Greetings from Charlotte,
This week, a major tsunami (generated by an undersea earthquake) struck the Solomon Islands in the Pacific, while America and Britain continue to move away from God and biblical values. In Britain, the House of Commons has voted to approve same-sex marriage. In America, the Boy Scouts are being pressured to accept homosexual Scouts and Scout leaders into their organization. Both these moves ignore and reject the fact that the Bible calls these behaviors "abominations" in the sight of God (see Leviticus 18:22). Sadly, it is the leaders in government, education, the legal system and even religion who are pushing this "anti-biblical" agenda under the guise of equality, compassion and progress. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing, holding meetings and preparing for his Tomorrow's World presentation on the Internet this coming Sunday, entitled "What's Ahead for America and the World?" Last weekend's Tomorrow's World television program by Mr. Ames, entitled "The Sabbath Controversy," is expected to generate more than 5,000 responses. Mr. Meredith's program the previous week, entitled "The Soon-Coming Utopia," drew 5,007 responses. This past Sabbath, February 2, there was a live online transmission of Spanish language Sabbath Services to the congregations of Latin America and scattered brethren in the United States and Europe (see announcement below). This coming weekend, Mr. Rod McNair will be in Puerto Rico to make a Tomorrow's World presentation entitled "The Gathering Storm." Please pray that God will inspire and bless the results of these important efforts to preach the Gospel. We have some exciting youth activities planned for the summer. Please mention the changes, dates and deadlines for the youth programs.—DSW
Church Administration
Passover 2013—Repeat Announcement
Important Notice to All Pastors: This year the Passover Service will be observed on Sunday evening, March 24. Please let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Service recording. In some countries it takes up to eight weeks for packages to reach their destination. Please send international requests for Passover supplies by February 8. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, please let us know this information before March 7 for U.S. congregations.
Also, please let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions for observing it at home. Please direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected] as soon as possible. All pastors in the U.S. will automatically receive one copy of the Passover Service recording. They do not need to request one.
Spanish Language Live Online Sabbath Service
This past Sabbath, February 2, there was a live online transmission of Spanish language Sabbath Services to the congregations of Latin America and scattered brethren in the United States and Europe. There were 33 connections and approximately 280 brethren heard the messages given by Messrs. Reynaldo Colon and Mario Hernandez. The messages were focused on overcoming and our need to be forgiving and forgiven before the Passover. We are thankful to God for giving us the tool of the Internet to feed the flock.—Madeleine Lincoln-Strange
Living For Tomorrow (L4T)—Repeat Announcement—Please Announce
Space is still available for our Spring 2013 L4T program in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Enjoy five days of fellowship and activities with other like-minded young adults, learning life-skills and building friendships. Dr. Scott Winnail and Mr. Jonathan McNair will host 25 to 30 young adults in interactive classes, discussions and activities from March 25 through March 29. After arrival on March 25, participants will enjoy a relaxing "Night To Be Much Observed," and First Day of Unleavened Bread on March 26. On Wednesday, the theme will be "Breaking the Mold." We will address topics that challenge young adults in our modern culture and put techniques for success into action with the "Catskill Mountain Adventure Challenge" in the afternoon. Thursday, March 28, will focus on the theme of "Relationships Done Right," including finding true friendship, real romance, and becoming Godly men and women. A sock-hop dance will finish the day! On Friday, March 29, the final session will be presented, ending the program at noon. For more information, including details about transportation, cost, etc., go to http://l4tspring2013.weebly.com/ (not an official Church Web site), see our Facebook Event Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/276805965779160/ (not an official Church Social Media page), or contact Mr. Jonathan McNair directly at [email protected] or at 516-724-4452.
Internet Department
Tomorrow's World Presents: Dr. Meredith online, February 10!
Enthusiasm for this event has far surpassed our original projections, with now more than 10,000 people expected to "tune in" on their computers for Dr. Meredith's upcoming live, online Tomorrow's World Presentation scheduled for February 10 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern USA time. We have received registrations and inquiries from nearly every part of the world, with thousands from the USA and Canada, but also from places ranging from Mexico to Romania, from the Netherlands to South Africa, and from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. We expect that about 7,000 of these people are non-members or non-attendees, so this is a wonderful way to reach thousands and thousands of people that God may be calling into the Truth. We ask everyone to pray for the success of this Internet event, and we thank God for His blessings and for opening these huge new doors. If you have not registered yet, please visit the following Web page: TomorrowsWorld.org/online-TWP.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living Youth Programs
Online Teen Bible Study—Schedule Change—Please Announce Sabbath, February 9
This year we are conducting weekly Living Youth Bible Studies on the subject of the fundamental doctrines of the Living Church of God. The Bible Studies have been moved from Sunday evening to Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. EST (USA). If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies yet, I encourage you to do so. With changing to Friday evening, it is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
Next Friday, February 15, Mr. Sheldon Monson plans to present a Bible Study titled, "The Sabbath." The chat room is open at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) and the Bible Study runs from 8:00-9:00 p.m. You can access this Bible Study at www.livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this wonderful opportunity for Godly fellowship and learning. For those of you who are unable to make it to the Study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's, "Going On to Perfection," the seventh basic doctrine of Hebrews 6, can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.—Josh Penman
LYC Adventure Trip 2013—Yosemite National Park, California—July 9-18—Please Announce
From the moment you arrive in this magnificent national park, you'll be enveloped in the splendor of one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders. Here, sheer granite cliffs rise from the depths of glacier-carved valleys. Majestic waterfalls cascade thunderously from craggy mountain tops. The smell of giant sequoias and wildflowers are carried through the air by the passing breeze. At every turn you'll be awed and inspired when experiencing Yosemite.
The LYC Adventure Trip 2013 includes a five-day backpacking trip beginning near Mammoth Lakes, California with a put-in at Devils Postpile National Monument. (This unusual rock formation ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its symmetrical columns tower 60 feet high.) From this location we will embark on our journey into the backcountry and emerge five days later at Tuolumne Meadows—a dome-studded sub-alpine meadow section of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park.
This Adventure Trip will also feature a full day of whitewater rafting on the Tuolumne (pronounced too-all-o-me). This river is simply California's finest wilderness whitewater rafting! The Tuolumne is a stunning 18-mile corridor, boasting long tantalizing Class IV rapids, wondrous side creeks, and wide sandy beaches for swimming. Rapids such as Rams Head, Steamboat, Cabin, Hell's Kitchen and the granddaddy of them all, Clavey Falls, will stir the blood of any rafter, veteran or novice.
The final day of this adventure will be spent touring and hiking in Sequoia National Park. Home to many of the largest trees on the planet (including the largest tree—"General Sherman"), this park is truly one of the most special places on earth.
This trip is an unbelievable value with a tuition cost of only $450.00. Campers and staff should plan to arrive at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Tuesday, July 9, and plan to depart the following week on Thursday morning, July 18.
This incredible trip is one you will not want to miss! Applications are now being accepted and must be sent by Friday, February 15.—Sheldon Monson
Note: Due to overwhelming interest in this Adventure Trip in Yosemite, California, those who would like to attend will only have until this coming Friday, February 15 to apply. Acceptance and/or denial letters will be sent out the following week. This camp is very popular, so to be considered for acceptance, it is imperative that you apply by this deadline.
LYC Teen Camp 2013—Camp Lazarus, Delaware, Ohio—July 28-August 11—Please Announce
The LYC Teen Youth Camp will once again be held at Camp Lazarus Boy Scout Camp located just 18 miles north of Columbus, Ohio. This beautiful camp facility is complete with dormitories, cabins, and tent sites, featuring an outdoor in-ground swimming pool, state-of-the-art archery and riflery ranges, outdoor sand volleyball courts, grassy sports fields, an outdoor amphitheater, a large dining hall and kitchen area, and an old-fashioned wood lodge with a river-stone fireplace and an outdoor log-rail deck overlooking the scenic brook that flows through the property. Our canoeing program is conducted at nearby Alum Creek Lake, located just ten minutes (less than five miles) from the Camp and will include overnight camping/canoeing trips.
Activities will include: archery, campus improvement, canoeing, Christian living classes, dance, flag football, life roles, music, public speaking, riflery, softball, swimming and water polo, and volleyball.
Applications for campers ages 13-18, and for staff members 18 years of age and older, are now being accepted. We hope you'll come to camp and have the summer of your life!
Registration for this camp is now open at https://lyc.lcg.org.—Sheldon Monson
Pre-Teen Camp in Missouri
The LYC Pre-Teen Camp in Missouri will be returning to Cuivre River State Park in 2013! Our activities are still being planned but will include archery, riflery, sports, boys and girls crafts, Christian Living classes, sing-alongs, hot dog roasts and s'mores, and, back because you demanded it, the return of the camp quiz!
Camp will be a little later in the year than usual, running from Sunday, July 7, through Friday, July 12. Applications for campers ages 8-12 and for staff members ages 15-and-older are now being accepted. Adult staff who must bring mini-campers (younger than 8) or sibling campers (ages 13 or 14) must also submit an application for each of their children.
We're looking forward to seeing you in Missouri. Registration is open now, so be sure to apply at http://lyc.lcg.org soon!—Wallace Smith
Youth Fund—Please Announce
The Living Church of God is striving to have the best summer camps possible! We seek to have excellent programs offering a variety of exciting and challenging activities at all of our camps. It is our goal to keep the cost of tuition low enough that our young people can afford to attend and the Living Church of God has allotted some resources to help make this possible. However, in our quest to "raise the bar" we would like to purchase additional equipment (i.e. water polo goals, a backstop for softball, some new mattresses, etc.) for the Teen Camp in Ohio, as well as purchase five additional bungalows (small 10ftX10ft buildings) for staff housing. We also would like to continue to offer an Adventure Camp that is second to none, and to have quality pre-teen camps in Texas, Missouri, and West Virginia.
In order to keep the tuition costs low, we could use your donations. If you would like to donate to the Youth Fund to offset program costs that are above and beyond the monies we collect for tuition, you can send a check to Living Church of God and designate the check for the "Youth Program." Your donations will be greatly appreciated. This is considered a charitable donation and you will receive a receipt at the end of the year for tax purposes.—Jerry Ruddlesden and Sheldon Monson
Feast of Tabernacles 2013
Festival Advisors
All Pastors: We are sending out an e-mail to you to select your Festival Advisors for each congregation. Please respond to the e-mail survey and select your advisors by Monday, February 11. Your selection of Festival Advisors is an important step in preparation for festival registration.
Festival Registration
We will soon be announcing the date for online festival registration for U.S. and international sites. Please look for future announcements in The World Ahead.
Comments
Watch and Be Ready! We live in a society where a multitude of distractions compete for our attention. Television, computers, e-mails, cell phones, jangling music, jobs and family concerns constantly pull our minds in different directions. Yet the Scriptures warn that Christians must be alert and watch for the convergence of events that will mark the end of this age and the return of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37, etc.). The events making news today—droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, spreading violence and war—are developing at the same time as we see the revival of a political power in Europe with definitive links to the ancient Roman Empire and promoted by an ecumenical-minded Roman church. This should be sobering to anyone with a knowledge of Bible prophecy. These developments should also motivate us to grow spiritually and prepare for roles that we have been called to fill in the coming Kingdom of God. We need to remember Jesus' warning that if we do not watch, we will not be ready for His return (Revelation 3:3). However, Jesus also promised "Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes will find watching… Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Luke 12:37-40).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—February 7, 2013
The Global Leadership Vacuum: A German news magazine recently reported, "Global politics have come to a standstill in recent years, with the United States unwilling to show leadership and Europe and other major powers unable to fill the vacuum [emphasis ours]" (Der Spiegel, February 1, 2013). Fifteen years ago, then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright called America "indispensable"; however, fifteen years later, America "is primarily an exhausted one, a global power in decline that has its gaze turned toward the domestic front rather than Afghanistan or the Middle East" (ibid.). As America abdicates its international leadership role, no other nation appears ready to fill the void. The article notes, "Europe isn't in a position to provide decisive leadership. And the US doesn't want to anymore" (ibid.). Bible prophecies foresaw this very situation long ago. Isaiah prophesied that at the end of the age, God would take away strong and capable leaders from among His people and that children (childish, immature, impulsive individuals) would get into leadership positions (Isaiah 3:1-12). Today, the world needs and craves strong, capable, visionary leadership. Bible prophecies reveal that a charismatic individual will step into this leadership vacuum. This leader will emerge from the German-led, end-time Beast power that will arise in Europe and be backed by the Roman church (Revelation 17:1-6). To understand how important events will play out on the world scene, be sure to review our insightful articles "How the Romans United Europe: Then and Now" and "Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?"
Cracks in the Franco-German Relationship: Since France and Germany signed the Elysee Treaty in 1963, the former enemies have developed a "common defense and security council, a financial and economic council and councils devoted to culture and environment" (Deutsche Welle, January 22, 2013). They also have joint military efforts. German Foreign Minister Westerwelle sees the Franco-German alliance as "a real gemstone in our European treasure chest" (Deutsche Welle, January 20, 2013). Yet, Germany's actions seem contradictory: the Germans are planning to bring home all of the 374 tons of gold they have been holding in the French national bank (Forbes, January, 16, 2013). The euro crisis has prompted Germany to take this action to protect its own financial well-being—in spite of its French "friend." Recent comments by the French Labor Minister that France "is a state but it is a totally bankrupt state" may provide a clue to Germany's actions (Telegraph, January 31, 2013). The days ahead could shed light on Germany's motives for removing its gold from France. Bible prophecies describe an end-time European Empire that will be a mixture of "iron and clay"—different cultures and ideas trying to unite under one common vision (Daniel 2:41-42). Germany, with Europe's strongest economy, may sense the clay-like weakness of France, and as a result is making stronger (iron-like) decisions to protect its own future. For more on this timely subject, read our article "Bible Prophecy and the European Dream."
Blood-Red Sea in Sydney: In late November 2012, an outbreak of "red tide" closed beaches along Australia's South East coast. Photos show the bright, blood-red color of the algae bloom (The Australian, November 28, 2012). The "perfect storm" of conditions occurred off the Sydney coast and fostered the explosive growth of red tide algae. This algae thrives in high water temperatures and an abundant food supply. This summer is among the hottest on record in Australia, creating very warm seas. Also, stronger ocean currents apparently produced a greater "upwelling" of nutrient-rich water. Although this "fire in the sea" bloom was non-toxic, it can cause skin rashes and eye irritations. Many today scoff at Bible prophecy—especially the book of Revelation—for being "too fantastic to really occur." However, "natural occurrences" like the "red tide" in Australia are one clear way Bible prophecy "could" be fulfilled. Revelation 8:8-9 describes the Second Trumpet Plague that will occur during the year-long Day of the Lord. Part of this plague will turn one-third of the world's oceans to "blood," killing a third of the sea creatures. As evidenced in Sydney's red tide outbreak, the right conditions can produce very large algae blooms that can be moved by wind and tides. A major bloom can kill sea creatures by reducing the amount of sunlight, using up much of the available oxygen, and producing dangerous toxins—the larger the bloom, the greater the negative effects (Texas Parks & Wildlife, January 23, 2013). For more information on the Trumpet Plagues of Revelation, review our informative booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway and Sue Bennett