Greetings everyone,
As Mr. Apartian reported in the update last week, I was in Kilgore, Texas, with the Regional Pastors from the US and Canada. We had a very fruitful meeting discussing future manpower needs and utilization. While we are pleased with the growth of the Church and the work of the ministry, we need to prepare to serve those responding to the television program and those who turn to the Living Church of God from other sources. Jesus Christ told his disciples (Matthew 9:37-38), "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." The laborers (from co-workers, members and ministry) are truly few in this work! We are struggling to cover church and congregational needs while we also focus on preaching the gospel to the people of the world.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Pastor David Burson informed me last Monday that he has had a health setback. He would greatly appreciate our sincere prayers on his behalf. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Charles Bryce ordained Mr. Sheldon Monson last Sabbath (June 22); he was joined by Elders James Wells, John Turner and Phil Sena. Sheldon is the first in our training program to complete training under Mr. Charles Bryce. We have decided to assign Sheldon to the Minneapolis area as Associate Pastor to assist Mr. David Burson. Congratulations to Sheldon and his wife!
Headquarters offices will be closed July 4th for Independence Day. Mr. Apartian has requested that we also close on Bastille Day (July 14). Bastille Day in France is very much like Independence Day in the United States. I suppose our staff would like to observe every independence or founding holiday of every country around the world! However, since that would seriously hinder doing the work, I think we will encourage each of you to observe the Independence Day or Founding Day of your country, and we will "hooray for you."
There will be no World Ahead update next week due to the holiday. I will be in Montana and Mr. Apartian will be in mourning because we are not celebrating Bastille Day—actually we are giving him Bastille Day off this year. See your calendar for the reason!
Festival Assistance Requests (Repeat announcement)
Now it is time to begin the process of accumulating information necessary to process assistance to widows, handicapped and persons with special needs. All requests must be submitted to the Church Pastor. To be considered, each request must be reviewed and signed by the Church. No request will be approved without a Pastor's approval.
NOTE TO PASTORS: Your deadline for submitting the signed forms to Headquarters is August 2, 2002.
Mr. Wilbur Berg sent the following message to Dr. Meredith and all of the congregations in Living Church of God appreciating the prayers, cards, phone calls during his wife's illness and death:
"The outpouring of love and concern was overwhelming and very supportive during a difficult time. Such an attitude was constantly taught and practiced by Jesus during His physical lifetime, and it is extremely gratifying to experience this same spirit in His people today, which is an important validation of their identity. My sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone."
–Wilbur Berg
Mr. Randy Gregory: The following report concerns the pre-teen youth camp in Missouri June 9-16, with 47 campers and 28 staff members.
"Campers enjoyed classes in archery, arts & crafts, babysitting, canoeing, challenge course, music, Christian living, first aid, flag football, line dance, manners and riflery. The St. Louis church congregation joined us on the Sabbath for a service and meal following—there were 105 in attendance at the service.
Heavy rain forced cancellation of one activity on Tuesday afternoon and a soggy playing field caused us to change a couple of outdoor activities to indoor ones on Wednesday morning. By Wednesday afternoon the weather was beautiful for a group swim at the lake, and Thursday through Sunday brought beautifully moderate weather with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 70's and low 80's."
INTERNATIONAL
Dr. Douglas Winnail: I just returned from a visit with several new contacts in the London area that have come to see where the Work of God is being done—and conversely, where it is not being done. I also visited with an historian in Southwest England and gathered information for a future Tomorrow's World article at the British Museum library and the library at Oxford University.
We are also encouraged by the very positive responses to the advertising that we are doing in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Rod McNair: Pastor Tex Benitez is seriously ill and in the hospital again. Also, a number of members or their family members in the Philippines are ill—some seriously.
There is evidence of a serious crime wave in the Philippines. One of our members was traveling by bus with his family from Manila to Cavite a week or so ago, when a group (10 men and 1 woman) robbed all of the people at gunpoint. The robbery took about one hour, and the threat of violence was very serious.
Please remember to pray for our brethren around the world. Each region seems to have its own set of problems with which our brethren must contend.
CONCLUSION:
Mr. Apartian just told me the story of a young lady, very attached to her mother, who tearfully departed to attend college. Mother admonished her sternly, "You write to me right away when you arrive!"
Her first letter said: "Dear Mother. I am writing to you because I have nothing else to do. I close my letter because I have nothing to say."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if people who have nothing to say would always be so brief?
Have a great Sabbath—and please drive carefully. Vacation times, especially holiday weekends are very dangerous on the highways.
Carl McNair