This has been a busy week preparing for the Feast registration which begins on Sunday, February 19, and also making arrangements for the Ministerial Conference, scheduled for the first week in May. Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. Mr. Ames has written a co-worker letter that is being mailed this week. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are also heading to Joplin, Missouri, for a Church weekend. Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that we have added a new TV station in Denver, Colorado (see below) and that last weekend’s Tomorrow’s World Program entitled “Can You Trust the Bible” by Mr. Ames, advertising the booklet The Bible: Fact or Fiction?, is expected to draw more than 4,400 responses. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Pyle, Mr. Rod King and Mr. Gerald Weston will be attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, this coming weekend. I will be traveling to Braselton and Atlanta, Georgia, for services and a Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation in Braselton on Sunday.—DSW

Church Administration

Passover 2012 (Repeat Announcement)

Important Notice to All Pastors: This year the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday evening, April 5. Let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Servicerecording. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, please let us know this information right away, for international congregations, and by March 2, for U.S. congregations.

Additionally, let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions to observe it at home. Please direct your requests to Dorothy McNair at the Church Administration Department by e-mail at dmcnair@lcg.org or by phone at 704-844-1960, ext. 2248, as soon as possible.

Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation

Columbus, Mississippi: On Sabbath, February 11, in Columbus, Mississippi, nineteen people attended the follow-up Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation given by Mr. Ed Breaux, entitled “Where Is God’s Church Today?” There were twelve members and seven guests present. Six of the guests had attended last week’s presentation; one was a first-time visitor. Two guests attended Sabbath services that morning. Five guests stated they would be back again.—Ed Breaux

Media

This week Dr. Meredith added a new TV station in Denver, Colorado—KCDO-TV, channel 3 (or 23 on some systems). KCDO-TV will begin broadcasting the Tomorrow’s World television program on Sunday, March 4, at 8:00 am. This station reaches 1.1 million TV households. This is the Church’s first commercial-grade TV station in Denver, and we hope everyone in the Denver area will earnestly pray for its success in reaching viewers and moving them to respond.—Wayne Pyle

Tomorrow’s World Hong Kong

2011 was truly an exciting year for the Work in Hong Kong. On June 4 the first program of Tomorrow’s World Hong Kong edition aired on HKTVB Pearl. A total of 2,351 responses came in over 31 weeks for an average response of 76 per program. The highest response totals to date have come from a two-part series on the Seven Laws of Success, with program 1 receiving 135 responses and the second installment receiving a record 161! With construction completed on a television studio at the Mississauga, Ontario, office, we have filmed 5 new programs, including a series on how the birthright blessings have impacted Hong Kong.

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, Mr. Gerald Weston, Mr. Jonathan Riley (Canadian Office Manager) and I were able to visit several publishers to explore the possibilities of having booklets printed containing both English and Chinese versions of the text. We were also able to meet with several contacts there and made progress toward setting up a registered charity and opening a bank account. Please pray that God will continue to lead us through this door and that we will be able to get physical copies of Church literature into the hands of viewers.—Mike Heykoop

New Radio Station in Colombia

God opened a door in Medellin for proclaiming the Gospel on the radio station Ondas de la Montaña AM 1350. We began broadcasting on Sabbath February 11 at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This station has a potential audience of 4.5 million people in the metro area of Medellin and nearby cities.—Armando Orrego

Feast of Tabernacles 2012

Festival Registration—This Sunday, February 19!

This is it! It’s time to register for the Feast of Tabernacles 2012! Festival Site Registration will begin on Sunday, February 19, at 12:00 noon (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). All brethren (U.S. and International) are asked to begin registering for their preferred Feast site at that time. To find a list of sites and descriptions, check out the new Feast of Tabernacles website (click on the “Feast of Tabernacles” link at www.lcg.org).

Please register! The more brethren who register right away, the better our coordinators can plan logistically for the Feast sites. You can always come back and change your site plans (re-register) at a later date if you change your mind.

If you will be registering for a site to which you are not assigned, please do not make housing reservations until your transfer request has been approved. Transfer approvals will be sent via e-mail. If you do not have Internet access or need help registering, please see your local congregation’s Festival Advisor! Festival Advisors have site information and registration forms.

At the same time as you register for site preference, you will also be able to sign up for volunteer service areas, including special music, chorale, etc.

Please note: You will not be able to sign up for activities until June 24.—Festival Office

Comments

Are You Easily Entreated? The Apostle James describes a Christian using God’s Spirit as “easy to be entreated” (James 3:17-KJV) or “willing to yield to reason” (Amplified) or “reasonable” (NASV). Such a person will not be so convinced that his or her own opinions or actions are right and that advice and counsel from others is ignored. Solomon made a similar observation that “the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15). Solomon also repeatedly stressed the value of being receptive to counsel (Proverbs 19:20, 27; 22:17) and he repeatedly warned of the serious consequences that result from ignoring advice (Proverbs 8:36; 29:1). A truly humble and converted Christian will not overestimate the value of his or her own opinions or actions, but will have a teachable attitude (like David’s attitude in Psalm 25:4) that is open to instructions, suggestions and correction. Real Christians are easily entreated!

Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

News and Prophecy—February 16, 2012

Sobering Situation in Greece. Since 2009, 25% of Greek businesses have ceased operation, “and half of all small businesses in the country say they are unable to meet payroll.” In addition, “the suicide rate increased by 40 percent in the first half of 2011.” On a recent visit to Greece a journalist observed, “It’s not uncommon to see decently dressed Greeks discreetly rummaging through garbage bins for food. A new book about how the country survived the Nazi occupation—“Starvation Recipes”—has become a surprise hit.” As Greek austerity measures increase, pensions and minimum wage decrease, tax rates rise, and personal budgets contract (New York Times, February 13, 2012). The EU pushes for greater control of Greek finances and many view this as a direct attack on Greek sovereignty. But are Greece’s financial woes unique? Portugal has already experienced one EU bailout. Italy may follow suit. Many around the globe are coming to realize that the lavish “Western” lifestyles that so many have grown accustomed to in the last few decades are not guaranteed to last forever. Bible prophecy reveals that due to the rejection of God and His laws, the Israelite nations will experience a similar cycle of poverty and want in the not-too-distant future. Moses foretold, “A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and the produce of your labor, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed continually” (Deuteronomy 28:33). Jeremiah warned, “they shall eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and daughters should eat” (Jeremiah 5:17). Serious financial difficulties will spread beyond Southern Europe! For information on the sobering times ahead, see our free booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

Air Force Removes God. The U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office recently removed God from its logo as a result of protests from the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers. Jason Torpy, president of the association, said the word “God” had no place in the logo because not all members of the military are religious. “We just hope (the Air Force) can provide more equal opportunities for atheists and humanists in the military.” The Rapid Capabilities Office [RCO] logo previously included the motto “Opus Dei Cum Pecunia Alienum Efficemus” —Doing God’s Work with Other People’s Money—as an inside joke among RCO members. Caucus members say it was changed to “Miraculi Cum Pecunia Alienum Efficemus” —Doing Miracles with Other People’s Money (Huffington Post, February 8, 2012). Jesus Christ warned, in Matthew 10:33, “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” When nations turn their backs on God, it leads to terrible consequences for their militaries—defeat at the hands of their enemies (Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:25). The recent action by the Air Force is just one example of this nation denying God. These actions will result in dire consequences in the near future for the U.S. and its military. For more information on what’s ahead for the U.S. and Britain, review our booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

Deadly Prison Fire in Honduras. Tuesday night, a fire burned an overcrowded prison outside the capitol, Tegucigalpa. The 900-bed prison was operating at nearly double capacity. The cause of the fire is unclear; however one possible source is an inmate who set himself on fire intending to kill everyone. On Wednesday, 357 prisoners were missing and over 250 were dead, with many others believed to have escaped into the countryside. Most of Honduras’ 24 prisons operate far above capacity. “The appalling living conditions are a cause of the frequent riots which break out across the region, and a source of frustration for exasperated relatives” (Agence France-Presse, February 16, 2012). This prison fire and its results are tragic! But they highlight how man’s justice system is ineffective and inhumane. The ways of man may seem right to him, but ultimately lead to death (Proverbs 14:12). Today, many families fail to train up a child in God’s Way, and society ultimately winds up “caging” the rebellious adults in wretched conditions. In God’s Kingdom, things will be very different. Children will grow up in families where both parents are present and prepared to teach children God’s Way of life (Deuteronomy 4:8-10; Proverbs 22:6). When children are raised God’s way and His laws permeate the land (Isaiah 2:2-4), prisons and their problems will become relics of history. For more information on this exciting future, see our booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway and Phyllis Api

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Minneapolis tomorrow. Mr. Wade will be in Duluth, and Mr. Kreyer in Merrill. Have a tremendous Sabbath. With much love. Take care. – Adam West

I want to again thank all of the Merrill brethren for their hard work and effort in putting together such an enjoyable and unifying activity and for their willing service in the food preparation and hospitality throughout the weekend. Also, I would like to thank all those who travelled from “distant lands” to join us for fellowship and festivities. And of course, most of all, I would like to thank the Great God for making it all possible and for guiding and inspiring such an enjoyable opportunity for each of us who had the privilege of being able to come. Just as David wrote in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” I am sure God was pleased.

Below is a video highlighting some of the elements of the bonfire, especially the fantastic firework display. I hope you enjoy the video and I also hope you have a terrific week. In Christian love. Take care. – Adam West

Western so-called “Christian” nations are certainly under siege from anti-Christian forces. Numerous attempts are underway to promote the acceptance of Islamic Sharia law in Western Europe, Britain and America. Atheists want any reference to God eliminated in the public sphere, and homosexual activists are making ever more bold efforts to flaunt and promote their perverted lifestyle in the media, in schools and through legislative and judicial means. Adversaries are increasing and Sodom and Gomorrah are rising again from the ashes of the past—as Bible prophecies have long indicated—because our nations have turned away from God (see Deuteronomy 28:15-47; Isaiah 1:1-10).

Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and spoke to the office staff about the importance of our mission and the need to be able to adjust to changes that occur. His Tomorrow’s World telecast last weekend is expected to draw more than 4,200 responses. Dr. Scott Winnail reports that last weekend 27 visitors attended the follow-up Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation in Mandeville, Jamaica, entitled “Where Is God’s Church Today?” Mr. Ed Breaux presented a TWSP in Columbus, Mississippi, entitled “The Gathering Storm,” that was attended by 20 first-time visitors (see report below). On my most recent trip to Europe, I was able to spend Sabbaths with brethren in Geneva, Switzerland and Weert, Netherlands. In spite of train strikes, snow and very cold weather, Mr. Rod King and I were also able to conduct a short and profitable conference in Belgium with our French-speaking ministers. Please keep our scattered brethren, and those looking to God for His intervention, in your prayers.—DSW

Church Administration

Passover 2012 (Repeat Announcement)

Important Notice to All Pastors: This year the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday evening, April 5. Let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Servicerecording. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, please let us know this information right away, for international congregations, and by March 2, for U.S. congregations.

Additionally, let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions to observe it at home. Please direct your requests to Dorothy McNair at the Church Administration Department by e-mail at dmcnair@lcg.org or by phone at 704-844-1960, ext. 2248, as soon as possible.

Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation

Columbus, Mississippi: On the Sabbath of February 4, 39 people gathered at the Fairfield Inn in Columbus to hear Mr. Ed Breaux’s presentation titled, “The Gathering Storm.” Of those who attended, 20 were first-time visitors and 19 were members of the Columbus congregation, along with visitors from the Jackson, Laurel, Gulf Port, Mississippi; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, congregations. The visitors commented how much they enjoyed the presentation and how logical information was presented. Twelve of the guests asked about attending services next Sabbath before the follow-up presentation.

That morning at Sabbath services, the congregation was excited to watch as Mr. Ed Breaux and Mr. Evo Walker ordained Mr. Jim Burson to the office of elder. Mr. Jim Burson, a long-time deacon in the Columbus congregation, was ordained to help serve the brethren in the Columbus and Jackson areas.

Living Youth Programs

Teen Camp 2013-2015

We would like to announce that for the next three years (2013, 2014, and 2015) we plan to hold the Teen Summer Camp from the last week of July through the first week of August (a couple of weeks earlier than this year).

Feast of Tabernacles 2012

Festival Registration—Sunday, February 19

2012 Festival Registration will begin on Sunday, February 19, at 12:00 noon (Eastern Standard Time). All brethren will beinvited to register for their preferred Feast site at that time. To find a list of sites and descriptions, check out the new Feast of Tabernacles website (click on the “Feast of Tabernacles” link at www.lcg.org). This is a “limited functionality” version of a new website that will be enhanced and expanded over the next several months with added functions like activities, schedules, etc. We hope this new website will give members a helpful, user-friendly place to explore information about the sites and make all of their needed Feast arrangements.

If you will be registering for a site to which you are not assigned, please do not make housing reservations until your transfer request has been approved. Transfer approvals will be sent via e-mail. If you do not have Internet access or need help registering, please see your local congregation’s Festival Advisor! Festival Advisors have site information and registration forms to hand out and collect over the next two Sabbaths, in anticipation of registration on February 19.

In preparation for registration on February 19, we encourage all LCG brethren to make sure their “MyLCG” account is active and working. To find out, simply go to www.cogl.org and log on. If you do not yet have a MyLCG account, you can create one there. If you have any problems logging on, write to websupport@lcg.org.—Festival Office

Costa Rica Update

We had initially announced that our new Feast site in Costa Rica would be a bilingual Spanish-English site. Due to the high interest in this site from English-speaking transfers, we have decided to make it an all-English site, meaning that services during the Feast will be conducted each day in English, while simultaneous translation is provided into Spanish for those who need it.

Living University

Call for On-Campus Study Applications (U.S. Only)

For those seeking a unique and exciting learning opportunity, Living University is now seeking applicants for a limited number of on-campus students to study full-time in Charlotte, beginning in the fall of 2012. We hope to have several new, male or female, students with us beginning in August! Applications can be initiated online through the University’s website, www.livinguniv.com. Additional details and requirements can also be found online, plus the estimated costs associated with on-campus study. We plan to have housing available for on-campus students this fall.

Work Study Opportunities Available

With our on-campus students, we are also looking for individuals who have skills they can use to contribute to the Work or University through part-time work. We have work study opportunities available in several areas, but are in greatest need of students with skills and interest in the areas of writing and editorial, Web graphic arts and online layout, and also in “Web content” design. If you are interested in on-campus LU study and also have interests and/or skills in these or other areas, please contact us as soon as possible. At this time we can only accept on campus students from the U.S. Our hope is to expand this opportunity to international students in future years. Because space is limited, students interested should plan to have their applications completed and submitted as soon as possible. Those with no previous college will need to submit college entrance test scores (GRE or SAT) along with the application. You can find out more about these exams through a local High School guidance office or local college testing service. If you have questions about on-campus study or to find out more, please call or e-mail Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-708-2292 or swinnail@livinguniv.com.

Comments

Working Together: Jesus referred to His disciples as His “friends” and encouraged them to “love one another” (John 15:12-17). The Apostle Paul referred to those who assisted him in his ministry as “my fellow workers” (Romans 16:3) and “fellow workers for the kingdom of God” (Colossians 4:11). He referred to members of God’s Church as “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9) and “workers together [co-workers] with Him” (2 Corinthians 6:1). To work together with others doing God’s work is a unique and exciting opportunity that carries a big responsibility! The Scriptures provide important guidelines about how to work together. We are instructed to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” and not let contentions divide us (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). We are also advised to get along and live in harmony, to avoid being haughty and conceited or ambitious for a position, and to be humble and work together peacefully (Romans 12:16-18). If we can learn to really “love one another” and treat each other as “friends” we will be more effective “fellow workers for the kingdom of God.”

Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

News and Prophecy—February 9, 2012

Crisis in Capitalism. In an ongoing series of articles, The Financial Times of London has focused on the demise of capitalism—the economic engine behind Western economies. The articles have noted a “crisis of legitimacy” or a “crisis of confidence” in the long-touted system, due mainly to the financial chaos wreaking havoc on world financial markets. The current crisis gives rise to the big question, “Will capitalism continue or will it be replaced?” Bible prophecies provide a glimpse into the future. Revelation 18 reveals that a Babylonian system will arise at the end of the age and make nations and peoples very rich—before it comes crashing down. Nations and merchants of the earth will “mourn” over its destruction because “no one buys their merchandise anymore.” These merchants will eventually “stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing” (vv. 3-15). Ultimately, Jesus Christ will return to the earth and usher in a new economic system based on the laws of God, tithing and the way of give (Isaiah 2:3-4). Those who will not work will not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10), but the righteous shall never go hungry (Isaiah 49:10; Revelation 7:16). God will not use man’s “isms” (capitalism, communism, socialism, or the like) in His perfect government. Jesus Christ will teach the peoples of the world the only way that leads to peace—a way that is far above the wisdom of man (1 Corinthians 1:20-21).

Germany’s Growing Influence. Angela Merkel stated “Time is of the essence,” in appealing to Israelis and Palestinians to push forward in their peace process. On a recent trip to Europe, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas traveled to Berlin to update leaders on current peace developments with Israel. “Abbas thanked the German government for its support, both on a material and political level. The country had helped in the building of Palestinian state institutions and was also in a position to be helpful in the peace process, enjoying good relations with both sides. ‘The fact that Germany is a good friend of Israel does not bother us, because Germany is also a good friend of the Palestinians,’ Abbas emphasized. Palestinians understood the historical reasons for Germany’s support of Israel, said Abbas, and they respected them” (Deutsche Welle, January 20, 2012). Germany feels responsible for the Holocaust and it has made it a priority to keep good relations with Israel while also giving economic and political support to the neighboring Palestinians. God inspired Daniel to write about a coming time when a fragile peace would be made in Jerusalem by a northern European leader. This peace will be cut short, when this king of the North is provoked by a king of the South and the king of the North then brings great desolation on Middle East countries aligned with the king of the South (Daniel 9:27; 11:40-41). With Abbas’ recent trip to Europe, it appears Germany will become more involved in the biblically prophesied attempt to bring “peace” in the Holy Land. For more information about these exciting prophetic events, request our free booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

A Lack of Vision. A major reason the Allied Powers defeated Nazi Germany in WWII was that the U.S. military-industrial complex vastly out-produced Germany. Allied forces recently defeated the Gadhafi regime in Libya because of U.S. weapon supplies. However, the U.S. is now outsourcing military production and beginning to pay the price. Early in the Iraq War, the U.S. ran short of precision-guided bombs and could not produce replacements fast enough because a Swiss company, responsible for a critical part, refused to sell the part because it did not support U.S. actions in Iraq. In 2010, the U.S. purchased 59,000 computer chips for high-tech weaponry, and the chips turned out to be counterfeit. The U.S. is phasing out its ship-building facilities, while China now produces 97% of new ships built (SaturdayEveningPost.com, January-February 2012). This does not bode well for the future of the U.S. military. The Bible has long noted, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). Regrettably, many of today’s leaders lack vision and are motivated by short-term thinking. They are focused on reducing costs and do not consider long-term consequences and lessons of history. Ultimately, this lack of vision will play into the hands of enemies and bring national captivity (Deuteronomy 28:25, 36-37). We are watching the beginning of this cycle now in the Israelite-descended nations of America and Britain.—Scott Winnail and Justin Ridgeway

Twenty-five European leaders agreed this week to a new—some say “historic”—pact to attempt to move them closer than ever to real fiscal union. Only time will tell how dramatically the steps we are witnessing now will lead to the rise of a new and powerful leader in Europe. Prophecy marches on!

Back home in Charlotte, it’s been another busy week. Dr. Roderick C. Meredith held an office-wide staff meeting on Thursday, exhorting us to be “good soldiers of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3) and emphasizing that leaders focus on making a contribution, and take responsibility for results. This week also marked the inauguration of the first issue of the French Tomorrow’s World (Le Monde de Demain) magazine, at the present in an electronic-only version that will be published on www.MondeDemain.org in the coming days. At a special reception at the office, Dr. Meredith and Mr. Mario Hernandez paid tribute to Mr. Dibar Apartian’s five-decades-long toil in the Work of God in French-speaking areas, laying the ground-work for the doors that are opening today.

Please remember Dr. Douglas Winnail’s European travels in your prayers. Rail strikes made several of his trains miss scheduled connections earlier this week, but thankfully did not derail his plans drastically. He’s been conducting business and meeting with brethren in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, and will hold meetings with our European ministers early next week before returning home.—RMc

Church Administration

Passover 2012 (Repeat Announcement)

Important Notice to All Pastors: This year the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday, April 5. Let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Servicerecording. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, please let us know this information right away, for international congregations, and by March 2, for U.S. congregations.

Additionally, let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions to observe it at home. Please direct your requests to Dorothy McNair at the Church Administration Department by e-mail at dmcnair@lcg.org or by phone at 704-844-1960, ext. 2248, as soon as possible.

Healing

I would like to report about an outstanding intervention by God to heal the husband of one of our members in the Cape Town, South Africa, congregation. Last Wednesday evening, January 25, Mrs. Bettie Feyt called to ask for prayer for her husband, Lourens, who had been admitted to a hospital with a severely bleeding ulcer and kidney failure. He had coughed up two liters of blood, and was in a very weakened state. I anointed a cloth and asked the office to send out SMS messages to the members to pray for him. I called Mrs. Feyt on Thursday morning, and she said that her husband was in the hospital being examined, but she had no further news about him at that stage. I called her on Friday morning again, and found her absolutely elated, as she explained that a miracle had occurred. On examining her husband’s stomach with a camera scope, the doctors had found no trace whatsoever of any ulcer, or bleeding, or internal damage of any kind! His stomach was perfectly normal. His kidneys were improving, and his blood count was returning to normal. He had been completely healed to the amazement of the doctors and the hospital staff! Needless to say, he was allowed to return home again on Friday, where he is now regaining his strength. Both Bettie and Lourens are in their mid-seventies, and are truly grateful, as we all are, for God’s loving intervention.—Pieter van der Byl

Church Survey

This week, all pastors were sent a Church Survey packet. This is a survey conducted from time to time by our Record Information Services Department, in conjunction with the Church Administration Department, to ensure that our membership records are accurate. We are asking our pastors to verify and confirm addresses, phone numbers, baptism dates (if applicable), birthdates and other contact information of all Living Church of God members and attendees. An up-to-date database is vital for many different purposes, such as timely mailings, festival registration, donation receipts, and for accurate demographic information used in planning. Please assist your pastor (or those he delegates this assignment to) by providing your accurate information so we can keep our Master File database up-to-date.

Living Youth Programs

The Living Youth Camp Office is happy to announce that registration for our youth camps this summer is underway (or just about to begin)!:

The Teen Camp, for campers aged 13-17 will be held at Camp Lazarus in Delaware, Ohio, from August 7 through August 19. The cost is $250 for the first camper in each family, $200 for the second, and $150 for any additional children. If you would like to serve at the youth camp, we need young people aged 17-20 to serve on our staff ($100), and also need Adult Staff members 21 or older (there is no tuition fee for adult staff).

The 2012 Adventure Camp will take place this year in beautiful Glacier Park, Montana, from the 11 of July through the 19. Campers can be aged 13 through 20, and the tuition fee is $375. We have room for a very limited number of staff positions for those ages 21 or above. Their tuition costs will be $275.

Registration for these two camps is already underway! If you wish to apply, or need more information, head to the official LYC site at https://lyc.lcg.org.

Our Missouri Pre-Teen Camp will be at Cuivre River State Park again this year from Sunday, June 10 to Friday, June 15—a little shorter than it has been in years past. Registration will begin online this Sunday, February 5. Tuition cost per camper is $110, with lowered costs of $100 and $95 for the second and third campers coming from the same family, plus a $5 registration processing fee. Campers must be 8 to 12 years old as of the start date of camp, June 10. For those who would like to volunteer as staff, the only cost is a $20 application fee to cover the cost of the required background check.

More information and online applications for the Pre-Teen Camp will be available on the Living Youth registration website at https://lyc.lcg.org starting this Sunday, February 5. Sign up early and help us make this the best Missouri Pre-Teen Camp we have ever had!—LYC Office and Wallace Smith

Feast of Tabernacles 2012

Festival Registration—Sunday, February 19

We are pleased to announce that 2012 Festival Registration will begin on Sunday, February 19, at 12:00 noon (Eastern Standard Time). All brethren are invited to register for their preferred Feast site at that time. You will find information on each of the Feast sites on the new Feast of Tabernacles website to be launched soon (see next announcement). If you are registering for a site which you are not assigned to, please do not make housing reservations until your transfer request has been approved. Transfer approvals will be sent via e-mail. If you do not have Internet access or need help registering, please see your local congregation’s Festival Advisor! Festival Advisors will have site information and registration forms to hand out and collect over the Sabbaths of February 4, 11 and 18, in anticipation of registration on February 19.—Festival Office

New Feast of Tabernacles Website!

As excitement grows about the Feast of Tabernacles 2012, we are very pleased to announce a new Feast of Tabernacles website! This new Feast of Tabernacles web interface is intended to be very robust and information-rich and will offer detailed descriptions, welcome videos, accommodations, activities and schedule information, and much more. Our intent is to provide the membership with an inspirational, user-friendly, and very helpful website where you can conveniently explore information about the many Living Church of God Feast sites, and where you and your family can make all of your Feast of Tabernacles arrangements.

Please note that on Thursday, February 9, we plan to make available a “limited functionality” version of this new website that will allow you to view welcome videos, read Feast site descriptions, and see a comprehensive list of all of our planned Feast sites. We think that everyone will be very pleased with the new website. And, God-willing, we will be able to deliver its fully operational version a couple months thereafter. You will be able to access this new website by clicking on the “Feast of Tabernacles” link at www.lcg.org.—Wyatt Ciesielka

Antigua, Guatemala: Mr. Sergio Roca, Guatemala Feast Site Coordinator, is in need of an experienced Spanish-English volunteer interpreter to provide simultaneous interpretation during services at this year’s Feast. If you would like to attend the Feast in Guatemala this year and would also like to serve in this capacity, please contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or call 704-844-1970.

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Face-to-Face Time: Researchers studying digital media use among pre-teen girls have found that girls lacking in face-to-face contact with others reported a downturn in overall health. Negative effects included lowered social confidence, disrupted sleep patterns, and having more friends whom their parents perceived as a poor influence (Wall Street Journal, January 31, 2012). On the contrary, “girls reporting high levels of face-to-face communication reported strong social and emotional health even if they were heavy media users.” According to Dr. Clifford Naas, co-author of the study, “The most important message is that face-to-face communication is just enormously important and there has been a dramatic decline in that, among kids and among families.”

Experts are saying what the Bible has taught for centuries: real human interaction among families and among spiritual brethren—not just preteen girls—is crucial! Why is it so important that we attend Sabbath services each week? Yes, to worship God and be obedient to His command to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). Yes, to learn spiritual knowledge (Romans 10:17). But just as important is to bond together as a family with one another and with God (1 John 1:3). The prophet Malachi exhorts us in Malachi 3:16, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him… ‘They shall be mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.’” Real fellowship is vital!

Let’s get the most out of every Sabbath—including uplifting, bonding, and inspiring fellowship!

Have a wonderful Sabbath,
Rod McNair

News and Prophecy—February 2, 2012

Ethnic Violence on the Rise in Europe. “The net result of human rights developments in Europe causes great concern… Without concerted government action, the next generation of Europeans may see human rights as an optional extra rather than a core value,” wrote a reporter for the EU Observer. A recent study by Human Rights Watch pins the blame for a recent wave of extreme human rights violations throughout Europe, on “bad leadership by EU governments.” “The report named and shamed nine EU member states—France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK—as displaying a swing toward right-wing politics… It accused the EU institutions of not doing enough to stop the trend.” Human rights violations have also occurred in recent months against Muslims and Roma/gypsies (EU Observer, January 23, 2012). Christ warned that at the end of the age, ethnic group would rise against ethnic group—“nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:6-7). He also predicted through Paul that “perilous times will come” when people will be: “unloving… without self-control, brutal… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). Very few realize that all of mankind is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26), with the potential to become members of the family of God one day (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 3:2). Until Christ returns and all minds are opened to understand this fact, ethnic violence will sadly remain—it is the way of Satan’s world! For more information on the motivation behind today’s society, read our booklet Who or What Is The Antichrist?

The UK’s Integrity Crisis. “The portrait of a nation increasingly relaxed about ‘low-level dishonesty’ emerges in a major study” conducted by the University of Essex. The report “suggests that the ‘integrity problem’ is likely to get worse because young people are more tolerant of dishonest behaviour than the older generation.” According to the study, “… in 2000, 70 per cent of people believed an extramarital affair could never be justified; today, the proportion is about 50 per cent. The proportion of people who say picking up money found in the street is never justified fell from 40 per cent to 20 per cent. Lying and breaking the speed limit have also become an accepted part of life.” The report highlights the generation gap’s effect on integrity, “… younger people are far more likely to tolerate dishonesty. Only 33 per cent of under-25s think lying on a job application is never justified, compared with 41 per cent of middle-aged people and 55 per cent of those over 65” (The Independent, January 25, 2012). The Bible prophesies of an integrity crisis at the end of the age, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness… and take away justice from the righteous man!” (Isaiah 5:20-23). It is God’s Ten Commandments that provide the moral foundation upon which society must base its values. As that code is buried deeper in the pages of history and replaced by the “situation ethics” of a post-modern era (Judges 17:6), we should expect, and not be surprised by, an unethical pandemic!

Too Many Hungry Pythons. Burmese pythons were introduced into the Florida Everglades in the 1980s. They escaped from captivity and pet owners also dump them when they become too large to keep. The pythons are prolific and can grow to more than 15 feet long (5 meters) and weigh 150 pounds (75 kg). A new Davidson College study reveals rapidly declining populations of indigenous Everglade mammals (e.g., raccoons, deer, opossum, and others), by more than 90% since the late 1990s. Researchers believe the skyrocketing python population is to blame. New research demonstrates that salt water, once thought to be a barrier that confines snakes to the swamp, is really no barrier. Some experts believe the pythons could expand their habitat throughout much of the Southeastern U.S. (FloridaToday.com, January 31, 2012). The Everglades directly border Miami residential neighborhoods. What could happen when pythons run out of native species to eat? The Bible identifies some sobering events that will occur at the end of the age. The Apostle John wrote of the fourth seal, the “pale horse,” that will result in the death of one quarter of the earth’s population, by the sword (war), hunger, and the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:7-8). Jeremiah’s prophecy adds more detail, highlighting how birds and beasts of the earth will “devour and destroy” (Jeremiah 15:2-4). Florida’s pythons could be one tool that God eventually uses to bring these prophecies to pass. For more information, review our booklet: Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!—Scott Winnail and Daniel Bennett

I will leave this post with that thought. We are looking forward to seeing the brethren in Minneapolis today and also at Game Night this evening. In Christian love. Take care. – Adam West