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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, DECEMBER 7, 1984
Let's be sure to continue praying diligently for Mr. Armstrong's health and
vigor, as well as follow Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6:18-20 to pray
that God would continue to help Mr. Armstrong boldly proclaim the Gospel.
God does expect us, as His elect, to have our hearts in the work of His
Church in this way, discussing it with Him daily in earnest, heartfelt
prayer. As God's ministers, we should faithfully seek God's blessing and
direction upon His Apostle to preach the Gospel to the world with power.
We're very thankful for the continued growth God is giving His Church in
each of the international areas. In this week's PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT we
are including very positive reports from the French and Spanish Depart
ments. Please continue to pray for each of the Regional Directors of the
international offices. As God has called us all to be one body, let us be
mindful of the needs, problems, and blessings of our brethren in every part
of the world, keeping in mind the Apostle Peter's comment in I Peter 5:9.
There are only ten months left before the 1985 Feast of Tabernacles! This
would be a good time to give a sermon on second tithe. Such a sermon would
serve to encourage the brethren to be thinking about next year's Feast by
including such topics as:
faithfully saving second tithe as God has instructed (review basic
scriptures).
planning ahead, allowing sufficient time for travel to and from the
Feast, etc.
following instructions so the Feast runs smoothly for all.
making housing reservations well in advance of departure and in
line with guidelines given in next year's FESTIVAL PLANNER.
carefully budgeting for the Feast trip.
importance of giving and serving at the Feast, and ways this can be
done.
reflecting on any problems they may have had this year, and to plan
on avoiding those problems next year.
Reviewing these important aspects of the Feast while they are still fresh
on the members' minds will help them do even better next year, as well as
encourage them to faithfully save second tithe throughout the year.
It
will also serve as valuable instruction for new members.
It would be good to impress upon the brethren the need to review their Feast
sermon notes, so that the instruction and encouragement they received this
year can be more firmly cemented in their minds.
This year's Feast was the last one for my mother, who died at the age of 93
this week. I was thankful that God allowed her to die with little suffer
ing. She lived a full life and died in the faith. I will be attending the
funeral in Chicago this weekend.
Recent Ordinations
The following men were ordained local church elders on the Feast of Trum
pets, September 27: Gabriel Castaneda of Long Beach (East), California; Ed
win Jacobs of Portland (South), Oregon; John Orchard of Palmer, Alaska;