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PASTOR'S REPORJ:·�
PUBLISHED BY THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
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P_A_S_A_D_�_NA, CALIF9RNIA
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_V_E_M_B_E_R_2 __ 8_,
_1_97_7
To all pastors of churches: Greetings from Adelaide, Australia! As
you know, this is my first visit to Australia in 16 years, and I have
already spoken eight times in just barely over one week. I have only
one more speaking engagement, in Perth, prior to departing Australia
for the Philippines.
It has been a very moving and rewarding trip for all of us in the
group (Mr. & Mrs. Les McCullough, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Thornhill, as well
as my wife and son, David are with me) to be able to see so many
thousands of enthusiastic, responsive and excited brethren in New
Zealand and Australia.
I cannot help but mention from time to time how one must look back and
appraise and a�sess the "fruits" that God is producing for His Work
through weak, human instruments, and be greatly encouraged and
inspired.
When I was last in Australia in 1961, after corning originally in 1959
with $12,000 U. s. dollars to establish a bank account, engage a
solicitor, find office spaces and effect a lease, and left Mr. Gerald
Waterhouse in charge, there was virtually no "Work" being done in
Australia; just a beginning radio broadcast--which I came over for
the precise purpose of expanding.
There were no churches, no mem
bers, and only a very, very few co-workers here and there who never
had a personal visit, or any contact other than by letters. And now,
as I go around this country and see crowds such as that day before
yesterday of more than 1,400, including 100 brethren who chartered a
plane to come all the way from Tasmania: it is a moving and inspiring
feeling to realize that in that comparatively short span of time
there is a vast and growing church in Australia which is far bigger
than the whole church worldwide when I was ordained and graduated
fr.om college! Even in Christchurch on South Island, in New Zealand_, J
was privileged to speak to a group of the approximate size of this
whole work on earth when I attended my first Feast of Tabernacles up
at Siegler Springs while still in the Navy! One of the deep inspira
tions to me on this trip is to meet young men whom I had met briefly
in Bricket Wood, or had known fairly well and even played basketball
with at Big Sandy or Pasadena, in far flung areas of the world and see
them as mature, responsible pastors of churches and directors of
important phases of the Work overseas. This, too, is proof of much
fruit being born by the power of the Holy Spirit!
That's about it for now.
I will describe my trip in much greater
detail in the WORLDWIDE NEWS for all the brethren. Looking forward to
seeing you all at the conference!
In Jesus' name,
��07��