Basic HTML Version
PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, October 31, 1980
Page 6
var�ous sections in order to test the effectiveness of a selection of
lists.
Our initial response seems exceptional. Hoping for a 5% response to make
the project worthwhile, the first batch sent out has achieved a staggering
19%, while another two similar batches have achieved 13% and 14% respec
tively�
Using the same mailing lists which gave these excellent test results, we
plan to send out a further 30,000 pieces of mail in two weeks time.
Update From the Netherlands The Feast of Tabernacles at the Hunzebergen
was certainly the best ever with gorgeous weather and 364 people regis
tered. The sun was shining every day, which is remarkable for that time
of year. Out of the 364 people registered, 89 came from other areas of
the world: U.S.A., Canada, Australia, South Africa, England, Scotland
and Tanzania. Our guest from Tanzania was Mr. Tom Kaswaga. He and nine
others of his countrymen were sent over to The Netherlands by their
government for special training at Philips Industries this summer.
Mr. Kaswaga was baptized in 1973 and had never been able to attend a
Feast of Tabernacles due to local conditions and restrictions. He and
his group were scheduled to return to Tanzania one week before the Feast,
to make room for another group. His visa would expire at the same time
and once back in Tanzania the chances to attend a Feast would be nil.
The Philips organization was willing to cooperate in having Tom's visa
extended, provided Tom would receive approval from his employer to stay
another two weeks longer in The Netherlands. He wrote the necessary
letters and we all prayed for him. Two days before his group was to
return home a telegramme arrived at Philips saying that his leave of
absence had been extended by two weeks. So Mr. Kaswaga attended and
experienced his first Feast of Tabernacles, thanks to the intervention
of Almighty God.
The spirit at the Feast at the Hunzebergen was a spirit of unity and
peace. The highlight was certainly the first-day message from Mr. Her
bert Armstrong. In England video recordings were made of that message.
We had one of our men stationed in Brighton to bring the video cassette
to The Netherlands as soon as possible. Everything worked out well and
that weekly Sabbath afternoon during the Feast we all enjoyed the presence
of Mr. Armstrong.
We were also happy to have Mr. Garry Lucas as a guest speaker. Mr. Lucas
is a Dutch-speaking local church elder in Barry, Ontario. All services
were conducted in the Dutch langauge with simultaneous English translation.
We are always happy with the many visitors we get here at every Feast. It
gives the Feast a truly international flavor.
Compared to 1979, our Holy Day offerings over the entire year are up by
11.12%.
Income at end of September shows a 22.6% increase for the past 12
months, p 31.6% increase year to date and a 83.5% increase month to
month. The month-to-month increase includes Holy Days and interest rates.