July 29, 2010
From The Presiding Evangelist
Your Prayers are NEEDED!
Dear Fellow Ministers and Brethren,
Our Father in heaven has given us a great deal more growth in the last year or two! We have given you the statistics on this—including a ten percent increase in our average Church attendance here in the United States! We are very grateful for this and thank God for it! Nevertheless, this brings up an obvious need for more co-workers, more members and more ministers to serve the increasing number of brethren and the greater needs of God’s Work overall. Jesus Christ Himself was “moved with compassion” when He saw multitudes all around Him who were confused and lacking true Christian leadership. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
So our living Head, Jesus Christ, has directly instructed His followers to pray about these very things. Each of us should deeply realize that, now, we really are near the end of an age. We must be absolutely committed to preaching the “Ezekiel Warning” to our peoples, to preach the Good News of Christ’s coming World Government and in preparing a “people for God!”
Therefore, I ask all of you faithful members of God’s Church to join with us here in Charlotte and literally “cry out” to God to provide more co-workers, more members and more ministers to serve the many newer members who are even now beginning to come with us from every direction! God Himself is granting us this growth—and God Himself wants every one of us to be concerned, to be involved and to be active members of the “team” Jesus Christ is using to finish the Work.
So please pray fervently about all these needs! Encourage each other to get involved and specifically pray for the other members and co-workers you may know personally. Ask God—over and over—to open new “doors” for us to reach out to this world while we have the opportunity. And beseech God to bring with us more ministers to serve these people. Most of our new ministry will come up through the ranks from our own membership in the Living Church of God. We are grateful that quite a number of men are already doing this. We encourage all who may be qualified to dedicate themselves to “growing” in every way through the Advanced Leadership Program, the Spokesman Club and other avenues of Christian training—certainly including taking courses from the Living University as God makes possible.
Also, quite a number of “new” ministers may come with us in years to come as various “splits” begin to occur in the other Church of God fellowships. This, in fact, has already happened! Many of you are well acquainted with the fact that our Regional Director for Britain, Europe and parts of Africa, Mr. Rod King, literally jumped “through the hoops” by being—first of all—a minister in Worldwide, later in United, later in David Hulme’s church and—feeling none of them were really “doing the Work”—finally came with us about eight years ago. We did not make him “wait for years” in order to get involved. Within a very few months he was preaching and serving God’s people in Australia. Later, he and his wife were willing to move to Great Britain to head the Work there—as I needed to bring Dr. Douglas Winnail back here to Charlotte to become Director of Church Administration worldwide. A number of other ministers have come to us from other groups—and still more are on the way. So we need to pray fervently that God will bring with us those whom He chooses—without in any way trying to “pressure” other ministers to come with us. Yet, if God guides them to come wholeheartedly—and they sincerely desire to be “part of the Work”—we should try to welcome them warmly and give them every help and encouragement in this transition to a new ministry in the Living Church of God.
All of us need to pray for one another and pray for these new brethren and ministers who may come, and to “reach out” through our loving concern and prayers to help them in every way. As we grow together as a “family” in Christ’s service, He will bless us, empower us and enlarge us a great deal in years to come. So let’s put our hearts in our prayers and do all we can to reach out to these people and to God to make all of this growth possible.
More than ever, God’s Spirit is moving things ahead in the Living Church of God. But we must become filled with zeal and a genuine passion for God as we ask for His extra help, His love and His faith that we may “be strong and carry out great exploits” as Christ leads the way (Daniel 11:32).
Church Administration
Greetings from Charlotte,
Thank you very much for your prayers! Last Saturday and Sunday, 81 visitors attended the two Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations held in Thomasville, Georgia and Lake City, Florida (see report below). It was very exciting to make the presentations and talk with visitors and brethren in these two locations—as well as make a number of visits on this trip. Mr. Rod McNair also had very positive visits last Sabbath with the congregations in Atlanta and Braselton, Georgia. This week, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings and preparing to tape a new Tomorrow’s World program. Mr. Charles Ogwyn reported that last Saturday, nearly 6,000 visitors contacted the Tomorrow’s World website, www.TomorrowsWorld.org, and Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that Mr. Ames’ television program last weekend entitled, “Heaven, Hell, and the Resurrection” drew more than 4,200 responses. Registration is still open for Living University classes that will begin on August 16 (see announcement below). On August 3, the Living Youth Teen Camp will begin for ten days in Pennsylvania. The first Living Youth Camp in the United Kingdom will begin this Sunday, August 1. Your prayers for good weather and a successful camp will be much appreciated. Please read the warning about Internet postings below (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
Thomasville and Lake City Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations
Mr. Joe Brown reports: What a wonderful Sabbath we had in Thomasville, Georgia! The 28 members and 30 guests were excited to hear Dr. Winnail’s informative presentation of “What’s Ahead for America?” On Sunday in Lake City, Florida, where about 22 people had pre-registered for the presentation, there were already new people waiting to get in when Dr. Winnail and I arrived more than an hour before the presentation was to begin. By the time the presentation began, a total of 51 visitors and 28 members were on hand to hear the TWSP. It was very encouraging to see that God does hear and answer our prayers. We really appreciate the help and support of Headquarters in making these TWSPs possible, as well as the opportunity to work together in these exciting programs.
Australasia Update
Mr. Bruce Tyler reports: The responses to the Tomorrow’s World program, especially in New Zealand, are doing quite well and Mr. Penman is really kept very busy with good growth. Here in Australia, the Community stations we are on are still in a transitional period from analogue to digital and, consequently, there has been a noticeable downturn in viewership. We pray this situation is only temporary and we will begin to see increased viewership very soon. Nevertheless, we continue to receive requests from individuals for more information and ministerial visits. On my recent visit to the Church in Papua New Guinea, I was accompanied by Mr. Graeme Hemphill, the Sydney Area Pastor. I’ve asked Mr Hemphill to help oversee Papua New Guinea and to assist Mr. Peter Devis who is our local minister in that country.
Warning About Internet Postings (Facebook, Twitter, etc)
We have previously warned that posting personal information (pictures, travel plans, home addresses phone numbers, etc.) on the Internet can lead to serious and unwanted consequences. Now, we have been informed that criminals are befriending people on the Internet and learning when people will be away from home, then burglarizing the homes. Be careful and use wisdom about what you disclose on the Internet—you have may no idea who may be reading what you post.
Living University
Fall Semester 2010 Registration
There are just two weeks left before the beginning of Living University’s Fall semester, and space is still available in most of our classes. This week we highlight two more courses being offered this semester. Take advantage of the opportunity to develop greater spiritual understanding by enrolling in one of the courses offered by LU this Fall. This week we are highlighting THL 460—Contemporary World Religions and THL 473—Archaeology and the Old Testament. For more information and to register for classes, visit us online at www.livinguniv.com or call Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-805-2292.
THL 460—Contemporary World Religions
At a time in Church history when God is calling people from diverse religious backgrounds and in a society abounding with religious “tolerance,” it is helpful to more clearly understand why and how true Christianity is unique from other world religions. This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. It also briefly reviews the neo-pagan and cultic phenomena in the contemporary world. Emphasis is on the historical development, key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices of other major world religions. Upon completion of the course, students should have a working knowledge of the similarities and differences between the world’s religions and how they differ from true Christianity.
THL 473—Archaeology and the Old Testament
This course deals with the archaeology of the Bible Lands from the fourth millennium before Christ through the Intertestamental Period. Topics addressed include patriarchal Palestine, Joseph and Moses in Egypt, the reigns of David and Solomon, the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the exile to Assyria and Babylon, and the intertestamental period—the time between the writing of the books of Malachi and Matthew. Student learning will focus on understanding the social, political and religious background of the biblical world and how this helps illuminate the books of the Old Testament.
Living Youth Camp
Teen Camp 2010—Pennsylvania
Living Youth Camp at Raccoon Creek State Park is right around the corner, with staff orientation on Sunday, August 1, and camp beginning on Tuesday, August 3. Some have asked if we have an address to use for sending letters or care packages to camp. Please use the following address: Name of Camper (or Staff member), Living Church of God, c/o Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 State Route 18, Hookstown, PA 15050-9416.
Teen Camp—United Kingdom
The inaugural Living Youth Summer Camp for the U.K. and Europe gets under way this Sunday, August 1, and will run for one week. We are starting with a modest number of six boys and six girls. It will be held at the United Kingdom Regional Office in Boughton, Northamptonshire. We plan to find a larger site next year so we will be able to invite more of our young people. For our first camp, Mr. Rees Ellis will be Camp Director with the assistance of Mr. John Meakin who has more than 30 years of summer camp experience in the United Kingdom. Mr. Stafford will also assist with an orienteering type activity as well as some career guidance. Mrs. Ellis will use her expertise in nature watching so the campers can be more aware of the animals and birds in Britain. The boys’ counselor will be Jamie Meakin and the girls will be led by Carolyn Vahgi.
Feast of Tabernacles 2010
Blessing of the Little Children
As is our tradition, we will again be having the blessing of the little children this year during the Feast of Tabernacles. This is following the example of Jesus Christ who, when little children were brought to Him, took them up in His arms and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16). If you have little children who have not yet been blessed and will be taking part, please contact the coordinator of the site where you will be attending to inform him and to find out on which day of the Feast the blessing will take place. This will give the coordinator an idea of how many will be taking part in this meaningful observance at his Feast site. If you have any questions about the blessing of the little children, please contact your local pastor.
Sabbath after the Feast
With the Feast ending on a Thursday this year (September 30), some have inquired about whether there will be Sabbath services on October 2 at/near the Feast site where they will be attending. Our coordinators are attempting to contact all of the registered brethren at their site to find out who might be interested in staying over for the Sabbath. If you are interested in staying over and observing the Sabbath of October 2 at/near your Feast site, please contact your coordinator right away. He may be able to make plans to have Sabbath services on October 2, if there is enough interest. If you don’t know who the coordinator is for your site, check the MyLCG website (www.cogl.org) under your site’s write-up.
Anchorage, Alaska
The Feast in Alaska this year is shaping up to be a good one. An important e-mail was sent last week to all members registered for the Feast in Alaska, but apparently some people are still not receiving e-mails from the Alaska coordinator. Please go to the www.fotalaska.com website to read the new information. All of the details on activities are now posted, as well as a form you will need to fill out and send in with your payment. There is also some important information posted regarding housing.
Llangollen, Wales, United Kingdom
Music and Entertainment: We need urgently to know the names of all those who wish to contribute to special music at the Feast of Tabernacles in Llangollen, those who would like to assist with piano accompaniment during services, and those who would like to sing in either the main choir or the children’s choir. All these areas will be supervised once more by V.G. Larde from France (vg@vglarde.net). Please communicate directly with V.G. Larde and/or John Meakin (jmeakin@lcg.org) as soon as possible, if you can serve in these areas. We are also planning a Family Entertainment Evening later in the Feast under the supervision of Steve Bode (sbode@kc.rr.com). If anyone has items of entertainment that could be performed on that evening, please inform Steve and we will audition those items in the first part of the Feast.
Comments
The Value of Education: Over the years, some have concluded that worldly education is of little value to true Christians. Since Satan is the god of this world, and Christians are to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4; 6:14-18), some have assumed that getting an education in this world is ungodly and/or a waste of time. Such ideas overlook the fact that God used individuals in powerful ways who were schooled in this world. Moses was raised as a prince in Egypt and was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Solomon was knowledgeable in many areas—including botany, zoology and human relations—and he collected wise sayings in the book of Proverbs (1 Kings 4:32-34). Daniel was one of a group of intelligent young Jewish captives who were educated in Babylon before they were used by God (Daniel 1:3-4). Paul studied at the feet of Gamaliel, the leading rabbi of his day, before being used by God to write 14 books in the New Testament. Numerous studies show that more education can result in higher incomes that can enable Christians to provide better for their families. Christians who understand the Truth of God and the Plan of God should take advantage of opportunities to gain an education that will help them prepare to serve others in the coming Kingdom of God. This is one of the reasons why the Living Church of God has developed Living University—to help God’s people prepare for the future!
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—July 29, 2010
Leaders Exploit People they Claim to Serve. Recently, many community leaders of Bell, a small city southwest of Los Angeles, resigned due to press coverage that exposed their highly inflated salaries. Bell’s City Manager made nearly $800,000 last year—almost twice the salary of President Barack Obama. The police chief made more than $450,000—50% more than the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. City council members working only part-time earned an annual salary in excess of $100,000. Yet, last week, the town’s mayor defended the salaries as being “in line with similar positions” in other communities. Town residents were understandably outraged, knowing their high taxes are used to support the extravagant salaries of so-called “public servants” (Associated Press, July 27, 2010). The prophecies of Ezekiel 34 primarily refer to corrupt religious leaders, but those same prophecies accurately describe the activities of many civic leaders today. While the above article refers to a situation near Los Angeles, the same scenario is played out by leaders all around the globe. Ezekiel was told, “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock… with force and cruelty you have ruled them’” (Ezekiel 34:2-4). God foresaw that the end of the age would bring with it rampant greed and a focus on self. Today, people are lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). God speed the day when people will rejoice because of their righteous leaders (Proverbs 29:2).
Iran’s Nuclear Potential. Shahram Amiri, the U.S.’s nuclear scientist contact from Iran, voluntarily returned to Iran last week to a hero’s welcome. This action prompted the U.S. government to determine that their “inside source” for Iranian nuclear information was really an Iranian spy and double agent. One “Iranian official called him a clever spy who had managed to infiltrate U.S. intelligence and deceive them for years.” Now, most of the data reported by Mr. Amiri is considered invalid. As a result, a high ranking U.S. intelligence official commented that “if we woke up one morning to find the Iranians had conducted an underground nuclear test” we should not be surprised. He also commented that Iran is “a lot” further along in its nuclear development than first thought. Iran is now forecasted to have “nuclear test capability” by the end of 2010, as opposed to one or more years from now (DEBKA, July 19, 2010). Although a nuclear-armed Iran appears very worrisome on the surface, God’s word reveals that Assyria/Germany (not Iran) will be the rod of God’s anger and the staff of His indignation (Isaiah 10:5-7). Germany will lead a charge of European “beast” kingdoms and eventually occupy Jerusalem along with a great mother church. While Iran is currently in the “mix” of Middle-Eastern nations, it will most likely not lead the final king of the South nations. For more information on this topic, see our booklet The Middle East in Prophecy.
Vatican Reaches Out to Europe. The last few decades have seen double-digit growth in the number of Catholics around the globe, while mass attendance numbers in Europe have plummeted. Now, the Vatican has created the Pontifical Council for Evangelization to focus its recruitment efforts in Europe. “The pope is motivated by a deep concern that Europe’s spiritual foundation is slipping away, taking with it the continent’s future, both earthly and eternal.” The pope realizes that the future unification of European nations cannot happen outside of the “faith.” So, the current pope is holding true to the aims of his predecessor, helping regain “the Christian [Catholic] roots of Europe and its Christian [Catholic] soul” (ForeignPolicy.com, July 27, 2010). Bible prophecy makes clear that religion will be the glue that binds the final ten “iron and clay” kingdoms of the Beast power (Daniel 2:40-45; Revelation 17). Is it any coincidence that the Vatican is pushing hard to reignite the Catholic faith in Europe at this vital point in prophecy? We should look for the Vatican—the Pope and the Catholic Church—to play an increasing role in European politics in the future.—Scott Winnail and Annette Wright
COGwriter 2010