Hello everyone,
Dr. Meredith has written a coworker letter that all of you should be receiving soon. In it he covers important news about the Work and addresses the dramatic developments now occurring in world events and prophecy. Please ask God to bless and bear rich fruit through this letter.
The dedication Sabbath for the move to our new building here in Charlotte is now firm for March 29th. That will be a day of celebration and thanksgiving to God for the blessings He has given to His Work and Church. Dr. Meredith will lead that very special Sabbath service here at Headquarters.
INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Rod McNair writes about a miracle in the Philippines:
Miraculous Intervention
Just the other day I talked to Mr. de Guia, and he relayed to me the fact that Mr. Maximino Noble III, deacon in our Cavite congregation, was at the Davao airport last week when the bomb exploded, killing 20 and injuring more than 120. His luggage was a bit slow coming off the airplane, so he was having to wait while others were already pouring out to the entrance. It was at that time when the powerful bomb went off. Apparently, the one giving Mr. Noble a ride was also running late—which prevented him from being in the throng gathered at the entrance on the outside. Certainly God directly intervened to save Mr. Noble and his companions from being at the entrance in unexpected peril. It reminds us of the Psalmist, when he wrote:
"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you." (NKJV) Ps 91:5-7
Perilous time for the Philippines
I received this report from Mr. Gideon Benitez recently, regarding the peace and order situation in his area:
"Some of the families [last week] were not able to attend the service because their hometown happened to be the war-zone… Yesterday afternoon four warplanes kept on bombing between Linamon and Kauswagon towns where… rebels are on attack. This morning another two warplanes flew over bound for the same destination loaded with bombs. Our place is being threatened for attack…"
He went on to say that one of the families who lives in the war-zone was informed by a Muslim neighbor that they should evacuate their home. Immediately, they transferred to Iligan City some 25 kilometers away, and many neighbors transferred with them. Also, he mentioned that rebel groups have threatened attack of government installations, electrical power facilities and commercial centers if the U.S. attacks Iraq. This is a crucial time for the Philippines. Please be watchful and careful, and certainly pray for one another, especially those families who are located in or close to the war-zone.
Mr. Jonathan McNair sent this good news regarding the church in Guyana.
This month I made a very successful trip to the hinterlands of Guyana. There were five baptisms and plans were made to establish a closer working relationship with the brethren in those areas. Two persons started counseling for baptism in Georgetown. This coming week will see four more added to the list being counseled.
PRE-TEEN CAMP
Mr. Ken Frank, Camp Director, sends these important details for our Maranatha Springs, North Carolina pre-teen camp.
Dates - July 13 (arrival) - July 18 (departure)
Costs:
$ 95 - tuition - second child
$ 90 - tuition - third child
$ 30 - tuition - volunteer staff
$ 5 - application fee for all campers and staff
** VERY IMPORTANT: Checks NEED to be payable to: "LYC North Carolina Fund."
Please send applications and fees right away to:
Mr. Ken Frank
5083 Blarney St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22407-6503
ATLANTA CONGREGATION SPRING HOLY DAYS WEEKEND
Mr. Carl Ponder writes: To kick off the spring Holy Day season the Atlanta congregation of the Living Church of God is hosting an exciting Singles/Family Weekend! Everyone in Living is invited! This is an excellent opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances.
The weekend will consist of the Night To Be Much Observed meal Wednesday night (April 16th), first Day of Unleavened Bread services and meal Thursday, activities night Thursday night, family day in Atlanta Friday with lunch, Friday night Bible study, Sabbath Services Saturday afternoon, and semi-formal dinner/dance Saturday night. Most activities will be held in the beautiful Wyndham Midtown Atlanta Hotel. Return home Sunday, April 20th after having a spiritually uplifting and fun filled extended weekend!
Those wishing to travel by air may fly to the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. Shuttle service from the airport will be provided. Many of the Atlanta brethren have opened their homes to those who do not wish to stay in a hotel.
NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY FOR THIS EVENT AND A $60 PER PERSON FEE IS NEEDED TO COVER COSTS of the catered meal on the Holy Day, the lunch in the park Thursday, and the Dinner-Dance Saturday night ( $ 30.00 for those under 12 years old ). PLEASE FILL OUT AND MAIL THE REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ATLANTA CONGREGATION WEBSITE. THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 31st. 2003!
Modest dress suitable for Sabbath wear will be appropriate for the dance. No tight form-fitting dresses or pants please. After all, this is God's Church.
For registration forms and more information go to the Atlanta congregation Website: www.lcgatl.com or contact:
Mr. Art Andrews,
2524 Barndale Dr.
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Phone: (770) 962-6285
Email: [email protected]
COMMENTS
The war in Iraq is now under way and the media has managed to turn it into yet another television spectacular. Television has generated a whole culture that is detached from reality. We can sit in our living rooms and watch basketball "March Madness," the Hollywood Oscar extravaganza and now the war in Iraq, minus experiencing first hand the heat, smell, fear, death and agony of the battlefield. We can just sit there and surf from one to another or have four different events on the screen at the same time—watching celebrities being honored only because they are celebrities, and famous people being idolized only because they are famous, at the same time we are watching bombs being dropped and people suffering and dying in a terrifying battle. The networks will be there for us with lights, cameras and wired talking heads "embedded" in the action.
Sadly, over time, it all tends to get blurred and lumped together into "entertainment," in a morbid, sordid sort of way. There is a danger of becoming desensitized by it all. The sharp edge of reality becomes a casualty in yet another human catastrophe—brutal warfare. The images that flash across the screen distort facts and feelings and alter normal tenderness, natural affection and a healthy sense of reality. Surely we are living in a time when we can truly and passionately pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10).
Passover is less than a month away. I'm sure we have already begun to examine ourselves in preparation for this most important service. Now is a time for renewal, rededication and remembering who the Savior of all mankind really is. Matt. 24:22 takes on dynamic new meaning in the face of the peril and terror churning around mankind right now. "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."
Please take care and proper caution in this present evil time of sorrows and uncertainties. Above all, let's pray for one another daily.
In Christian love,
Charles E. Bryce