THE LAST DAYS: THE DOOMSDAY CAMPERS

Words by fayemi shakur | Images by Akintola Hanif

May 21, 2011 is Judgment Day, according to a group of Christians known as the Doomsday Campers. For months the church members have been traveling across the United States and other parts of the world with a warning. The group believes 2011 is the year of the Rapture, when a massive earthquake will take place and all true believers will finally go to heaven. All non-believers will be left behind to suffer 153 days of ‘death and horror’ before the world allegedly ends on October 21.

Based on their calculations, the flood of Noah's day occurred in the year 4990 B.C., 'exactly' 7000 years ago. God told Noah he had seven days before the flood would begin. The Bible says a day for God is like a thousand human years so the Doomsday people figure seven 'days' equals 7000 human years from the time of the flood, making 2011 the year of the rapture.

The Doomsday Campers believe recent political unrest, natural disasters, gay pride and economic turmoil are proof that the end of the world is near. Other people think the end is coming in 2012.

It’s hard for most people to even imagine: the end of days. So let’s consider it a wake up call. Despite the Doomsday Campers’ predictions we’ll still be here next month and come 2025 - if we’re lucky. If we’re lucky, we’ll escape yet another hell and finally have the wisdom to create a better place on earth by starting right where we are. If we are wise, we’ll listen to each other, no matter how disturbing or uncomfortable our stories are, we’ll seek equality for people who have less, compassion for people who get none and understanding for people who are labeled unworthy. We’ll create a world where we see the beauty in what is called ugly and light in those who live in shadow. Yeah we’re pretty sure it’s not the end, cuz for us it’s just the beginning. Now what? HYCIDE: 150.