PASTOR’S COMMENTS 11/7/03 WALES, UNITED KINGDOM

Dear Brethren,

For the comments this time, I have chosen to write to all of you about our yet ongoing trip to England and Wales.

Hopefully my writing to all of you about the Churches here and our visits with some of the members as well as viewing the countryside and the peoples here will prove to be of interest and perhaps give some insight of this very historic land of Ephraim.

Mr. and Mrs. Sal Plagenza and their daughter, Victoria, my wife, our granddaughter Chandra, departed from the San Francisco, California (USA) Airport last Thursday afternoon on our trip for the UK. (At this point I will add that we as a family could not have made the trip without the Plagenza family. Pam Plamgenza has been an immense help with my wife who finds it difficult to walk for any distance as well as to be able to negotiate the steps, stairways, and other difficult areas. Sal Plagenza has also been there with a box or whatever to make it possible for my wife to be able to step into and off of the minibus.)

The flight went well except for my wife and Pam talking all night on the plane. The rest of us tried to sleep and were able to sleep some. All of us were rather excited about the trip. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bowles picked us up at the Heathrow airport in London upon our arrival this past Friday. He had rented a minibus to make it possible for all of us to ride comfortably in one vehicle as well as having the room for all of our baggage. All of us stayed overnight near where the Church meets for services in Bristol and the following night as well.

Sabbath services were great! We had the opportunity of meeting members that I had only known by name. This was indeed a great blessing for us. Some had driven 3 and 4 hours away to be there for the services. Truly they are a dedicated people to God and His way of life.

Among them was Mrs. Pat Devine whom I had not seen since we first met in Brussels about two years ago. At that time I also became acquainted with her late husband, a pastor-ranked minister, pastoring 2 Churches here in the UK, Mr. Robert Devine. I felt an instant love for both recognizing the same belief, mind, and heart, as dwells in us. Mrs. Devine and I had the opportunity of renewing our acquaintance and were able to chat for a while. She is a lovely and dedicated lady carrying on in the absence of her husband the standard they lived by for the many years God had graced them to serve His people. The standard held high by both of the love and loyalty to God’s truth and way of life.

The place for services in Bristol was rather small but ideal for the services. They really put their hearts into the singing of the hymns. It was a most inspiring song service and one with which I am confident God was pleased. I had the opportunity of chatting with each one there and came to know them for the lovely people they all are. Each one has been through the wars and bears the scars from them. Even so, they are filled with the joy of their commitment to God and His way of life while looking to the Wonderful World of Tomorrow that very soon now will become the Wonderful World of Today!

After services we had the opportunity of partaking of the Gourmet Buffet the ladies had prepared and this made it possible for all of us to spend quality time together. Now when I pray for them, I will be able to visualize their faces as well as to picture them in Sabbath services.

The next day we departed for the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bowles in Wales. Though we were possibly 3 hours or so in reaching their home it was very enjoyable and profitable for we were able to talk about many things as well. This also provided me with the opportunity to ask questions about what we were seeing in the countryside.

We found the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bowles to be situated in a beautiful picturesque setting. He owns a few acres of land and the trees and shrubbery adds to the beauty of it. It is very homey and comfortable. I will also add that both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles continue to treat us royally. They continue to ask about our needs and do all they can to make our stay here as comfortable and profitable as well. They even gave over their bedroom to us, and the rest of the home to the Plangenzas, while they walk some little distance to a small place they have on their property to sleep over night.

MONDAY -- The next day we took a trip to see Mr. and Mrs. Monro who have a small gift shop that is next door to a castle that dates back to the 10th century. It was delightful meeting them and to see their love for the truth of God. They are a fine couple. I classify Mr. Monro as a watchman to the Church. He continually gleans the important things we need to know to help us see how prophecy is coming alive in this part of the world and elsewhere. As a dedicated member he daily sends what he learns to me and to others.

While visiting in their gift shop I noticed a young girl of 10 years of age who was standing close to Mrs. Monro. I first thought she was connected with the family, but learned a little later that her mother is almost dead with cancer and she will be left without either parent. Mrs. Monro told me that she would live with an uncle and an aunt after her mother’s death. Undoubtedly her mind was filled with whatever the future might hold for her. For some semblance of stability, it appeared she was leaning on the presence of Mrs. Monro. My heart went out to her. We were back by the gift shop yesterday and Chandra left her one of the rings she had bought as a gift.

TUESDAY -- This was the day we chose to visit part of my heritage in Shropshire County of England, a little place called BILLINGSLEY. Though the history of it goes back to possibly the 1200s, there is not much to it. We did go inside the church and was able to obtain some printed material about it. Mr. Bowles called the rector of the church and was told all the records had been transferred to, what I would call, the county seat, in Shrewsberry for Shropshire.

This city is located about 40 miles from where their daughter (Estelle) and her family live. We stayed overnight with them. I cannot say too much about their family, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Estelle Monro. They were most gracious to us. Estelle had gone to much expense and hours of a labour of love in cooking to put together all the food we could eat that was placed on a very long improvised table that would seat all 13 of us. The dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us while an animated conversation was going on with all.

Robin, Mr. and Mrs. Bowles son, lives with them. He also is a most impressive young man who is full of warmth and life. It was good to see him again. Estelle is a most remarkable and lovely woman. Andrew was very warm and friendly doing all he could to make our stay a comfortable one. He is a very fine man. They have two very fine children. Andrew had all of us situated for bedtime in various rooms. They even gave up their bed to my wife and me while they slept on the floor. What can I say about such a giving couple? And their two children contribute to the kind of a family that sets a great standard for the rest of us. I will remember their kindness and love extended to us for a long time to come.

WEDNESDAY -- Estelle even led us in her car to the Shrewsberry where all the records are stored of the history of people and places in Shropshire County. Since she knew the city real well a lot of time was saved because of it for she took us right where we needed to go to find more of my family history. We only stayed there for about two hours before beginning the trip back to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bowles. During the time we were there we were able to trace the history of my family name back to about 1000 and could have very probably taken it farther back in a tight security room where the ancient records are kept. Though I had identification I did not have my passport on me at the time and it was required so I had to pass it up.

While making the trip home I continued to be impressed with the countryside, the ancient homes, and the people. It is a beautiful land. And I have never ever seen so many sheep in my life! Sheep were seen everywhere. There were only a few goats that we saw and only one place that we saw that had some hogs (swine). It seems all farmers have many sheep, some cattle, and few, if any, horses.

THURSDAY – Mr. Bowles and I walked close to a mile down to the local store where he picked up his newspaper and I purchased a few things from the small grocery store. We were able to talk about some things then as we have continued to do about the state of the Church and what we hope to be able to accomplish in the future in serving God’s people while continuing to reach out a helping hand to other scattered members.

Early History -- While walking back he pointed out to me a place just a few hundred feet away from the road on which we walked an old Roman fort (whatever called) where many of the Roman soldiers were garrisoned. Looking at it I could almost close my eyes and envision these soldiers with their coats of armour walking to and from the fort on an old road that is still there. There is a great deal of early history here that holds much interest and it is not hard to sort of bring it back to life while viewing the old homes, churches, fortifications, castles, etc.

In the city of Shrewsberry we saw a sign that read, TRAITOR’S GATE and down from it was the actual gate to the river. It would appear that at low tide the officials would take the condemned prisoners through the gate to the river and chain them to posts. When the high tide came in the prisoners were drowned. They also did this in London.

It was taught in school the reason the cars travel on the opposite side of the road from the side we drive on in the states is a carryover from the knights facing off with each other to try and knock each other off their horses. By driving on the left side of the road enabled the driver to have his right hand free to use a sword to defend himself or to kill the other. Perhaps I do not have what I have written exactly right but conveys the thought. Sal and I have talked about the danger of our staying here very long for we might get so accustomed to seeing the people driving on the side of the road they do that when we get back home we might be so accustomed to it we could crash into someone.

Back to Our Proposed Work --- Mr. Bowles is also continuing to work with a new website which we hope to develop and use to play the recorded cassette tapes of Mr. Armstrong of the early years of the Radio Broadcasts, and even the telecast of Mr. Armstrong. The literature God used him to write would also be made available to those who would request it. As I have written before, he would still be doing the Work and not us. I have also begun re-writing the series of Pastor’s Comments about the 3 Elijahs with the objective of putting all of them into booklet, or book, form. It is my thought it would go well with the one that Mr. Bowles has written and now available and advertised. I hope to have it finished by Passover.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON -- Thursday afternoon we travelled to the home of Tony and Adele Morgan. It is about one hour away and is also the place where Church services are held, and where we plan on being for the services tomorrow. (Mr. and Mrs. Morgan own about 80 acres of land with sheep, horses, cattle, ducks, goats, ponies, rabbits, chickens and whatever else on the property. And it is a most beautiful property. One that many would love to own.) With the invitation in mind to have dinner with them in their home, Mrs. Morgan went out to try and catch one of her sheep to supply the main course of the meal. She told me it would have taken her an hour or more to run one down. However THERE WAS ONE CAUGHT IN THE THICKET! This is the one God gave her for all of us to eat. And it was very good.

Before dinner Mrs. Morgan showed us many of her paintings that she had painted in past years. They were fabulous and very professional. She is a very talented artist. Also before dinner, we went down to see a former home, and another building or so, on part of their property. This home was first built in 1805-1811. Mr. Morgan is working with it to make possible the rental of it for a summer home. He is an artist in his own right. He cuts out all the different sized lumber from trees on his property to upgrade the home. And the lumber I saw was just as good as any one would find in a place selling lumber. They are an amazing couple. Over the dinner we were able to talk about many of the things of God, His teachings, and the calling we have. It was very rewarding evening. I learned from it.

FRIDAY – Here it is the Day of Preparation already! And I am trying to get something to all of you in our absence to keep you posted on our whereabouts and what we have been doing. In one way I feel badly about the expense to the Church of our travel here and the time away from home and the work I try to keep up with there. I also feel a bit badly about taking the time to try and trace some of my heritage. It is realized by me that this is an endless pursuit and can be a time-waster. I did this as a hobby over the years but had really done nothing with it in the past 10 years or so. I just do not have the time to devote to it except for a little time here and there, and then only as a bit of a diversion On the other hand I feel the trip has been very profitable while giving me a broader picture of a worldwide work and also a further perspective.

Let me add – the weather here has been completely different than what it normally is this time of the year. My wife had been fearful there might be snow. There is no snow. The sun has been seen every day we have been here – including today. Phenomenal! God has been very gracious to us and we well realize it and are thankful to Him for it. SABBATH – Church services will be back at the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. Then a Gourmet Buffet that will provide the opportunity to get acquainted and fellowship with some of the brethren we have not yet met.

SUNDAY – Mr. and Mrs. Bowles will take us back to London to a hotel in Piccadilly Square where we will remain until the time of our departure on Tuesday morning. While in London our plans are that we will visit the British Museum of history, see the Crown Jewels, the ancient Coronation Chair, and other places of historical interest. I believe there is a plan to see a play Sunday afternoon. It promises to be a full schedule for both Sunday and Monday.

In Conclusion --- Once again, our trip to the UK has been very interesting, profitable, and eventful, all in one. We have met many of God’s people that have given us great inspiration and a deeper love for them. At the same time all this has enabled us to see the beautiful land of Ephraim in greater depth. I will add that only the true people of God recognized their national heritage that has come down from God through the promise He gave to Abraham. I have been told there is no recognition with understanding of God at all here. They do not even want to talk about God and their roots.

In the United States, we will be celebrating the national day of Thanksgiving this month. I would hope all of us would be truly thankful expressing our heartfelt appreciation for the land and freedom of religion with which we have been graced and blessed by God through Abraham. Because of God blessing us with His Spirit, we understand the truth. From a nationalistic point of view, Ephraim holds no thanks for the tearing away of Manesseh from them.

However we as God’s people should see it differently knowing God brought about the separation to fulfil those blessings that were passed on down through the laying of the hands of Jacob on his two sons. This separation has made possible the freedom through Manasseh to preach the gospel to the world that could not have been done through the restrictive media laws of Ephraim. All of us have so very much to be thankful to our God in spite of our many problems with which we struggle often on a daily basis.

However the greatest blessing of all is that which is soon to come, the Wonderful World of Tomorrow! A new World with all of its good changes which will be made possible due to the return of Jesus Christ. At that time we will experience our change and given the responsibility He has promised to aid Him in making the right and good changes that will bring about His good blessings on all of mankind.

Brethren, please keep the BIG PICTURE IN MIND, never turn loose of it for it will enable us to keep our Spiritual equilibrium in balance.

Please pray for all of God’s lovely people here in this part of the world and wherever they may be in the rest of the world. And please pray for Mr. and Mrs. Bowles and my wife and me.

Our love to all of you as well as our prayers,

Don Billingsley