Both of my grandparents were called to serve in the Romanian Army during World War II. One endured the hardship of becoming a prisoner of war and, after several years, returned home with stories marked by both suffering and resilience. The other—my mother’s father—never came back. He lost his life in the war when my mother was only two years old. Aside from a few photographs, I know very little about him. No stories. No memories. Just a quiet absence that reminds me of the cost of conflict.
Since those days, our world has continued to experience wars and unrest—some near, some far, yet all deeply impactful. Conflict is never isolated; it reaches beyond borders, affecting not only nations but the entire human family. It disrupts lives, shatters peace, and leaves lasting scars across generations.
While I do not claim to fully interpret current events prophetically, I am convinced that we are living in significant times. Even in a world that longs for peace, stability, and comfort, we are confronted daily with uncertainty. As the years pass, I find myself thinking more about security—personally, locally, and globally—and longing for a future that feels safe and predictable. Yet the constant flow of troubling news can weigh heavily on the heart and spirit.
And still, none of this has taken God by surprise.
Jesus spoke these words with clarity and compassion:
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet… All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6–8).
These events are not God’s desire for humanity, but they are the natural consequences of a broken world. In His love, Jesus chose to prepare us—not to frighten us, but to steady us. Even in the midst of turmoil, His message is clear: “Do not be troubled.”
That invitation challenges our natural fears. It calls us to trust, even when the world feels uncertain. It reminds us that while we cannot control global events, we can choose how we respond within our own sphere of influence—with compassion, faith, and courage.
More than that, Jesus calls us to action. In a world filled with fear, He invites us to become messengers of hope. The greatest sign of His soon return is not war, but the proclamation of the gospel—the good news that God’s kingdom is near, and His peace is still available.
So even as we hear of wars and rumors of wars, we lift our eyes higher, living our lives with purpose, hope, and love. Because this is not the end of the story—it can be the beginning of something far greater.
Titus Naftanaila,
President