Dear Brethren and Co-Workers with Christ,
Warm greetings from Charlotte, NC! The Christian Passover is upon us. It is the time when true Christians re-dedicate themselves to their faith in the blood of Christ to pay for their sins—and also in their dedication to surrender their lives to the living Christ. For, three days after He shed His blood for us, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. Dozens of Christ’s followers personally saw Him soon after this. And finally, God’s inspired Word tells us, “He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:6)! Throughout the book of Acts, it is recorded that the early disciples traveled all over the Roman Empire saying, in effect, “He is risen! Jesus Christ of Nazareth is risen from the dead!” (Acts 2:22-24, 32; 4:10, 33, etc.).
Later, the Apostle Paul was inspired to tell us of the “mighty power [of God] which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:19-23).
Somewhere on this earth, the Eternal God continues to work through His true Church—the very body of Christ. This Church—through its Work—will be the major instrument which God uses in enlightening people about the real meaning of Christianity, the genuine purpose for their lives and the reality of the soon-coming World Government under Jesus Christ. Somehow, in His mercy, God has called you to begin to understand His Plan and what He is doing at the end of this present age!
As we explain to you the meaning of God’s precious Truth on the Tomorrow’s World television program, on our Web site, and through the pages of the Tomorrow’s World magazine, our booklets, our Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course and these personal letters, I pray that God will help you to more fully grasp the profound purpose for your life. I pray that you will grasp the awesome opportunity you have to take part in this final “Crusade” to proclaim the genuine message of Jesus Christ and the Bible to the entire world!
In addition to the blessings we receive, all of us will have trials and tests along the way. These trials are to be expected. And if we truly learn from them they will simply strengthen our faith and our resolve (Mark 10:30).
However, God has been very merciful to this end-time effort. Thanks to you and all others who support this Work! As few in number as we are, we are experiencing consistent growth in all the major areas of this Work, and some areas seem to be exploding with growth. Our free publications are being requested as never before. In the first three months of this year, a quarter-million publications, CDs, DVDs and Bible lessons were sent around the world—more than 24 percent higher than last year’s record high for the same period! Thank you for your part! We are passionate about getting our Bible-based materials into the hands of as many people as possible who request our materials. Since this Work of the living Christ began sending out materials in 1999, we have sent 19 million pieces of literature, magazines, CDs and DVDs, including 4.5 million booklets, reprints, CDs and DVDs, plus 14.4 million magazine copies—as always, all free of charge!
Just recently, we received the highest response ever to the Tomorrow’s World television program. Nearly 6,700 telephone calls and letters came in response to just one Tomorrow’s World telecast! To date, the telecast has now reached more than 50 million people—men, women and children. Each week, the telecast is reaching from 40,000 to 60,000 new, first-time viewers. Our average audience each week numbers 500,000, give or take. Since the beginning of this year, we have been able to reach 722,000 brand-new viewers. Your prayers and support can help reach even more. As God continues to “break the pride” of power of the Americans and the British-descended peoples—(see Leviticus 26:19)—as everything seems to start going wrong—millions are just beginning to “wake up” and to realize that Almighty God may be involved! Through this Work, we help you and millions more to understand the meaning of these ongoing prophetic events. And all of us who do understand have a responsibility to warn others. For God’s Word tells us, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” (Proverbs 24:11-12).
A few months ago I sent everyone on our mailing list at that time a semiannual letter offering a DVD entitled “End-Time Prophecy and You.” More than 55,000 responded, which is a new record. Again, thanks to you for helping make this possible.
Our support base of new donors, co-workers and baptized members is most encouraging, and I thank you for being part of this. Our new donor count has risen 32 percent over a year ago. Co-workers are up 16 percent, and members are up 17 percent over last year. Thank you very much, dear brethren and co-workers. And, with God’s help, please keep up the good work! For this Work is moving ahead! This is your Work, also, as you dedicate yourself to do your part. As the living God looks down from heaven, may He inspire each and every one of us to go “all out” to give our lives in service to our Creator and to do His Work with every fiber of our being! As Jesus Christ, our Savior, and our example said so fervently, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).
With Christian love,
Roderick C. Meredith