From the Presiding Evangelist
Dear fellow servants of Christ,
As this year comes to an end, we are very thankful for the growth that God has been giving! A few hundred "new" people have come with us in Church attendance all around the world. Our impact on television, radio, publishing and the Internet continue to increase. And certainly world events are speeding up! It is truly exciting to see the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together in the prophetic scenario that we have understood for so long.
Now, as you know, the EU does have a new President—though this basically unknown man and their new EU Prime Minister are relatively unknown and will no doubt be basically "puppets" of the major powers, Germany and France, who probably lobbied for this situation and will control the action from behind the scenes. As you may have read, Germany's highest court has just ruled that Sunday should be kept as a day of rest and has overturned a Berlin law easing restrictions on Sunday shopping. So this may well be a precursor of enforcing Sunday observance on all the nations of Europe!
As these prophetic events speed up, I urge all of you to pray fervently for God's Work and that He will inspire tens of thousands of our brethren, co-workers, contributors and subscribers to respond to the semi-annual letter with the DVD offer which many are now receiving. Also, those of us who understand should also pray fervently that God will bless the Tomorrow's World television program on the new stations just now coming on line—a powerful new satellite station reaching Britain and Europe which will start airing our program this Sunday, December 6, and a station in Oklahoma City which will begin airing January 3.
Fellow laborers, please also pray and do all you can to help bring along more donors and co-workers to help fund the tremendous work we need to be doing. And also do all you can to train our own leaders so we may take care of the "new" people coming with us more than ever on a regular basis. Even now, as many of you know, many brethren from "other groups" are beginning to come with the Living Church of God! We are very grateful for this as we know we can help them understand and practice the full Truth and the full way of life which God intended. Also they can help us do the Work and reach this confused world while there is time. So please give a hearty welcome to these new people! Make them feel welcomed and be hospitable to them in every way you can by warmly greeting them, offering to eat out with them or do things with them, or having them over to your home if possible. All of us should pray for them and be thankful that God is helping more people come into the full Truth and be part of this special Work He is doing at this time.
Brethren, we truly need to be "on fire" as we realize the awesome challenges and opportunities just ahead. So let us pray for one another and do all we can to truly "walk with God" as the end of this age swiftly approaches.
Your brother in Christ,
Roderick C. Meredith
Church Administration
Greetings from Charlotte,
December opened with a number of prophetically significant events. In Europe, the Lisbon Treaty came into effect and will require EU members to surrender even more sovereign powers to un-elected officials in Brussels (see Revelation 17:12-13). For the first time in modern history, the governing elite in Europe have selected as the President of Europe a devout Belgian Catholic, Herman Van Rompuy, and a person who will function as a Foreign Minister for Europe, Baroness Catherine Ashton, a member of the British House of Lords who worked to prevent the people of Britain from having a referendum on whether or not to accept the Lisbon Treaty that will further undermine the independence of Britain. In addition, President Obama announced that America will become more deeply involved in Afghanistan, a conflicted country that brought humiliating defeats to the British and Russians. Bible prophecy reveals that God is going to "break the pride" of the power of His chosen people because of our sins (Leviticus 26:19). These are important issues to ponder as the Western world enjoys its annual observance of pagan-derived holidays—practices that God condemns (see Deuteronomy 12:29-32; Jeremiah 10:1-3).
Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been conducting meetings, we are reviewing the January-February 2010 edition of Tomorrow's World magazine, and we are receiving responses to the semi-annual letter. Dr. Michael Germano, and Dr. Charles Moore from Canada, have been at the office and taped some very interesting lectures for their respective Living University classes in Church History and Biblical Geography. This Sabbath, Mr. Martin Fannin will conduct a Tomorrow's World Bible lecture in the Blairsville, Georgia area. I will be in the Los Angeles, California area this weekend for several Church visits. Mr. John Turner, our elder serving the St. Joseph, Missouri, congregation is recovering from a blood clot on the brain and has been diagnosed with a blood-thickening disease. Your prayers for John and his wife (and the events occurring this weekend) will be appreciated.
French Work Update
On Tuesday, Mr. Apartian invited by e-mail 328 subscribers in Haiti for a Bible Study that Dr. Wilner Pierre will be presenting in Port-au-Prince on December 18. Your prayers for a successful event are much appreciated.
Spanish Work Update
Mr. George Schaubeck, our elder in Costa Rica, reports that in the week of November 22, the office in Costa Rica finished mailing the sixth issue of the Spanish Tomorrow's World magazine, El Mundo de Mañana. He wrote, "With a slow but steady growth, we were able to pass the 1,100-subscription level, including Church members. We can see God's hand in helping us produce every one of the first six issues; gathering all the necessary elements to be able to distribute in a timely fashion each of the six issues scheduled for the magazine's first year. We are very grateful for all the prayers and help brethren have provided toward the success of this publication and we hope that you will not cease from fervently asking God to grant us another successful year of even further progress. We are also grateful to all those who have submitted suggestions to improve different aspects of the magazine, which have allowed us to increase the quality of its content and layout. 'Iron sharpens iron' (Proverbs 27:17)."
Mr. Schaubeck also informs us that this week we sent Dr. Meredith's most recent semi-annual letter in Spanish to more than 850 subscribers. Since the 2012 DVD is in the process of being translated, in this letter we offered a recording of Mr. Hernandez's recent public lecture in Argentina, titled "The World economic Crisis and our Future."
United Kingdom and Africa Update
Mr. Rod King reports: While I was in the U.S. Mr. Wayne Pyle mentioned that we have an offer to go on KICC channel on SKY here in the U.K. and Ireland. Mr. Weston from Canada offered to pay for the first three months which was kind of him but soon after Mr. Pyle received a call from a prospective member in the U.S. who wanted to support our program and when we mentioned the new U.K. station he agreed to help. It appears we will have funding for nearly six months and hopefully beyond.
Gospel Channel, our television station in Iceland, would like to air selected programs in Iceland with Icelandic subtitles at no cost to us. We have given them the "go ahead."
Mr. Pieter van der Byl reports that all is well in South Africa, though the mother of one of our members lost her house in a fire recently. Sadly, his elderly aunt perished in the flames…. Several people have given them support as well as the Church in South Africa.
Messrs. Meakin, Stafford and Ellis will be here early next week to discuss plans for 2010. There is much to do as we consider the needs of 250 people in the U.K., Ireland and Europe. We are pleased with the team that God has given us and hope that all will go well. One area you may wish to ask for God's help is our finances. As you can imagine there are many expenses associated with halls, travelling and salaries.
Southeast Regional Weekend in Charlotte (December 25-27)—to be read in all U.S. congregations
Start making your plans to attend the Southeast Regional Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the weekend of December 25-27. The whole family is invited to join the Charlotte brethren at a Bible study on Friday, December 25 at 7:00 p.m., conducted by Mr. Richard Ames, at the Hilton Charlotte University Place hotel. Sabbath services on December 26 will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be followed after sundown by a dinner-dance (Sabbath services and the Dinner-Dance will also be held at the Hilton). The semi-formal dance will begin with a special presentation of local talent along with a very special performance by a "world famous" pianist. The cost for the dinner is $25 per adult and $15 per child. Pre-payment for the dinner is due Tuesday, December 22 (a downloadable payment and information form will be posted on the MyLCG website, www.cogl.org, early next week).
On Sunday, December 27, everyone is cordially invited to enjoy the exciting family activities (free admission) taking place at Sun Valley High School gymnasium from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In the foyer of the gym, we will have the "Third Annual Bake Sale Silent Auction," with delicious baked goods from "the best cooks in town."
Rooms are available at the Hilton Charlotte University Place hotel for a discounted rate of $69 (plus taxes) per night. When making reservations, be certain to identify yourself as being with the Living Church of God. This discounted rate will be available from Tuesday, December 22 until Wednesday, December 30. For additional information on the Southeast Regional Weekend, please contact Mrs. Dorothy McNair at 704-844-1960, ext.248, or send e-mail to [email protected].
Location of Bible Study, Sabbath Services and Dinner-Dance:
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Street
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-547-7444
800-HILTONS (800-445-8667)
Family Activities and Bake Sale Silent Auction (lunch will not be served):
Sun Valley High School Gymnasium
5211 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
Little Rock Family Weekend
The Little Rock, Arkansas, congregation invites you to our annual Little Rock Family Weekend and Costume party, on January 16 and 17. Visitors are welcome to stay with local brethren, or at a local hotel where we have secured discounted rates. We are planning numerous activities, including a Sabbath morning Bible Study, a teen-mixer, Sabbath services followed by a very nice BBQ dinner with all the fixings, and then a festive western-theme costume party dance. Then, join us on Sunday morning for a western style "flap-jack" breakfast, games and activities.
A $5 per person (a maximum of $15 per family) donation is suggested, but not required. Don't miss out on a great opportunity for fun and fellowship with your spiritual family. Call or e-mail Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka at 512-775-8368 or [email protected] for more details and for registration information.
Finance Department
As we near the end of the calendar year, we are wrapping up various items for 2009 and planning for 2010. Regular donation income through today (Thursday) is 2.9% above last year at this time. Considering the struggling economy, which impacts our supporters, this increase is remarkable and we are very thankful to God for it. This amount is below our budgeted increase, so we continue to carefully monitor expenses. We deeply appreciate the diligence, sacrifice and faithfulness of our members, co-workers and donors, particularly during these difficult economic times.
For those in the USA that do year-end tax planning, please remember that all donations that we receive that are dated and postmarked by December 31 or before will be included in your final contribution receipt for 2009.
On other matters, we are working on planning the Feast of Tabernacles 2010 with some contracts in place and others that should be finalized very soon. An announcement will be made when all the Festival sites are secured, but registration will begin after the Spring Holy Days.—Davy Crockett
Living University
On-campus study and registration for next-semester classes
Living University is now accepting applications for on-campus study in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the 2010-2011 academic year. Classes start in August 2010. If you are interested in earning a college degree, a certificate, or would like to spend a semester or two taking classes in Charlotte, consider this one-of-a-kind God-centered program for your higher education. LU also accepts home school students with the appropriate credentials. You may access the application and other related materials on the LU website, at www.livinguniv.com. On the home page, simply click on Making Application for instructions and further information. The website contains estimated costs as well as materials that are necessary to complete the application process. Note that the application deadline for on-campus study in Charlotte is February 15, 2010. You will be notified of your admittance by April 1, 2010. For those wishing to attend the on-campus program and who do not have previous college, you will need to take your college entrance exam (SAT or ACT) and have your test scores sent to Living University well before the application deadline. Applicants should plan to sit for their ACT or SAT exam in December of this year, at a local junior college or university. More details on these exams can be found on the LU website.
Registration for the next semester of Living University courses is currently underway. Classes begin online on January 19. Eleven different courses are being offered next semester. This week we will highlight three different courses. A full listing of "Spring Semester" courses (Spring in the northern hemisphere), can also be viewed on the LU website under the link "2010 Spring Schedule." To make application to LU and to register for courses, please visit www.livinguniv.com.
For more information or questions regarding on-campus study or registration for classes, please contact Dr. Scott Winnail at [email protected], or call 704-844-1966, option 7.
THL 136: Acts and the Writings of Paul. This class focuses on the book of Acts and deals with Paul's life, times and writings. It includes the background, purpose, message and themes of Paul's letters; his personal life and character; his companions; and the chronology of the Apostle's life. Emphasis is placed on the spiritual importance of Paul's writings and the issues that Paul dealt with in the early New Testament Church. This exciting course is also needed to take the Epistles of Paul course that begins in August.
THL 150B: Introduction to Biblical Communication II. This course provides an in-depth experience in preparing and delivering speeches to religious and other audiences. Emphasis is placed on developing specific types of public speeches with the needs and unique aspects of the audience constantly in mind. Emphasis is also placed on developing the skills necessary to critically analyze and improve one's speaking abilities. This course will benefit anyone interested in improving their public speaking skills.
THL 212: Old Testament Survey II. This course deals with the Latter Prophets and the Writings, focusing on the background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book and outstanding people and events. Emphasis will be placed on the Old Testament as the background and foundation for understanding the New Testament. This course will essentially begin at the book of Song of Solomon and move through the remaining books of the Old Testament.
Legal Affairs
Military Draft
With each passing day, terrorist actions and military conflicts seem to increase around the globe. In the war on terrorism, the United States appears strained in providing the military troops and intelligence agency operatives to fight, train allied personnel, and patrol the international hotspots.
The possibility of reinstituting the military draft has awakened the interest of many in the Living Church of God who are eligible for the draft, as well as those concerned about their sons, and even their daughters, being drafted into the military. This is coupled with the specter of a national emergency declaration in response to a future major terrorist attack. With the calling-up of National Guard units, and the attempted reactivations of those previously discharged or retired from the military (or even the intelligence community)—some of whom may now be with the Living Church of God—it seems prudent to explain how the Church is prepared to assist in the area of Conscientious Objection to Military Service.
Church Administration and Legal Affairs are aware of these growing concerns as information is sought regarding: 1) those who are draft-eligible establishing their Conscientious Objector (CO) status; 2) those previously discharged or retired from the military (who may be eligible for reactivation) establishing their CO status; and, 3) those currently in the military (active, reserves or National Guard) who have personally come to conscientiously object to military service and wish to be discharged.
Those eligible for the military draft among the Living Church of God who wish the Church's assistance in establishing their CO status should continue to contact Legal Affairs at [email protected] or 704-844-1960, ext. 228, for the Church's information letter, publications and CO form; those who send back a copy of their completed CO form to Legal Affairs will continue to be added to the Church's official Registry of COs—with a copy forwarded to the Center on Conscience and War for inclusion in their national database of COs.
Those among the Living Church of God previously discharged or retired from the military (who may be eligible for reactivation) wishing the Church's assistance in establishing their CO status, as well as those currently in the military (active, reserves or National Guard) wishing the Church's assistance in their attempt to be discharged, should contact Mr. Gary Ehman, at [email protected] or 704 844-1960, ext. 216, who is the Draft Counselor in CAD working in conjunction with Legal Affairs to provide such assistance.
Comments
The Value of Hope: We live in a world of growing uncertainty and fear—a world that, for many, is without real hope for the future. Yet, having a certain hope in the future—something positive to look forward to—is a vital aspect of life. The Bible 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, "believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets, I have hope in God" (Acts 24:14-15). Paul's hope included the promise of the resurrection and eternal life (Titus 1:2). Paul also knew that all things—including trials—will work together for good for those with whom God is working (Romans 8:28) and that God will make a way for us to get through the trials that come in life (1 Corinthians 10:13). Knowing and trusting in the promises of God gave Paul hope! This is why we are urged as Christians to "lay hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18), to "be ready to give a defense...for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15) and to "purify" ourselves so we can become "children of God" (1 John 3:1-3). Are we motivated by this same hope today?
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—December 3, 2009
Israel: Preparing for Attack. Last week, three Israeli intelligence officials made public comments about an impending attack on Iran. In a speech at Tel Aviv University, Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan commented that "the time for hard decisions is fast approaching," adding, "The range of security threats to Israel is very complex and we must prepare for all exigencies." Defense minister Ehud Barak warned Lebanon that another Hezbollah attack would put Lebanon at risk for an Israeli counterattack. Barak was apparently also warning Syria and the Palestinians through his comments. Also last week, the Israeli deputy defense minister promised to deliver a complete "defense program proposal" for the entire Israeli population to the government within two weeks. These comments came after a two week joint military exercise by Israel and the U.S. that was designed to identify Israel's weak spots should they be attacked simultaneously on several fronts (DEBKA, November 29, 2009). Long ago, God warned that He would make Jerusalem and the surrounding territory a "cup of trembling" for the nations that get involved with it (Zechariah 12:2 KJV). As Israel feels mounting pressure from Iran, neighboring countries are anxious as to what the next terrifying actions will be. Bible prophesies are coming to pass, just as God predicted!
The Power of Debt. Deutsche Bank-US recently released a report predicting that 48% of American homeowners (38 million families) will have "negative equity" by the end of March 2011. Negative equity, simply put, means homeowners owe more on their home mortgages than the home itself is worth. This situation vastly increases the chances of a family defaulting on their home loan, as they begin to see they will "never get out of debt." It also greatly increases the chances of default when a major life crisis occurs (death of a spouse, job loss, etc.). The implications of DB's financial projection are sobering for an already depressed housing market. These massive amounts of personal debt resulted from consumer and investor greed that led to the purchase of homes that simply could never have been afforded by the buyer (Deutsche Bank, August 5, 2009). Although the figures in Deutsche Bank's report apply directly to the U.S., a similar phenomenon has occurred all over the world. Greed and a failure to "deny self"—ultimately breaking the 10th commandment—results in indebtedness of individuals and nations. God warns that the "rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). God's people can learn from both Scripture and the lessons of history. We must wisely "count the costs" both short- and long-term, before we make financial commitments. We must avoid compulsive purchases and practice self-control. In these perilous financial times, we must all work to minimize our personal debt and prepare financially for the future as best we can (Proverbs 6:6-11).
Delving Deeper into God's Creation. On Monday, European scientists successfully completed a "proton experiment" with the new Large Hadron Collider (atom smasher), located on a 17-mile track under the Swiss-French border. The ultimate purpose of the $10-billion project is to determine how the universe was formed by recreating conditions that were theoretically present 1-2 trillionths of a second following the big bang. Physicists are being very cautious in their experiments as they work up to greater levels of energy release, as they are aware of the catastrophic power that can be unleashed by splitting protons within the atom (YahooNews.com, November 30, 2009). According to the Scriptures, God created the universe. He also created the physical laws that govern the operation of the universe—and there may yet be undiscovered laws that operate. As mankind pushes further into the unknowns of science and physics, we learn more about how God operates and creates. Advances in scientific endeavors like the European particle collider remind us of the warning that God gave when He confused the languages at Babel: "nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them" (Genesis 11:6). Through mathematics and science, mankind has largely transcended the boundary that God created by dividing the languages. How much more time will God give mankind to learn, before He sends His Son back to rule the earth?—Scott Winnail, John Whitfield and James Ginn