Greetings from Charlotte,
Following the rioting and looting in the UK, a number of reports have appeared indicating that similar outbreaks of violence could occur in the United States in the months ahead as jobs are lost and domestic frustrations grow. This week, Mr. Meredith taped a new Tomorrow's World program entitled, "God Heals," and he finished a co-worker letter that was mailed to more than 11,000 recipients. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are winding up their trip to the UK in London, where Mr. Ames will speak to combined congregations this Sabbath. Mr. Pyle reports that last week's Tomorrow's World television program by Mr. Rod King entitled, "What Is the Beast?," is expected to draw around 4,900 responses. Dr. Germano reports that the fifth year of Living University is now successfully underway with just over 200 students enrolled in fall semester classes. Mr. Ken Frank notified us that a total of 50 visitors attended the follow-up Tomorrow's World Special Presentations ("Where Is God's Church Today?") in Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia (see announcement below). Mr. Weston reports that 24 new visitors attended TWSPs in Thunder Bay, Ontario, last weekend. This coming weekend, Mr. Rod McNair will make Tomorrow's World Special Presentations in Peoria and Springfield, Illinois. Your prayers for these efforts to preach the Gospel and serve God's people are much appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Special Presentations
Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia: The Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia congregations hosted follow-up TWSPs last weekend on the topic, "Where Is God's Church Today?," with a PowerPoint presentation by local pastor, Mr. Ken Frank. In Norfolk there were 56 people, with 23 brethren, 15 repeat guests and 18 new guests. In Richmond, we hosted 32, with 15 brethren, 12 return guests and 5 new guests. Following the presentation, refreshments of coffee, tea and cookies provided by our Church ladies were served. Several new people expressed interest in attending our new congregations in Norfolk and Richmond and/or attending our regular combined services in Williamsburg. This weekend capped off a very exciting TWSP project of several months' planning and preparation by our congregations. Now we will witness how Christ wishes to add to His congregations in this area.
Living Youth Camp
After two weeks of activities, fellowship and fun, LYC Summer Camp 2011 ended with the final banquet and dance on Sabbath evening, August 13. Many thanks to all of the devoted and hard-working staff who tirelessly worked to give the best possible camp experience to 100 teens.—Jonathan McNair
Feast of Tabernacles 2011
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon CDs (Repeat Announcement)
Attention Pastors: Please send Mrs. Dorothy McNair, at [email protected], the names of those in your congregation(s) who will be unable to attend the Feast and who will need to receive the Feast of Tabernacles sermons on CD. The deadline to submit this is August 23. Note: Feast sermons will also be uploaded (one per day) during the Feast at www.lcg.org, for those who have Internet access.
Tithe of the Second Tithe
For those who are able to contribute a tithe of their second tithe to help defray the expenses in conducting the annual Holy Days, including the Feast of Tabernacles, it would be greatly appreciated if they sent their contribution at this time (if they haven't already done so). The tithe of the second tithe is used to help brethren with limited funds attend the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as to pay for hall rentals and other administrative costs associated with the annual Holy Days.
Comments
Transforming Faith: How has your faith influenced or changed your life? The Apostle Paul urged New Testament Christians, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2). The word "transformed" comes from the Greek word metamorphoo which means a complete and total change—as when a caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis into a butterfly! Jesus told potential Christians that they must repent (Greek metanao) which involves learning to think differently and turn with sorrow from a past course of action. As we regularly study and meditate on the word of God and ask God to help us change, we will develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). As we make conscious decisions to think, talk and act as Jesus would—as we crucify the old self—Jesus Christ will be able to live His life in us (Galatians 2:20). This is the transforming faith that enables us to come out of the darkness of this age and be the lights to the world that God is looking for in individuals who are called to become members of His family (Ephesians 5:8-10).
Have a joyous Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 18, 2011
Arab States in Key UN Positions in September. In a potentially significant sequence of events, "Arab states will be chairing the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly in September as the Palestinian Authority makes its statehood bid. Lebanon is slated to preside over the Security Council in September while Qatar will head the General Assembly." Currently, Israel is developing oil fields off its northern coast—an area that "the Hizbullah-backed government in Lebanon has made a counter-claim to." Some fear that Lebanon may use its new position to also move for control over the oil fields (www.IsraelNationalNews.com, August 9, 2011). Bible prophecy reveals continued upheaval in the Holy Land up to the time of Christ's return. It also indicates that an Arab-dominated movement, or "king of the South," will continually "push against" not only Israel, but ultimately the European "king of the North." Daniel 11 describes this struggle—one that will eventually result in the king of the South being destroyed by the king of the North (verses 40-43). Bible prophecies are certain (Daniel 2:45), and we are now witnessing events that God will use to fulfill His purpose. For decades this Work has warned people to "watch the Middle East" and this warning grows more relevant daily. Prophecy is marching on! To learn more about this vital topic, please review our free and insightful booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy.
Violence and Corruption in the Philippines. "A car bomb in the southern Philippines killed one person and wounded seven Monday in an attack targeting a governor who took office after many of his relatives were slain in the country's worst political massacre in 2009." Among the suspects in the 2009 massacre are a "powerful family patriarch and former governor, Andal Ampatuan Sr., and a number of his sons…," and almost 200 others! One official noted that there are many "people associated with the main massacre [and] suspects still roam the province. We know that many remnants of the suspects are still around, they're in the thousands." These suspects are also thought to be involved with the politically-motivated car bombing this week (Associated Press, August 15, 2011). While similar events occur worldwide almost daily, this event in the Philippines is sobering and saddening, because it illustrates the corruption, greed, and covetousness that lead to wars and strife (James 4:1). Today, the earth is filled with leaders who exist to serve themselves and will stop at nothing to achieve their desires (Ezekiel 34:3-4). Although warring and fighting is a "sign of the times" (Matthew 24:6-7), the warring and strife of the world today will soon become the "history" of Tomorrow's World. For more information on this encouraging topic, review our exciting booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?
Dutch Military Joins "Gay Pride" Parade for First Time. Three weeks ago, "A balloon-festooned barge bearing the standards of the service branches sponsored by the Defense Ministry sailed among about 80 other floats, with music blaring from most of them and dancers dressed in flamboyant costumes—or very little…." The parade in Amsterdam "capped a weeklong festival of around 300 parties and events. It included the popular 'Drag Queen Olympics'…." One spokesman for the Dutch army's Foundation for Homosexuals in the Armed Forces, commented enthusiastically, "This shows everyone that the climate is changing." A former U.S. Army lieutenant and parade spectator, discharged for violating the U.S.'s "don't ask, don't tell" policy, commented, "It's so amazing to be here. This country got it right… The Dutch have been the leaders, and Americans look up to that" (Associated Press, August 6, 2011). Thousands of years ago, God prophesied about the Israelite-descended nations at the end of the age: "But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they have revolted and departed. They do not say in their heart, 'Let us now fear the Lord our God'… Your iniquities have turned these things away and your sins have withheld good from you" (Jeremiah 5:23-25). Today, so much of society "refuses to be ashamed" of behaviors that God clearly states are wrong (Jeremiah 3:3). They have forgotten God for "days without number" (Jeremiah 2:32). One day soon, Jesus Christ—the Savior—will return and "right" this sinful and suffering world. Confusion over right and wrong will cease, and people everywhere will seek God and learn His ways saying, "let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…" (Isaiah 2:2-4)!—Scott Winnail