Greetings from Charlotte,
The European attempt to replace dangerous nationalistic feelings with a supranational identity in a European Union appears to be in trouble. The actions of Islamic fanatics and the growing numbers of Muslim immigrants in Europe are perceived as a threat to national identities and individual economic livelihood by many Europeans. This bears watching as it could lead to a clash of cultures and religions across the continent and trigger the end-time confrontation spoken of in Daniel 11:40-43. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. Mr. Ames is working on a co-worker letter. Mr. Rod McNair is in Minneapolis this Sabbath for a congregational visit. Mr. Hernandez left today for visits in Central America. Mr. Peter Nathan leaves Sunday for the UK and then Kenya. I will leave on Tuesday for Geneva and then join Mr. Nathan in Kenya to visit congregations in that country. Living University classes for this semester began this week with an enrollment of about 200 students. Your prayers for God's people and His Work are deeply appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Prayer Requests
Mr. Rod King reports that tests show that his cancer is stable and not growing at this time and that he appreciates our prayers. Mr. Fitzroy Greeman reports that his kidney dialysis is not working well and he has internal pains. He appears to be in need of a kidney transplant and needs our prayers. Mr. Harold Way is at home undergoing rehabilitation therapy. He has some lingering visual problems and continues to need our prayers.
Visit to Guyana and Brazil
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzroy Greeman, Mr. Damian Weekes and I recently visited the Amerindian community of Moscou, Brazil. Most of the brethren there speak only their native language and Portuguese, but this did not inhibit their enthusiastic and warm hospitality. Thanks to translators, on the Sabbath, December 20, I gave both the sermonette and sermon to the 83 eager attendees. Mr. Greeman gave a Bible Study in the afternoon and another Bible Study the next morning. For over an hour after each Bible Study, the brethren asked very stimulating questions, primarily on how to apply God's Way of life in their subsistence community. Reluctantly, we parted from the brethren in Moscou and returned to Georgetown, and the Greemans went back to Trinidad. Mr. Weekes and I visited the brethren in Georgetown and made preparations for the Sabbath and the Tomorrow's World Bible Study on Sunday, to which subscribers had been invited. Between visits, I took time to hike around the town to become more familiar with the culture and people. Twenty-three attended Sabbath services on December 27, and 40 attended the Bible Study on Sunday, 19 of them first-time guests to our services. Again, the questions and answers continued for over an hour! It is an inspiration to bond with brethren from entirely different cultures and languages but who share the same Spirit and zeal for doing God's Work.—Rick Stafford
Healing in Arkansas
For several weeks we have been praying for John Wilson from Mountain Home, Arkansas, who suffered from several herniated discs in his back and one disc that apparently had disintegrated, resulting in a piece pressing into his spinal cord. In early October, John lost all feeling in his leg, foot, and toes, which made him vulnerable to falling, and was followed by unbearable pain. A chiropractor was able to help him to walk a little better but a few weeks later, it got much worse and sickness and weakness set in. The doctors recommended spinal surgery, though warned that this was very high risk. John declined surgery and asked to be anointed. He followed the instructions with the prayer cloth and prayed for relief. Three hours after the prayer, he was sitting in his truck and felt a bone move in his back. It was a very strange feeling, not a crack or a pop, but like it was a controlled move from within. Though it did not hurt, it was rather frightening. Then another moved, and another. It was like nothing he had ever felt before and he thought that his spinal cord was simply falling apart and he may be dying. The movements were gentle and one bone at a time moved, each taking several seconds. After about a minute it stopped. Now John noticed something else. He could feel his leg again, and his foot, and even his toes. He can now walk normally and work again. Please join John and all of us here in thanking God for His wonderful healing Spirit and His mercy!—Karl Beyersdorfer
Passover 2015—Repeat Announcement
Important Notice to All Pastors: In 2015, the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday evening, April 2. Please let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Service recording and letter instructions (available in English, French and Spanish). To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, we need this information before February 5 for international congregations, and by March 12 for U.S. congregations.
Also, let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions for observing it at home. International requests should be received before February 5 and U.S. requests before March 12. Please direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected] as soon as possible.
2015 Southwest Regional "Fun in the Sun" Regional Weekend—February 14-15—Repeat Announcement
Winter got you down? Escape the cold and wander on over to the desert for a "Fun in the Sun" weekend in Phoenix, Arizona!
The Phoenix congregation will host the 2015 SW Regional Weekend over Presidents Day weekend, February 14-15. Evangelist Richard Ames will be guest speaker. Events will include a formal Black and White Ball (Sabbath attire or better) on Saturday evening, with Brunch and Learn seminars on Sunday. We will be hosting a Variety Show on Sunday afternoon, followed by a Wine Reception to meet the performers and wrap up a very memorable weekend! The weekend is sure to be fun for the whole family!
The local congregation will provide housing and transportation on a first come, first served basis, so please RSVP early by contacting James Populo at [email protected] or 480-263-2881.
For the Variety Show, we are seeking formal "recital" performances such as instrumental solos and vocals, along with a variety of acts, such as comedic skits, fun acts and everything in between! If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail Adam and Myriah Pujat at [email protected].
Watch for our Facebook page to be posted.—Rodger Bardo
Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend in Greenville, SC—April 3-5—Repeat Announcement
The Anderson, South Carolina congregation is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our eighth Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend from Friday to Sunday, April 3 to 5.
Planned events include: the Night To Be Much Observed on Friday night, Holy Day services on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, a banquet and ball on Saturday night, and a picnic and recreational activities on Sunday. The Night to Be Much Observed, Holy Day services, and the banquet and ball will be held at the Greenville Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville. Further details about the event and registration instructions will be announced in early February. For further information, contact me at 864-638-7719 or by e-mail at [email protected].—Manuel Burdette
Feast of Tabernacles 2015
Kauai, Hawaii Feast Registration—Must Read
Aloha! If you ever wanted to spend a Feast in the tropical sun on an island full of lush beauty, sandy beaches, warm water and friendly people, then come join us in Kauai! This tropical paradise has it all, plus it is a place where God has placed His name for brethren to come and rejoice before Him. From the Na Pali coast to Waimea Canyon ("Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), Kauai is known for its scenic vistas, beautiful beaches and warm, balmy temperatures. The island has much to offer in the way of accommodations, with everything from resort hotels to reasonably priced condominiums to oceanfront homes. Kauai offers a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities including (but not limited to) snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips to the Na Pali Coast, ATV rides, scenic helicopter tours, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining and golfing. If you haven't been to Kauai before (or just want to go back again), take this opportunity to join us at this millennial paradise.
Since Kauai is a transfer-only site, for planning purposes we need brethren to register soon. We don't anticipate having to turn anyone down due to lack of space, so those who register in the next two weeks will be given first consideration. Registration will open on Sunday, January 18, at 9:00 a.m. EST. To register, go to your MyLCG page of the www.cogl.org Web site and click on the "Hawaii 2015 Registration" button. Please be patient in waiting for acceptances. I look forward to seeing many of you there!—Jim Meredith
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, January 23, will be on "What Is True Femininity?," 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. (EDT) 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 Great Purpose for Marriage and Family," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Finance
Attention U.S. Ministers!
Greetings from Charlotte! The accounting team is busy working on closing out calendar year 2014. For those who have 2014 expenses, please send your expenses in no later than January 25, if possible. Remember that you can scan and e-mail them to [email protected]. Thank you for your diligence, dedication, and hard work!—Jerry Ruddlesden
Living University
LU classes began on Wednesday with about 200 students registered for classes. The next semester will begin on August 17, 2015. Registration for August courses will begin on July 1, 2015.
We have added a new page to our LU Web site. To view the new page, go to the main LU Web site (www.livinguniv.com) and click on the link "What Students Say about LU."
Call for On-Site Study Applications (U.S. only at this time): For those seeking a unique and exciting learning opportunity, LU is now accepting applications for full-time students to study on-site in Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning in August 2015. We plan to accept several new male and female students for the fall semester and are looking, also, for individuals with skills to contribute to the Work or University through part-time work study. We will have housing available for on-site students next fall. Additional details and requirements can be found online, as can a rough estimate of costs associated with on-site study. Applications can be initiated online through the university Web site. Students interested in on-site study should plan to have their applications completed and submitted by February 15, 2015 if possible. Those with no previous college should submit college entrance test scores (ACT or SAT) along with other application materials and should plan to take that examination as soon as possible. You can find out more about these exams through a local high school guidance counselor, local community college or university testing service. At this time we can only accept on-site students from the U.S. Our hope is to expand this opportunity to international students in future years. If you have questions about on-site study or to find out more, please call or e-mail Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-708-2292 or [email protected].
Comments
The Role of a Watchman: Many churches today feel their sole mission is to tell the world that God loves them and that Jesus came to save sinners. However, there is much more to the biblical message. Jesus told His disciples to be alert and watch for events that will mark the approaching end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). The events making news today—increasingly severe weather, wars and spreading violence, religious confusion and moral corruption—are prophesied to appear at the same time we see the rise of a political power in Europe with links to the ancient Roman Empire that is promoted by an ecumenical minded Roman Church and the rise of adversarial powers in Asia and the Arab world. Just as God raised up a series of prophets to warn the ancient nations of Israel and Judah that their ungodly ways would bring serious consequences, the Church of God has a similar role to function as a "watchman" and warn modern Israelite nations of the coming consequences of their sinful ways (see Ezekiel 2:3; 33; Isaiah 58:1). Delivering this powerful warning message must also accompany the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—January 15, 2015
Terror in France: Last week's terrorist shooting of 17 civilians in Paris shocked France and the world (FoxNews, January 11, 2015). Following this tragedy, 40 world leaders joined 3.7 million people in rallies in Paris and throughout France on Sunday in a show of solidarity against terrorism (CNN, January 11, 2015). On Monday, a 10,000-strong security force was created to mobilize across France, with nearly 5,000 designated to protect Jewish schools and synagogues (BBC, January 12, 2015). Leading his nation through the tragedy, French President Hollande stated, "These are tense times. In the last few weeks we have foiled several terrorist plots, and we have known we were threatened, like other freedom-loving countries, and it is for precisely this reason we are targets. Because we are a free country we can overcome these men of violence and punish them for their crimes. No-one can be allowed to think they can get away with such things in France, and strike at the heart of republican values through one of its pillars, an independent press" (Euronews, January 7, 2015). God warned ancient Israel and the modern Israelite-descended nations (of which France is one), that "terror" would come upon nations that turn away from Him (Leviticus 26:14-16). God also warned that the leaders of these nations will heal the hurt of the people in a "superficial" way by creating false hopes of "peace" when peace does not exist (Jeremiah 6:13-14). While many leaders today mean well with their "encouraging" comments, the real solution to terrorism involves learning to live by the laws of God outlined in the Bible (Psalm 119:165). For more on what the future holds, read our free booklet, Armageddon and Beyond.
More Carnage in Nigeria: "Over 2,000 people were killed by Boko Haram fighters during the massacre [last week]... Hundreds of bodies - too many to count - remain strewn in the bush in Nigeria from an Islamic extremist attack that Amnesty International suggested Friday is the 'deadliest massacre' in the history of Boko Haram" (Sydney Morning Herald, January 13, 2015). It was "another bloody weekend for Nigeria in which three female suicide bombers, including one thought to be as young as 10, killed at least 23 people in the restive northeast" (ibid.). The director of UNICEF painfully observed, "These images of recent days and all they imply for the future of Nigeria should galvanise effective action. For this cannot go on" (ibid.). The death and suffering of the Nigerian people under Boko Haram's tyranny should cause all God's people to "sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done" (Ezekiel 9:4). Scripture states that "the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now"—including all the people on earth (Romans 8:22). Today, many "want-to-be" leaders have little regard for the sanctity of life, yet at the same time many claim to be God's instruments. However, the day is coming when "the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (v. 21)! The heartbreak in Nigeria and elsewhere certainly provides more reasons for God's people to pray fervently, "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10). For more on the positive future that awaits the whole world, view our sermon "Taste of the World Ahead Today."
Blood-Red Sea Off Tonga: "An underwater volcano off Tonga was spewing ash high into the air on Tuesday, causing several carriers to suspend air travel to the South Pacific island nation and turning the surrounding ocean blood red, residents and officials said" (The Guardian, January 12, 2015). "The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano… was sending volcanic ash up to 4,500m into the air... Tonga residents described a spectacular sight, with the enormous plume from the volcano shooting high into the sky and a muddy discharge underwater turning areas of the sea off the island blood red" (ibid.). End-time Bible prophecy describes one of the events that will occur just prior to Christ's return will be one-third of the sea turning to blood (or "like" blood) that will kill a third of all sea life (Revelation 8:8-9). Events like the volcanic eruption off Tonga turning the sea "blood red" give us a glimpse of something that will happen on a far larger scale at the end of the age. For more information on Revelation's prophecies and their meaning, read Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!—Scott Winnail, Deborah Lincoln-Strange and Francine Prater