Around the world, more than 6,700 Living Church of God brethren gathered to observe the 2005 Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day. The January-February 2006 Living Church News will include reports from sites across the United States and Canada. In this issue, we present reports from other Festival sites across the globe.
Llandudno, N. Wales, United Kingdom
Beautiful sunny skies welcomed 90 brethren from about a dozen different countries to the pleasant seaside Victorian town of Llandudno. Sermons focused on various aspects of the coming Kingdom of God—including preparing to lead, becoming peacemakers and the need to develop wisdom. Misty mornings and a bit of rain did not dampen the warm spiritual fellowship and inspiring special music. Buffet lunches between services on the Holy Days, a folk dance, a medieval banquet of roast lamb, glasses of mead, a harpist and a Welsh choir provided a real taste of Welsh culture. A trip to Carnarvon Castle (the site of Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales) and a ride through the hills on a restored narrow gauge steam train added pleasant dimensions to the Festival activities.
—Douglas Winnail
Albé, France
In the beautiful Alsacian region of France, 170 joyful brethren celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. Strong spiritual meat and drink were provided by Evangelists Dibar Apartian and Douglas Winnail, and brethren also enjoyed the delicious Alsacian provincial cuisine and wines. Alsace is near the German border, and the region has a distinctive culture that has developed from an ancient history. The brethren enjoyed scenic tours of the nearby historic cities of Strasbourg and Colmar. The feast site is just outside the small village of Albé, nestled in the low mountains of the Alsacian wine-growing region. The brethren especially enjoyed touring the local area, which is characterized by rolling vineyards of riesling and gewurtztraminer vines, golden-yellow in their autumn colors. Warm days and cool evenings added to the enjoyment of the local landscape.
—Dexter Wakefield
Homa Bay, Kenya
The Feast of Tabernacles was held for the second successive year in Homa Bay on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. Ninety people attended, including many children. The weather here on the Equator was warm and dry by day, with showers at night. Sermons focused on the coming Kingdom of God. Activities included a trip to a game park and games for the children. A number took advantage of the opportunity to discuss baptism and to ask questions about biblical subjects and personal concerns. Mr. Henry Cooper (an elder from Ireland) and his wife Rosemary were able to spend the entire Feast in Kenya, then traveled on afterward to visit a congregation in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
—Henry Cooper
Glentana, South Africa
In South Africa, about 120 brethren again kept the Feast of Tabernacles in Glentana, a small, pretty village in a tranquil setting of beautiful green hills, winding country roads, idyllic beaches and a whale-rich, blue ocean.
The atmosphere among God's people could only be described as "of one family." A wonderful family day barbeque included an "Olympics" with adults and children running the egg-and-spoon race, sack race and a treasure hunt—the lesson being that taking part makes you a winner. The senior citizens enjoyed a special luncheon and a "sing-along" evening brought back many memories. Our overseas visitors even sang along in Afrikaans!
Somehow, each sermon and sermonette built upon the other. All were outstanding, emphasizing the family relationship, spiritual growth, hospitality and the meaning of the Feast. Brethren had the privilege of listening to fine "live" sermons by Messrs. Hull, Bonjour, Oswald and Bouwer, as well as DVD sermons by Mr. Meredith and the late Mr. John Ogwyn. Early in the feast, Messrs. Hull, Bonjour and Oswald ordained Mr. Chris Lomas as an elder in God's Church. Also, two new members were baptized into the Body of Christ. The song services reflected the joyful and exuberant spirit of the brethren. The blessing of the little children was asked upon three new arrivals from the the past year. Being able to share in the "Behind the Work" film, brought a smile to many faces, and made everyone appreciative of all the work being done at Headquarters.
Some fellowship-inducing weather contributed to the family feeling, and even the brethren and ministers visiting from Charlotte, Missouri, Florida and New Zealand were "swallowed up" in the hospitality and friendliness that soon turned friends into family. Anyone attending could feel the effect of servant leadership in action at the Feast of Tabernacles 2005!
—Christo Botha
Ballina, Australia
The town of Ballina, situated on the north coast of New South Wales, was once again an ideal site for God's people to assemble before Him at this year's Feast of Tabernacles. God blessed this Feast with an interesting variety of weather that was rather diverse in character, commencing with some rain and wind, breaking to beautiful sunshine and then some light clouds interspersed with blue skies. This combination of weather was most conducive to warm fellowship amongst the 200 brethren who attended.
This was the fourth time that Ballina has hosted the Feast, and it was pleasing to note the increase in attendance over our first Feast in Ballina in 1999 which had 78 attendees.
During the Feast we gathered together and took photos of the brethren who had come into the Church as a result of the preaching done through the Global Church of God and now the Living Church of God. It was wonderful to see the fruit of the Work of approximately 80 individuals, standing together, as a testimony to the fact that the work of the living Jesus Christ continues on. Approximately 40 percent of those attending in 2005 were new to the Truth! It brought tears of joy to our eyes!
A variety of messages were given by God's ministers, Evangelist Bruce Tyler, Pastor Rod King (fresh from the Philippines) and local elders Ken MacLeod and Dayrell Tanner. God provided a diet of nourishing spiritual "meat" for those attending, emphasizing millennial themes, focusing us on our Heavenly Father and His plan for all mankind, our personal roles in that plan, and practical instruction for all of God's children, young and old alike.
On both of the Holy Days we were all able to enjoy a banquet luncheon together in Spinnaker's Restaurant, adjacent to the auditorium. With the Richmond River as a backdrop, much happy feasting and fellowship was enjoyed by everyone.
Our singles dinner at the Australian Hotel on Tuesday night was an outstanding relaxing success, and provided a springboard for continuing fellowship among the singles throughout the Feast.
The family day at Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point, was dampened by rain that caused the flying trapeze school to be cancelled, but the noisy tables enjoying the special afternoon tea attested to the great fellowshipping that took place despite the inclement weather. Our seniors and "senior–seniors" enjoyed special luncheons with the ministry and some willing helpers.
The highlight activity for most was the Talent and Fun Show, which was hosted by Mr. Rod King, with performances from our youngest children right up to some "ancient folks" from Adelaide. It was a treat to be entertained by brethren from all over, and we appreciated their individual talents and courage in serving us in this way.
The special music was wonderful, full of variety, instrumental solos, vocal duet and quartet, children's choir, and the full Festival choir under the direction of Mr. Mal Jennings.
The harmony, unity, love, and pleasant attitudes of all who were present were outstanding—so much so that the staff at the venue where we met expressed their pleasure at our group's behavior, stating that they love having us there since we are such nice people with beautiful well-behaved children. They said they wished all other groups were as we were. We might add that they, too, are people we love to deal with—nothing was too much trouble for them.
Yes, our Father and Jesus Christ were surely glorified at this Feast, and all praise goes to Them for pouring out their Spirit on Ballina and providing us with an outstanding, "beautiful" Feast.
—Dayrell Tanner
Vanuatu
Forty brethren joyfully observed God's Feast of Tabernacles in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. The festival site was near Orap village on the verdant island of Malekula.
Most of the members actually live in Orap, and they had prepared to observe the Feast communally in the true spirit as pilgrims in this present age. Rather than remain in their usual homes, they did live for eight days in temporary dwellings. On land belonging to deacon Mr. Jerry Sam, much work had been done. A large house, made of materials from the local jungle, was built to provide housing for women and children. Tents were erected for the men. A large area was roofed with coconut fronds so that all meals could be eaten together in the shade, protected from the tropical sun.
However, the most extensive preparation was to build a new "tabernacle" in which to hold services during the Feast and on regular weekly Sabbaths. Members had worked with dedication each Tuesday for several months toward the construction of this fine building. It is almost finished, and served us very well during the Feast.
Local members were joined by others who traveled from the southern islands of Tanna and Efate. For the first few days of the Feast, New Zealand elder Mr. Kinnear Penman and his wife Caroline were able to enjoy the Christian hospitality offered by our Vanuatu brethren.
Mr. Penman spoke on subjects such as the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles and the purpose of hymn singing in our services. He also conducted a biblical question-and-answer session. Questions included the issue of whether former cannibals can one day be saved. For the remainder of the Feast, members were served by sermons on DVD provided by headquarters.
In future years, our brethren would welcome the company of small numbers of overseas Feastgoers and can guarantee a truly joyful and memorable Feast experience.
—Kinnear Penman
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Under cloudy tropical skies at Montego Bay, at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort on Jamaica's north coast, 142 brethren from North America and Canada joined 94 Jamaican brethren for the Feast of Tabernacles 2005. Average attendance at services for the eight days was 208. Words such as "wonderful," "fantastic," "awesome," "a piece of the Millennium" and "excellent" were how some of the brethren described this year's Feast.
Services were held at the Holiday Inn, where just under 160 of the brethren stayed. The rest stayed at other facilities in close proximity to the Feast site. The sermons and sermonettes went hand-in-glove in painting a picture of God's Kingdom and our part in it. Another highlight was the love and unity displayed by the brethren, their willingness to serve, the generosity, warmth, hospitality and camaraderie shown, which gave a glimpse of what the world will be like when God's kingdom is established.
The activities included a family affair dubbed "the Grand Family Social" where the local and overseas brethren displayed their talents in singing and poetry, an evening of biblical presentations recounting themes from the Bible in skits, poetry and songs, a family dance held in the conference room at the Holiday Inn and a seniors luncheon held at the Executive Inn. The messages were mostly "live," except for Mr. Meredith's two DVD sermons, the "Behind the Work" DVD and DVD messages by Messrs. King and Fannin. The messages were inspiring and enriching, leading to comments such as "we got a glimpse of our change which is to come" and "so much spiritual food to take home and masticate."
—Lascelles Fraser
Tobago
The Feast of Tabernacles was held in Tobago at the Blue Haven Hotel. For the first half of the Feast, Tobago's Prime Minister had requested the use of the hotel's airconditioned meeting hall, so the brethren met in a spacious non-air-conditioned hall near the swimming pool. For the second half, services were held in the smaller airconditioned hall. Our high attendance was 88, including two couples from the United States. On Wednesday, two brethren were baptized into God's Church. Activities included a children's party, a trip to Bucco Reef, a cultural show with dinner and dancing, and a family day held outdoors with games, swimming and good food.
—Fitzroy Greeman
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Fifty-five warm, kind, smiling, happy brethren observed God's Feast of Tabernacles at Lake Taupo, New Zealand. Services were held in a lovely hall overlooking beautiful Lake Taupo, and provided a glimpse of the everlasting and unending beauty which is New Zealand. Messages ranged from admonitions to rejoice—at the Feast and always—to planning for spiritual maintenance. A highlight of the Feast for everyone was the fellowshipping. Feastgoers participated in several excursions as a group, visiting Ariatia Falls, Huka Falls, Crater of the Moon (which highlighted the geothermic activity in New Zealand), and Honey Hive. While providing ample time for fellowship, the caravan trip on the second day of the Feast put everyone in touch with God's splendid creation— of which there is much to enjoy in New Zealand— with sheep, cows, horses, and deer grazing in abundance on picturesque, gently sloping lush green hillsides interspersed by equally lovely green forests. Near the end of the Feast, 14 Feastgoers climbed Tarauntua Mountain, the tallest mountain on the north island of New Zealand. Other highly enjoyable activities included ten-pin bowling, and indoor rock climbing for the singles. The "Family Fun Night" was an assortment of enjoyable games played indoors with a local and international flavor: lawn bowling, a general knowledge test, Play-Dough Pictionary, and identifying several members from their baby-photos. Everyone helped with giving and serving to make this an outstanding Feast. In addition to New Zealand, Feastgoers here came from Australia, Holland and the United States. Several new members were in attendance as well, which added to the rejoicing of those attending the Feast, to see that God continues to call new people to His wonderful way of life pictured by His Feasts.
—Donald Roach
Maranding, Philippines
An overseas minister had not visited Maranding for the Feast since 1999. I asked our members in Australia, and also those in the Philippines, to pray for God's protection for me on my journey. Mr. Freddie Benitez, our minister in central Mindanao, has a four-wheel-drive van in which I traveled. He had the windows tinted so that it was difficult to see a white-faced Australian in the passenger seat. We did what we could, but relied on God to do what we could not.
In Maranding, a large "tabernacle" has been built. A banner behind the stage read, "Living Church of God, 2005 Feast of Tabernacles." Here, so far from Charlotte, God's people watched Mr. Meredith give his opening night message. It was shown on an old television that gave him one green hand and one purple hand, because the color mechanism no longer worked properly. On the next day, I authorized the purchase of a new television.
I spoke to the brethren on the first day, with Mr. Benitez translating into Visayan as only about a dozen Feastgoers could understand or speak English. We then watched a DVD of Mr. Bryce, and I realized how difficult it is for them to understand the messages in English. Despite all this, our members are enthusiastic and loyal to God and His truth.
I left the next day to travel back to Australia for the last half of the Feast. It always takes me some time to readjust to the wealth and plenty in Australia. We lack something that the Filipinos have—the happiness that a simpler life brings.
—Rod King
Tacloban, Philippines
The Feast in Tacloban was once again kept at Cawacsi Training Center in Barangay Taguictic, Tacloban City. The opening night service had 43 brethren in attendance. A vanload of brethren from Manila endured a grueling 24-hour long-distance land trip just to keep the Feast at this rather remote Feast site. For them, the 2005 Feast of Tabernacles was a double celebration, as it was a kind of family reunion for them as well, and at the same time an opportunity to renew and strengthen their bond with their brethren from Samar, Leyte and Biliran.
Though the Tacloban Feast site was small, it was graced by visitors from Australia, Switzerland and England. The guest from Switzerland was actually a Filipina with a German husband; their niece and nephew from Maranding, Mindanao, also accompanied them. The daughter and son-in-law of Quezon City deacon Mr. Simeon Gonzales came all the way from London, England, with their two children, during the middle of the Feast. Attendance on the Last Great Day reached 63!
Site Coordinator Mr. Felipe Casing gave a live sermon on "A Time of Rededication." Mr. Benito Parbo assisted Mr. Casing by taking over the site administration when Mr. Casing left on the Sabbath to serve at the Davao, Philippines, site. Mr. Dennis Tan also served as assistant site coordinator.
A unique feature of the Feast here was an offertory sermonette given in Cebuano at Mr. Parbo's request, with simultaneous translation in English for the sake of overseas guests and Tagalog-speaking brethren. Mr. Parbo also gave two full-length sermons, including a message about "Humility" on the Last Great Day. Simultaneous translation was provided here for the first time.
Festival highlights included a seniors' activity at the Sunburst Restaurant in downtown Tacloban, attended by about seven bonafide seniors and a similar number of non-senior guests, including our Australian visitor who attended per the invitation of the site coordinator. The guests were each asked to tell the story of their conversion. Each story was unique and interesting, revealing how God calls people from all walks of life and various circumstances.
The brethren shared lunch together on Thursday, enjoying a relaxing sea breeze at a beach resort near the Feast site. Some played badminton, others enjoyed fellowshipping with one another, and all enjoyed the meal of sizzling grilled fish right on the beach.
Sunday evening, the "Family Night" activity was a great success, as around 40 brethren began with a Bible quiz, followed by games such as "Trip to Jerusalem," "Simon Says" and "Catch the Dragon's Tail." Later, as more people arrived, the dance began, which included a special presentation featuring Kuratsa (a local dance in Leyte and Samar). A swing dance cha-cha number, a tango and a waltz were among other dances that followed. There were vocal solos, duets and even group sing-alongs. Brethren sang "If We Hold On Together" while holding hands together, forming a circle.
In the evening following the Last Great Day, a farewell party was held at poolside in the San Gerardo Heights subdivision. Part of the activity had overseas guests saying something about their Feast experience at Tacloban. After jokes, a group sing-along and some dancing, brethren enjoyed wholesome conversation while some enjoyed a dip in the pool—a fitting conclusion, lasting well into the night, after an inspiring day of worship.
—Dennis Tan
Barbados
The Feast in Barbados was kept at the beautiful Barbados Beach Club Resort, located on the southern end of the island approximately five miles from Bridgetown. About 20 families and singles stayed on the premises. While most of the meals were served buffet style in the main dining area, we also had the opportunity to eat at the Italian and seafood restaurants on the premises several times during the Feast. Average attendance at the Feast was 103, with a high of 128.
Feastgoers enjoyed several truly outstanding activities this year. One highlight was the catamaran trip on Sunday afternoon. Sixty-five brethren boarded the vessel and sailed to the habitat of the famed hawksbill turtle. After witnessing a spectacular sunset on the Atlantic Ocean, all those who wanted to swim with the turtles were given masks and snorkels. Some took pictures with underwater cameras, while a few were even able to touch the turtles. We had a delicious Bajan dinner on board the craft before heading back to port. The display of stars and almost-full moon overhead were fabulous reminders of God's majesty and wonderful promises to His faithful servants.
Another highlight was the submarine ride on board the Atlantis III. Forty-eight brethren were able to submerge to a depth of about 150 feet and view a sunken ship and the beautiful coral reef surrounding the island.
Family Day was held at King George V Park, where we enjoyed a taste of Bajan cuisine and a friendly game of cricket. Some played "road tennis" and everyone enjoyed the wonderful fellowship.
Other activities included a tour of an underground cave, parasailing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, sky-diving, scuba diving and dining at the many very fine restaurants located on the island.
Visitors from overseas were treated to a talent-variety show. Our Bajan hosts put a lot of time and preparation into it, and we were all delighted by the display of talent!
A special highlight: Six brethren were baptized into God's Church during the Feast!
Throughout the Feast, we appreciated the love and warmth that exuded from God's people. Fellowship was extraordinary—there were no cliques; nobody was left out! Our Barbados brethren went above and beyond in their warmth and hospitality, and their overseas guests responded in like manner. Each day the love and affection grew, until it reached its peak on the Last Great Day. Many are already talking about coming back to Barbados next year for the Feast!
—Paul Shumway
Sri Lanka
As our luxury coach carrying 47 brethren arrived at the Feast site in Kandy, we gazed at a series of wooded ridges, all bathed in an amazing variety of pastel blues. Standing defiantly in the near distance was the imposing bulk of Alagalla and beyond, to the left, Bible Rock, and a host of other nameless hilltops and peaks. We were served with ice-cold towels to refresh ourselves, followed with a welcome drink—a cocktail of fresh tropical fruits—and we thanked God for His kindheartedness to us, His called-out ones, now at the place where He had placed His name.
At the opening night service, Mr. Svalbe talked about our responsibility as teachers in the world to come. The next morning we heard a recorded sermon by the late Mr. John Ogwyn; that afternoon we heard again from Mr. Svalbe, who asked us "Why are we here?"
All restaurant, room and reception desk services provided by the hotel staff were of a consistently high standard, and we made it a point to be courteous and thank the staff at every opportunity that we had. Genuine courtesy and kindness, we have learned, goes a long way in creating a favorable impression of God's people. You could also see that the staff appreciated our thoughtfulness and reciprocated by going out of their way to assist us whenever the need arose.
At Wednesday's "Family Day" activity, the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Indrani and Gnanie tried to sit on balloons and ended up on the floor, but neither was hurt, only slightly shaken up. Thursday's events culminated with the Youth Day Family Dance, organized and presented by the youth of the Church. On Friday, we listened to Mr. Svalbe speak on "The Fear of God"—we learned that "fear" in its proper biblical context is great reverence, very deep respect and awe of the divine majesty—not the rampant fear that rules the present world with its terror and horror. On Friday evening, we had an enlightening Bible Study, followed by Mr. Svalbe's presentation of "Our Awesome Universe" on his laptop computer. That presentation, with appropriate scripture quotations, was, to say the least, "mind-blowing"— because it showed us the magnificence and immensity of our great God's indescribable creation, all waiting for the coming of the sons of God after the firstfruits have been raised to glory. Saturday evening, we had an indoor campfire sing-along. Everybody participated, belting out golden oldies and popular favorites in a fantastic evening's entertainment.
On Sunday evening we enjoyed a fabulous talent show put on by members of the congregation. Not a dull moment—and some acts had us laughing our sides out because they were so funny. After an early service on Monday, all went to see the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, which was established in 1821 at the site of a former royal palace of the kings of Kandy. After an hour-long visit to the Gardens, we all took off to view the Victoria Reservoir and Dam many miles away. The resort very kindly provided everyone with a very good picnic lunch, and after looking over the reservoir, all returned before the Last Great Day began, tired but happy.
The level of cooperation was exceptionally high, demonstrating the unity and humility of the brethren at all times where they put others before self. We thank and praise God for making all this possible.
—J.B. Müller