Mr. Armstrong's semiannual letters continue to be the leading source of new co-workers — those who are interested in helping to spread the Gospel to the world through their tithes and offerings on a more regular basis. For example, the November, 1984 semiannual resulted in 3,000 people becoming coworkers. This shows the value of our prayers for God's blessing upon these letters. The semiannuals are especially effective for three reasons:
1. Mr. Armstrong expresses a very warm and personal interest in the lives of our PLAIN TRUTH readers.
2. He conveys a vital and stirring message, usually about prophecy and world events.
3. He offers one or two key pieces of literature.
The total number of co-workers in the U.S. has now passed 57,000. This is the highest number in several years.
Donor Count Tops 100,000
The number of donors (those who send a donation once or twice in a year) has also been steadily increasing. We now have over 100,000 donors. This is the largest count since God inspired Mr. Armstrong to put the Church back on track. The semiannual letter is the second largest source for donor growth, just slightly behind PT renewals, which are number one.
WATS Sabbath Volunteer Program — A Four-year Success Story
Over the past four years, some 3,000 Church members have had the exciting opportunity to answer calls from "WORLD TOMORROW" viewers. Volunteers have also filled in on Holy Days and during the Feast of Tabernacles.
The volunteer program has grown in the same dramatic way as the overall WATS operation. In 1981, just 20 people were needed each Sabbath. Now, more than 100 volunteers answer the phones at Pasadena and another 80 at Big Sandy every Sabbath. (Each person normally serves for three to four hours every six weeks.)
It would cost God's Church approximately $150,000 per year to pay for the hours donated by volunteers!
Members who have served in this way are grateful for the opportunity and find the experience rewarding. We're very thankful that so many of God's people have cheerfully responded to this need. Here are some comments from volunteers:
Serving on WATS is an awesome privilege! In some ways I think it helps me as much as it does those who call in for the various publications. B.L. (Pasadena)
It is inspiring and encouraging to hear how enthusiastic and convinced some callers are — even first-time callers. Hearing how anxious callers are to learn of a better way of life makes me very thankful that I learned the truth many years ago. P.M. (Pasadena)
It is like a shot in the arm — a real uplift to see the interest people express and to realize how the telecast is having such impact. It makes the whole Sabbath richer. K.M. (Pasadena)
It is a privilege to come and take calls on the Sabbath. We tithe and pray for the work of God's Church, but here we are able to get a taste of actually doing the work. M.L. (Pasadena)
Even though I must rise early, I feel the rewards of speaking to people from all over the country, and my possibly being their first contact with the Church, is well worth it. I plan to continue volunteering in the future, so save me a phone! S.C. (Pasadena)
I have enjoyed the opportunity immensely! It has given me a totally different aspect of the work we're doing in God's Church. Everyone should do it at least once! You just can't understand the full scope of the work without it! J.S. (Big Sandy)
After living in Pasadena for most of my life and not serving on the WATS Sabbath program, I feel I've been given a "second chance" with WATS opening up in Big Sandy. It is very exciting to hear the interest and enthusiasm of potential new brethren. Thank you for making this service available to us "Texans." C.B. (Big Sandy)
I've enjoyed it very much. Every call is different. It's very exciting for me to actually have a part in doing God's work. I look forward to it every time it's my turn to serve. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. Mrs. G. (Big Sandy)
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God