Greetings from Charlotte,
The Council of Elders meetings have gone very well. The first day was devoted to reports from each of the Council members about what is happening in their areas of responsibility. These were encouraging, but also presented challenges we face in our ever-changing world. One point that was made by several of the men is the need to teach basics and exhort members to periodically review our literature. Reading a booklet once—perhaps more than a decade ago—is not sufficient to retain everything. We are becoming a world of viewers and scrollers rather than readers. Add to this the realization that more and more of the world’s media is put out by A.I.—as time goes by, it should be very clear that knowing what is real and what is not is becoming difficult. Books, also, can be filled with untruths, so the art of critical reading is important. Reading the Bible and our literature is a safeguard from being misled by this world’s avalanche of misinformation. However, we also discussed the need to reach people online, and this week’s meetings were partially devoted to discussing what we are currently doing and what we might do going forward.
—Gerald E. Weston
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week we held seven Tomorrow’s World Presentations: two online presentations, two “Presentation Series” events, two initial presentations, and one follow-up presentation. These events drew a total of 29 guests. This week, we will hold initial presentations in Wisconsin Dells and Merrill, Wisconsin; Plymouth, England, United Kingdom; and Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. We will also hold a follow-up presentation in York, Nebraska, and an online presentation for Canadian subscribers. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.
Comments
What is the Main Priority in Your Life? Many today have their primary focus on themselves and their friends, jobs, money, travel, success, and happiness. However, Jesus urged His disciples to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Most people today have no idea what this entails, yet the Bible reveals how to gain these rewards. The Apostle Paul instructs us to develop the mind, perspective, and character of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5–12) by studying and following His teachings and example recorded in the Scriptures (John 6:53–57). If we are teachable and seek to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4)—and make this the main priority in our life—there will be rewards in this life and for all eternity (Mark 10:28–30). What is the main priority in your life?
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy
Allies Forsaking America: Poland’s prime minister has joined the list of NATO leaders questioning whether the United States would honor its obligations if Russia were to attack a NATO member nation (Reuters, April 24, 2026). This all-too-real concern has Europe’s biggest military powers looking to bolster their militaries in the event America follows through on its threat to withdraw from the transatlantic military bloc. Reuters reported last year that officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Nordic countries are involved in “informal but structured discussions” that would change the foundation of NATO’s security bloc (March 20, 2025). The level of anxiety among European leaders and officials has only increased as President Donald Trump directs his anger at NATO allies for not aiding his military efforts against Iran.
President Trump’s verbal attacks on European nations for not joining his efforts in the Persian Gulf have served to unite them against him (Politico, April 1, 2026). One European diplomat recently observed that NATO was “paralyzed,” unable to even hold meetings for fear of provoking further ire from the White House. Citing another EU diplomat, Politico reports that “Trump has ‘destroyed’ the transatlantic relationship and ‘unified’ Europe in opposition to this war.” European nations are striving harder than ever to work together—but still struggling (CNN, May 3, 2026).
Few realize that Bible prophecies foretell America’s fraying alliances; the allies—or “lovers” in the biblical language—of Israelite-descended nations like the United States will come to “despise” them (Jeremiah 3:1; 4:30; Ezekiel 23:5, 9, 22) and find them “troublesome” (Deuteronomy 28:25, 37). This will happen because the Israelite nations have turned away from God, as you can read in “Your Allies Will Forsake You!” You can also learn more about what lies ahead for the United States by reading or listening to The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
Tattoos and Loss of Vision: Getting tattooed is a social trend that many feel compelled to join. However, in recent years more medical research has highlighted growing health risks associated with tattoos, including a relatively new condition known as “tattoo-associated uveitis” (The Conversation, March 15, 2026). Scientists now believe “inflammatory cells from a tattoo may breach the blood-ocular barrier, which is a wall-like structure designed to protect the inside of the eye.” Minor symptoms of the condition include “sudden pain, red eyes, and increased sensitivity to light.” However, in extreme cases, the condition is thought to “lead to glaucoma, which refers to several eye diseases caused by damage to the optic nerve, or scarring on your eye. Both complications can cause blindness if left untreated or if treatment is delayed.” A 2026 review study discovered that larger tattoos, especially those with black ink, seem to put recipients at greater risk for this eye disorder. While treatment for the condition is available, 75 percent of those receiving treatment experience temporary vision loss, and 17 percent experience permanent vision loss.
Inking is invasive to the body and involves injecting chemicals under the surface of the skin. As research progresses, the risks of this ancient practice are becoming more apparent. While society tells us that we can treat our bodies any way we please, the Bible tells us that our bodies belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19) and are made in His image (Genesis 1:26–27). The Bible’s clear instructions are very different from what today’s tattoo and body-modification culture would suggest. You can find more insight into God’s thoughts about tattoos by reading or listening to “Marks of Regret.” —Scott Winnail, Richard Franz, and Tony Leman