Warm greetings from Charlotte!
It is raining here and we are in the middle of winter, just as many of you are. However, we will start climbing out of the wet, cold weather and breaking into spring, sunshine and the Passover season before too much longer now. We're looking forward to that time.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Dan Friz announces a new video group: This new video group will be in Traverse City, Michigan. It will meet this Sabbath, February 5. Initially, about eight brethren will be in attendance.
Mr. Paul Shumway sends this report from Barbados: Last Sabbath (January 22) the hall was filled to capacity with 66 present for services. With so many new people, I gave the sermon on "Repentance from Dead Works." During the next couple of days, I was able to individually counsel with some of these new contacts. Some had heard of Mr. Armstrong years ago as young children, but most have never attended the Church of God before. My wife and I were deeply moved by the sincerity and depth of understanding of many of these new brethren. The Tomorrow's World telecast, which is funded by the local brethren, is reaping wonderful fruits! There is much work to be done and I was encouraged by the commitment to be about our Father's business.
Sunday evening there was a special "Welcome Dinner and Banquet." The Youth Choir performed as well as the Adult Choir. There were also presentations regarding the history of Barbados and the Work of God in this area. Afterwards, there was a dance where a number of the members demonstrated their newly acquired ballroom dancing skills. The dress and conduct were a real tribute to "Recapturing True Values."
Mr. Bruce Tyler sends this report from Australasia: It is always wonderful to see the growth that God gives His Work. In last weeks Tomorrow's World program titled "Tomorrow's World: What Will It Be Like?", (26 January), Mr. Meredith encouraged viewers to call and ask to speak to a representative of the Work that is behind the program. As a result of this offer, we received seven visit requests from around Australia.
Comment from Mehm Pho Saw in Thailand: As the year of 2005 is the seventh year of LCG Myanmar (Burmese) Congregation in Mae Sot, everything is going more powerful than last years. We are able to continue the works by wonderful blessings because of God's hearing a lot of fervent prayers from our beloved brothers and sisters and ministers all around the world for our healthy and safety living. As the result, I (Mehm Pho Saw), my wife Phyu Phyu Aye and my two sons have got an opportunity of official registration for legal living status in Mae Sot District of Tak Province in Thailand. I would like to request all to ask God for opening the door of our congregation to be stable in this area by His richest blessings. So that God will draw more and more Burmese and Thai people to the Church in time before the End Time. MPS
INTERNATIONAL FEAST SITES 2005
Melaka, Malaysia
Perched midway in the Straits of Melaka, is a state that is abundantly rich, not just in natural resources but also in history and folklore. Melaka is where it all began. Founded by Parameswara in 1396, who named his sultanate after the "Melaka" tree, Melaka has provided the stage on which the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English played their roles in shaping history. Today, Melaka possesses a charm that is all its own. Hail a trishaw for a ride along little streets that wind through a colorfoulf mishmash of architectural styles. Cruise along Melaka river, then walk along hillocks that have tales to tell, of warfare and treachery, romance and heartbreak. Its historical influences have bequeathed Melaka with a delightful mixture of peoples and cultures, all of whom contribute to the charm of this city. Melaka is also a treasure trove of activities and nature pursuits. For further information, please contact the Feast Site Coordinator, Mr. Rajan Moses, by mail at "NO: 6 Jalan Senohon 4, Taman Cantick Ceras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia" or by telephone/fax: 603-9200-8176 or by email: [email protected].
Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
The Feast of Tabernacles 2005 in Australia will be held in Ballina, located on the central coast of Eastern Australia in the state of New South Wales. It is an hour by jet from Sydney, or just over two hour's drive from Brisbane. Brisbane is a major airport hub. Ballina is at the heart of the Northern Rivers, and is located at the mouth of the Richmond River, and provides a great base for a family vacation as well as access to everything in the region from national parks to theme parks. The climate and the stunning coastal scenery, with beautiful surfing beaches, are still major factors for bringing people to this area. Ballina is now a booming town of almost 18,000 people. With a jet airport as well as being on the Pacific Highway, Ballina is the gateway to the Northern Rivers. As much of Ballina is reasonably flat, it's perfect for cyclists wanting to sightsee whilst getting some light exercise. Popular vantage points at the lighthouse and Shelley Beach are ideal for whale spotting during the migration season (June to October) or for sighting dolphins playing in the waves year round.
Accommodation ranges from camping and caravan parks to family motels, to boutique bed and breakfast and beautiful renovated heritage guest houses, as well as a very extensive portfolio of fully self-contained houses and apartments. The cost for housing is very reasonable due to the Feast being held in the "low season" this year.
Services are to be held in the Ballina Returned Servicemen's League Club, a very modern facility which is ideally suited for our needs, with restaurants overlooking the mouth of the Richmond River.
It is truly an ideal Feast site, a millennial setting! For more information and photos of the region, visit the Ballina Australia Home Page at www.ballina.net.
For further information and assistance please contact the Festival Site Coordinator, Mr. Dayrell Tanner, by phone at 07-5546-8916 (within Australia) or 61-7-5546-8916 (internationally) or by e-mail at [email protected].
MEDIA
The first five weeks of this year are blowing away all previous year-to-date records. So far, the telecast has generated 13,363 responses, which is 64 percent above last year's 8,147 for the first five weeks. The number of first-time callers so far this year has reached 7,329, which is nearly double last year's count, which was 3,772—making this year's increase 94 percent. Wow!
COMMENTS
As you can see, we are running announcements about the international Feast of Tabernacles sites ahead of time. This is because brethren who are transferring internationally need more lead time to book flights, reserve accommodations, etc. Please make sure this information is made available to those who are interested so they can plan accordingly. Feast planning for the U.S. and Canada is coming right along. We should be able to finish with the Feast site arrangements soon and then send out the Festival Planner around the Spring Holy Days. That is our hope. The Hymnal is in the hands of the printer with the actual print run to begin tomorrow, if all goes well. Mr. Meredith viewed the cover and said it was "Ambassador College quality"!
I will close with two jokes sent in by a friend from Canada. Enjoy!
A very elderly gentleman, (mid-nineties) very well dressed, hair well groomed, great looking suit, flower in his lapel smelling slightly of a good after-shave, presenting a well-looked-after image, walks into an upscale cocktail lounge. Seated at the bar is an elderly looking lady, (mid eighties). The gentleman walks over, sits along side of her, orders a drink, takes a sip, turns to her and says, "So tell me, do I come here often?"
An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again." The gentleman replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!"
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Charles E. Bryce