Greetings Everyone. Mr. Meredith is in Oregon for this weekend. Mr. Meredith will preach in Medford, Oregon, where subscribers in the surrounding area have been invited to attend an open service. I am sure he would appreciate your prayers for a successful engagement.
Mr. Richard Ames—Media:
On Wednesday, Dr. Meredith and Mr. Ames taped Tomorrow's World programs #95-98. Dr. Meredith's topics were "What Is Jesus Christ Doing Now?" and "What Will the Millennium Be Like?" Mr. Ames' topics were "What Is True Success?" and "The Seven Laws of Success." These programs will air from May 20 through June 10.
Dr. Meredith's "Do You Believe the True Gospel?" booklet has been reprinted, and will be offered on the April 1 Tomorrow's World telecast. Because most members already have the booklet, copies will not automatically be sent to member households, but if you want to order a copy you can do so online at the Church Web site, or you can view the text online in a fast-loading HTML format at URL: www.lcg.org/booklets/btg/default.htm
Local Television in Atlanta! This is the first time for us to be on in this major city, though we have tried in the past. Nielsen ranks the Atlanta TV market as number 10, having 1.8 million TV households. Our new station, Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters (AIB), reaches 700,000 households. AIB plans to air our program on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday nights at 1:30 a.m.
Please pray for the success of the program—that God will move people to find it, and respond!
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
Mr. Jonathan McNair from the Caribbean:
I wanted to update you on our new TV opportunity in Barbados. It looks like we'll be able to go forward with it. We have now built up the funds as well as the monthly income to move forward with this. The response to the radio program has been small, (we are on Monday at 8:00 p.m.) so this should be a big step forward. Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, a commercial station, has offered us a time slot beginning Sunday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. CBC covers much of the eastern Caribbean.
We also will have six "trailers" (promotional spot advertisements) per week at no additional cost.
We will have the HQ address on the program until we work out a process for handling the responses locally.
Mr. Mario Hernandez—Latin America:
Two weeks ago we reported on Mr. Hernandez' very successful public lectures in Mexico City. One hundred seven new people attended the lecture, and Mr. Hernandez conducted services last Sabbath in Mexico City for fifty new people with us.
Mr. Rod McNair—Philippines:
After about 15 hours either in the air or in airports, I arrived in Los Angeles to be greeted by my wife, little Tressie, and Grandpa Fall. It was a nice homecoming, after being gone about 2 weeks, to see my family! Here are reports from three of the full-time ministers serving in the Philippines.
Mr. Felipe Casing reported: "Warm greetings ! We had a nice Sabbath service in Polomolok video group, South Cotabato last week. We had 26 in attendance. We had 8 children in our Bible class, where they were taught some songs from our Bible hymnal. My sermon was on "The Harlot in the Book of Revelation." During our dinner, the Bolences family came over bringing some fruits, and we had an enjoyable time together. They left home after 9:00 p.m. to Koronodal Proper.
Sunday morning, we left to visit Talcon, Tibuli, South Cotabato. Two farming brethren are working [there]. From where we left our van, we climbed the hill, slanting sometimes, but more around 30 even 45 degrees up, for around twenty minutes, before we made it to the house of Mr. Jerry Bayotas, a member. We had some singing along to everyone's laughter and enjoyment.
Getting back to our vehicle, we again negotiated that downhill roll easily to the plain. In Koronodal Proper, we visited a prospective member. We had some discussions about the true church, our mission and salvation. Later, another new contact came over to see us. They asked several questions pertaining to baptism. We left at 3:30 p.m. our brethren in Koronodal Proper, arriving home almost 9:00 in the evening."
Mr. Eleno Cabahit reported from Tacloban City: "We are now holding our services in my home at Nula-Tula. On January 25, I went to U.P. Tacloban and contacted a certain [prospective attendee], a first year student in University. The following day he called and came in the house. He asked many questions for clarification. He listened carefully and promised to attend Sabbath services with us. He gave me his home address & telephone number and borrowed some of our magazines and audio & videotapes.
On January 27 we had Sabbath services in Maasin City. Immediately after the services, I took a superferry for Cebu—a very fast sea transport. I passed the night in Cebu City, and had a Bible study with Mr. Wenifredo Bulaga.
At 4:00 AM, I left Cebu City for Genatilan, Cebu, to get together with Mr. & Mrs. Godofredo Cadungog. I was informed by Mr. Cadungog that a former member of WCG now wants to be member of the Living Church of God. The past week this individual came to the house of Mr. Cadungog and told him he wanted to see the pastor of LCG.
Mr. Tex Benitez: "Today I'm here in Cagayan de Oro City conducting a funeral service for Richard Casim, a newly married son of Juleita Catamco Suan of Cagayan de Oro congregation. The Cagayan de Oro brethren joined the funeral service.
We had an enjoyable Sabbath service last Saturday, February 10, in Iligan City. Although a few were absent, there were 29 in attendance. The brethren were all happy when they heard the announcement that you spent time helping us obtain our visas at the Embassy."
Mr. Gorgonio de Guia: Attendance in Quezon City this Sabbath was 67. Sunday I visited Tito de la Cruz, who was not able to drive almost the whole week because of severe pain in his back. He can hardly stand."
Mr. Dibar Apartian—France:
Mr. Apartian received news of certification for the Church in France. We are now registered as EGLISE DU DIEU VIVANT!
Mr. Apartian and our supporting brethren have translated 4 booklets, 5 lessons of the Bible Study Course into French, and 60 article reprints into French in anticipation of certification. They are all very excited today!
Conclusion:
Brethren, we are living in an incredible age. Corruption of government leaders and moral decadence is becoming the norm in so many societies around the globe. We have seen eight incredible years in America, with top leaders lacking an understanding of truth and integrity. The slide to destruction of American moral strength and leadership is very significant to the rest of the world. It means the stabilizing influence of Jacob is near an end, and the forces of "Babylon" will again control Europe and much of the Western world. American military leadership is apparently aware of the risk of an independent EU force apart from NATO. However, the pieces are coming into place that will force exclusion of America in European "defense" and military actions. Are we ready for this?
A thought for the week: "A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open!"
I hope that you have a great Sabbath and weekend.
Carl E. McNair