Greetings Everyone:
My wife and I arrived home Tuesday night after six days to and from Louisiana for the family weekend at Chicot State Park. What a wonderful visit we had! Approximately 150 folks enjoyed the gracious hospitality of many who devoted lots of time and energy to host the event. Visitors came from North and South Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, Oregon and perhaps other States as well.
Dorothy and I stopped at Jonathan and Christy's place Thursday night. They live on a "farmette" out of Baton Rouge, with their five children—I guess Jon inherited my "farmer genes." Friday morning, Jon loaded a stock trailer with equipment and food supplies for the weekend—only to find that his van was inadequate to pull the load. He and I then drove to the home of a member whose husband kindly donated the use of his pickup truck to tow the trailer (also on loan from him). The delay in departure forced us to be late in getting to the park, so folks were forced to "fast" a few hours before their evening meal, but it was worth it.
Virtually everyone who attended participated in the Bible studies for seniors, parents, youths and special projects. Most of the people also participated in the sporting events planned and directed by leaders from the Lafayette and Baton Rouge congregations. What a fun way to learn cooperation!
Dorothy and I thank you all, Louisiana, for a wonderful experience!
MEDIA:
Mr. Meredith announced at staff meeting, Wednesday, that we are adding a couple of TV stations next month. First, we are going on a station in Jackson, MS at 8:30 a.m. starting Sunday, January 20, 2002. This station reaches the whole state of Mississippi. Also, he said, "I am grateful to be able to get back on KDOC, Los Angeles, starting on Saturday, January 26, 2002, at 7:00 a.m. Although this is not one of the best stations in Los Angeles, we did have good success on this in years past." KDOC reaches a huge market—covering all of Los Angeles, Orange County and the northern fringe of San Diego County.
The new booklet "Who or What Is The Antichrist?" was distributed to the office staff today. I believe it is being mailed out as well.
OFFICE OF FINANCE AND PLANNING [This is a Repeat] —from Mr. D. Jerry Ruddlesden
Just a reminder that as the end of the Roman calendar year approaches, in order for donations to be recorded in the year 2001, they MUST meet the following two requirements according to IRS regulations:
1. If the donation is a check or money order, it must have a 2001 date; example, Dec 31, 2001.
2. The donation must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2001.
Checks with a December date and postmarked on Jan 1st or after will be included for 2002.
Also, your official year-end receipt for tax purposes will be mailed on or around the 15th of January 2002.
CONCLUSION:
My wife and I are leaving tomorrow for Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Sabbath and weekend. Dorothy grew up in Milwaukee and has two aunts who are getting up in years still living there. She will be able to visit them in the "assisted living" homes where they reside. Mr. Meredith will be in Los Angeles this Sabbath, and Mr. Ames will be in Phoenix, Arizona.
I hope that you all have a safe and spiritually rewarding Sabbath.
Carl E. McNair