About half of the members of the Queens, New York,
congregation participated in a prayer vigil Nov. 14 for the persecuted church, writes
pastor Craig Bacheller. The evening was divided into different services where members
would pray, give testimonials, read scripture and view videos on the plight of Christians
in other nations. During each service, members would set aside time to pray in groups.
The evening was set aside to focus on the plight of Christians around the world, especially in the 10-40 Window. This is an area 10 degrees south to 40 degrees north latitude that extends from North Africa eastward through the Middle East, on into Russia, India and China. Page 5.
The new covenant is
an agreement between God and humans, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach in this month's
Personal.
God sets the terms, and we respond with either yes or no. Sinful humans aren't in a position to make deals with their Creator.
As sinners, we are cut off from God. But simply because he is good, because he loves us, God has acted decisively to end our alienation from him and bring us into his household.
The terms God has set are these: Believe what he says about Jesus Christ, turn from your life of self-reliance and put your confidence totally in Christ to wash you clean of sin, clothe you with righteousness and bring you into the family, the household, the kingdom of God. Pages 6 and 7.
Mail income in
November was again significantly under our projected budget, writes controller Ron Kelly.
Our daily average for November was $103,339. The year-to-date average is $105,757. Yet, our expense budget is $110,000 per day. You can see that we will have to dip into our barely adequate reserve funds.
And that can go on only so long. By careful management of asset sales and painful downsizing over the past few years, the church has managed to keep on an even keel and maintain a large percentage of local congregations. Even though our congregations are much smaller, dedicated pastors have helped them make it through difficult times.
As you review the financial picture this year, I pray you will set goals to maintain a steady pattern of donations for the coming year. Page 22.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998