Greetings from Charlotte,
As we move towards summer in the northern hemisphere, the days ahead could become a "summer of discontent"—to slightly paraphrase a quote from Shakespeare. This past Sunday, terrorists attacked civilians in London—the third attack in recent months. On Wednesday, Sunni ISIS terrorists launched an attack in Tehran, the capital of Shiite Iran. On Thursday, Britain held a closely contested election that could determine the direction of the country, and in Washington, DC, hearings are underway that could undermine the credibility of the American president. In Europe, Germany and France appear to be moving away from the USA after decades of cooperation, and in South Africa and in South America, government officials are facing growing calls for resignations due to widespread corruption. In Asia, China continues to fortify islands in the South China Sea, while Japan is building up armaments and North Korea launches more ballistic missiles. Bible prophecies appear to be coming alive every day. During the Pentecost weekend, a number of speakers from Charlotte were able to visit local congregations. Mr. Weston was in Seattle for services, and he will give two Tomorrow's World Presentations in the Northwest. Mr. and Mrs. Ames were in Atlanta and Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield were in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. I was able to visit congregations in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. From all reports, Pentecost was a very inspiring day for God's people.—DSW
Church Administration
Adirondack Family Cycling Adventure—Cancelled
Due to the known risks associated with this type of activity, the Church has been unable to secure appropriate and affordable insurance coverage for it, and therefore the activity is cancelled. If anyone chooses to go on a personal cycling trip, such is at his or her own cost and risk—the Church is not sponsoring such, and its insurance is not involved. Of course, the Church would certainly encourage anyone deciding to engage in such an activity to exercise a high degree of care so as to avoid injury, illness, or other difficulties. If you have questions, please contact me, at [email protected].—Jonathan McNair
Internet Department
Tomorrow's World Live Webcasts!—Repeat Announcement
Many of you have commented on our new Tomorrow's World Live webcasts and we thank you for the constructive and positive feedback! This "live Internet" type broadcast is something that Dr. Meredith had been encouraging us to do for many months, and he was very happy to see this initiative get underway. As Mr. Weston mentioned previously, we are trying some different approaches and making adjustments as we learn what works best, and we are excited about some new ideas that we want to try soon, such as including people "remotely" from different parts of the world.
We are a couple months into this initiative, and without doing any paid advertising, so far our recent shows have produced a few thousand views each, as well as many hundreds of comments and questions from all around the world. This is encouraging. To serve our audience better, a few weeks ago we added a video archive playlist to our Tomorrow's World Facebook page (just click on the "videos" menu item on the left side of the page) and we also added the audio to our Tomorrow's World podcast page. Please remember: 3:00 p.m. Thursdays. And please consider sharing and liking the live show so that it can reach more and more people.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living Youth Program
Living Youth Camp Paperwork – Must Read
We are rapidly approaching the deadline for receiving all the necessary paperwork for the LYP camps this summer. For several of the camps, we need to have the paperwork in at least a couple of weeks before the camps begin, so please don't delay in getting your paperwork in. If you have been accepted to camp, you should have received an e-mail recently detailing anything outstanding on your application—please read it and follow the instructions it contains. If you have any questions after checking the e-mail, please contact [email protected]. We need to receive this information well in advance of camp so that necessary preparations can be made.
So far, we have received less than half of the necessary Whitewater rafting waiver forms for the Adventure Camp. Without these, you'll be unable to take part in the rafting.
All U.S. Camp Registrations Are Now Closed
All registration is now closed for all summer camps in the U.S.
Camp Attendee Application Photos—Repeat Announcement
Anyone who applied to any of the camps this summer and has not yet submitted a photograph of himself/herself, please submit one as soon as possible. The photos are needed well in advance of camp in order to compile documentation for counselors and department heads. Your assistance in this is vital and greatly appreciated! You can submit photos via e-mail to [email protected].
Texas Teen Camp 2017 Themes—Repeat Announcement
Many of you have asked what the themes will be for various events at the Texas Teen Camp so that you can bring the appropriate attire. Please prepare for the themes listed below.
- Overall Camp Theme: Christian Living Classes will follow this theme: Hebrews 12:1-4 "… Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
- Topics and Dance: Nautical Theme (Anchor of truth, etc.). Bring your best nautical attire for this event.
- First SaturdayNight Dance: Country and Western: country-western attire, hats, boots, jeans, etc.
- Final Banquet and Dance: Theme: "Go for the Gold!" Bring your best formal attire (gold color for decorations, gold-colored dresses, etc.).
Living University
Living University – Registration for First (Fall) Semester
As Living University prepares for its eleventh year of operation, it is gearing up to begin registration for classes on July 5. The semester will begin Wednesday, August 16. Students may register for classes and order textbooks anytime between July 5 and the start of classes. Those who have never taken a Living University course will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for their selected course(s). To learn what courses are being offered this coming semester, visit the "Fall 2017 Class Schedule" (Spring in the Southern hemisphere) on the Living University website. Please note that Living University has lowered its tuition cost by nearly 30 percent for the 2017-2018 academic year. To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com website. For additional information, please contact Assistant Registrar Mrs. Michelle Broussard at [email protected] or 704-708-2294. Watch for LU course descriptions in future issues of The World Ahead.
Comments
Keys to Happiness and Joy: Sadness and depression afflict millions of people today. These negative attitudes often seem more intense after an event or holiday when everyone goes home, during a trial, or after the loss of a loved one. However, the Bible provides important keys that point the way to real happiness. Long ago, David wrote, "Happy are the people whose God is the LORD" (Psalm 144:15). Solomon said happiness comes from finding true wisdom, trusting God, and keeping the laws of God (Proverbs 3:13; 9:10; 16:20; 29:18). Jesus said that serving others is a key to happiness (John 13:12-17). The Apostle Paul stated that the way to happiness includes not compromising with what you know is right (Romans 14:22) and learning to focus your thoughts in a positive direction (Philippians 4:4, 8). Paul actually offered this advice while he was a prisoner (Philippians 1:12-13, 18). The most important key to understand is that happiness and joy are fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Bible reveals that God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32; John 15:10-12) and to those who learn to stir up and use His Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Helen Keller, a woman who was born blind and yet became famous, made this observation, "Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. True happiness is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy cause." Our "worthy cause" is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ that point the way to true happiness and the Kingdom of God. To find that path, follow the instructions above.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—June 8, 2017
Winds of Change in Germany and Europe: Following Donald Trump's recent visit to Europe and his choice not to re-commit to NATO Article 5 (which states that if one member of NATO is attacked, the others will come to its support), German Chancellor Angela Merkel observed, "The times in which we can fully count on others are somewhat over, as I have experienced in the past few days" (EU Observer, May 29, 2017). She continued, "That is why I can only say: We Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands" (Spiegel Online, May 29, 2017). The New York Times called Chancellor Merkel's comments "a potentially seismic shift in trans-Atlantic relations" (May 28, 2017). Deutsche Welle called her comments a "pivot to Europe" (May 29, 2017). What does this mean for the future? According to a reporter from The Independent, "Germany and Europe are likely to take on a much more substantial and independent role than they have in the past 70 years" (May 29, 2017). Analysts are unsure of exactly what the future holds for Europe, but most see Germany stepping into a stronger leadership position, as Europe becomes more independent of the rest of the West. Bible prophecy indicates the same: a strong, German-led Europe that has the potential to lead the world for a time. For more insights into this long-prophesied reality, read or listen to "Why Is Germany Rising?" You might be surprised by what you read!
Will Yemen Collapse? Two years of fighting between warring Muslim factions has decimated this nation on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula—leading the United Nations humanitarian chief to assert that Yemen is facing a "total social, economic and institutional collapse" (BBC, May 31, 2017). Since April, a re-occurring cholera epidemic has infected 60,000 people and killed 500. Over 18 million people need humanitarian assistance because "The people of Yemen are being subjected to deprivation, disease and death as the world watches" (ibid.). "More than two million children are acutely malnourished in Yemen, where a child under five dies every 10 minutes of preventable diseases, according to a report by UNICEF published in December" (Al Jazeera, May 29, 2017). But do the people of the world really care? Jesus Christ showed deep concern for humanity as He wept over Jerusalem and its people while reflecting on the suffering brought on by their rejection of Him (Matthew 23:37). Jesus also taught us to pray that His Kingdom would come soon (Matthew 6:10). The Kingdom of God will bring a time when hunger, hurt, and suffering will no longer exist (Isaiah 35:5-10)! To learn more about why God allows people to suffer and how this will be alleviated, view our telecast "Why Does God Allow Suffering?" It will provide you with powerful and encouraging answers!
Smoking Damages Livers of Unborn Babies: Cutting-edge British research published in the prestigious journal Archives of Toxicology reveals that maternal cigarette smoking damages the livers of unborn fetuses. "Scientists found that the cocktail of chemicals in cigarettes is particularly harmful to developing liver cells… Smoking cigarettes, which contain around 7,000 chemicals, can damage foetal organs and may do lasting harm" (BBC, May 29, 2017). Smoking has long been known to damage the human body—referred to in the Bible as "the temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Smoking has previously been known to cause fetal damage. This new research begins to explain the level of fetal cellular damage caused by maternal cigarette smoke. Smoking is an addictive habit that meets the cravings of the self, and for pregnant mothers who smoke, this selfish behavior damages their unborn child's future health! The prophet Malachi foretells a time when today's selfish parents will become a thing of the past. The time is coming when the hearts of the parents will finally be turned to their children (Malachi 4:6). Today, decisions by parents are often based on personal wants and feelings. In the coming Kingdom of God, parenting will be based on God's laws and the real needs of children. To understand how God wants His future sons and daughters raised, read or listen to Successful Parenting: God's Way.—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, Deborah Lincoln-Strange, and Chris Sookdeo