The articles presented on this site frequently mention Christians having to survive the time of the tribulation. This period is to be during the time of the mark of the beast or 666. Rev 13:5&18, describes its duration as lasting 42 months. For those who refuse 666, physically surviving without the ability to buy or sell, for such a prolonged period of time, will require much faith as well as much preparation. There are many references in the book of Revelation proclaiming that Christians who refuse 666 and die will still be victorious in Jesus, as will those Christians who also physically prepare to survive. According to 1 Thes 4:16-17, there will be survivors when Jesus returns. There are many ways one could accomplish this, but remember, the time of 666 will be a time when true Christians will have to hide or be killed. The place of hiding might be in a cave, in a place far in the wilderness, in a bunker, on an island, or even under a city. Christians will be hunted like criminals. A bounty may even be offered on the lives of those who refuse the mark; Rev 12:17. And betrayal could come from one's own family and friends; Lk 21:16. Many Christians quote Jesus from Mt 6:34, saying not to worry about tomorrow. Certainly worry accomplishes nothing. Jesus did however say in Mt 24:45, to be watchful and prepared. Heb 11:17 further defends preparation saying, Noah being warned by God, prepared the ark. And Jas 2:14 & 20 says it profits a person nothing to have faith without works, further stating that faith without works is dead. Preparation for survival will differ slightly, depending on which method you choose. For each, there are several things to consider, such as location, food, clothing and supplies. The location selected should be remote and have a good source of drinkable water. The climate should also be one that is not too hot or cold for survival, with the appropriate gear. Food must be nutritionally balanced and require little or no preparation. Clothing and supplies must be camouflaged, light-weight, durable, and functional. Which ever way of survival one may choose, there should be extensive research done on the subject. The information offered in this article is only meant to assist with possible survival. Surviving while in hiding is harder than ever before, but not impossible. Satellites can locate most anything above or below the ground, but their use to locate individuals is limited. As satellites scan the earth, images caught are limited to camera shots of several miles at a time. Even if these satellites can easily capture the image of an individual, this is only done if there is a specific reason. This would require a recognizable pattern of movement or some other source of information about one’s whereabouts. One suggested method for avoiding satellite detection is to stay in one place for no more than a few hours at a time. The material “Mylar” can be used to deflect body heat that some satellites use for imagery. Wearing clothes that mask one's heat signature may also detur the ability of soldiers equiped with infrared goggles to detect one's location. A poncho could be constructed of a Mylar inner lining with an outer camouflaged material. Though satellite video and image gathering is certainly a threat that one should take into consideration, it is slow and insufficient in finding people in hiding. Thus, one should prepare more for avoiding ground troops, trained hunting dogs, and robotic scanning devices which are commonly enlisted by the military and law enforcement for locating missing persons and wanted criminals. If surface survival is chosen there are several suggestions to consider, such as the location selected for hiding and what foods, clothing, and supplies to carry and store. If one chooses to move around on the surface, food will have to be stored and hidden in a way that is easily accessible. Food could be stored in 42, six gallon containers. Each container could hold a one month supply of food. They could be buried ahead of time, in separate holes that are camouflaged to disguise their location. Forests are perfect for this. The ground cover of a forest is more suitable for using to camouflage a covered hole. Also included in each hole buried, should be any desired monthly supplies such as soap. A container will be needed for this, as well. Landmarks combined with a compass can help to relocate your buried food and supplies. It is vital that you do not forget where they have been buried. A reliable source of water is absolutely necessary for physical survival. FEMA recommends one gallon of water per day for survival purposes. Storing all the required water for 42 months would be too much for hiding, so gathering water will probably be the only choice. A gallon container to carry gathered water will be required for this purpose. To ensure that the water is drinkable, use some form of water purification. The proper clothing for all seasons is a must. I recommend purchasing camouflage coverals that are silent, lightweight, breathable, scent and waterproof. Clothes made of Gortex fabric are perfect for this. One should also purchase several socks and underwear that are very insulating. Underwear could be washed and dried more easily than the outerwear. It could be hung to dry by clipping it to one’s backpack while walking. Make sure that everything is camo, even your underwear. Other clothing recommendations are for rain gear, a face mask, gloves, mosquito wear and boots. Select boots that have solid soles. Lighter boots often have hollow soles, which will not hold up to constant wear over 42 months. Your sleeping bag and backpack must also be camo and of the highest quality. Your sleeping bag should be capable of keeping you comfortable in extreme temperatures. The backpack chosen will have to be very sturdy. It will be supporting all your monthly food and supplies. Of course a backpack with a frame is required for this. This will help to distribute the weight. This weight will be at it’s peak at the beginning of each month and will gradually decrease as food is consumed. Belts and harnesses can also assist with weight distribution. Surface survival requires a good tent. Unfortunately tents leave ground impressions so I recommend using a hammock tent. This will also help to keep you away from ground critters such as snakes and rodents. Battery operated devices should come in very handy. These include a flashlight and bionic ear. A bionic ear is critical to hearing what is approaching before it gets to you. Of course, avoid any devices that could disclose your location, such as a GPS. Other gear recommended include a hatchet, small shovel or trowel, hunting knife, rope, fishing gear and possibly a bow or some kind of weapon. A weapon may come in handy against animal attack. First aid should be considered. One should pack a snake bite kit, gauze, tape, antiseptic, analgesic and anything else that one feels they may have a need for. Just be sure to keep your gear lightweight and compact. Some toiletries would be nice to have, if not essential. Tooth pain is to be avoided, so pack a toothbrush and floss. A bar of soap per month should be enough for all your washing needs. It should be one without scent. Another important recommendation is to pack a sewing kit with super strong thread. Food required to survive 42 months should be well prepared for. Survival bars are not completely sufficient for this. They are more suitable for short-term survival because they do not contain enough food value to sustain a person for such a long period. The Food and Drug Administration recommends at least 2000 calories and 50 grams of protein per day for one average adult. Also recommended are several servings from basically four food groups. Most of us know them as the meat, bread, milk and fruits and vegetables groups. There are many food combinations that could fulfill these food requirements however, due to the nature of this mission, some food combinations would be more logical than others. Food must be as light and compact as possible. Also, whether above or below ground, it would be better to avoid having to cook. Cooking requires heat, which requires fuel. If wood is burned there is smoke. Food that does not require cooking eliminates these complications. That is why I suggest that if a person is not allergic, to eat nuts, wheat germ, powdered milk and dried fruit. Other foods could be substituted, if they can provide the same nutrition as the food being replaced. Different food combinations may be more suitable for one's own needs then what I have suggested. Additional vegetables could be obtained by eating surrounding vegetation in the location one chooses. Also included in this diet, I suggest salt, olive oil, honey and a multi-vitamin. To provide the proper nutrition for one month, one could pour 24 cups, each of nuts, wheat germ, milk and fruit into a six gallon bucket. This totals 96 cups; the amount that a six gallon bucket will hold. Then, the jars of oil honey and vitamins could be placed on top. The final step would be to properly seal each bucket so that they are air-tight. This will protect the food from the environment, pests, and predators. Very importantly, one should begin to consume these foods in their daily diet gradually, before having to survive entirely from them. Abrupt changes in diet most often can cause severe, if not fatal, digestion problems. One should also survey the area and camp in the location selected before actually having to survive on it. Most of the supplies required for the 42 months will also be needed for this. Remember, even during the times of camping to keep hidden. It will be important for you to get to know the location and how it will feel to actually exist there. Gradually practice carrying increased loads in your backpack until you can handle carrying a month of food and supplies at one time. Physical survival will not be for everyone and not everyone who attempts such is guaranteed to succeed. Those who also physically survive will not do it out of cowardice, but out of loyal determination that a remnant will survive. To fulfill the prophecy of Jesus Christ, a remnant must survive and will. Whether you choose to die or to survive, because of your loyalty and faith, you will be working like a soldier for Jesus’ Testimony. We are being called to be soldiers for Christ and a soldier goes into battle, not merely for self-preservation, but for the greater cause.