FROM THE PRESIDING EVANGELIST
As many of you already know, news came this past Sunday of the death of Dr. Herman L. Hoeh. He would have been 76 on December 3, 2004. He lived a full and productive life which greatly impacted many of us in the Church of God.
Herman Hoeh was my very first roommate in Ambassador College in the winter of 1949/1950. Just the two of us shared a room. That was the beginning of a deep friendship which lasted for over 55 years. He was different from anyone I'd ever known before. He was extremely organized, studious and kind. He shared with me—or I was able to observe—many helpful practices regarding study, research, prayer and diligence. His personal kindness to Church members and students was legendary. At a time when a number were not getting their paychecks regularly or were underpaid in the Work, people would sometimes hear a noise at their front door. Upon opening the door, they would notice two large grocery bags filled with very nutritious food. Sometimes they had no way of knowing who it was. But, upon inquiring of others, they would find that this had happened before with others who stepped out on their front walkway to see—perhaps half way down the block—Dr. Hoeh quietly getting into his car and disappearing.
As the first male graduate of Ambassador College, Dr. Hoeh came to be regarded as the "Dean of the Ministry." He and I were both ordained December 20, 1952, by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong as Evangelists. However, as the senior to us in the Work, Dr. Hoeh was ordained first, then Raymond Cole, then Dick Armstrong, then my Uncle Dr. C. Paul Meredith and last and least, myself—as it should have been. He began teaching classes at Ambassador College even in his senior year and, over his career undoubtedly taught thousands of Ambassador College students. Since Mr. Armstrong turned the entire Theology Department over to Herman Hoeh and me in the autumn of 1953, virtually all students from then on for several years had to have us as theology instructors. Dr. Hoeh's razor sharp mind, his penetrating insights into history and related matters, made him a most interesting and stimulating instructor.
Dr. Hoeh also was a vital part of the editorial team when we were finally able to regularly publish the Plain Truth starting early in 1953. Before that, due to finances and the fact that Mr. Armstrong had to do everything himself, some years there were only three or four issues and at no time was there a complete ten or twelve issues. Dr. Hoeh had a wide range of interests and was very helpful in the early phases of the international work of the Church, the foreign language editions of the magazine, helping establish some of the archeological projects in which Ambassador College students were involved and many other activities.
Although many of us who loved him deeply felt he became confused later in life between the desire to follow the human organization of which we had all been a part and the need to practice and proclaim the full Truth of God's Word, we loved him just the same. I had a wonderful, loving, three hour lunch with Herman Hoeh just this past July. It was good to express my respect and friendship while he was still alive. But since the present leadership of WCG has scheduled his memorial service right on God's holy Sabbath and, in fact, as part of their weekly worship service, some of us here who had thought of going to this service have decided against it.
We would prefer to remember and honor the contributions of this remarkable human being who served so well for so many years in the Work of God. Herman Hoeh was a dear friend to me and to many, many others. His personal kindnesses will never be forgotten.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Council of Elders
The Council of Elders, held Nov. 15-17, was a great success. We had vigorous, hearty discussions about such topics as prophecy, doctrine, Christian living, leadership and future needs of the Work. The bond of love, respect and brotherhood among all of the Council members was obvious. We should all be thankful to God for the caliber of Godly servants He has placed on the Council led by Mr. Roderick C. Meredith.
One of the most important discussions centered on emphasizing, even more, that we as a Church are the continuation of the Work that Christ started through Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong in 1934. Now that almost 19 years have passed since his death, we feel even more should be said about how some of us helped build the Work which Christ used Mr. Armstrong to lead—and that we are, in fact, the continuation of that Work. Mr. Meredith plans to have more to say about this subject in the coming months—and who on this earth is better qualified to explain it than he is? As he has said many times, Mr. Armstrong was like a second father to him since he worked so closely with him for literally decades. More information, from this Council, will be coming out from Headquarters during the next year.
On Nov. 18, we had a planning session with Regional Pastors and Regional Directors. This was a productive meeting about the needs and plans of the ministry and congregations for the coming weeks and months. Among the most inspiring aspects of all these meetings last week were the individual reports given by each man about his particular area. Growth, commitment, doors opening and God's intervention were all contained in these reports covering the past year, clearly showing how Christ led His people forward. More of the same, and then some, appears to be on the way for the future. Thank you for all you do to help bring all of these great things about through Jesus Christ who strengthens us!
"The Great Commandment" Sermon Not Available on DVD
Attention Video Recipients: The video of Mr. Meredith's sermon "The Great Commandment" (#291) has technical problems. Therefore, the sermon has been provided on CD only, and is not available on DVD.
Update on Mr. Roger Allgeyer's Health
I would like to thank all those who sent cards, flowers and most of all for all their prayers. My heart is very strong. I had two clogged arteries and after the procedure the doctor said it wasn't as bad as they had thought at first.
I started an alternative treatment to clean out my arteries along with a number of dietary changes. I was grateful to be able to go to the Feast and even serve in one of my original assignments.
I had no pain at all through the Feast, but did get tired. I am continuing my therapy and soon will be starting monitored circuit training in a gym.
I realize how important God is in this picture. My family sought wise counsel with a number of doctors (both regular and alternative) before any procedure was to be done. I thank God and my brethren again. We all have a job to do and must take our health seriously so we can do our part in preparing the way for God's Kingdom.—Roger Allgeyer
Military Draft
With each passing day, terrorist actions and military conflicts 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 very real 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 increased calling-up of National Guard units, and now 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—there is a need for Headquarters to expand its service 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, x228 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 Register 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, x216, who is the Draft Counselor in CAD working in conjunction with Legal Affairs to provide such assistance.
COMMENTS
Millions of people are gathering with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving—a national holiday. Many of God's people will be doing the same, but for more meaningful reasons. For instance, we should rejoice and thank God with an attitude of offering a type of special spiritual sacrifice to Him! Thanksgiving is also a time of giving and sharing—another way of offering sacrifices that are very pleasing to Him. Hebrews 13:15-16, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
And in all of our happiness and giving of thanks, let's remember to thank Him, above all, for the many spiritual blessings He continually pours out on us—our calling, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, our ultimate destiny, the truth, mercy and on and on! Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in every way and a very Happy Sabbath Day!
Charles E. Bryce