Greetings from Charlotte,
A lot continues to happen in our troubled world. There was an attack on Republican Party members practicing for their annual baseball game with the Democrats. Four people were injured by gunfire and the perpetrator was killed by security police. The divide and animosity in the U.S. is deep and vicious. Mr. Christo Botha reports that South Africa experienced unusually strong winds that caused services to be cancelled on June 10 in Cape Town and George. In George, the very strong winds were accompanied by out-of-control fires. All members are reported to be safe. Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Sandor reports: "The North American summer camps kicked off this week with the North Carolina Preteen Camp. Forty-one campers (and 13 mini-campers) are enjoying beautiful Singletary Lake State Park. About 20 teens and 40 adults are serving the campers this week. It has been obvious that God has blessed the camp so far as the weather has been wonderful and the only bored people are the camp nurses!" Your prayers are appreciated for all our camps this summer. Even though it is vacation and holiday time in the Northern Hemisphere, let us make sure that we don't take a vacation from our relationship with our Creator. These are unusual times when terrorist attacks and/or geopolitical seismic occurrences seem to happen daily. Now is not the time to fall asleep!—Gerald Weston
Retirement of Mr. Rod King—Must Read
It has been a privilege to serve God, His Work and His people in the ministry of the Living Church of God. After graduating from Ambassador College Bricket Wood in 1973, Shayne and I returned to Australia to serve in the full-time ministry. I pastored churches in Australia as well as the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. In 2006, Dr. Meredith asked us to move to England to serve in the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, and then to attend the Council of Elders and present on the Tomorrow's World telecast. Over these 44 years, there have been many blessings, many friends made, and many memories.
While my health is holding, I find that it is a battle to have enough energy in the day to fulfill my responsibilities. It has been with regret that I have asked to be retired from the full-time ministry. We'll stay in Melbourne, serving as an elder whenever the need arises.
Grateful thanks are given to our God for hearing the prayers of so many of you around the world for my healing. We are mindful daily of how much God and Jesus Christ do for us. Thank you to so many who continue to send cards, which are a real source of encouragement.—Rod King
Church Administration
Omaha Congregation Invites Brethren to "Railroad Days 2017," July 15-16
All aboard for a fun-filled weekend, exploring six unique railroad-themed attractions! 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 2017, July 15 and 16.
On the Sabbath of July 15, come join us for a special Bible Study and then services, with a covered- dish meal to follow. On Sunday, 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 website http://www.omaharailroaddays.com/.—Brian Pomicter
The Canadian Family Civic Weekend
The Canadian Family Civic Weekend is seven weeks away and we would like to remind you that the deadline for payment is June 30. You can pay via PayPal on our website, https://cfcw.000webhostapp.com/ (not an official LCG website). We do thank everyone who has paid already; it helps us with organisation. For more information, please contact Timothy Dranov: [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you all.
Adirondack Family Cycling Adventure Cancelled—Repeat Announcement
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
Feast of Tabernacles
Travel Safely During the Feast
We live in an increasingly violent and dangerous world. As the Fall Holy Days approach and we firm up our travel plans for the Feast of Tabernacles, we should be mindful of dangers and take steps to minimize risks as much as possible, so we can travel confidently and with faith, trusting in God's protection (Proverbs 22:3; Ezra 8:21-23). The U.S. State Department lists warnings and alerts for problem destinations and it is a good idea to check their website before making travel plans: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Avoid traveling to or through conflict zones. Also, make sure you find out passport and visa requirements early enough to comply as needed. In the unlikely event you find yourself in an emergency situation, such as a terrorist attack, keep in mind the recommendations and advice found at the following U.S. State Department page: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/terrorism.html. It's also helpful to read the checklists and tips for staying safe that many travel books and guides provide.
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 17. 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 Program
Adventure Camp at Mount Rainier
All those planning to attend the Adventure Camp at Mount Rainier, please add a small daypack to your packing list.
Living Youth Camp Paperwork—Repeat Announcement
Please 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.
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 Saturday Night 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.).
Comments
What the World Needs Now! The Bible reveals that "in the last days perilous times will come" because people will be selfish, materialistic, proud, unthankful, unloving and brutal (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The world we see around us today is angry and increasingly violent, which only engenders more suffering and hurt. What the world needs now—as a song title goes—is love! Love is an unselfish, outgoing concern for others. Real love does not envy or hate, but is patient, forgiving, kind and caring (see 1 Corinthians 13). This kind of love is one of the fruits of God's Holy Spirit that promotes peace of mind and peace between human beings (Galatians 5:22-23). Christians today who learn how to exercise this kind of Godly love will be used by God in the coming Kingdom of God to show others the benefits that come from learning how to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). The Scriptures remind us that "the whole creation" is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the sons and daughters of God, "who have the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Romans 8:19-24; 2 Corinthians 6:18). They will rule with Jesus Christ and show the world how loving our neighbor as ourselves will finally bring real peace to this troubled world (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Isaiah 9:6-7).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—June 15, 2017
Terror in London and Melbourne: Last week, another terrorist attack hit London. Three terrorists hit multiple targets, killing eight people and injuring 29 others (10 are in critical condition), as they used a van and knives to terrorize Londoners (BBC, June 12, 2017; The Guardian, June 7, 2017). ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, which took place in very public locations and resulted in the police killing three of the attackers. Also, last week in Melbourne, Australia, "Police shot dead the gunman, Yacqub Khayre, who they said had a long criminal history, on Monday after he killed a man in the foyer of an apartment block in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, and held a woman hostage inside" (Reuters, June 6, 2017). ISIS also claimed responsibility for this event. Terrorist attacks in large cities are becoming more commonplace, and many wonder why. However, Bible prophecies have long foretold this would happen as a result of the moral decay in the Israelite-descended nations. Thousands of years ago, God warned Israel that, "if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant... I will even appoint terror over you" (Leviticus 26:15-16). Bible prophecies also state that obedience to the laws of God will bring peace and safety (Leviticus 26:3-13). This is why God exhorted both ancient and end-time Israelite nations, "Return to Me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7). To learn how people return to God and avoid the curses of rejecting Him, read or listen to "Must We Obey God To Be Saved?"
Millions Are Starving! Many have heard about the hundreds of thousands starving in South Sudan, the world's youngest country. But few realize how this severe famine is impacting surrounding nations. According to a Vox report published on June 1, 2017, "South Sudan isn't the only country in the region facing mass starvation. A potentially historic famine is also threatening Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen. Far from Western eyes and far from the headlines, an estimated 20 million people in those four countries are at risk of dying due to a lack of food. The UN has already officially declared a full-fledged famine in parts of South Sudan and warned that the other three countries will suffer mass death from food and water shortages if 'prompt and sustained humanitarian intervention' doesn't happen soon." The report suggests that this famine is not due to drought, but rather, ongoing wars in the region. This tragic state of affairs should concern anyone who has a heart. It also provides insight into how end-time prophecies will soon take place. The book of Revelation reveals that prior to Christ's return, wars will lead to famine, starvation, and disease around the globe and will contribute to the deaths of one-quarter of mankind (Revelation 6:1-8)! Although the immediate future of humanity will be dire for a time, a better world will follow, ushered in by Jesus Christ Himself. For more about the real future of humanity and insight into the mysterious book of Revelation, read or listen to our informative booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!
More Threats from North Korea: Last week, The Guardian reported that North Korea "fired a volley of what appeared to be land-to-ship missiles, hours after a senior U.S. official said the regime's recent advances in missile technology were causing 'great concern' in Washington… They flew an estimated 200km and were intended to demonstrate the North's ability to target a large enemy warship, the South Korean military said" (June 7, 2017). The missiles landed in the Sea of Japan in an area that two U.S. aircraft carriers visited earlier in the week. This was the fourth missile launch by North Korea in a month. The same article highlights that at the end of May, North Korea launched a mid-range missile that landed in Japan's maritime economic zone. These displays of militaristic activity by North Korea have raised concerns in surrounding nations. This rogue nation seems to have no qualms about pushing its neighbors toward war. Ancient Bible prophecies foresaw such a time. Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ warned about events at the end of the age: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6). As we approach the end of the age, we will see increasing "rumors of wars" as the threat of military action spreads around the world. The situation with North Korea is only one of many more hostile situations to come. To learn more about future global confrontations, read or listen to "Coming End-Time Conflicts."—Scott Winnail, Chris Sookdeo, and Francine Prater