Greetings from Charlotte,
Summer has arrived in the southeastern part of the United States—and Mr. Apartian is delighted with this news! Mr. Meredith yesterday taped a Tomorrow's World television program titled, "Are You Ready To Rule?" which offers the booklet The World Ahead: What Will it Be Like? Mr. Ames is working on a script for his next program and on two Tomorrow's World Bible Lectures that he will give in Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, on July 11 and 12. Mr. Pyle reports that in the first six months of this year, the Tomorrow's World program generated 108,729 responses—which is a 16% increase over the first six months of last year—and that on an annualized basis, the telecast has grown an amazing 18.8% per year for the last ten years.
Last Sabbath, Messrs. Phil Sena and Wyatt Ciesielka presented a TW Bible Lecture in Temple, Texas, that was attended by 45 visitors (see below). We are also encouraged to report that the income for the month of June was about 3% above what was projected—for which we are very thankful. I had a positive trip to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for a combined Sabbath service and a short mini-conference covering Bible lectures and aspects of congregational leadership. It was inspiring to see the dedication of the ministers and brethren in that area. As registration for Living University continues this summer, we have decided to highlight several classes in each issue of The World Ahead (see below). Please continue to pray that God will bless the impact of Mr. Meredith's recent semi-annual letter and for our brethren facing difficulties around the world. Please remember Mr. and Mrs. Crockett—they have been "raptured" to Arkansas—but plan to return to Charlotte next week!
Living University
Fall 2009 Registration
Registration is well underway for Living University's Fall semester 2009, but there is still plenty of time to enroll in classes. This fall we are offering 13 different and exciting courses, all available online. Each week as we move forward to the start of classes, we plan to highlight one or two LU courses for your benefit. This week we will highlight THL 135 and THL 200.
THL 135—Life, Ministry, and Teachings of Jesus. This course covers the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the four Gospels. It takes an in-depth look at each of the four Gospels in the context of the social, political, religious, and geographical conditions of the first century—adding greatly to the depth and meaning of Christ's teachings. In this course, students will spend time learning from one of the Church's most experienced and knowledgeable lecturers, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith.
THL 200—Principles of Christian Living. In this course, Dr. Douglas Winnail covers the purpose for human life; human nature; values, morality, and ethics; marriage and family, and career. Topics include values, beliefs, and mores; interpersonal communication, dating, courtship, marriage, and children. The course is designed for all adult age groups and is applicable to all. For younger students, it will give you direction and guidance in these areas. For those involved in counseling and giving of advice, this course is essential to help you make sure you are on the "same page" as the Church and God's word. This will be an extremely beneficial course for anyone who decides to take it.
For more information, go online to www.livinguniv.com or call Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-844-1960, ext. 304.
Church Administration
Reunion
Last week, we announced that brethren in Belgium and Northern France are joining with us once again. This week, we have more great news! We are looking into the possibility of grouping all of the French-speaking brethren in Europe at one Feast site in Forges-les-Eaux. We may be a little crowded, but the joy of keeping the Feast of Tabernacles together will largely compensate for the slight inconvenience. Mr. Roland Lecocq, our France Festival Coordinator, is traveling to Forges-les-Eaux this Sunday to make the necessary arrangements. Please note: As of now, no more transfer requests can be accepted for Forges-les-Eaux.—Dibar Apartian
Temple, Texas Bible Lecture
Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka writes: Another successful TW Bible Lecture! Forty-five very enthusiastic guests joined 28 brethren this past Sabbath for the Temple, Texas Tomorrow's World Bible Lecture. Forty-five visitors makes this a better than 3.2% response rate, for which we are very thankful. God clearly blessed not only the attendance, but He also blessed the messages and the fellowship—many of our guests arriving more than an hour early, and many staying for nearly 2 ½ hours after the presentations by Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka on "America in Prophecy!" and Mr. Phil Sena on "Restoring Biblical Christianity!"
Many visitors commented that, after years of reading Living Church of God literature, they were very thankful to find a local group where they could attend, and promised to return next Sabbath. Others said they felt that both the warmth and love that the congregation showed, as well as the doctrinal and prophetic understanding that we demonstrated through our messages, our literature, and through the general conversations with the brethren were simply unprecedented in any past church experience. Additionally, many commented that it seemed that the Living Church of God really had a purpose in what it teaches, and they felt that was very exciting.
Many guests requested additional booklets or the Bible Study Course, and all visitors were given copies of the new DVD, The Big Picture. Additionally, about 2/3 of our guests took home copies of our booklets, which complemented the two presentations.
We know that God gives the increase, so we pray that all of these visitors and more will join us to help fulfill the mission of preaching the Gospel to all the world.
German Update
Mr. Adrian Kaefer reports that, from January through June 2009, the overall distribution of our literature in German was up 4.7%, compared to the last six months of 2008. A total of 16,678 items of literature (booklets, articles and Bible Study Course lessons) were downloaded from our German website, www.weltvonmorgen.org. In addition, 473 literature items in print were mailed.
South Africa and United Kingdom Update
Mr. Rod King reports: Mr. Pieter van der Byl called from South Africa and we discussed how things are developing there. We are implementing the Advanced Leadership Training Program in the country and are pleased with how it is helping those involved. A new Spokesman Club is under way in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area with some positive outcomes.
Here in the U.K., we received our first batch of semi-annual letter responses with 600 people requesting The Big Picture DVD that was offered by Dr. Meredith. We expect the numbers to grow in the next few weeks. Our TW subscription list was recently culled so we are keen to add more new names and addresses. Many people commented on Mr. Meredith's letter and how inspiring it was. Here are just a few comments that we received:
"I have sent for your booklets and have studied them alongside my Bible and it has changed my life." (N.S., Hinchley, Leics.)
"Many thanks for your wonderful, true spiritual letter. It was a great pleasure reading it over and over. You are certainly one of Jesus' chosen preachers." (S.T., Birmingham)
"It is a privilege to have contact with such a chosen, honourable company of God's people." (A.M., Liverpool)
Living Youth Camp
We have had several camper cancellations for the Living Youth Camp at Voyageur's National Park. We currently have three and possibly four openings for anyone interested in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure program. If you are interested, please contact Jenny Penman in the next few days at 704-844-1960, ext 237. This is your last chance, as applications must be in this week.
Comments
Christ's Mind or Your Opinions: How many times have you made or heard comments like, "here is how I see it" or "here is what I think" or "here is the way I think it should have been done or handled"? All too often, these comments are directed at people in leadership positions—even in the Church. Moses was criticized by men who held different opinions (Numbers 16). Peter differed with Jesus over an issue and even rebuked Christ (Matthew 16:21-22). In both cases, the people expressing critical opinions did not recognize the real source of their negative and divisive thoughts and actions (see Matthew 16:23)! Before we share our "different" opinions, we need to remember God's warning, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways" (Isaiah 55:8). We also need to remember scriptural admonitions, "the carnal mind is enmity against God" and His ways—including His government—(Romans 8:7) and "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 17:9). As Christians, we should not be making negative comments or spreading our own divisive ideas. Our focus should be to develop a godly perspective that reflects the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Jesus sought to work in harmony with His Father. He did not go around promoting His own ideas and criticizing His Father. His attitude was, "not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Long ago, Solomon cautioned, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" (Proverbs 29:11). Our challenge as Christians is to develop the mind of Jesus Christ and let His mind guide our thoughts and comments so we can work in harmony together.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—June 25, 2009
Shifting World Balance of Power. According to a classified report by the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), "the collapse of the western national economies… could lead to a drastic acceleration of China's rise and the decline of West Germany's long-term primary ally, the United States." The report continues, "'A long-term global crisis' cannot be excluded and could lead to 'massive unemployment and movements of migration in unprecedented dimensions' as well as an escalation of nationalism and very serious international tensions. An essential question, for the future global conflict constellations, according to this paper, will be if Russia can be bound to the West or if Moscow will go over to the Chinese adversary" (German-Foreign-Policy.com, June 16, 2009). God prophesied that at the end of the age a great power would arise in the East, amassing an army of 200 million men (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:13-19; 16:12). God also prophesied massive shifts of people from traditionally Israelite to Gentile nations (Deuteronomy 28:36-43; Isaiah 11:11-16; Hosea 9:3). Could this population shift predicted by the German Intelligence Service be associated with God's prophesied punishments of His people at the end of the age? Time will tell.
Younger Generations Are Increasingly Godless. Penguin Books recently completed a survey of 1,000 British teenagers. Findings show that 66% of teens did not believe there is a God, 50% never prayed, 47% believe that organized religion no longer has a place in the world, and 59% believed religion has had a negative influence on the world. Conversely, many teenagers rated the importance of family, friends, money, music and even reality TV shows above faith (Mail Online, June 22, 2009). God commanded parents and grandparents to teach new generations about God and His laws, "lest you forget" (Deuteronomy 4:9). God also directed parents to teach their children throughout the day and that godly education should be a central tenet of family life (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). However, many parents do not directly teach their children but, instead, entrust this important task to schools, day care centers, television and the media. These findings from British teens are sobering, but not surprising. In a world where many religions foment and inflame nations, and where children grow up without witnessing the power of God in their lives, is it any wonder that most do not even believe there is a God? It is important to realize that this time of godlessness among our youth will soon come to an end. Jesus Christ is going to return and usher in a time when the hearts of parents and children will again be turned toward each other as the fabric of society is repaired (Malachi 4:4-6).
Immigration: A Clear Fulfillment to Bible Prophecy? The number of migrants to Britain has increased by more than 50% in just 2008. Experts predict that between now and the year 2031, 70% of the population increase in Britain will be due to immigration. Sir Andrew Green, chairman of the think tank Migrationwatch, recently said, "For years the Government have been in denial about the massive impact of immigration on housing. They cannot any longer deny we will have to build a new home every five minutes for the next 15 years just for new immigrants." These home-building figures are on top of other infrastructure needed to support an increasing population, including roads, schools, and hospitals (Daily Express, June 25, 2009). The current unregulated immigration policies in Britain hearken back to God's prophecies against the Israelite-descended nations for their rejection of His way of life. God noted, "…if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes… The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower" (Deuteronomy 28:15, 43). God also prophesied that Israel would say, "Our inheritance has been turned over to aliens, and our houses to foreigners… The crown has fallen from our head…" (Lamentations 5:2, 16). As the Israelite-descended nations move further away from God, His prophecies are coming to pass. However, there is hope. Numerous prophecies indicate that Jesus Christ is going to return as King of kings and restore the blessings of His people after they learn important lessons and repent (Hosea 14:1-9)!—Scott Winnail and Sue Bennett