Greetings from Charlotte,
World events continue to jolt the senses! News reports detail the abuse of children in the UK, a deadly disease epidemic and the kidnapping of hundreds of girls in Africa, Russian invasions in Eastern Europe, civil wars and brutal killings in the Middle East and dangerous military maneuvers in the South China Sea. While affluent America is also plagued by droughts, floods, racial strife and political gridlock, millions of people get caught up in social media fads—as the rest of the world suffers and burns! It's no wonder that God is going to deal suddenly and severely with nations He has blessed and intended to be a light to the world. We need to "watch and pray" that we may be "counted worthy" to escape the turbulent times that are coming (Luke 21:36) as we strive to warn and preach the Gospel to this suffering world (Mark 16:15).
Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith held a number of meetings and is working on an article for the Tomorrow's World magazine. Mr. Ames gave the sermon last Sabbath here in Charlotte on "Meditation" and is working on future telecasts. Mr. Rick Stafford is in Trinidad for a Living Youth Adventure Camp. I had a very profitable trip to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Dallas where I spent time with ministers and congregations in those areas. Last weekend, Tomorrow's World Presentations drew 49 visitors in St. Catharines, Ontario and 30 visitors in Buffalo, New York. This coming weekend, Mr. Rodger Bardo will conduct a TWP in Prescott, Arizona that looks like it will be well attended. Plans and preparations for the Fall Holy Days appear to be on schedule. Please pray that God will guide and bless His Work and His faithful people.—DSW
| Ice Bucket Challenge: In America and other parts of the world where the Internet reaches, millions of people have taken the Ice Bucket Challenge—allowing someone to dump a bucket of ice water on their heads to raise money for a charity—and then posting a picture of themselves on Facebook to record this chilling event. While contributing to a charity is a personal decision, events like this can easily become an exhibitionist activity and another way to get your picture on Facebook in front of millions of viewers. While this is a seemingly innocent activity, there are medical concerns with such a temperature shock if a person has a pre-existing heart condition. As Christians, we are advised in the Scriptures to "come out" of this world and its faddish ways (2 Corinthians 6:17). Making a contribution to preaching the Gospel to a dying world might be a better way to improve the condition of mankind. |
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Presents in Buffalo, New York
The Tomorrow's World Presentation held in Buffalo, New York, on August 24 was attended by 11 members and 30 very enthusiastic guests. Mr. Jonathan McNair gave a two-part talk on "Keys to End-Time Prophecy" and "The Mystery of God's Holy Days." There was quite a bit of animated response and verbal agreement expressed by the guests during the presentation and one of Mr. McNair's comments about the absurdity of a particular Christmas ritual even prompted some applause. Most of the guests stayed after to ask questions and more than half expressed interest in attending Sabbath services. Some said that they are already keeping the Sabbath and were very excited to learn that there is a local congregation in the area. It was evident by the response to the presentation that God is opening the minds of more people and that He is blessing the Work of preaching the Gospel!—Randall Moran
Brethren Safe After Earthquake in Northern California
The earthquake that occurred in Northern California last weekend caused a bit of damage, mostly in the Napa and American Canyon vicinities. I was awakened by the "shake." It felt as though someone had picked up the house and was shaking it.
Our one member in Napa, which is the city that suffered the most damage, is fine. He did have some glass breakage and some items fell but no major damage was done and there was nothing that he couldn't clean up himself. No one else was affected.—Harold Way
2014 Charlotte Winter Family Weekend: December 24-28—Must Read
The Charlotte congregation will be hosting its annual Family Weekend in December. There will be activities for all ages. Arrival will be Wednesday, December 24, and departure will be Sunday, December 28. Bible Studies, Sabbath services, a dinner-dance and seminars will once again be held at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. Plans are set for a full day of sports tournaments and games on Thursday, December 25. On Friday morning there will be seminars for teens, young singles, mature singles and married couples, followed by an activity in the afternoon. More details will be announced in the coming weeks. Please start planning now to join us for three days of spiritual rejuvenation and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
Young Adults Retreat: December 28-January 1—Must Read
Living Church of God young adults 20-35 years of age are invited to attend a Winter Retreat from Sunday afternoon, December 28, through Thursday morning, January 1. Plans are being finalized now for this event near the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in North Carolina. Activities will include snow skiing and other winter recreational sports, as well as Bible Studies focused on topics of interest to young Christian adults. I am in the process of booking accommodations for the group, but it is very important to have a good idea of how many will be attending. The cost for room, breakfast and dinner for the four days will be approximately $150-175 per person. The cost for lunches, snow skiing/boarding, sledding, tubing and any other activities are additional. We hope that many of you will be a part of this unique experience to form bonds with other young Christian adults. If you are planning to attend this activity, please e-mail me right away at [email protected]. Due to the time of year, accommodations are filling up quickly and we need you to commit to this activity right away. Deposits to secure your spot will be due in the next few weeks. More details will be given next week, but please sign up now by e-mail.—Jim Meredith
Contacting Headquarters or Pastors for Sabbath Services Information
From time to time, brethren who are travelling may e-mail or call Headquarters or contact a minister through our www.lcg.org Web site, to obtain information about Sabbath services near the location they are visiting. We are happy to provide you with this information when you need it. However, please be sure to e-mail or call Headquarters or contact the minister early in the week—by mid-week, at the latest. If you wait until Friday afternoon to request the information, you may not reach the pastor in time to receive the necessary details (he may already be travelling on his circuit, and may be difficult to reach) and the office closes at 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Fridays during the winter.
Feast of Tabernacles
Tithe of the Second Tithe
For those who are able to contribute a tithe of their second tithe to help defray the expenses involved in conducting the annual Holy Days, including the Feast of Tabernacles, it would be greatly appreciated if this contribution could be sent at this time (if it has not already been sent). The tithe of the second tithe is used to help brethren with limited funds attend the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as to pay for hall rentals and other administrative costs associated with the annual Holy Days.—Jerry Ruddlesden
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We are still looking for Feast-level pianists to play hymns and accompany special music in Gatlinburg. Even though the site is closed for transfers, if you are willing and able to serve in that way, please let me know immediately. E-mail me at [email protected] or call 423-653-8746.—James Sweat
Park City, Utah, Feast Site at Capacity—Repeat Announcement
The Park City, Utah, Feast Site has reached capacity and is now closed to further transfers.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri—Repeat Announcement
There is still space in both the Adult and Youth Choruses at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you would like to serve by joining one of these choruses, please sign up at MyLCG.
We have also added a second Family Scenic Lake Cruise, as the first one filled up quickly. We can accept only 120 more, so please register before it is too late.—Gene Hilgenberg, Festival Site Coordinator
Feast Speaking Schedules—Repeat Announcement
Speaking Schedules for the Feast of Tabernacles are being sent out to all those who will have speaking assignments at the Feast. Those who are on the speaking schedule are encouraged to put in the time, prayer and preparation now—even though it's still summer—to bring messages that are inspiring, stimulating and focus on the wonderful message of Christ's reign on this earth! We thank all of those who will be preparing to bring spiritual nourishment to God's Church during this highlight of the year.—Festival Office
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Studies Resume September 12
The regular online Teen Bible Studies will resume on Friday evening, September 12. That study will be on, "God's Training Program for Kings and Priests!" and will be presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. In the meantime, teen studies given at the Adventure Camp 2014 and LYC Ohio 2014 are posted on the Living Youth Web site and you can also find there archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies.
European Living Youth Camp 2014
This summer, 41 campers and staff gathered at Rock UK Carroty Woods Adventure Centre, our second time to use these facilities, which offer a wide variety of on-site activities with qualified instructors. We enjoyed abseiling, a high-rope confidence course, a low-rope commando course crossing swamp and a stream, as well as swimming, softball, volleyball, badminton and archery. We had the pleasure of getting acquainted with our new Regional Director, Mr. Gerald Weston and his wife, Carol. Mr. Weston set the tone and drew on his many years of experience as he encouraged the campers and staff to seek the right relationship with God.
Christian Living classes were part of our morning routine as well as regular Bible reading going through Proverbs. A talent show rounded off the activities at this year's camp and a video presentation covered all the fun we all had at camp. We all left with great memories and friendships for the coming years.
As did our sister camps in the USA, we sincerely thank all those who volunteered to serve on the staff at this Living Youth Camp. Your selfless contributions in time, service and money demonstrate your dedication and love for the young people in God's Church. May God abundantly bless you for your wholehearted efforts to "feed the flock" through the youth program.—Rees Ellis
Comments
The Value of Hope: In a world that appears to be coming apart, where strife and brutality are increasing and concerns about the future are growing, many have little hope in the future. Yet, having hope in the future—something positive to look forward to—is a vital aspect of life. Many understand that life without hope is depressing and empty. The Scriptures state, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). But what is the real hope for the future? King David wrote, "You are my hope, O Lord GOD" and, "I hope in Your word" (Psalm 71:5; 119:147). The Apostle Paul said under cross-examination before a Roman governor, "I have hope in God" and "believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets," including the promise of a resurrection and eternal life that he would receive at the return of Jesus Christ (Acts 24:14-15; Titus 1:2; 2:13). We are urged as Christians, "to lay hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18) and to purify ourselves so we can become "children of God" (1 John 3:1-3). These are exciting realities that we can look forward to in the coming Kingdom of God. We need to be motivated by this same hope today!
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 28, 2014
NATO Challenges Russia: At the eastern European summit in Minsk this week, Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Poroshenko traded handshakes, but no progress was made on a cease-fire in the Ukraine (EU Observer, August 27, 2014). With allegations that Russia is illegally crossing into the Ukraine, NATO announced it is "planning to set up permanent new bases in Eastern Europe" and that "any potential aggressor should know that if they were to even think of an attack against a Nato ally they will meet not only soldiers from that specific country but they will meet Nato troops" (ibid.). In our supposedly "civilized" world, it is sobering to see tensions heightening and threats abounding all around the globe. Yet, Jesus Christ foretold that as the end of the age approaches, we would hear of "wars and rumors of wars" and that strife would increase between ethnic groups (Matthew 24:6-7). As prophecy marches on, we will see more, not fewer, confrontations and threats of war. While this is sobering, it is also encouraging to know what to expect as time goes on. The God of the Bible reveals that He "does nothing unless He first reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). For more on understanding prophecy, view our telecast, "Prophecy and You!"
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Bomb Libya: Since the Arab Spring, civil unrest has continued in Libya. This past weekend, "air strikes on militia positions around Tripoli's international airport were reportedly carried out by Emirati fighter jets using bases in Egypt. The Egyptian authorities have denied involvement, and there has been no direct comment from the UAE" (BBC, August 26, 2014). "The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says the Misrata alliance is now effectively in control of the capital because their rivals have withdrawn from the city. She says that life has largely come to a standstill, with many business and offices closed, while many residents are afraid. Hundreds of people have died during more than a month of fighting which has left the airport in ruins" (ibid.). As U.S. influence declines in the region, the air strikes were made without informing the Americans (ibid.). The continued turmoil in Libya suggests the need for a strong leader to establish order and peace in the region. Bible prophecy reveals that a "king of the South" (south of Jerusalem) will arise at the end of the age and bring some uniting and temporary stability to the region (see Daniel 11:40-43). However, true peace in this conflicted region will not come until Jesus Christ returns and establishes His throne in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:6-7). For more on this important subject, read our article, "An Islamic Wind?"
Hypersonic Arms Race: The United States recently attempted the test launch of a hypersonic missile from a base in Alaska. Four seconds after the launch, the missile had to be destroyed (Reuters, August 25, 2014). Hypersonic missiles can travel at about ten times the speed of sound and are designed to reach any target on earth within an hour (ibid.). This type of missile is touted as a "deterrent" intended for use against rogue nuclear nations like North Korea and Iran. This new technology is not expected to come online for another decade (ibid.). However, China has already tested a hypersonic missile, and Russia is believed to be developing one as well (The Guardian, August 26, 2014). To date, virtually every weapon developed by mankind has been used in one way or another. The proliferation of powerful and rapid-response weapons like hypersonic missiles suggests an ominous future for mankind. Yet, Bible prophecy clearly shows that humanity will not utterly destroy itself (Mark 13:20). The end of the age will bring a great global tribulation (Matthew 24:21), but Christ will return and usher in a 1,000-year period of peace on the earth (Revelation 5:10; 20:4-5). For more about the soon-coming Kingdom of God, be sure to read our booklet, Armageddon and Beyond.—Scott Winnail and Ron Ramsingh