On April 13, the British Telegraph (one of London’s major papers) reported on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) assertion that stocks in the U.S., United Kingdom, China, and Europe could lose 20% of their value over the next two years. Can you even imagine what that will do to your retirement plan?

I used to feel like the cartoon character carrying a sign with an ominous message on front and back: “Prepare: The End is Near.” I’m not alone anymore. Famous money man Jim Rodgers said, “Be prepared, be worried, and be careful.” He told the media, “Eventually, the whole world is going to collapse.” He declared, “This is going to end badly.” That’s what I’ve been saying, but few have listened; even some loved ones thought I had run off the rails.

In 2009, the Telegraph warned in a headline for everyone to prepare for potential global collapse within the next two years. That was “global” collapse and while the date was wrong, you can count on the reality taking place. And some of my friends suggest that I am an extremist! Yes, I have said that panic (an out-of-control response to economic collapse) was coming to the U.S., not because I am a prophet but because I connect the dots. Moreover, I expect the panic on Wall Street to reach Main Street where chaos will reign.

Need I remind you that the U.S. is about 19 trillion dollars in debt? However, that is not exactly correct when you add the unfunded liabilities of Social Security, Medicare and veterans pensions. Totaled, the amount of the national debt is about 120 trillion dollars!

One hundred twenty trillion dollar bills laid end to end would reach to the sun and back about 62 times. And you thought you had debt problems! Well, you do, because a massive portion of that debt is on your back and your children’s backs, and your grandchildren’s backs.

Economic analyst Michael Snyder declared that a financial collapse is imminent “within the next six months.” The choir is getting so loud, but I’m afraid few are listening.

Americans and Canadians should prepare for very difficult days ahead. If you are planning on Social Security or even a corporate pension to support you, you may be standing on a bridge of mist.  

I suggest that everyone develop a second profession or trade. A lawyer should learn to install carpet; a physician should learn to refinish furniture; a teacher should learn plumbing; a salesman should learn small engine repair. And everyone should put out a garden — and not only for health reasons.

Make plans now to get out of debt personally and corporately. Churches should start debt retirement projects. If I were a pastor of a church that owned multi-acres, I would seriously consider selling a few acres to pay off the debt and delay the erection of a new building. Of course, churches can’t put every building program on hold and not make moves that circumstances require, but I would move very carefully.

If (when) total financial collapse comes, the cities will be madhouses, so make plans to get your family to safety — that means at least 20-30 miles from a metropolitan area. Property values are still reasonable in small towns and a wise investment might be to buy a rental that you could move to when dangerous times arrive. Or you could buy a lot on a lake or a mountain side and put a mobile home on it. You could always rent it or retire there if the future is rosy.

In 2005 I wrote that in a few years eight or 10 family members would live in the same house because of difficulty in renting or buying a house. I wrote, “Older people will live with their married children and grandchildren — three generations in the same house… Few people will drive a new car and vacations will be short, or non-existent. People will once again learn to ‘make do’ with what they have.” We are almost there!

DUMPies have “confidence in the system” and think, “Sure, everything will work out all right.” But their faith is in the wrong place and faith without works is dead.

It would be prudent to purchase some freeze-dried food from some survival outfit and a few five gallon cans of beans and rice. You should also have many gallons of water packed away for an emergency. Most people think such suggestions are extremist, but not so. Our grandparents would not have considered having empty pantries. After all, disasters do happen, don’t they? A wise person plans for all contingencies as much as is possible. And trusts God with the rest.

If there is a financial collapse, you can count on a breakdown of law and order. Surely there is no question about that. In event of riots, it would be wise to have a couple of guns and ammo available. What? A Christian shooting someone? Yes, if a mob kicks down my door, be assured that they will be shot. Then I will expect a commendation from the governor for doing a favor to all people in Georgia! It is very “Christian” to protect your family.

My view of the immediate future is that it will be rough with a very “hard row to hoe,” but that doesn’t mean not trusting and resting in the Lord — which doesn’t mean not planting a garden. We must live in the here and now, and Christians would be wise to plan for “hard times” because hard times are coming. What will you do when chaos happens? 

Of course, there are massive financial, immigration, and political problems in France, England, Germany, Italy, Greece, etc. Dark clouds cover most of the world indicating a storm is coming. Make reasonable preparations, and lash yourself to the mast. Don’t be a DUMPie.

Troubles, tests, trials, and tribulations are ahead but I can see the Sonlight through the gloom. Finally, remember, Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Dr. Don Boys is a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives; ran a large Christian school in Indianapolis, wrote columns for USA Today for eight years; authored 15 books and hundreds of columns and articles for Internet and print media publications; defended his beliefs on hundreds of talk shows. These columns go to newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations and may be used without change from title through the end tag. His web sites are www.cstnews.com and www.Muslimfact.com and www.thegodhaters.com. Contact Don for an interview or talk show. Twitter, and visit his blog.