A handful of sites outside the U.S. and Canada were not able to submit their reports in time to be included in the last issue of the Living Church News. For news from those sites, read on.
Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico
Ninety-seven brethren from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina and the United States gathered in Huatusco, a beautiful town in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Spectacular scenery and an atmosphere of joy and fellowship were the setting for several Feast activities. These activities included a "Mexican Night," featuring delicious regional cuisine and the cheerful rhythms of the marimba veracruzana. Our young people also enjoyed a whitewater rafting adventure on a nearby river, while the less daring toured the port of Veracruz and appreciated its arts, crafts and the famous Veracruz Aquarium.
Three cultural events were organized by the city of Huatusco in honor of those attending the Feast: a classical ballet performance by dancers raging from four to 20 years of age; a classical guitar concert by renowned local guitarists; and a photography exhibition of the local people and landscapes. Of high quality and in good taste, these events were inspiring and enjoyable.
On the Last Great Day, a very special performance of the children’s choir, dressed as Hebrews from Biblical times, concluded a Feast abounding in happiness, friendship, kindness, peace and learning. What more can we ask from our Lord?
—Noemí Canclini
San Jerónimo, Colombia
This year we once again celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day at a lakeside resort in San Jerónimo de Antioquia, Colombia, about two hours from the city of Medellin. More than 50 brethren enjoyed stimulating and profitable daily services, a Bible Study, and a Christian growth study presented by four young adults who displayed dedication, analysis and knowledge of the subject.
One of our entertainment highlights, involving those of all ages and fitness levels, was an outdoor contest. For three hours, eight teams searched throughout the resort and navigated the lake, solving riddles and answering questions in search of the missing clue that would decide the winning team.
Most of the populated regions in Colombia have become relatively peaceful, and brethren from different areas were able to travel to the Feast site without encountering guerrilla violence. Currently it is possible to travel long distances without the fear of kidnapping, which was not the case before. What a blessing for those attending God’s Feast in Colombia to experience the hospitality, friendship and love of the Colombian brethren.
—Jorge Schaubeck
Valle Grande (San Rafael, Mendoza), Argentina
"Mighty Sound" is the name of the river whose waters flow by the site where we celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in San Rafael, Argentina. We certainly received God’s "mighty sound" from His inspired word throughout all eight days! Brethren from Switzerland, France, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Bolivia joined their hosts from Chile and Argentina in the valley of San Rafael, by the Atuel river banks, to celebrate the enriching Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.
Beautiful weather and the fraternal atmosphere that God provided, in addition to the entertainment and activities, made this an encouraging time that will be cherished by many. We thank God for the opportunity to have had His servant Mr. Mario Hernandez with us during the Feast. He gave us powerful messages on spiritual growth and on family subjects, including the relationship between parents and children.
Our Feast activities included a visit to a vineyard, water rafting, games, regional food presentations, folkloric dances performed by the Chilean and Argentinean brethren, and an inspiring Church choir performance of hymns and praises to God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Next year we look forward to celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles at this site once again, far from the city and worldly noises, in an appropriate environment for this solemn festival of God.
We send our warmest greetings from all the brethren that were at the Feast in San Rafael. May God powerfully provide His people around the world the courage and spiritual growth to bring mature fruits to God and Jesus Christ when we come again to the next Holy Day season.
—Sergio Carvajal, Jr.
Antigua, Guatemala
A Feast site in "paradise," Antigua is located 45 kilometers from Guatemala City—the nation’s capital— and is surrounded by volcanoes (Agua, Fuego and Pacaya) and mountains. With a mild and pleasant climate, Antigua also provides visitors with a variety of ceramic crafts, clothing and a diverse local cuisine.
We were very happy to welcome visitors from Guadalajara and Mexico City (Mexico), and Los Angeles and Florida (United States), during this Feast, along with our visiting minister, Mr. Antonio Mora. Activities included the family fiesta and talent show on Wednesday night, hiking the Cerro de Santa Cruz on Thursday, and a children’s fiesta on Sunday. On the weekly Sabbath we saw the "Behind the Work" video. It was marvelous to see the job that the brethren do at the offices of the Work in Charlotte.
We enjoyed both the video sermons by Mr. Mario Hernandez, and the live sermons by Mr. Antonio Mora. We appreciated the service of Mr. Dan Tenorio, who conducted the children’s choir, and we appreciated the sermonettes given by local brethren and visitors. By the Eternal’s mercy, we had excellent weather every day, adding to our Feast enjoyment. May the Eternal God always give us His happiness, love and peace.
—Ramiro Sanchez
Merced de Chanchamayo, Peru
Gathered to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Merced de Chanchamayo were brethren from Lima, Cerro de Pasco, Trujillo and Arequipa, along with one visitor from the United States and our minister from Colombia, Armando Orrego. Merced de Chanchamayo, as a completely natural and unspoiled site, was a wonderful setting to express our Christianity. The lack of technology enabled us to truly appreciate God and His creation without distractions.
Several long-time members were present, including Mark Esposito, an American residing in Peru who became very popular during the Feast as we enjoyed his great sense of humor. Mr. Carlos Estrada, and the other members from Lima, Arequipa, Cerro de Pasco, and Trujillo, all contributed greatly to the joy and happiness we experienced at this Feast. We also learned from the humility, generosity, kindness and rich moral culture of the Ashaninkas, the native community at the Feast site.
Only those of us who keep God’s Feasts can know and understand the purpose, knowledge and depth of meaning, and the benefits that result from keeping the Feasts of God!
—Javier Quispe Benites
Martinique
The beautiful hotel Douce Vague (French for "soft wave") was the site of this year’s Feast of Tabernacles in Ste. Luce, Martinique. Located on a beach site caressed by the trade winds and warmed by the beautiful Caribbean sun, the rainy season did not dampen the Feast atmosphere for our 27 brethren. We started the Feast with Mr. Meredith’s inaugural sermon, translated into French by Mr. Yvon Brochu, and we enjoyed a typical Antillean welcome meal after services.
On the first day we all ate together between services, and ended the day by distributing gifts for the children— a Martinique Feast of Tabernacles tradition that is very appreciated by the little ones!. After the morning service on the following day, we had a family day boat trip on the Caribbean Sea, where we observed multicolored fishes through the boat’s glass floor. Some children’s day activities took place during the afternoon of the third day, with the children playing biblical games and making drawings of three time periods: creation, the present world and Tomorrow’s World.
A Bible Study about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil concluded the fourth day. The children participated in this activity by taking turns reading aloud the Bible verses quoted during the study. After the weekly Sabbath, we had a theatre play on the Bible story of Samuel as a young boy. At the conclusion of services the following day, we had a lecture on driving safely, given by Mr. Michel Romeo from Guadeloupe, a long-time member of the Paris congregation.
—Marcel Ginier
Tumpang, Indonesia
The Tumpang Feast site lies on the high land, 15 km from Malang, the city where most of our brethren live. Weather during the Feast ranged from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, with a few cloudy days at the beginning of the Feast and sunny days occupying the rest, save for a few little showers. Rain or shine, brethren had an unforgettable Feast, enjoying time to relax and chat or gather after the services were over.
It was most encouraging to note that not only were there more in attendance at the Feast this year—there were 18 of us—but also the zeal of the brethren was obviously stronger. Sermonettes, sermons and Bible Studies were the source of many discussions and talks during the whole Feast. Activities such as swimming, outboundings and other outings also provided the fun everyone was looking for.
A special program we call "Living in Harmony" gave the brethren many opportunities to ask questions about the Bible. It is a spiritual and relaxing way to end the day, and it has been our tradition to gather together, share spiritual experiences and ask a lot of Biblical questions!
—Arius Nusantara
Wewak, Papua New Guinea
We had a great time before God at the Feast of Tabernacles in the township of Wewak, located in the eastern part of Papua New Guinea. The brethren traveled in from other centers in the country. Sixty-four were in attendance, including children. We were reminded of why we kept the Feast with inspiring messages that reminded us of our great calling. We were very grateful to our Lord, who said in Matthew 8:11, "And I say to you that many will come from east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."
—Peter Devis