Greetings everyone:
Last week I was unable to write an update because we were up to our eyebrows in preparation for the general ministerial council to be held here in San Diego.
We have just completed a meeting with the International Regional Directors-our final meeting of the week. Many of the ministers returned to their homes yesterday and this morning. A few, especially from international areas, will return to their homes Sunday.
Here in San Diego we will hear from Mr. Syd Hull (of South Africa) and Mr. Gerald Weston (Kansas City, MO) tomorrow. Last Sabbath we heard from Mr. Ernest Owino (from Kenya) and Dr. Doug Winnail (Phoenix, AZ). I think you will be receiving the tapes soon.
One hundred fifty-eight (ministers and wives) attended the conference beginning Monday morning. Mr. Don Contardi and his wife Carol were connected by telephone due to his health condition. Mr. Contardi had planned to attend but decided it was too stressful to travel.
Mr. Meredith's opening lecture was entitled "What is the Vision of the Work?" He thanked the Elders and Pastors for their dedication and loyalty, comparing the unified team spirit and attitude to that of the ministry in the late 50's. He spoke of the confusion of so many today because of loss of vision and dedication to God's way and His Work. Though we have incredible technology with which to finish the Work, the vast majority of God's people have forsaken the Work for selfish pursuits. "We are now living in the last days-we need to be doing the Work," he said.
Mr. Dibar Apartian introduced the international Regional Directors for took the second period of the conference:
- Mr. Apartian gave a report on the UK and Europe
- Mr. Charles Bryce reported on Canada
- Mr. Syd Hull reported on South Africa
- Mr. Bruce Tyler reported on Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia
- Mr. Mario Hernandez reported on the Spanish areas
- Mr. Jonathan McNair reported on the Caribbean
- Mr. Rod McNair reported on the Philippines
Brethren, we have a wonderful team of dedicated ministers serving around the world! These men are true servants of God, not hirelings feeding themselves!
Attending the conference with us for the first time were Mr. Ernest Owino of Nairobi, Kenya, Mr. Jorge Schaubeck of Costa Rica, and Mr. Hugh Wilson of Kingston, Jamaica.
What a joy to meet and hear from these men!
I will break off for today so that I can get this mailed before closing time. I will continue my conference report next week!
Have a great Sabbath!
CEMcNair