“Scientists warn that parts of southern Africa already hit by record droughts now face another potential food crisis because [of] the invasion of a crop-eating pest, known as the ‘fall armyworm’” (BBC, February 14, 2017). Experts are unsure of how this caterpillar, native to the Americas, arrived in Africa, and the pest has arrived following two years of drought. “South Africa, the region’s biggest maize producer, has confirmed the destruction of crops from the pest in six different provinces.

China “accounted for a third of Asia’s military spending in 2016 and was looking to sell more arms abroad, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said… On air power, China ‘appears to be reaching near-parity with the West,’ IISS said, adding that Chinese-made drones had been seen in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia” (Deutsche Welle, February 14, 2017). Russia is also becoming more aggressive in its military role across the globe.

The summer of 2017 could see historic changes in Europe. The Brits will begin their exit from the EU, and “the Netherlands, France and Germany are holding general elections this year, in which populist anti-EU parties are expected to make strong showings” (The Telegraph, February 11, 2017).

We all make mistakes, but no one wants to be remembered just for their mistakes. Martha is no exception. This reminds us of the old adage: “live and learn.” In the October 19, 2016 “Woman to Woman” article, "Martha: Distracted or Disciple?", we read about Martha’s being distracted by the responsibilities of being hospitable in first-century Jewish culture.