Hundreds of letters, cards and e-mail messages have arrived since the mailing of Dr. Meredith's first letter—to a limited number of brethren—stating the need to “start again” after the actions of the Board of Directors in the Global Church of God.
The general theme in almost every letter is that Dr. Meredith “is the human leader” chosen by God to carry on the Work started through Herbert W. Armstrong. That they indeed heard the “shepherd’s voice” through Dr. Meredith. The support is overwhelming in favor of Dr. Meredith’s decision to start anew. Many have acknowledged the nearly 50 years of faithful service and the many trials endured by Dr. Meredith because of his steadfast faithfulness, and find that the Work being done through him is of God. Another interesting theme that ran throughout many of the comments was the parallel to Korah’s rebellion! A few comments, reflecting members’ individual perspectives, are found below:
From the Tacoma/Seattle, Washington area:
“There are approximately 55-60 here who are solidly behind you, fully convicted that this is the Church of God and the Work of God, and that God’s leadership through Dr. Meredith is a given. We’re anxious to do what is needed to stay together and beseech God for His spiritual direction for the Church.”
From Dickson, TN:
“It boggles my mind to think that men... I have respected and trusted in the past would do what they have done. But such an action as they have taken can only be likened to Korah’s rebellion against Moses. It is unethical, ungodly, and they will have no support from me o r my family.”
From Albion, New York:
“It seems to me there’s nothing new in this latest ‘REBELLION,’ only the names have changed.... It’s all about government—who has the authority and who wants the authority. This is open rebellion, pure and simple.”
From Walker, LA:
“Ironically, this month (Nov., ‘98) I received my tithe check back from Global because I had forgotten to sign the check. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.”
From Oakhurst, CA:
“Well, here we go again. Hang on to the Truth, it’s going to be another bumpy ride.”
From the San Antonio, Texas area: “It is exciting to see God work! The Church has just undergone another cleansing.... Satan hates this Work and he will do whatever he can to stop it. I am thankful God has provided a faithful and strong leader to work through. This would be such a serious trial had you not been at the helm Mr. Armstrong left to you.”
From Overton, TX:
“I am writing you to let you know my disapproval of the actions taken by the Board in removing you from leading the Church. I find this to be an act of rebellion against the very one God used to raise up this Work and I do mean Work, and also against God.”
From Switzerland, Florida:
“It has been no mystery to us who God is doing His Work through.... God is not a god of chaos and confusion.... We hung onto our tithes and offerings when we became aware of the crisis and are now sending them to you.”
“My immediate family, along with ten other members, left Worldwide. Without missing one Sabbath, we went to Global. It was obvious that you were teaching and practicing the proper form of Church government and of course teaching the plain truth as God has revealed to His people.”
From Richardson, Texas:
“We believe wholeheartedly, Mr. Meredith, that God has placed you in a spiritual office of powerful, commanding LEADERSHIP in His Church, and anyone choosing to assault that office will need more than bylaws in his defense, because it will be the mighty GOD OF ALL CREATION and His Son the KING of kings to Whom they will have to answer!”
From Merrill, Wisconsin:
“We would have gone to one or another group if we didn’t believe that God has set up government from the top down. Also after very intense independent and group Bible study of Acts 15, everyone, including the three people doing continuing research, find it very hard to come up with government by committee.”
From Roseville, CA:
“I was just baptized on November
23; five days later on Sabbath I heard that you and others had left Global. I had not yet read your letter and I did not know what was going on.... As I drove home I prayed and realized the truth.... I want to tell you that before I had seen the World Ahead telecast I had never heard anyone preach with such boldness and truth.... I know that I was baptized at a stressful time, when GCG has just split, but it makes me know all the more that I was not baptized into GCG or any other denomination, but into Jesus Christ.”
From Austin, Texas:
“Wonder how these men will feel when they gather around their “board” table with no support, no money and...no one???”
AND from around the WORLD come an array of comments and support:
From New Zealand:
“Would God oust a loyal, zealous, long-serving leader of His Work in this way? RIDICULOUS!.... We hope and pray that those suffering ‘fuzzy logic’ at this time will come to their senses and see that this is not God's Spirit leading them.”
From Wales:
“...the basic question would appear to be the issue of governance of God’s Church. As I firmly believe that God deals with His people though an established leader and not through a Board of Directors or ‘group rule’ or ‘committee rule’ then I would deem this recent action of some to be against God’s Word and also disrespectful and without honour.”
From Northern Ireland:
“It is with grateful thanks and encouragement that I and my family have received a copy of your emergency letter. Your words are like strengthening links in the whole armour which God has given us.”
From England:
“...you have our full support! We know without a doubt that you are God’s anointed.”
From South Africa:
“It was with shock and disgust that we heard today of the unChristian way you have been treated by your ‘fellow’ Board members. You are very special in God's eyes because once again you have been allowed to suffer wrongfully.... What frightens me is that Satan’s power is so grossly underestimated!”
From Kenya:
“We were all horrified to learn that a few disgruntled, rebellious, ambitious elements at the Church Headquarters in San Diego have ‘thrown’ you out of the Church!.... As the true anointed leader of God’s Church, and since we know how to separate truth from error, we are fully behind you.”
From Barbados:
Let me here state that since you remain committed to the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom to the entire world and that you remain faithful in not changing Christ’s teachings to suit your fancy and you have had no discrediting sinful activities, I am therefore duty bound to remain supportive of your efforts and I offer you my encouragement to continue to do God’s will after all these years of faithful service.”
From the Philippines:
“I have been informed about what happened in Headquarters and also about the rebellious attitude of false brethren around you.... God knows who are His people, and God’s people know who is their God, they hear God’s voice and they follow Him.