Greetings from Charlotte,
On a sad note, we received notice that Mr. Dale Bailey, an elder in the Big Sandy, Texas, congregation, died this week at the age of 88. Mr. Bailey was a longtime member, having been baptized in 1968, and he worked for many years for the Church and Ambassador College. Brush fires have ravaged large parts of Spain and France, causing as many as 300,000 people to evacuate their homes. The wars in the Middle East and Europe are being drawn together, with Ukraine destroying boats in the Caspian Sea carrying weapons between Iran and Russia. On this subject, the April-May 2023 Tomorrow’s World magazine featured an article titled “Sleepwalking Into World War III.” You may want to review that article, which quoted several sources claiming that WWIII had already begun. This is not to say that we are on the brink of the Great Tribulation—these things sometimes have long lead-ups—but Joel’s prophecy of turning plowshares into swords is taking place before our eyes. We are living in interesting times, to say the least.
—Gerald E. Weston
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week, we held six initial presentations and one follow-up presentation. These events drew a total of 73 guests. This week we will hold the following events:
- St. Paul, Alberta, Canada – Follow-up presentation
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – Follow-up presentation
- Crossville, Tennessee – Initial presentation
- Morriston, Tennessee – Initial presentation
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Follow-up presentation
- Norfolk, Virginia – Follow-up presentation
- Borehamwood, England, United Kingdom – Follow-up presentation
- Appleton, Wisconsin – Follow-up presentation
- Raleigh, North Carolina – Follow-up presentation
Living Youth Program
West Virginia Preteen Camp
Greetings from 132 enthusiastic attendees at our 2026 West Virginia Preteen Camp. We have 54 campers, 9 mini-campers, 21 teen staff, and 48 adult staff participating this year. Our camp theme for this year is godly relationships, with Christian Living classes covering “Our Relationship with God,” “Our Relationship with Others,” and “Our Relationship with Rules.” Campers have enjoyed canoeing, archery, and many other exciting classes. We’re thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow together.
Comments
Are You Teachable? One of the most important qualities that God is looking for in Christians and future leaders in the Kingdom of God is teachability—the desire and willingness to listen, learn, and be molded by God. Abraham was teachable and responsive to God’s instructions (Genesis 12:1–4). Moses was a very capable leader, yet he was also humble and teachable (Numbers 12:3). David’s attitude is evident in his multiple requests for God to “teach me Your statutes” (Psalm 119:12, 26, 33). Solomon recognized his own human inadequacies when he asked God for the wisdom that he needed to rule God’s people wisely (1 Kings 3:9). When Jesus said the meek and poor in spirit will be blessed, He was referring to their teachability and their willingness to learn and grow in knowledge of God’s ways (Matthew 5:3–5). We have been called to reign with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God—and being teachable is one of the keys to attaining that reward.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy
Screen Time Is Endangering Children: A recent study from the United Kingdom highlights the dangers of screen time for children age two and under (The Guardian, June 27, 2026). The research, conducted by four UK universities, is “the most comprehensive review yet of all available global research on the subject.” The findings call for stricter guidelines for parents of children under age five. Current government recommendations are that parents completely avoid allowing their babies the use of screens in order to protect their health, aside from meaningful family time that could include a digital device. The research highlights health risks when babies use such screens, including “reduced opportunities to bond with parents and caregivers, less time for physical play with other children and limited language development.” There is now evidence that even babies “are turning to digital devices for comfort and soothing, rather than to a parent.”
And babies aren’t the only ones at risk. Growing evidence shows that screen time among older children and adolescents “can be associated with worse sleep, decreased functioning in school, less physical activity and weakened in-person relationships” (CNN, May 20, 2026). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “While screen use can have some benefits, the evidence of a range of risks to children’s overall mental and physical health is mounting.”
Many parents use screens to pacify their children so that they can focus elsewhere. However, parenting is a full-time job, requiring dedication, focus, and intentionality. In a world where Satan is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), parents must remember that relying on an electronic device to babysit a child may be inviting Satan to participate in raising that child. The Bible contains powerful principles that can be applied to help raise children effectively. If you want to learn more about this vital subject, read or listen to Successful Parenting: God’s Way.
Optimism and Heart Attack Prevention: Recent studies are showing that a positive outlook, or optimism, actually improves heart health (The Washington Post, May 14, 2026). Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reviewed 18 randomized, controlled studies. These trials looked at the impact of optimism training on cardiovascular health.
Participants were taught to focus on the positive and not the negative aspects of life. Study results consistently showed that those who were optimistic were able to lower their blood pressure and inflammatory markers in their blood—markers that indicate a risk for heart attack and stroke. As another researcher observed, “When people persistently experience stress, emotional strain or pessimism, the body responds…. Stress hormones surge, insulin resistance can rise, and inflammation increases…. The opposite appears to be true as well—that optimism may help dial down the same negative biological responses.”
Many biblical principles highlight the importance of focusing on the positive rather than the negative. Jesus taught us not to worry over what might or might not happen. Instead, we should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [food, clothing, shelter, etc.] shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Being thankful is another way to improve our optimism—focusing our minds on our blessings and on the God who gives all blessings (James 1:17). To learn more about how to be optimistic, read our commentary “Four Ways to Be More Thankful.” —Scott Winnail, Chris Sookdeo, and Francine Prater