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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, JULY 5, 1985
PAGE 7
responses, which compares very favorably with responses from the two radio
stations for the same month. At present we are on ten television stations
and four radio stations, not counting the cable stations, many of which are
seen in the Caribbean.
Jamaica, one of the larger Caribbean islands, is also the home of a thriving
Church congregation. From a modest start in 1975, the Church now has an at
tendance of 283, 131 of which are baptized members, and two deacons. Along
with church services in Kingston, three Bible studies are held in Jamaica:
a twice monthly meeting in Mandeville, a monthly meeting in Ocho Rios, and
in Montego Bay every three months. Recently, response to the television
program has been overwhelming and still continues even though we are no
longer on the station! The local office reports 68 visit requests for the
first three months of the year. Many other visit requests are still coming
in. All this activity keeps the sole pastor Mr. Charles Fleming and his
wife Carmen extremely busy. Mr. Fleming, a native of Grenada, has served
in the Jamaica congregation since 1978. He also directs the local office.
Despite worsening economic conditions, which are illustrated by an unem
ployment rate of over 20% and an inflation rate of nearly 30%, God continues
to look after His people. Mr. Fleming reports positive attitudes and re
newed commitment to God's work. The offerings for this year have all been
encouraging, culminating in a Pentecost offering that showed a per person
increase.of 158%. We all look forward to continued growth in spreading the
Gospel in Jamaica.
--Joseph Tkach, Ministerial Services
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Weekend TV.Calls Average 12,400
Response to "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast for the first six months of 1985
averaged 12,400 calls per weekend. This average would have been considered
a near-record number just one year ago.
Although the TV audience is often smaller during the summer, we received an
outstanding response of 14,834 calls this past weekend (June 29-30) for the
program "Where Are World Events Headed?" This was the eighth highest week
end total and the highest ever for a summer telecast.
The following table compares weekend responses for the first six months of
1984 and 1985:
Number of Calls
Over 16,000
14,000 to 16,000
12,000 to 14,000
10,000 to 12,000
Under 10,000
Total TV Calls
Weekend Average (January-June)
*Including one weekend over 18,000
No. of
1984
0
0
3
5
18
263,134
8,150
Weekends
1985
4*
4
7
3
8
366,014
12,400