Herbert W Armstrong

Health As we are all increasingly aware, a considerable amount of illness exists in the Church, among members and ministry alike. Perhaps we should not be too surprised. We are living in an age so degenerate that even if a person takes care of his health with total dedication, there is still no guarantee of never coming down with some disease.

Not only do we stand to reap some of the results of our own past wrong­ doing, but we also suffer as a result of the deeds of our ancestors and the world around us. So we have major strikes against us over which we do not have control. But as Mr. Ellis La Ravia pointed out in the recent Ministerial Refreshing Program, that doesn't mean we should be lax about making an effort to maintain and even improve our health! While we cannot entirely eliminate the threat of illness from our lives, we most surely can better our chances of staying well. And that is important.

Our newly revised booklet "Principles of Healthful Living” gives basic overall principles regarding this vital subject. Certainly no one can accuse the booklet of being unbalanced or too specific in prescribing what to do and what not to do. Yet, if applied, the principles that are given will make a difference.

Still, how many in God's Church make a real effort to understand and apply even the basic guidelines the booklet presents? For example, some seem to be under the impression that merely avoiding unclean meats makes their diet healthful. They won't touch ham, but they regularly consume overly processed, refined foods, often loaded with additives, as well as foods that are too rich and fatty for the limited amount of activity engaged in. Eventually they become ill and wonder why "God allowed" them to become sick.

We are God's people, but we simply do not have a license to neglect the laws that regulate health without suffering consequences!

As strange new kinds of diseases are popping up and old strains are refusing to be wiped out, it is well worth your time to read or reread "Principles of Healthful Living and to encourage the brethren to do likewise and to take the information therein seriously.

There are people in the world who are taking better care of their health than some in the Church are. This should not be the case. God's people should set the example and standard in this matter. And as ministers and shepherds of God's flock, we ought to lead the way.

Cassettes: About a year ago we began providing the cassette tapes necessary for maintaining a record of local sermons and Bible studies. Now that a year has passed, a few pastors have asked whether they should request more tapes or begin reusing the ones they have.

To clarify the policy, each pastor should maintain a cassette tape record of each service for one year. Cassettes containing year-old services may then be reused. Therefore, a one-year's supply of tapes is all that would be necessary. If a pastor feels he'd like to keep more than a year's record, it will be necessary to do it from local funds.

We will, of course, continue to make cassettes available for replacement of those that wear out, as well as to supply new churches.

Counseling Members about Moving When a member is planning to move from one church area to another, what kind of counsel should his pastor give?

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when a move is planned. Proper counseling can help to alleviate potential problems, not only for the individual or the family planning to move, but also for the pastor and brethren in the area to which the move is planned.

Read carefully the following points and comments and keep them in mind when counseling brethren about moves:

1. What is the intended purpose of the move? Many people tend to believe that they can, in effect, "run away" from problems by moving. They don't realize that their problems must be dealt with, overcome or solved wherever they are. Moving away will not solve basic character flaws, personality problems or bad habits.

2. Does the individual have a job lined up in the new area? If currently unemployed, has he realistically considered the job market in the new area? The grass always seems to look greener elsewhere. But is it really?

3. Has the individual fully considered family and social factors? Experience has shown us that many individuals who move to unfamiliar areas far away from relatives and friends end up returning to their former areas.

4. Does the individual have the financial resources to make the move? How will he be supported when he arrives? Is he planning to receive financial help from the Church? Is he planning to stay with members? If so, is this a proper expectation?

Cost factors such as transportation of family and household goods, temporary living expenses while finding a place to live and until the first paycheck, first and last month's rent and deposits for housing and utilities, the cost of living in the new area, etc. should be considered.

It is a right principle to count the cost before any major decision. A Christian should be a light and an example in a dark world. A family should not impose on other brethren, take advantage of them or leach off them.

The apostle Paul's instruction in II Thessalonians 3:10-13 (RAV) is pertinent:

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

Many sincere brethren do want to be hospitable and show love. But they should not have to be put on the spot by inconsiderate, irresponsible actions of people who are simply selfishly taking advantage of them.

An unwise decision to move when one cannot financially handle it, resulting in living out of a car or sponging off others for weeks or months, is decidedly not a Christian example nor a light to the world.

As spiritual shepherds of a local congregation, pastors should make it a point to help members avert disaster or hardship by counseling them so that they can think their whole situation through prudently. If a member in your congregation is planning to move, but does not seek your counsel, you should approach him out of love and concern to discuss these basic points. Do not neglect your responsibility!

Pasadena seems to be a prime destination for people who move for unsound reasons. Maybe some feel they'll be more spiritual if they live in Pasadena, or that their problems will be solved by living near Headquarters. But whatever the reason, unnecessary and time-consuming problems could be averted with sound counsel prior to such moves.

Two last points: It would be a good idea to assign a sermonette on the topic of hospitality from the point of view that showing love doesn't mean you have to allow others to abuse a situation, doing neither them nor you any good. And finally, remember to communicate pastor to pastor. Contact a new individual's former pastor if a question arises about his present conduct. And if a pastor is aware of a member's plan to move to another area, inform the new pastor that the individual is coming.

(Note: This information is for the instruction of those in the ministry and is not intended to be read verbatim to the congregation, although the concepts should be explained appropriately to the members.)

Prayer Update Thank you for your continued prayers for Mr. Herbert Armstrong. His condition has not really changed, as he wrote in the recent member and co-worker letters. His spirits are high, however, and he comments frequently on how much he appreciates the concern expressed by God's people. We are all looking forward to his complete recovery.