6/23/05

Hello from Charlotte,

We are moving forward at a busy pace here at Headquarters.  The current session of the Pastors Conference is going very well.  It runs through this coming Friday.  The semi-annual letter responses are coming in at a brisk pace and there are many more to come.  Mr. Meredith is sending out a member/co-worker letter which contains very encouraging news about growth in the Work and comforting words about the loss of our friend and fellow servant, Mr. John Ogwyn.

 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

 Mr. Dayrell Tanner writes about a healing:

 Mr. Milton Acosta was dramatically healed of an injury to his leg after services.  I was called to anoint him when he began to suffer tremendous pain to his leg. His pain was genuine, he was going white almost to the point of passing out, and he was unable to bear the pain when I anointed him. Just prior to this we were contemplating taking him to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment. Immediately on being anointed, his pain totally disappeared, and he was able to move his leg pain-free, and he stood up straight away to prove the point. His bruising immediately started to fade, and the cut just closed up. He was able to go out to dinner with us later in the evening, and he was absolutely ok. He has since told me that up until this anointing he had suffered continuous pain for years in the knee of the leg that was hurt. Now he no longer has any pain in the knee of the leg that was affected!

 The three of us were by-standers as we saw with our own eyes this wonderful act of mercy by our Heavenly Father. The price Jesus Christ paid by the incredible beating He endured on our behalf was fully realized by this miracle. Certainly the scripture “by whose stripes you were healed” is true.

 Mr. Scott Winnail writes about the Internet:

 What Will We Believe?

 God tells us in His inspired word that we have been given the spirit of discernment (Heb. 5:14). The question is, how willing are we to use this discernment? Unfortunately some are willing to believe virtually anything that has been put into print, especially if they “agree” with it – and especially if it is published on the Internet. How willing are you to read something on the Internet or elsewhere and wholeheartedly believe it, without first “checking it out” or checking out the author? How much trust are you willing to place in the “good sounding” writings of an individual who may be deceived, untaught, or who may have already proven himself/herself unfaithful? Are you willing to ask probing questions like, “Who wrote this?” or “Why did they write it?”

 Brethren, we must remember that Satan does go “about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” and thus we must be vigilant (I Pet. 5:8).  He artfully mixes truth and error together in such a way that only the very wise and cautious can discern it. Often, Satan uses those who have previously proven useful to him to preach his messages – his instruments of unrighteousness (Rom. 6:12-14) – and if we are not very careful, we may fall into viewing these “instruments of Satan” as credible sources of spiritual truth.

 Let’s all make sure that we are not duped into believing “anything and everything” that we read, just because it may “sound good” on the surface.  We need to prove ALL things and hold fast only to that which is good (I Thess. 5:21). We need to really exercise God’s spirit of discernment and if something “looks” credible, make sure to check into the sources behind it so that we do not put our faith, trust and confidence into the writings of one who may very well be deceived.

 Living 4 Tomorrow—A Time 4 Young Singles (It’s Not Too Late To Apply.)

 Several have asked if it is too late to apply to the Living 4 Tomorow session in July.  We have space available.  Please send in your application as soon as possible.  A deadline was not set since the Northwoods Christian Camp facility provides more space than previously available for this program.  Knowing the difficulty of setting summer plans, last minute applications will be accepted as long as we have available space.  The L4T program is open to ALL singles between the ages of 18 and 30. The fee of $155 US will cover the cost of all lodging, food, and activities.  Arrival date is the afternoon of Tuesday, July 12, with a get acquainted cookout scheduled for that evening.  Departure date is Sunday morning, July 17.  Please visit the LYC youth web site at www.youth-web.org for additional information and applications.  Applications and additional information may also be requested by calling Lambert Greer at 502-228-5917 or by email at lgreer@lcg.org.

 FESTIVAL DEPARTMENT

 FEAST ONLINE REGISTRATION

 Some people are experiencing problems when they try to pre-register online for the Feast. The online registration program is only able to recognize PIN codes of those listed in our database as US/Canadian members and prospective members of the Church. If you are a member or attending services but cannot register online, simply mail in the yellow form that you received with the Festival Planner. If you did not receive a Planner in the mail, you need to speak with the Living Church of God pastor in your area. He is the person who can have our computer records updated.

 If you live outside the US and Canada, and wish to transfer to a North American site, you should ask your pastor to forward your request by e-mail to the Festival Office here in Charlotte, NC.

 FESTIVAL TRANSFERS

 The Festival Office has sent out site transfer approvals to hundreds of households. However, in many cases, the first choice some have requested is full, and approval/disapproval is delayed waiting for an opening to occur. For instance, there are many requests for Lake Tahoe, yet almost all those assigned to the site seem to want to stay there. Tahoe has a limited number of seats, so very few transfers into that site can be approved.

 It would be very helpful if everyone would pre-register right away, so that those who have requested a transfer can be notified regarding site availability. In a few weeks the Festival Office will begin approving 2nd or even 3rd choices, if no openings occur at the preferred site.

 This is a big job, and we hope to satisfy every request, but we need to receive more pre-registrations so we can proceed quickly to reduce our transfer waiting list. Thank you all for your patience. 

 HIGH ELEVATION FEAST SITES

 (To be read in all congregations in the U.S.)

 Some older or infirm members that, for health reasons, find it impossible to attend their assigned Feast site at the higher elevations of Lake Tahoe, CA and Taos, NM should request a transfer to Corpus Christi, TX or Rapid City, SD. If you are in this category and need financial assistance because of additional travel expense, please contact your area Pastor to obtain a Second Tithe Assistance Request form. There are only 116 days until the Feast of Tabernacles begins!

 COMMENTS

 Mr. Roderick C. Meredith conducted Mr. John Ogwyn’s funeral on Thursday, June 16.  The room was packed with hundreds of people who came from near and far to honor Mr. Ogwyn and pay their respects to his family.  Mr. Meredith strengthened everyone with insights about John’s faith and service and with scriptural examples concerning what the future holds for him and all of us.  Our God has not left us nor forsaken us.  He will help us with the power and strength we must have to press on. Notice II Thessalonians 2:16-17, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” Also, we need to continue to help one another as God’s word says in I Thess. 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (NKJV)

 Have an encouraging Sabbath,

 Charles E. Bryce

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