Judgment Day would arrive Saturday turned to the Bible

California: Some shut themselves inside to pray for mercy as they waited for the world’s end.

Others met for tearful last lunches with their children, and prepared to leave behind homes and pets as they were swept up to heaven.

And across the globe, followers of a California preacher’s long-publicized message that Judgment Day would arrive Saturday turned to the Bible, the book they believe predicts Earth’s destruction on May 21.

The doomsday message has been sent far and wide via broadcasts and websites by Harold Camping, an 89-year-old retired civil engineer who has built a multi-million-dollar nonprofit ministry based on his apocalyptic prediction.

After spending months traveling the country to put up Judgment Day billboards and hand out Bible tracts, Camping follower Michael Garcia planned to spend Friday evening with his family at home in Alameda, near the Christian media empire’s Oakland headquarters.

They believe it will likely start as it becomes 6 p.m. in the world’s various time zones.

“We know the end will begin in New Zealand and will follow the sun and roll on from there,” said Garcia, a 39-year-old father of six. “That’s why God raised up all the technology and the satellites so everyone can see it happen at the same time.”

Camping’s radio stations, TV channels, satellite broadcasts and website are controlled from a humble building on the road to the Oakland International Airport, sandwiched between an auto shop and a palm reader. Family Radio International’s message has been broadcast in 61 languages.Read More