Our lifeline is The Worldwide News and we need it every two weeks!
Many of us do not have the luxury of owning a computer linked-up with the Internet enabling us to communicate, keep up-to-date, encourage and be encouraged by each other. That is so vital to our survival, spiritually, emotionally and even physically. The WN is what is helping keep the Worldwide Church of God together!
There is still a negative pull coming from, not only outside of the WCG, but also, from within. Some are still uncertain of whether they should go or stay. They are unsure of what or who to believe. The WN helps combat the negative and can turn the tide for many.
Communication is the key. If we cut off or cut down on our communication with Christ what happens? It's not a good thing to do.
We all need to have extra positive support and input (Philippians 4:8) on an on-going basis, but especially during this time of healing. Many are still in the grieving process, not even to the healing stage. We must not leave them in the cold, exposed to the harsh elements (spiritual warfare), and to the wolves in sheep's clothing.
Jesus said that he would not leave us alone, but that he would send us a comforter (John 14:16-18). He does this through his Holy Spirit, yes, but also, through other people. The WN is a vehicle by which comforting, encouraging words can come from him to his people for his people.
Since the WCG has moved on from the old covenant to new covenant teachings, let the WN be the tool by which we continue to hear about people moving on.
As my son, Eric, 18 says, "It's time to focus on our present relationship with Christ," and "it's nice to read about how other Christians are progressing with the good news of how Jesus Christ is working in their lives and ours." I couldn't agree more!
Our prayers are with you.
Your sister in Christ,
Edie Carlson
Redding, California
I hope that the WN can continue to be published two times a month.
When all the upsurge occurred last year and ministers and members began leaving, I was in a vulnerable position.
I was ill. So ill, in fact, that I didn't recognize how close to death I was at that time. For 10 months, my only contact with the church was through The Worldwide News.
My contact with dissenters was more regular. I can honestly say that were it not for the WN and the Good News Grapevine copies from the Internet, I may not be a member of the Worldwide Church of God at this time.
While there was a seed of doubt when I would hear some of these rumors and negative comments, I had nothing to base that doubt on. We members still holding on to the truths God has shown us and making the changes that truth has shown us we must make desperately need the WN on a more regular basis. The articles require us to "blow the dust off our Bibles" and prove what is truth. We are still in the middle of the storm. I ask that the decision to cut back on this lifeline be reconsidered. The cutback would be like removing the mainsail from a ship.
Good news is as needed as doctrinal updates. We need to hear of miracles in peoples' lives. We need more stories on how these new truths and our openness is being received around the world. If you cut back, how can anybody tell these inspiring stories?
There are probably more members who feel the same way I feel but are hesitant to write, too busy, or feel it would not do any good. I feel I am providing you with a little ammunition to fight the good fight to retain the members' access to inspiration that The Worldwide News has provided for so long.
Karen Pursley
Redding, California
To save money on printing and postage, we can only publish The Worldwide News every month instead of every two weeks. However, we have increased the size of the paper from either eight or 12 pages to 16. Experience with the first two monthly issues has shown us that we now have more space for items by and about you, our readers.
It's great to access the WN from the Internet, and I am especially blessed as I can e-mail free from a library near where I work. The library provides a free service to the public to use the Internet. Perhaps readers could check out similar opportunity to "get online" in a library near them.
I enjoyed the video of Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy, which gave us all opportunity to appreciate our pastor general and his righthand lady that much more.
Away from the stifling formality of suits and ties, the refreshing change of scene for the interview--the Tkach home, made me feel at home with them. I have been thinking about blessings at this time, which I guess is not unusual at this time in the church's calendar, and in particular what a blessing really is.
Keep up the good work on the church's home page. It still looks a bit like a building with some scaffolding, but I am sure the finished result will look just great. And hello to all readers!
Sean Mc Aree
Coulsdon, Surrey, England
May 21, 1996, Worldwide News, page two
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