protection and blessings that he might keep our bodies safe from hurt, harm, or danger as we partake of our daily bread. Yashua gave us the key to communicating with our creator in Mathew 6: 9-13.


“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Pray to the Father, YHWH, in the messiah, Yashua’s, name. It’s YAH’s protection that will comfort and keep us as we continue to see the scriptures fulfilled upon this earth. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer”. I Peter 4:7 It is important to understand that, in the terrible times that are to come, protection can only be found in the righteousness of YHWH and under the blood of Yahshua. Without that covering, your prayers will go unheard. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto YHWH: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” Prov 15:8 For now, GM animals have not yet made it to our dinner tables. However, it is just a matter of time. Many types of genetically engineered animals are being developed, including pharmaceutical use (Biopharm) animals, disease resistant animals, and food use animals. On September 18, 2008, the US Federal Drug Administration released its’ regulations for genetically engineered animals. The same regulations that apply to other non-GM foods will, for the most part, apply to these: no additional labeling will be required.

Have we peaked your interest?

Do you want know more?

Here are a few things you may be interested in researching regarding food, after all,

you are what you eat!

1. Biblical Dietary Law - Leviticus Chapter 11 2. Food additives including sweeteners (Find out the real deal on Splenda and other

alternative sweeteners) 3. How seedless fruits and vegetables are really produced (YHWH commanded that we should

eat of every “herb bearing seed” and “every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed”. Genesis 1:29)

4. Dietary links to common diseases and ailments and natural medicine. “Study to show thyself approved unto YAH, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly

dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

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