Greetings from Charlotte,
Severe weather continues to make news as 2016 begins. Heavy rains and flooding have affected parts of the USA and the UK, while high temperatures and drought conditions are scorching parts of South America, Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia and driving up food prices—which could lead to strife and political instability in the months ahead (Matthew 24). Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has conducted a number of meetings this week. Mr. Gerald Weston has also been in Charlotte for these meetings. On Monday and Tuesday, we had a visit from several administrators from Church of God, a Worldwide Association (see below). On Thursday, we had a Living University Board meeting, and on Friday we will have a Church Board meeting. Also this week, Mr. Ames' January co-worker letter was mailed out to nearly 14,500 recipients. We are encouraged to report that Mr. Bruce Tyler's condition continues to improve (see announcement below). I will leave next week to visit congregations and conduct conferences in Kenya, South Africa, Australia and the Philippines. Your prayers for God's Work and His people around the world are needed and appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Update on Mr. Bruce Tyler's Condition
After suffering a massive stroke almost two weeks ago, Mr. Tyler continues to improve with each passing day. On Tuesday, January 19, he was moved into a rehabilitation hospital where he will continue to work towards what is hoped to be a full recovery. He still has many challenges to face in the coming months but he is determined to continue to trust in God for healing and many more years dedicated to serving all of God's family throughout the Asia Pacific Region. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler and family would like to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who has written cards, e-mails and called—this has been an incredible source of encouragement and strength during this difficult trial.—Rob Tyler
COGWA Visit
This week, Mr. Jim Franks, President of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA), and several members of its administration visited our office in Charlotte and met with our Headquarters staff. It was a cordial visit and gave us an opportunity to communicate openly about a number of mutual concerns. The purpose of the visit was to build better relationships and promote better understanding.
Changes in the Field
Mr. Dan Friz will begin to assist Mr. Gary Ehman, who directs the Personal Correspondence Department. Mr. Randy Kobernat has retired from his responsibilities with PCD. Mr. Friz will continue to reside in East Texas and pastor congregations in Lufkin, Texas, Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana and El Dorado, Arkansas. Mr. Gary Stein will pastor the congregation now meeting in Big Sandy, as well as congregations in Dallas, Austin and Temple, Texas.
Passover 2016—Repeat Announcement
Important Notice to All Pastors: In 2016, the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday evening, April 21. 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 and letter instructions (available in English, French and Spanish). The Passover Service recording is the 2015 recording given by Mr. Ken Frank. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, we need this information before February 21 for international congregations, and by March 21 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. International requests should be received before February 21 and U.S. requests before March 21. Please direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, January 29, will be on "Why You Need the Holy Spirit," 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. (Eastern time) and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at 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 on, "Should You Be Baptized?," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Living University
Call for On-Campus Students (U.S. only at this time)—Repeat Announcement
For those seeking a unique and exciting learning opportunity, LU is now accepting applications for full-time students to study on campus in Charlotte, beginning in the fall of 2016. On-campus students experience special opportunities beyond online study. Students meet for weekly discussions with many of their professors, including Dr. Germano, Mr. Ames, Drs. Douglas and Scott Winnail, Mr. Ken Frank, Mr. Peter Nathan and Mr. Jerry Ruddlesden. Weekly assemblies are presented by many Church leaders based in Charlotte and around the world. Monthly student outings and other social activities are planned. Students also participate in congregational opportunities unique to the Charlotte congregation and Headquarters, including Spokesman Club, Singles' Bible Studies, Outreach activities, service during Council of Elders and Ministerial Conferences, and much more.
University housing is available for both male and female students. Most of our on-campus students also participate in our "work-study" program—working part-time in different departments throughout the Work and the University. Student work-study helps defray most living costs.
Application to the on-campus program can be made online through the University Web site (www.livinguniv.com). Additional details and requirements can be found online, including an estimate of costs associated with on-campus study. If you are interested in on-campus LU study and have questions, please contact us. At this time we can only accept on-campus students who are legal residents of the U.S. Our hope is to expand this opportunity to international students in future years. Students interested should plan to complete their applications by February 2016. Those with no previous college should submit college entrance test scores (ACT or SAT) along with other application materials. You can find out more about these exams through a local high school guidance counselor or local community college or university testing service. Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. If you have questions about on-campus study or to find out more, please contact Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-708-2292 or [email protected].
Comments
Real Philadelphia Christians: The Scriptures reveal that Philadelphian Christians are dedicated to carrying out Jesus' instructions to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15), warn the world (Matthew 24:14) and prepare a people to reign with Christ in the coming Kingdom of God (Luke 1:17). However, as the name "Philadelphia" means "brotherly love," true Philadelphians will strive to follow Jesus' admonition to "love one another" (John 15:12-17). They understand that showing unselfish, outgoing concern for others (versus sitting in judgment of others) is one of the distinguishing marks of a real Philadelphia Christian (John 13:34-35). As we see the world becoming more selfish, crass, disunited and brutal (2 Timothy 3:1-5), let's all look for ways to show real "brotherly love" towards others. In this way, we can be lights to the world and show that real Philadelphia Christians are the true disciples of Jesus Christ.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—January 21, 2016
Migrant Crisis Riles Europe: The wave of immigrants surging into Europe is creating strains among EU member states. Germany's urging to accept immigrants has spawned hostile reactions from her eastern European neighbors and received little support from France. In fact, "German and EU officials are warning that without a sharp drop in arrivals or a change of heart in other EU states… Germany could shut its doors, sparking wider crisis this spring" (Reuters, January 18, 2016). "Reports of the Cologne attacks have also renewed criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy on refugees and migrants... Thousands of Germans, particularly in Dusseldorf... have joined Facebook groups claiming to promote vigilante city patrols in response to the attacks" (Deutsche Welle, January 17, 2016). Czech President Milos Zeman stated that, "it was 'practically impossible' to integrate the Muslim community into European society" (The Guardian, January 17, 2016). He also commented, "I am profoundly convinced that we are facing an organized invasion and not a spontaneous movement of refugees" (The Guardian, December 26, 2015). Bible prophecies have long foretold that a "southern kingdom" will push against or attack a "kingdom to the north"—and that will bring a violent reaction (Daniel 11:40-43) by the "northern kingdom," described as a mixture of iron and clay—partly strong and partly weak (Daniel 2:31-45). The migrant crisis is testing the iron and clay mixture of the EU and may force Germany to use an iron hand. To learn more, read our article "Will Islam Transform Europe?"
Pope Reaches Out to Jews: "Jewish immigration to Israel from western Europe has reached an all-time high due to a rise in anti-Semitic attacks" (Associated Press, January 14, 2016). However, Pope Francis recently visited Rome's main synagogue in a show of support. "During a visit marked by tight security and historic continuity, Francis also rejected all forms of anti-Semitism and called for 'maximum vigilance' and early intervention to prevent another Holocaust. Francis repeated several times that Jews were the 'elder brothers' of Christians, repeating the words first uttered by John Paul during his historic visit to the synagogue" (Haaretz, January 17, 2016). In the meantime, "EU states are planning to threaten 'action' against Israeli settlements" and "The EU will continue to closely monitor developments… and will consider further action in order to protect the viability of the two-state solution, which is constantly eroded by new facts on the ground" (EU Observer, January 16, 2016). Bible prophecy reveals that a great world church and a European "beast" power will be heavily involved in Jerusalem at the end of the age (Revelation 13). Ultimately, the armies of the "beast" will encircle Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-21; Isaiah 8:7-8) and enthrone a person who claims to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Events in Europe, the Vatican and the Holy Land appear to be moving to fulfill these ancient prophecies. For more about what is coming for Jerusalem, read our article "The Future of Jerusalem."
LGBT and the Catholic Church: Bible prophecy describes a great world church at the end of the age (Revelation 13 and 17) that will attempt to bring her children back together (Isaiah 47:1-8). But what will aid the world's mother church in her mission? One catalyst could be growing LGBT issues and pressure from provincial, state and national governments to conform. "Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary, Alberta, has written that new proposals to accommodate transgender students 'smack of the madness of relativism' and 'must be rejected.' In a letter to the faithful of Calgary, Bishop Henry said that 'totalitarianism is alive and well in Alberta.' He was responding to guidelines sent to school administrators by the province's education minister, directing that students who identify themselves as 'transgender' must be allowed to dress [like], and use the bathrooms of, the opposite sex." Catholic schools must also abide by these guidelines (CatholicCulture.org, January 15, 2016). However, as morality declines in modern societies, conservative religious schools and universities are starting to push back. These growing "gender/transgender wars" could force the Roman church to take a firmer stand on these issues and seek support from other religious organizations. This will be one important area to watch. For more insight into the history of the Roman church, be sure to read "Papal Primacy?"—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway, Deborah Lincoln-Strange, Chris Sookdeo and Francine Prater