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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, August 15, 1980
Page 10
have congregations around the world in nearly 100 nations with fully
trained ministers in attendance. The services don't, he said, look un
like many protestant groups and that we are also "very, very normal
people." He noted that we don't live in communes, but on the contrary,
live in our communities with every intention of being a light to those
around us. Concluding, Mr. Rader stated that it is therefore hard for
anyone to say that we are "cultish."
While in New York, Mr. Rader was contacted at his hotel by a talk show
host in Oklahoma City. Mr. Rader agreed to a telephone interview and it
was a most memorable one. The host, John Dayle of KTOK radio, is a
genuine down-to-earth sort of man with a ready knowledge of the Bible,
but no sanctimonious airs. More of a listener than a talker, he gave
Mr. Rader the floor for the better part of an hour to tell the story of
the state's attack and to relate information about the Church's teachings.
Mr. Dayle was genuinely and deeply concerned about the treachery of the
California attorney general and what his actions could portend for all
religion. He urged his listeners to all go out and "buy Mr. Rader's book
for your preacher and see that he reads it!"
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FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
International News
Hurricane "Allen" : You may have wondered how our Caribbean brethren fared
in the wake of hurricane "Allen" which badly hit the island nation of St.
Lucia, then sideswiped Puerto Rico, Haiti and Jamaica.
Mr. Carlos Nieto, the minister from the neighboring island of Barbados,
visited St. Lucia last week and reported that the coastal areas were badly
hit, and severe damage was suffered by the banana and mango crops. As a
result farmers can expect 8-12 months without income. Fortunately, the
capital city of Castries was not hit as badly.
As far as our brethren are concerned, several lost the roofs of their
homes and furniture was damaged by water. The feast site building was
not damaged, but some water damage occurred which should be repaired by
the time of the Feast.
God was indeed watching over his people--an inspiring example was left for
everyone to see. In the village of Fond Assau, a frail little lady, who
has been a member for many years, lived in a poorly-constructed house vul
nerable to hurricanes. When the storm subsided, the whole village was a
picture of devastation, but our member's house stood unscathed in the mid
dle of ruins!
In Jamaica, the Runaway Bay feast site escaped serious damage and all our
members are reported to be fine.
New Zealand Reports Continued Growth: July was another excellent month
for income, achieving the second highest monthly income ever received by
the office in New Zealand, surpassed only by June 1980! This was an in
crease of 26.2% over July last year, and the year-to-date increase in
tithes and offerings is now running 31.7% ahead of 1979.