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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, FEBRUARY 10, 1984
The year ended very well in many other areas too. Total co-workers by
year's end stood at 738, the highest figure for many years and representing
an increase of 23% over December 1982. The number of co-workers added this
year was up a phenomenal 79.7% over 1982! Donors are down by 5.5% compared
with December last year, but our number of donors will rise significantly
next month, when semiannual letter responses have been added on the com
puter.
PLAIN TRUTH circulation now stands at around 80,000 copies (including
45,000 in newsstand outlets throughout New Zealand and the Pacific).
Approximately one in every 15 New Zealand households receives the magazine.
GOOD NEWS circulation (now 2,600) is up 82% over December 1982, while YOUTH
83 circulation (now 1,200) is down 28% because of the institution of a re
newal program this year, combined with no new promotions for the magazine.
The Churches also grew during 1983. Fourteen Churches represent a total
monthly attendance of 1,055 (up five percent), 682 of which are baptised
members.
New visits for the year were up eight percent from the previous year, and
holy day offerings were up by 10.5%.
1984 began in a thrilling fashion with a five-day visit to New Zealand by
Christ's Apostle, Mr. Herbert
w.
Armstrong, January 4 to 9. After visiting
the Summer Educational Program, Mr. Armstrong was able to speak to 1,143
brethren in two locations, setting the stage for what promises to be a very
exciting year.
1983 Roundup From the "Departement Francais" Despite the steady weakening
of the French franc, 1983 was a good year for God's Church in French
speaking areas. The work of the Church moved forward with increased effi
ciency, unity and growth!
Membership in God's Church for all French-speaking areas worldwide was up
5.2% over December 1982, reaching a total of 1,288 adults.
We had 92
baptisms--31 in French Canada and 61 elsewhere. Three new French-speaking
Churches were started in 1983.
The Narbonne Church, in Southern France, began in February, pastored by Mr.
Bernard Audain, a preaching elder. Average attendance is 26 and services
are held every two weeks.
The Rouen Church, in the Normandy area of France, started in January. Mr.
Gerard Claude, local church elder, pastors the congregation of about 39 and
holds twice-monthly services.
The Bathurst Church in New Brunswick, Canada, held its first service on
July 16. The bimonthly services average an attendance of 53 and are pas
tored by Mr. Dan Samson, assisted by Mr. Eric Vautour.
Subscriber circulation of La PURE VERITE, as of December 1983, stood at
136,729--up 6.9% over 1982. While 59,483 new people started receiving the
PV in 1983, 50,231 subscribers were dropped because they chose not to
renew.