It’s been just under a year since the catastrophic floods of 29th October 2024, which claimed more than 230 lives across eastern Spain — one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in over three decades. In parts of Valencia, an entire year’s worth of rain fell within just eight hours. Now, history appears to be repeating itself. Between 7-13 October 2025, Storm Alice swept through Castellón, Formentera, Ibiza, Tarragona, and once again Valencia, bringing yet more devastation.
The heavy downpour triggered flash floods that left roads obstructed, homes submerged and infrastructure severely damaged. Firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue people trapped in their cars and homes. In Catalonia, more than a thousand residents were forced to evacuate their homes, while in Montsià, families spent the night in hostels and community centres as floodwaters continued to rise.
While Spain battled the floods, tragedy struck elsewhere. On Friday 10th October, a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Mati in Eastern Davao province, claiming at least two lives, just a week after another tremor shook the city of Cebu.
In Davao del Norte, a bride preparing to walk down the aisle was caught in the chaos as the ground began to shake violently. Guests screamed and fled the church building as pews rattled, windows trembled and decorations swung. Outside, the bride held onto a pillar as the ground moved beneath her feet.
The events have left many asking: what is happening to our world? Are these natural disasters coincidental or signs of something more significant?
The Lord Jesus said: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:7–8)
Even in biblical times, the disciples asked Jesus, “When will the world end?” But His response redirected the focus not to when it would happen, but on how we should prepare spiritually for what is to come.
In Mark 13, Jesus spoke of the end times, saying: “…this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” Today, we see prophecies unfolding frequently — natural disasters, global crises, and uncertainty that remind us just how fragile life is.
But Jesus was clear: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32). In other words, God has chosen not to reveal the exact moment, so that we might live each day in faith and vigilance, caring for our souls and not only when we fear the end is near, but always.
Our focus must remain on what truly matters — salvation and a relationship with God.
Among all the chaos, God continues to offer us a chance to be saved. Perhaps, through these natural events, He is reminding us to turn our attention back to Him.
Join us this Sunday at 10am for the Sunday of Empowerment meeting at your nearest Universal Church. Together, we will partake in the Lord’s Supper, a time to reconnect, and draw closer to God.
Come and experience the peace and strength that only faith can bring, no matter what storms may come.
Event: Sunday of Empowerment meeting
Day and time: Every Sunday at 10am (also at 7:30am)
Location: Your local Universal Church
Sources:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/36974204/philippines-earthquake-bride-wedding/
