Greetings everyone,
My wife and I returned from our visit to Montana—into the current heat wave of the Southwest. We drove through the great Mojave Desert in temperatures ranging from 108 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. We were sure glad to be in an air-conditioned auto, rather than a covered wagon as the pioneers had to travel.
On my flight to Montana, I was delayed by aircraft mechanical trouble at the Salt Lake City airport. After a sweltering delay and wait, one lady complained of the terrible conditions imposed by the trouble. After she looked at me for affirmation, I said to her, "Yes, the delay is troubling—but in spite of it, flying sure beats a buck-board!"
Many people living today have no conception of the luxuries we enjoy—compared to all of humanity before the 21st century. Most of our hardships are only inconveniences, not hardships at all.
Church Administration:
Mr. David Burson—Pastor of Minneapolis, MN reported:
"Just a note to let you know I was released from the hospital Monday afternoon. They told me to go back to what ever I wanted to do with no restrictions. In fact they said I should do as much as I could. The worst thing to do would be to go home and do nothing. I have lost about 30 Lbs of fluid to this point and am increasing in strength constantly. I am doing dialysis 3 times a week at this point. If they are right I should be back to normal very quickly. My kidneys are functioning at about 10-12 %, which is not enough to sustain me without the dialysis. It is my hope that God will still make that happen."
Please continue to include Mr. Burson in your daily prayers.
Headquarters announcements:
Last Sabbath Mr. Meredith announced in his sermon that a long time advisor to Mr. Herbert Armstrong, Mr. Stanley Rader, had died Tuesday, July 2nd at age 71. He also announced the death of Mr. Howard Stein, Living Church of God Elder in the Phoenix, AZ, who died July 3rd of a heart attack. Howard and his wife Lila, longtime members of God's Church, were married for 64 years. He further announced that Mr. Walter Stein (no relation to Howard Stein) of Oklahoma City, OK had died July 5th. Mr. Meredith remembered baptizing him on a tour in the early years.
Mr. Dibar Apartian will leave early next Monday for Martinique to visit the Church brethren the Sabbath of July 20. He will also perform a wedding and give 2 radio interviews which will be aired "live." I expect some other good news from him upon his return!
Feast of Tabernacles Volunteers Needed
The Feast is less than 11 weeks away. Each Festival site coordinator is in the process of assembling his organization to serve those who will be attending. Volunteer Forms have been sent to each video group and church congregation. Time is growing short and many positions still remain unfilled. Please take a moment today to fill out a form and send it to the Festival Office here in San Diego. Our best Feasts are those at which we serve. Thank you in advance for your help and service.
Eureka Springs Feast Site—Mr. Davy Crockett:
The Best Western Inn of The Ozarks Resort and Convention Center in Eureka Springs has made some additional rooms available to us. The rooms quoted at $59.00 plus tax are all booked, but there are some upgraded rooms with Jacuzzi tubs, etc., that rent for $69.00 to $109.00 per night. Those who want to stay on site may want to take advantage of this opportunity.
Best Western's toll free number is 1-800-552-3785. Callers should identify themselves as members of the Living Church of God.
The other hotels and motels listed on the web page also have ample rooms available. We are about 11 weeks away from the Feast. Since Eureka Springs is a new site, I have many Department Head positions to fill, plus the need for workers for activities, etc. The volunteer forms are coming, but they aren't here yet.
Deacons and Elders who plan to attend Eureka Springs, Arkansas should contact Davy Crockett via e-mail or by phone, to give me your preferences for feast duty. Thank you.
Davy Crockett 1-501-868-8760; e-mail [email protected]
New Braunsfels, Texas: Mr. Keith Walden has informed us that the flooding that took place in New Braunfels, Texas did not affect the Feast site. Everything is fine as far as the meeting facility is concerned. No damage was done to the TbarM Resort or any other of the condo's, motels, or restaurants. Some RV parks were damaged along the river but there are plenty of RV parks in the area. The area is recovering very rapidly so the flow around the city will not be hindered.
Festival Assistance Requests (Repeat announcement)
Now it is time to begin the process of accumulating information necessary to process assistance to widows, handicapped and persons with special needs. All requests must be submitted to the Church Pastor. To be considered, each request must be reviewed and signed by the Church. No request will be approved without a Pastor's approval.
NOTE TO PASTORS: Your deadline for submitting the signed forms to Headquarters is August 2, 2002.
THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF CHURCH OF GOD IN MONTANA
The Living Church of God of Helena, MT. hosted a THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY celebration of the Church of God in Montana June 22nd. Brethren from the Worldwide Church of God, United Church of God and other fellowships met in Helena for a day of fellowship and visitation.
Mr. Rand Millich traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to attend and speak to the combined group. Mr. Millich was the first resident Pastor of the Worldwide Church of God in Montana, while many others traveled into the state for Passover, Holy Day or special services and Bible studies.
Many wonderful memories were shared—some sent in writing from those who live far away and could not attend in person. Many other faithful members, awaiting the resurrection, were remembered fondly for their service and love. As David said, (Psalms 133:1) "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Youth Activity Report by Mr. Jonathan McNair
"Teen Adventure 2002"
Fourteen teens and chaperones from throughout the south traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains for adventure - Appalachian style.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Maney, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Maney hosted the group in Cherokee, North Carolina. Mr. Gary Maney arranged for the group to stay in a community center, before they began the backpacking trip. On the Sabbath of June 22nd members from western North Carolina joined the group for a service followed by a pot-luck. On June 23rd, the group traveled to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness area, just south of the Smoky Mountain National Park. This area is famous for its beautiful views, spring flowers, and waterfalls. Wildcat falls, with its three pools, and Lower Slickrock Creek Falls, both provided a cool respite to tired feet and aching backs. After five days of backpacking and camping, everyone thoroughly enjoyed a safe return to Cherokee, with nice, hot showers! Later in the evening, the Maneys treated the group to complimentary passes to "Unto These Hills", a sight and sound show re-telling the history of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. The next morning, we traveled to the Nantahala Gorge for a 2 1/2 hour whitewater rafting trip. The afternoon was filled with a visit to the Cherokee Cultural Village, followed by a fish fry, provided by the Maneys and other local brethren, and attended by Mr. Martin Fannin, the area pastor. On the Sabbath, we traveled to Knoxville, TN for services, and continued home after the Sabbath. There is nothing like a visit to another part of America to gain appreciation for the beauty of our land. At the same time, traveling to visit other congregations always reminds us of the bond that we have with each other throughout God's church.
International:
Philippines: Please pray for Mr.Tex Benitez, Pastor in Mindanao, who has been suffering from high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Mr. Benitez is greatly needed as a Pastor to the Mindanao brethren.
Conclusion:
"Prudence keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy." –Samuel Johnson
I think it is prudent to heed the warning contained in the following notice from the Petroleum Institute passed on to me from Mr. Gilbert Morris.
"While filling up their vehicles with gasoline, many motorists will return to their cars to stay warm, make a phone call, or retrieve their purse or wallet," he said. "When they slide out of their car, static charge is generated. Then, when they touch the nozzle, a spark can ignite fuel vapors around the nozzle."
For the complete report, you may log on to the following site: http://www.pei.org/news/static.htm
As I drive the highways and fly the airways I am aware of the potential for serious accidents. Life is filled with potential disasters. But life has always had potential for physical harm or death—from the days when Cain rose up and slew his brother Abel. Real wisdom is to fear God and walk humbly before Him—then we need have no fear of termination of this life.
As children of God we have a duty to follow wherever He leads, in full assurance that He cares for us. We must not tempt God by acting imprudently, to "force Him" to defend us.
Have a great Sabbath, and please exercise prudence—and travel safely!
Carl McNair