Greetings everyone!
The Feast reports from all over the world are in and they are very positive, uplifting and encouraging. In the next LCN, you will find brief reports from nearly all of the sites. God most certainly blessed His people and His Work during this Feast.
In the only European Feast site, France, where more than 250 members from many countries gathered, we experienced an unparalleled atmosphere of peace and harmony. The U.K. and Ireland brethren were particularly happy to meet with Dr. Winnail who is still waiting for his visa to move over there. Please continue to pray for him.
On a sad note, however, Mr. Kennear Penman informed us that, in one village in Vanuatu, during the Feast, our members and regular attendees suffered persecution for their faithfulness. Some were even ordered out of the village by the elders from another Church.
Moreover, after the Feast, Mr. Carl McNair had to go to Alaska to conduct memorial services for Mr. Donald Erickson, 70, a long-time member and a deacon of the Church who died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Willow, Alaska. He is survived by his wife Helen, his daughter and grandchildren. Mr. McNair will be back next week.
Financial Affairs:
Our treasurer, Mr. Fred Dattolo, reports:
"The fall festivals were very encouraging. Offerings totaled about 11.5% more than last year! Coincidentally, regular daily mail income through the end of October, excluding offerings, also stands at 11.5% ahead of last year! The budget for 2001 is already "balanced" and calls for increases in preaching the Gospel — particularly in print media, circulation development, postage and TV time. Other noteworthy increases include the hiring of a couple more employees, including one for the field ministry. Obviously, as income picks up more than what's budgeted, we will be able to do even more."
Public Lectures:
All of us here are very excited about the Public Lectures Messrs. Roderick Meredith and Richard Ames are planning to conduct during the month of November. Mr. Meredith is scheduled to speak at Chicago Marriott O'Hare, on November 11th at 1:00 P.M.(5227 invitational letters were sent for this occasion).
Mr. Ames will have one lecture on November 18th at 2:00 P.M. at Jasper V.F.W Post, Jasper, Al., and a Bible Study on November 19th also at 2:00 P.M. at Days Inn, Montgomery, Al. (670 letters invitational letters were sent for the first lecture, and 486 for the Bible study). Please pray that God will grant Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ames wisdom, success and protection during these meetings.
Church Administration:
According to Aaron Eagle, we had, as of October 31, 134 ordained ministers, 153 deacons and 48 deaconesses around the world. The total Church attendance was 5,819 and the total TW mailing list 51,736.
Living Youth Website:
We just received the following e-mail from Mr. Gerald Weston:
"I told Brian Scarborough to replace our old [unofficial teen] page with the new one and place the normal disclaimer in it. We now are ready to post a Teen Bible Study each week (there are already 21 or 22 posted), and what I plan on doing during November is to harmonize all the studies to have a similar look. We also have one post Feast report and are expecting several others. Within the month we plan on posting news of upcoming Regional Family Weekends that are being planned for the end of December.
"What I am wondering is whether we can advertise this updated web site in the weekly newsletter? Simply a statement such as the following:
"The Bible Studies that were put together by the teens this past summer at the Living Youth Camp, along with studies written by ministers, will be posted weekly on an updated web site found at: www.pars.net/teenweb. There will also be reports and pictures submitted by teens on the Feast and announcements concerning upcoming Regional Family Weekends. Brian says he will have the new site transferred over by Friday. If you goto the site above and the old one is still there, you may view the new one at: www.bigger-better.com".
LCG Website:
Speaking of the Internet, Mr. Bill Bowmer reports that as of this last week, with a visit from Albania (in central Europe), we can document that the official Church Web site has been visited by 102 countries (the 101st country, Togo [in Africa] was recorded right before the Feast). Usage actually increased during the Feast reporting period, even though many brethren were away from their computers!
Conclusion:
Rather than close with my "usual" salutations, may I close with a sure prophecy? By the time you receive CAD's next report, this country will have a new President! And then…
Have a wonderful Sabbath,
Dibar Apartian