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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, AUGUST 30, 1985
Early Showing of Toll-free Number Proving Very Effective·
Since the toll-free number is now being shown on the screen several minutes
before it is announced, thousands of additional callers have been able to
reach us. We now receive two waves of calls instead of one. This change
has added approximately 15,000 calls during the past two months, and was an
important factor in our recent record-breaking counts.
Multiple Thousands Turn to Mr. Armstrong for Answers and Advice
More and more PLAIN TRUTH subscribers are writing to Mr. Armstrong for
advice about spiritual matters and problems in their per�onal lives. These
letters are directed to the Personal Correspondence Department for help and
encouragement. An average of 300 letters are. received each working day.
The following are some of the major categories we are asked to respond to:
• Religion
Many people are confused about religion because of the great variety
of sects and denominations with conflicting beliefs. Mr. Armstrong's
dynamic, straightforward and clear message impresses them. They look
to him to help clear up their confusion.
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A recent letter contained this comment: "I feel lost and need sp1r1-
tual help. Mr. Armstrong speaks as if the Lord is speaking to him. I
never heara the truth spoken with such accuracy and power..•. Please
don't disregard this begging for help."
Many others ask for a statement of Worldwide Church of God beliefs or
for an evaluation of or comparison to other religions.
• Personal Problems
Since our publications frequently emphasize the family, we receive
many requests for advice about solving personal problems and improving
family relations. For example, parents often ask how to teach their
children about God and His purpose for mankind. Many feel helpless
and ask for God's intervention. One man was so depressed because of
financial and family problems that he said, "It would have been a
blessing if I had 'got it' in Vietnam." Homosexuals and drug addicts
have earnestly requested help on how to overcome their sinful life
styles.
• Unhappy.Marriages
Numerous letters show that a great many marriages are floundering and
failing. Unfaithfulness, abuse and other sins are rampant in count
less marriages and much suffering results. We frequently read of mar
riages in which a mate is unloving, unsupportive, disinterested and
unfaithful.
One man recently wrote: "Presently my life is in shambles. My wife
left me and is divorcing me. She is involved in a relationship with
another man, who has been married and divorced three times and was
treated for a nervous breakdown. We have two small sons, ages 7 and
3�. Please advise me. I do not know what to do. I am sickened by
these recent events in my life."