Greetings from Charlotte,
Mr. Rod McNair recorded a telecast on Wednesday, titled “You Can Survive the Coming Crash,” and he offered God’s People Tithe. This booklet is one of our least-requested resources—one that we rarely advertise—but tithing is a law of God. It is no trivial matter to Him, as He says it is robbery to withhold tithes and offerings from Him (Malachi 3:6–15). While we don’t want our audience to think we are charging for our material—which we are not—or begging for money—which we are not—the financial mess many people and nations find themselves in is a direct result of disobeying God in how money and resources are used. Tithing is part of “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). All of us here in Charlotte wish all of you, wherever you are in the world, a profitable, joyous, and exciting Holy Day season.
—Gerald E. Weston
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week, we held one initial presentation in Port Villa, Vanuatu, and follow-up presentations in New Castle, Delaware and Salisbury, Maryland, drawing a total of 28 guests. Due to the Holy Days, we do not have any presentations scheduled for the next couple of weeks. Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.
Midwest Men’s Training Camp (Repeat Announcement)
There will be a Midwest Men’s Training Camp at Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, Oklahoma, May 2–4. Men from outside the Midwest are also welcome. The deadline to register is April 15. Mr. Jonathan McNair will lead the program. The cost of this weekend is $80.00, which includes food and accommodations. For more information and to register, please email Gene Hilgenberg at [email protected].
Feast of Pentecost in El Salvador (Repeat Announcement)
This year, we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador, for the Church congregations in Central America and members from other countries who wish to attend. We will have simultaneous translation into English and Spanish.
Lodging and Sabbath services will be at the Mirador Plaza Hotel in Colonia Escalón in San Salvador. For inquiries, reservations, and payments, please contact Mrs. Maeve Stephanie Avilés at +503 7044 0949 or at [email protected].
Comments
Satan’s Subtle Devices: The Days of Unleavened Bread provide us with an opportunity to examine the motives in our own heart (1 Corinthians 11:29–32). Are we motivated by God’s Spirit or by the attitudes of Satan’s world? After years in the Church, we can still be snared by Satan’s devices if we are not on guard (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11). Satan can beam thoughts into our minds to doubt, criticize, complain, or accuse other members of the body of Christ, which causes division in the Church (Ephesians 2:2; see 1 Corinthians 1:10–13). The Apostle Peter warned that we must recognize and resist these destructive devices (1 Peter 5:8–9). If we use time during the Days of Unleavened Bread to focus on reviewing and exercising the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25), we can avoid being snared by the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21).
Have a profitable Sabbath and Holy Day season,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy – April 10, 2025
Europe Prepares Citizens for War: In newly released guidelines, the EU Commission has warned citizens to begin amassing food and water to last for at least three days (CNN, March 26, 2025). The 18-page document aims to help EU citizens shift their mindset to one of resilience and preparedness and cites the war in Ukraine, the 2020 pandemic, and supply-chain shortages as examples of large-scale crises. While the publication and related pronouncements talk of general “disaster readiness,” leaders’ actions show a very particular focus: Europe should be ready for war.
Norway is reopening hidden underground military bases (BBC, March 30, 2025). Finland is preparing to exit the 1997 Ottawa Convention that prevents the use of landmines, spurred by growing concerns with Russia. In March, Poland and three other Baltic nations also announced their intention to leave the treaty (Politico, April 1, 2025). And France is planning to publish a document guiding the French public to prepare for “armed conflict, nuclear threats, and natural disasters” (NBC, March 20, 2025).
Although the world is rapidly changing, people in many nations go on with life as usual. However, for those living in Europe, the experiences of both World Wars are not far removed from today. Bible prophecy speaks of the growing military threat in Europe and the coming of a German-led “beast” power. Though the following commentary on Europe’s future was written in 2013, it is sobering and prescient in light of what is now happening in Europe: “Why Europe Matters.”
The Power of Breastfeeding: New research from Israel declares, “Children who are breastfed for longer periods of time during infancy experience fewer developmental delays and a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including disorders like autism and ADHD” (StudyFinds, March 24, 2025). In short, “breastfeeding babies for at least six months appears to boost their developmental outcomes.” The research, published in the peer-reviewed JAMA Network Open journal, looked at over 500,000 children, including almost 38,000 sibling pairs. It represents one of the largest studies on breastfeeding ever conducted.
According to the study, “Children exclusively breastfed for at least six months had 27% lower odds of developmental delays compared to those breastfed for shorter periods.” Importantly, children who received a combination of formula and breast milk still showed a 14% reduction in developmental delays. Children who breastfed had better language skills and better social development. They even had a small improvement in motor abilities. While multiple factors impact child development, breastfeeding continues to be one key element—even if it is only partial breastfeeding.
While scientists have created infant formula to be helpful, man-made formula yields none of the broad benefits that breastfeeding offers. Surprisingly, for all researchers have learned over the years, scientists still do not understand all the mechanisms that make breastfeeding so beneficial. Yet breastfeeding is clearly the mode of infant feeding that God designed—and when we follow the course of life that God designed, there are always inherent blessings. The benefits of breastfeeding are yet more evidence of a Divine Creator. To learn more, watch “Fingerprints of the Creator.” —Scott Winnail, Chris Sookdeo, and Francine Prater