2000 and Beyond.
More recently some have sent to the AAACF office information
or tapes concerning the year 2000. Two points of view were expressed. The
first is that nothing very much will happen. The second, it’s more serious
than you think and we should prayerfully consider the probable implications.
From the information received it seems there are 500 or so
different ways to program a computer to carry out a function. These ways
are called languages. Fifty or forty years ago computer programming became
an occupation. Many of those programs were anticipated by their programmers
to be superseded long before the year 2000 but this has not always happened.
As computer memory was limited in those early days short cuts were taken,
reducing the full date being one of them. The computer hardware may be
updated but if the previous programs were satisfactory at the time then
the basics have often been used in new software and equipment. Those programs
which do not have a full date system might now cease to function correctly
or even close down on 1st January 2000.
It would be time consuming and very expensive to vet all
the older programs looking for date and time controls. The future is unknown
but most of the information received suggested the wise should be prudent
and prepare for the worst. The thoughts expressed by most consider this
might be the start of a world catastrophe but others suggested that passing
through the year 2000 may be insignificant, no one seems to be sure. Some
airlines, we are told, will not fly on 1st January 2000 which might also
imply that personal caution and protection should be a consideration.
One speaker called for Christians to anticipate world problems
ahead which might effect everyone. Power cuts, lack of heat, fuel, food,
loss of records of bank transactions and legal papers including such items
as ownership of ones house and car. He suggested photo copying all legal
papers and bank accounts as a priority. Individually he suggested we consider
the welfare of the family. How long will our water and food supplies last
for? Do we have enough? Is there a secondary heating system? Do we have
money in the home in a safe place as banks and food shops may be closed
for sometime. He also recommend obtaining a first aid kit and basic medical
books.
Our appreciation to all those who took the time to pass on
such detailed and helpful information to us.
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