La Soufrière is a volcanic mountain in St Vincent in the Caribbean. It has erupted about five times since 1718, with the most recent one in April 2021.

La Soufrière is the highest peak on Saint Vincent at 1,234 m (4,049 ft). The worst eruption was in 1902 when it killed over one thousand people. The last eruption was in 1979 where it caused more than $100 million in damage to the island.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the southeast Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. St Vincent is 142 square miles with a population of approximately 110,211 inhabitants. (Wikipedia.org)

In December 2020, this dormant volcano suddenly sprang to life when it began to rumble and spewing out steam and smoke.

Recently, since the past week, a lava dome became visible on the mountain top. The Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, of St Vincent ordered more than 16,000 residents in “red zones” to evacuate. They were taken on board cruise ships and to safer parts of the island.

The seismologists from the University of the West Indies confirmed that an “explosive eruption” was under way. Since then the volcano has spewed dark ash plumes 6 km (3.7 miles) into the air.

Almost 10% of St Vincent’s total population lived in the red zone and have to be evacuated. People are fearful and some are even panicking as the rumbling of the volcano continues. (BBC.com)

Volcano in general reminded me of when the children of Israel left the land of Egypt and came to Mount Sainai. The Lord told Moses to sanctify the people in preparation for His visit on the mount.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord. (Exodus 19:9)

Before the Lord descended upon the mountain, boundaries were established around the mountain to prevent the people from entering the red zone where the presence of the Lord was potent. The Lord warned that if they cross the boundaries they would die.

And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. (Exodus 19:16)

When the Lord descended upon the mountain, Moses brought the sanctified people at the foot of the mountain to meet with God. But the people were terrified because the mountain quaked tremendously and was filled with smoke like a furnace.

When the Lord spoke, His voice was like a roaring thunder that escalated louder and louder and the people trembled even more. Thus, God called only Moses to the top of the mountain to speak to him.

God spoke the words of the ten commandments to Moses on top of the mountain (Exodus 20)

The terrified people fled from the awesome sight on the mountain and begged Moses to speak to them and they will listen instead of God. The people feared that if God spoke to them directly they would die.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. (Exodus 20:20,24)

Modern-day Seismologists would say that what the people experienced at mount Sinai was a volcanic eruption but for us who believe the authenticity of the Bible know that it was indeed the presence of God on the mountain.

Historically, there have not been any known record of biblical Mount Sinai being a volcano. if indeed there was some activities in the past it was not during the time of the exodus.

The erupting volcano in St Vincent may not necessarily mean that the presence of God is on the mountain but I do believe that all natural disasters are warning from the Lord.

Watched YouTube video of the disaster.

Therefore, let us pray for the people of St Vincent to repent and seek refuge in the sanctuary of God. I pray that they will not be fearful but recognize that the trials are to prove them and to know their hearts to God.

I pray that they will find peace in the midst of the rumbling knowing that God will protect them from the fallen debris of this volcano.

I pray that the leaders and government of St Vincent will be strengthened with wisdom to make the right decisions during this crucial time. I pray that the people who have lost their jobs and are presently displaced will be adequately provided for.

I pray that no lives will be lost and the volcanic activity will subside and return dormant. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

Amen

Read more about the eruption in the New York Times.

Update

This Tuesday morning, April13, 2021, around 6am the volcano erupted again spewing thick ashes thousands of feet in the air.

May God have mercy on the people. 🌋🙏🙏