Greetings from Charlotte,
As this week's News and Prophecy report shows, long-prophesied events are taking place in Europe, the Middle East and Asia that could lead to the dramatic fulfillment of major end-time prophecies. We need to watch and stay alert to what is happening on the world stage. Dr. Meredith and Mr. Ames recorded new Tomorrow's World television programs this week. New Tomorrow's World Presentations are being scheduled for the first quarter of 2015. The print run for the January-February edition of Tomorrow's World magazine will be nearly one-half million. Mr. Gerald Weston reports that the Tomorrow's World program aired over CBS Reality—a large commercial television station that reaches about 98 percent of the UK—is drawing very good responses. We have been very encouraged to hear that our brethren in the Philippines were protected from the recent typhoon that hit that island archipelago (see below). Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cristian Orrego have left to conduct youth camps in Guatemala and Mexico. Last Sabbath, Mr. and Mrs. Ames visited the Asheboro, North Carolina congregation; Dr. Scott Winnail visited the Knoxville, Tennessee congregation, and then attended a conference of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Nashville on Sunday and Monday. I was able to spend a very pleasant Sabbath in Beckley, West Virginia with brethren from several congregations in that area. Please keep God's people and His Work in your daily prayers.—DSW
Church Administration
Report on the Storm in the Philippines
Thank you all for your prayers on behalf of the Filipinos as they faced Typhoon Hagupit. Our prayers have been answered—God's people and the whole Philippines got off very lightly. The typhoon made landfall on the east cost of Samar, taking lives and doing quite a bit of damage but the level of destruction was nothing like that of "Yolanda" a year ago. We have several member families in this part of the country. One family evacuated and has not yet been able to assess damage. Another family will need a relatively small amount of help to carry out repairs. Our members in Tacloban, which was devastated last year, say they are all fine and homes undamaged. The ministers in Mindanao report all members safe as Hagupit hardly touched that island. Hagupit then travelled on a curved path towards Manila and passed by Monday night. By that stage it had lost most of its strength. There was steady but moderate rain and no damaging winds except to the lightest of structures. I believe all our members will have been safe. In fact, my wife and I slept with our door onto the balcony open and were cooled by the breeze. There was some flooding in low-lying areas of the city. The government appears to have been much better prepared and to have learned lessons from Yolanda. Hundreds of thousands were evacuated early to shelters, and food and water supplies were stored in advance. Sadly, a score of people in the country did lose their lives. But compared to the more than 7,000 who died in 2013, the loss of persons and property has been miraculous.—Kinnear Penman
Report on the French Media
The year 2014 has been eventful and encouraging for the French Work. The magazine Le Monde de Demain (Tomorrow's World) became a bi-monthly publication and we started to publish Le Journal, with articles geared more to members.
In addition, an entire season of 20 telecasts has been recorded in French. Previously, we have not produced telecasts on a regular basis. The Canadian Office was chosen to implement this project due to its TV equipment and bilingual manpower. Mr. Yvon Brochu, minister in Quebec, is our main presenter. He writes new telecasts and also translates and adapts English scripts from Charlotte presenters. Mr. Mario Hernandez is also presenting new telecasts. Due to his busy schedule and frequent travels, he currently plans to record six to eight telecasts a year. These telecasts are based on the English programs, translated by me. Once the telecasts have been recorded, audio and video editing begin, done by Mrs. Carole Dubreuil, who also works on the telecasts for Hong Kong and India. Using the English telecasts as a basis saves a lot of time, since we are able to reuse most of the graphics and video animations. The French presenters can also save preparation time by using telecasts produced by Charlotte Headquarters. In French-speaking areas, the impact of French-language telecasts is naturally greater than English programs with French voice-overs.
The Internet is our only TV medium at the moment. We have 34 telecasts online and so far, our YouTube channel (YouTube.com/mondedemain) has attracted more than 100,000 views.—VG Lardé
Charlotte Family Weekend—Registration Closing and Activity Payments Due—Must Read
Registration for the Charlotte Family Weekend (December 24-28) is still open and, based on current numbers, it looks like we may set a new record with over 600 people attending this year! Registration for all of the activities—including sports teams—will close on December 17. All payments except team fees must be received by then. If you have mailed a check, we will need an e-mail from you confirming that the check has been mailed. Our preference is that you use PayPal for payments as this saves a lot of time and expense to process checks. If we do not receive the online payment or an e-mail informing us that you have sent a check, we will need to remove your name from any paid activities. We must do this as we have to give guaranteed numbers to the hotel for the meals. Unfortunately, last year quite a few people registered for meals that did not pay for them. This cost the Church hundreds of dollars, so this year we must insist on pre-payment. For more detailed information and to register, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. (If you do not have computer access, your local Festival Advisor may register for you.)
Please note, there may be some confusion on registration for the Sports Day—we need everyone who plans to attend (whether or not you plan to play any sports) to register for it. If you have already registered for activities, you may still go back and add in the Sports Day or any other events to your registration. Living University will have representatives at the Sports Day to answer questions about the LU program and also to sell some apparel. If you have registered a basketball team to play in the tournament, you may pay the $30 fee at the facility.
A special group rate of $94 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. Please note that there is a AAA and senior rate of $84 available online, but it does not include the breakfast buffet that costs $14 per person. The hotel suites can comfortably accommodate up to six persons in beds, with two double beds in the bedroom and a fold-out couch in the living room. You may make reservations by calling 877-212-5752 and mentioning the Living Church of God or by using the hotel's Passkey Web site at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/LivingChurchofGod2014. There are a number of other hotels within a five mile radius, but we have not negotiated any group rates with them. There is a limited amount of housing in Church members' homes for out of town guests who cannot afford to stay at the hotel. If you need to stay in members' homes in order to attend the event, please contact me at [email protected].
If you would like to join the choir that will be performing on the Sabbath day, please contact Mr. Marcus McCullough at [email protected].
Please go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend to find updated information on this year's event and pictures from last year. This is an open "public" page that can be viewed by anyone—which means that you do not need a Facebook account to access it. If you are looking for a roommate or want to join a sports team, you may post it on this page. We have also posted the schedule of events, names of the men who will be speaking for the various seminars and services, and other helpful information. The Passkey link to book the hotel is also available here. We hope many of you can join us for a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, fun, food, and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
Kansas City Regional Family Weekend Update
Only three weeks remaining! Don't forget to register for our "Roll Out the Red Carpet" Kansas City Family Weekend. Details, payment and registration are available at lcgkcweekend.org (not an official LCG Web site). Your registration greatly helps our planning and preparation. A big thank you goes out to those who have already registered and for those who are signed up to bring artwork.
We have plenty of hotel space available at $79/night + tax. Call 816-350-3000 and say you're with the Living Church of God. If you have not already done so, we also need payment made for those planning on eating the catered meal. Details for how to pay via PayPal or through the mail are on the Web site.
If you are participating in family games, basketball, women's or co-ed volleyball, please form your teams and sign up the entire team including all participants on the Web site. Deadline for team sign-up is Wednesday, December 24. For the family games, please encourage others to join your team as well. Teams can be up to 20 people in size, and all ages are welcomed… and recommended if you want your team to do well.
We look forward to seeing you!—Michael Keesee
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, December 19, will be on "The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Part 6," presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The Bible Study runs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EST) and the chat room will be open for one half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at www.livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this 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 on "The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Part 5," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Internet Department
Continued Expansion of Internet TV!
We are very excited to announce that the Tomorrow's World telecast is now available on iTunes and Google TV as well as Roku! Although satellite and cable remains by far the most popular way that people "consume television," as many of you know "Internet TV" is a rapidly growing market that experts predict will be the biggest growth area for television programming consumption in the coming years. As such, it is critical that we reach these many millions of people who are looking for programs on "Internet TV." So, in addition to the worldwide coverage available in multiple languages over satellite and cable television, with God's help, we will continue to grow our Internet television presence.
Google TV, Apple TV, and Roku users can find the Tomorrow's World telecast in their respective device app stores. You can find a complete TV channel listing at the TomorrowsWorld.org Web site or here: www.tomorrowsworld.org/tune-in. And don't forget that the Tomorrow's World mobile phone apps for iOS, Android and Apple are available as well, in their respective app stores or by visiting this URL: www.tomorrowsworld.org/mobile-apps. These mobile phone apps include the magazine articles, commentaries, telecasts and other important material.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living University
Registration for second semester classes is now underway! The clock is ticking and the Spring Semester (fall in the Southern hemisphere) will begin on Wednesday, January 14. Students may register anytime between now and January 14. Those who have never taken a Living University course will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected course(s). The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester. A complete listing of second semester courses can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "Spring 2015 Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com Web site. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Michelle Broussard at [email protected] or 704-708-2294. Note that the earlier students register and purchase textbooks, the better the prices they may find for the textbooks.
THL 413—Epistles of Paul II
This is the second course focusing on the Apostle Paul's life and writings. Its emphasis is on the final five of his letters to the seven churches (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians), his letter to the church at-large (Hebrews) and his letters addressed to individuals (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon). This class examines the historical, archaeological, and cultural background of the life and times of the Apostle Paul and the start of the New Testament Church. THL 412 is a prerequisite for this course.
THL 416—General Epistles and Revelation
The "General Epistles" are seen by many as secondary to Paul's writings. However, they actually appear in the original New Testament order before Paul's letters—and for good reason. To find out why, take this course! This course introduces the historical setting, purpose, and central theme of the letters of James, Peter, John, and Jude and the book of Revelation. It also analyzes the important historical, archaeological, and cultural backgrounds of these writings.
THL 422—History of Christianity II
This course is the second of two and deals with the history of Christianity from the time of the Reformation to the present. Its focus is on the Protestant Reformation, Roman Catholic reform, Protestant liberalism and fundamentalism, the ecumenical movement, Christianity in developing countries, and the Christian decline of the industrialized West.
Comments
Pay Attention to Prophecy: Jesus told His disciples to stay alert and watch for the fulfillment of specific prophecies that will mark the approaching end of this age (Matthew 24). Jesus also warned in the parable of the ten virgins that many will be caught napping and unprepared by the surge of events that will precede His return to this earth (Matthew 25:1-13). God has given His Church a "more sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19, KJV) so His Church can warn this world about the prophetic significance of both current and impending world events (Ezekiel 3 and 33). Yet, over the years, misguided teachers and preachers have tried to discredit the Bible and ridicule the Church's understanding of Bible prophecy. Members have been accused of suffering from "prediction addiction" instead of talking about grace and love. However, as we see world events building to a prophetic crescendo, let's make sure we are building a closer relationship with God and that we are learning to live by every word of God—as we continue to watch world events and pay attention to Bible prophecy.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy— December 11, 2014
A King of the South? "Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are discussing the creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the Middle East" (Times of Israel, November 4, 2014). "The countries have already shown an unprecedented willingness to intervene together. Egypt and the UAE cooperated in carrying out airstrikes against Islamic militants in Libya during the summer, according to US and Egyptian officials, and last month Egypt carried out strikes of its own" (ibid.). Just weeks ago, "[Saudi] King Abdullah appealed to the people and leadership of Egypt to support the march toward 'Arab solidarity'" (AP, November 19, 2014). On December 9, the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council agreed "to create a regional police force based out of the United Arab Emirates' capital of Abu Dhabi and a joint naval force based out of Bahrain" (Ynetnews, December 10, 2014). This joint military force composed of powerful Sunni nations in the Middle East is intended to counter the threat posed by Islamic extremists and Shiite-dominated Iran. Bible prophecies have long foretold the rise of a "king of the south" just before the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the age (see Daniel 11:40). This dramatic move toward "Arab solidarity" between historically independent and adversarial nations could lead to the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy. For more on this sobering topic, be sure to read "Five Prophetic Signs for the Middle East."
A King of the North? The anti-war mood that has prevailed in Germany since the close of World War II appears to be rapidly changing. German politicians have begun calling for the creation of an "EU military academy" and a "permanent military headquarters" as prerequisites for establishing an "EU army" (German Foreign Policy.com, December 8, 2014). One member of the German parliament stated that while the EU is a "global actor" due to its economic influence, "its foreign and military policy… is inadequate and 'urgently in need of improvement'" (ibid.). The German Minister of the Economy called for "the establishment of an EU armament industry with a strong German base, independent of the USA" (ibid.). The move to establish an EU army controlled by the European Parliament would remove any decision-making authority from national parliaments. Bible prophecies have long foretold the rise of a Beast power in Europe at the end of the age, composed of ten kings or leaders or nations that will be controlled by Germany (Revelation 13:1-4; 17:11-13; Isaiah 10:5-11). This end-time confederation of European nations, referred to as the "king of the north" will be drawn into the turmoil in the Middle East and become an adversary of former allies in the United States, England and France (Daniel 11:40-43; Hosea 11:1, 5, 11). For more prophetic insights into Germany's future, read "Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?"
Kings of the East? China continues to make waves in Asia and the world. A recent report states, "The Chinese economy just overtook the United States economy to become the largest in the world. For the first time since Ulysses S. Grant was president, America is not the leading economic power on the planet" (MarketWatch, December 4, 2014). "To put the numbers slightly differently, China now accounts for 16.5% of the global economy when measured in real purchasing-power terms, compared with 16.3% for the U.S." (ibid.). This report concludes with the sobering observation: "Throughout history, political and military power have always depended on economic power. Britain was the workshop of the world before she ruled the waves. And it was Britain's relative economic decline that preceded the collapse of her power. And it was a similar story with previous hegemonic powers such as France and Spain. This will not change anything tomorrow or next week, but it will change almost everything in the longer term" (ibid.). As China's economy grows, its military spending and its aspirations for regional dominance have also become more apparent. Bible prophecies have long foretold that at the end of the age a powerful military force made up of "kings from the east" would move into the Middle East to engage the armed forces of the "king of the north" (Revelation 16:12-16; 9:13-17; Daniel 11:44-45). For more on this trend, see "The Demise of the West."—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway, V.G. Lardé and Winston Gosse