Greetings from Charlotte,
Hopefully, all of you had a profitable Spring Holy Day season. Dr. Meredith has returned from an encouraging visit with family and brethren in Houston, Texas. He finished a co-worker letter this week that was mailed out to nearly 13,000 people in the U.S. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are heading south from New England. Mr. Hernandez is due back in Charlotte today from visiting congregations in South America, and Mr. Cristian Orrego will be in Mexico City this weekend for services. I got back from the Caribbean late Monday night after visiting congregations in Trinidad and Barbados following the funeral for Mr. Fitzroy Greeman. Mr. Graeme Hemphill has forwarded a report on his sobering visit with brethren in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam struck that region of the Pacific. Mr. Hemphill, who served in the army in Vietnam, described the devastation that was nearly everywhere, and he was able to provide assistance and financial aid to many of our brethren who suffered damage to their homes and crops. Thankfully, all of our brethren were alive and safe after the storm—and grateful to God for His protection.—DSW
Church Administration
Second Passover—Repeat Announcement
The Second Passover this year should be taken shortly after sunset on Saturday, May 2. This Passover is for those baptized members who were unable to take the first Passover due to unavoidable circumstances. The biblical instructions regarding this ceremony are found in Numbers 9:1-14.
Adirondack Canoe Trip
This summer, the outdoor adventure for the Northeast Region will be held on beautiful Racquette Lake, in the heart of the Adirondacks. In the spring of 1776, a group of men led by Sir John Johnson was overtaken by the spring thaw when they reached the shores of the lake. They left their snowshoes (racquette in French) on the shore, giving this jewel of a lake its name. In the summer of 2015, a group of outdoor-loving brethren will make the Tioga Point Campground their temporary home from July 1 through 5, as they learn, explore, and fellowship in the beauty of God's handiwork.
This activity is open to all ages, young and old. Participants will learn how to maneuver a canoe, and what to do if you "tip over." They'll also have the opportunity to take day trips, exploring Racquette Lake and Forked Lake, two of the most picturesque of the hundreds of Adirondack Lakes. They'll build bonds of brotherhood with brethren of all ages through "extreme fellowship." Most importantly, they will learn about God's word, applying the daily Bible lessons directly to the activities of the day. The cost of the trip is only $120.00. For more information and to register to be part of this unique experience, just go to our www.nelcg.org Web site (not an official LCG Web site) and click on the "Canoe Trip" tab.—Jonathan McNair
Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend
The Anderson congregation hosted the eighth "Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend" in Greenville from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5. More than 140 brethren from ten different states enjoyed inspiring spiritual messages, uplifting fellowship, and fun activities. A number of very talented musicians were present for the weekend and provided inspiring performances. Members of the Anderson Ladies Club created beautiful floral arrangements as table centerpieces for the "Springtime in Carolina" Banquet and Ball and provided delicious food items for the Sunday picnic.
The weekend offered several opportunities for recreational activities, including a 14-mile bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Sunday picnic, the traditional 5k road race, softball, volleyball, a stroll to the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park in downtown Greenville, and visits to the Greenville Zoo at Cleveland Park. We were blessed and inspired by the opportunity to meet as the Body of Christ to enjoy the meaning of God's Holy Days in a beautiful setting. The Anderson congregation is deeply appreciative for all who have joined us over the years for this joyous observance. It is a real delight to have met and hosted so many brethren from so many different church areas.—Manuel Burdette
Internet Department
Roku Update!—Repeat Announcement
Since we began our Roku advertising campaign on March 1, more than 5,000 new people have installed the Tomorrow's World Roku channel. Roku has been very impressed with the success of our advertising campaign so far and have commented that our ad response rates are "very high" compared to what they usually see. More than 50 percent of those who click on our Roku ads install the Tomorrow's World app, a much higher than average install rate. With more than 8,000,000 active Roku users in the United States and aggressive European, Asian and Latin American expansion currently underway, we are very thankful that God has opened up this new door to reach more people with the Tomorrow's World telecast, and the new Tomorrow's World News Webcasts. And, again, if you have a Roku, please install the Tomorrow's World app and give it a "5-star rating." This will further help our advertising efforts.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Feast of Tabernacles
There are now 6,435 brethren and guests registered for 51 Feast sites in 31 countries around the world. If you have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible. Follow the links from the lcg.org Web site to register.
Boerne, Texas Nearing Capacity
The Boerne, Texas Feast site for 2015 is nearing capacity. If you are planning on registering for Boerne (and have not done it yet), please do so right away. We may have to close the site soon.
Closed Feast Sites
For your information, the following Feast sites are now closed for further transfers:
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
St. George, Utah
Navarre, Florida
For Those Receiving Myrtle Beach Transfer Denials
We still have 115 people on the Myrtle Beach waiting list and we will not be able to approve all of their transfer requests, because of the size of the room. If you have received a transfer denial from the Festival Office and have a special circumstance (health problem, financial issue, etc.) that makes it necessary for you to attend Myrtle Beach, please send us an e-mail at [email protected] explaining your situation. We will do all we can to accommodate special circumstances. If you receive a transfer denial from the Festival Office (via e-mail) and do not have a special need to go to Myrtle Beach (health, financial, etc.), please re-register at another Feast site of your choice.—Festival Office
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, April 24, will be on "How You Can Recognize True Love," presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The Bible Study runs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Eastern time) and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this wonderful opportunity for godly fellowship and learning. For those of you who are unable to make it to the study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's on, "God's Approach to Making Decisions," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Ohio Teen Camp Staff: Apply by April 19—Repeat Announcement
Anyone interested in being on the Camp Staff for the Ohio Teen Camp needs to apply by this Sunday, April 19, so staff positions can be assigned.
New Texas Preteen Camp Location—Repeat Announcement
We have successfully secured a new facility for the 2015 Texas Preteen Camp—Lone Star Camp in Athens, Texas. Deep in the heart of the pine woods of East Texas, Lone Star Camp is a beautiful facility with air-conditioned meeting rooms, dormitories, cabins and even family housing—all within close proximity of each other—with plenty of bathrooms and showers in every building, along with basketball and volleyball courts, a 25-acre lake, and a playground for enjoying free time.
Camp Location: Lone Star Camp, 6829 FM 317, Athens, TX 75752, www.lonestarcamp.org
Camp Dates: June 14–19, 2015
Staff Arrival: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Camper Arrival: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
Camper Departure: Friday, June 19, 2015, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Staff Departure: Friday, June 19, 2015, 11:00 a.m. or when clean-up is complete
The most convenient airports to fly in and out of are the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Before finalizing any flight arrangements, please contact Lori Forrestier at [email protected] or 903-830-0198 so that we can help you arrange the best travel plan.
Questions regarding camp should be directed to Bob Rodzaj (Camp Director): 505-209-1497 (cell) or [email protected].
LYC 2014 Yearbook—Repeat Announcement
Hot on the heels of the LYC 2013 Yearbook, Living Youth Programs is now taking orders for the 2014 Living Youth Camps yearbook. Orders will be taken until May 10. The yearbook covers the pre-teen camps in Texas, Missouri and West Virginia, the Ohio teen camp and the Yellowstone adventure camp. The yearbook for 2014 will be provided for free; a suggested donation of $35 would be appreciated. For further details and ordering information, go to: https://camp.livingyouth.org/album-2014.
Comments
Gentleness Is Godliness: We understand from the Scriptures that Christians have been called to become kings and priests—civil and religious leaders—in the Kingdom of God. In this world, leaders often feel that in order to appear as a leader, they must exert control over others to show who is in charge. Jesus said this tendency to "lord it over" others will not be tolerated in the kingdom (Matthew 20:25-28). God is looking for individuals who want to serve others, and who are able to serve and lead in a gentle—but not weak—manner. David records how God dealt gently with him (Psalm 18:35). Solomon states that patience and gentle words can persuade difficult people (Proverbs 25:15). The Apostle Paul mentions that instead of making demands and barking orders, he dealt gently with brethren (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). Paul also urged Christians to be humble, gentle and patient when dealing with others (Ephesians 4:1-3). Bible prophecies indicate that while Jesus Christ will return and rule with a "strong hand," He will gather His flock as a shepherd and "gently lead those who are with young" (Isaiah 40:10-11). Anyone who hopes to lead in the Kingdom needs to remember that gentleness is a trait of Godly leaders.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—April 16, 2015
EMP Fears Resurface: Following the nuclear deal with Iran, "The Pentagon has decided to reopen the Cheyenne Mountain Air Defense Facility [outside Colorado Springs, Colorado], which housed the heart of America's air and missile defense of North America. The facility had been mothballed in a 'cost-saving' move in 2006… The reason—the Pentagon's fears of a nuclear Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) attack by a missile that would burn out America's overly-dependent defense, which is based on modern electronics" (Arutz Sheva, April 11, 2015). Actions like this by the U.S. Defense Department are a reminder that the peace we enjoy in much of the world today is tenuous and not trusted by world leaders. Bible prophecy states that one of the signs of the end of the age will be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:6-8) and that disobedience to the laws of God will bring "terror over you" and other serious consequences (Leviticus 26:16). Today, world leaders are very uncertain about the safety of the future as more nations gear up for possibility of war. For those who have eyes to see how world events are matching up with ancient Bible prophecies, it is becoming obvious that peaceful conditions in our modern world will disappear as the time of Christ's return approaches. For more on the threat of nuclear war, read our article "Sixty Years in the Shadow of the Bomb."
Decline of Religion in UK: Based on findings from a recent Win/Gallup poll, "The UK is among the least religious countries in the world, according to a new survey. In a global ranking of 65 countries, the UK came six places from last, with 30% of the population calling themselves religious." (The Guardian, April 12, 2015). "While 53% of people said they were not religious, only 13% said they were a convinced atheist and the remainder did not know how to define themselves. This compares with 94% of people in Thailand and 93% of people in Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia and Morocco who said they were religious. At the bottom of the list was China where only 6% of people said they were religious while 61% said they were convinced atheists" (ibid.). It is sobering to watch the UK, a "birthright" nation of Israelite-descended people, slide away from professing even nominal "Christianity." However, God prophesied of end-time Britain (ancient Ephraim), "Ephraim is joined to idols… their drink is rebellion, they commit harlotry… Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke" (Hosea 4:17-18; 5:9). While this turning away from God has long been prophesied, it is still disheartening to watch it happen. Britain and many other formerly "Christian" nations are now increasingly secular with a growing number of atheists and agnostics. To learn more about the prophesied future of Britain and many other Western nations, be sure to read our informative booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
German Support of Israel Increases: "Germany has approved the delivery of the fifth of six promised submarines to Israel—amid claims that the sub will be outfitted with nuclear weapons... The six submarines ordered by Israel several years ago have been and are being built by the German shipyard HDW in Kiel. Four submarines have already been delivered to Israel; the last one, the INS Tanin, was handed over to Israel last September. Vice Admiral Ram Rotberg said at the time that it 'can dive deeper, go farther for a longer time and can operate at a level we have not seen until today'" (Arutz Sheva, April 13, 2015). "Spiegel has quoted former Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak as saying that Germans should be 'proud' that they have secured the existence of the state of Israel 'for many years'" (ibid.). The increasing German support of Israel and growing trust between the two nations is significant at a time when traditional U.S. support of Israel is fading. Bible prophecy states that a German-led European "beast" power will eventually be drawn into the conflict in the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43), possibly to protect the nation of Israel. Under the auspices of this European power, Jewish sacrifices will temporarily resume on the Temple Mount before being abruptly stopped (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15-22). The growing relationship between Germany and Israel gives credence to these ancient prophecies. To learn more about future events affecting the Temple Mount, read "Five Prophetic Signs for the Middle East."—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater and Chris Sookdeo