Greetings Everyone:
I hope that you had a wonderful Feast. My wife and I surely enjoyed meeting so many of you at Panama City, Florida and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From the reports I have received the feast was, as expected, a spiritually rejuvenating experience for the majority in attendance. It focused spiritual feasting more than on the physical "meat and drink."
Mr. Meredith will write a letter to the membership very soon with a full report on the feast around the world.
We are now into the new year of TV productions and the reports indicate good response to the telecast.
Many asked me during the feast about the reported "bankruptcy" of Global. According to what I have been told, they have characterized it as "not a bankruptcy," but an assignment of assets to the creditors. My understanding is that once the physical assets are liquidated by auction the Sabbath of October 23rd 1999, the corporation will cease to exist. The end of Global (corporation) saddens us, but we are of the opinion that the outcome was inevitable. I understand that they have informed their people that they have another corporate umbrella under which to function. Reportedly, they incorporated another corporate name in another state some months ago and then one of their ministers incorporated under a different corporate name in September for some reason.
In the meantime, we must continue focusing on doing the Work of God as He provides us guidance and means. We are pleased to have many new people who have joined us in the Work this year as co-workers. This growth has begun to make a significant impact on our ability to do the Work.
As we go into the winter season, we must be alert to Satan and his devices. He will seek to discourage us during the period of "darkness" which winter brings. Each year between the Feast of Tabernacles and Passovera six-month period without Holy Day focuswe are tested by the world and Satans system of riotous "joyfulness." For many of us, this time is stressful because of our unconverted family and friends pressing for cooperation in fellowship. It is a time that starkly contrasts our differences of worship.
I think that if we view this as an important "harvest period" when the Work is broadcast most effectively, rather than thinking about our own selves we will be acting as "good stewards" in Christs judgment. When we think of "self and discomfort," we begin to atrophy spiritually. As soldiers of Christ, and as leaders in His service, we are called to focus on Him and His leading without regard to self.
We have a number of fellow laborers who are fighting the good fight in their own right. They need and deserve our prayers every day. I speak, of course, of Mrs. Sharon Graves and Mr. Don Contardi. However, we also have brethren in similar struggles around the world.
I am sorry to report that Mrs. Ernest Owino, wife of our Elder in Nairobi, Kenya, died of heart failure. She has been failing for almost a year, and was unable to attend the Feast in Mombassa, Kenya due to her weakened condition. Please remember Mr. Owino and family in your prayers.
Have a great Sabbath.
CEMc