Weekly Update

January 15th, 2026

Greetings from Charlotte,

Many of you know that Friday, January 16, is the 40th anniversary of the death of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. The impact he had on the modern Work of God is immense. God could have called someone else, but Mr. Armstrong was the one He chose to bring about a significant revival of the truth at the end of this age. Mr. Armstrong sincerely stated on numerous occasions that God could have used someone smarter than him, but for God’s own reasons he was chosen. We must not worship the man or merchandise his name, as others seem to do, but neither must we neglect to give honor to whom honor is due. I plan to put into perspective the last 100 years of Church history and its significance during the sermon on the fast day at the end of this month. As announced earlier, I have called for a voluntary fast by members of the Living Church of God for the Sabbath of January 31. For those who have long-term plans locked in, such as Tomorrow’s World Presentations that day, it would probably be best to fast a day earlier or later, or even a week earlier or later. We are living in momentous times and some of our brethren are going through serious trials, such as those in Myanmar, Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela, Haiti, and elsewhere. Many others are going through personal trials, including sickness. This is not a commanded fast as is the Day of Atonement, but God hears the prayers of His people when we seek Him earnestly. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your local minister.

—Gerald E. Weston

Church Administration

Tomorrow’s World Presentations

Last week, we held two initial presentations in Winchester and Fredericksburg, Virginia; two follow-up presentations in Oklahoma City and Lawton, Oklahoma; and two online presentations to French subscribers. These events drew a total of 21 in-person guests (the data for the online presentations is not available). This week, Mr. Rod McNair will travel to Arizona, where he will give initial presentations in Prescott and Phoenix. We will also hold follow-up presentations in Winchester and Fredericksburg, as well as the start of a presentation series in Panama City Beach, Florida. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.

Joplin, Missouri, Family Weekend – February 13–15

You are invited to join us for the Joplin Family Weekend, February 13–15! Friday evening will begin with a meet-and-greet activity, followed by a Q&A session. The Sabbath will feature a morning Bible Study, a taco-bar lunch, and then services. Saturday evening, get dolled up for a 1920s-mystery-themed dinner dance—it’s sure to be a fun and memorable night! Sunday will start with a pancake breakfast, followed by a seminar and then a game of “The Price Is Right.” We ask that everyone—local and traveling—please register so we can plan accurately for meals and events. Registration is available at LCGJoplin.org. The cost is $20 per person or $50 per family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Men’s Training Camp Weekends – Last Call!

Two Men’s Training Camps will be held on Presidents Day Weekend: one in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (February 13–15) and another in Bloomingdale, New Jersey (February 13–16). Registration is open for both and will close on January 25, so don’t delay! We’re looking forward to productive weekends as we focus on how to confront a toxic world with godly masculinity. To register, use the following links:

Merril, Wisconsin, Family Weekend – Repeat Announcement

The Merrill, Wisconsin, congregation will be hosting a family weekend from February 13–15. There will be a Friday night Bible Study, Sabbath services, sleigh rides, and family games. Contact Mr. Mark Sandor for more information at [email protected].

Feast of Tabernacles

2026 Feast of Tabernacles Registration Begins Sunday, April 26

General Feast of Tabernacles site registration is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, April 26. Please do not make housing reservations at this time. Even if you plan on attending your assigned site, housing reservations should not be made until you receive approval of your Festival registration after registering on April 26. This list is for informational purposes only. This year’s United States Feast sites and coordinators are as follows:

Below is a list of currently confirmed international sites that are accepting international transfers. More may be announced at a later date:

Volunteer Translators Needed for Quebec City Feast Site – Repeat Announcement

We are making an appeal for experienced translators who would like to volunteer at the Feast site in Quebec City this year. This site is bilingual, and any experienced translators who can provide simultaneous translation from English to French and from French to English would be most welcome. Translators need to have experience in simultaneously translating from one language to another and be members of the Living Church of God. If you would like to discover a new Feast site in a beautiful and historic city and serve in this capacity at the Feast, please contact Mr. Marc Arseneault ([email protected]).

Living Youth Program

Living Youth Camps 2026

This Sunday, January 18, all five of this summer’s Living Youth Camps will be open for registration. The Texas Teen Camp will begin July 7 and run through July 20, and we are now accepting applications for both staff and campers. We’ve also begun posting information about camp on the Living Youth webpage, so head over to https://livingyouth.org for updates. The Missouri Preteen Camp will begin June 28 and run through July 3, and its activities are planned to include daily Christian Living classes, Dance, Disc Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, and more. The West Virginia Preteen Camp will run from July 26 through July 31, and its activities are planned to include daily Christian Living classes, Archery, Kickball, Canoeing, Arts and Crafts, and more. For more information on any of these camps or to begin registration, please visit https://camp.livingyouth.org. Information on the Texas Preteen Camp and the Adventure Camp is also available at that website. We look forward to seeing you at camp!

Comments

Remember Those Who Have Gone Before: As Mr. Weston mentions in his introductory comments, January 16 is the 40th anniversary of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s death. I was 16 years old when he died, and I remember the profound effect he had on me—I was particularly moved as I read his clear and easily understood booklets Why Were You Born? andThe Seven Laws of Success. Along with so many other works he wrote and messages he gave, they helped me immensely as a young person wrestling with the big questions of life. Sometimes I’m amazed when I stop to think about the impact that the sacrifices of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have had on all of us in this Work. They and so many others who supported them blazed a trail of faith and love for the truth we have the privilege of following. Jesus told His disciples, “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors” (John 4:38). How apt a description for the Work we are doing today. Let us never forget those who have gone before.

Have a peaceful Sabbath,

Rod McNair

News and Prophecy

Iran’s Growing Chaos and Carnage: Iran’s policies, compounded by international sanctions, are crippling the country and eroding the wealth of its people (The Telegraph, January 2, 2026). As inflation is exploding in Iran, its currency is also collapsing—in December, the annual inflation rate topped 42 percent, and food prices had increased by 72 percent. Meanwhile, the government is rationing both water and electrical power. Over the last 18 months, international sanctions, economic mismanagement by the government, and military humiliation by Israel have taken their toll—and conditions have moved the people to massive protests.

Early responses from the government seemed intended to calm the people and even to accept responsibility, but government reaction has since become violent. Though the Islamic Republic has attempted to cut all connections between protestors and the outside world, leaked reports and videos indicate that thousands of protestors have been killed, with evidence suggesting many have been executed at close range (New York Times, January 13, 2026). Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s aging Supreme Leader, is seldom seen. According to some reports, he and his family have planned to escape to Russia if necessary (Israel 365 News, January 8, 2026).

If Iran’s hardline clerics fall, how will that shift in power impact Saudi Arabia and Egypt? These two Arabic nations have been foes for ages, but they are united in their common hatred of Iran. What could happen if their common enemy becomes less of a threat? Bible prophecy foretells a strong military power in the Arab world, called by Daniel the King of the South. This prophesied confederacy of nations will struggle against the European King of the North, and the focal point of this struggle will be Jerusalem. You can understand what to watch for in this volatile region of the world by reading or listening to our insightful booklet The Middle East in Prophecy.

Human Waste as Farm Fertilizer: Treating and using human waste as fertilizer is a growing industry, and the policies of some governments allow it to be used to grow food for human consumption. Sixty percent of America’s “biosolids” are used to “fertilize agricultural land, public parks, golf courses, and home gardens” (Hydroviv, May 18, 2022), and “millions of tonnes of treated sewage sludge is spread on farmland” in the United Kingdom each year—amounting to about 87 percent of all UK sewage sludge (The Guardian, July 7, 2025). These fertilizers contain nitrogen and other elements that contribute to healthy crops—however, there is a darker side to consider.

If improperly treated, biosolids contain high levels of bacteria and viruses. Treated or not, human waste fertilizers contain heavy metals like lead and mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified 726 chemicals in these human waste products (Hydroviv), including “forever chemicals” (The Guardian). Additional chemicals include “flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and toxic waste from homes and industry.” A professor at the James Hutton Institute observed, “We all put chemicals down the drain, take medicines—these end up in the sludge and on land, and can enter the food chain.” In several nations, laws for testing biosolids do not require testing for most modern chemicals, and these fertilizers are often given to farmers at little or no cost by sewage treatment facilities looking to offload their solid waste.

Long ago, God gave guidelines on how to treat human waste—take it outside the camp, away from the people, and bury it (Deuteronomy 23:12–13). The God who made the human body knew the risks of using human waste for agricultural purposes, yet man always seems to believe he has better ideas than His Creator. God promised the ancient Israelites that, if they would follow His laws, they would avoid the diseases that came on other nations (Exodus 15:26). His intent was for His laws to bless His people. When we reject God’s loving guidance, there are always profound problems. You can learn more about our Creator’s lovingly given health laws by reading or listening to Biblical Principles of Health. —Scott Winnail and Francine Prater