In his Personal Mr. Tkach writes that even when our path is difficult, the Holy Spirit longs to bring us into the joy that only the children of God can know.
Mr. Tkach uses the example of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians to show the purpose and joy of sacrificial giving. Theirs was a testimony to their Spirit-empowered love for others--a testimony Paul wanted others to copy.
As we make financial decisions based on trusting God, we take hold of the true life. God still rewards generosity. He still promises treasures in heaven and pleasures forevermore. The gospel still demands obedience in our financial affairs. Our attitude toward money still reflects our faith in what God does both now and forever. Page 1.
In Iron Sharpens Iron, pastor Don Mears relates his experience as a second-generation WCG member.
The memories of church kids about WCG teachings are often quite different from the memories of their parents, who became WCG members as adults.
I weep for us all. Most of all, I weep for generations of teens who left the church in what was called rebellion. How many left because they were starved of grace?
They had been told often enough that by the standard of the law of God, they were condemned. But did they know--were they ever told--that Jesus loves them? That his grace is sufficient?
May God forgive us. And may we have the chance show the grace of God to those teens (adults now) we drove away. Page 4.
In the second in a series of regional snapshots, John Halford, regional director for Europe, tells us of the challenges and successes faced by the WCG in Europe.
John writes that the European region consists of nearly 30 countries. We used to divide Europe into different regions, but in 1995 we decided it would be more efficient to combine everything into one region, with one regional director.
It has been a challenge to consolidate this region, John writes. However, European congregations can now support each other in a way that was not possible before.
After conducting a country-by-country tour, John closes with the prayer that the WCG in Europe can help people see what is lasting and true in the turbulent and rather confusing times at the end of the century. Page 6.
In his Window on the World column about Madagascar, Randal Dick writes that Christ seems to be bringing some of the most desperate people on earth to us (from Angola, Bangladesh, Madagascar and Zaire), putting their hands in ours, and saying: "Here, these are my precious children. You are their older siblings. Take their hands and walk with them."
Some, though, think there is no work being done by the church anymore. Randal notes that if you run into someone who feels that way, you could show them the WN and encourage them to lift up their heads and look, the fields are white, ripe for harvest. We have been harvested and are given the chance to be harvesters.
The WCG in Madagascar has grown from one member in 1986 to 85 members and two congregations in 1997. Page 7.
November's average mail income increased over October to about $122,272 per day.
This continues the slight but steady climb that began in September and October after the summer doldrums of June, July and August.
Although it is too early to know for sure, we hope that the typical year-end upturn will materialize this year as well. If so, we can meet or exceed our budgeted projection of a daily mail income average for the year of $122,000.
We are cautiously optimistic that income will hold through the year's end and that we will be able to begin the new year on an encouraging financial footing.
Of course, we rely on God and the support of our members and others to realize this hope. Page 15.
Dec. 23, 1997, WN, page 2
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