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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, APRIL 30, 1982
PAGE 2
The Worldwide Church of God and its members are on record as be
ing conscientiously opposed to serving in the military forces.
Our young men accept civil punishment rather than serve in the
military.
$ome have gone to jail because they conscientiously
object to having any part in war or killing their fellowman.
It is inconsistent to conscientiously refuse military
service,
but then accept civilian employment which requires carrying
weapons and therefore is a tacit promise to use them in the line
of duty. Were the Church to tolerate this, the sincerity of our
young men in refusing active military service would be compro
mised.
Remember that God would have fought Israel's battles for them,
making their own bloody defenses unnecessary.
Israel chose in
stead to do things man's way and paid the price in blood. We must
learn from their example (I Cor. 10:11) and not make the mistake
of taking up weapons and fighting our own battles (John 18:36).
This world cannot accept God's way. They choose to fight and war
and carry weapons. And they pay the price. But, God's people
must obey and serve Him faithfully (Acts 5:29). We must live our
lives His way as a light and example to others, and to prepare us
for His Kingdom. If God's Church permits brethren to compromise
with God's law for the sake of a paycheck, God will surely with
draw His favor and blessing.
International News
The Philippines Four new Churches were inaugurated in March: Los Banos and
Imus in Southern Luzon, Tuguegarao in Northern Luzon and Pagadian City in
Southwestern Mindanao. Regional Director Guy Ames opened the Churches in
Los Banos and Imus on March 13. These two local Churches will comprise a
pastoral circuit which is presently assigned to Mr. Jose Raduban. Mr. Ames
also opened the local Church in Tuguegarao on March 20. Pastoring this
Church is Mr. Pedro Ortiguero.
On behalf of Mr. Ames, his assistant in
Ministerial Services, Mr. Pedro Melendez opened the local Church in
Pagadian City. Mr. Tex Benitez is pastor of this new Church.
Mr. Reynaldo Taniajura, pastor of the Naga, Legaspi and Daet Churches, re
ported a good turnout at a two-day Bible lecture which he gave in Legaspi
City in March. On the first day 35 new people, who were invited from among
the Bible Correspondence Course students and PLAIN TRUTH subscribers in the
area, came to the lecture. On the second day 38 new people showed up. Mr.
Taniajura spoke on Bible prophecy and how it relates to us today. He com
mented in his report that the audience's level of interest and Bible under
standing was higher compared with previous audiences. "After the lectures
several counseled with me either asking about baptism or how they could
attend our Church services here," wrote Mr. Taniajura.
Mr. Armstrong's radio and television programs continue to draw a good
response. The latest report shows that since the program began in early
January this year, a total of 1,032 .responses have been received.
Mr.
Armstrong's semi-annual letter which offered the booklet NEVER BEFORE
UNDERSTOOD--WHY HUMANITY CANNOT SOLVE ITS EVILS, has now pulled 15,345
responses, or a 50% return.