Herbert W Armstrong

Mr. Atlas mentioned that several proposals were made by attending dignitaries that could further advance the goals and purposes of AICF. He also said the whole activity with the participation of the local brethren working on the program was a real "morale booster." The brethren were excited about the chance to help in a direct way and felt "a greater sense of personal worth because they can see quickly the result of their labors."

Mr. Atlas noted that perhaps the greatest effect of the concert was the way it impressed the local community. "When we first started working with people in the local community here, there was doubt and skepticism. There was the repeated question of 'What's in it for you?' It was not until a few weeks before the concert that the 'scales of skepticism' were stripped away.... Many were astounded by the people of the Worldwide Church of God.... Our brethren really exemplified what we teach about giving — people helping people. Our brethren, through personal contact, showed a small, influential segment of the New York City community, the way of giving....

"To me, activities of this type are an additional way of saying we have something to give. And, of course, the greatest thing we can give to the world is the knowledge of a better way of life. You and your father have been stating that on the airwaves for many, many years. Activities in local communities give us the mean of demonstrating, visually, what we have been stating by means of radio, TV and the printed word. Community activities of this type can provide tangible, easy to understand back-up to the verbal and printed preaching of the gospel. When we give, people understand we are for real.' They see a group of people who really believe, and are trying to earnestly practice what they are preaching."