News of the Living Church of God!

The URL for the official Living Church of God website is www.lcg.org. An official site that is directed towards members and those with a COG background is cogl.org.

LCG's Foreign sites:
	Afrikaans			French	* Living Church of God History. * Living Church of God Statement of Beliefs
	Canada			German	* Listing of Living Church of God Congregations * Sunset Times for the U.S.
	Czech			Indonesian	* COG News * News of Those Once Affiliated of Global * Recent LCG Letters
	Dutch			Spanish	* Prayer Requests * Living Church of God Sermons * LCG Commentary

Here is a link to some COGwriter articles in Italian (translated by google). LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.

06/10/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions TW, prayer requests/updates, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, Philippines, Mexico, FOT updates, real Philadelphia Christians, and international news items.

Here are a few FOT items from it:

Transfers Encouraged to Winter Park, Colorado

Good news!  There are ample seats left at our Snow Mountain Ranch Feast site near Winter Park, Colorado.  Affordable and comfortable cabins, magnificent vistas, and great Western hospitality await feastgoers in the majestic Rocky Mountains!  If you are interested, check out the site description on MyLCG on www.cogl.org, and register for Winter Park, CO.

Transfers Pending Approval to Newport, Oregon 

Because of high demand, the Newport, Oregon, site is now closed to transfers pending Headquarters’ approval.  Those who would like to be on the waiting list for Newport may go through the online registration process, selecting Newport as first choice, and then awaiting final approval.  Please do not make hotel reservations until you receive approval from the Festival Office for this site.  You will be notified if your transfer request has been approved.  We would like to encourage those assigned to Newport to transfer out if interested, as this would ease the swelling numbers at this site.  If you are assigned to Newport and are planning to stay in Newport, please register right away, so that those awaiting transfer approval will know if there is room as soon as possible.

Correction to Philippines Sites 

In last week’s The World Ahead we announced that there would be a Feast of Tabernacles site in Tacloban, Philippines. This is incorrect. There will not be a Feast of Tabernacles site in Tacloban this year. The four Philippines sites will be: Baguio, Davao, Don Carlos and Maranding. Our apologies for this misinformation. Also, please note that Don Carlos and Maranding are separate sites, at quite a distance from each other.

 Transfers Closed to Sierra de la Ventana, Argentina 

Our Feast site in Sierra de la Ventana, Argentina, has reached capacity. No more transfers can be accepted at this moment. However, if you wish to be added to a waiting list in case some spaces are freed, please contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org.

You can click here for a listing of LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Sites .

06/03/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, Dibar Apartian mentions his visit to Montreal, Canada and Mr. Wilner Pierre's visit at Pentecost in Haiti. We're also told of an Australasia update, L4T, four more international feast sites, and the Tomorrow’s World telecast has been awarded the Silver Telly Award from the 28th Annual Telly Awards.

05/28/07 a.m. In his latest semi-annual letter, RC Meredith announced:

In just the past six months, a combined total of 38 TV stations and radio stations began broadcasting the Tomorrow's World program for the first time. These stations reach 41 million households. They bring our total station count to 211 TV stations and 15 radio stations broadcasting in English, French, and Spanish...

The Tomorrow's World magazine circulation is now over 326,000, which is 20 percent higher than a year ago.

05/27/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions the Regional Conference on Sunday and Monday, Pentecost, L4T, Arkansas, Philippines, a repeat announcement for the Feast in USA and Canada, two more feast sites one each in Barbados and Guatemala, plus some world news items.

We have attended the FOT in both Barbados (2001) and Guatemala (2006) and recommend both sites (though you may need to know Spanish to attend in Guatemala--the translation situation there has not yet been determined for this year). You can click here for a listing of LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Sites .

More information on each individual site, however, is at the www.cogl.org site (go to the MY LCG section to sign in to access).

Here is one of the world news items:

China and the King of the South.  The northern Sudan, anciently referred to as Cush, was once part of the Egyptian empire—a region where the future King of the South may headquarter. Today, Sudan is important because of its oil deposits. The primary foreign investor and manager of Sudan’s oil is PetroChina—a Chinese “national” corporation. US-based Fidelity Investments recently sold off 90% of its PetroChina investments to avoid being associated with a company/nation blamed for “looking the other way” on human rights violations in Darfur (Stratfor Public Policy Investment Report, May 17, 2007).  As the EU tightens and clarifies international laws, they will likely put increasing pressure on other nations to adhere—especially in the area of human rights.  The abuse of human rights could be something that would cause the King of the North to “come against” the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-45).  In addition, China’s unquenchable demand for oil could draw the “kings from the north and east” toward the Middle Eastern oil fields and China’s important oil interests in Africa.  It will be interesting to watch how these important end-time prophecies about kings of the North, South, and East are fulfilled.  History is being made before our very eyes.

Note that the word sometimes improperly translated as Ethiopians in Daniel 11:43 actually is the Hebrew word for Cushite--this and more is documented in the article Is There A Future King of the South?

05/25/07 a.m. This morning LCG announced the following commentary from Davy Crockett:

Take a look at our society today. Sexual misconduct and sexual perversion is rampant. Movies, magazines, videos and the internet are dominated by sexually explicit content. Many thinking people are alarmed by the “sexualization” of so much of our society. Click here to read more.

05/23/07 a.m. This morning, COGL.org reported:

Media Update
This weekend we aired repeat program #291, “The Power of Prophecy,” which offered the new booklet, Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs.  From Thursday through Sunday we received 2,486 phone calls, and we are expecting the total to reach 3,161.

 

A new milestone was reached this week.  We passed the 800,000-mark Sunday for the US-Canadian TV response since January 1999.  Our annualized growth rate for the TV response since 1999 has averaged a sizzling 45.5 percent per year for the past eight years! – Wayne Pyle

 

This week at the office
The printer has delivered our initial print run of 40,000 copies of Dr. Jeff Fall’s new booklet, Successful Parenting: God’s Way.  Copies will be sent to all Living Church of God member households.  This is the booklet Mr. Meredith offered to Tomorrow’s World subscribers in his May 8 “semi-annual letter.”

05/22/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the following commentary by Scott Winnail:

An EF-5 tornado barreled through Greensburg, Kansas on the night of May 4, 2007. The super cell cut a path 1.5 miles wide, totally destroying the town and killing ten people (Wikipedia, May 17, 2007). Click here to read more.

05/20/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions the semi-annual letter, LYC, a UK update, a listing of USA and International FOT sites, FOT registration, international news items, and judging vs. judgment.

A compilation of announced Feast information is in the article LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.

Here is one of the international news items from the update:

Germany Is Growing Stronger.  The German economy is booming and in some regions growing at “China-like” proportions (see Der Spiegel, April 24, 2007).  With unemployment falling, German firms are hiring thousands of full-time workers, and Germans are spending more on themselves—the same conditions that led to the recent boom in the U.S. economy. In fact, the German economy is now viewed as equal with the U.S. economy. With a strong economy comes confidence, power, and the resources to get what one wants.  Meanwhile, as Germany prepares to host the G-8 summit of world leaders in early June, police and the military have been storming residences and other environs, attempting to “shut down” any potential “anti-globalization” demonstrations.  German leaders are very “pro” globalization and protestors are viewed as terrorists (Spiegel Online, May 14, 2007).  Germany is increasingly taking a leadership role in Europe and preparing for a more commanding future on the world stage.  Prophecies indicate that an Assyrian-led group of ten nations will arise in Europe at the end of the age, and that this will have serious consequences for Israelite nations (Isaiah 10:5-11; Revelation 17).

More information on this subject is also in the article Europa and the Beast of Revelation.

05/16/07 a.m. This morning, COGL.org reported:

Upcoming Public Bible Studies

There will be a Public Bible Study in the Grand Falls-Windsor, NL area on Saturday May 19th. See details for time and location.

There will be a Public Bible Study in the Montreal, QC area on Saturday, May 26th. See details for time and location. Important notice: this will take place in French only!!

I am pleased that we are seeing more announcements of public Bible studies in various parts of the world.

05/14/07 a.m. Daniel Campos, an LCG member in Argentina sent the following email:

05/13/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from LCG's Church Administration. It mentions last week's Regional Conference in Missouri, baptisms, a New Zealand update, Carribean updates, another announced FOT site, internet responses, truth, and some world news items.

Here is the baptism item:

Between January 1 and April 1, 2007, we had 57 baptisms in the USA and 14 in Canada. In addition, we have been informed of 19 other baptisms in Australia, Martinique, Mexico, the U.K., Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago. Last year, during the same period, we had 39 baptisms in the USA and 4 in Canada. We are grateful to God for this harvest and for adding more members to His Church.

Here is one of the news items:

Australian Drought Nearing Point of No Return?  Australia’s severe drought conditions are threatening the farming industry and communities that rely on once-rich agricultural production.  “Without water, we are basically living in a desert here,” said one farmer from New South Wales. That area receives less than 13 inches of rain each year, so it relies heavily on irrigation from the Murray River to maintain lush vegetation that provides feed for cattle.  Reservoirs are at record lows, putting a strain on the dairy industry, which consumes nearly 40 percent of Australia’s water used in food production. Australia’s government has announced that, unless rain comes soon, it will divert to the cities much of the water previously used for farm irrigation.  “We are in an absolutely diabolical situation,” said a local mayor who is demanding the federal government declare the Murray-Darling Basin in a state of emergency.  The Australian Prime Minister has asked the nation to pray for rain.  God said, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain… if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-15).

The new FOT information was added to the article LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.

05/11/07 a.m. LCG announced the latest commentary from Wallace Smith:

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article by Andrew Higgins titled: “The New Crusaders: As Religious Strife Grows, Europe’s Atheists Seize Pulpit” (subscription required for full article). Its focus is on the rise of passionately “evangelistic” atheists in Europe, describing the growing popularity of zealous and militant “godless” humanists, who are seizing the moment to shape the identity of Europe. Click here to read more.

05/08/07 a.m. LCG announced the following commentary from Carl Ponder this morning:

For years we in this work have been warning of a coming reunited and remilitarized Europe. Events have now brought us closer at last to the dream of so many Europeans – an end time revival of the mighty Holy Roman Empire – and, as one American businessman I know has said: “You can bet the Europeans are not uniting Europe for the benefit of the United States!” Click here to read more.

In addition to the commentary, an article of possibly-related interest could include Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation.

05/06/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions the COE meeting, an ordination, Living University, L4Tomorrow, hymnals, three more FOT sites, world news items, and the importance of doctrine.

Here is what he wrote about doctrine:

The Importance of Doctrine:  The Apostle Paul commended Christians in Rome because they “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine [teaching] which was delivered to you” (Romans 6:17).  He also urged the young evangelist Timothy, “take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (I Timothy 4:16).  However, Paul also warned repeatedly that “in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (I Timothy 4:1-3).  He also warned that as the end of the age approaches, one-time believers would “not endure sound doctrine” but would “have itching ears” and follow various teachers—turning their ears away from the truth to fables (II Timothy 4:1-4).  In order to avoid being deceived and misled, we need to study the Scriptures carefully so that we know what the Bible teaches as doctrine (example of the Bereans, Acts 17:10-12), and exercise the spiritual discernment that comes from nourishing and using the gifts of the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 1:6-7).

The additional FOT sites have been added to the article LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.

05/04/07 p.m. Today, LCG announced the following commentary by Wallace Smith:

Archaeologists and anthropologists have labeled the many different ages in their models of the history of man, such as the “Stone Age” or the “Bronze Age.” Given its prominence in our current society, it would not be a wonder if future anthropologists were to label our culture the “Sex Age.”-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are surrounded by it. The assault on our senses and our minds is almost inescapable. Images that were once confined to magazines sold in brown paper bags to adults are now publicly and unavoidably displayed in our shopping malls in bigger-than-life advertisements for all the world to see – regardless of age. Sex is used to sell everything from potato chips to radial tires.

The resulting cultural environment is damaging in more ways than we can count. Women are objectified and must struggle against being judged according to their ability to appear as “sexy” as the airbrushed, digitally and artificially “enhanced” women they see in the media. Men, too, are harmed – virtually “programmed” by the onslaught of images to see women as mere sources of sexual pleasure, instead of equals and partners they can love and respect.

You can click here to read to the complete commentary.

05/02/07 a.m. Today, cogl.org reported the following:

Internet Update
Just over one week ago (4-20-07), we upgraded the way our telecasts are served up to visitors on our websites.  An analysis of the data we collect about our website performance indicates the beginnings of a new and exciting trend!  

 

-        38% improvement in consistency of website performance

-        13% faster page-load time

 

During the same period of time, we experienced a 48% increase in page views on TomorrowsWorld.org. 

 

April 2007 marked the second time that we passed the 60,000 mark for the number of people visiting the TW website, with 60,318 unique visitors.  Although the number of people visiting the website last month was down slightly as compared to the previous month, the difference was much smaller than expected.  Based on previous experience, we can anticipate which months will be high and which months will be low.  This month and next (May and June), are expected to be the lowest months of the year as people temporarily turn their attention to other things. – J. Charles Ogwyn

 

This week at the office
The Council of Elders meetings are going well here at the office.  Wednesday will be the last day of meetings.  Please pray for God’s continued guidance and also for His protection on those who will be returning to their areas later this week. 

05/01/07 a.m. Today, LCG announced the latest commentary by Davy Crockett:

Did life as we know it today evolve? Was there a starting point from which the world began? The Bible says in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning.” In v. 11 we see that plant life was created. In v. 20 we see that fish, sea creatures and birds were created. In v. 24 other living creatures made their appearance at God’s command. And then, the ultimate creation – man - made in the image of God, was created. Click here to read more.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God's Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God's Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what 'pseudo-scientists' refuse to acknowledge.

04/29/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from D. Winnail. In it, he mentions the telecast, Monday's Council of Elders' meeing, Living University, a Spanish update, hymnals, LYC, L4 Tomorrow, two more Canadian FOT sites, three more international FOT sites, where is your heart, and various world news items.

One of the FOT sites mentioned is Kandy in Sri Lanka. My wife and I went to Kandy twice before we had children. It is an interesting city in the middle of the country. I have updated the article LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information to include all the new sites.

Here is one of the world new's items:

Pope Invited to UN.  Ban Ki-moon, the incoming Secretary General of the United Nations, officially issued an invitation to Benedict XVI during a recent visit in Rome.  The Vatican Press Office mentioned “the contribution that the Catholic Church and the Holy See can make… to the action of the United Nations in resolving current conflicts and reaching understanding between nations” (Zenit.org, April 18, 2007).  In recent months the Pope has also offered his support to Angela Merkel in her role as President of the EU and the G8 group of leading industrial nations, to address problems of global poverty and international debt reduction (Zenit.org, April 23, 2007).  Benedict has also met with Palestinian President Abbas in an effort to revive the Mideast peace process (ynetnews.com, April 24, 2007).  The Roman Church certainly fits the end-time prophecies that describe a woman [church] that is intimately involved in the politics of this world—“with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication” (Revelation 17:1-5).

The Vatican is taking many steps to increase its influence around the world. By inviting the current pontiff, the new Secretary General of the United Nations is continuing to fulfill Revelation 17 as has happened often throughout history.

04/27/07 a.m. LCG announced its latest commentary by Carl Ponder titled How can we best protect ourselves?

After the horror of the recent mass murders at Virginia Tech, many suggestions have been put forth as to how such a tragedy could have been prevented or at least minimized. Click here to read more.

04/25/07 a.m. This morning, cogl.org (an official LCG website) reported:

Internet Update
We have just finished the first of several upgrades planned for our websites.  This particular upgrade will increase the number of people who can simultaneously watch the Tomorrow’s World telecast on the Internet.  Online viewers of the most recent telecast should notice shorter load times and smoother streaming of the program. – J. Charles Ogwyn

 Media Update
This week’s Tomorrow’s World telecast, “Five Keys to a Successful Marriage,” brought in in the most responses we have ever received for a program offering our marriage booklet.  From Thursday through Sunday we received 2,705 phone calls, and we are expecting the total to reach 3,555 for the week — far exceeding the previous marriage-booklet high of 2,071 responses, set in February 2005 by the telecast “A Nation of Adulterers?”  – Wayne Pyle

 

This week at the office
Messrs. Rod King and Wallace Smith are in Charlotte this week, to tape several Tomorrow’s World telecasts.  On Tuesday, Mr. King taped, “Make Your Marriage Happier,” and he plans to record one or two additional programs later this week.  On Wednesday, Mr. Smith taped a program on the sequence of end-time prophecy, and on Friday Mr. Ames plans to record a program on the book of Revelation.

04/22/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions travels, Virginia Tech, LYC, baptisms in Canada, a prayer request, New Zealand tv, new FOT sites, and some news items.Here are three items in the update regarding Virginia Tech:

News from Virginia  Mr. and Mrs. Ray Clore informed us that their daughter, Brittany, a student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, was safe and unharmed during the tragic massacre there. The same is true for Jon and Samantha Burgett, son and daughter-in-law of Mr. Val Burgett, who work at Virginia Tech. We heard that members of the United Church of God, who study or work at Virginia Tech, are also safe...  Thy Kingdom Come:  America has just experienced another tragic episode of violence.  A young, angry and mentally disturbed student fatally shot 32 people on a college campus in Virginia.  Two days later, a student here in Charlotte threatened several others before taking his own life.  While students and families mourn, many in America wonder—why is this happening in our land?  Many who fearfully travel the streets of London wonder the same thing.  However, the Bible clearly reveals that “a curse without cause shall not alight” (Proverbs 26:2).  Few today realize that long ago God prophesied that killing and bloodshed would terrorize the lands of God’s chosen people because we have “rejected knowledge… forgotten the law of your God… [and] ceased obeying the LORD” (Hosea 4:1-10).  We cannot watch violence-drenched entertainment on TV and films, tolerate disrespect to parents, authorities and others, and fail to teach children how to cope with adversity and not suffer serious consequences.  As we see our human societies “reap what we have sown” (Hosea 4:9; Jeremiah 2:8, 17-19), we need to pray more earnestly “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)...    

Deadliest Shooting Rampage in Modern U.S. History.  After killing 32 students and faculty, a lone student-gunman at Virginia Tech killed himself. Those who knew him referred to his mental state as “off,” noting that he “never spoke a word.” One English professor reported his troubling behavior to university counselors and police (Newsweek, April 17, 2007). Meanwhile, the shooting has left the Virginia Tech and U.S. academic communities feeling vulnerable. Speaking to ancient Israel (and its modern descendants), God warned that if they despise His statutes and disobey Him, He would “appoint terror over you” (Leviticus 26:14-16). The “classroom” has traditionally been a place of safety and learning, yet again this week it became a place of terror. Will Israelite-descended nations reach a point where there will be “no” safe places? Scripture foretells this. God also warns that at the time of the end, the devil will come, “having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time left” (Revelation 12:12). Increased demon activity is another hallmark of Satan’s handiwork. We are drawing closer to the “end of the age.” Society desperately needs the return of Christ!

Here is the FOT update:

USA AND CANADIAN FEAST OF TABERNACLES SITES 2007 Very soon, we will be announcing the registration date for all of the USA and Canadian Feast sites.  Today, in this issue of The World Ahead, you will find the description of two USA sites and one Canadian Feast site. More details on these three sites will soon be available at the “MyLCG” section of the Member Resources website www.cogl.org. Descriptions of other Canadian and USA sites will be published in upcoming issues of The World Ahead as well.  Canadian Feast Site Orford, Quebec Living Church of God brethren from Quebec and Ontario will once again keep the Feast in the area of Mont Orford, in south-central Quebec.  It is about one hour east of Montreal off Highway 10, in the beautiful Eastern Townships region, near the U.S. border.  Mont Orford Park offers everything needed to enjoy the great outdoors: walking, cycling, mountain climbing, picnics, wildlife and bird watching.  On the shore of Memphremagog Lake (eight minutes drive from Orford) with its luxurious homes, lies the town of Magog, founded at the end of the 18th century.  Here you will find numerous boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, cafes, bistros and restaurants (www.tourisme-memphremagog.com).  Meetings will be held at The Piggery Theatre: 215 Chemin Simard, North Hatley, 15 minutes drive from Mont Orford.  This theatre has been operating for 40 years and was recently rated the third-best summer theatre in Canada.  Our Feastgoers will be the sole users of this peaceful site nestled between the many rolling hills surrounding Magog Lake.  (More information will be posted at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org).    Two USA Feast Sites Myrtle Beach, South Carolina The Feast of Tabernacles this year will once again be held in sunny and warm Myrtle Beach.  Located on the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation destination for people all over the Southeast USA.  Feastgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches and many varieties of restaurants and attractions in the area.  There are more than 100 golf courses and dozens of miniature golf courses, as well as other attractions, such as an IMAX theatre, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Carolina Opry and the Alabama Theatre. Broadway at the Beach is a mega-complex of more than 100 specialty shops and 20 restaurants.  Just a few miles outside of Myrtle Beach, brethren can visit the La Belle Amie Vineyard for a tour and wine tasting, or perhaps a group of friends and family can charter a sailboat and take in the beauty of the open sea.  Festival services will be held at the Kingston Plantation.  Tucked away among gardens, lakes and woods, the Kinston Plantation is a private oceanfront complex, with access to nearly a half-mile of white-sand beachfront and just minutes away from everything Myrtle Beach has to offer.  (More information will be posted at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org).   Bushkill, Pennsylvania The Pocono Mountains will once again be an inviting venue for a family adventure at this year’s Feast of Tabernacles in Bushkill, Pennsvylania. Autumn leaves should be in their golden splendor at the same time we will be observing God’s Festival. Pennsylvania has one of the largest systems of state parks and forests in the United States, and should provide a stunning backdrop for God’s Feast.  There are many family-oriented attractions in the area, including: Bushkill Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Mount Laurel Center for the Performing Arts, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Claws ‘N Paws Wild Animal Park, Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion and Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. There are also wineries, and much more!  Bushkill Falls, known as “the Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is only a few miles away, offering tourists eight waterfalls, paddleboat rides, fishing, wildlife exhibits, Native American art and miles of nature trails. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, only a mile away, is a great place for exploring and learning as well. Come here to experience the awesome power of water! Nearby are Class I and Class II rapids for rafting. Lakes and rivers provide ideal refuges for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing and eagle-watching.  A number of rooms will be blocked for brethren at the Fernwood Hotel & Resort.  Daily services and some activities will be held at the Fernwood Hotel & Resort.  (More information will be posted at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org).   Stay tuned for more USA and Canadian site descriptions, and for the Festival registration date—to be announced soon!  TWO MORE INTERNATIONAL FEAST SITES FOR 2007 As a reminder, those interested in attending an international Feast site that has already been published in The World Ahead may begin making their arrangements without having to wait for the USA and Canadian registration date.   The Entrance, Australia The Feast site in Australia for 2007 is at the popular seaside holiday destination in the township of “The Entrance,” on the Central Coast of New South Wales.  The Entrance is an easy one-and-a-half hour’s drive north from Sydney along the freeway, or one can utilize trains that depart from Sydney Central Station.  Accommodations are in abundance in The Entrance, and many of the fully self-contained housing options are positioned to capture breathtaking views of the ocean and the entrance to Tuggerah Lake, and the mountains beyond.  We are using a new venue for our services and activities this year.  The meetings and some activities will be at the “Diggers at The Entrance”—with its brand new auditorium and other fully refurbished facilities.  The location is close to the township of The Entrance, and any who have nearby accommodations may wish to walk to services.  The RSL Club management is very favourable towards us and has provided all we need at a very reasonable cost.   All in all, The Entrance is a most appealing Feast site—a sleepy seaside township that will provide a millennial setting for what will be another wonderful Feast!  For further information, inquiries and assistance, please contact Dayrell Tanner at livingchurchofgod@bigpond.com, or by phone at +617 3805 8444.  The International Country Code of Australia is included as the prefix (61).  The fax number is: +618 8127 9667.  For inquiries by mail, please write to:  Festival Office, Living Church of God, PO Box 300, Clarendon, South Australia, 5157. For additional information about The Entrance and the Central Coast, visit the following websites:   www.theentrance.org and www.visitcentralcoast.com.au. Glentana, George, South Africa 

The Feast in South Africa will be held in a small peaceful holiday village known as Glentana, situated on the Indian Ocean, 20 km from the town of George. While there are guest house facilities available at R250-R300 per person per day, there are also private houses to hire at R400-R600 per day—some right on the beachfront overlooking the sea, where, at times one may see dolphins and the occasional whale! The exchange rate currently stands at approximately R7.20 to one U.S. dollar. For international visitors, it would be best to fly into the Johannesburg International Airport and take a domestic flight to George (1,400 km), or to fly to the Cape Town International Airport and take a domestic flight to George, or hire a car and drive to Glentana, which is 450 km from Cape Town. For further information and assistance, please contact our Festival advisor Christo Botha by e-mail at christo@uniqs.co.za 

More can also be found at the following link to LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information04/18/07 a.m. This morning, cogl.org reported the following:

Internet Update
When the Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course was introduced in 1999, students were mailed one lesson each month.  Allowing for the time it took students to mail their tests in, it took at least two years — sometimes much longer — to complete the Course.  When we began mailing the lessons four at a time, this sped the process quite a bit, but even the fastest students took at least six months to complete the Course.  

The new online version of the Bible Study Course (containing the exact same content as the print version, and still requiring students to complete six tests) went online as of March 29 this year.  Students may take as long as they wish to complete the Course, but highly motivated people can now progress much more quickly than before.  One brand-new student, who found us by searching the Internet for Bible study helps, is already at Lesson 24 after less than three weeks!  Others are finding that the online version is more convenient than the print version, not only because they like the online format, but also because they do not have to wait a month between sending in their test and beginning the next set of lessons.
 
This week at the office
Dr. Winnail returned from Europe on Tuesday.  The Merediths’ trip to New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and China is going well.   Please continue to pray for God’s guidance, physical strength, and safety for the Merediths.  They will return home on Thursday.

04/17/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the following commentary by Richard Ames:

Monday’s shooting at Virginia Tech -- the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history -- brings tragic violence closer to home for many of us. When we hear about violence in Sudan and Iraq, it often seems remote from our lives, but a school shooting — in a peaceful community where people once felt safe — shakes us in a special way. We grieve for the Virginia Tech victims and their families, but even as we grieve we are reminded that thousands more around the world are wounded and killed every day in ongoing violent conflicts. From Columbine to Kosovo, and from Blacksburg to Baghdad, our world is mired in violence, pain and suffering. Have you ever asked yourself, “Is There Any Hope?” God’s word gives the answer! Click here to read more.

04/15/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Dibar Apartian. in it, he mentions many travels, international updates, the FOT, second passover, a request from mail processing, improving one thing at a time, and news items.Here is one of the news items:

Catholic Church Flexing Its Muscles.  In a recent speech in Rome, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states of the Vatican Secretariat of State, made some powerful observations regarding the European Union: “During the last two legislatures of the European Parliament, the positions of the Catholic Church and the Vatican were attacked almost 30 times and unjustly accused of uncalled-for involvement in a European issue… It corresponds in first place to the Holy See, as well as to all Christians,” Archbishop Mamberti said, “to remind this continent […] that it cannot betray its Christian values, just as a person cannot betray his reasons to live and have hope, without falling into a dramatic crisis.” The Archbishop also warned of “neo-pagan ideologies” that can influence the state to take away the rights of its citizens (Zenit.org, March 26, 2007). The Catholic Church and its bishops are using increasingly strong rhetoric when advocating for the involvement of their church in the future of the EU. Revelation 17 warns of major involvement of a church in the future Beast power. The Archbishop’s warnings about the EU government eroding individual human rights also play into prophecies about 10 nations of the Beast eventually “giving their power and authority over to it” (Revelation 17:13). 

The EU will have trouble getting approval for its constitution without Vatican backing, thus it will eventually realize that more than it now does. 04/13/07 a.m. LCG announces another new commentary:

The dreaded deadline for paying taxes – April 15th – comes around all too often for many in the United States. A great number of citizens hate to pay their share so badly that they often fudge on their tax returns, misrepresenting their true tax bill to Uncle Sam. Click here to read more.

04/11/07 a.m. In his latest commentary, LCG's Don Davis discusses starvation:

The pitiful image of a character with a long beard and dusty monk’s robe, pacing the streets with a sign that reads, “Repent, the End is near! Flee from the Wrath to come!” is not as laughable as it used to be. Click here to read more.

04/10/07 a.m. From Argentina, LCG's D. Campos reports:

On Sunday April 8th, a Public Conference was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Mr. Mario Hernández. He spoke about the Plan of God and the biblical Feast for 2 and half hours and everybody listened the good news of the Kingdom with great interest. There were more than 50 people, listeners of the Spanish radio version of Tomorrows World that is broadcast in Buenos Aires. It was a great event, and many people asked for the offer literature and possible church assistance.

Mr. Mario Hernández is visiting Colombia, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina in this trip.

04/07/07 p.m. The following is from the cogl.org site:

Internet UpdateIn March of 2007 the TomorrowsWorld.org website set an all-time record of 62,757 unique visitors!  The previous high was in January 2007, which recorded 58,947. The Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course is now available online!  The Bible Study Course has historically been a very powerful tool not only in bringing those new to the Truth into a fuller understanding, but also in strengthening the spiritual foundation of those already in the Church.  The new online format will allow participants to take the course at their own pace.  Those that began taking the print version of the Bible Study Course, but have not yet finished, can begin the online course at the point they left off in the print version, or they can choose to go back and review earlier material.  The content of the online course is identical to the print version developed by the late Mr. John H. Ogwyn. This week at the officeThe Television Department is finishing work on Mr. Meredith’s telecast “Will Russia Invade Israel?” (TW#303), which is scheduled to air during the week of May 6.  Final edits to the May-June 2007 Tomorrow’s World magazine are being made this week.

The Merediths’ trip to New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and China is going well.  Please continue to pray for God’s guidance, physical strength, and safety for the Merediths and the others who are traveling at this time.
 

Because some of the HQ ministers are visiting other congregations during the Spring Holy Days, the next issue of The World Ahead (Weekly Update) will be published on April 12, 2007.

It should be noted out that the TW site does get more unique visitors than the COGwriter site does.04/04/07 a.m. LCG announced the following commentary by Wallace Smith this morning:

Science has discovered so many amazing things about our universe! A recent National Geographic article (March 2007), for instance, discusses the work of astrophysicist Adam Burrows which suggests that intense sound waves are the key ingredient behind supernovas, the massive explosions that destroy dying stars. Click here to read more.

03/31/07 a.m. Last week LCG announced an additional Spanish site (in Mexico) and that two previously announced sites will have translations into English. More information is in the link titled LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.03/30/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the following updated commentary by Davy Crockett:

9. Nothing is worthy of respect. Nothing is sacred. There are no absolutes. Humankind must make its own way. Click here to read more.

03/28/07 a.m. LCG's D. Campos reports:

LCG will be having several FOT sites in Spanish-speaking countries this year--and more than usual will also have English translations. Several are listed at the following link: LCG 2007 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.03/27/07 a.m. The following is from the website of Living University.

Admission to a Certificate, Diploma, or
Degree Program

Individuals seeking to complete a certificate, diploma or degree must file a complete Application for Admission. An online application will be available April 15. See Regular Admission. See also special information for high school students.

Enrollment in the Open Learning Program

The Open Learning Program is for individuals who seek only to enroll in one or more single courses, but who do not desire to pursue a certificate, diploma or degree. Students may accumulate up to fifteen (15) semester hours of designated courses before they must fulfill the regular admission requirements. See Open Learning Program...

NOTE: This website is being uploaded by sections through March 30. Some links may not be available until the end of April. Thank  you for your understanding and patience.

The URL for the website of Living University is http://www.livinguniv.com/.

03/25/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions travels, budget matters, Martinique FOT, Mexico FOT, focus, news items, and a letter from RCM discussing Passover. Here is one of the news items:

The Irish and British are “Really” Related. According to a recent New York Times article, DNA research appears to show that the British and Irish peoples are closely related and may even be related to some in the Netherlands and Norway.  This evidence is causing great discomfort among historians, calling into question the “established wisdom” of the history of the British Isles and Ireland. Some propose that the Irish and British came north through Spain and Italy about 4,000 years ago.  Others suggest a connection with Germany—that a variation of modern English was spoken in the Isles prior to the Roman invasion (New York Times, March 6, 2007).   The Church has taught for decades that the British, Irish and Welsh people are “brothers”—descendents of the twelve tribes of Israel who were mostly taken into captivity by the Assyrians (modern day Germans—thus the Germanic roots of the English language). Many of these people migrated throughout southeastern Europe, before making their way north—some through Italy and Spain, and others by sea up to Ireland and Great Britain. The biblical accounts provide helpful perspectives to the issues raised by modern geneticists, if only they would look in that direction, “...because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13).

Many who once were in the old Worldwide Church of God, but who abandoned those beliefs, have scoffed LCG's continued belief on this subject. Perhaps some will realize that the truth in on LCG's side on this. 03/22/07 a.m. COGL.org reported:

Media UpdateWe are happy to report another record-breaking weekend!  This weekend we aired program #296, “The Superpower ‘Beast’ of Revelation,” which, of course. offered the booklet entitled The Beast of Revelation.  From Thursday through Sunday we received 3,476 phone calls, and we are expecting the final count to go over 4,200.  This week’s booklet response is the highest we have ever received for The Beast of Revelation.  The previous record was set a year ago when program #274 reached 4,005 responses. 
– Wayne Pyle This week at the officeBoth Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ames will tape a Tomorrow’s World television program today (Wednesday).   The Canadian Ministerial Conference will take place Thursday and Friday of this week.  Dr. Winnail will be in Canada for the conference.   

After 8 years of faithful and loyal service to the Canadian office, Ross Abasolo has resigned his position as Business Manager to pursue other opportunities.  We appreciate his service and wish him well in the future.

03/20/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the latest commentary by Wallace Smith:

The English language is a marvelous instrument in the hands of an expert wordsmith. It is capable of tremendous subtlety, and over the centuries the lives of countless men and women have been affected in numerous ways by the manner in which its vast collection of words have been manipulated and shaped – whether to rally the faithful to the arms of war or to sooth the troubled and hostile crowd. Click here to read more.

03/18/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions media, Rod King, Living Youth Camp, new appointments, internatioonal updates, pre-Passover trials, and world news items. Here the new appointments:

New Appointments:  Regional Pastor Lambert Greer will become the Pastor of congregations in Ohio, following the resignation of Mr. Eng Monson.  Mr. Charles Knowlton will become the Associate Pastor of the Columbus congregation.  Mr. Knowlton holds a Master’s Degree from Ambassador College and has more than twenty years experience in the ministry.  Mr. Rodger Hagmaier will become the Assistant Pastor for the Akron congregation.  Mr. Hagmaier is a graduate of Ohio State University and has served God’s people faithfully for decades. 

Here is one of the international updates:

Kinnear Penman reports: We remain broadcasting the Tomorrow’s World programme on Prime TV. The tendering process saw us win the 8:00 a.m. Sunday time slot (previously 8:30 a.m). The two programmes which have so far been aired have brought good results.  During January and February, we averaged sixty new subscribers each week. Seventy-one batches of BSC lessons were mailed to students. For ten days in February, I was in Papua New Guinea. The local elder, Mr. Peter Devis, and I were able to visit most members in the country and also be present at the first business meetings of the Living Church of God in Papua New Guinea. In New Zealand, I made ten first visits to subscribers. Two of these visits resulted in people being invited to attend services. I was also able to visit three members in their New Zealand homes, and continued baptismal counseling for another three attendees. Of these latter people I hope to baptise two in the near future. 

03/16/07 a.m. In this week's co-worker letter, LCG's RC Meredith reported:

The first two months of calendar year 2007 have been nothing short of incredible in the media area of God’s Work! Some doors closed for us, but many bigger doors opened up.  It has been amazing to watch God’s blessings pour forth. In the United States we added TV coverage in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania area. Also, TV stations were added in Camden, New Jersey; Niagara Falls, New York; Altoona, Pennsylvania; Fort Wayne Indiana; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Cape May at the southern tip of New Jersey.

As wonderful as all these TV stations are, these were just the small TV stations added in the first two months, accounting for nearly one million additional TV households for the Tomorrow’s World television program. The big ones include WBPX in Boston, Massachusetts, with nearly two million households, and the WORD Network, with over 42 million households nationwide across the United States, and transmitted via satellite to many more tens of millions of additional viewers around the world, in the United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and Central America.But there is even more! Just last week God blessed us with two new stations in southern California, which we have been hoping and praying for—in some cases—for years. For the first time since the Tomorrow’s World telecast began, we now have a contract to begin televising on a popular commercial cable system in San Diego, Cox Media’s channel 4, which reaches over a half-million homes. And on top of this, we were able to negotiate a contract with KDOC-TV in Anaheim, which reaches most TV households in Los Angeles and Orange County—over 4.5 million homes. We thank God for these fine new openings for the Tomorrow’s World telecast...

Reports produced by Nielsen Research and other media-research companies indicate that the telecast is now reaching an average of 50,000 brand new viewers each week. This year, with coverage in North America, the Caribbean Islands, Ireland, UK, Europe, the Mediterranean area, South Africa, Australasia and the Philippines, the data indicate that Tomorrow’s World viewers should increase by well over two million households.

An article of possible interest may be There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God?03/14/07 a.m. This morning, Cogl.org reported:

March 14, 2007

Media UpdateFrom Thursday through Sunday, we received 1,570 phone calls. This nearly matches Mr. Wallace Smith’s first program back in December, which offered the same booklet. We aired program #297 “America and Britain: A “Special Relationship” which offered The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. We are expecting the response for this program to top out at around 2,200. Normally, the change-over from standard time to daylight savings costs us 30-40 percent of our average response. This was also Mr. King’s first program, and it takes the audience several viewings to warm up and respond to a new presenter. – Wayne PyleThis week at the officeMr. Rod King is in Charlotte this week for meetings and for TV tapings. He will tape two programs. One will be entitled “50 Years of Europe, What Next?” and the other will be “7 Keys to a Happy Marriage.”The Council of Elders will meet by teleconference on Thursday. Please pray for God’s guidance on the Council meeting.

The latest Member / Co-Worker letter has been printed and will be put in the mail today...

03/13/07 a.m. This morning LCG announced the following commentary from D. Crockett:

As a people, we love “lists.” We are eager to see lists of the “Best Dressed,” the “Best Books,” “The Best Movies,” the “Best Restaurants,” the “Best Places to Live,” the “Best Team,” and so on. We love to categorize, group and label. Books of lists are compiled and entertainers make humorous lists, and we get a chuckle out of them. Click here to read more.

03/11/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions media and responses, Barbados, a singles' weekend, finances, the internet, news items, and preparing for Passover. Information on Passover of historical and biblical interest is included in the article Passover and the Early Church. 03/08/07 a.m. The COGL.org site posted the following:

Internet UpdateIn February we had 55,931 visitors to the Tomorrow’s World website.  February has historically been one of the lower months in terms of visitors to our website.  However, this February was higher than expected and represents a 30.4% growth rate for the previous 12 months.  – J. Charles Ogwyn Media UpdateThis weekend we aired program #293, “Satan’s Attack on the Bible,” which offered The Bible: Fact or Fiction? From Thursday through Sunday, we received 2,383 phone calls, and we are expecting the total responses to reach over 3,000. 

This program was the first one to offer The Bible: Fact or Fiction? booklet, and as a first-time offer, the response is exceptional.  The highest first-time booklet offer came from Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity, which generated 4,868 replies back in February 2006.  The second highest booklet first-time offer was produced by Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs, which brought in 4,647 responses this past January.  This week’s offer, The Bible: Fact or Fiction? is the third highest. – Wayne Pyle

03/07/07 a.m. LCG announced its latest commentary by Wallace Smith:

Have you seen “The Tomb of Jesus,” a Discovery Channel presentation brought to us by filmmakers James Cameron (of Titanic fame) and Simcha Jacobovici? If not, it is only a matter of time before you hear about it – such is the way with society’s current fascination with the “DaVinci Code” spirit of “creative history.” Click here to read more.

03/06/07 a.m. In his latest co-worker letter, RC Meredith wrote:

Dr. Winnail just now came into my office and asked me to include a preliminary announcement to all of you about our plans to start the “Living University”—with classes beginning this coming autumn! As one who taught Ambassador College theology classes more than any other human—and one who assisted Mr. Armstrong as Second Vice President of Ambassador College for many years—I have a deep desire to educate our young people and members and give them the opportunity to participate in the proper type of educational setting in a truly Christian environment.       So please take note! The goal of this University will be to provide accredited degrees, as well as diplomas and certificates, through distance learning courses. We already have a dedicated faculty who have committed to this program with the necessary degrees and background to make it a resounding success. Along with my teaching many of the Bible classes, Dr. Douglas Winnail will also assist in overseeing this Living University—as well as Mr. Richard Ames who taught for years and has an M.A. from Stephen F. Austin University. The Chief Executive Officer of the University will be Dr. Michael Germano—holding earned doctorates from the University of Southern California and the University of La Verne. Dr. Germano served as Academic Vice President at Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA and as Academic Dean at Ambassador University in Big Sandy, TX. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Academic Services at Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC.       Living University, with administrative offices at Living Church of God Headquarters in Charlotte, NC, plans to begin with “all the world as its campus” and offer distance learning courses for undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Eventually, we hope to offer an on campus program for a limited number of students so they can interact with one another in a social way, in a Christian atmosphere. More information will be forthcoming within the next few weeks. All interested persons should contact us at our Headquarters address or on-line at university@lcg.org.  

      Dear brethren and co-workers, this represents a wonderful step forward in our ability to serve all of you and especially our youth! And we have available quite a number of the senior professors who actually served with Mr. Armstrong and in major positions at Ambassador College in years past. So let us be inspired, again, in all that Christ is doing!

03/04/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions the telecast, ministerial transfers, a Jamaica FOT, news items, and fulfilling our purpose.Here is one of the news items:

The “Old Man of the Mountain” Revived?  An elite terrorist force from Iran evokes memories of an earlier group that specialized in murder and mayhem.  The 2,000-man Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards is a “remarkably efficient organization, quite possibly one of the best Special Forces units in the world,” according to the Centre for the Study of Terrorism in London.  An Iran expert says, “There are people who believe the Quds Force does not move a muscle without getting explicit orders from [Supreme Leader Ali] Khameini.”  President Bush says the Quds force “has provided sophisticated IEDs [Improvised Explosive Devices] that have harmed our troops (New York Times, February 14, 2007).  Nine hundred years ago, the original Assassin Order of murderous Muslims terrorized the Middle East, led by the Old Man of the Mountain (www.bartleby.com/65/as/Assassin.html).  Is a modern Old Man of the Mountain giving orders from Iran today?  Scripture notes, “Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war.  They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips” (Psalm 140:1-3)

03/02/07 a.m. Today, LCG annouced the following:

** UPDATE regarding Prophecy comes alive! **The Prophecy comes alive! updates will be moving to a new format via audio on the http://www.TomorrowsWorld.org website every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It will be found on the first page of the website under the heading "TW Special Report". In the coming weeks we will be adding a library dedicated to the TW Special reports, where previous reports will be made available. If you have any questions or comments about the website, please email us at Support@lcg.org.

New Commentary:

It has become apparent from the news networks that there is confusion and disagreement about where United States and British policy is leading in Iraq, Iran, North Korea and other world trouble spots. Click here to read more.

02/27/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced its latest commentary by Davy Crockett:

A recent national survey of young people concerning their hopes, dreams and aspirations revealed a rather shocking fact. Most youngsters today want to become celebrities. Click here to read more.

02/25/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from D. Winnail. In it, he has a report on the Gospel from RCM, more on Living University, two international FOT sites, news items, and asking about loose bricks vs. getting the big picture.Here is one of the news items:

Egypt Has Strong Words for Israel.  Reacting to the recent Israeli Temple Mount construction project, a member of the Egyptian parliament stated last week, “nothing will work with Israel except for a nuclear bomb that wipes it out of existence.” That statement reflected growing hatred in the Middle East for what is seen as Israel’s efforts to destroy the al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third most holy site.  Some parliamentarians suggested that the war between Egypt and Israel was continuing—referring to the war that ended with a peace deal in 1979 (The Jerusalem Post, February 12, 2007). The current Egyptian sentiment for Israel is not only interesting from the standpoint that Jerusalem will be a “cup of trembling” for many nations (Zechariah 12:2, KJV), but also that Egypt is prophesied to play a more prominent role in world affairs prior to Christ’s return (Daniel 11:8, 43; Zechariah 10:11).  Recent events in Israel apparently are stirring hatred from around the region and the world.

02/23/07 a.m. LCG reported the following news item:

U.S. Losing Ground as Investors Look Elsewhere. Foreign stock markets are luring investors away from Wall Street with higher yields and faster capital appreciation. Fifty-five other stock exchanges are surpassing the Dow, NASDAQ and S&P 500. In 2006, Central and South American stocks rose four times faster, and Eastern European stocks rose five times faster, than stocks in U.S. markets. Poland’s Stock Exchange gained 42 percent, while Bulgaria’s Sofia Index claimed a 48 percent increase. Croatia’s ZSE Index rocketed upward 61 percent, and Russian stocks increased by an average of 71 percent. Chinese stocks were up 131 percent, and Vietnam’s VSI Stock Index registered a phenomenal 144 percent gain. By contrast, U.S. stocks returned an average of only 13 percent to investors, scarcely enough to keep pace with taxes and inflation (Money and Markets, February 10, 2007). The U.S. dollar is also in trouble against many rising foreign currencies. Americas is plagued by a huge trade imbalance, out of control government spending, escalating war costs and the personal indebtedness of its citizens. America’s profligate ways are beginning to come back on her. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire” (James 5:1-3).

02/22/07 a.m. RCM wrote:

Dear brethren and co-workers, as prophetic events truly begin to speed up, we really do need to go all out to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Yet Jesus Christ Himself warned that many would let down and become lukewarm in these last days, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:34-35). May God help each of us stir ourselves to do our very best to assist His Work while we have the opportunity. As the time approaches for Jesus’ return to this earth as King of kings, He is carefully “watching” each of us to see how much our hearts are truly in His Work.

With Christian love,
Roderick C. Meredith

02/20/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the following commentary by Wallace Smith:

The delight my family felt at seeing Ben Ownby returned to his parents was almost indescribable – a feeling that we know we share with many. Click here to read more.

02/18/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions Wallace Smith, a new coworker letter, Dan Hall's new resposibilities, Living University, Living Leadership, Rod King's visit to Africa, three more international FOT sites, news items, and that we are to study the word. Here is one of the news items:

The Pope Calls for More Spiritual Unity.  The Pope continues to stress interaction and work between Catholic bishops and other so-called Christian entities (Zenit.org, February 8, 2007).  He recently stated that interreligious dialogue and efforts are not “options” but are necessary in the world today.  His comments were made to the Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue, a group he helped found in 1999.  Foundation members represent Jews, Muslims, and so-called Christians (Zenit.org, February 1, 2007).  As the Pope works to bring the world’s three monotheistic religions together, Jerusalem planners are proposing to restructure Jerusalem using a “Vatican model.” Plans call for three distinct and separately governed areas in Jerusalem: a Palestinian area, a Jewish area and, like Vatican City within Rome, a distinctly non-Jewish/non-Muslim governed area (Haaretz.com, January 31, 2007).  Could this lead to a nation-state governed by the EU or future Beast power, within the confines of Jerusalem?  Jesus prophesied of a time when Jerusalem would be under “gentile” rule (Luke 21:24).  The Bible reveals the Day of the Lord will not come until the “man of sin” is revealed—one who places himself as God in the temple of God (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).  Could the ecumenical and “interreligious push” by the Pope, and the proposed ideas to redesign Jerusalem, create the opportunity for a future man of sin to safely dwell in Jerusalem?  We need to watch! 

Prophecy is moving forward! Here is LCG's announcement about Living University:

Press Release:  LCG to open University in Fall of 2007 Charlotte, NC—The Living Church of God today announced the founding of Living University. Presiding Evangelist, Dr. Roderick Meredith envisions the University as “a means of preparing men and women for Christian leadership, service and ministry.” He sees “the university functioning as an important resource to help meet the growing human resource needs of the Church as its operations expand worldwide.” Dr. Michael P. Germano, holding earned doctorates from the University of Southern California and the University of La Verne, has been named as President and Chief Executive Officer of the University. Germano served as Academic Vice President at Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA, and as Academic Dean at Ambassador University in Big Sandy, TX. Most recently Germano served as Vice President of Academic Services at Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC. 

Living University, with administrative offices located in the Living Church of God headquarters building in Charlotte, NC, plans to begin with “all the world as its campus” by offering online distance learning courses for its undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. According to Germano, “online courses enable students to take biblically-based courses without having to relocate to Charlotte. This allows the university to serve students around the globe as they study in their own countries.”

I learned about Living University some time ago and am glad that it has been announced. 02/14/07 a.m. This morning, the COGL.org site had this fabulous news:

Two New Records Set for the Tomorrow’s World Telecast 

The Tomorrow’s World television program made a new break-through this past week with program 292, “Armageddon and Beyond,” which offered the booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!  This program is the first in Canada and the United States to produce more than 5,000 responses.  A few other programs have brushed the 5,000-mark, but program 292 finally pushed us over the top.  What is especially exciting is that the majority of the respondents, 58 percent, were brand new, first-time callers.  Of the 5,048 who have responded so far, 2,928 were new respondents, which is also a new record for the Tomorrow’s World telecast in North America. 

02/12/07 a.m. This morning, LCG announced the following commentary by Davy Crockett:

It can be cold and wet in December in the scenic valleys of Tennessee, but it is a beautiful setting nonetheless. Not much has changed here in a generation. It’s not crowded. The old neighborhoods seem to be unchanging, a pleasant, quiet, small town, unhurried, unbothered in a time when most folks are bustling about. Click here to read more.

02/11/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions television responses, a Minneapolis Family Weekend, the Chattanooga Spring Family Dinner-Dance, two European FOT sites, record internet responses, world news items, and how to resolve doctrinal disputes. 02/09/07 a.m. In the latest co-worker letter was the following quote from LCG's Wayne Pyle:

Worldwide the Tomorrow’s World telecast generated more than 200,000 TV responses in the past 12 months—a huge 28 percent increase over the previous year!  TV response in Australia generated a whopping 26 percent increase, in New Zealand the nationwide telecast produced a 22 percent jump over a year ago, and in North America the increase was up 28 percent as well.  And, most heartening, fully 50 percent of the respondents each week are brand new—many having never heard of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong!  In church services this past weekend, I was with Mr. Meredith as he greeted two brand new attendees.  They found out about the Living Church of God from the Tomorrow’s World telecast here in Charlotte.  When he asked the ladies if they had ever heard of Mr. Armstrong, both shook their heads, saying no.  They had never heard of him.  Regardless, both believed they had finally found a true Bible-teaching television program and the true Bible-based church.  Both ladies were very happy about attending the Living Church of God church services, and both said they would be coming back.  They have been actively searching and visiting many churches over the past two years, as no doubt many others are, and they believe God has finally led them to His true church.

02/08/07 a.m. Cogl.org reported yesterday:

During a time when Germany finds itself inching into the global spotlight as the leading nation of the European Union, its population is beginning to experience an interesting shift in its sentiments about who should have power and how that power should be wielded. Click here to read more.

02/04/07 a.m. Here is the latest update from Douglas Winnail. In it, he mentions travels, 2007 income, fabulous tv responses, international updates, Northeast Family Weekend, mail tracking, news items, and an admonition to pay attention to prophecy.Here is some of what he reported about media:

It is very exciting to report that the regular donation income in January was the highest for any January since the Global-Living Church of God began in 1993 (over 25% increase).  In addition, the responses for every TV program in January were all more than 4,000 with the highest at 4,942. 

Here is one of the news items:

Are the “Times of the Gentiles” Beginning?  Last week, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Olmert’s party and one of his close confidants proposed transferring control of the West Bank to a “European Authority.”  He suggested that the EU, assisted by Jordan, take control of the area until a future date, when control can be returned to the Palestinian Authority.  He also suggested evacuating Jewish settlers from the area (WorldNetDaily, January 25, 2007). Jesus prophesied that prior to His second coming, “Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).  This week’s proposal could lead to something the Roman Catholic church has desired for centuries—the ability to occupy and control the Holy Land and the “world city” of Jerusalem.  Daniel predicted that at the time of the end, a major seven-year peace treaty will be signed enabling a powerful prince or nation to control Jerusalem and also allow the commencement of sacrifices by the Jews (Daniel 9:24-27).  This newly proposed involvement of the EU in the Holy Land could open the door to the Beast Power and the Roman Catholic church’s future occupation of Jerusalem.

01/31/07 a.m. This morning, LCG posted

Quick Facts on the Work in 2006 The following numbers were given in the HQ Managers’ Meeting on Tuesday (1-30-07).  We are striving to carry out the instructions to do the work that Jesus Christ gave to his disciples.  These instructions will not be completed prior to Christ’s return, but rather interrupted by it.  (Matthew 10:23, 28:19-20)  These numbers give a glimpse into how we are carrying out that commission.  The credit for what we have done and are doing goes not to any individual or group of individuals, but rather to God.  (I Corinthians 3:6, 1:26-29) Booklets printed: 555,520  New publications produced and printed:

-        Tomorrow’s World Magazine (six different issues)-        Living Church News (six different issues)-        Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course lessons 1-4 were reformatted to print as 4 lessons in one binding.     Eventually, all of the other lessons will be reformatted to print in this new format of 4 lessons in one binding.  The other lessons will be reformatted prior to ordering additional copies from our printer.-        Ministerial Album-        2006 Festival Planner-        Living Leadership Course manual-        Living Reflections (LYC brochure)

 Envelopes purchased: 2,169,000 Our envelope orders have grown so large that our orders have attracted the attention of a major envelope manufacturer.  The manufacturer asked the distributor to find out who is placing such large orders and then contacted us directly, bypassing the distributor, to see about gaining our business.   CD’s purchased: 72,754 We are using such a high volume of CD’s that we have been able to obtain distributor pricing on our orders.  This has resulted in an additional savings of 13% over our previous volume price discount.   Audio Cassettes purchased: 6,100  

DVD’s purchased: 21,200

To see this yourself, LCG members can go to the http://www.cogl.org site and sign in (those who are not members or do not wish to go and sign in will normally be able to view this news from the COGwriter site--such as what I have shown above). This news at that page is intended to be updated weekly.

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COGwriter, 2007