Greetings from Charlotte,
Mr. Meredith has mentioned several times over the last week the positive impact that a number of new programs are having on the Church as a whole: nearly all of our congregations around the world are involved in the Living Leadership Course; more than 400 deacons, elders, other leaders and their wives will have attended the Regional Conferences by the end of this summer; and more than 150 students are enrolled in Living University classes. This fall the Advanced Leadership Training Program should be ready to go. It is also very encouraging to see the overall income running at more than 8 percent for the year. The change-over of the Feast site from Paducah to Branson appears to be proceeding smoothly. We are very thankful for all these developments. This weekend we will be conducting the eighth Regional Conference in Pennsylvania. The first Living University classes will begin on Wednesday, August 15. For those who still intend to register, please do so as soon as you can.
Church Administration
We received encouraging news from Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Travis. He is very thankful for the prayers on his behalf, as well as the encouragement he has received from the brethren. Mr. Travis is back on his feet and taking one day at a time. They wrote, "It is comforting to know and see everyone caring for one another."
From Barbados, another encouraging news: Jeremy Miller, son of Mark and Mary Miller of the local congregation, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma—cancer of the lymphatic system—in August 2006. His parents reported, "In May of this year, we took Jeremy to Florida for a PET scan, which was recommended by his doctor. The results of the scan revealed what the doctor already knew, that there was no tumor activity; that is, where once there were tumors, now there were none. The cancer is said to be in remission. We thank God for His mercy and love."
Australasia Update
Mr. Bruce Tyler reports: Since going off the commercial television station a couple of months ago in Australia, our responses have dropped by about half. Nevertheless, the weekly responses coming from the community channels have increased by about 35 percent over the last year. We are planning to increase our coverage on these stations as soon as possible, so please ask God to open the right doors for us to continue to push ahead.
Last Sabbath I had the privilege, along with Mr. Tanner, of ordaining Mr. Malcolm Jennings as our newest elder. Both he and his wife have been serving as deacon and deaconess in Brisbane and now, as the Church continues to grow, they will be serving more. We really appreciate their continued faithfulness through the many ups and downs over the nearly four decades that they have been members of God's Church. Their service and example is a great asset to God's people in this present era.
Cameroon Update
Samuel Bapes, the local coordinator of our French-speaking congregation in Douala, sent us the following report: "We are doing well in spite of the recent rains that left more than one thousand people without shelter. In Mora, many plantations were destroyed and there is threat of disease epidemics. We are having problems obtaining potable water; in Douala, we drink mostly spring and well water, since tap water is not always available, but our springs have been inundated and the wells have been polluted, which creates a risk for cholera and malaria.
"July was a difficult month for us; we were only able to hold two Sabbath services, instead of four, due to the rains and the hot weather. Last Sabbath, August 4, the day of the Church fast, there were fourteen present at services, and we listened to Mr. Meredith's sermon as instructed" (Translated from the French).
United Kingdom Update
Mr. Rod King reports: The Tomorrow's World Bible lectures in Britain continued over the weekend of July 28-29. Mr. Wayne Pyle represented Headquarters by introducing me for the lectures in South London and Cardiff, Wales. Fifteen people attended the first lecture where the question was asked, "What is a True Christian?" Some were perplexed by the fact that a true Christian must "walk the walk" of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:6), which includes keeping the Sabbath (Luke 4:16) and the Holy Days (John 7:10).
The majority of the attendees were from Africa or the Caribbean, since London has many African residents. They were very interested, well-versed in the Scriptures and we had excellent discussions. No one was argumentative but rather respectful and ready to listen. Three of those who were present in Cardiff have followed up with more questions. In London, a young lady attended this last Sabbath, which was our fast day and yes, she fasted! Our next Bible lectures will be in London North, then Glasgow. We expect a combined total of about seventy attendees from the four hundred invitations that we sent out for all the lectures.
Feast of Tabernacles 2007
Feast Speaking Schedules
The sweltering August heat isn't dissuading us from planning for the upcoming Feast! Speaking schedules are in process of being finalized, approved by Dr. Meredith, and will be distributed soon to those with speaking assignments.
Festival Assistance (Second Tithe) Requests (for USA only)
Second tithe assistance checks will be on their way in a few days to those who requested financial assistance to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year.
Attention Pastors
Some brethren may still be "on the road" when the Sabbath of October 6, the first Sabbath after the Feast, comes and will want to know where services will be conducted around the country. Please send us a list of congregations in your respective areas that will be holding services on October 6, with the name and phone number of a local contact. Send that information to Mrs. Genie Ogwyn at [email protected].
Helpful Accommodations Website
Many of our members have found the Vacation Rentals by Owner website www.vrbo.com to be very helpful in booking condominium accommodations. This is not a Church-sponsored or Church-owned website, but you may find it beneficial in finding and booking accommodations for the Feast site you will be attending.
Winter Park, Colorado
Choir Director and Piano Accompanist. The Feast site in Colorado is in need of a Festival Choir Director and of a pianist who can accompany hymn singing and the choir. Those who can serve in this capacity should contact Mr. Ben Whitfield at [email protected] or, by phone, at 307-321-1555. Among the various Feast activities at this site, we are planning a "Round Robin Western Steak Cookout" on Monday, October 1, at Snow Mountain Ranch. There will fun outdoor activities, fresh air and sunshine, along with an old-fashion steak cookout. Cost is only $30/adult (12 and up). If you are interested, but cannot afford it, we will cover your cost. To sign up, please contact Ben Whitfield at [email protected] or call 307-321-1555.
Comments
Are You a Peacemaker? Jesus Christ explained a fundamental aspect of Christianity when He told His disciples, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul advised brethren in Rome that Christians should do all they can to "live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:17-21). Paul explained that we can become peacemakers by not seeking revenge, by not mistreating others when we are mistreated, and by overcoming evil with good. Solomon wisely observed, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Jesus warned that reacting angrily to a brother or sister is the same as murder, because it breaks the spirit of the law (Matthew 5:21-26). One important lesson we must learn as Christians is that peace comes when we follow and learn to apply the laws of God. David wrote, "Great peace have those who love Your law" (Psalm 119:165).
Have peaceful Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 9, 2007
U.S. and Britain—on the Chinese Menu? The August 7, 2007 issue of Money and Markets lists some of the major American corporations being taken over by foreign investment. Earlier this summer, the Chinese government bought a $3 billion interest in the American-owned Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that purchases other companies. In 2005, China's National Offshore Oil Corp. had been rebuffed in its attempt to use some of the nation's $1.3 trillion cash reserve to take over Chevron Oil for $18.5 billion. From this defeat, the Chinese learned important lessons, leading to the Blackstone deal which will mask China's power in future takeovers. Last week, the state-owned China Development Bank made a $3 billion investment in British-owned Barclays Bank; another $10.5 billion will be forthcoming if Barclays wins control of Dutch holding company ABN AMRO. These acquisitions are made possible by the huge imbalance of trade between the U.S. and Asia, which has left China with a $1.3 trillion cash reserve. Other nations are also after U.S. assets; last week, South Korea's Doosan Infracore announced its purchase of Ingersoll-Rand's Bobcat division for $4.9 billion. Now that the U.S. dollar is losing value, China and other Far East nations are looking for hard assets—U.S. and British businesses and real estate—to replace their weakening dollars. An enemy is welcome inside our gates and rising higher and higher (Deuteronomy 28:43-44; Ezekiel 26:10-13)!
Submerged in Britain. Numerous counties across England have been hit by tremendous flooding. Hundreds of thousands of people have been without safe drinking water. Flood barricades being delivered to one county were delayed because the lorry (truck) carrying them was caught in traffic with 10,000 other vehicles, due to the rising flood waters (The Times, July 23, 2007). The Royal Air Force deployed its largest helicopter rescue effort in peacetime history. Six years ago, a watchdog group warned that Britain's flood defenses were inadequate. And in recent years, spending on flood defenses has been cut (The Sunday Telegraph, July 22, 2007). Lack of proper planning and budgetary support, along with unusually heavy rains, has resulted in significant portions of Britain being literally submerged. God promises to lay waste the cities of the Israelite-descended nations, as well as afflict them with pestilence and even mildew, if they do not return to Him (Leviticus 26:31-32; Deuteronomy 28:21-23). Dirty water in warm summer months breeds powerful bacteria and organisms that cause serious infectious diseases. God may use these prophesied events to wake up humanity and bring it to the point of repentance before it is too late.
Russia's Increasing Nuclear "Offense" Capabilities. Following the launch of Russia's new generation of submarines, the Kremlin has now authorized the development of a new submarine-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system capable of penetrating any missile defense shield in the world, according to Russian President Putin. The production of the missile components has begun, following the successful submarine-launched test that hit its target more than 4,000 miles/6,700 kilometers away. The missile is designed to carry six independently targeted warheads. This year alone, Russia's defense spending is forecasted to increase by 30 percent over last year (Der Spiegel, August 6, 2007). Some suggest that Russia's actions may reignite the Cold War, but Bible prophecy suggests otherwise. God warned that at the time of the end, a great army from the North and East of Jerusalem would descend and destroy the previously triumphant King of the North, or Beast power (Daniel 11:44-45). Revelation shows that this vast army of 200 million men will destroy an entire third of mankind by using mighty weaponry (Revelation 9:13-19). Weaponry that some analysts predict may reignite the Cold War may ultimately be used to help destroy the Beast power and take many lives. Today's events are very sobering in light of God's revealed prophecy.—Don Davis, Sue Bennett, Scott Winnail