Basic HTML Version
PAGE 8
PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, SEPTEMBER
20, 1985
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
WATS IN-HOME PROGRAM1 FEAST INOUIRIES1
BIBLE STUDY VOLUME IV1 FEAST FEVER
More than 350 Southern California brethren have �ow been trained to
take WATS calls in their homes. Another 400 are being instructed in
california and Arizona churches. By the Feast of Tabernacles, about
750 members will have been thoroughly trained to take literature
requests.
In accomplishing this task, we send teams of qualified personnel to
each local area.
They present three separate lectures covering all
aspects of properly answering calls in response to the telecast. Slide
shows, tapes of sample calls and a detailed manual supplement these
lectures.
In-home operators answer calls only during peak response periods,
immediately following the telecast. Approximately
1,100
calls are now
taken each weekend, or 8 percent of the total calls received.
The outlook for future expansion of the in-home program is excellent.
Recent tests have shown that we can trans£er calls several hundred
miles, with almost no loss in volume. We are also working with the
phone company to give us the capability to expand the WATS in-home
program across the nation. After these technicalities are worked out,
we plan to begin training members in other states. With the help of
these volunteers, many more viewers will be able to get through on our
telephone lines. Church members are thrilled to be part of the phone
answering team.
We have received a number of letters from subscribers and co-workers
asking about the Feast of Tabernacles. Most requests for information
come from people who have read about the Feast in ·The Good News• maga
zine. Some want to know how to properly keep this Festival. A few
even asked how they can make reser�ations. Some of the questions asked
are:
-Where's the closest location I can observe God's Holy Days?•
•I s an unbaptized person permitted to attend?•
•can I be baptized at the Feast?•
These people are informed that details about attending the Feast are
available through the local minister.
We also send a copy of
Mr. Armstrong's booklet about God's Holy Days if the person does not
already have it.
On another subject, all new literature is normally sent to the ministry
first class.
However, since postage rates are determined by weight,
the cost of mailing ·The Bible Story• is considerable. Therefore, ve
request that you pick up your personal copy at tbe Feast site you'll be
attending. You should have already received a claim check for the book
with your Holy Day offering envelopes. Thanks for your understanding.
l