Greetings everyone:
We had a very encouraging and instructive meeting this week with the Council of Elders. The Council is made up of Mr. Charles Bryce, Director of the Canadian work and the Northeastern USA; Mr. Lambert Greer, Regional Pastor of the Midwest and Eastern seaboard states; Mr. John Ogwyn, Regional Pastor of the Deep South and Southeastern states; Mr. Gerald Weston, Regional Pastor of the Upper Mid-West and Mr. Douglas Winnail, Regional Pastor of the Western states plus Headquarters area ministers.
Mr. Meredith opened the conference with a REPORT on the growth of the Work. "We are thankful for the growth of the Work," he said, adding that co-worker growth is a significant indicator of the effectiveness of the Work.
Mr. Meredith announced that he is committed to doing special tapes for INTERNET posting — beginning soon.
Mr. Meredith stated that "we are now in a transition period." "& all of God's faithful people will come together." However, some "have scuttled the government of God as established under Mr. Herbert Armstrong," he said.
God is "building a base now. We must be patient — many things are beginning to happen" which are significant. He quoted from Adrian Hilton's book "The Principality and Power of Europe" which predict the future of Europe — consistent with the teaching of the Church of God under Mr. Armstrong and Global and now Living. Prophecies are coming to pass.
Each Regional Pastor gave a report on his respective area, followed by a report on the International Work by Mr. Dibar Apartian.
Mr. Meredith led a discussion on a number of doctrinal questions, which have been raised in recent months.
Mr. Richard Ames gave a report on the electronic and print media, followed by a discussion on policy and manpower needs/allocations by Carl McNair.
Mr. Fred Dattolo reported on the financial management of the Work, and Mr. Aaron Eagle reported on the development of the Data Management and "subscriber fulfillment" of the Work.
One session focused on How to do the Work more powerfully. Without the government of God, there will be continued division and hostility. However, unification for political or personal reasons is unthinkable. Our objective is to do the Work more effectively and powerfully. We need to grow in faith and knowledge.
Mr. Meredith concluded the three and one-half days of conference with a reminder of our calling to be Ambassadors of Christ.
The conference has helped us to re-focus on the important aspects of the Work, and on doing the Work more effectively. You will be pleased with the fruit that this conference will bear. A story sent to me by one of you illustrates the need for us to meet and strengthen our efforts to work cooperatively.
An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move.
Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond.
Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Cocoa, pull!" Nothing happened.
Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" Buddy immediately dragged the car out of the ditch. Though the motorist was most appreciative, he was very curious. "Why," he asked the farmer, "did you call the horse by the wrong name three times?"
The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try!"
Most of us work better as a team or in concert with others. We do not want to think that we are "pulling alone, and will likely balk at doing so."
Please remember those who are having sore physical trials, whether health or otherwise. And more importantly, pray that Satan's hand be stayed from destroying the faith of our brethren in areas he is targeting. Have a great Sabbath, everyone.
Carl E. McNair