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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.48
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
DECEMBER 14, 1984
We have nearly completed the 11th session of the third round of the Minis
terial Refreshing Program. It's hard to believe that this round is more
than half completed, with only nine sessions remaining.
The men and their wives of this current session appreciated hearing from
Mr. Armstrong on the opening day, Wednesday, December 5. In his message,
Mr. Armstrong placed special emphasis on the topic of reliance on God vs.
self-reliance. He discussed how Adam chose the Satan-inspired wa"""'yof self
reliance, and rejected reliance on God for the knowledge of how to live, co
operate, have peace, solve problems, and relate to other beings. The mes
sage was very inspiring and set the tone for the remaining nine days of
classes. Those attending this session were also able to hear Mr. Armstrong
give the Friday night Bible study two days later.
I hope all of you have read carefully the account of the first half of Mr.
Armstrong's latest trip in the November 26 WORLDWIDE NEWS. The December 10
issue contains the news of the last half of
the
trip. Many very important
developments in the work of God's Church are outlined in these articles by
Mr. Aaron Dean. Each of us needs to make sure we are keeping current with
all the new doors God is opening, so that we can rejoice with all God
1
s
elect around the earth.
After attending my mother's funeral in Chicago last Friday, I had a very
pleasant and profitable visit with the Chicago West (known as the Hinsdale)
congregation on the Sabbath. I couldn't help but reflect on the tremendous
growth God has given us in the Chicago area since I left in 1966. Now, the
Hinsdale congregation alone is nearly the size the whole Chicago Church was
at that time! Today, we have five congregations in the Chicago area, with
three pastors, three associate pastors and over 1,600 brethren.
After the funeral, my son-in-law, Mr. Doug Horchak, pastor of the Glendora,
California congregation, and I had the opportunity to spend some time with
Mr. Al Barr, pastor of the Chicago Southside congregation, and Mr. Michael
Swaggerty, pastor of the Chicago Northwest and North congregations, as well
as Mr. Lowell Foster, associate pastor in the Northwest, and Messrs. Eugene
Dumas and Dolpus Williamson, elders in the Southside.
After speaking to the Hinsdale brethren on the Sabbath, we enjoyed renewing
many old acquaintances, and speaking to Mr. Ben Faulkner, associate pastor
in Hammond, Indiana, Mr. Tim Snyder, associate pastor in the West Church
and Messrs. Phil Fowler, Dillard Alexander, Dave Roenspies and Clarence
Svehla, elders in these two congregations, which are pastored by Mr. John
Ritenbaugh.
I greatly appreciated the
mother's funeral service.
way.
fine job Mr. Ritenbaugh did in conducting my
The Ritenbaughs were excellent hosts in every