Greetings from Charlotte,
This has been a busy week. Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ames are preparing material for taping television programs next week. In Church Administration we are working on plans for a Ministerial Conference in Charlotte next summer and the Feast of Tabernacles for 2006. We would appreciate your prayers for success in these areas. We hope to announce definite dates for the Ministerial Conference shortly. Mr. Rod McNair and his family have arrived in Charlotte and located housing. Mr. McNair will join our staff in Church Administration. Mr. Jeff Fall, his wife and daughter have relocated to Sacramento from where he will serve as the Regional Pastor for the western states. Mr. Darrell Lovelady and his family have also completed their move to Milwaukee where he will serve as the Area Pastor.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Church Visit – Tampa, Florida
On December 3, I was able to spend the Sabbath with brethren in Tampa, Florida. Both the sermonette (by Mr. Ron Peterson) and the sermon (by Mr. Paul Shumway) focused on the theme of Restoring Apostolic Christianity. Following the service, we enjoyed delightful snacks (and desserts!) and very pleasant fellowship. Later that afternoon, Mr. Shumway conducted a Leadership Club with topics that focused again on aspects of Apostolic Christianity. It was interesting and informative to listen to the comments and speeches from members and guests at the club.—Douglas Winnail
Philippines Update
Mr. Rod King sends these comments: The Work in the Philippines continues to grow, "we are adding 200 new subscribers a month to our Tomorrow's World list in the Philippines. Most of this is through word of mouth…We also still have new people joining us (from other groups)…The highlight of this month will be the youth camps we will be conducting (in three separate locations)…Please pray for the success of the camps and for God's inspiration on all who participate."
COMMENTS
Perseverance is one of the laws of success. Perseverance is referred to as tenacity, remaining steadfast under pressure, and determined continuation along a chosen course in spite of trials, difficulties and opposition. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of this vital quality. Solomon wrote, "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10). Jesus stressed, "he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). The Parable of the Sower explains the consequences of buckling-under in the face of difficulties or becoming distracted and discouraged when we encounter trials or temptations (Matthew 13:18-23). Paul warns, "let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). The apostle John offers the same advice and encouragement to the Philadelphian era of the Church, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world…Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (Revelation 3:10-11). During the cold and dreary winter months in the northern hemisphere or the hot summer months in the southern hemisphere, let's not become distracted or discouraged. Let's strive to maintain our focus—and persevere—so we can overcome, bear real spiritual fruit and finish the Work so we can be in the Kingdom of God.
Have a profitable Sabbath!
Douglas Winnail
NEWS & PROPHECY
EU gains foothold in Middle East: Israel wants EU to secure Gaza border. "The EU has been set a major foreign policy challenge following a request by the Israeli government to monitor the Egyptian-Gaza border, with EU officials to have real enforcement capacities…The Israelis, which traditionally have been wary of EU involvement in its relations with the Palestinians, have now for the first time turned their eyes to Brussels to play a concrete role in the Middle East peace process…European politicians have frequently said the EU should be prepared to take greater responsibility in facilitating the Middle East peace process" (EUobserver.com, Nov. 2, 2005). Bible prophecies indicate that a revived European power with links to the Roman Empire will forcefully move into the Middle East at the end of the age (see Daniel 11:40-45).
Germany to promote United Europe: Future German presidency to revive EU constitution. "The new German government plans to use its 2007 presidency of the EU to revive the ratification of the EU constitution, according to a coalition deal struck on Friday…The coalition deal revives plans for a ratification of the EU constitution, which was put on ice by EU leaders in June following a rejection of the new treaty by French and Dutch voters" (EUobserver.com, Nov. 14, 2005). Bible prophecy has long predicted the emergence of a "beast" composed of 10 nations in Europe, who "are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (Revelation 17:13). This beast will put in place the mechanisms to exert great power and authority over many nations. This power may not be used immediately, but will be used at some point.
Pride of power broken: China places $10 billion Airbus order. China has placed orders for 150 Airbus A320 airliners, more than twice as many as rival Boeing won from China last month. Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, said the deal was worth nearly $10 billion (US) and was "the largest single order that Airbus has ever received since it entered the Chinese market two decades ago" (thetimesonline.co.uk, Dec. 5, 2005). The US Boeing company, long the dominant player in the aircraft market, has been surpassed by its European competitor Airbus—just another aspect of how the pride of modern Israel is crumbling around the world (see Leviticus 26:19).
UK Moral Decline: A new British law allows same-sex civil partnerships. "From Brighton to Birmingham and beyond, gay and lesbian couples began registering today for the first ceremonies later this month permitting a form of same-sex marriage in Britain. As a new law permitting what are called civil partnerships came into effect, at least 1,200 couples [including entertainer Elton John and his partner] scheduled ceremonies…in Northern Ireland…in England and Wales. Across Europe, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain have, like Canada, enacted laws legalizing same-sex-marriage." France, Germany and South Africa have also enacted legislation in this same direction (newyorktimesonline.com, Dec. 5, 2005). Many of the above-named nations are modern-day descendants of the ancient 12 tribes of Israel. Although blessed by God for the obedience of their forefathers, they are acting totally contrary to the laws of God as outlined in the Scriptures—for which there will soon be serious consequences (see Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, 26:14-46).
—Scott Winnail, Daniel Bennett