Greetings from Charlotte,
This past weekend, we had a very positive series of events to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Global/Living Church of God and Mr. Meredith's 60th year as an Evangelist in the Church of God. More than 550 brethren heard Mr. Meredith's message on the Sabbath and several hundred attended Bible studies by Mr. Ames and Dr. Winnail. Many also enjoyed the social and athletic activities on Sunday and seminars on Monday that focused on Teens, Singles and Marriage. This week Mr. Meredith has conducted a number of meetings (see report below). We are pleased to have Mr. and Mrs. Etienne Duval from Martinique visiting the office this week; as well as Mr. and Mrs. Adam West, who are spending a few days at Headquarters before their move to the United Kingdom. Last week's Tomorrow's World program by Mr. Ames, entitled "Christmas: The Missing Message," is expected to generate more than 5,000 responses. Mr. Mario Hernandez was in Guatemala this week for a Youth Camp and will be in Mexico City for the Sabbath. Dr. Wil Pierre is back in Charlotte after a very profitable visit to the French-speaking Caribbean (see report below). Dr. Scott Winnail will spend this Sabbath in Barbados on his return trip from Guyana and Brazil. I will be in Kansas City this coming weekend for their Winter Weekend. Living University registration for second semester classes is currently underway. You can consult the LU website, www.livinguniv.com, for information on classes being offered.—DSW
Church Administration
20th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte
This past weekend the Charlotte, NC congregation hosted an event celebrating 20 years since the Global/Living Church of God was started under the leadership of Dr. Roderick Meredith. Five hundred and fifty-one brethren came together at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel to enjoy a weekend of fun, fellowship, and both physical and spiritual food. The weekend began with a Bible study Friday night given by Mr. Richard Ames. On Saturday morning there was a hymn sing at the hotel followed by a Bible study given by Dr. Doug Winnail. The church service in the afternoon was highlighted by the presentation of a Baccarat crystal eagle to Dr. Meredith in recognition of his 60 faithful years of service to God's brethren as an evangelist. Dr. Meredith then capped off the service with a strong sermon entitled "Who We Are and Where We Are Headed." Saturday night most people stayed for a very fine dinner followed by a lively dance. Sunday morning more than 300 brethren headed down to a sports complex for a full day of basketball, volleyball, children's games, fellowship and lots of good food, including freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Sunday night nearly 200 of the weary brethren still had enough energy to enjoy some group games and more fellowship at the hotel. Monday morning there were three different Christian living seminars being given simultaneously to the teens, singles and married couples at the hotel. Monday afternoon more than 100 people ages five and up attended an activity at an indoor climbing center, learning to climb man-made rock walls. Many remarked at how much they enjoyed this opportunity. The weekend was capped off by an ice cream social after dinner Monday night, and again fellowship abounded. Many people commented on how much they enjoyed getting together with other brethren to fellowship and have a lot of fun, but also how much they appreciated the spiritual food that was abundant over the weekend event as well. This truly was a great success and "A December to Remember" for all who came. We realize that there were quite a few who were unable to attend due to the weather and other circumstances, but we hope you and many others will come celebrate with us next year as we do plan to do it all again!—Jim Meredith
Tomorrow's World Presentation in Uganda
Mr. Simon Muthama reports: Last Sabbath I traveled to Fort Portal where I gave a sermon entitled "Where Is the Church that Jesus Christ Built?" There were about 10 people in attendance, and I announced that I would continue with a Bible Study the next day. After the service, I spoke to three "brand new" men. When I asked how they came into contact with us, they said a friend gave them three of our booklets, "Which Day Is the Christian Sabbath?," "What Is a True Christian?" and "Where Is God's True Church Today?" The next day, I could hardly believe my eyes when 31 people showed up for the Bible Study, including the three men. One woman commented that an angel of God has brought light to Fort Portal. The Bible Study focused on the importance of understanding the true Gospel Christ taught. While the world is busy celebrating Christmas, the Living Church of God is busy preaching the Gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom of God.
French-Caribbean Update
Dr. Wilner Pierre returned on Monday after completing a successful pastoral visiting circuit in the Caribbean. On December 2, he conducted a Tomorrow's World Presentation in La Romana, Dominican Republic. He spoke on the subject of "Where Is the True Church that Jesus Christ Built?" to an audience of 164 guests, including Dr. Pedro Arrindell, a member from Dutch St. Maarten, who had traveled there for the occasion. Dr. Pierre delivered his presentation in French, since the audience was mostly composed of Haitian expatriates, but there was also simultaneous translation into Spanish available, to serve the Dominicans in attendance. As far as we know, this is the first time in modern times that the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached in this country and we hope that good fruit will be born from this effort. Already, we have gained a few Spanish-speaking subscribers from those who attended the presentation which was only advertised by word-of-mouth. While in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Pierre and Dr. Arrindell also researched a possible Fast of Tabernacles site for 2013 that would combine most of the French-speaking members in the Caribbean.
Dr. Pierre then traveled to neighboring Haiti on December 5. During his time there, he visited our newest congregation in l'Asile, where he performed three baptisms, conducted the first Advanced Leadership Training Program lesson and visited members in their homes. He spent the Sabbath of December 8 with our congregation in Port-au-Prince, with 32 in attendance, and gave a sermon on the difference between the fear of God and worldly fear. After the Sabbath, he conducted an ALTP session and on Sunday he performed three baptisms and a wedding.
Dr. Pierre then visited Martinique from December 11 to 17. On the Sabbath of December 15, he gave the sermon in Fort-de-France, on the subject of believing God, with an attendance of 39. Later in the evening, he conducted the Living Leadership Course lesson titled "Characteristics of Strong Leaders." During his time in Martinique, Dr. Pierre also visited members and discussed with local members plans to conduction a TWP in Martinique and start broadcasting our French television program locally. On December 17, Dr. Pierre departed for Guadeloupe, accompanied by Martinique elder Etienne Duval and his wife Chantal, to visit our members there and for a public Bible Study, which was delivered by Mr. Duval, and entitled "Law and Obedience." There was a record attendance of 15 for the Bible Study in Guadeloupe.
On December 21, Dr. Pierre then traveled with the Duvals to Dutch St. Maarten, where he was joined by his wife, Cecelia, for the official inaugural service of our congregation in Philipsburg on December 22 with 15 in attendance. Dr. Pierre gave the sermon on the Sabbath, titled "Always Be Prepared," and also held a song-leading workshop for the local men. The Pierres and the Duvals arrived joyfully and safely in Charlotte on December 24, thankful for the many accomplishments God provided throughout this tour. The Duvals are in Charlotte this week for a visit to Headquarters and for ministerial training.
Spring 2013 Living for Tomorrow for Young Adults
Attention all young adults! Pre-register now for our upcoming L4T program in beautiful upstate New York! Come prepared to experience God's Spring Holy Days with other young adult singles dedicated to becoming pillars and leaders in God's Church. Participants will arrive on March 25, 2013 and depart on March 29, 2013. The program will include indoor and outdoor activities both on-site at the Epworth Retreat and Conference Center and in the nearby Catskill Mountains. We will have interactive workshop-style classes challenging and stretching you to build a strong foundation for a life dedicated to God—with other young adults who have the same goal! The L4T will be rounded out by social activities to help you build bonds of friendship with other young adults from across the near and far. We are accepting men and women from ages 18 to 30. Don't miss this unique opportunity, designed specifically for young adults in the Living Church of God! For more information and to pre-register, just go to http://l4tspring2013.weebly.com.—Jonathan McNair
Living Youth Programs
No Teen Bible Study—Sunday Evening
There will be no online Teen Bible Study this Sunday evening.
Teen Camp in South Africa
Mr. Pieter van der Byl, South African Area Pastor, traveled to the Morenstar Camp near Johannesburg for the last few days of the inaugural LYC Camp in South Africa. Mr. van der Byl reported that the campers were enthusiastic about their experiences. They appreciated the efforts of Camp Director Mr. Rees Ellis, Assistant Director Mr. Lawdie Ferreira, boys counselor Jamie Meakin and girls counselor Jennie van der Byl. Mr. van der Byl gave the sermon on the last Sabbath and then all campers said their good-byes as they made their way back home to several cities and neighboring countries.—Rod King
Finance Department—Repeat Announcement
As the U.S. government speeds towards the "fiscal cliff," it is time to think about how you would like to manage your year-end donations. There could be changes in the tax code for 2013 that will affect charitable donations for many people. Donations are credited to your 2012 statement for the purposes of tax deductions if the donation is dated and postmarked by December 31, 2012. Donations dated or postmarked after that date will be credited to 2013.
We greatly appreciate the faithfulness of our members and co-workers in supporting God's Work!—Dexter Wakefield, Business Operations Manager
Comments
The Value of Hope: Having a hope in the future—something positive to look forward to—is a vital aspect of life. Many have long understood that life without hope is empty. The Bible also states, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). But what is the real hope in life for a Christian? 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… believing all things which were written in the Law and in the Prophets… that there will be a resurrection of the dead… of eternal life… looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior 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). With this hope in mind, we need to be "ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). We need to be motivated by this same hope today!
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—December 27, 2012
Syrian Saga Continues: As Syria's President Assad clings to power, rebel forces tighten their grip on Damascus. Rebels have captured military bases and are now closing in on Damascus, as Assad's regime bombs more of the city's suburbs. The international community and the Arab league have decried Assad's selfish clinging to power. A recent visit from a UN peace envoy showed little hope of improvement in the situation (Telegraph, December 24, 2012). Russia has apparently sent military ships to evacuate Russian citizens from Syria should it be needed (Reuters, December 18, 2012). Even Pope Benedict XVI has spoken against the "senseless slaughter of innocent Syrians" by the Assad regime (Associated Press, December 25, 2012). But what is ahead for Syria? End-time Bible prophecies indicate that Damascus will become a "ruinous heap" (Isaiah 17:1) and the men of war will perish in her streets as fear seizes the city and fire consumes the dwellings (Jeremiah 49:23-27). Ultimately, peace will come to Damascus—and the entire Middle East—when Jesus Christ returns to this earth (Revelation 11:15-18) and the whole world will finally be filled with "the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9). Only then will true and lasting peace be established. For more information on the future of the Middle East, see our eye-opening booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy.
Ugandan President Leads Nation in Repentance: The African nation of Uganda celebrated its jubilee in October, marking 50 years of independence from Britain. During the national "week of prayer," its professing Christian president, Yoweri Museveni, led the nation in a prayer of repentance and dedication to God (New Vision, October 18, 2012). He prayed, "Father God in heaven, today we stand here as Ugandans, to thank you for Uganda... We thank you for all your goodness to us. I stand here today to close the evil past and especially in the last 50 years of our national leadership history and at the threshold of a new dispensation in the life of this nation. I stand here on my own behalf and on behalf of my predecessors to repent. We ask for your forgiveness. We confess these sins, which have greatly hampered our national cohesion" (ibid.). He went on to list many sins, including drunkenness, witchcraft, idolatry, dishonesty, intrigue and betrayal. Mr. Museveni ended his prayer with: "Lord forgive us and give us a new beginning. Give us a heart to love you, to fear you and to seek you… We want to dedicate this nation to you so that you will be our God and guide. We want Uganda to be known as a nation that fears God and as a nation whose foundations are firmly rooted in righteousness and justice to fulfill what the Bible says in Psalm 33:12: Blessed is the nation, whose God is the Lord. A people you have chosen as your own" (ibid.). This is a remarkable example by a modern leader. National leaders should lead their nations not only in governmental affairs, but also on moral issues. When Solomon became King over Israel, he humbly asked for an understanding heart in order to lead God's people (1 Kings 3:7-9). Solomon then asked God for forgiveness on behalf of his people (1 Kings 8:22-53) and the nation of Israel was blessed and prospered (1 Kings 10:1-9). It will be interesting to see what happens to Uganda during the remainder of Mr. Museveni's presidency. Our world would be very different if all leaders followed his example.
Russian-Indian Arms Deal: According to Russian President Putin, military cooperation between Russia and India has reached "unprecedented levels" (BBC, December 24, 2012). The two nations recently signed a deal where Russia will provide India with more than 100 new fighter jets and military helicopters. India has also signed a number of large defense contracts with the U.S., France and Israel, and is looking to match its "growing economic might with military power" as of late (Reuters, December 24, 2012). India is also expecting the delivery of a reconditioned Soviet-built aircraft carrier later in 2013 (ibid.). As India builds up its military power, supported by finances from its new-found economic success, it is worth considering end-time prophecies that suggest how this military power may ultimately be used. Just prior to the return of Christ, following a military action between the European Beast power and many Middle Eastern nations, the "kings of the east" will move toward Jerusalem in order to neutralize the Beast. These kings will wield an unprecedented 200 million-man army. India's military preparations could play a role in the fulfillment of these prophecies (Daniel 11:40-45; Revelation 9:13-21).—Scott Winnail