This is a letter that I felt I must get off my chest. All my life, from the age of 6 years, was spent resenting a God who went around stealing little kids' parents and calling himself love.
As I grew older (much older), I began to feel that there was some possible reason for the things I as a human must experience, and then at 46 years, I found that God just wasn't interfering with humankind's affairs, yet. He was waiting until the time was just right.
I contacted the WCG in Pasadena and a year later was baptized by Dan Rogers. The next few years were spent trying to follow all the rules and regulations so that I could be in the kingdom. Each year at Passover, I was shown that I was fighting a losing battle, but I kept on trying.
Then the WCG started changing and while at first I dragged my heels, slowly God started opening my eyes and it all started to make sense and was provable. This past year has been electrifying! Suddenly I'm not responsible for saving my now grown children or anyone else and can look forward to seeing all my beloved relatives and friends down through history and knowing that Jesus has already paid the price for them as well as me.
Now I am truly learning what is meant by "joy unspeakable and full of glory." Sometimes (often), I find myself skipping around the house like a kid. I'm 73. Thank you Joseph Tkach, Dan Rogers, Mike Feazell, Mike Morrison, Carn Catherwood and so many others who have taught us over the years by word and example the true meaning of love and joy.
Please don't ever stop letting our Lord fill you with his love, joy, peace and all the fruits of his Holy Spirit. I can only speak for myself, but I've starved for too many years. I'm hungry!
Verna A. Hibbard
Gansevoort, New York
I have finished going through J. Michael Feazell's two-part "No Other Name" article in the December and January WN. This material is just simply excellent. It expresses what I have suspected to be true for so long. It is truly great news and I have enthusiastically recommended the two-part article to others.
Thank you for these encouraging articles, which I am sure will bring relief to many concerned about deceased loved ones who had not professed acceptance of Christ's sacrifice before their death.
John McDonnell
Chelsea, Massachusetts
What a wonderful concept for men and women: Be Jesus to your spouse (January Personal).
This from Joseph Tkach is the most positive and balanced approach to the husband-wife relationship I have ever read or heard. Short, sweet and to the point. Thank you!
Donna Tucker
Round Rock, Texas
Conceptually, all Christians represent the body of Christ. The interrelatedness of the parts of the body are necessary in functioning efficiently and effectually. Every part of the body is essential in its own unique, God-given manner.
The apostle Paul said: "So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (1 Cor. 12:25-27).
I was raised in the Worldwide Church of God. As a teenager, I chose a criminal path that consequently landed me in prison. Despite my choices and environment, 15 years later I still remain in prison, with a purpose, divine.
Instrumentally, the WCG and others have been a continuum of agape love, illustrating that there are no Christians without purpose in the body of Christ. I received a most welcomed visit from Steven and Elizabeth Gill of the Toledo, Ohio, congregation. I must admit I was in a state of euphoria, adding to my existing joy that the body of Christ has no boundaries.
Despite my physical confinement, God has blessed me in many areas. I'm reminded that when one part suffers, all suffer. In addition, when one part is honored, all rejoice. Steven and Elizabeth, and all others who have touched my life epitomize Paul's theme: we are one body, with many parts.
Thanks be to our Lord for the loving touch of his children in each of our lives.
Karl M. Klett
Marion, Ohio
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001