Basic HTML Version
'/
I
· 1
PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.7, N0.16
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
APRIL 19, 1985
We were again privileged to hear Mr. Herbert Armstrong give the afternoon
sermon on the last day of Unleavened Bread. As always when Mr. Armstrong
speaks in the Auditorium on a Holy Day, his sermon was piped into the Impe
rial and College Gymnasiums and the Recital Hall via closed-circuit tele
vision for the other three Pasadena congregations. Mr. Armstrong gave a
truly inspiring message about why God has called us now, often referring to
his new book, MYSTERY OF THE AGES. We are all excitedly looking forward to
its publication this summer and distribution during the Feast of Taber
nacles. I know this book will prove to be another major step forward for
God's Church and the spreading of the Gospel around the world.
An audiotape of Mr. Armstrong's sermon will be sent out to be played in all
the congregations. Frankly, I wish you all could have been here to see and
hear the warmth and loving concern, as well as the conviction and power
exuded by Mr. Armstrong. We all deeply appreciate the outstanding example
of faithful service to God set by Mr. Armstrong. Thank you for your contin
ued prayers for his strength, health and inspiration in fulfilling the com
mission of God's end-time Church.
I also want to mention how much I appreciate, as Mr. Armstrong certainly
does, the fine job the ministry is doing. You church pastors, carrying the
weighty responsibility for the spiritual health and well-being of the local
congregations, are of great and special value in God's sight.
You as
sociate and assistant pastors have the special responsibility of acting as
supports, backups, helps and reflections of your pastors. You are able, by
the way you perform your duties, to increase the effectiveness of the men
under whom you serve. And you local church elders provide the stability of
a godly example which forms a solid part of the foundation of a local con
gregation. Finally, you wives provide the quiet support, encouragement and
gentle prod that gives your husbands the added ability they need to remain
close to God, faithful and diligent in His service. Your role in God's eyes
is of paramount importance! Realize that your husbands' effectiveness can
be greatly increased by your example and love.
The job all of you are doing is not easy. The stress on you and your fami
lies is not easy. The burdens of others you are asked to carry are not easy
either. But the supreme power of God's Holy Spirit, which God Himself has
given you, makes it possible to endure the trials, problems, heartaches,
weaknesses and difficulties that are part and parcel to your calling as a
minister. God's Spirit enables you to fulfill the high calling He has given
you! So use that Spirit. Don't allow yourself to become a casualty in the
spiritual war that we must all fight. As Paul told Timothy, "Stir � the
gift of God which is in you" (II Tim. 1:6, RAV). And as Jesus said, Be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, RAV). It is that same
Jesus, who lives His life in us through the Holy Spirit, that will help us
to overcome. We each have what it takes. Not of ourselves, of course, but
from God who made us and calledtIS. Let's pray for one another.