Dear Brethren and Co-workers with Christ,
There is no need for me to remind you of all that went wrong last year. It was painful enough for most, but it was instructive on how quickly our world could be turned upside down. Nevertheless, despite our pains and sorrows in this life, we should know that there is a better day coming. Even when we die—and that is a sure thing—we have a living hope in the resurrection. No matter how long we sleep in our graves, it will seem as only a blink of the eye when Christ returns and calls us back to life. That is when all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more sorrow or crying for those counted worthy of the first resurrection (Luke 20:35; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Revelation 20:4).
While we are saved by grace, and the faith of Christ, we are rewarded according to our works. Many scriptures affirm this, but note two: “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). Yes, what we do during our lives regarding service toward God and our fellow man does matter. It may come as a shock to realize that without works, one may not even be in the Kingdom of God, but that is what Jesus said!
Then He will also say to those on the left hand, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.” Then they also will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?” Then He will answer them, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matthew 25:41-46).
Note especially that last sentence. Those who fail to see and serve the needs of others are the opposite of the righteous and will miss out on eternal life! We should find that quite sobering.
By supporting this Work, you have chosen to care for others. You are helping to warn the world of what is to come unless mankind turns around and goes another direction, something that does not appear likely. No doubt you recognize that something is terribly wrong, and you want to warn your fellow man while there is still time (Proverbs 24:11-12). Many will hear the warning, but only a few will respond to it. Nevertheless, we will have done our part (Ezekiel 33:1-7).
Additionally, you are offering hope. This is a world held captive by the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and you are assisting in proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God and the deliverance that means for all mankind. Traditional Christianity has failed to preach the true good news message that Jesus announced for three-and-a-half years prior to His crucifixion. This was the message He left with His servants after His resurrection (Acts 1:3, 6) and the same message those servants boldly proclaimed to the world (Acts 8:12; 20:25; 28:23, 31). For further information on this subject, see our resource Do You Believe the True Gospel? The Bible also shows that our personal sins bring us into bondage. Through our collective efforts, we are offering hope that there is a way out of that bondage through the sacrifice of the Son of God (Romans 6:15-18).
Thank you, dear brethren and co-workers, for your part in warning the world, giving the good news of God’s coming Kingdom, and showing your fellow man that there is a way of forgiveness and escape from the bondage of sin. We simply could not do this without you. We must all work together, and by doing so, we declare Christ’s love in us for mankind.
Of course, this does not mean that we can write a check and then neglect the daily way of life described in Matthew 25 and quoted above. We are admonished, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). Being a true follower of Christ means living as He lived, to be a servant of all.
What our fellow citizens need now are people who will tell them the truth: Why our world is in such a mess, what will be the final outcome of mankind’s rejection of God’s law, and what is the hope that is set before us, as given by Jesus’ true Gospel. This world needs individuals who will show by their example of outgoing concern that the love of God exists among those who claim His name.
As I wrote in my last member and co-worker letter, God sees the heart. He sees what we do with the resources we have available to us. Some of you are younger and can do more in physical ways, such as helping a neighbor during a snowstorm or in preparation for a hurricane. Those of you who are elderly and in poor health may still encourage those around you with a positive and caring attitude, and you can also pray to the very real God to send more laborers to do what you cannot do.
I also want to thank you for your generous support last year. Instead of having to pull back, this Work took a giant leap forward. Notice these increases in 2020 over the previous year:
- More than 350% more people ordered the English-language Bible Study Course
- TV responses were 60% higher in the United States and over the Internet
- Online literature orders were up by 295% on the Tomorrow’s World English-language website
- Literature distribution was up 82% in our German-language publications
In addition, the German-language website saw 110,000 unique visitors from 118 countries. We added 137,000 new subscribers to our Spanish-language website, for a total of 340,500 subscribers. Online subscribers are people who say, in effect, “We like what you offer and want to know when something new is posted.” Two Spanish-language El Mundo de Mañana telecasts have garnered over two million views, with ten other telecasts receiving over a million views and numerous others approaching that milestone.
There are many more encouraging statistics, but I know that stats do not hold the same interest for everyone, so let me share with you a few letters. These are letters of thanks to all who make our booklets, DVDs and CDs, Bible Study Course lessons, Tomorrow’s World telecasts and magazines, and everything else that we offer to everyone free of charge. Are you making a difference? Absolutely!
Thank you for the bold, truthful, much needed slap in the face every time I read your magazine. I fear a day is coming when I won’t be able to freely read and learn such things. I’m in awe of your knowledge. – Charlestown, Indiana
Thank you for your truth in the ministry. My family has been truly blessed by this program. God’s blessings to all who make this program possible. – Palm Bay, Florida
A heartfelt thank you for all you do. You have stood out way above all the fakes and wannabes. Our Father has and will continue to bless the Tomorrow’s World team. If you knew me and my background, and how you have changed my life, to be proud would be an understatement. Again, thank you and thank God for loving us ALL! – Lamar, Missouri
Just a note to thank you for sending me the Bible Study Course 1-4 and Tomorrow’s World magazine! I do look forward to each of them. I don’t know how you are able to print and mail copies to more than 400,000 subscribers at no cost to any of us. Thank you so very much for all you have done to make all this possible. Enclosed is a small donation for all the time and effort and dedication. Enclosed is the card requesting the DVD “A World Gone Mad.” Looking forward to receiving it. I very much appreciate the letter outlining all that occurred in the year of 2020. May God continue to bless you and your staff as you have blessed us with Tomorrow’s World! – Youngstown, Ohio
The Bible Study Course has a total of 24 lessons. In the last comment above, the subscriber just received the first four lessons and is thanking all of us for making it possible to receive this wonderful course free of charge.
The point is that this Work that you give to so generously is bearing good fruits. At the same time, we are so very small, and the job is so very great. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and your love for the truth of God’s Word.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Gerald E. Weston