Greetings Everyone:
We had an enjoyable visit with the brethren in Minneapolis last Sabbath. A number traveled from central Wisconsin to attend with the "Twin Cities" church, which brought the total attendance up to about 85. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and the opportunity to visit with our son, his wife and our three GRAND children. Unfortunately, our granddaughter Meghan chose this time to have the chicken pox, and her little sister Lauren had a fever which required our daughter in law to stay home with them for the weekend. Typical young family life, eh?
The health of Mr. Rod Meredith's sister Patricia Biggar has taken a turn for the worse this week. Mr. Meredith announced Monday that he may have to travel back to Missouri on a moment's notice as she is near death.
Mr. Richard Ames left Wednesday afternoon for Florida to attend his mother's memorial service. His mother died a few days after her 90th birthday.
Mr. Don Ericson (Deacon in Alaska) was charged by a moose as he was retrieving his newspaper last Sunday morning. Apparently the animal and her calf had been aggravated by the family dog during the night and she had a grouch on! Also, the dog ran ahead of Don toward the moose until she charged at it, then the dog ran behind Don for cover-man's best friend that?!! The moose knocked Don down in her charge but did not hammer him as they usually do when attacking in earnest. Don was able to roll away and run to the house. Unfortunately the blow he received injured his shoulder and he has suffered soreness and pain. Prayer for his complete recovery would certainly be in order. Prayer for the dog could be in order, would be in order if he had done that to me!
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS:
CANADA
The following is excerpted from Mr. Charles Bryce's report:
"I traveled to the Maritimes of Canada February 4-7. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Arnaldo met me in Moncton, New Brunswick Friday evening. We went to Sussex the next day for Sabbath services where we had 21 in attendance…. We then drove to Halifax where we held a Bible Study on Sunday, with 11 in attendance. Both of these groups are solid and very genuine. In spite of the very cold weather people still gladly came to the meetings…. The only groups left in Canada that I haven't visited yet are those in Newfoundland. This is due to weather, and as soon as the weather moderates I will be heading over there, God permitting."
PHILIPPINES:
(The following report-came too late for inclusion in the weekly update)
"You may have seen the recent flooding in Mindanao. Here is a report from Mr. Benito Parbo (Monkayo area): "I arrived from Bukidnon on Thursday, January 27, and the rain started to fall down Friday. It was non-stop till Sunday. Even now (Monday) it's still raining. Saturday, the nearby Agusan River overflowed its banks. The water came nearer and covered our farm, till it reached our house. We kept our livestock - goats, chickens, dogs, cats in our house, to keep them from drowning when water is everywhere.
This flood is greater than we've experienced, even as you (Mr. Felipe Casing) had seen yourself in 1981. My farm is completely covered by water, even ten feet deep. Only the leaves of the bananas and coconuts are seen. Our vegetables and plants are languishing in death, they won't survive for a couple of days soaked in water. Should they, their produce will surely reduce. By now we lack food, our crops are destroyed, and it will takes weeks before our farm dries up and can be cultivated to plant new crops again. I came to town to inform you. I was even wearing short pants, while standing in the telephone booth, because water is still everywhere, even in the main town of Monkayo. I leave the thing to your care and kindness."
We were able to help four families (18 persons) affected by this disaster with some relief assistance from the Regional Office, delivered by Mr. Casing. The newspapers report that fourteen people have died in this widespread flooding, but thankfully none of the brethren have been injured or killed. Your continued prayers are requested for the brethren in this part of Mindanao, as well as Western Mindanao, which is still recovering from incessant, heavy rains the past few weeks.
NEWS OF THE WORK
We have experienced several setbacks regarding the Work. The first is the notification from Home Cable that, under their new management, they will play our telecast for "only" P5,000 per showing! Since it was showing virtually for free before, under the old management, this is a real disappointment. I do not think we will be able to afford this expensive of a cost, especially for a relatively small station like Home Cable. On a lighter note, coincidentally (?) just at the time we were bumped off Home Cable, the opportunity to go on radio station DWBL came up with far greater reach and already far more responses, for a reasonable cost. It may be that God is closing one door even while He opens a more effective and powerful door (Rev. 3.).
And another setback-Mr. Tex Benitez just informed me this week that DXSY in Ozamiz City unexpectedly stopped broadcasting! He called them on the phone, and apparently they are closed down! He will be going to Ozamis City personally to confirm that the station is not operating. So, for the time being, the program in Ozamis City is on hold.
Please pray about these situations. We certainly want to go through doors, but God is the One who opens and closes them, and we always want to seek HIS will, not our own, as we strive to do the Work. We need and appreciate your prayers!"
- Rod McNair
World News is currently focused on two important developments. (1) Europe's struggle with the Austrian problem and the EUROPEAN UNION'S attempt to coalesce into a single government. As expected England is balking at loss of sovereignty, and loss of veto power over "taxation, defense and national borders." Reports of Prime Minister Tony Blair's attempt to hide the true significance of current integration moves distress many Britons who are more conservative. (2) The flow of daughter churches back to mother Rome. The protestant Church leaders are being seduced into embracing Rome's leadership "for unity" as prophesied for the end-time.
Indeed, "Those who refuse to learn from history are destined to repeat it."
Have a GREAT Sabbath!
Carl McNair