Herbert W Armstrong

   Together with Mr. Paul Suckling, director of the English SEP, I was privileged to be part of Mr. Armstrong's group which included his wife, his sister-in-law, his personal assistant Mr. Henry Cornwall, and Mr. Mel Olinger, his chauffeur and deacon in the Church.

   From the moment we landed at the Orr airport in the Work's G-II, excitement and enthusiasm filled the air. When we arrived at the camp, the teen-agers had lined up on both sides of the road to welcome Mr. Armstrong with cheers and clapping. A few minutes later, as he strode smilingly from his car to the gymnasium, everyone rose up and gave him a standing ovation.

   Upon Mr. Armstrong's request, Mr. Paul Suckling briefly spoke of the English SEP which is scheduled to open the latter part of July. Then Mr. Armstrong gave a powerful address not only to the young campers, but to all of us. He exhorted each of us to be thankful to God; he told the teen-agers how blessed they were to have parents whom God has called at this time. He showed what it really means to be given myriad opportunities stretching out before them.

   After the Television crew recorded his message (which I personally hope will be heard in all the Churches), Mr. Armstrong met a few of the young campers and shook hands with them. Believe me! — they were thrilled, nervous and excited! Undoubtedly they will write home to tell their parents what it is to personally meet Mr. Armstrong, talk with him — and even shake hands with him!

   Just before leaving Orr that very evening, we accompanied Mr. Armstrong for a short tour around the campus and stopped at Mr. Thornhill's cabin for a brief but warm reception with the SEP faculty.

   Even though I have been with Mr. Armstrong on many occasions, this trip was also for me one of the most memorable ones, because I could share and feel the happiness — and gratitude — of four hundred teen-agers who love God, His Work and His Apostle!

— Dibar K. Apartian