If we are to believe the words of Family Radio, a non-profit organisation based in California in the United States, the world as we know it will come to an end May 21, 2011.

The non-denomination Christian organisation with its headquarters in Oakland, California, has been making a worldwide effort to warn people that the coming of Christ is closer than they may think.

Representatives from the organisation recently visited the island handing out tracts, warning of the impending disaster which is to befall the earth in 2011.

The pamphlet warns that the day of judgement is real and will come to pass on that specific date which is exactly 7000 years after the Lord first destroyed the earth with water. The handout says the Lord will destroy the world on that date because of the sins of mankind. The organisation believes the bible does provide an exact date for the coming of Christ as well as details of his destruction plan. It warns that this is the time to cry out for mercy to God.

The pamphlet says the floods, which destroyed the earth before, occurred in 4990 BC and continues in the year 2011 AD, exactly 7000 years after that event. It says, "The bible has given us absolute proof that the year 2011 is the end of the world..."

biblical calendar

It also adds, "May 21, 2011 is the 17th day of the second month of the biblical calendar of our day. Remember the flood waters also began on the 17th day of the second month in the year 4990 BC."

Though these missionaries seem convinced that the world will be destroyed on that date, one local pastor has dismissed the prophecy, saying it should not even warrant attention. Reverend Karl Johnson, General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union said, "They would not be the first to attempt to predict the mind of God. It doesn't warrant our attention. The bible implores us to be ready and I, nor any of my colleagues, I'm sure, do not have an inside track to the mind of God."

One Christian woman agreed with Reverend Johnson. She said the date of Christ's coming was unimportant as the Bible warns that we must be ready at all times. She said, "They quoted Second Peter 3 verse eight, but they ignored verse 10, which says the Lord will come like a thief in the night. This might just be like in 2000 when they said it was the end and what happened? nothing."

Another Jamaican was also dismissive, but said even though this prophecy may not be valid, it is not an excuse to not prepare for the coming of the Lord. He said, "I think its something like what happen on the 31st of December 1999 when it was said the world was gonna end! This ain't nothing new, and perhaps its just some person who want attention from the media coming up with this. But this isn't an excuse not to prepare yourself for any day. God can come anytime, who is man to pinpoint a specific day? "