Greetings everyone:
We had a great Feast of Tabernacles! Every report I have received thus far has been very good—with very few physical or spiritual problems.
The Jamaica site was threatened by hurricanes, but God answered our prayers and protected the Feast site. We also had His protection in other troubled spots around the world.
Thank you all for your prayers and your cooperation with the Festival Coordinators and their staffs. You gave us a good Feast!
Mr. Meredith arrived home last week in good health, and is back at work full swing. Mr. Ames, Mr. Apartian and all traveling speakers arrived home safely. I know of no transportation problems of consequence for those traveling between sites during the Feast.
Though we had a wonderful Feast, we will be de-briefing in November to determine how we can improve our service for 2002. We know that we can always improve, and we want to do so.
One management expert has said, "Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders." I think that is a very true statement—and very biblical principle. Jesus Christ spent three and one-half years "creating leaders," the twelve apostles plus the seventy "back-ups." He personally taught them His Father's doctrines. He taught them by word and by deed, and once they received the impregnation of the Spirit of God, they became powerful leaders. "The secret of a leader lies in the tests he has faced over the whole course of his life and the habit of action he develops in meeting those tests," according to journalist Gail Sheehy. This is why we are given a life-time of trial and training in preparation for the Kingdom of God.
Christ is in the process of creating leaders for the Kingdom of God—by teaching His Word. The Feast of Tabernacles is the most intensive period of instruction He has given us—eight full days of instruction in the Word and interaction with others who are experiencing His Spirit in their lives. What a wonderful gift!
We now face almost six months of "spiritual winter," which we can use constructively to strengthen what He has given us. Some have noted that it is a time of increased darkness on the earth (in the northern hemisphere), and a time when (anciently) Satan's followers prepare for the next round of war. Our efforts need to be a preparation for the next round of spiritual warfare. Our "proofing" is in experiences—not just in doing things right, but in doing the right things right.
Last September, America was struck by the abominable sneak attack by terrorists. Currently, there appears to be an effort to disrupt government and businesses by biological attacks in key places. A major percentage of people in America are frightened by the current attacks, and many are foolishly consuming drugs to cure non-existent infection or as a prophylaxis against possible infection.
Last Sabbath in San Diego Mr. Meredith discussed the importance of our having faith in God to protect us during this time of trouble. We, God's begotten children, should have confidence that God will protect us as we walk through the end-time "valley of death." The future years are indeed going to be a "perilous time."
Let's go to the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, for our shield and protection in these days of trouble. And let us remember to pray for those who rule over us, that we may find favor in their eyes and that they may make decisions according to God's will and His plan.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
ANNUAL RENO SINGLES SKI WEEKEND
It won't be long before the snow starts falling! The Reno brethren will once again be hosting a singles ski weekend this winter, scheduled for December 21-24. If you love to ski, or just want to fellowship with other singles in the Living Church of God, begin making plans for a great time of fellowship and fun. More information will be coming soon in upcoming announcements. If you have any questions or would like to request an application form, please email Rod McNair at [email protected].
Have a great Sabbath, everyone! I will be out of San Diego for about ten days, so direct urgent questions or needs to Mr. Apartian or Deborah. They will be able to contact me as needed.
Carl McNair