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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL. 2, NO.28
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
S.E.P. WARMLY WELCOMES MR. HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG
JULY 11, 1980
Wednesday, July 7, marked a memorable occasion for everyone in the Summer
Educational Camp at Orr, Minnesota. God's Apostle, Herbert W. Armstrong,
took time from his busy schedule to fly from Tucson to address the first
session of campers and faculty.
Together with Mr. Paul Suckling, director of the English SEP, I was
privileged to be part of Mr. Armstrong's group which included his wife,
his sister-in-law, his personal assistant Mr. Henry Cornwall, and Mr.
Mel Olinger, his chauffeur and deacon in the Church.
From the moment we landed at the Orr airport in the Work's G-II, excite
ment and enthusiasm filled the air. When we arrived at the camp, the
teen-agers had lined up on both sides of the road to welcome Mr. Armstrong
with cheers and clapping. A few minutes later, as he strode smilingly
from his car to the gymnasium, everyone rose up and gave him a standing
ovation.
Upon Mr. Armstrong's request, Mr. Paul Suckling briefly spoke of the
English SEP which is scheduled to open the latter part of July. Then Mr.
Armstrong gave a powerful address not only to the young campers, but to
all of us. He exhorted each of us to be thankful to God; he told the
teen-agers how blessed they were to have parents whom God has called at
this time. He showed what it really means to be given myriad opportuni
ties stretching out before them.
After the Television crew recorded his message (which I personally hope
will be heard in all the Churches), Mr. Armstrong met a few of the young
campers and shook hands with them. Believe me!--they were thrilled,
nervous and excited! Undoubtedly they will write home to tell their
parents what it is to personally meet Mr. Armstrong, talk with him--and
even shake hands with him!
Just before leaving Orr that very evening, we accompanied Mr. Armstrong·
for a short tour around the campus and stopped at Mr. Thornhill's cabin
for a brief but warm reception with the SEP faculty.
Even though I have been with Mr. Armstrong on many occasions, this trip
was also for me one of the most memorable ones, because I could share and
feel the happiness--and gratitude--of four hundred teen-agers who love
God, His Work and His Apostle!
--Dibar K. Apartian