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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
FROM CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
FESTIVAL UPDATE; TAX REVIEW; 1986 TAX REFORM ACT;
BLESSING OF CHILDREN DATE; Q & A; PRAYER REQUESTS; RECENT ORDINATIONS;
INTERNATIONAL NEWS--Canada, Netherlands, Scandinavia
Festival Opiate
As
I write this we are only days removed from an
absolutely wonderful Feast of Tabernacles. Prom all reports so far, this
Feast can truly be called •the best Feast ever.• It is obvious that God
poured out a rich blessing upon Bis people both physically and
spiritually. Several of the traveling speakers have stopped by to report
that the members exemplified a spirit of unity and joy that was very
refreshing.
I heard stories of overwhelming responses to requests for
brethren to serve on the various crews, and stories of brethren going out
of their way to help each other, and stories of enthusiastic expressions
of support for Mr. Tkach and those at headquarters. I think you get the
point!
My family and I were very pleased and excited to be able to visit Eugene,
Oregon, the birthplace of this era of God's Church.
It was a moving
experience to visit the Jeans School and Fisher farm where so many
important events of Mr. Armstrong's early ministry occurred. The Feast
site was very peaceful and friendly and the Feast was very relaxing and
inspiring.
We were all happy that Mrs. Schreiber was able to attend
services every day.
Returning to Pasadena on the fifth day, we were
struck by the electricity in the air on campus. Hundreds of brethren who
had transferred from all over the world were obviously very excited to be
at God's headquarters on earth and to be privileged to see and hear Mr.
Tkach in person. Mr. Tkach kept the entire Feast in Pasadena and spent
several hours each day meeting and greeting the brethren on the campus.
Most of them wanted to be photographed with Mr. Tkach and he very good
naturedly obliged them. It was a beautiful example of the kind of •family
environment• which Mr. Tkach has emphasized to the whole Church. I'm sure
these brethren have returned home and shared their experiences and
enthusiasm for the Pasadena Feast site. Now we will have to prepare for a
large increase in transfer requests and Mr. Tkach is considering expanding
the attendance here.
As
you know, there can be a general letdown among the members at this time
of year. I hope you will capitalize on the excitement generated by the
Feast and motivate the brethren to personal growth and perseverance in
finishing the Work God bas given us all to do.
Surely the unity and
family togetherness we experienced worldwide during the Feast will be a
great asset in enduring the tough times ahead.
So, •preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.• It's a good time to
analyze your own ministry. Ask yourself how fully you reflect the beliefs
and practices of God's Church. Are you in the mainstream doctrinally and
administratively?
Or have you allowed yourself to lean to your own
understanding? I have found since coming to Pasadena that just as we are
of many and varied backgrounds and personalities, so we are occasionally
varied in our ministerial perspective. Some of this is good and right and
produces strength in God's Church. But when we stray too far from center
we can break down the effectiveness of the ministry in building the