A World Staggering Toward Decline

Volume 40 Issue Six June 2021

Last Trumpet Ministries · PO Box 806 · Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Phone: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” I Cor. 14:8


A World Staggering Toward Decline

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”
Isaiah 51:6


In the coming years, the world is facing an impending catastrophe. However, there’s a good chance that you have never heard of this forthcoming crisis. For decades we have been told that the planet we occupy is overpopulated. This point of view rose to particular prominence in the 1970s after a book entitled The Population Bomb was published by Dr. Paul Ehrlich in 1968. The book was filled with dire predictions including the assertion that “hundreds of millions of people” were “going to starve to death” in the 1970s because too many people existed at the time. (1) Although his prediction proved untrue, the underlying notion of global overpopulation has persisted. Less than two years ago, in September 2019, Professor Frank Gotmark of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, along with numerous academic colleagues, called upon the United Nations to adopt a “sustainable development goal” to “dampen population growth.” (2) A commentary authored by Gotmark and Robin Maynard, who is the director of the organization known as Population Matters, cited a poll conducted in 2014 by the Global Challenges Foundation, which found that out of 9,000 respondents from the United States, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Poland, Sweden, India, Russia, and China, a majority of them “considered population increase to be an actual or potential future threat to mankind.” (3) Furthermore, a survey conducted by Pew Research in 2014 found that 82 percent of American scientists believed that the growing world population is a major problem. (4) With a worldwide population approaching 7.9 billion people, (5) it is true that at this present time there are more people roaming the earth than ever before. The United Nations expects this trend to continue for the rest of the century and projects that the global population will reach 11.2 billion in the year 2100. (6) However, recent trends show that instead of dramatic overpopulation, the population of the world is heading toward a precipitous decline in the coming decades.

A startling article was published by The New York Times on May 22, 2021. Entitled “Long Slide Looms for World Population, With Sweeping Ramifications,” the article goes on to inform its readers that the worldwide fertility rate has seen an astonishing drop in recent days. In fact, the only continent where the population is projected to keep growing in the coming decades is Africa. According to projections, the population of the African country known as Nigeria could outnumber the population of China by the end of the current century. (7) Thus, according to all indicators, the vast majority of the world is in a state of decline. “A paradigm shift is necessary. Countries need to learn to live with and adapt to decline,” declared Frank Swiaczny, who up until last year served as the chief of population trends and analysis at the United Nations. (8)

The effects of population decline are already evident in many countries around the world. The fertility rate in South Korea dropped to 0.92 in 2019, which means that women of child-bearing age produce less than one child each in the Asian country. The number of babies born in South Korea have decreased for fifty-nine straight months. (9) To incentivize procreation, the South Korean government offers “baby bonuses,” child allowances, and subsidies for fertility treatments. In total, 178 billion dollars have been spent over the last fifteen years to encourage women to have more children, but despite these measures, the decline continues. (10)

Looking to Europe, the population decline there is stunning, too. For example, in the small town of Caprocotta, Italy, the population has fallen from 5,000 to just 800 people today. (11) In the nearby town of Agnone, the maternity ward was closed at the hospital because there were not enough newborns to keep it open. Through May 22, 2021, there had only been six births there this year. (12) In Germany, where the fertility rate is 1.54 per woman, 330,000 housing units have been demolished since 2002 because there are not enough people to occupy them. (13)

Even China, which is home to more than 1.4 billion people and is the most populous country in the world, is facing a population crisis. The Asian country, which is governed by a brutal communist regime, has long been known for its strict restrictions on family size. In 1980 a policy was put in place that limited families to only one child. It was not until 2016 that the limit was increased to two children per family. (14) Those who violated the rules often faced harsh penalties including monetary fines and forced abortions. Thus, the population crisis in China is a problem of their own making and a consequence of the government’s evil policies. According to projections, it is estimated that working-age Chinese citizens will only account for 60 percent of the population by the year 2050. (15) At this point, 40 percent of the population will be older and in need of more medical care than younger people. Thus, there will not be enough young people to care for the elderly. It is hard to imagine, but according to Liang Jianzhang, an economics professor at Peking University in China, the Chinese fertility rate could become the lowest in the world. “According to the existing data, in the next 10 years, the number of women aged 22 to 35, which is the childbearing period, will drop by more than 30 percent compared with the present data. Without strong policy intervention, China’s new-born population is likely to fall below 10 million in the next few years, and its fertility rate will be lower than Japan’s, perhaps the lowest in the world,” Liang warned. (16) The fertility rate in China at this present time is 1.3, which is well below replacement level. In 2020, only 12 million babies were born in China. The birthrate has fallen there for four straight years. (17)

What then of the United States? When the Covid-19 pandemic was announced in March 2020 and most of the country was put in lockdown, some assumed that folks spending more time at home would lead to a new baby boom in America. However, the pandemic had the opposite effect, prompting the Associated Press to write in a headline dated April 28, 2021, “Expected Covid baby boom may be a baby bust.” (18) Projections published in March 2021 estimate that there will be 300,000 fewer births in 2021 than usual. (19) As for 2020, the birthrate fell for the sixth consecutive year to settle at the lowest level since 1979. (20)

There was a time in the United States when it was considered a blessing to have children. In fact, the fertility rate in this country was 7.3 in the year 1800. That means, on average, American women of child-bearing age gave birth seven times over their lifetimes. In 2020, the birthrate was only 1.78. (21) Nowadays, Americans are far less interested in becoming parents. The Millennial Generation, which includes those born between 1980 and 1996, is said to be having the fewest children of any generation in American history. (22) For those who do want to have children, it has become harder to do so in recent years. According to reports, at least one out of every ten couples trying to conceive a child in the United States is having difficulties becoming pregnant. (23) Dr. Shanna Swan, who is a reproductive epidemiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, attributes these difficulties to worsening male infertility. “All we can say is it has significantly declined with no indication that the rate is slowing down,” Dr. Swan informed. (24) The doctor, who has carefully studied the sperm counts of American males for years, noted that in 1973 the average sperm count of an American male was 99 million sperm per milliliter. By 2011, the average count had fallen to 47 million sperm per milliliter. At this rate, the average sperm count could reach zero by the year 2045 according to Dr. Swan’s reckoning. (25) If this happens, humanity will struggle to reproduce and could lead to the end of life as we know it. Only God knows what the future holds.

In Isaiah 51:6 we find a stark warning which reads, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.” This verse clearly tells us that earth “shall wax old like a garment,” and it certainly appears that our planet is waxing old. However, it’s not just the planet that appears to be wearing out, but also the human race itself. Yet, much of the misery coming upon humanity in the coming decades is self-inflicted. God’s ways are always better, and the Scriptures clearly state that it is good to bring children into the world. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed humanity to “be fruitful and multiply.” As we get closer to the end, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so.


A Generational Shift

Traditionally, the United States is known as a Christian nation. In fact, a large portion of the southern United States is often referred to as the “Bible belt.” Nevertheless, recent surveys indicate that younger Americans are less interested in Christianity. A study performed by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that 57 percent of Millennials who responded claim to be Christian. However, 43 percent of Millennials said they “don’t know, care, or believe that God exists.” Conversely, 70 percent of respondents from Generation X, 79 percent of Baby Boomers, and 83 percent of the Builder Generation claim to be Christian. Speaking of these results, Professor George Barna of the aforementioned university in Arizona was quoted as saying, “The Millennial generation, in particular, seems committed to living without God, without the Bible, and without Christian churches as foundations in either their personal life or within American society.” The survey also found that only 16 percent of Millennials believe they will go to heaven when they die if they submit their lives to Jesus Christ, while 35 percent said they “personally receive guidance” from horoscopes. (26)

Although many young people eschew Christianity, witchcraft continues to increase in popularity in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Women, especially, have embraced the craft, which prompted Suzannah Lipscomb, a professor of history at the University of Roehamptom in London, England, to write an article entitled “Why are women becoming witches?” (27) My father, Pastor David J. Meyer, who left this world in 2010, used to speak extensively about witchcraft. He had been an astrologer and palm reader before his miraculous conversion to Christianity, so he certainly had a lot to say about the topic. He always said that within the realm of Wiccan witchcraft, females are considered more powerful than males, which is why this realm of the occult is so popular with women. The article written by Professor Lipscomb confirms this reality and quotes actual witches who equate witchcraft with feminism. One of these witches was quoted as saying, “Witchcraft is feminism. It’s inherently political. It’s always been about the outside, about the woman who doesn’t do what the church or patriarchy wants.” (28) Indeed, a prevailing tendency of witches seem to be blaming all of society’s ills on men. “A witch is somebody who stands against patriarchy and everything that is currently wrong with our society and any society throughout the ages,” said another witch. A witch who owns a shop in Salem, Massachusetts has turned the word “WITCH” into an acronym, which she claims stands for “Woman in total control of herself.” (29) Thus, we see the defiant nature of witchcraft. These occult practitioners certainly have no interest in yielding their hearts and minds to the Lord Jesus, which is something we all need to do whether male or female.

In this modern age, witchcraft is far more blatant than it had been in the past. Social networking websites are teeming with witchcraft. In particular, Professor Lipscomb mentions a witch in her article who has 472,000 followers on Instagram. Additionally, there are nearly seven million posts on Instagram which have been labelled “WitchesOfInstagram.” (30) The website known as TikTok is another hotspot for witchcraft. One witch on the website has 8.2 million “likes.” He offers spells and curses for sale. (31)

As witchcraft permeates the land, it should not be a surprise that many celebrities are professing witches. In October 2020, Elle Magazine Australia published a piece entitled “12 Celebrities Who Are Honestly Low-Key Witches.” According to the piece, a drummer who worked with Beyonce Knowles made the claim that the famous singer has participated in “extreme witchcraft, dark magic.” (32) Other celebrities are quoted from directly including the singer known as Lorde who said, “It would be no surprise to anyone I am not weirded out by ghosts or spirits. I am basically a witch.” (33) Actress Heather Graham was quoted as saying, “I have this group of friends and we get together and we call ourselves ‘the goddesses’ and we wish for things then a lot of amazing things have happened to all of us. We burn things – honoring the elements of earth, wind, air, and fire. You do spells. We did this thing where we were calling on the wind and the air and this whole storm started on my roof. It was amazing. Empowering.” (34) Actor Patrick Swayze, who is now deceased, admitted to carrying a magic wand. (35) Actress Gabrielle Anwar pointedly said, “I am a pagan.” (35) Other celebrities who are identified as witches in the piece include actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, singer Lana Del Ray, singer Stevie Nicks, singer Katy Perry, actress Evan Rachel Wood, actress Cybil Shepard, and television personality Spencer Pratt who confessed that he spent “thousands of dollars having a wizard coach.” (36)

Meanwhile, music superstar Taylor Swift who is enormously popular right now and previously claimed to be a Christian, seems to have embraced witchcraft. Her 2020 album, which is known as Evermore, is filled with witchcraft imagery. The music video for the song “Willow” shows the singer participating in a witchcraft ceremony. Speaking of the song, Swift said that it “sounds like casting a spell to make someone fall in love with you.” She later posted on social media, “Witches be like ‘Sometimes I just want to listen to music while pining away/sulking/staring out a window.’ It’s me. I’m witches.” (37) Why is this so important? Young people have a tendency to follow and emulate celebrities. I am certain there are many girls who want to grow up to be just like Taylor Swift. People who participate in occult practices are in open rebellion against our Creator. The more witchcraft becomes normalized and accepted the further society will move away from God.


Where Did Covid Come From?

It appears that the coronavirus pandemic is finally waning in the United States. According to data released on May 28, 2021, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, Covid-19 cases have dropped to their lowest levels in almost a year. The current 7-day rolling average of new infections is now 21,627, which is a 22.3 percent drop from the rolling average for the previous week. (38) This trend is encouraging, and the American people are certainly eager to put this nightmare behind them. As our country reopens and more people venture out of their homes, a question still to be fully answered is, “Where did this virus come from?” Yes, we know it originated in China, but what were the circumstances behind its emergence?

In previous issues of this newsletter dating back to last year, I had expressed a belief that the virus was created in a laboratory. From the beginning of the pandemic, scientists had scoffed at this notion and insisted that it occurred spontaneously in nature when the virus jumped from an animal of some sort to humans. Yet, in the April 2021 issue of this newsletter, I reported that former CDC director Robert Redfield suggested that SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, escaped from a laboratory. At the time, he was the most prominent voice to express this belief, but in recent weeks, a growing number of individuals who are typically considered credible have admitted that the lab leak theory could be true.

On May 14, 2021, a letter signed by eighteen prominent scientists was published by the academic journal known as Science. The letter calls for further investigation of SAR-Cov-2’s origins, stating, “More investigation is still needed to determine the origin of the pandemic. Theories of accidental release from a lab and zoonotic spillover both remain viable.” The letter goes on to criticize the World Health Organization for assuming zoonotic spillover was the root cause of the Covid pandemic. “Although there were no findings in clear support of either a natural spillover or a lab accident, the [World Health Organization] team assessed a zoonotic spillover from an intermediate host as ‘likely to very likely’ and a laboratory incident as ‘extremely unlikely.’ Furthermore, the two theories were not given balanced consideration. Only four of the 313 pages of the report and its annexes addressed the possibility of a laboratory accident.” (39)

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is convinced that the virus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. In a recent interview, he recounted his efforts as a United States official to determine the origin of the new coronavirus. “We worked to get every bit of evidence that we could, we tried to deliver this to the CDC, tried to work with the Chinese. They covered it up terribly,” Pompeo informed. (40) Devin Nunes, a Republican Representative from California who is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, agrees with Pompeo. “We have a lot of circumstantial evidence that points to a lab leak. Obviously, we have our suspicions that everything is pointing to the Wuhan lab,” Nunes said. (41) The evidence to which Nunes is referring includes warnings from American diplomats in 2017 which claim that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was “conducting dangerous research on coronaviruses without following necessary safety protocols, risking the accidental outbreak of a pandemic.” It was also revealed that there was no mobile phone activity within the Wuhan Institute of Virology between October 7, 2019, and October 24, 2019, suggesting that the facility may have been shut down during this period. Furthermore, a memo from the U.S. State Department that was published in January 2021 reports that “several researchers at the Wuhan lab were sickened with COVID-19-like symptoms in fall 2019.” (42)

Amazingly enough, even Anthony Fauci, the man who is considered America’s foremost infectious disease expert, has admitted that he is uncertain of how the virus emerged. When asked by Katie Sanders, a reporter from Politifact, if he was still confident that SARS-CoV-2 emerged naturally, Fauci stated in his reply, “No actually… No I’m not convinced about that. I think that we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we find out to the best of our ability exactly what happened.” (43) In light of these new facts, American President Joe Biden has called for more investigation. “I have now asked the Intelligence Committee to redouble their efforts to collect and analyze information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion, and to report back to me in ninety days,” Biden announced. (44)

We might never know the full circumstances that led to the pandemic. One thing is poignantly clear: Covid-19 changed the world. The damage it caused and is still causing today will be remembered for many years to come if this world should persist a while longer. We now see more clearly how quickly the world can change and how easily freedom can be revoked. We have experienced empty grocery store shelves, lines at food pantries stretching for blocks, the agony of widespread unemployment, stores and restaurants shuttered, and the eerie quiet of vacant highways. All of this demonstrates beyond any shadow of a doubt that we desperately need God’s grace, because none of us know what will happen next. If you have not yet repented of your sins and dedicated your life to God, I urge you to do so now.

In closing, we continue to see new danger unfolding every day on this planet that we presently occupy. The recent computer hack of the Colonial fuel pipeline on the East coast of the United States demonstrates how fragile our infrastructure is in this country. The involuntary shutdown of the pipeline led to fuel shortages in the United States even as throngs of panicked Americans hoarded whatever gas they could find. More than one thousand gas stations in the southeastern United States ran out of fuel, (45) leaving motorists stranded and hampering the transportation of goods.

There is growing concern over inflation in the United States as an increase in the cost of many raw materials is pushing up the price Americans must pay for food, gasoline, and even lumber. This trend prompted former United States Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers to say, “Data are pointing more towards higher inflation than I expected, and sooner.” He further went on to say, “One should be more concerned about inflation than one was several months ago.” (46)

As always, wars and rumors of wars remain a threat. We have seen renewed hostility between the Palestinians and the State of Israel in recent weeks which shows yet again how elusive peace is in this world. Ties between Russia and the United States are worse than ever according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “During the Cold War, the tensions were flying high, and risky crisis situations often emerged, but there was also a mutual respect. It seems to me there is a deficit of it now,” Lavrov stated. (47) China, too, is growing increasingly bold. In late May 2021, American President Joe Biden made a startling remark during a speech to American troops. Speaking of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden said, “He firmly believes that China, before the year 2035, is going to own America, because autocracies can make quick decisions.” (48)

As we grow ever closer to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know there is trouble ahead in this world. Yet, if we stay true to God He will give us the ability to stand even in days of great evil. Ephesians 6:13-18 tell us, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

This issue of the newsletter marks a special milestone for our ministry. This is the 40th anniversary edition of the Last Trumpet Newsletter. The very first issue was written in late May 1981 and published that same year in the month of June by Pastor David J. Meyer. The first recipients were two hundred names and addresses selected from the phonebook. From this humble beginning, the ministry sprang forth, and we are immensely thankful that God has sustained this work for four decades. My father would be thrilled to know that this ministry continues on even eleven years after his passing. We are grateful for your generosity and support. As always, if you have any prayer requests, we invite you to send them our way. We always give each prayer request individual attention. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Samuel David Meyer


This newsletter is made possible by the kind donations of our supporters. If you would like to help us, you may send your contribution to our postal address or donate online at http://lasttrumpetnewsletter.org/donate.


Acknowledgments

01. Smithsonian Magazine, January/February 2018, By Charles C. Mann, http://smithsonianmag.com.

02. Project Syndicate, September 10, 2019, By Frank Gotmark and Robin Maynard, http://projectsyndicate.org.

03. Ibid.

04. Ibid.

05. World Population Clock, May 27, 2021, http://worldometers.info.

06. Vox, August 20, 2019, By Kelsey Piper, http://vox.com.

07. The New York Times, May 22, 2021, By Damien Cave, Emma Bubola, and Choe Sang-Hun, http://nytimes.com.

08. Ibid.

09. Ibid.

10. Ibid.

11. Ibid.

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. The New York Times, May 12, 2021, By Sui Lee-Wee, http://nytimes.com.

15. Ibid.

16. Global Times, May 11, 2021, By GT Staff Reporters, http://globaltimes.cn.

17. Ibid.

18. Associated Press, April 28, 2021, By The Associated Press, http://apnews.com.

19. The New York Times, March 4, 2021, By Melissa B. Kearney and Phillip B. Levine, http://nytimes.com.

20. CNBC, May 5, 2021, By Rich Mendez, http://cnbc.com.

21. Statista, February 17, 2021, By Aaron O’Neill, http://statista.com.

22. Money Under 30, March 12, 2019, By Amy Bergen, http://moneyunder30.com.

23. WFAA News, May 18, 2021, By Liz Crawford, http://wfaa.com.

24. Ibid.

25. Ibid.

26. The Cultural Research Center, May 12, 2021, By Dr. George Barna, http://georgebarna.com.

27. Unherd, May 21, 2021, By Suzannah Lipscomb, http://unherd.com.

28. Ibid.

29. Ibid.

30. Ibid.

31. Ibid.

32. Elle Magazine Australia, October 16, 2020, By Mahalia Chang, http://elle.com.au.

33. Ibid.

34. Ibid.

35. Ibid.

36. Ibid.

37. Religion News Service, December 22, 2020, By Emily McFarlan Miller, http://religionnews.com.

38. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 28, 2021, http://cdc.gov.

39. Science Magazine, May 14, 2021, By Jesse D. Bloom, et al, http://sciencemag.org.

40. Fox News, May 16, 2021, By Stephen Sorace, http://foxnews.com.

41. Just the News, May 20, 2021, By Nicolas Sherman, http://justthenews.com.

42. Just the News, May 20, 2021, By John Solomon, http://justthenews.com.

43. The Washington Examiner, May 22, 2021, By Jerry Dunleavy, http://washingtonexaminer.com.

44. NBC News, May 26, 2021, By Shannon Pettypiece, http://nbcnews.com.

45. Associated Press, May 11, 2021, By AP Staff, http://apnews.com.

46. Axios, May 17, 2021, By Dion Rabouin, http://axios.com.

47. Associated Press, April 28, 2021, By Vladimir Isachenkov, http://apnews.com.

48. Fox News, May 29, 2021, By Morgan Phillips, http://foxnews.com.


To learn more about the history of our ministry and our founder, Pastor David J. Meyer, please visit http://pastormeyer.org.

If you would like to submit a prayer request, you may send email to prayer@ltmmail.org or mail it to our postal address.

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