Greetings from Charlotte,
Severe weather conditions are again making news. While drought-related wildfires continue to burn in California and abnormally dry conditions affect other parts of the world, a super typhoon is smashing into the island of Taiwan and will dump huge amounts of rain on central and southeastern China, where some of the worst flooding in decades has already affected millions of people. Bible prophecies have long warned that natural disasters will increase as we approach the end of this age (Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8). This week in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has written a member letter, held meetings and will give the sermon this Sabbath. Mr. Ames will be in Toronto this Sabbath, and will also film new Tomorrow's World television programs early next week. Mr. Cristian Orrego and Mr. Jake Hall have returned from Peru where they visited our brethren in Cerro de Pasco, took footage and had meetings regarding the relocation project that is underway there. I will be in Atlanta for services and an Area Leadership Conference on Sunday. The Texas Pre-Teen Camp will begin on Monday. Your prayers for these activities and for God's people are appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Emergency Relocation of Church Members from Cerro de Pasco, Peru—Repeat Announcement
Your prayers are requested for our members in Cerro de Pasco, a town at the top of the Andean mountains in Peru, and for our efforts to help them relocate to a safer part of the country. Through this project, we hope to move 43 Church members comprising ten families from a region that has been devastated through excessive mining and pollution, which is having catastrophic consequences on humans, animals and ecosystems. The town of Cerro de Pasco has been declared a disaster area by the Peruvian government. The situation for our brethren is very serious. Your prayers and assistance will be helpful for our brethren and the entire project. Please visit www.lcg.org/peru for more information.—Cerro de Pasco Relocation Team
Railroad Days in Omaha
The Omaha congregation of the Living Church of God is hosting a weekend of spiritual fellowship and fun in conjunction with the celebration of our region's rich railroad heritage during Railroad Days 2016, July 16 and 17!
On the Sabbath of the 16 come join us for a special Bible Study and then services with a covered-dish meal to follow. On Sunday the 17, brethren will be free to investigate the attractions of their choice and then meet for a grill and picnic lunch provided at Bayless Park in the historic town square center of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
A $15 family pass (good for two adults and their dependent children), includes admission to and transportation between all six locations. A $5 pass is also available for one additional adult with the purchase of a family pass. Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum, and the General Dodge House are among the six attractions, details of which can be found on the Web site www.omaharailroaddays.com.
Housing with brethren is available on a limited basis. Call me to see what may be available or drop a line to me via e-mail.
A block of rooms have been set aside for the night of the 16 at The Regency Lodge (www.regencylodge.com) at 909 S. 107th Ave, Omaha, NE 68114. This hotel is located in west Omaha near the 680 Interstate loop.
If anyone would like to change his reservation to arrive a night early, you can just call ahead to update your reservation and the Regency Lodge will honor the rate of $89 per night plus tax. The confirmation numbers are: 174667, 174668, 174669, 174670, 174671, 174672, 174673, 174674, and they are under my name.—Brian Pomicter
Feast of Tabernacles
Hilton Head, South Carolina, Closed to Further Transfers—Repeat Announcement
Our Feast of Tabernacles site in Hilton Head, South Carolina, has reached maximum capacity and can no longer approve further transfer requests. If you have registered to attend the Feast in Hilton Head and have not yet received a transfer approval, please re-register at another site. Other sites closed to further transfers are Montego Bay, Jamaica; Lake Conroe, Texas; St. George, Utah; and Carry-le-Rouet, France.
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon CDs—Repeat Announcement
Attention Pastors: Please send the Church Administration Department at [email protected] the names of those in your congregation(s) who will be unable to attend the Feast and wish to receive a set of the Feast of Tabernacles sermons on CD. (Sermons are available in English, French or Spanish.) The deadline to submit these requests is July 18 for international recipients and September 12 for recipients in the U.S. Note: Feast sermons will also be uploaded (one per day) during the Feast at www.lcg.org, for those who have Internet access.
Festival (Second Tithe) Assistance Requests—U.S. Only—Repeat Announcement
Attention U.S. Pastors: The deadline to submit Festival Assistance Request forms to the Church Administration Department is Friday, July 15. All forms should be properly completed by the members requesting 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).—Festival Office
Living Youth Programs
Missouri Preteen Camp
With typical Missouri summer weather, rain in the morning with sunshine in the afternoon, and high humidity all day long, 142 campers and staff enjoyed a fun-filled week at the Missouri Preteen Camp. Camp Bobwhite at Knob Noster State Park once again served as home for all campers and staff who enthusiastically participated in archery, kickball, swimming, music, riflery, media, outdoor skills and crafts. Each morning began with a Christian Living class presented by Mr. Gene Hilgenberg (the Camp Director) and Mr. Phil West (the Assistant Director). The Christian Living classes focused on sportsmanship, emphasizing teamwork, attitude, humility, and responsibility. Highlights of the camp were the evening activities, which included musical chairs, a presentation on mammals in Missouri by a state park naturalist, a cookout and sing-along, and a talent show. Our great God's hand was indeed present throughout the week as campers and staff enjoyed a week of fellowship, activity and growth.—Gene Hilgenberg
Living University
Registration for First (Fall) Semester
Registration for Fall semester classes is now underway and classes will begin on August 15. Students may register anytime before the start of classes. However, the earlier you register and order your textbooks, the better! Those who have never taken a Living University course, need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected courses. A complete listing of "Fall 2016 Class Schedule" (Spring in the Southern hemisphere), can also be viewed on the Living University Web site. 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. The following are a selection of the classes we will be offering this semester. We plan to share an overview of our Fall courses over the next month in the The World Ahead, so be sure to watch for them.
THL 332: The Biblical Text – This in-depth course deals with proving the authority, inspiration, canonization, literary unity, and textual criticism of the Bible. Emphasis is on Bible translations, versions, textual analysis, exegesis, and research. Students taking this course will have a much firmer grasp of the validity of the Bible and be able to defend that validity more convincingly. This course is part of the Certificate of New Testament Studies program as well as the diploma and degree programs.
EDUC 346: Teaching in the Christian Home – This very practical course deals with the issues and challenges involved in organizing an effective Christian home school. Emphasis is on legal regulations; curriculum development; teaching Bible, literacy, science, mathematics, socialization and history; testing requirements; graduation and record keeping. This course is designed for both those who are currently home-schooling and those who want to learn more as they consider home-schooling in the future.
ENGL 111: Written Expression – This course is the required first course in a series of two designed to develop the ability to produce clear expository prose. Emphasis is on the writing process, including audience analysis, topic selection, thesis support and development, editing and revision. This is the standard introductory English course required by most universities.
Comments
Skills that Promote Teamwork: Members of successful organizations develop the necessary skills to function together smoothly to accomplish goals. These skills can be identified and learned. As Christians, we must develop the same skills—and many are clearly biblical. Effective team members are sensitive to the feelings of others and avoid saying or doing things that offend others (Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 10:23). They are forgiving and overlook insults because they have learned not to be easily offended (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; 1 Corinthians 13:5). Team players do not sit in judgment of other people—accusing, criticizing and digging up and spreading evil things about others—instead, they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1-5; James 4:11). Team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) who are able to promote harmony and work smoothly with others (James 4:17). They deal with people gently, respectfully and patiently and are willing to listen (James 1:19). Team players do not promote themselves at the expense of others (Matthew 20:20-24). Effective team players appreciate that the team is made up of individuals with different talents and abilities who make unique contributions to the team (1 Corinthians 12:12), and that the main priority is to work together smoothly to achieve a goal while showing love to one another (Ephesians 4:16). In short, good team players have learned to love their neighbors—as Jesus instructed.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—July 7, 2016
Brexit Impact on Falklands and Gibraltar: Shockwaves have rippled across Europe after Britain voted to leave the EU in its historic referendum. "Spain's Government on Friday called for joint control of Gibraltar after the British people voted to leave the EU" (Daily Express, June 27, 2016). Many UK residents in Gibraltar are wary of Spain's next move, "Experience has shown that Spain would take advantage of any such renegotiation in order to further undermine, isolate and exclude Gibraltar from the European mainstream… Spain could ruthlessly cut off and isolate Gibraltar… successive Spanish governments had often used border checks and delays to 'chokehold Gibraltar's economy and slow down its tourism industry'" (ibid.). Spain's Foreign Minister stated, "The Spanish flag on the Rock is much closer than before" (BBC, June 24, 2016). Gibraltar has been a "British territory since 1713 but Spain continues to claim sovereignty over the enclave" (ibid.). Argentina's President Mauricio Macri stated, "that his country's claim" of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands "remains unchanged following Britain's vote to leave the EU" (TheJournal.ie, July 5, 2016). Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands are two remaining sea gates under British control. God promised Abraham's descendants they would "possess the gate of their enemies" (Genesis 22:17; 24:60). Moses warned the Israelites (including future Britain) that if they despised the laws of God "your enemy shall distress you at all your gates" (Deuteronomy 28:15, 55-57). As Britain moves away from the laws of God, He will continue His removal of these strategic sea gates from its control. For more on this topic, read "Sea Gates in Peril."
Future EU Army: In the wake of the Brexit and growing uncertainty within the EU, French and German foreign ministers announced plans for "the EU's transformation to become a 'political union' and its resolute militarization for global military operations. In a joint position paper, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) and Jean-Marc Ayrault (PS) are calling for the EU's comprehensive military buildup, based on a division of labor, to enable future global military operations. Following the Brexit, the EU should, step-by-step, become an 'independent' and 'global' actor. All forces must be mobilized and all 'of the EU's political instruments' must be consolidated into an 'integrated' EU foreign and military policy" (German-Foreign-Policy.com, June 28, 2016). Although the current configuration in Europe will undoubtedly change, we need to watch for a streamlining of EU nations, very likely into a group of ten, based on prophecies in Revelation 17. Bible prophecy also reveals that the final European "beast" will be not only a political and religious force, but also a military force (see Revelation 13). For more insights into the coming streamlined and more unified EU (or whatever it is called), be sure to read our fascinating and increasingly relevant booklet, The Beast of Revelation.
African Albinos Being Hunted for Body Parts: The pagan practice of witchcraft has forced many African albinos to live in fear that they or their relatives may be hunted. "At least 18 albino people have been killed in Malawi in a 'steep upsurge in killings' since November 2014, and five others have been abducted and remain missing… the toll is likely much higher because many killings in rural areas are never reported" (Associated Press, June 7, 2016). What is known as the macabre trade, albinos "are targeted for their body parts which are used in magical potions and other ritual practices… their bones are believed to be sold to practitioners of traditional medicine in Malawi and Mozambique for use in charms and magical potions in the belief that they bring wealth and good luck… also fueled by a belief that bones of people with albinism contain gold" (Reuters, June 7, 2016). Sadly, albinos are ostracized which provides them little support and protection from these ruthless killers. Today we live in "perilous times" with "brutal" individuals influenced by "spiritual hosts of wickedness" (2 Timothy 3:1-3; Ephesians 6:12). Bible prophecies indicate that when Christ returns, nations will be trading "bodies and souls of men" (Revelation 18:13), and He will liberate mankind from the grasp of the devil (1 John 3:8). Pray that God's kingdom come soon so that people made in God's image no longer have to live in terror. To learn more about that exciting future, read our booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway, Francine Prater