Greetings everyone:
This week began with Council meetings on Monday, and Tuesday. We had very harmonious and productive meetings, a habit we hope to never break!
Mr. Meredith set the agenda, opening with a review of the past year's events, followed by reports from each Regional Pastor. Mr. Dibar Apartian gave a report on the International areas, (excluding Canada, covered by Mr. Bryce) and Mr. Davis gave a report on the Feast of Tabernacles and site selection process for 2000.
I gave a report on the US Administration and plans for 2000, including plans for expansion in support to International.
Mr. Meredith spoke on ways to grow the Work, doing a better job through development of tried and tested methods and new innovations. This was followed with discussion on "feeding the flock," by providing for leadership development and growth.
Tuesday's meeting was devoted to discussion of doctrinal questions and a spiritual message to conclude the meetings.
The unanimous conclusion of participants was that the meetings were very productive and harmonious. We trust this is a habit that will never be broken!
We do not kid ourselves that we are doing the work as effectively or efficiently as we should. I think all of us in supervisory positions in the Work are painfully aware of our deficiencies. Our needs are manifold in personnel, which requires financial support, and in turn a greater number of supporters.
We are excited about the growth in response to the telecast which requires more labor to process. This leads to additional membership requiring additional laborers in the field to serve them.
And all the while we labor, "planting the seeds and tilling young plants," the work requires our steady support, in hope of anticipated return. This is indeed a Work of faith, and of the Faithful!
I remember when my parents worked and prayed for rain, or for the rain to stop! I think folks who farm for a living have a much clearer understanding of the way God works than the average city dweller of today. They also have a greater appreciation for patience, while waiting on God.
I'm sure all of you Hosts appreciate the opportunity God has afforded you of participating actively in His Work. Your contribution of service to a small group of people is reminiscent of brethren mentioned by Paul who hosted the Church "in their house," (Romans 16:1-5; v. 23; Col 4:15.)
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS:
Our brethren in Vanuatu survived the Tsunami caused by earthquake offshore without personal injury. They do have other needs, which we will address through Mr. Bruce Tyler and Mr. Kinnear Penman in New Zealand.
Rod McNair reported that the earthquake which occurred about 2:00 a.m. in Pangasinan December 12th (13th in Manila) did only minor damage to older buildings in downtown Manila. There were no reports of injuries, and the brethren were not unhurt.
From Mr. Fred Dattolo, ACCOUNTING Department has asked that I include the following important memorandum to the Hosts and Ministry:
1. Some members who sent their tithes to headquarters have had the tithes returned to them by the post office. This happened because the post office mistakenly forwarded our mail to a PO box in Texas, which had been closed. We've been told that the problem has been corrected. Members should not have any more problems sending their tithes to headquarters.
The paid ministry are reminded to send Suzanne Pyle a note or e-mail to let her know how much vacation they've used this year. This is important for our financial statements. Unused vacation has to be booked as a current liability. This reduces our "working capital" and net worth, which of course affects our financial condition. We don't want to overstate our liabilities because potential creditors (e.g., to lease equipment) base their risk calculations on our financial condition.
Our thought for the week is on problem solving:
"To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?"
The real problem is usually two or three questions deep. If you want to go after someone's problem, be aware that most people aren't going to reveal what the real problem is after the first question.
Neil Armstrong once said, "You only have to solve two problems when going to the moon: first, how to get there; and second, how to get back. The key is don't leave until you have solved both problems."
Never attack a problem without also presenting a solution.
The best place to solve a problem is on paper."
(quoted from The Treasury of Quotes" by Jim Rohn)
Have a great Sabbath!