Living Church of God, World Ahead Weekly Update

Severe weather continues to batter parts of the globe—an “epic” storm is pounding coastal Alaska and flood damage continues in Thailand and Northern India. In Europe, the financial crisis threatens to alter the make-up of the eurozone and “unravel” what has been built up over the last six decades—significant changes appear to be in the wind! Mr. Meredith is back in Charlotte after making Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations in Baltimore and Washington. It is encouraging to note that a total of 189 visitors attended the six TWSPs conducted last weekend. Six more follow-up presentations will take place this coming weekend. Mr. Pyle reports that we should receive more than 4,400 responses to Mr. King’s telecast last weekend entitled, “The Apostles Amazing Journeys.” Next week we will be holding a Council of Elders conference here in Charlotte. Your prayers for the meetings are appreciated.

Please Note: In light of numerous individuals who are facing serious health problems, Dr. Meredith would like to announce that we plan to have a Church-wide fast next month on the Sabbath of December 17 to beseech God to intervene and heal His people who are suffering. Your continued prayers for God’s people and God’s Work will be deeply appreciated.—DSW

Baltimore and Washington: Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations were held just south of Baltimore, Maryland and in Washington, District of Columbia, on Saturday afternoon, November 5, and on Sunday afternoon, November 6, respectively. One hundred and nine people (49 members and 60 guests) attended the Special Presentation in the Baltimore area; and 67 people (52 members and 15 guests) attended the campaign in Washington. Both congregations would like to express thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Meredith for taking the time to come for these lectures. Mr. Meredith powerfully presented the topic “What’s Ahead for America?” in both cities—here at the Nation’s Capital!

Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Ciesielka will be moving to Charlotte. Mr. Ciesielka will serve as Internet Operations Manager and will teach classes at Living University. Mr. John Strain will move from Texas to Florida to become the Pastor of the South Florida congregations. These moves will take place in January 2012.

We are saddened to announce the death of Bob Yetka, a deacon who faithfully served the La Crescenta, California congregation. Bob died unexpectedly on November 1 as a result of heart failure. He is survived by his wife Joyce and three adult daughters. Cards of condolence can be sent to the following address: Joyce Yetka, 2934 Freeborn St, Duarte, CA 91010.—Darrell Lovelady

We are shaking and twisting in Oklahoma. After a series of quakes and out-of-season tornados that have set records in the state of Oklahoma, we hope and pray that the activity will settle down. I am not aware of any damage or injury to any of our brethren. The earthquakes have been a new experience for my wife and me, as these were the first we have felt in our lives. The feeling of inadequacy and powerlessness to stop the quake is incredible. Christ warned in Matthew 24 that at the end time we would witness earthquakes in various places where they are not expected. While Oklahoma has had quakes before, they are very rare and the one on Saturday night, November 5, (5.7 magnitude) set a record as the strongest ever recorded in the state. Prophecy continues to be fulfilled daily.—Gene Hilgenberg

On Friday night, November 5, there was a massive traffic accident on the M5 highway in Somerset, England. Thirty-four vehicles were involved in the pile-up that resulted in seven people losing their lives, and 54 being injured. Mr. Rod King reports that none of our brethren from the Taunton, Somerset, congregation were involved in the accident.

Seven years ago, my wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor (acoustic neuroma), which was surgically removed. Because it had grown around a vital nerve, the surgeon wasn’t able to remove the tumor completely and informed us that it would grow back. This has been the case and the latest MRI shows that the tumor is beginning to push against the brain stem which controls all bodily functions. While she feels well and hasn’t experienced the symptoms she had before her surgery, the surgeon said that the tumor is at a critical point and recommended having it removed. This would require two separate surgical procedures. She was anointed and we look forward to seeing how our Great God intervenes. Your prayers are deeply appreciated!—Paul Shumway

I would like to thank all the congregations of the Living Church of God for the beautiful condolence cards that we have received. It has been very moving to receive so much outpouring of affection, support and, above all, love from the brethren expressed in their cards. I never thought it would happen, but God allowed us to go through this trial so we can learn lessons that He wants us to learn. I’m very thankful for the husband He gave me for 43 years of marriage, and only death did us part. Thank God for the hope of the resurrection and I hope it will be fewer than 43 years to see my husband, Sergio, again. My children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and I thank you very much!—Maria Carvajal

You are invited to a delightful weekend of activities being planned for December 23-25 in Charlotte. There will be a Marriage Seminar on Friday, December 23 (see announcement below). Friday night Bible Study and Sabbath services will be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel. Saturday evening we will have a dinner and dance, and Sunday’s activities for all ages will be held at a local gymnasium. This will be an excellent opportunity for fun and fellowship! Rooms are available at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel for a discounted rate of $69 (plus tax) per night. When making reservations, be sure to identify yourself as being with the Living Church of God. This discounted rate will be available from Friday, December 23 until Monday, December 26. Cost for the Saturday evening dinner will be $22 for adults $9 for children. There is no cost to attend the dance only.

Plans are underway for a Marriage Seminar to be conducted on Friday, December 23, in Charlotte, at the beginning of the Charlotte Family Weekend. We will soon have more information on times, schedule and venue. It will most likely run from around 10:30 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m. on December 23. Stay tuned for sign-up information for this exciting opportunity!

Round up your family and friends, brush up on your entertainment skills and talent, pack your best cowboy boots and favorite sneakers, and giddy-on-up, down or over to this year’s annual Kansas City Family Weekend! When does the fun happen? Friday, December 30 through Sunday, January 1, 2012. This year’s activities will be held at a rustic ranch and will include: Bible Study on Friday evening; Sabbath Services, dinner, a fun show, and a family dance on Saturday; and organized basketball and volleyball, and other activities on Sunday.

Attire for the family dance will be western-wear. And for those who aren’t thrilled about a night filled with country music and square dancing, don’t worry! This isn’t a “western dance,” just a “western-wear dance.” We have something for everyone, so mark your calendars and plan to join us! To register, sign up for activities and find other information about the weekend, please visit the website http://lcgkc.org/kcweekend. You can also make your donation this year with PayPal. Further details regarding housing and hotel will be forthcoming.

Savoring the Big Picture: God’s people have just observed another cycle of Holy Days—seven annual festivals that picture God’s Plan of Salvation for mankind. The Scriptures reveal that this plan is a mystery to most people today (1 Corinthians 1:26-27; 2:7-8). How much to you value the unique opportunity you have been given to understand the real purpose of life and to see how God is working out His Great Plan on earth? Are you excited about the privilege you have been given to be called now to prepare to rule with Jesus Christ when He returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth—as pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles? Do you rejoice in the knowledge that all people who have ever lived will have an opportunity to understand these same glorious truths—as pictured by the Last Great Day? I hope we can truly savor the pri vilege of understanding the “Big Picture” that we are reminded of every year as we observe God’s Holy Days. Let’s use the coming year to grow and bear fruit that God can use as He prepares His “firstfruits” for His Kingdom.

More Earthquakes. Saturday, Oklahoma was hit by its largest earthquake on record in the state—a quake of 5.6 magnitude. While the quake did little damage, it scared many people who are used to tornados, but not earthquakes. The quake was felt as far away as Washington, DC and South Carolina—1,000 miles away (Reuters, November 6, 2011). Oklahoma has about 50 small quakes a year. However, last year (2010) the state experienced 1,047 quakes! This sudden surge in earthquakes has puzzled scientists. Some suspect that hydraulic fracturing of rocks to release natural gas may be contributing to the quakes (Associated Press, November 7, 2011). The record Oklahoma quake comes after a 7.2 magnitude quake hit Eastern Turkey on October 23, killing more than 500, and a 7.4 magnitude quake hit deep under ground in the Kermadec Islands region in the South Pacific, on October 21 (www.usgs.gov). These recent quakes are noteworthy both because of their magnitude and their location. Jesus predicted, almost 2,000 years ago, that “earthquakes in diverse places” would be just one of the signs that would precede His Second Coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:7). As time goes on, expect to see more earthquakes, with more devastating power, occurring in more diverse places.

Fear for the Australian Dollar. Currently, the Australian dollar is relatively strong on the world currency markets. However, Australia’s increasing reliance on exports to China concerns some experts. In recent years, Chinese companies have been hoarding metals—especially copper—to use as collateral. With the slumping value of copper, Australian exports to China are predicted to drop drastically, which will negatively affect the Australian dollar (Money and Markets, October 22, 2011). Economists seldom connect their concerns with areas outside their field. Yet religious interest in Australia is not strong and Australia boasts some of the largest “Gay Pride” celebrations in the world. The Bible clearly reveals there will be negative consequences to Israelite-descended nations because of their increasing rejection of God and His ways. Moses predicted that the Israelite nations will become the tail, while outside nations will become head over them (Deuteronomy 28:43-45). If copper prices tumble, due to the trade relationship between Australia and China, we might expect the Australian dollar to tumble down with it. Moses warned about trusting foreign nations instead of God (Deuteronomy 28:49-50).

Thailand’s Epic Flooding Continues. Three months of flooding across the nation has left more than 500 dead and one quarter of Thailand’s 76 provinces still feeling the effects of flood waters. For three weeks, much of the nation’s capital, Bangkok, has been submerged under waist-deep water. The sad part is that the water has nowhere to go and is predicted to remain for several more weeks. Analysts estimate that 1,000 factories are closed due to flooding and at least one major airport is under neck-deep water. According to one reporter, “By many measures, Thailand is working at half speed.” The president’s offices have been moved twice due to rising waters. Food and water are becoming scarce in some areas and mosquitos are swarming (New York Times, November 8, 2011). Across the Pacific Ocean this week, the “Bering Sea Superstorm” smacked into Alaska br inging hurricane-force winds of 90 miles per hour, more than a foot of snow in some places, and tidal surges 10 feet (two meters) high (WashingtonPost.com, November 9, 2011). Worldwide weather is getting more extreme. Jesus warned that “pestilences” and “fearful sights” will come more frequently as the end of age approaches (Luke 21:11). For more information on this topic, see our booklet, Who Controls the Weather?—Scott Winnail and Julius Hart