Greetings from Charlotte
The United States mid-term elections are over in most places, and the Republican Party of Mr. Donald Trump has been defeated in both the House and Senate chambers. Some of the newly elected individuals are Democratic Socialists who have professed a desire to totally transform the Constitutional government structure, expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court to pack it with their ideologues, defund the police, promote transgender ideologies, and open the borders. These ideas are contrary to what the average American thinks, and the ability of these newly elected officials to affect these changes is not yet clear. Many of them are also radically anti-Israel and anti-Semitic—a troubling sign. Again, the actual effect they may have in governing the nation remains to be seen, but something to watch.
The Council of Elders is scheduled to meet this coming week for three days of meetings. Please pray for their safe travels and that these meetings will be profitable. —Gerald E. Weston
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week, the initial presentation in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada drew six guests. With only 263 invited subscribers, this is an encouraging turnout. The follow-up presentation in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada drew three visitors. This week, we will have initial presentations in Kitchener/Gulph, Ontario, and Springfield, Illinois, as well as a follow-up presentation in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.
Kansas City Winter Family Weekend 2026 – December 31–January 3
We hope you’ll make plans to join us for the KC Winter Family Weekend! The weekend begins Thursday, December 31, at 4:00 p.m. with a meet and greet and continues Friday with gym activities during the day and a 7:00 p.m. Bible study. The Sabbath will start with morning seminars, continue with services at 2:00 p.m., and be followed by a dinner and dance. On Sunday, join us for a “Day at Camp” with hands-on activities, fellowship, and food for all! For more details and to register, go to www.kclcg.org/2026kcweekend.
Charlotte Family Weekend – December 24–December 27
The Charlotte congregation is excited to invite you to join us Thursday, December 24, through Sunday, December 27, for the Charlotte Family Weekend! Enjoy a weekend of fellowship, learning, and discovery for all ages, featuring a “Creation movie” night, inspiring seminars, our new Seven Days of Creation Experience, a bake and craft sale, a dinner dance, and games for everyone. We look forward to spending the weekend together! View additional information and register at http://cogl.org/mylcg.php.
Living Education
Applications for 2027–28
In the next few weeks, we’ll begin to accept applications for the 2027–28 Living Education-Charlotte program. This year, we surpassed 100 students who have been part of our program—and we’re looking forward to adding to that number next year! Living Education-Charotte is an intensive, nine-month program focused on building a godly foundation for life. The program is ideal for young people who are just graduating from high school and who wish to have a solid foundation as they move into adulthood. For young adults who are currently in college and have the flexibility to take a “gap year,” taking the time to focus on a study of the Bible can strengthen your resolve to faithfully continue to follow God. We accept students from age 18 to 30. Watch for the application page to open soon. For more information, go to lcgeducation.org.
Living Youth Program
Texas Teen Camp
The LYP Texas Teen Camp is scheduled for July 6 through July 19, with staff arrival on July 4 and camper arrival on July 6. The pre-teen camp in Texas will be from July 19 through July 23. We’ll begin accepting applications for both programs in early January.
Comments
The Value of Wisdom
Solomon wrote that one of the most important goals in life is to gain wisdom and that the value of wisdom is greater than rubies or gold (Proverbs 4:7; 8:11; 16:16). He wrote the book of Proverbs to help others gain wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–6), and he stated that the key to gaining wisdom is a proper fear of God and obedience to God’s instructions (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Wisdom helps us discern between right and wrong and leads to a longer and happier life (Proverbs 2:10–17; 3:13–18). As Jesus grew up, He followed His heavenly Father’s instructions and thereby “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). The Apostle James urges us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), and the Apostle Paul records that the study of Scripture will “make you wise” (2 Timothy 3:14–17). Let’s follow these instructions so we can develop the vital quality of wisdom and become more useful instruments in God’s hands. —Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy
Are British Schools Safe for Children?
“Close to five sexual crimes against children aged 12 and younger were recorded on average by police every day in primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, according to Guardian analysis of police data for 2021-25. The figures include reports of almost 2,000 rapes and attempted rapes, which is equivalent to an average of one allegation of rape at a school received by the police every single day” (The Guardian, October 4, 2026). Most of these crimes are likely to have been committed by “fellow pupils” and “occurred on school premises or nearby”—and the true figure of abuse is likely “significantly higher” than reports reveal.
As one expert observed, “The proliferation of violent pornography and the increasing harms young people are exposed to online are creating challenges that are incredibly difficult for teachers to keep pace with.” While schools should be a safe environment, this new data shows that children—especially girls—are at risk of sexual abuse from peers while in attendance. Becky Riggs of the National Police Chiefs’ Council observed, “Tackling child sexual abuse requires a whole-system response, with policing, education, social care, health services, technology companies and communities working together to prevent harm, protect children and hold offenders to account.”
Today’s children are in dire need of peace and safety. Thankfully, the Bible foretells a time after Christ’s return when children will finally experience peace (Isaiah 54:13), even while playing in the streets (Zechariah 8:4–5). To learn more about this future time of safety for children and all humanity, read or listen to The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?
Is Cancer Everywhere?
“This year’s WHO global status report on cancer found ‘persistent and widening’ inequities in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care” (The Guardian, July 8, 2026), and the World Health Organization warns that cancer “will touch 92% of people, either through their own diagnosis or that of a close family member.” More than twenty million people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and estimates suggest that number will reach about 35 million by 2050.
While “the average age for men and women with cancer is around 69,” cancer is now attacking more young people than it once did (Deutsche Welle, August 3, 2026). For example, “the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has reported a sharp increase in gastrointestinal cancer cases for patients between the ages of 20 and 39.” Bone marrow and uterine cancers are also occurring more frequently in young people. And “in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and the US, people born in the 1990s face at least fourfold higher risk of early-onset colorectal cancer compared with those in the 1960s.”
Researchers believe this may be because young people are aging at a faster rate than they used to. Suggested reasons for this include being exposed to obesity earlier in life and for a longer period of time, greater physical inactivity, and poor sleep quality due to extended periods of time in front of a screen. It appears that a growing number of factors in our modern societies contribute to cancer.
Long ago, God told the ancient Israelites that if they would obey Him and His laws He would “put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). Although the Ten Commandments may appear vague and broad to some, the statutes that flesh out these commandments are very specific and include many healthful principles. In fact, the Bible is full of laws, statutes, directives, and examples that God provides in order to protect and enhance physical health—information that our “enlightened” societies have discarded as antiquated. To learn more about the powerful health principles in the Bible, read or listen to Biblical Principles of Health. —Scott Winnail and Francine Prater