Greetings from Charlotte,
In spite of rumors that critics like to spread, the Work of God continues to grow. In the last two weekends, more than 300 visitors attended Tomorrow's World Presentations in Brooklyn, New York; Springfield, Missouri; and Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama (see write-ups below). The print run for the next issue of Tomorrow's World magazine will be more than 450,000 and our Internet and social media efforts are growing and reaching many thousands of people. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has completed a co-worker letter that was mailed this week to almost 12,000 individuals. Plans are coming together for summer camps and for the Fall Festival. Last weekend I was able to conduct a Regional Conference in Joplin, Missouri for nearly 100 elders and leaders in that part of the country. Please continue to ask for God's blessing and guidance on His Work and for those who are seeking His intervention on their behalf.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Presents in Brooklyn, New York
Our total attendance for Mr. Richard Ames' Tomorrow's World presentation in Brooklyn on June 9 was 166, which included 124 guests and 42 Church members from both the Long Island and New York City congregations. Our guests included many who were new to the Church of God experience, some from other Church of God fellowships and a few from our former association. All seemed genuinely excited and eager to be there to hear Mr. Ames' powerful message, "The Gathering Storm." The event was made all the more interesting by the fact that televangelist Charles Stanley was giving a presentation around the same time, just a few short blocks away. It seemed many of our guests were aware of it and one woman commented, "All my friends are going to see Dr. Stanley, but I decided to come here." It was evident that this was the attitude of most who attended. While almost everyone requested literature, there were perhaps a dozen or so who desired to begin attending Sabbath services with us.
Our Church members who were present certainly appreciated the wonderful and exciting opportunity God has given them to be active participants in doing His Work and to be instruments in His loving hands. We continue to pray for God's will to be accomplished in the lives of all those who were able to be a part of this special event.—Wayne Tlumak
Tomorrow's World Presents in Springfield, Missouri
Last time we had a presentation in Springfield, Missouri, we expected about 100 guests and rented a hall that would hold 150. We were overwhelmed with 168 guests. We asked all members to give up their seats, then moved the refreshments and literature tables out to the hall. This time we deliberately reduced the number and sent out half as many invitations. We hoped we might have 75 guests. We had 105 guests in addition to 51 members! Dr. Douglas Winnail gave a riveting account of "The Gathering Storm," which he explained was the biblically prophesied clash of civilizations. He projected the scriptures onto the screen so everyone could see them. Very effective! He showed maps to illustrate what the future holds. He also quoted secular sources that predict this coming clash of civilizations. There were three non-LCG pastors who attended. One person who keeps the Sabbath and the Holy Days brought 12 from his congregation and was very enthusiastic. Many people returned from previous lectures. People fellowshipped until our hall rental expired and we had to turn the lights out to get them to leave. We expect good fruit in three congregations from this presentation.—Karl Beyersdorfer
Tomorrow's World Follow-up Presentations in Alabama
The follow-up presentations in both Birmingham and Montgomery went very well. In Montgomery on Sabbath, June 8, a couple who had attended Mr. Rod McNair's initial presentation the previous week attended Sabbath services with us, but were unable to stay for the follow-up presentation as the wife was having intense back pain. We had 12 guests at the follow-up—three were there for the first time and nine had attended the initial presentation. After the presentation, seven said they desire to attend weekly services with us.
In Birmingham on Sunday, June 9, we had 15 guests—three were there for the first time. After the presentation, seven guests asked to attend Sabbath services with us in Birmingham. Only time will tell how these people will follow through. Some of our guests commented that the follow-up presentation was very informative and gave them a lot to think about. We had one guest from each area who stated that they had been waiting for well over ten years for this Truth and to know how to do things God's way, and to know where we hold services. I talked with one senior who was well aware of Mr. Armstrong and had received much of the literature available during the days of the WCG. She accompanied my wife and me to the presentation and shared the history of her long studies. Many guests stayed and talked until we all departed.
Once again the brethren interacted with our guests in a very special way and served very enjoyable snacks for them. I am extremely thankful for the support of the brethren and enjoyed seeing their excitement about having the TWPs in this area.
Great thanks go to our Father and our Savior in heaven for allowing us this awesome opportunity through the TWPs to serve on His behalf those individuals who desire to seek and know the Truth!—Anthony Stroud
Ministerial Visit to Chile
Last month we visited our only member in Antofagasta, in the Atacama Desert in Chile. He had been counseling for baptism since December and, on May 31, he was baptized in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. It was a very moving and special ceremony.
With Mr. Mario Hernandez's approval, on May 1 we began airing the radio program El Mundo de Mañana in Antofagasta on a station that has a potential audience of more than 600,000. We appreciate your prayers for the success of this project. Our member there is handling the responses to the program. He considers it a blessing to be part of proclaiming the Gospel to this region.
God has provided committed and harmonious work teams of brethren to reach far-away places—places we did not think we would be able to reach—to preach His word to those living even in the deserts of South America: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3).
On the Sabbath of June 1 we had services in Santiago and I spoke on the importance of the family and the plan of God. After services, we had ministerial counseling sessions. On Sunday, we had a meeting with deacons to discuss ways to strengthen the congregation. We thoroughly enjoyed being with the Chilean brethren.—Armando Orrego
Prayer Requests
Costa Rica: Mr. George Schaubeck, our elder in Costa Rica, suffered a stroke this past Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove a hematoma between his brain and skull. He came out of the operation successfully and is recuperating.
Charlotte: From Mrs. Leona Bonjour: "Dear brethren: My husband and I know that many of you are praying for my healing and we just want to update you on my condition. I have been declining in health at an increasing pace and am now under hospice care at home. We are highly appreciative of your ongoing prayers and thank all of you for your loving kindnesses and encouragement. I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement we have received. My favorite scripture is the same as Mrs. Armstrong's—Psalm 133—and my second favorite is Romans 8:28: 'All things [even seemingly bad things] work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.' If we live, we live to God and if we die, we die to God. As Mr. Meredith says so many times, keep your mind on the big picture.
Love and hugs,
Leona Bonjour"
Omaha, Nebraska, Zoo Trip
Come to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo where you will find the world's largest open-air aviary with exotic birds from all over the world.
Join the Omaha, Nebraska congregation on a visit to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo on July 14.
You are invited to join the brethren for services and a potluck meal on the Sabbath of July 13. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Ralston High School, 8969 Park Drive, Omaha, Nebraska, 68127. The following morning we will visit Omaha's renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and have an opportunity to tour all of the spectacular exhibits.
Reviews by visitors to TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel Web site, have given this Omaha attraction a No. 1 ranking. Its Desert Dome and Lied Jungle were cited as two of the reasons for the No. 1 ranking.
The Zoo is extending their group rate to us:
- Children (2 and under): FREE
- Children (ages 3 - 11): $ 9.00
- Adults (ages 12 and over): $14.50
- Seniors (ages 65 and over): $13.00
Payment is to be made in person Sunday morning at the zoo entrance and Mr. Pomicter will then make a single payment to the Zoo for the group.
Guests wishing to stay with brethren may e-mail housing coordinator Mrs. JoAnn Tieken at [email protected] or call 402-339-0213. Space may be limited.
Those wishing to stay at a hotel may make their own reservations. A block of rooms at discounted rates has been reserved at the Travelodge, 7101 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68106. Their Web site is www.travelodge.com/omaha-travelodge. Be sure to mention that you are with the Living Church of God when you speak to Veronica at 402-391-5757. A room with a king bed is $53 per night. A room with a two queen beds is $65 per night. Reservations must be made before June 30 in order for these rates to apply.
Be sure to register for the weekend's activities by contacting us via e-mail at [email protected] or call Alex Pomicter (402-250-7806) or Brian Pomicter (402-650-1614).
Living Youth Programs
No Online Teen Bible Study on Friday Evening
There will be no online teen Bible study on Friday evening, June 21, and through the summer as we will be taking a break for the summer camp season. The studies will begin again in September and will be announced in advance in The World Ahead. Archives of almost all of the Living Youth Bible Studies can be found at livingyouth.org. A password is required to access the recordings. If you don't have the password, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to get you logged in.—Josh Penman
Packing for LYC Ohio
Probably the most common malady that befalls youth at our summer camps is heat exhaustion. The best way to avoid this is by having plenty of fluid intake. In previous years, some campers have come to camp without any sort of water bottle or canteen. This year we are asking every staff member and camper to bring two Nalgene-style water bottles to camp! Having ready access to water throughout the day should reduce the number of visits to the nurse's infirmary!
Something else that people frequently run short of at camp is dressy clothing! During the camp session there will be two Sabbath services and two formal dances, all requiring "Sabbath-appropriate attire." There will also be two Bible Studies, Sabbath brunches and a semi-formal talent show, for all of which dressy casual is appropriate.
Finally, if you are attending camp as a staff member (as opposed to adult staff or camper), you'll most likely be waiting tables at "the final banquet." For this, young ladies will need a white blouse and black skirt, and young men will need to wear a white, long-sleeved shirt with black trousers.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the LYC office at [email protected].
West Virginia Family/ Pre-Teen Camp—Registration Deadline: June 28
The registration deadline for the West Virginia Family Camp (July 28-August 2) is Friday, June 28. This camp has a unique flavor in that the campers are accompanied by their families or another designated adult. Activities are geared to 8-13-year-olds and there is also a strong emphasis on involving the parents and younger children in the entire camp experience. The goal is to provide a truly family atmosphere where campers and families can bond closer to God and to each other. In addition to the activities, which include Christian Living, Archery, Canoeing, Life Lessons, Music/Guitar, Sports and Team Building, special emphasis is placed on helping our youths develop greater confidence and leadership. You may register online at lyc.lcg.org. If you need a hard copy of the application, you may request one from Jenny Penman at [email protected]. For further questions, contact Mr. Paul Shumway, Camp Director, at 304-425-0025, or [email protected].
Internet
Tomorrow's World Presents Live Internet event: Dr. Meredith online, June 30!
Please remember to register at TomorrowsWorld.org/online-TWP for Dr. Meredith's live on-line presentation, titled "Prophecy and the Decline of the Western Nations." It is scheduled for June 30 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time USA/19:30 GMT. We thank you for your prayers for the success of this event as we continue to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission that God gave to His Church.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Feast of Tabernacles
Festival (Second Tithe) Assistance Requests—U.S. Only
Attention U.S. Pastors: The deadline to submit Festival Assistance Request forms to the Church Administration Department is Monday, July 15. All forms should be properly completed by the membersrequesting second tithe assistance to attend the Feast this year. Then, the Area Pastors should write their recommendations/comments on the forms before submitting them to CAD. Festival Assistance Request forms are available to ministers on the MyLCG Web site (www.cogl.org).
Ahangama, Sri Lanka, Feast Site
After an excellent Feast last year, the same tropical beachfront welcomes us again in 2013. Here you can enjoy a peaceful unhurried setting far away from the hassles of the world and concentrate on the meaning of God's Kingdom. This Feast Site is an ideal place for overseas brethren to visit.
The Feast in Sri Lanka will be held at the Insight Hotel and Resort at Ahangama, a coastal village between Galle and Matara. The garden setting of the hotel, surrounded by coconut palms and greenery and extending to the golden sands along one of the quietest beach areas of Sri Lanka, promises again to be a beautiful and inspiring family site. One of the real highlights of the Feast is the continual close fellowship that is so enjoyable when all the brethren stay at the same hotel. Last year we had the hotel almost to ourselves. Looking for somewhere to eat will not be a challenge because room costs include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Farther around the coast are tropical nature reserves where elephants and other wild animals and birds can be observed in their natural habitat. A side trip before or after the Feast could include feeding the elephants and watching them bathe at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the busy fishing village of Negambo, or the famous tea factory and plantations at Ambanpitiya.
International visitors arriving at the Colombo International Airport should arrange to stay at least one night at one of the major hotels, such as the Mt. Lavinia Hotel located on the coast or the Cinnamon Grand located in the city centre. You can pre-arrange with your hotel to have a car waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.—Zig Svalbe
Human Resources
Employment Opportunity: TV Production Assistant (Repeat Announcement)
The Headquarters Office is looking for a TV Production Assistant with experience in video editing and TV studio equipment. The successful candidate will enjoy video production and will have some experience in video editing software (such as Avid or Final Cut). The right candidate for this position will be a "team player" able to produce results quickly in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. This job is in Charlotte, NC. The Church will pay for reasonable moving expenses. Applicant must meet the legal requirements to work in the United States, and must be a Living Church of God adherent, in good standing, who is truly dedicated to the Work. If you are interested in this position, please send your résumé, along with a cover letter and a letter of reference from your area pastor, to: Human Resources Department, Living Church of God, 2301 Crown Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC 28227. E-mail: [email protected]; FAX: 704-844-1973.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Comments
Take Time to Think: The pace of life today continues to quicken. Daily commutes, deadlines, e-mails, cell phones, text messages, video games, iPods, headsets and televisions bombard us with information that can totally occupy our minds and thoughts. Daniel warned that at the end of the age, "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4). Jesus also warned that "the cares of this world" could "choke the word" and cause us to miss out on the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:22). However, we need to remember that one of the biggest challenges that Christians face is the battle for what goes on in our minds—what we think about—which determines our actions. Solomon wrote, as a person "thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). David observed that a wicked person is proud, does not seek God and "God is in none of his thoughts" (Psalm 10:4). Yet, David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) because he meditated on God's law daily (Psalm 119:97). In Psalm 23 we read that God allowed David to "lie down in green pastures… beside the still waters." Such places are conducive to thinking and reflecting on the handiwork of God and His plan and purpose for our lives. If we want to grow and prepare for the coming Kingdom of God, we need to take time to think and meditate on God's word. Read a Psalm every morning or evening and meditate on the subjects mentioned in Philippians 4:8. We can develop the mind of God if we think on these things.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—June 13, 2013
A German Monarchy? "Germans might not know it, but they desperately need the moral guidance of a re-instated royal family," says "the great-great grandson of the last Kaiser, Prince Philip Kiril of Prussia" (The Local, June 6, 2013). Prince Philip, who is a Protestant vicar, "believes that a royal family with divine right conferred by God could offer Germany what it is missing." The prince comments, "'I think young Germans wants something they can orientate towards… When a leader answers to himself, and not God, an atheist-led country ends in disaster. Look at Hitler, Pol Pot and Stalin'… Religion, 'tames the selfishness naturally present in all of us'" (ibid.) A recent news poll reported that a third of German 18-24-year-olds desire another Kaiser (ibid.). Interestingly, Germany will soon begin reconstruction of the Berlin Palace, a former home to German monarchs (Deutsche Welle, June 12, 2013). The Roman Catholic Church has long encouraged a return to religion in Europe. At a 2010 Vatican conference, German Cardinal Walter Kasper urged, "If Europe wants to have a future again, it must first and foremost renew its Christian roots" (Catholic News Agency, May 20, 2010). Pope Francis recently called for "combin[ing] Church teaching with socio-economic development" on a global scale (AsiaNews.it, May 25, 2013). Bible prophecy reveals that the final European "Beast" will be backed by an influential church (see Revelation 13 and 17). Monarchies run deep in Europe and are not soon forgotten. It will be interesting to watch and see if God allows a German monarch to again lead a short-lived "new world order." For more information, read our insightful article, "Bible Prophecy and the European Dream."
U.S. State Department Cover-Up: Recent reports highlight a growing problem of lawlessness in the U.S. State Department. The department, "tried to cover up several crimes committed… Some of the allegations are against then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's security detail who allegedly hired prostitutes, a U.S. ambassador accused of trolling public parks for paid sex and a security official in Beirut committing sexual assaults on foreign nationals" (Fox News, June 11, 2013). In addition, there are "allegations that US security contractors in Baghdad bought narcotics from an 'underground drug ring'…" (Telegraph, June 12, 2013). Today, many do not realize that the U.S.A. and many other English-speaking nations can trace their history to the biblical Israelite tribes that God instructed to set an example of character and obedience to His laws, so they could be a blessing to all nations. Because the leaders of the ancient nation of Israel "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 15:34), the nation drifted into sinful practices and was punished by God in a national captivity by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:5-23). That same God expects the nation with the motto, In God We Trust, to set an example of righteous conduct today! If the modern nations of Israel fail to return to God and repent of their sins, they, too, are prophesied to be destroyed and taken into captivity, just like their ancient ancestors (Hosea 8-10). For more information about these prophecies, read our booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
America's Coming Humiliation: America's National Security Agency's (NSA) secret Prism spy project has drawn national and international criticism. A recent interview revealed that Germany is the NSA's most watched EU nation (EU Observer, June 10, 2013). This information has taken top German officials by surprise and stirred animosity toward the U.S.A. (EU Observer, June 12, 2013). One German leader noted "This looks to me like it could become one of the biggest data privacy scandals ever" (ibid.). Information leaked on the Prism program suggests Britain and the Netherlands colluded with the NSA, further outraging Europeans (EU Observer, June 11, 2013). The total scope and involvement of the program remains to be seen. One thing appears certain though: more world leaders are losing the trust of their people, and many Israelite nations are being demeaned in the eyes of their allies. God prophesied about the end-time Israelite nations, "She will chase her lovers, but not overtake them… I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers" (Hosea 2:7, 10). God further noted that these former "lovers," and also nations who hate Israel, will watch as God reveals the sins and nakedness of the Israelite nations (Ezekiel 16:35-37), to nations that include Assyria/Germany (Hosea 7:11; 8:9; 11:5), because Israelite-descended nations have rejected God and His laws (Hosea 4:1, 6-7).—Scott Winnail, Rod McNair, Justin Ridgeway and Deborah Lincoln-Strange