Greetings from Charlotte,
In a politically-divided America, mid-term elections revealed a swing away from the President and his policies and a resurgence of support for more conservative values. In Jerusalem, turmoil continues to erupt over the issue of Jews praying on the Temple Mount, and in Europe the pressure of the ongoing financial crisis is becoming a divisive political issue that is setting EU nations against each other—which could have serious implications for Europe in the years just ahead. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been holding meetings and writing a Tomorrow's World article. Mr. Ames and Mr. Rod King are taping new Tomorrow's World television programs this week. Mr. Cristian Orrego will visit the Mexico City congregation this Sabbath. Last weekend, more than 150 visitors attended Tomorrow's World Presentations in Texas and Georgia. This weekend, Mr. Rodger Bardo and Mr. Gary Stein will make the last TWP of the year in Midland, Texas. We will hold a Council of Elders meeting next week here in Charlotte. Your prayers will be appreciated for these meetings.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Presents in Macon and Columbus, Georgia
On Sabbath, November 1, in Macon, 38 members were filled with anticipation to see how many people would attend the afternoon TWP. We were very pleased when 45 subscribers came and heard Dr. Douglas Winnail's insightful presentation on "Countdown to Armageddon," which evoked many nods of agreement as he confirmed things they have been reading and studying in their Bibles and Church literature. I followed with a presentation on "The Mystery of God's Holy Days." The relevance of Bible prophecy and the clarity of the presentations seemed to hold everyone's interest. Some of the guests had listened to Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong back in the 1950s and some who attended were from our former association. However, most of the people seemed to be new.
The next day, 59 subscribers and 20 members attended the TWP in Columbus. Once again, the air was filled with excitement and many of the members were surprised by the number of guests and their level of interest. Dr. Winnail's presentation gave voice to the thoughts of many in the audience who have been saddened by a "world turned upside down." The second presentation on the Holy Days gave much needed hope that God has a plan to save humanity before it is too late. It was obvious that people at both events were searching for answers and a number requested information about local Church services. One man commented, "I was impressed by the clarity of the presentation and the documentation with clear references." Another attendee said that the presentations helped him "understand some of the unanswered questions" that he had. Another stated, "I enjoyed the knowledge being addressed and will try harder to apply it to my lifestyle, while I watch and pray." In both locations, delightful and refreshing finger foods were served by the brethren. Thanks to all for your prayers and support for the TWPs in Georgia!—Dan Hall
Tomorrow's World Presents in Temple and Corpus Christi, Texas
Last weekend we welcomed 17 guests in Temple, Texas, and 31 in Corpus Christi, to TWPs given by Mr. Rodger Bardo and me. Both were very successful events and most of the guests were very responsive and "locked in" during the presentations. Mr. Bardo, who gave the presentation titled, "Five Keys to End-Time Prophecy" commented that many were obviously familiar with our material and teachings. I saw many following along in their Bibles and making notes during my presentation of "The Mystery of God's Holy Days."—Phil Sena
Prayer Requests
Mr. Harold Way, who pastors LCG congregations in the San Francisco Bay area and Fresno, California recently suffered a stroke. He is currently in a rehabilitation facility undergoing treatment. He is able to move and talk and continues to improve. The family will be appreciative of your prayers for Mr. Way's full recovery. Also, Mr. Jock Bennie, an elder serving in the Durban, South Africa congregation has been diagnosed with a serious cancer condition and would deeply appreciate your prayers.
Cikungunya Disease in the Caribbean
A disease called chikungunya has been spreading in the Caribbean and has affected some of our members in this region. (See News and Prophecy, June 5, 2014.) In December 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that mosquitoes in Saint Martin were spreading the disease to people. This was the first report of local transmission of chikungunya in the Americas. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in the Caribbean, including all of the islands where our brethren live. The disease causes severe pain to the entire body of the affected person. As one of our ministers reported, "The brethren who have had it and have recovered do feel some discomfort in their joints and some general weakness from time to time. These are some of the expected after-effects of the virus." Please be praying for our brethren in this region.—Rick Stafford, Caribbean Regional Director
Obituary—Mrs. Jeanine Hodebar in Martinique
We are very sorry to announce that Mrs. Jeanine Hodebar, one of the first members of God's Church in Martinique, died on October 22. Dr. Wilner Pierre and Mr. Etienne Duval conducted her funeral on Monday, October 27. Mrs. Hodebar was a deaconess and a pillar in the Martinique congregation. She was a woman with a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4, KJV). She is survived by her husband, Mr. Simbert Hodebar, who is a deacon, five children and several grandchildren.
Save the Date! Kansas City Regional Family Weekend—January 2-4—Repeat Announcement
Mark your calendars! The KC Family Weekend will be from Friday, January 2 through Sunday, January 4. Accommodations and Sabbath services will be at the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence, Missouri. Hotel rooms are available at $79.00 a night.
Join us for a family-focused weekend, including a Bible Study, Sabbath services, a catered dinner from the locally famous Hereford House, and black-tie dance and entertainment. This year's Sunday activities will feature new events including a volleyball clinic and children's basketball clinic in addition to women's and coed volleyball, men's basketball and children's activities. We're also introducing a lively, spectacular team smorgasbord for all ages. You won't want to miss this!
On top of all these activities, we are also including an Art Showcase. Do you draw? Paint? Sculpt? Stitch? Take photos? Write poetry? Whatever your talent, we want everyone to enjoy it! All artwork will be available for viewing throughout the weekend and the best will be recognized. Just bring your choice of artwork to the weekend. No matter what category your creative artwork is, we have a place for it at the Kansas City Regional Family Weekend.
For more details on hotel, housing and a schedule of events, please visit our Web site at http://lcgkcweekend.org (not an official LCG Web site). Registration will be open soon. We hope to see you in January!—Michael Keesee
Internet Department
New iPhone App Released!—Repeat Announcement
We are very pleased to announce our new Tomorrow's World mobile app for Apple iPhone and iPod! You can download the iPhone app directly from the Apple iTunes store. Go to the Google "Play" store for the Android app, or go to the Windows Phone Store for the Windows Phone app. Or you can just visit www.tomorrowsworld.org/mobile-apps for all of the Tomorrow's World apps.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living Youth Program
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, November 14, will be on, "The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Part 3," 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. (EST) and the chat room will be open for one 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 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 "The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Part 2," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Comments
Skills that Promote Teamwork: Members of successful teams (families, businesses, congregations) develop the necessary skills to function together smoothly to accomplish goals. These skills can be identified and learned. As Christians, we must develop these same skills—and many are clearly biblical. Effective team players avoid saying or doing things that offend others (Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 10:32). They learn to forgive and overlook slights or comments they perceive as hurtful, because they have learned the value of not being easily offended (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; 1 Corinthians 13:5). Team players do not sit in judgment of others—accusing, criticizing, spreading discontent or saying or assuming negative things about others on the team. Instead, they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1-5; James 4:11). Team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) who are able to promote harmony and work smoothly with others (James 3:17-18). They deal with people gently, respectfully and patiently, and they are willing to listen without trying to justify their own position (James 1:19). Effective team players appreciate that a team is made up of individuals with different talents and abilities who can make unique contributions to the team (1 Corinthians 12:12). They know the main priority is to work together smoothly to achieve a goal while showing love to one another (Ephesians 4:16). In summary, good team players have learned to love their neighbors. Let's strive to develop these skills.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 6, 2014
Britain vs. Germany? "Unnamed sources in the German government told the German weekly Der Spiegel that UK plans to place a cap on unskilled EU migrants would be a step too far for the German Chancellor… 'Should Cameron persist [in this plan], chancellor Angela Merkel would abandon her efforts to keep Britain in the EU. With that a point of no return would be reached'" (EU Observer, November 3, 2014). The root of this fundamental disagreement stems from the fact that Britain is struggling under the weight of immigrant welfare costs and seeks to limit immigration, while Mrs. Merkel holds to the central EU tenet of allowing the free flow of EU citizens across borders. This issue appears to be driving a wedge between the two nations. Now more than ever it appears that a Brexit—Britain's exit from the EU —is not only possible, but foreseeable, just as the Bible has indicated for millennia. Bible prophecies have long foretold that the final configuration of a European Beast power will actually take many Israelite-descended nations (like Britain) into captivity just prior to the end of the age (Deuteronomy 28:15, 20, 36-37, 48; Jeremiah 30:3-9; Ezekiel 23:22-35; Hosea 5:9-15; 7:11-16; 11:5-11). For this to happen, Britain will likely be on the outside of a "unified Europe." For more on this exciting topic, be sure to read our booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
More Women in the Workplace? In a recent speech at Rhode Island College, President Obama discussed the need for more mothers to have access to "quality day care" so they can enter and remain in the workplace. He stated "sometimes, someone, usually mom, leaves the workplace to stay home with the kids, which then leaves her earning a lower wage for the rest of her life as a result. And that's not a choice we want Americans to make" (WhiteHouse.gov, October 31, 2014). His solution? "So let's make this happen. By the end of this decade, let's enroll 6 million children in high-quality preschool, and let's make sure that we are making America stronger" (ibid.). But will this really make America stronger? The reason many single moms have to work is because of broken homes—and this "band aid" will not solve that problem. In the U.S. there are now over 11 million children in daycare for more than 35 hours per week (Childcare in America). In 2002, the EU also set the goal of providing non-family childcare for 90 percent of children age 3 and above, in order to make it possible for all women to join the workforce (EuroStat). The sad reality is that many parents are no longer raising their children—the "system" is now the "parent" of many children—so more women can work outside the home. The consequence is that children miss the valuable upbringing only a dedicated mother can give. This will change when Christ returns and men and women learn the importance of fulfilling the roles for which God created them. For more information be sure to read our booklet, Successful Parenting: God's Way.
Homosexual Couples Question Same-Sex Marriage: Ironically, as same-sex marriage is legalized, homosexual couples are increasingly uncertain about getting married (Associated Press, October 24, 2014). "When gay marriage became legal in Pennsylvania earlier this year, Elissa Goldberg was ready to say 'I do.' Her longtime partner's reaction, however, was 'I'm not so sure'" (ibid.). Homosexual couples are questioning whether they should legally wed, even though most states now allow same-sex marriage (30 states so far) (ibid.). One family rights lawyer commented, "With rights come responsibilities… When you lawfully marry… you have certain obligations to that spouse" (ibid.). Growing numbers of homosexual couples are writing prenuptial agreements in case of a future divorce. And more are choosing not to wed and instead just "live together" to avoid the commitment required by legalized marriage (ibid.). After all the efforts and clamor to legalize same-sex marriage, is it any wonder people do not have the desire and character for a lifetime commitment? Interestingly, "same-sex couples who live together are at least four times as likely as opposite-sex couples to reject marriage, even when it is available to them" (Christian Post, September 27, 2014). God established marriage with Adam and Eve, and He revealed laws to protect marriage (no adultery or fornication—Exodus 20:14). God also promised that if we would obey His commands, we would be blessed (Leviticus 26:1-13). For more information on how to have a really happy marriage, read our booklet, God's Plan for Happy Marriage.—Scott Winnail, Sue Bennett and Danielle Pierre