Greetings from Charlotte,
It’s a busy time with lots of Tomorrow’s World Presentations taking place and a number of activities going on. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Weston have headed for Joplin, Missouri, for the Family Weekend there as well as some personal time with family. Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson are joining the brethren in Merrill, Wisconsin, for their annual Winter Family Weekend. Up to 40 participants will be gathering for the Men’s Training Camp in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, with another 40 or so attending the one in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Wayne are attending the Religious Conference Management Association meetings this week, held in Lexington, Kentucky. This annual conference is helpful for Feast planning, as it allows us to make connections with representatives from potential Feast sites. And, next week, the National Religious Broadcasters Convention—which gathers religious broadcasters and media representatives—will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, attended by Mr. Wallace Smith, Mr. Adam West, and Mr. Mike DeSimone. Thank you for your prayers for these and all the activities in the Work!
—Rod McNair
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week, we held initial presentations in Braselton and Stockbridge, Georgia; two online presentations for French subscribers; and follow-up presentations in Columbia and Conway, South Carolina, and in Melbourne and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These events drew a total of 41 in-person guests. This week, we will hold follow-up events in Braselton and Stockbridge, Georgia. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast of Tabernacles in Costa Rica – Repeat Announcement
This year, we will again celebrate the Feast in Costa Rica in Punta Leona on the Pacific coast—and it is very important for us to know how many brethren wish to come to Costa Rica this year. The Feast in Costa Rica will be conducted primarily in English, but simultaneous translation will be provided as needed into both English and Spanish. If you are considering celebrating the Feast in Costa Rica, please send an email to [email protected], and we will reply with detailed information.
Feast of Tabernacles Congregation Assignments 2026 (USA Only) – Repeat Announcement
This year’s Feast of Tabernacles registration is tentatively scheduled for April 26. The Church has always encouraged us to serve at the Feast if we are able, and often the needs are greatest at our assigned sites. Therefore, before requesting to transfer, please talk to your pastor to find out whether you are needed locally. In your long-term plans, consider serving at your assigned site once every several years to help meet local needs. To find out where your local congregation is assigned, please consult the following list.
Boerne, Texas
Louisiana: Shreveport
Oklahoma: Lawton, Oklahoma City
Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Big Sandy, Dallas, Midland, Temple
Bradenton, Florida
Florida: Brooksville, Fort Lauderdale, Lakeland, Melbourne, Naples, St. Petersburg
Branson, Missouri
Arkansas: Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little Rock, Russellville
Kansas: Chanute, Wichita
Missouri: Columbia, Joplin, Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, St. Joseph
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Dubuque, Iowa
Iowa: Des Moines
Illinois: Chicago, Peoria, Springfield
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Missouri: St. Louis
North Dakota: Bismarck, Fargo
Nebraska: Lincoln, Omaha
South Dakota: Sioux Falls
Wisconsin: Appleton, Merrill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells
Fernandina, Florida
Florida: Jacksonville, Lake City, Ocala, Sanford, Tallahassee
Georgia: Columbus, Valdosta, Warner Robins
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Alabama: Birmingham, Dothan, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Florida: Pensacola
Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Monroe, New Orleans
Mississippi: Hattiesburg, Jackson, Ocean Springs
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Georgia: Atlanta South, Atlanta West, Augusta, Braselton, Savannah
North Carolina: Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, Raleigh
South Carolina: Columbia, Walterboro
Madison, Indiana
Indiana: Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, La Porte, Terre Haute
Kentucky: Berea, Louisville
Michigan: Flint, Kalamazoo, Traverse City
Ohio: Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus
West Virginia: Charleston
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Alabama: Huntsville
Georgia: Blue Ridge
North Carolina: Asheville, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Statesville, Sylva
South Carolina: Anderson, Gaffney
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Crossville, Etowah, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville
Virginia: Bristol, Wytheville
Poconos, Pennsylvania
Connecticut: Hartford
Massachusetts: Framingham
Maryland: Baltimore, Salisbury
Maine: Waterville
New Hampshire: Tilton
New Jersey: Hammonton, Rahway
New York: Albany, Binghamton, New York City, Plainview, Rochester, Syracuse
Pennsylvania: Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Tannersville
Rhode Island: Pawtucket
Virginia: Norfolk, Richmond, Winchester
West Virginia: Morgantown
San Diego, California
California: Arroyo Grande, Bay Area, Fresno, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego
Nevada: Las Vegas, Reno
South Padre Island, Texas
Texas: Baytown, Corpus Christi, Houston, Lufkin, San Antonio, San Marcos, the Valley
Spokane Valley, Washington
Alaska: Anchorage
Idaho: Boise
Montana: Great Falls, Helena
Oregon: Myrtle Creek, Portland
Washington: Bellevue, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, Tonasket
St. George, Utah
Arizona: Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Tucson
Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver, Grand Junction
New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Utah: Layton
Wyoming: Cheyenne, Rawlins
Puerto Rico
San Juan
Comments
Two Paths Through Life: King David wrote that we will be blessed if we ignore the advice and example of the ungodly and don’t hang out with sinners or scornful people. He also wrote that if we delight in and meditate regularly on God’s word, whatever we do will prosper and work out well (Psalm 1:1–3). By contrast, Moses warned that if we do not follow God’s commandments and instructions (Deuteronomy 28:14–15), then whatever we set our hands to do will turn out badly because of the wickedness of our ways (Deuteronomy 28:20; see also Proverbs 4:18–19). Let’s choose to walk in the right path that we find in the Scriptures so we can enjoy the fruits of God’s way.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy
A Powerful New European Alliance: Germany and France have had an on-again, off-again relationship for decades. Recently, that relationship has soured. Germany sees France as undermining “the landmark Mercosur trade deal with South America, which the Germans have long wanted in order to promote industrial exports. Germany is also considering pulling out of a €100 billion joint fighter-jet program over disputes with the French” (Politico, January 23, 2026). Germany is particularly bothered by the political instability in France (The Telegraph, February 2, 2026).
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is now looking to Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “In years past, Germany would traditionally have turned to France at decisive moments to map out blueprints for the EU, so it’s significant that Merz is now aligning with Meloni in his attempt to drive forward core European priorities on trade, industry and relations with the U.S” (Politico). Germany’s foreign minister noted that “Europe’s future, freedom and power” will depend on Germany’s relationship with Italy! Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Meloni have held meetings that included 21 high-level officials from the two nations, and a lawmaker from Meloni’s political party has observed, “It is clear that Meloni and Merz still probably have a long path ahead of them, during which they can work together.” Both world leaders have suggested changes to the structure of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” that would decrease his power and influence and increase their own (Politico, January 23, 2026).
What does this relationship look like in view of Bible prophecy? The Bible foretells a coming European “beast” power led by Germany and backed by the Roman Catholic Church—the “woman” who rides the beast (see Revelation 17). The growing relationship between Germany and Italy could lay important groundwork for this coming power. You can understand what to watch for in Europe’s future by reading or listening to The Beast of Revelation.
The New Fad: Divorce Rings! In many cultures, married couples wear wedding rings—an outward display of their commitment to each other. Now, in our brave new world where lawlessness abounds and the love of many grows cold (Matthew 24:12), some women are celebrating “freedom” from what they view as the shackles of marriage by wearing “divorce rings” (The Guardian, January 20, 2026). British Vogue magazine recently published an article on this new social statement, which is becoming not only a trend, but a booming market (January 16, 2026). “Divorce ring parties” are on the rise—occasions where divorced women come together to celebrate their freedom. As one woman declared, these parties make divorce “fun”! Another woman commented concerning her divorce ring, “It reminds me that I trusted myself when it mattered.”
Divorce is almost always a tragic event that leaves heartache, devastation, and emotional scars, often for generations. God notes that “it covers one’s garment with violence” (Malachi 2:16), saying plainly that He “hates divorce.” Yet modern societies now celebrate this tragic situation. The Eternal warned through the prophet Isaiah that both ancient Israel and the modern nations descended from it would “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Such is the case with “divorce rings.” This confusion and the attempt to celebrate the termination of a marriage cannot fundamentally remove the pain and suffering experienced by all who are touched by divorce. One day, though, divorce will no longer occur—nor will the pain and suffering associated with it! You can learn about how to build a strong and resilient marriage by reading or listening to God’s Plan for Happy Marriage. —Scott Winnail, Timothy Wilson, Francine Prater, and Chris Sookdeo