This coming weekend we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost that pictures the dramatic beginning of the New Testament Church—that Jesus said would continue to exist down through the ages in spite of difficulties and persecution (Acts 2; Matthew 16:18). Jesus also foretold that His disciples would carry His message “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8)—which is happening today through the media and the travels of God’s ministers. Mr. Meredith’s semi-annual letter was mailed to more than 400,000 recipients, Mr. Ames’ recent Tomorrow’s World television program entitled “Vital Keys to Bible Study” drew nearly 7,000 responses, and this week we mailed out multiple thousands of invitations to Tomorrow’s World Presentations that are being held around the world.  On Monday we held a Living University graduation that marked the sixth year of operation. This weekend, a number of speakers from Charlotte will travel to cities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean to observe the Sabbath and the Day of Pentecost with local congregations. Please continue to ask for God’s blessing on these efforts to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that needs to hear His message.

We have just finished a very encouraging Council of Elders meeting here in Charlotte. Mr. Meredith guided the three-day meeting which focused on addressing the challenge of preaching the Gospel in a world that is increasingly moving away from God and His way of life. In spite of rumors that some uninformed critics like to spread, we have a strong sense of unity and purpose among the members of the Council. Responses to the Tomorrow's World television program continue in the 5,000 range. Next Monday we will hold another graduation here in Charlotte for 14 Living University students who have completed their programs. We are also looking ahead to Pentecost next weekend. Mr. Mario Hernandez will give Tomorrow's World presentations in Guadeloupe and Martinique and be in Martinique for the Holy Day. Mr. Rod McNair and Dr. Wil Pierre will also be in the Caribbean for the Holy Day. Others from Charlotte will also be travelling out to spend the Pentecost weekend with other congregations. Please pray that God will bless these efforts to serve God’s people, and that God will hear our prayers on behalf of His people.

World events continue to move in prophetically significant directions. The influence of the United States continues to wane on the world scene. In Europe, Germany is again becoming the dominant nation, and the new Pope intends to pursue Roman Catholic efforts to unite all churches. In the turbulent Middle East, Islamic fundamentalists continue their quest to extend their influence and gain more power. These trends all point toward the fulfillment of the prophesied end-time struggle between a king of the North and a king of the South. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has finished a semi-annual letter that will be mailed to more than 400,000 people. Mr. Ames is taping a new Tomorrow's World program today. The Spring semester of Living University classes will conclude this week, and we are also busy preparing for a Council of Elders meeting next week. Please continue to ask God to bless His Work and hear our prayers on behalf of His people.

Inclement weather and disasters made headlines again this week as floods inundated areas of the American Midwest, a major earthquake killed hundreds in China and a building containing some 5,000 workers collapsed in Bangladesh. Prophecies in Matthew 24 have long warned that such events would mark the approaching end of the age. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. Plans are proceeding for summer camps and the Feast of Tabernacles. We are in the final stages of office renovations here in Charlotte so everyone is getting back to more normal routines.  Mr. Rod McNair reports that the Tomorrow's World Presentations went well in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin with more than 50 people responding to invitations. Mr. Phil West will make follow-up presentations this coming weekend.  Mr. Hernandez and I are back in Charlotte after visiting with brethren in several South American countries and holding a very positive conference in Medellin, Colombia. It was very inspiring to see the dedication and experience the warmth of our brethren and leaders in that part of the world. It was also very encouraging to see that we had a worldwide average attendance of about 8,460 in March, which was up about 3.1 percent over March 2012.

Americans were once again shocked by a brutal act of terror last Monday, near the finish line of the iconic Boston Marathon.  Three were killed and more than 170 wounded.  Further mayhem resulted Wednesday night in West, Texas, when a fertilizer plant exploded, leaving 15 dead and more than 150 wounded.  At a time when we need God's protection more than ever, many in our world are turning their backs on Him with nothing but contempt and disgust for God's way of life!

These calamities—and the real hope that God holds out for mankind—make the Work we're doing even more urgent.  In furthering this Work, Dr. Meredith conducted various meetings this week and finished the new co-worker letter, which was mailed out to 11,683 co-workers.  The Editorial Department reports that R.R. Donnelley began mailing the May-June 2013 issue of the Tomorrow's World magazine this week, the first issue with our newly updated layout.  Dr. Douglas Winnail and Mr. Mario Hernandez report that the three days of ministerial meetings in Medellin, Colombia, were very successful.  This was the first time most of the Spanish-speaking elders and wives of Living Church of God have been together in one place, and it was very exciting!  Dr. Winnail returns to Charlotte today and Mr. Hernandez plans to return next week. The Tomorrow's World Facebook page continues to expand, now surpassing 42,000 fans. Dr. Scott Winnail has been in San Francisco, California this week attending Distance Education and Training Council meetings (related to Living University).  Please continue to pray for Mrs. Nancy Hall, who entered hospice last week.  Please also pray for Regional Director Rod King, who was recently hospitalized in Charleroi, Belgium.

This week Great Britain lost one of its strongest and most influential leaders in recent decades. Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher died last Monday, April 8 at the age of 87.  Don’t miss Mr. John Meakin’s timely commentary, “Margaret Thatcher, A Lady ‘Not for Turning!’” (www.lcg.org) in which he described the economic revolution she began—and the spiritual and moral revolution Britain and the rest of the world sorely need under the soon-coming reign of Jesus Christ! 

This week in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been holding various meetings, including a discussion about the upcoming semi-annual offer.  Mr. Ames has been taping a new telecast.  Festival registration has started off well, with more than 3,000 people registered in the first 24 hours.  The income is on an upward trend, for which we are thankful.  Last week’s telecast by Mr. Rod King, entitled “Will the Beast Rise in Europe?,” has drawn 4,355 responses. Dr. Douglas Winnail will be in Lima, Peru, for meetings and Sabbath services, and then meet Mr. Mario Hernandez in Colombia for a regional conference with elders from all over South and Central America.  Mr. Rod King will also be conducting regional leadership meetings in Charleroi, Belgium, on Sunday.  In more sobering news, Mr. Dan Hall reports that doctors are not expecting his wife Nancy to live long—she is now entering hospice care.  Mr. and Mrs. Hall are praying for her healing but accepting of God’s plan for her, and they deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and support from so many brethren.  Please continue to ask for God’s mercy on their behalf, as well as other brethren who need God’s intervention.

Last weekend millions in the professing Christian world celebrated Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is sad that many today are simply unaware of the pagan origin of Easter celebrations and customs and the fact that Jesus Christ is going to return to reign on this earth instead of carrying believers off to an eternity of bliss in heaven. One of the reasons that Jesus is coming back is to judge a world that has turned away from God—and that dramatic event is destined to occur in the years just ahead of us. From reports coming into Charlotte, the Spring Holy Days commemorating the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the need to eliminate sin from our lives have been instructive and inspiring for many. A number have mentioned that the visits of ministers from Charlotte to local congregations were much appreciated. Most of the traveling ministers will be arriving back in the office by this weekend. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World program by Mr. Meredith, entitled “Does God Heal Today?,” has drawn over 4,100 responses so far. The program the previous week by Mr. Ames on “Modern Dangers of the Occult” drew 5,475 responses. Please remember that on-line registration for the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles begins this coming Sunday, April 7 at 12:00 noon (EST).

The Spring Holy Days appear to have gotten off to a good start, in spite of Satan’s efforts to create discouragement at this time of year. It is sobering to watch God’s people examining themselves to eliminate sin, while the so-called Christian nations of the world are busy re-defining marriage and promoting behaviors that God says plainly are sinful and an abomination in His sight. As we will see in the days ahead, the “handwriting is on the wall” for nations that reject and despise the laws of God. Dr. Meredith is visiting congregations in California, Mr. Ames is in Texas, Mr. Rod McNair is in the Caribbean and Mr. Hernandez is “somewhere” in South America encouraging God’s people during the Spring Holy Days. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World program by Mr. Ames, entitled “Modern Dangers of the Occult,” drew just over 5,000 responses. The program the previous week by Mr. Meredith, entitled “Answered Prayer,” generated a total of 6,161 responses. Mr. Dan Hall reports that doctors have commented on some remarkable improvements in his wife Nancy’s condition. Mr. McNair reports that Mr. Fitzroy Greeman is also improving. Please keep your brothers and sisters who are facing trials in your prayers.

This coming week we will begin another Spring Holy Day season. As we observe the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, let’s earnestly pray that God will help each of us to examine ourselves in the light of His word so we can be molded and fashioned into more effective instruments in His hands—to finish His end-time Work. As the world careens toward the climax of this age, millions need to hear the warning and the good news that God has allowed His Church to understand—just as we need to grow and prepare to show the world a better way in the coming Kingdom of God. This week Mr. Meredith finished another co-worker letter that has been mailed to more than 11,500 members and co-workers. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World program by Mr. Meredith, entitled, “Answered Prayer,” is expected to draw about 5,000 responses. The program the previous week by Mr. Meredith, entitled “How to Know When Christ Will Return!,” drew 5,725 responses. Mr. Ciesielka has returned from a very profitable trip working with our Internet coordinators in various countries in Europe. A number of ministers from Charlotte will be traveling to other cities and other countries to visit congregations during the Spring Holy Days. Your prayers are certainly needed for brethren who are facing trials at this time and for those who will be traveling during this period.

This has been a busy week as God’s people around the world get ready to observe the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. It is not surprising to see Satan increase his efforts at this time in an attempt to distract God’s people from the real focus of the Spring Holy Days—on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind and the process of examining ourselves in the light of God’s word. This week, Mr. Meredith held meetings and started to prepare another co-worker letter. On Wednesday afternoon, he chaired a short but productive phone meeting for the Council of Elders. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World program by Mr. Meredith, entitled “How To Know When Christ Will Return!,” is expected to draw more than 5,100 responses. The TW program the previous week by Mr. Wallace Smith, entitled “World War in the Middle East,” drew a total of 6,326 responses. Mr. Dexter Wakefield has returned from a productive visit to our offices in Costa Rica and Colombia. The Schaubeck family has been able to move to a much safer residence after their recent experience with assailants. Last weekend we held very inspiring combined Sabbath services and a Regional Conference in Tennessee. This week, Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka has been in Europe visiting our Web site directors and dealing with transportation delays caused by a late-winter snowstorm.

The year 2013 could bring prophetically significant changes in the world. A new pope will be selected who could impact more than just the Roman Church. Germany will vote on a new Chancellor to lead the most dynamic nation in Europe. The Middle East threatens to explode while political and territorial disputes involving China, Japan, the Philippines and the Koreas continue to increase—as world events shed light on end-time Bible prophecies. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. Messrs. Ames, King, Weston, Ciesielka and Ownby have returned from a very informative visit to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World television program by Mr. Wallace Smith, entitled “World War in the Middle East,” has drawn nearly 4,500 responses so far. Mr. Ames’ program the previous week, entitled “The Prophesied Day of the Lord,” drew 8,032 total responses. This was the second time we have received more than 8,000 responses to a program. Mr. Dexter Wakefield is currently visiting Regional Offices in Costa Rica and Colombia to coordinate business procedures. I will be in Sweetwater, Tennessee for a combined service and to conduct a Regional Conference. Your prayers for these activities and for God’s people are much appreciated.

Extreme weather continues to afflict backsliding Israelite nations. The northeastern portion of the USA was recently hit by a major snowstorm, and this week the midwest was buried under more than a foot of snow. However, central California (where a considerable amount of produce is grown) is worried about a dry summer due to a very light snow-pack on the mountains. God said anciently that conditions like this would develop when His people turn away from Him (see Amos 4:7-8). Prophesied end-time violence (2 Timothy 3:1-4) struck the home of Mr. Schaubeck and his family this week in Costa Rica. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. The Tomorrow’s World television program last weekend by Mr. Ames, entitled “The Prophesied Day of the Lord,” has received over 7,000 responses so far.  Mr. Glen Harrison reports that 45 visitors attended the follow-up Tomorrow’s World presentations in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. I had a very profitable visit to Sacramento, California last weekend for a combined service and our first Area Conference for 2013. We plan to have a number of Area Conferences in the coming year. Your prayers for God’s Work and for His people are needed and appreciated.

World events continue to move in interesting directions. Meteor displays in Russia, more strife in the Middle East, America facing another budget crisis, and China is now being accused of hacking into American computers—and we are barely into a new year! This weekend we will hold a Church-wide fast to seek God’s guidance and blessing on His Work and that He will hear the needs of His people. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World television program, entitled “How Can You Know God?,” by Mr. Meredith has received 4,577 responses so far. Mr. King’s program the previous week, entitled “Where Would Jesus Go To Church?,” received 4,951 responses. The Tomorrow’s World Presentations last week in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana by Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka drew 76 guests. This weekend I will be in Sacramento, California for a Ministerial Conference.

This has been quite a week! A major winter storm dumped 2–3 feet of snow on the New England states that disrupted transportation and left thousands without electrical power, a violent tornado hit central Mississippi, the pope resigned and lightning struck the dome of St. Peter’s in the Vatican. Amidst these major events, it was very encouraging to see that more than 10,000 people heard Mr. Meredith’s powerful online Tomorrow’s World presentation last Sunday afternoon. Mr. Rod McNair and Mr. Raúl Colón also made TW presentations on Sunday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This week, Mr. Wallace Smith is in Charlotte to tape several new television programs. Mr. Gaylyn Bonjour reports that the next press run for Tomorrow’s World magazine will be 431,000. Last weekend’s Tomorrow’s World television program by Mr. King, entitled “Where Would Jesus Go To Church?,” is expected to draw about 4,900 responses. Mr. Ames’ program the previous week, entitled “The Sabbath Controversy,” received 6,151 responses. This coming Sunday, Mr. Rod King will be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to make a Tomorrow’s World presentation on the subject of “The Beasts of Revelation and Your Life.” Please pray that God will continue to watch over His people, guide His Work and bless these growing efforts to preach the Gospel of His coming Kingdom.

This week, a major tsunami (generated by an undersea earthquake) struck the Solomon Islands in the Pacific, while America and Britain continue to move away from God and biblical values. In Britain, the House of Commons has voted to approve same-sex marriage. In America, the Boy Scouts are being pressured to accept homosexual Scouts and Scout leaders into their organization. Both these moves ignore and reject the fact that the Bible calls these behaviors “abominations” in the sight of God (see Leviticus 18:22). Sadly, it is the leaders in government, education, the legal system and even religion who are pushing this “anti-biblical” agenda under the guise of equality, compassion and progress. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing, holding meetings and preparing for his Tomorrow’s World presentation on the Internet this coming Sunday, entitled “What’s Ahead for America and the World?” Last weekend’s Tomorrow’s World television program by Mr. Ames, entitled “The Sabbath Controversy,” is expected to generate more than 5,000 responses. Mr. Meredith’s program the previous week, entitled “The Soon-Coming Utopia,” drew 5,007 responses. This past Sabbath, February 2, there was a live online transmission of Spanish language Sabbath Services to the congregations of Latin America and scattered brethren in the United States and Europe This coming weekend, Mr. Rod McNair will be in Puerto Rico to make a Tomorrow’s World presentation entitled “The Gathering Storm.” Please pray that God will inspire and bless the results of these important efforts to preach the Gospel.  We have some exciting youth activities planned for the summer.

On the world scene, violence and strife continue to plague nations in the Middle East and Africa and uncertainty clouds the future of the European Union, while heavy storms in the central USA damaged property and claimed several lives and America continues to grapple with national budget issues that appear unsolvable. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. Mr. Meredith’s Tomorrow’s World program last weekend, entitled “The Soon-Coming Utopia,” is expected to draw more than 4,700 responses—in spite of a cable malfunction in several eastern states. The previous weekend’s program by Mr. Wallace Smith, entitled “The Four Horsemen Ride!,” drew 6,522 responses. This week we have some exciting announcements about the Summer Adventure Camp and the Teen Camp in Ohio. We are also very encouraged to see the response to Mr. Meredith’s on-line Tomorrow’s World presentation that is scheduled for Sunday, February 10.

Plans are coming together for Mr. Meredith’s special, on-line, live Tomorrow’s World Presentation entitled “What’s Ahead for America and the World” that is scheduled for Sunday, February 10 at 3:30 p.m. EST (USA). Last weekend Mr. Meredith had an intestinal bug but he  is now feeling fine. This week, Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ames have conducted a number of meetings. Last week’s Tomorrow’s World program by Mr. Wallace Smith, entitled “The Four Horsemen Ride,” is expected to draw more than 6,100 responses. Mr. Ames’ program the previous week, entitled “Can You Trust Bible Prophecy?,” drew 6,573 responses. It is also encouraging to report the print run for the January-February 2013 issue of Tomorrow’s World magazine was just over 400,000 and the number of subscribers for the News & Prophecy e-zine is now over 16,300.    Living University classes are off to a good start. This semester we have 12 students in residence:  eight in Charlotte and four in Australia. I am looking forward to making a church visit to Bluefield, West Virginia this Sabbath.

This week Mr. Meredith conducted meetings and completed a Co-Worker letter that was mailed to more than 11,470 individuals. The Tomorrow’s World program this past weekend by Mr. Ames, entitled “Can You Trust Bible Prophecy?,” is expected to draw more than 6,200 responses. Mr. Meredith’s program the previous week on the Great Tribulation received a total of 6,259 responses. We are finalizing Feast sites for 2013 and making decisions on assigned sites for local congregations. Living University classes for the Spring Semester began this week with 208 students enrolled, which represents a 5.6 percent increase over the Spring Semester last year. Dr. Germano released a very encouraging Annual Report for Living University.

On the world scene this week, wildfires and searing heat are scorching the “gay-friendly” nation of Australia (see “News and Prophecy” article), refugees from war-torn Syria are struggling with mud and freezing rains in Jordanian camps, Britain is preparing to leave (and perhaps help reshape) the EU, and America continues to spend money it does not have—in what promises to be a very interesting new year! Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. His Tomorrow’s World program last weekend, entitled “The Soon-Coming Great Tribulation,” is expected to draw more than 4,800 responses. Mr. King’s program the previous week, entitled “The Apostles’ Amazing Journeys,” received a total of 5,347 responses. Mr. Meredith is also preparing to do a live Tomorrow’s World Online Presentation, entitled “What’s Ahead for America and the World,” scheduled for Sunday, February 10. Mr. Mario Hernandez has returned safely from visits in Guatemala and Mexico. He reports that brethren are very positive in spite of dangerous conditions in parts of those countries. Living University classes will begin next Wednesday, January 16, and we are looking forward to another very positive semester.

More than 450 brethren from various parts of the USA gathered in Kansas City last weekend for several days of fellowship and fun amidst “moderate” winter temperatures. Mr. Phil West gave a Friday evening Bible Study on the “Family” and I gave the sermon on the Sabbath on the topic of “What Does it Mean To Be a Chosen People?” As we look back over the past year, it is good to see the world did not end on the several dates that were predicted, but the year for God’s Work was one of growth on many fronts—in membership, income, television stations, magazine circulation, Internet exposure and Tomorrow’s World Presentations. We are indeed grateful to God for these expanding opportunities to preach the Gospel and feed the flock that He is calling. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. The Tomorrow’s World program last weekend by Mr. King, entitled “The Apostles Prophetic Journeys II,” is expected to draw more than 4,800 responses. Mr. Ames’ program the previous week on Christmas received more than 7,000 responses from an estimated one million listeners. Dr. Scott Winnail has returned safely from very encouraging visits with brethren in Guyana, Brazil, Trinidad and Barbados. Mr. Mario Hernandez will be in Mexico this Sabbath and will return to Charlotte on Monday. Please pray that God will continue to bless and guide His Work in the coming year.