Greetings Everyone:
As we end the first month of 2000, we have mixed feelings about the financials for the month. Income is steady and on projection, but I think expenses are above projections. The net effect is not desirable. We must contain costs in order to remain on target.
Mr. Meredith and all are in good health this week. Mr. Meredith recorded two programs Wednesday, and has written a good deal besides administrative duties.
CANADA
Mr. Bryce reports mail is slow in Canada. He is investigating the matter presently. It may be that the mail system was clogged with backlog from the holiday—end of the year glut, but he is not sure.
It is now official-Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada is a video group. We are starting with 8—10 people. The minister to contact will be Mr. Eng Monson (306) 545-5250.
Mr. Monson reports the brethren in the Prairie Provinces are stable and solid. We expect to begin receiving new growth within the next year or so. VISION is doing a good job for us in Canada, but we need to fill some gaps in our coverage.
Mr. Bryce reports they have sent 16 new visit requests out to the ministry-11 from Toronto area and the remainder from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. He also said that about 10 more visit requests are in the pipeline. Good news for the ministers in Canada!
ADMINISTRATION
Many things are going on, which (for the security of the Work) we cannot report to you at a given time. You know that his update is open to the public. Legal matters are a case in point. For example: For almost one year we have had an on-going problem with an individual in the UK. He has made public statements against Mr. Meredith and me repeatedly. He has sought to seize control of the Church assets by filing documents. I think reasonable people, who know the facts, realize what he has said and done is contrary to good-yet a few may have assumed some of his claims have merit because we have not published contrary statements.
We have acted through an attorney since the matter is, in fact, legal business. We have found that when one is dealing with a "legal" issue and legal minded persons, it is imperative to use a good legal representative. Moreover, the results have validated that judgment. This week we were granted an affirmative decision by the court by an Interdict (in America would be called an injunction), against the party and his associates. We hope that the party understands and obeys the Interdict because the penalty for violation that may be imposed is not nice to contemplate. We don't want him to have to pay that price. I sincerely hope that that person does not influence any of you who read his messages. If you a have personal question concerning this matter, please contact our legal liaison or me and we will discuss the matter within the parameters of proper legal constraints.
MEDIA OPERATIONS
Mr. Richard Ames is in Phoenix this weekend. His mother turns 90 years Friday, January 28. Her health and strength are failing,. He plans to visit a few days with her, his sister and her husband.
The television programs are usually taped on Wednesday during season of production. The following schedule from Mr. Ames illustrates a day of "shooting:"
| Mario Hernandez is planning on taping two programs Wednesday. | |
|---|---|
| 1. 10:00 a.m. | Begin taping Dr. Meredith (he plans to arrive around 9:30 a.m.) |
| 2. 10:40 to 10:50 a.m. | Begin taping Mario Hernandez |
| 3. 11:30 to 11:40 a.m. | Begin taping Dr. Meredith's second program |
| 4. 12:20 to 12:30 p.m. | Begin taping Mario's second program |
| 5. 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. | LUNCH BREAK |
| 6. 2:20 to 2:30 p.m. | Begin taping Richard Ames' program |
PROGRAM TOPIC CHANGE: Dr. Meredith has changed his topic for program # 59 to "Apostolic Christianity." He plans to tape the program "Why Does God Allow Suffering?" sometime in the fall season.
PHILIPPINES
STRATFOR's report that the Philippine government has taken steps recently to control international money exchange-warning that the Philippine government fears near term economic problems. Stratfor.com may be viewed by anyone with web access.
The Philippines: Are New Currency Controls A Sign of Asian Relapse?
27 January 2000
Summary
"The Philippine Central Bank on Jan. 26 announced a 90-day holding period for foreign currency placed in time deposits in the local currency - the peso - in Philippine banks. The move, a limited form of currency controls, is officially intended to "plug the loopholes" in the current exchange system. While the central bank's action is based primarily on domestic weakness, it reflects endemic economic and political problems across Asia. Asia has yet to fully recover from the crisis of the late 1990s. Indeed, regional economic and political instability is more apparent than before the original crisis. Foreign investors and currency traders are quicker to react. The problems in the Philippines may be an early sign of another regional economic downturn."
I hope that there is not an economic downturn, which will affect our work in the Philippines-and all of Southeast Asia.
The address for STRATFOR.Com is: www.stratfor.com/SERVICES
I have found it interesting and reasonably well researched. The service is free!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
"It is advisable to learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself!"
Have a GREAT Sabbath and week-end!
Carl McNair