Greetings everyone:
Talk about "dog days of summer!" I met Mr. Ames out in the hall this morning and he informed me that the "weather map" listed very few (5 perhaps) cool places across the U. S. continent—and he said San Diego was one of the few. Mr. Ames just returned from Michigan where he spent the last week of camp with the campers and LYC staff. As he listed the "cool spots" on the weather map I listened expectantly for him to mention Montana—but alas, he avoided doing so. I suspect prejudice…!
Seriously now, I have heard glowing reports about the LYC camp. One mother wrote Dr. Meredith that her daughter "came back realizing that the world out there isn't what it is cracked up to be." That is surely a good lesson for the young to learn—and the earlier the better. We hope that parents and local church congregations nurture the fine spirit and motivation of the young people once they have returned home.
Mr. Meredith announced this week that he plans to visit Reno, Nevada, the Sabbath of September 15. He then plans to go over to Sacramento, California for the Feast of Trumpets, September 18th.
Mr. Ames is scheduled to be in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for the Feast of Trumpets. This will be a combined service for Minnesota and Wisconsin churches.
Mr. Apartian will join Mr. Jeff Fall in Corona, California for combined services of the southern California churches.
I hope to have returned from Southeast Asia Monday September 17, but will be recovering from jet lag so I will be worse than useless.
LIVING YOUTH CAMP REPORT, by Richard Ames:
Greetings from San Diego,
My wife and I were privileged to visit the last few days (ending Monday, August 6) of the Living Youth Camp in upper Michigan. The camp setting with its lake, forests, and deer is very uplifting. But most inspiring was the total program of teen fellowship, activities, and biblically based classes. Not only did the campers experience a three-day canoe trip, but they were also challenged in building a dormitory extension. Classes and activities included communications, dance, fitness, riflery, volleyball, challenge course, flag football, Christian Living, and Teen Life. As I told the campers, they were receiving priceless information and training! The campers were challenged by Director Gerald Weston to apply the values taught at camp in their daily lives back home.
The administration, staff, and campers worked hard to produce a very successful camp program. We especially appreciate the time adult volunteers spent away from their homes and jobs to contribute to the fulfillment and happiness of the campers. Our youth are the future leaders of God's Church. We can be encouraged by the growth of dedicated teens who are striving to develop, serve, lead, and live by true biblical values.
Richard Ames
FESTIVAL OFFICE, from Don Davis;
Florence, Oregon
The Westward Ho! Sternwheeler Riverboat is again offering advance bookings for lunch and dinner cruises during the Feast. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this popular attraction may contact the Westward Ho office at [email protected] or call 541-997-9691 for reservations.
INTERNATIONAL
MYANMAR
Mr. Thomas Tial Hoe reported via Rajan Moses in Maylasia that Mrs. Lather Phaw, aged 45, and Mr. NI DUN, aged 86, died in June. They were both baptized in 1975 by a Worldwide Church of God minister from the Philippines. Mr. NI DUN was the founder of the Kyarinn village (founded January 17, 1961). He provided a room for church services in his home free of charge. He was very much loved and respected by all of the members. NI DUN is survived by his wife Ngun Khing, an adopted daughter and son-in-law and three grandchildren.
PHILIPPINES DISASTERS
Mr. Roderick McNair reports that income growth is keeping pace with last years 23% increase. The increase in exchange rate of the US dollar to Philippine peso is helping us to reduce somewhat the financial support from the US. While the income increased by 23%, expense increase for this year is currently 26.17% over 2000.
On Wednesday, July 4, typhoon "Feria" (international name: "Utor"), one of the strongest typhoons in recent years, blasted across the northern Philippines island of Luzon. There has been widespread flooding causing death and destruction. No brethren were harmed by this latest storm but it will increase food costs
Also Mayon Volcano, in the southern Luzon province of Albay, erupted at 7:56 a.m., Thursday, July 26, sending an ash cloud up to 10 kilometers into the air and causing thousands of residents to flee to evacuation shelters. No members of Living Church of God were adversely affected by the eruption.
We have a ministerial conference in Manila scheduled for September. Please pray for safe travel and profitable meetings for the Philippine ministry.
AUSTRALIA
Mr. Bruce Tyler will leave next week for India and Sri Lanka. He will visit with members and with correspondents who have requested support or affiliation with Living Church of God in India.
CONCLUSION
I want to thank all of you who have written me since last week's World Ahead update, with your comments. Out of dozens of replies, I have a clear picture of the importance to you of continuing as we have in the past. Thank all of you for your suggestions to enhance the service. I especially appreciate the constructive nature of your ideas, and will give serious thought to implementing many of them.
My objective has been to try to give you a factual, timely report of current events and activities at San Diego. I also try to pass on news from the international church areas as much as possible. The TW update can only give you a "thumb-nail" sketch of all that is going on, of course, not a detailed report. We strive to avoid passing on gossip, misleading or even unsubstantiated information, successfully I believe.
I leave for Nashville, Tennessee Thursday morning.
Have a great Sabbath and travel safely.
Carl E. McNair