Greetings from Charlotte,
World events continue to develop in ways that point to the fulfillment of long-pondered prophecies. European nations are attempting to unite, Muslim nations are erupting with chaos and antagonism against the secular/Christian West and now news comes that the nations of Asia are attempting to form a "Grand Union" that is also looking to develop nuclear armaments (see items in the News and Prophecy section).
This week's TV filming was postponed until next week as Mr. Ames developed a head cold (your prayers will be appreciated). Dr. Winnail returned from a profitable trip to Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Visit to Kansas City and Joplin. I had a very pleasant and profitable visit to Kansas City and a chance to spend time with Regional Pastor Rand Millich and his family. We had more than 200 for services on a snowy Sabbath in Kansas City. It was a privilege to be able to meet and talk with numerous individuals after services and to share a delicious dinner with members that evening. On Sunday I drove down to Joplin to visit with Area Pastor Larry Solomon and his family. I was also able to spend time with Elder Karl Beyersdorfer and his wife Gaylon. I was struck by the similarity of the Joplin area to where I grew up around Canfeld, Ohio—rolling hills, woods and farmland. It brought back some pleasant memories.
Using E-mail, the Internet and the Ministerial Resources Website. As we strive to use technology more and more effectively in our service to the Church, we need some feedback from the ministry. We would like to confirm that all of our ministers have e-mail access and access to the Internet. Also, we would like to make sure that all our ministers have a username and password to our Ministerial Resources Website (www.cogl.org). If you don't have access to e-mail, the Internet, or do not have a username or password to the Ministerial Resources Website, please contact Rod McNair at 704-844-1960 (ext. 212).
Note on Health and Well-Being. Winter-time can become prime-time for the spread of viruses. We all need to take care of ourselves—getting enough sleep, eating right and exercise are all necessary, even in the dead of winter, and even under the press of busy schedules. We have been reminded here at the Headquarters office about the importance of avoiding contact with others if we are contagious, to avoid spreading our illnesses to others. We all should remember that it is an act of love (and a biblical principle) to stay home from services when we are sick, to avoid spreading illnesses to others.
MEDIA
Mr. Pyle reports, "We are experiencing another superb week for TV responses." Responses to the re-run of the program "Lessons of History" are tracking closely the responses to the first broadcast of only four weeks ago—with about 3,200 responses for the second program. The total response-count since 1999 for the booklet offered on the program, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy, is over 44,000—making it the third most-requested booklet after Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ's Return (72,000) and The Beast of Revelation (51,000).
COMMENTS
Skills that Promote Teamwork. Members of successful organizations (teams, families, churches) develop the necessary skills to function together smoothly to accomplish goals. These skills can be identified and learned. As Christians we must develop these same skills—and many are clearly biblical. Effective team players avoid saying or doing things that offend others (Matthew 18:7; I Corinthians 10:32). They are forgiving and able to overlook slights and insults because they have learned not to be easily offended (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; I Corinthians 13:5). Team players do not sit in judgment of others—accusing, criticizing and digging up evil things about others—instead they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1-5: James 4:11). Team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) who are able to promote harmony and work smoothly with others (James 4:17-18). They deal with people gently, respectfully and patiently, and are willing to listen (James 1:19). Team players do not promote themselves at the expense of others (Matthew 20:20-24). Effective team players appreciate that a team is made up of individuals with different talents and abilities who make unique contributions to the team (I Corinthians 12:12), and that the main priority is to work together smoothly to achieve a goal while showing love to one another (Ephesians 4:16). In short, good team players have learned to love their neighbors. Are you developing these skills?
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas Winnail
NEWS AND PROPHECY—February 16, 2006
Coming: A "Grand Union" of Asian Nations. In a recent meeting in Manila, leaders from Europe and Asia met to further plans to establish an Asia-Pacific free trade zone by 2010. Nations attending included two of the world's economic leaders, India and China, which also boast nearly half of the world's inhabitants. Leaders likened this regional unification to a "European Union-type integration of Asian nations—a continent without dividing lines" (Philippine Daily Enquirer, Jan. 28, 2006). Meanwhile, the United States is encouraging nuclear weapons development by India—which will stimulate nuclear weapons development in Pakistan and China. The idea is to enable these regional powers to mediate disputes in their region (China Daily, Feb. 15, 2006). Unbeknownst to those creating the 'Grand Union' and those promoting nuclear weapons in India and China, the Bible predicts that during the tribulation, a great power from the North and East (of Jerusalem) will attack and destroy a Roman Catholic-sponsored beast power in Europe (Dan 11:44-45, Rev 9:13-21) with a 200 million-man army, killing 1/3 of mankind! These kings from the East will also come up to Jerusalem to fight the returning Christ (Rev 16:12-16). We appear to be witnessing the formation of an Eastern force that will play a crucial role in prophesied end-time events. Ironically, the West is encouraging these Eastern nations to increase their armaments, and the Philippines—the nation hosting the conference to facilitate the formation of this eastern power—is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation.
Arab Company to Run Six U.S. Ports. A United Arab Emirates company is preparing to take over operations at six American ports, including New York, Baltimore, Miami and New Orleans. The $6.8 billion deal would put these vital U.S. ports into the hands of a nation that has facilitated terrorist activity. Although some are upset by the deal, those in charge see little risk to the U.S. (Associated Press, Feb. 11, 2006). This move could play into events prophesied to impact Israelite nations at the end of the age, "The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower" (Deut 28:43). In addition, God prophesied that Israelites would go into captivity for their disobedience—taken back to Egypt by ships (Deut 28:68). These events could be facilitated if an Arab nation is given control of major U.S. ports—most of which are on the east coast of America.
Offended by Jesus Christ. "According to a new grammar rule in the Netherlands and Belgium, the name 'Christ' will soon be written with a lower-case 'c'... Additionally, the word 'Jewish', when referring to the religion, will also be spelled with a lower-case 'j'" (Catholic News Agency, Feb. 15, 2006). For years we have understood Belgium and the Netherlands to be descended from the ancient tribes of Israel. Isaiah prophesied that these nations would find Christ to be a "stone of stumbling" and "a rock of offense" and that, as a consequence, these nations will be broken and taken into captivity (Isa. 8:12-15, 9:8-21).
—Scott Winnail, Rod King, Jim Price