12/08/05 a.m. In his latest commentary, LCG's Gary Ehman states:

Mental health experts, along with law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms are gearing up for what has become an annual assault associated with the Christmas season: drunkenness, domestic violence, bankruptcy and acute depression.

 

It isn’t just an American malady; this international holiday alarms most mental health workers worldwide. Canadian Psychotherapist Beth Mares, in an Internet article Mental Health and Seasonal Affective Disorder: “Christmas Depression” says:

 

“Much of my work is with depression, and the Christmas season and the period right after Christmas are when my clients are most likely to need extra appointments. I think of all the other people who get depressed at this time of year. Many of them suffer needlessly, not realizing that something is wrong and that they are not supposed to feel that way. Others are aware that there is a problem, but do not know how to get help or do not believe that anyone can help. This is understandable, because many have had bad experiences in the past, but it is most unfortunate” (http://individual.utoronto.ca/mmares/health_Toronto.htm).

 

In the United Kingdom, many officials and leaders are preparing for the holidays, and that doesn’t mean they are just decorating their communities:

 

“A special team is preparing to tackle the worrying seasonal surge in domestic violence during the Christmas period in East Cambridgeshire.

“Binge drinking and frayed tempers often spark trouble and members of the district's Domestic Violence Forum will be setting up stalls in Ely, Littleport and Soham to help combat the problem. … Julie Buck, community safety officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Although Christmas is meant to be the season of peace and goodwill to all, too often it is a time of misery and violence in many homes. Heightened expectations, excess alcohol and the long holiday period can all contribute to increasing friction between family members, which can often erupt into violence” (Cambridge Evening News, November 25,  2005).

 

Even Africa is not immune:

 

“The emotional strain of the celebrations, combined with increased drinking and the lack of usual routine such as work, all contribute to a rise in violence.

“In an already abusive relationship, violence in the home may reach a peak during festival times and the world over, acts [of] domestic violence increase during such seasons.          

“For the last few years, during Christmas and end of year festivities, the Ugandan press has been awash with stories of domestic violence including extreme cases of women being battered to death” (The New Vision, December 22, 2004, Kampala, Uganda).

 

How can this be? Isn’t Christmas all about Jesus and God, and peace on earth, good will toward men?

You can click here for the complete commentary.

12/05/05 a.m. LCG's D. Winnail wrote:

In this issue of The World Ahead (page 4) we have included a News & Prophecy section that briefly summarizes events and trends that appear to be of prophetic significance.  These news items can be read in their entirety or in part during the announcements period of services or at Bible studies.  While some today want to label any reference to prophecy as “prediction addiction,” Jesus instructed His disciples to “watch” world events to be able to recognize a specific series of events that would indicate that His return was near.  If we are not conversant with specific end-time prophecies and we are not aware of world events and their significance, we are simply not following some very clear instructions that Jesus gave to His disciples (see Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21, II Thessalonians 2, II Timothy 3-4, etc).  As frequently as possible, in The World Ahead, we plan to include a section of news items that relate to prophecy.

It also discusses Church vists, Australasia, and media. Click here for the entire edition.

11/29/05 a.m. In the latest on-line telecast, LCG's RC Meredith discusses the following:

Very few people understand one of the most profound mysteries of all life. This mystery goes far beyond anything most of you have ever heard before. It has to do with "why you are alive". It has to do with do with the awesome purpose for which you and I are drawing breath. Yet it is not something "wierd". You can now understand and prove this mystery to yourself. And if you really "get it", this understanding can revolutionize your very life!

The complete telecast can be found at http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/telecast/tw-telecast.cgi?action=view_telecast

Other information can be found in the article What is the Meaning of Life?

11/25/05 a.m. The top attendance at LCG's Clearwater FOT site was 909. This, I believe, is the most people who ever attended at a GCG or LCG feast site.

Our family attended that Feast in Clearwater last month.

11/20/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentioned the COE meeting, church visits, a Living for Tomorrow Singles activity in New York, and admonishes us to put first things first.

Here is what he reported on the Council of Elders meeting:

This week we have had a very profitable three-day meeting of the Council of Elders here in Charlotte.  Mr. Gerald Weston came down from Canada, Mr. Bruce Tyler flew in from Australia and Mr. Syd Hull was able to participate by phone from South Africa, joining the other members of the Council who reside here in the USA. Mr. Meredith welcomed Council members and described doors that have opened to the Work during 2005—including the opportunity to place the Tomorrow’s World program on TV in South Africa, and on the Inspiration Network International that covers the UK, much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, as well as on the Inspiration Network (INSP) that covers the USA.  We heard positive and informative reports from Regional Pastors and Regional Directors and discussed several prophetic and doctrinal subjects as well as administrative matters dealing with divorce and remarriage and disfellowshipment.  We also spent considerable time discussing the development and refinement of programs for promoting leadership within the Church, pastoral development, and enhancing the biblical knowledge of the ministry and membership.  Better utilization of the Internet and more effective ways of doing the Work of God were also addressed.  Mr. Meredith concluded the Council meetings by urging everyone to strive to emulate qualities of the leaders of the early Apostolic Church.

11/15/05 a.m. In his latest commentary titled Evolution Takes a Major Hit!, LCG's Dr. J. Fall writes:

Last winter, one of the most respected atheists and philosophers of our time raised the hackles of committed evolutionists. Eighty-one year old Antony Flew stunned “hard core” atheists by admitting that the genetic structure of all life, DNA, could hardly have evolved on its own.

You can click here for the entire commentary.

11/13/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglass Winnail. In it, he mentions television, Australia, and a job opening. He ended the update with the following:

It certainly appears, brethren, that we are entering a new era in world history that is truly beginning to resemble the end of the age prophecies in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 and numerous other scriptures.  The increasingly severe weather that has made disasters into frequent front page headlines—earthquakes, tidal waves, droughts, floods, hurricanes and tornados, along with terrorist activities and the associated disruptions and sufferings—is having an impact around the world, just as Jesus predicted would happen prior to His return.  As we begin another year after the fall Festival season, let us make sure our priorities are focused on growing spiritually and completing our mission.  Let us also  “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forgetting the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

And that, of course, is true. We all need to watch these events and "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works".

11/06/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mention the Feast and an event in Clearwater. He also reported something from D. Crockett:

In order to help make this Feast have a real impact on our lives, Mr. Crockett urged everyone to take three important steps: 

1.      Review the notes of the messages you heard at the Feast.  Identify important points in the messages, and really think about and pray about how to apply these points in your life.  Discuss the applications of these points with friends. 

2.      Review your experiences related to the Feast—both good and bad—and see what lessons you can draw from these experiences.  Make a list of the lessons that you learned this year and share these lessons with others when it is appropriate. 

3.      Set goals for the coming year.  Determine what needs to change in your life in order to become a better Christian and a more useful instrument in God’s hands.  Develop specific plans for making changes in your life.  Set definite times to pray, study and fast.  Think about where you want to keep the Feast next year.  Make sure you save your festival tithe this year.  Read some books and plan some experiences this year that will help you grow and prepare for the kingdom of God.  Remember that without goals we don’t accomplish anything, and that we cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results!   

The real success of this Feast is yet to be determined.  If this Feast is going to have a lasting impact on our lives, we must each act on the steps we have just discussed.  In the days ahead, ask God to help you apply what you learned at this Feast so you can make real changes in your life and be prepared for the coming kingdom of God.

11/01/05 a.m. In his latest on-line commentary, LCG's Rod McNair states:

The rebuilding of New Orleans, called “the greatest urban renewal project in American history,” is currently underway. A Boston Globe article, dated October 2, stated, “On Friday, Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced the creation of a 17-member, racially mixed commission to draft a broad rebuilding plan by year's end” (Boston Globe, “A battle to rebuild looms in New Orleans”). Mayor Nagin and other leaders are faced with an unprecedented task—and opportunity—of rebuilding a whole city from the ground up.

You can click here for the entire commentary.

10/13/05 a.m. In the latest Living Church News, RC Meredith writes:

"Brethren, in the months and years ahead, Christ will continue to guide and lead His Church. We will be given opportunities to reach this world far more powerfully if we continue to respond to His leadership and to move ahead in a unified fashion! But if we are always “looking out for number one”—not willing to respond to Christ’s leadership, not willing to take a different
office or responsibility if that is indicated, not willing to humble ourselves and trust Christ—then the Work may have to be given to others, and we will find ourselves on the sidelines. Those who fail to respond to Jesus Christ and His leadership will either not be there at all, or will find themselves with a greatly diminished reward! Please remember His inspired words: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

We have been given a truly magnificent opportunity— here at the very end of this present age—to work together as a “team” under Christ’s leadership in preparing for His return. Let us never “take our eyes off the ball.” Let us never forget to look to Christ’s leadership and to trust that He will—in the end—cause all things to work together for good!"

Those who truly believe that they are truly Philadelphian need to support LCG and not deceive themselves otherwise.

10/10/05 a.m. LCG had no official update this past week. However, here is some of what the latest posted telecast with Richard Ames is about:

"The Book of Revelation in your Bible is one of the most mysterious books you've ever read. But it also reveals the future of the world in the 21st century. The great prophets of the Bible also reveal major prophetic events that are soon to shock the world. Do you know what lies ahead? The Bible reveals the sequence and signs you need to watch."

This telecast, titled Prophetic Milestones Ahead is available at http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/telecast/tw-telecast.cgi?action=view_telecast

10/02/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he mentions travels, the ordination to evangelist of Doug Winnail, a letter from RC Meredith, the Holy Days, various FOT announcements (like that everyone should bring song books), and comments about the hurricanes.

He also wrote, "September 2005 is a month Americans will not forget. Two major hurricanes, hundreds of deaths, incalculable material destruction. Rita was predicted to be much more damaging than Katrina, but God heard our prayers—ours as well as the prayers of millions of people. Most of us followed on television the heartbreaking reports of newscasters, day after day. The repair work is now in progress, and the media is praising man’s ingenuity in rebuilding what was destroyed. But we don’t hear the media—at least I haven’t heard the media—praise God for having heard the millions of prayers addressed to Him. Although the damage Rita caused is beyond words, it could have been much worse. Why, as a nation, are we so ungrateful to God? Have we forgotten that ingratitude was one of our forefathers’ major sins? Have we forgotten the story of the ten lepers Christ healed? Only one of them returned to thank Him. And, as Christ pointed out, that individual was not even an Israelite. He was a foreigner. Today, authorities and newscasters in the U.S.A. are telling us the valuable lessons they learned from these two catastrophic hurricanes. But how about us—God’s people? What valuable lessons have we learned? Shouldn’t we better understand how to be grateful to God—and how to thank Him with all our hearts when He hears our prayers?"

09/29/05 p.m. LCG Western Regional Pastor, Dr. Jeff Fall, reported to me that no LCG members have been injured in the fires in Southern California, though at least one family had to evacuate.

09/29/05 a.m. Here is info on the latest LCG video:

"Is the Roman Empire just a matter of ancient history? What could it possibly have to do with you, with your family, your job and your future. In the fall of 2004, a remarkable exhibition opened in a circus tent pitched right across from the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The theme of the exhibit was best captured by a banner that proclaimed "The New Roman Empire". This exhibition narrated 50 years of European Union history. And in the words of one prominent British newspaper, projects events into the future in an unusually frank display of European ambition. What does that really mean? And where is it headed?"

The video is available at http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/telecast/tw-telecast.cgi?action=view_telecast

You can also click here for an article on Europe, Europa, and the Beast

09/25/05 a.m. Here is the weekly update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions the hurricanes, telecast tapings, the Bursons, and the Corpus Christi, Taos, and Clearwater Feast sites.

09/21/05 a.m. From the prayer request site:

"...LCG minister Mr. Dan Hall, whose response follows:

September 16, 2005
" Thank you for asking. There are several more;(In addition to the Cecil Burks & Lawrence Johnson families.) Mrs. Wanda Sablich lost the roof of her home to a tornado. They have been “camping out” in an adjacent utility room. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Virginia Peristeras’s home was inundated by 4 feet of water and smashed by a big oak tree. Two of their vehicles were destroyed in addition to most of their furnishings, etc. Our deacon, Mr. Steve Climer and his wife Cynthia suffer flooding up to 3 feet—ruining walls, and some furnishings. Mrs. Julia Quave suffered damaged to her mobile home, allowing water to pour inside. Phone communication continues to be random and non-existent in some areas.

The families of Cecil Burkes and Lawrence Johnson are doing well. However, they suffered massive damage to property. Mr. Johnson and family were in the homes when the tree hit their home. It is a total loss. Fortunately, they were preserved without bodily injury. The Burkes have been camping out in the front of their home. MRE’s and ice have been a real blessing. Electricity should be hooked up soon, if not already. Both their vehicles were totaled in addition to damage to their mobile home.

In spite of all of this, the affected brethren are doing well with uplifted spirits—keeping their focus on the Feast and ultimately God’s Kingdom! They do appreciate the prayers of all the brethren. Please pray that we may find a decent meeting hall in the Ocean Springs area. All of our halls suffered destruction or severe damage to required cancellation of our contracts."

09/18/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. It mentions Dr. Winnail's trip to Kenya and transfer to CAD, the Katrina Disaster fund, the work in Australia, updated Holy Day calendars, Steve Jobs, and this report:

"Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that Mr. Ames’ TV program that aired last weekend, “2005 and Prophecy,” and offered the booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled! drew more than 3,000 calls.  Five TV stations last weekend had record responses. Mr. Pyle writes, “It was our best summer re-run weekend ever.”  In the UK, the current ad for the booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy has generated more than 2,000 responses."

09/11/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. It includes info on the Hurricane, South African concerns, a Bardados trip, preparation for disaster information, and appropriate dress for certain activities.

It includes these comments:

Lessons from Hurricane Katrina 

Mr. Ben Whitfield, our minister in Wyoming, and his brother were in Mississippi, visiting family and friends when Hurricane Katrina begun its deadly destruction on that part of the country.  He concluded his descriptive report by listing some of the lessons he learned. In this respect, we would like to remind our members of Mr. Meredith’s essential and authoritative articles on this very subject, published in the Living Church News, May-June 2003, titled “Prepare for the Times Ahead,” and his editorial article in the Tomorrow’s World magazine, January-February 2005, titled “Are You Prepared?” Here are the lessons Mr. Whitfield mentioned in his report: 

1. Have an emergency plan.
2. Have an emergency storage box full of basic necessities—flashlights, extra batteries, large candles, non-perishables food items to last a few days, can opener.
3. Have an emergency cash fund because when disaster strikes, credit cards are of no value.
4. Keep your automobile in working order and your fuel tanks full—especially when you know a storm is brewing—and above the half way mark all of the time.
5. Have a few tools handy (i.e. saws, rakes, hammers, etc.) to rebuild even the basic structures or perform minor repairs. Have work gloves for everyone.
6. Maintain emergency phone numbers and a plan to contact family or a third party in the event of a future disaster. Some cell phones worked, but others did not and the basic phone land lines were useless as they were down.
7. Keep water, pure water, which is safe to drink. It’s amazing how quickly you go through water. You will need enough safe drinking water for at least several days. Have a water purification devise on hand to filter water if need be.
8. Have alternative fuel sources for cooking. If your home is all electric you are in trouble as to how you will cook your food.
9. Be willing to leave it all quickly.  

All of us in LCG need to realize that someday we will all need to leave it all quickly. But, as Hurricane Katrina and the tsumami in December show us, sometimes there may be pre-place of safety reasons to flee.

09/09/05 a.m. For some reason, the Prayer Requests link above was not working, and hopefully it is now corrected.

09/08/05 a.m. Here are excerpts from the last co-worker letter from RC Meredith:

The Apostle Paul was inspired to write about the events immediately preceding Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Paul stated, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (II Thess. 2:3-4).

Dear brethren, the time is coming very soon when this man will appear. He will allow himself to be exalted far above any normal human. People will actually begin to worship him as the above verses indicate. And in this same scriptural passage, God tells us through Paul, "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders" (vv. 7-9).

Brethren, we do not yet know for sure whether Benedict XVI will be the man to fulfill these prophecies. Anyone would only be guessing and conjecturing to try to say otherwise. But certainly the charismatic impact of the recent Pope John Paul II, and the continuing powerful outreach of the present pope, will in any case prepare the way for the final "lawless one." For this final religious leader, and all who carefully and artfully turn people away from genuine obedience to God’s laws and from truly following and imitating Jesus of Nazareth are, in fact, part of the modern "Babylon" which God condemns so powerfully in His inspired Word. As Jesus Himself said, "Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
Within the next several years, a great false religious leader will astound the world—as verse seven above indicates—"with all power, signs and lying wonders." This same man is clearly described in Revelation 13:11-13, "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men."
If this present pope—or a soon-to-come future pope—would literally "make fire come down from heaven," then literally hundreds of millions of people in Europe, Central and South America and elsewhere would fall down and worship this man!

Would you?

Yet the Bible specifically tells us that this coming man is a false prophet who will soon join the "Beast"—the coming ruler of a European Empire (Rev. 17:11-13). Because they will be led to believe that "God is with us," this soon-coming king/dictator in Europe and his allies will actually have the audacity to fight Christ at His Second Coming (v. 14)! This modern church/state system called "Babylon" in your Bible will look very attractive to billions of people! For it will take over most of the western world, and will dominate the entire world for a time.

But what is the end of this dictator, this false prophet and their followers when Jesus Christ returns? "Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh" (Rev. 19:20-21).

Dear brethren and co-workers, do you really want to be on the "winning team"? Then you had better genuinely study the Bible and prove to yourself where the living Jesus Christ is truly working today! You had better align yourself with the true people of God who will be taken to a "Place of Safety" just before this coming "Beast" unleashes the full-scale Great Tribulation on God’s people (Rev. 12:12-14). "

You can click here to locate that letter in full . The 'Place of Safety' is the subject of an article titled, There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra

09/04/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he has a letter from RCM on the hurricane, mentions the commentary on it, provides an update on brethren in the area, mentions floods in Europe, Dr. Winnail going to Kenya, the work in Peru, tv responses, FOT info, and his comments on the disaster and reminds everyone that Jesus said to Watch!

09/03/05 a.m. RC Meredtih wrote,

"As we have predicted for many years, the great God is now powerfully intervening to humble our peoples and to get their attention. Hurricane Katrina is now being called “one of the worst natural disasters” ever to hit the United States. Apparently, the death toll will be far beyond a thousand people and the financial damages will mount up to the tens of billions. I am sure all of you have seen the television footage of the suffering, deprivation and the profound anxiety experienced by the tens of thousands of people involved in this tragedy.

As the Living Church of God, we need to show mercy and compassion at this time. Most of the people affected have no clear understanding about the God of the Bible. For they are not yet “called.”  But they need our compassion and our prayers. And we should demonstrate this in every way we can. Therefore, among many other things, we have established a Living Church of God Disaster Relief Fund to assist many of our brethren, co-workers and others who may have lost their homes, their jobs and are in genuine need of emergency assistance. Those wishing to contribute should make their donations payable to “Living Church of God” and label the check or other instrument “Disaster Relief.” All funds received labeled “Disaster Relief” will be used to help people affected by this great disaster resulting from Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast of the United States of America.

In addition, I want to ask all of you to announce to the brethren living within a few hundred miles of the affected areas:  “God has now given us the opportunity and responsibility to assist some of our own homeless or jobless brethren at this critical time. If you have the ability and willingness to take in one of our brethren or a small family for a few days or weeks, please let your Pastor or Elder know of this immediately! He can then relay this information to Charlotte Headquarters and we can carefully work out arrangements satisfactory to those involved. Also, if you, personally, or through your company could temporarily hire one of our own members who is temporarily out of work and help him or her through this dire emergency, please convey this information to your local Pastor or Elder.”

Also, fellow ministers, please let us know if any of your brethren or prospective members need this type of emergency help. Please call or e-mail either Mr. Apartian or Mr. Davy Crockett and they will work together as a team to coordinate the needed assistance."

09/01/05 p.m. All Living Church of God brethren from the New Orleans area are safe and accounted for. Most left the area before the hurricane hit. The few who did not, have now left the city. In Mississipi, all of God’s people in this area left prior to the storm for safer and higher ground.

But there still is devastation to the area and probably personal property. Do not forget to visit the Prayer Requests site.

08/28/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian and Doug Winnail. In it, they mention the latest pastors' meetings, a new station in South Africa, LYC, media, and courage in trying times.

08/25/05 p.m. One reader of this page, forwarded this news item:

"The temblor was reported from residents in counties west and north of Charlotte, including Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland counties".

Several residents in the area told Charlotte TV stations they felt a low rumble or a bumping sound during the earthquake, which took place at 11:09 p.m.

Earthquakes are not common in the western Carolinas but also not unheard-of. Scientists say the most earthquake-prone portion of the region is near Charleston, where a damaging quake on Aug. 31, 1886, killed an estimated 110 persons in the Carolinas.

There were other earthquakes in the South earlier this week. Those of us in California do not consider them to be that large :)

08/21/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he mentions RCM travels, ministerial transfers, the health of Glen Gilchrist, FOT in PEI, job openings, and the following about Wyoming:

"The Adventures of LYC Wyoming

As Reported by Mr. Sheldon Monson

On Tuesday, August 2, 2005, seventeen campers and six staff arrived in Teton Village, Wyoming, about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lifetime.  The next morning, the hikers prepared their backpacks to make room for the additional 440 pounds of gear, food and supplies that would be hauled on our backs for the six-day trek into the mountains.  After the weigh-in, some of the girls had packs that weighed up to 45 pounds, while the men's packs weighed up to 60 pounds. 

Over the next few days, we hiked in and out of the Teton National Park making our way to the Basin Lakes where we spent the Sabbath.  We thoroughly enjoyed a dip in one of the area's many glacier lakes.  For Sabbath services, Mr. Dan Contardi led us in hymns; Mr. Mike Kreyer gave the sermonette; and Mr. Sheldon Monson gave a sermon on "The Pursuit of Excellence."  Sharon Rowbal and Jen Bowman treated us to a unique version of El Shadai for some truly special music.  The rock podium and beautiful stage flowers were provided by God.  We all agreed that it was truly an inspiring and rejuvenating Sabbath.

On our last morning, we woke up early and broke camp shortly after 6 am to climb up the one-mile slope back to the Skyline Trail at the base of the Tetons.  As we arrived at the crest, the sun popped out from behind the three peaks of the Teton Mountains and we were treated to a sunrise that few people ever see. 

Weather reports had shown rain in the forecast for this trip.  We had nothing but sunshine.  We were blessed and God was with us.  It was an adventure we will never forget."

08/20/05 a.m. An email from Dixon Cartwright states:

"David Burson, 54, of Forney, Texas, died unexpectedly Aug. 19 in a Dallas hospital of complications from a massive staph infection. Mr. Burson, a minister in the Living Church of God, served congregations in Dallas, Gladewater, Lufkin, Shreveport, Midland, Amarillo and Abilene.

"Mr. Burson is also survived by his wife, Patty, son Douglas Burson and daughter Heather Millich; brothers Ed Burson and Read Burson of Big Sandy and Conan Burson of Columbus, Ohio; and sister Katrina of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his son Eric.

"His Big Sandy family, Ed, Cindy and Nathaniel and Read and Berniece, appreciate your prayers.

"Cards may be sent to Patty Burson, c/o LCG, P.O. Box 3810, Charlotte, NC 28227."

I once met Daivd Burson at the FOT in Kauai. We have lost more ministers to death this year, than any previous one that I can recall.

08/18/05 p.m. LCG's Glen Gilchrist reports, "my infection sites are gradually improving, with one of the four sites swelling up, but appearing to stabilize, and the two older sites improving.  My doctors have been amazed at the course of my infections-which I take to be God's intervention.  I am on a couple of courses of treatment that should result in improvement in the next week or so. My humble thanks for everyone's prayers and concern!"

Note: there are other prayer requests at Prayer Requests.

08/14/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he mentions the telecast and related baptisms, increase in internet activity, Canadian finances, South Africa, and the FOT site in Alberta.

08/10/05 a.m. After re-reading some writings of the late John Ogwyn, I noticed that he commented that many English writings use the term Easter while the word should have been translated as Passover (he was not mainly writing about the KJV error). Anyway, last night I borrowed a translation of an ancient book that proved that. So, I have rewritten a portion of my Europa paper as follows:

Also, as a follow-up to the quartodeciman controversies where Polycarp assured everyone that Passover was to be celebrated according to what he (Polycarp) had learned from the Apostle John and Polycrates assured everyone he learned the same from Polycarp (yet Polycrates, along with others who held fast to that teaching of the Church in Asia, was temporarily disfellowshiped by the Catholic Bishop of Rome Victor for not accepting a false date), Emperor Constantine (at the Council of Nicea) made sure that his form of 'Christianity' would not keep the Passover on the correct date.

It should be noted that the Bible clearly shows, "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast" (I Corinthians 5:7b-8a).

Yet it is reported that, "The Council also fixed the time for observing Easter" (Nicene Councils. World Book Encyclopedia, 1966) after again deciding against proper Passover observance (in continuance of the position taken during the quartodeciman controversy).

The Catholic Encyclopedia states, "The emperor himself, writing to the Churches after the Council of Nicaea, exhorts them to adopt its conclusions and says among other things: "At this meeting the question concerning the most holy day of Easter was discussed, and it was resolved by the united judgment of all present that this feast ought to be kept by all and in every place on one and the same day"" (Easter Controversy. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume V Copyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton Company Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight).

It should be noted that apparently historians have forgotten that it was not the date of Easter, but the date of Passover that the Council decided. As the Catholic monk Epiphanius wrote in the mid-4th Century, "...the emperor...convened a council of 318 bishops...in the city of Nicea...They passed certain ecclesiastical canons at the council besides, and at the same time decreed in regard to the Passover that there must be one unanimous concord on the celebration of God's holy and supremely excellent day. For it was variously observed by people..."(Epiphanius. The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, Books II and III (Sects 47-80), De Fide). Section VI, Verses 1,1 and 1,3. Translated by Frank Williams. EJ Brill, New York, 1994, pp.471-472).

Eventually, those in Europe changed the name from Passover to Easter. Easter is another name for the Babylonian goddess Ishtar (which can be pronounced as Easter), the so-called 'queen of heaven'. That is also a title that has been given to Europa, for whom the continent of Europe is named!

The entire paper can be found by clicking Europa.

08/07/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he mentions RCM activities and travels, Doug Winnail, Alaska, FOT info, LYC, Wyoming Camp, and grammatical errors.

Regarding LYC, Richard Ames wrote, "My wife Kathryn and I enjoyed our recent visit to the Living Youth Camp in Pickford, Michigan.  We were very impressed with the facility, organization and administration, and the educational and positive environment of the camp.  Approximately 190 attended the camp, including 100 campers, 20 high school workers and 70 adult staff and family.  Activities included canoeing, flag football, Frisbee football, archery, dance, media (including a daily video news presentation), speech, Christian living, and life skills (including plumbing for the boys, sewing for girls and health principles for all).  The sewing class even presented my wife and me with a gift of polka-dotted pajamas-a sample of their sewing project.  From the all-campus "morning motivation" to "evening reflection," God's way of life was practiced and emphasized.  What a wonderful opportunity for our youth to enjoy a more pure culture, experience positive peer interaction, and learn Christian character to cope in today's challenging world!  Several remarked that they were enjoying a "Feast-like" atmosphere. We especially appreciate the many adult volunteers who sacrificed two weeks from their work and vacation to serve the youth of God's Church.  Mr. Gerald Weston, director of LYC, will report more extensively on the camp in the September-October Living Church News".

LCG now has FOT information available at http://www.cogl.org/fot2005/default.htm

08/04/05 a.m. Our son Brian arrived home last night from LYC. Camp in upper Michigan went well, and I presume we will receive an update on it in a few days. The Living Church of God also planned a backpacking trip in Grand Teton National Park from August 3-9--but I have not heard anything of it yet.

07/31/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. In it, he has info about CAD transfers, a new tv station in South Africa, interest from Mauritius, FOT updates, a prayer request, and a few comments about television.

The following announcement was read in all LCG congregations yesterday:

Dear Fellow Ministers and Brethren,

I want to announce the transfer of Mr. Charles Bryce from Charlotte to become Regional Pastor over the Southern region of the Living Church of God. Mr. Bryce has considered this option for some time and has written me twice in the last several months suggesting this as a possibility. With the untimely death of Mr. John Ogwyn, we have an "opening" in the Dallas/Gladewater area and the entire Southern Regional Pastorate. There is a crucial need for a capable, caring minister to fill this role. So I have asked Mr. Bryce to assume this responsibility and he now plans to continue helping us here for the next several weeks in the transition period and then plans to move to Tyler, TX to assume his new post.

Mr. Bryce is a native Texan. He has worked long and hard in Christ's ministry and I hope that this less stressful responsibility will work well for him and his family as he approaches  his 65^th birthday. I am sure all of our prayers will go with Mr. Bryce and his entire family as they move to Texas.

Mr. Lambert Greer and Mr. Ken Frank will not be moved but continue in their present responsibilities. 

After much discussion with our Headquarters Evangelists and other leaders, I have decided to appoint Dr. Douglas Winnail as the new Director of Church Administration. Over the next several weeks, he will wind up his responsibilities in Britain. He plans to move to Charlotte in early September. He, too, needs all our prayers as he assumes the important and stressful responsibilities of overseeing our churches and our ministry all around the world. Mr. Dibar Apartian as Assistant Director of CAD will fill the gap in Church Administration until Dr. Winnail completes his move to Charlotte. I feel that both these moves will work for good for the entire Church. We must move forward as a "team" to finish the Work to which the living Christ has called us.-Roderick Meredith

 

07/30/05 a.m. An LCG lay member sent me this sad announcement,

I met CB Short once at the FOT in Anchorage. This has been the roughest year for LCG in terms of loss of life and other upheavels. LCG, however, is still growing, and we are to some degree all patiently enduring the various tests, trials, and tribulations.

07/27/05 a.m. In his latest co-worker letter, RC Meredith writes:

"As Tomorrow's World has warned for years, the United States and its British-descended allies are headed for disaster unless we genuinely turn to the true God and His ways. Frankly, God is determined to get our attention one way or another! From now on, you will see a "pattern" in this slow but sure decline of American power and prestige. Of course, there will be ups and downs along the way. But the continual "breaking" of our national pride because of disaster after disaster in the Middle East and elsewhere, the repeated pounding by drought, wildfires in some areas and alternate hurricanes and floods in others, serious earthquakes and the growing specter of disease epidemics”all of these tragedies will begin to bring our people to their knees unless they genuinely repent!...

"...the Great Ruler of the universe also prophesied of our people, "But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it" (Lev. 26:14-16). As we in America and the British-descended nations sink further and further into the moral cesspool of rampant adultery, pornography and perverted sex, abortion, alcohol and drug addiction, etc., we will see increased terrorism, disease epidemics and the other curses here described. Finally, our peoples will be conquered and taken into slavery (Jer. 30:4-9). This will be the time just before Christ's return and the resurrection from the dead described in verse nine”if we won't truly repent!      But, then, where are we headed?

     "If "we" means you and me, then let's make sure that we really do our part to be in that first resurrection and become the prophesied Spirit-born leaders, under Christ, bringing peace and joy to a very confused world! For God's primary purpose in calling you and me to understanding, now, in this age, is to prepare us to be those true leaders, under Christ, to assist Him in ruling this entire world as "King of kings" (Rev. 19:16). God's inspired Word tells us, "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years" (Rev. 20:6)"

You can click here to go to the page that has the entire letter. And select the one dated 7/20/05.

07/26/05 a.m. Last night, probably in response to a posting yesterday morning at my News of Interest for Those Once Affiliated with WCG page, I was asked the following:

"I personally believe that the "oracles of God" were given to the Jews, and that it includes the sacred calendar.  Therefore, I base my holy day observance according to their calculation.  Does LCG follow this practice?"  

My answer was: Yes :)

07/24/05 a.m. Here is the latest update from Charles Bryce. In it, he mentions LYC, FOT updates, the Faulkners, a healing, and a Canadian update.

There was no mention of the brethren in London, but I beleive the update was prepared before that information would have been available. Even though I doubt that any brethren were injured, prayers for their safety and comfort during these trying times would be appropriate.

07/22/04 a.m. I forgot to mention that LYC for 2005 is in full-swing. My middle son Brian is there for his second time. My oldest son Michael attended LYC five times. Brian was also able to go to pre-teen camp one year. And though it is not perfect, I believe that LYC should be considered a MUST by parents in LCG if at all possible. Our children DO NEED exposure to others of like-mind and all can use more instruction (fun is a good thing too :)). I also believe that the dances and instruction on properly/politely dealing with those of the opposite sex is needed by at least North American teens (and probably all others too).

07/21/05 a.m. In his latest commentary, Richard Ames states,

According to National Geographic News writer Stefan Lovgren: The Minor Planet Center receives observations of up to 15,000 new objects every day from two telescopes in New Mexico alone. An informal network of amateur astronomers around the world does much of the follow-up observation work (April 14, 2004)   Will any of those many objects endanger us?  Or are we simply imagining science fiction scenarios?  What is the reality?  Have asteroids actually impacted the earth in recent centuries?  Early in the last century, an asteroid known as the Tunguska fireball shocked the world:  In 1908 an asteroid believed to be about 60 meters (197 feet) in diameter exploded in the atmosphere over Siberia. The resulting shock wave knocked down trees for hundreds of square miles¦.  According to one expert scenario, there is a 10 percent chance that a 70-meter (230-foot) asteroid will impact Earth in our lifetime, striking with an energy of 10 megatons, equivalent to 700 Hiroshima-size atomic bombs (ibid.).   Scientists are going to great lengths to identify large asteroids that may impact earth and cause civilization-destroying devastation. But smaller projectiles like the Tunguska asteroid can strike without warning.  What does the Bible say about cataclysmic damage to our earth?  Bible prophecy predicts that there will be frightening activity in the heavens, and that great earthquakes will convulse great portions of our planet.  The book of Revelation describes the effects: Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place (Revelation 6:14).  At the end of this age, the Great Creator will intervene in human affairs.  Notice what astronomic activity will affect us.  The Apostle John envisions the future: I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind (Revelation 6:12-13).

You can click here for the entire commentary.

Click here for previous LCG News.