Herbert W Armstrong

The men and their wives of this current session appreciated hearing from Mr. Armstrong on the opening day, Wednesday, December 5. In his message, Mr. Armstrong placed special emphasis on the topic of reliance on God vs. self-reliance. He discussed how Adam chose the Satan-inspired way of self-reliance, and rejected reliance on God for the knowledge of how to live, cooperate, have peace, solve problems, and relate to other beings. The message was very inspiring and set the tone for the remaining nine days of classes. Those attending this session were also able to hear Mr. Armstrong give the Friday night Bible study two days later.

I hope all of you have read carefully the account of the first half of Mr. Armstrong's latest trip in the November 26 WORLDWIDE NEWS. The December 10 issue contains the news of the last half of the trip. Many very important developments in the work of God's Church are outlined in these articles by Mr. Aaron Dean. Each of us needs to make sure we are keeping current with all the new doors God is opening, so that we can rejoice with all God's elect around the earth.

After attending my mother's funeral in Chicago last Friday, I had a very pleasant and profitable visit with the Chicago West (known as the Hinsdale) congregation on the Sabbath. I couldn't help but reflect on the tremendous growth God has given us in the Chicago area since I left in 1966. Now, the Hinsdale congregation alone is nearly the size the whole Chicago Church was at that time! Today, we have five congregations in the Chicago area, with three pastors, three associate pastors and over 1,600 brethren.

After the funeral, my son-in-law, Mr. Doug Horchak, pastor of the Glendora, California congregation, and I had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Al Barr, pastor of the Chicago Southside congregation, and Mr. Michael Swaggerty, pastor of the Chicago Northwest and North congregations, as well as Mr. Lowell Foster, associate pastor in the Northwest, and Messrs. Eugene Dumas and Dolpus Williamson, elders in the Southside.

After speaking to the Hinsdale brethren on the Sabbath, we enjoyed renewing many old acquaintances, and speaking to Mr. Ben Faulkner, associate pastor in Hammond, Indiana, Mr. Tim Snyder, associate pastor in the West Church and Messrs. Phil Fowler, Dillard Alexander, Dave Roenspies and Clarence Svehla, elders in these two congregations, which are pastored by Mr. John Ritenbaugh.

I greatly appreciated the fine job Mr. Ritenbaugh did in conducting my mother's funeral service. The Ritenbaughs were excellent hosts in every way.

Appreciation for Ministerial Refreshing Program III

Dear Messrs. Armstrong and Tkach:

We have just returned from the third Refreshing Program. To us this Refreshing Program certainly highlighted the previous two programs.

Thank you Mr. Armstrong, very much, for allowing these programs. We feel that they are a tremendous instrument in pulling the ministry together so we are saying the same thing. It is so evident that the instructors, for all subjects, are thoroughly dedicated and committed to teaching their respective portions in an uplifting and positive manner. In reviewing our notes, we are learning more deeply the intents of the messages given.

We appreciate Mr. Tkach's example of zeal, dedication and loyalty, which is so obvious. It is encouraging and inspiring.

We thank you, Mr. Armstrong, for your continued example set for all of us, with your love and your encouragement that we need. Please be encouraged through your daily stressful times and know that we are behind you, holding up your hands. We love you very much, for truly you are like a father to us. Our prayers are with you daily.
Frank Jr. and Charlene McCrady

Dear Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Tkach:

Thank you for another tremendously beneficial Ministerial Refreshing Program! Attending the September session was like a feast before the Feast.

This program, as usual, we especially enjoyed getting to know the international ministers. It is clear that God is using these programs to coordinate His ministry worldwide so that we are approaching our responsibilities with the same mind.

The program also helps us to appreciate that we are a part of a global Church with God and Christ in charge. We come to the campus as students rather than as ministers. Then we are privileged to go out to serve as ministers teaching what we've been taught. Perhaps programs like these will continue for millennia.

In addition to sending thanks to all the instructors, thanks to all in Ministerial Services and the various departments who put much time and care into special information packets, tours and gifts.
Gary and Marsali Pendergraft

Dear Mr. Armstrong:

Having returned to the Netherlands from the Ministerial Refreshing Programme III, my wife and I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to you, Mr. Tkach and the staff for this fine programme. Thank you for the inspiring and powerful presentations and the greater depth of understanding of God's plan and the needs of the Church.

The programme has given us very effective material in helping us to carry out our responsibilities in this part of the world. The Dutch language brethren will be given an even greater opportunity to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ in the sermons that will follow.

Thank you for your continued dedicated personal example as you lead God's Church on. It is a great blessing to be in God's Church and to be permitted to serve in the ministry.
Bram and Judy de Bree

Dear Mr. Tkach:

Lynn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, and through you Mr. Armstrong, for the privilege of attending another session of the Ministerial Refreshing Programme.

We continue to feel that this programme of periodic visits to headquarters is of immense and lasting value. To be inspired and updated on the latest news of the work of God's Church, to be reminded of the basics, to be instructed and corrected in areas of current problems or interest, to fellowship with fellow ministers and faculty — all contribute to a remarkable unifying effect and morale boost which is of immense value to our ability to effectively pastor our flock. May it long continue!

I won't pretend to deny that long hours of sitting and concentration don't take their toll physically. Mr. Carlton Green doesn't help either with his delicious and tempting fare. It is worth every second, drinking in the atmosphere and Spirit of God's Church and College for an all-too-short period of time.

Thank you again for all your efforts and those of the team there in Pasadena. We are busy trying to absorb all the material and faithfully apply it to enrich the lives of our congregations.
John and Lynn Meakin

— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services