Around the world, God's people gathered at 44 Feast sites in 29 countries in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Australasia and the Philippines. In this issue of the Living Church News, the "International Corner" is devoted to reports from many of those sites outside North America.
International Feast attendance increased by nearly 9 percent over last year! Our members at our International sites also participated in the Living Church of God Hymnal project through their donations in the blue envelopes. The enthusiasm everywhere was evident. The brethren came together as a real family to keep God's Feast, to learn to better obey Him and to practice His way of life. We experienced genuine joy and love for one another and were uplifted to persevere until the end. This year's Feast of Tabernacles was truly a type of the millennial Sabbath Day—the 1,000 years of rest in the Kingdom of God under the reign of Jesus Christ. Overflowing joy and everlasting peace will soon cover the earth.
One hundred thirty-one brethren from 12 countries celebrated the Feast in the pleasant Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, North Wales. Llandudno sits on a peninsula that looks out to the Irish Sea and back at the rugged mountains of Snowdonia. The region is dotted with prehistoric stone monuments, Roman ruins, medieval castles, peaceful river valleys and quaint country inns. Many commented that the highlights of the Festival were motivating, thought-provoking messages, inspiring music and the kindness and friendliness of the brethren and the townspeople of Llandudno. Many savored the international flavor of the Feast in Wales, the warm fellowship at services and the opportunity for spiritual discussions in the evenings. A singles activity early in the Feast (a tram ride to a hill-top observatory and snack bar) and an outing for families with young children to an adventure park (with souvenir gifts for the children) provided opportunities to get acquainted and build friendships. Many enjoyed the luncheons between services on the Holy Days, and evening activities that included a Bible Study, a banquet, and a Celtic folk dance. A tour through a slate mine, and a concert by a Welsh male voice choir provided moving insights into Welsh history and culture. Bus tours to a seaside model village and a mountain park with a steam train ride offered beautiful views of Wales. A family afternoon in Conway included time to explore a castle, shop and walk the walls of a medieval town. Parting comments of Feastgoers included, "I will leave this Feast much more focused, with a better perspective on Tomorrow's World… This Feast was a dream of a lifetime—physically and spiritually… We are going home on a high… this was a fabulous Feast!"
More than 100 brethren greatly enjoyed celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles to the Eternal in the gorgeous lakeside resort town of Evian, France. Attendees from 14 countries were nourished daily with uplifting spiritual food: encouraging, instructive, and inspiring live messages— given by Messrs. Dibar Apartian, Davy Crockett, Josef Felber and Douglas Winnail—complemented the timely and powerful messages from Mr. Roderick C. Meredith.
Members were thrilled to fellowship with one another and to break bread together for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Exquisite French cuisine, accompanied by cheese and wine, satisfied appetites and provided energy for all the Feast activities, including a day trip to the international city of Geneva, Switzerland; a visit to the historically rich 12th century Castle of Chillon; and educational tours to the Gruyère cheese factory and the Cailler Chocolate Factory in Switzerland.
Evian was truly a millennial setting for the Feast of Tabernacles. God blessed the site with beautiful spring-like weather that embellished the surrounding natural scenery. The stunning Alps, the green valleys where flocks of cows grazed, the blue, calm waters of Lac Léman (the biggest lake in Central Europe), the vineyards and the colorful flowery landscapes all combined to help us learn and prepare to serve in the soon-coming Kingdom of God. Brethren returned home with joy in their hearts, new friendships and plenty of spiritual seed that, with God's help, will become rich fruit in the coming year.
Brethren had a very wonderful Feast in Wewak, Papua New Guinea, at a site located on the beachfront with a refreshing breeze coming in from the Bismarck Sea. There were 64 in attendance, and it was enjoyable and encouraging to see the members and others interested in knowing Gods' Truth taking part all the way throughout the Feast. Brethren heard God's "Master Plan" explained, as well as the meanings of the Feast days and what they stand for in God's plan of salvation. Elder Zig Svalbe, from Mebourne, Australia, visited for three days and gave several inspiring sermons.
In Davao City, Philippines, 69 enthusiastic brethren came together to give their sincere thanksgiving to God. Activities such as children's Bible classes, Bible bowl for all, the senior's night, the singles' event and other programs were meant to bring all Feastgoers closer and in harmony through songs, games together, meals together, knowing each other more and sharing positive knowledge about God's plan and how to cope with trials ahead and endure to the end. As the Festival progressed, brethren experienced beautiful weather, with sea breeze around the clock, well-fed by spiritual food and a nice physical diet. Sermons triggered thoughts about the events that will set the stage for the Millennium, about what constitutes the kingdom, about the good news of the royal family and about the Last Great Day, when most of humanity will be given its first genuine opportunity to learn and know about God's will.
Brethren from the Visayas met at the Cawacsi Training Center in Tacloban City, in the Philippines. Adjacent rooms meant that brethren would always meet when cooking and eating, as well as during services. Forty-one happy faces of industrious people of God convened and listened to the message by Mr. Roderick C. Meredith on opening night. It was clear and direct, reminding all that soon the kingdoms of this world will be under the leadership of God's people who are now building the character of kings and priests. Sermonette men spoke on change of heart, learning to fear God always, being God's jewels and more. Regional Pastor Mr. Rodney King came from the Baguio Feast site, arriving in Tacloban in the middle of the Feast. The brethren were delighted to meet him for the first time. During the Feast, Mr. King gave a public Bible lecture, which seven new contacts attended. The high attendance count was 61.
Members in Vanuatu met to keep the Feast on the island of Malekula. More than 50 men, women and children had a happy time together from the first day of the Feast right through the Last Great Day. Everyone declared it to be a better Feast than in previous years because, for the first time, whole families were able to attend— not just the fathers and maybe a son or two. Brethren met near the village of Orap, and had built a new tabernacle in which to meet. God provided good weather and a good environment, as well as good physical and spiritual food throughout the Feast. Sermon tapes from Headquarters were translated by local deacon Jerry Sam, so everyone could understand, and all were happy with the Feast.
The Feast at Homa Bay, Kenya, in Nyanza Province, was a wonderful experience for the brethren, who all felt this was their best Feast ever in terms of brotherly love, and having "oneness" of spirit together. Ninety-one brethren, including one overseas member and one brother from neighboring Tanzania, completely filled the two hotels provided, and had an unforgettable eight days of spiritual as well as physical food.
Daily sermons by Mr. Ernest Owino, site coordinator, not only discussed the events leading up to Christ's second coming, but also gave a thorough explanation of the three resurrections, and asked the challenging question: "Are we preparing to be teachers in Tomorrow's World?"
As in previous years, special music was provided mostly by the Ndhiwa Choir, which had written many new songs especially for the Feast. It was a great pleasure to hear them in close harmony. Another highlight was the blessing of the children: this year, 20 young ones were blessed by Mr. Owino! Brethren were also treated to a recital of Exodus 20 in Swahili, from memory, by most of the children of the Nairobi congregation— even down to the youngest, about 5 years old!
Once again the children tackled the Activity Book and enjoyed the experience, with prizes for the best three. We also managed to secure some Bibles in the Luo language, and presented them to those brethren who had the most need.
The torrential rain that accompanied most of the brethren on their journeys into Homa Bay soon subsided, leaving the Lake Victoria area looking beautifully green and lush, with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills from the windows of the meeting hall on the second floor of the Prudence Hotel. In their leisure time, many of the brethren would enjoy a stroll into town, and down to the lakeside, where a cool breeze was welcomed in the warm afternoon sunshine.
For various reasons it did not prove possible to visit the local Game Park, or the islands on the lake; however, the brethren (especially the children) were very happy with the alternative, which was to have a special lunch at the nearby Hippo Buck Hotel, and spend the afternoon in the beautiful picnic and recreation area of the hotel. Another treat was the Senior Citizens' Dinner, where good conversation complemented an excellent meal for the five over-60s in attendance.
The hotel staff, owners—and everyone with whom we had dealings in Homa Bay—were very helpful, and were pleased to welcome us there. It was with great sadness that everyone said goodbye and departed after the service on the Last Great Day.
Eighty-two Living Church of God brethren had a wonderful time keeping the Feast in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. Church youth helped prepare the tent and sidewalls, and arranged the chairs properly. This was the first year that members in India had all been able to keep the Feast together in one place, and brethren greatly enjoyed the fellowship. The children were especially happy about the Kids' Activity Adventure Books! Brethren enjoyed every aspect of the feast tremendously, except perhaps the occasional bursts of heavy rain.
The Feast of Tabernacles 2004 was really wonderful and memorable for brethren in Mae Sot, Thailand. There had been almost constant rain, day and night, for nearly three months before the Feast. But the rains stopped just three days before the Feast, and the climate was wonderfully changed in time for 37 brethren and children to be greeted by sunshine and fresh air during the Feast days. Mehm Pho Saw spoke, and interpreted the sermons into three languages—Burmese, Thai and English. Doh Ma and Eh Mu Shi helped with some of the interpreting into Karen language. Phyu Phyu Aye and her team were responsible for special food arrangements and the welfare of the brethren. The men were responsible for decorations, games and other activities. The brethren were very interested in Mr. Meredith's "Opening Night Message" and his "Last Great Day" sermon, as well as the other six audio sermon tapes. The children very much enjoyed the "Kids' Activity Adventure Books." Special hymns and choir services were also joyously sung by the brethren in thanksgiving and praising God.
Brethren enjoyed a special coffee, cold drinks and special meals for children. The brethren also enjoyed the water balloon activity, volleyball games and a biscuit-eating competition, as well as swimming and boating in the lake at the bottom of Tak mountain range near Mae Sot. Everything during the Feast days was truly memorable, and it was indeed the greatest Feast of Tabernacles ever in Thailand.
A total of 74 individuals attended the Feast site in Malaysia this year. Although the majority were from Malaysia, the occasion was also graced by members from Australia, the Philippines and the United States, making the event a "Unity in Diversity" reality.
In Port Dickson, Malaysia, brethren kept the Feast at the Le Paris Hotel, situated along the beachfront, a 90-minute drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The weather did not bode well at the outset, with intermittent rains set on trying to dampen the spirit of the brethren. But, amazingly, from the second day of the Feast right up to the end there was absolutely no rain.
Many members commented on the meaty and diverse nature of the sermons, which touched on such themes as prophecy and Christian living. At the same time, brethren were reminded to get back to basics and focus on displaying a childlike attitude, with the ultimate objective of being ready to fulfill their potential in the Kingdom of God. Site coordinator Mr. Rajan Moses performed three baptisms during the Feast.
While the central focus was on the spiritual aspects of the Feast, there was no let-up in the physical enjoyment in the form of nourishing meals and family-oriented activities. Apart from the barbeque dinner, there were also three other occasions when members got together for a combined luncheon. Also a host of activities were lined up. On one end of the family divide, little children enjoyed games and coloring books and the many gifts that were given out. The youth, on the other hand, had an afternoon out in the hotel's bowling alley. On a separate occasion, a speech club was organized to instill and encourage public speaking among the younger generation. To cap the activities, the brethren were treated to the annual Feast Fun Show, which proved immensely successful. Adding variation and flavor to the show were renditions of a couple of Tamil songs and a Scottish dance. The Feast in Malaysia this year was truly a well-balanced event, with members savoring every morsel of the spiritual and physical blessings with which the Feast site was endowed. Our praise and thanks to our God and Father for His rich and bountiful blessings upon us!
At the Neptune Hotel Beruwala, situated on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, 60km from Colombo, 30 adults and eight children kept the Feast this year, joined by Mr. and Mrs. Dayrell Tanner. Mr. Tanner serves as a minister in Brisbane, Australia; his leadership and company was much appreciated.
God's presence was felt throughout the Feast. Mr. Tanner's live sermonettes and sermons added spice to the variety of recorded sermons. Indeed, brethren received a full spiritual plate appropriate to each day's planned activity. The occasional shower never interrupted any outdoor activities. The physical blessings were great. Brethren enjoyed the delicious food spread on the buffet tables with great variety, prepared by the hotel during the entire Feast. The atmosphere was one of unity, warmth, joy and peace. The commitment and contribution of brethren in the organization of the Feast program was very much appreciated and encouraging.
Amongst the highlights were the special music provided at services by the youth, and a song written by Kumar De Silva titled, "We are the Children of God," sung by the talented members of the congregation. The brethren were enriched with a Bible Study and a few new hymns learned from Mr. Tanner. Outdoor activities consisted of a cricket match and a Family Day filled with fun and games. Little gifts were distributed to all brethren after the Family Day. A quickly planned outing to the historical Galle Fort a further 60km towards the south, was enjoyed by the brethren who also visited a turtle hatchery on the way. The Youth Day ended with a dance spiced with indoor games and good music.
The brethren applauded the dancing talents of all ages—and of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner, who taught the locals an Australian specialty. The juniors served the seniors at the luncheon on the Senior Citizens' Day, backed by some fine calypso music provided by the hotel. The variety of talents bestowed by God upon His little flock in this part of the world was amply demonstrated at the Talent Show, highlighted by a skit, short drama, dancing, singing and electronic organ playing. Frequent visits to the swimming pool by both the kids and adults, when time permitted, were also fun. Parting at the end of the Last Great Day was somewhat sad, but the joy of the next Feast is yet at hand.
In Australia, brethren kept the Feast at Batemans Bay, located at the mouth of the Clyde River on the south coast of New South Wales. A total of 175 brethren from throughout Australia, along with visitors from South Africa, New Zealand and the United States, had a most rewarding and uplifting eight days of sermons, fellowship and activities during which God's spirit was very evident.
For the first four days, the spiritual food was served by site coordinator Mr. Michael Gill and visiting elder (from Columbia, Missouri, USA) Mr. William Oswald. Sermons were given on "Catching The Vision Of The Kingdom," "Two Different Worlds Of Attitude" and "Learning Our Role as Peacemakers." Ministerial reinforcements arrived on the fifth day, in the form of Regional Director Mr. Bruce Tyler, Mr. Zig Svalbe from Melbourne, and Mr. Ben Whitfield from Wyoming, USA. The brethren heard sermons on "Developing Your Faith," "Accepting Responsibility And Developing Character," "Maintaining The Goal And The Vision Of The Millennium" and "The True Meaning Of The Last Great Day." Pre-recorded sermons by Mr. John Ogwyn, and the opening and closing sermons by Mr. Roderick C. Meredith, also provided wonderful learning, insight and exhortation for all present.
Throughout the Feast, a feeling of love, unity, friendship and giving was evident. Special functions were held for the children, the singles and the older brethren. The children enjoyed an afternoon of fun on the beach, the singles had a fellowship meal at a local restaurant and the older brethren came together for an afternoon of fellowship and food. A family night was held where the "Behind the Work" DVD was shown, followed by an evening of games. Many talented members performed at the Talent Night, entertaining the brethren with delightful singing and music. The Feast concluded on a high note with many brethren wishing they could have continued for another eight days.
Taupo, nestled in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, was again a site where brethren gathered for God's Feast of Tabernacles. Local members were joined by guests from the United States, Canada and Australia, bringing total attendance up to 70.
The area offers truly millennial physical surroundings, with clear lake waters backed by green hills and snow-covered mountains. Because it is the spring season in the southern hemisphere, newborn lambs were in abundance on the hills, and a cherry tree adjacent to the venue entrance opened its full blossoms during the Feast.
Sermon messages by visiting elders Messrs. Gaylyn Bonjour, Dana Glatz and Ben Whitfield were warmly welcomed. A thread running through their sermons was that we need to be committed to preparing for our role in Christ's coming kingdom, while fully trusting in our all-powerful, faithful God. All attendees rejoiced in the announcement that Elijah Sale had been baptized part way through the Feast. Elijah may be the Church's only Samoan member.
We enjoyed good weather throughout the Feast, without hindrance to activities. On one occasion a rain squall approached across the lake, but then skirted around the town, allowing a game of mini-golf to continue.
Feastgoers enjoyed such activities as a tour of the Aratiatia Rapids and Craters of the Moon thermal area, jet boat rides, trout fishing and hiking. Those who ventured further afield were able to visit the city of Napier, famed for its art-deco architecture and wine trails, or Rotorua with its trout springs and farm shows. Singles' outings involved indoor rock-climbing and ten-pin bowling, while seniors were treated to a champagne breakfast. A games evening involved a hilarious game of Play-Dough Pictionary, a Bible quiz and supper. During a family afternoon, many were able to enjoy the pastimes of cricket and petanque, with tag-football and Frisbee occupying the more active. The Feast of Tabernacles in Taupo certainly fulfilled its God-given purpose of teaching all a greater awe of our Heavenly Father and an appreciation of His plan of salvation.
Brethren enjoyed the spring weather in a millennial setting in the southwestern coastal town of Glentana, South Africa. If Feast success can be measured by smiles, the score in Glentana was 117! This is an attendance increase of approximately 17 percent over last year.
From day one, the Feast was packed with spiritual meat and physical enjoyment. Ministers in attendance, including a visitor from New Jersey, gave inspiring sermons covering subjects such as spiritual metamorphosis, rewards for God's people and what the Millennium will be like.
On Friday, October 1, the senior citizens were treated to a special lunch. Several younger married couples served their older brethren to make the afternoon a good time to fellowship and relax. Double services on the Sabbath were followed by an evening of laughter, when the young and young at heart were treated to an animated movie. The family day followed on Sunday in the form of a barbeque. The children played games and won prizes; even teenagers partook with much enthusiasm. Double services on Monday were followed by a free day on Tuesday, giving all the opportunity to explore the numerous tourism sites the area has to offer. Early in the morning of the free day, five new members were added and welcomed into God's Church. Later in the day, a group of about 25 people went whale and shark watching off the coast of Mossel Bay. After a rainy Last Great Day, all went their separate ways, but with the same vision: God's soon-coming Kingdom.
Approximately 125 of God's people from Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Chile and the United States, gathered at the beautiful Los Cocuyos resort in Huatusco, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.
The beautiful spirit of Christian love, fraternity and camaraderie—in addition to the outstanding accommodations— made this Feast one of the most beautiful and significant for many who attended.
God provided abundant spiritual food, guiding us strongly in the spiritual vision of the Kingdom and to endure "as seeing Him who is invisible." The spiritual nourishment was complemented by messages helping the brethren deepen their love for our future husband, Jesus Christ.
Festival activities included various sports and sightseeing activities, as well as a bonfire organized by the Mexico City brethren and a "Mexican Night" with typical country cuisine and live music— including some songs performed by the local brethren.
There was one baptism during the Feast. With joy and happiness in our hearts the brethren in Huatusco welcomed a new sister to the body of Christ.
The Mexican brethren did a wonderfully professional job handling the technical and logistical coordination of the Feast site. They took care of the smallest details to make services and every activity take place with the highest quality. Those who attended in Huatusco will remember their help for years to come. But the glory and honor belong to God the Father and Jesus Christ, from whom we received the invitation and all the spiritual and emotional help that we needed to make this Feast one of the most beautiful Feasts of Tabernacles and Last Great Day that we have ever celebrated.
A small and friendly group of 22 brethren kept the Feast in Merida, Venezuela. The intimate size of the group encouraged fraternal warmth and great enthusiasm, exhibited especially during services. The sermons and the sermonettes were received with much attention, and prompted comments expressing the need of putting into practice all of God's teachings.
The Feast site was a hotel surrounded by approximately 30 cabins in a beautiful forest within the Sierra de la Culata National Park, which is part of the Andes mountain range. Both the cabins and the hotel had a full range of amenities. During the evenings, brethren enjoyed the heat of the wood fireplaces, as the temperature was extremely low at night. God provided good weather with cool and sunny days. Feastgoers enjoyed a change in weather from the moment they raised their prayers during the opening service.
Perhaps the most enjoyable activity during the Feast was the trip to Sierra Nevada on the Merida cable car, which begins at 5,174 feet above sea level at one end of the city, and ends 7.8 miles later at Pico de Espejo, 15,633 feet above sea level. During the trip, the climate changes rapidly, first through a tropical forest, over impressive precipices, before the plant life changes as altitude increases and a plant known as the "frailejón," believed to have great medicinal value, predominates. Finally, after passing several lagoons, travelers arrive at the perpetual snow and the glaciers of Pico Bolivar, the highest peak of Venezuela (16,427 feet), visible on clear days from the last two cable car stations.
An evening Bible Study, the blessing of the little children on the Last Great Day, a trip through the La Culata Paramo and a visit to the city of Merida completed the activities for a wonderful Feast.
Brethren in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala enjoyed a pleasant and moderate climate made even more comfortable by the human warmth of the brethren—those from Guatemala as well as those visiting from abroad. Truly this was a millennial Feast site, in a fitting place— quiet, hospitable, surrounded by mountains and three imposing volcanoes, pure air and temperate climate. Feastgoers heard edifying sermons from Mr. Mario Hernandez, Director of the Spanish Work, and by Mr. Antonio Mora, visiting from San Francisco, California, USA.
Events included a children's party that gave great joy to young and old alike, and a hike to one of the mountains s u r rounding Antigua. Many found the hike a challenge, but appreciated the rewards of pure air and the view from the mountaintop, which afforded a majestic view of the city and the imposing volcán de Agua. A special joy during the Feast was the baptism of a new sister into the body of Christ. One Feastgoer from Miami commented, "This has been the most spiritual and friendly Feast which we have had in 28 years."
Thirty brethren kept the Feast in Georgetown Guyana, at the Woodbine Hotel. Messages encouraged the brethren to strive for the Kingdom of God. Everyone present enjoyed hearing from Mr. Meredith via video, as well as hearing from visiting elder Mr. Donald Roach.
Brethren enjoyed a wide range of activities. Services one day were held at a nearby water park, where afterwards there was swimming as well as kayaking and pedal boat riding. There were also trips to the zoo and botanical gardens. Feastgoers also enjoyed a game of cricket at a picnic in the sports arena. The brethren in Guyana showed all, once again, that they are a warm and loving group.
—Compiled from reports by Dibar Apartian, Sergio Carvajal, Jr., Felipe Casing, Peter Devis, Raj Kumar, Kinnear Penman, Frank Reckerman, Donald Roach, Sergio Roca, Jerry Sam, Mehm Pho Saw, George Schaubeck, John Soosay, Peter Watson, Ian West and Douglas S. Winnail.