Greetings Everyone,
We continue to see slow, steady growth in the Work here in the US and Canada. The income reflects the steadiness in the ministry and field. As we continue the fight against expenses exceeding budget, we appreciate all of you helping us in that area.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
This week Mr. Meredith announced a change in his travel plans for next spring and summer. Mr. Meredith plans to be in Louisville, KY for Passover and the first day of unleavened bread. He will then travel to Nashville, TN for the weekly Sabbath, continuing to Austin, TX for the last day of unleavened bread. As announced earlier Mr. Meredith had planned to visit Australia and New Zealand next Passover, but after input from Mr. Tyler and others he has decided to postpone that trip as he sees that a trip to the UK and Europe should take precedence. Mr. Meredith has been trying to work in a trip to the UK and Europe for two years, but circumstances have prevented fulfillment of this wish.
MEDIA
Mr. Meredith and Mr. Richard Ames taped three telecasts Wednesday. Mr. Hernandez also taped a couple radio broadcasts.
The February issue of the Living Church News was sent to the printer this week. Mailing should be on January 25 or 26.
Lesson # 2 of the Correspondence Course will go to film next week.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Apartian and Mr. Hernandez are visiting the brethren in Mexico City this Sabbath. They will visit the radio station that broadcasts the program today. They will discuss our program with the manager, with an eye to increasing our ability to reach Mexico with the message. Mr. Apartian will speak to the brethren tomorrow (in French) with translation into Spanish by Mr. Hernandez.
Mr. Douglas Winnail is now applying for a visa to move to the UK. Upon receipt of proper documentation, Mr. Winnail will serve as Pastor for the UK and will serve as Regional Editor for Tomorrow's World. He is very excited about his new assignment, and we are happy to have him serving our brethren in the UK and Europe.
MY THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
I found the following story (quoted from a work by John Capozzi) about Jim Burke (who later became Chairman of Johnson & Johnson) encouraging and instructive.
"Jim Burke became the head of a new products group at Johnson & Johnson. One of his first products was a children's chest rub. It failed miserably and Jim believed he would be fired when he was called into the chairman's office. However, to his surprise, Mr. Johnson asked if he was the one who just cost the company a lot of money and then added. "Well, I want to congratulate you. If you made a mistake it means you took a risk, and if wedon't take risks we will never grow. That is what business is all about."
This story speaks to the importance of stepping out and taking risks in life and to accountability for one's actions. It also illustrates the value of one in authority accepting a failure in the process of learning. God has called us to prepare for His Kingdom. He understands perfectly the weakness of our flesh—because His Son sitting at His right hand speaks as our advocate. We are to learn from our mistakes. We must develop character by accepting the consequences that flow from our mistakes as we press forever forward.
Have a great Sabbath and keep warm, everyone. Especially those of you in Canada and Alaska!
CEMcNair