Greetings!
If you received this week's update in "PDF" format, you immediately saw a dramatic change in the heading! Why the change? Some months ago we acquired the "intellectual property" of the now defunct Global Church of God from the court appointed Trustee. We have decided to employ the above title for Church Administration publications now and into the future. We are in the process of formalizing the masthead, so the above may change somewhat. Hope you like it!
My wife and I returned Monday from our "Living Youth Camp" near Pickford, Michigan. We were able to spend five days during the Camp operation this year. Mr. Meredith attended the Camp last year and insisted that I needed the experience this year. I guess he thinks I am getting "stodgy" or something. It surely can't be that I am getting "old" as he is years older than I am!
I am pleased to report that Mr. Gerald Weston and his staff again did a superb job this summer. Mr. and Mrs. Weston spent months preparing for this year's camp, and the fruits surely show it. The staff was made up of ministers, employees, and volunteers from across the USA and Canada. Our volunteers range from "seniors" to college and high school student workers who selflessly contributed two weeks or more of their summer, and considerable personal expense to serve our youth. You will be hearing more about the LYC camp in the future, but from my wife and me, a great big MONTANA SALUTE right now!
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Mr. Jonathan McNair, Caribbean Regional Director wrote: "We are thrilled to be able to go on TV station NBTV Channel Nine in Georgetown, Guyana!" The brethren have been praying for a long time for a break-through in their area, and a recent offer from this station is within our means. Please pray for this region! We have some wonderful brethren who have faithfully endured great hardships in recent years. They would be greatly encouraged if some of our former brethren would "awaken from their slumber," and many others who heard the Truth in past years would respond.
REGIONAL USA NEWS
I want to pass on something Mr. John Ogwyn wrote to the Elders, Deacons and Hosts in his region, as it is good advice which all of us should heed.
"In discussing the building of a healthy family atmosphere in our local congregations, one important quality that must be examined is humility. This plays a vital role because it is the basis of what the scripture tells us should be our approach of "in honor preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10). There is a big difference however, between being humble and being insecure. Unfortunately, the two are sometimes confused. Remember, Jesus Christ was truly humble, but He certainly wasn't insecure!
When someone is insecure, it leads to taking a defensive posture in dealings with others. This can lead to conflict and hurt feelings. One who is genuinely humble sees himself in comparison to God and trusts God to fight his battles. King Saul started out "small in his own eyes," but it developed into deep insecurity instead of true humility. He is a good case study in what happens to such an individual. The results were not only personally tragic for his life, however, they also had far ranging consequences for the nation that he led. It is a vital example from which we can all learn."
Mr. Charles Bryce reports that Mr. Paul Shumway has moved into his assignment in the Northeast region. Mr. and Mrs. Shumway will be living in the Allentown, Pennsylvania area.
Mr. Doug Winnail has informed me that Mr. Glen Gilchrist and his family are now moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, although the sale of his house in Wisconsin has not been finalized. We pray (and appreciate your joining us) that a current sale closes successfully. Mr. Gilchrist will pastor New Mexico and Colorado.
Mr. and Mrs. Roderick McNair have found a house in Sacramento, California. Mr. Rod McNair will assume pastorship of Sacramento, California and Reno, Nevada August 19. Their personal items have not yet arrived from Manila, and their household furniture in North Carolina, which has been in storage there for three and one half years will be loaded for shipment next Sunday. Rod is going to be very busy unpacking, getting acquainted, and preparing for his return to the Philippines for the Feast of Tabernacles!
Mr. Lamber Greer: Mr. David Burson has not yet sold his house in Lansing, Michigan. Please pray that his house sells very soon.
Comments:
Finally, brethren, please pray for our brethren in the West/Northwest USA whose homes are threatened by wildfires. This is "the worst fire season in 50 years, and approached crisis proportions on Wednesday as fire crews worked feverishly to try to contain 70 fires burning nearly 1 million acres," according to NBC news. "Western Montana remained the most precarious hot spot, with 20 large fires forcing hundreds more families to flee." So far, over 4.3 million acres have burned this year — over 300,000 acres in the Bitterroot mountains and valley of Western Montana alone. "The homes of 35,000 other valley residents (are) vulnerable… some 850 homes and buildings face immediate threats…" according to NBC news this morning.
I spoke to Mr. Virgil Hudson who reported that they are suffering from heavy smoke, and local reports are that between 50 and 70 primary dwellings are believed to have been destroyed. The official report by the National Forest Service as of this morning (Thursday, August 10,) of homes burned is "60, plus 20 other structures." One member family near Helena, MT was forced to evacuate their home yesterday—so please keep them in your prayers.
God has worked miracles to protect His people through the ages. He is not asleep on His throne, and He is very concerned for His people. He will not leave nor forsake us. However, He does want to know that our hearts are stayed on Him, and that we care one for another in sincere brotherly love.
Thank you for your prayers for our brethren who live in this dangerous area.
Have a safe Sabbath, wherever you are.
Carl McNair