Herbert W Armstrong

“Mystery of the Ages” Tops 500,000: More than 400,000 subscribers have requested Mr. Armstrong's book "Mystery of the Ages.” About half of these requests were from "Good News" subscribers. The other half are from those responding to the semiannual letter.

In addition, 100,000 copies of the hardbound version were automatically sent to members and co-workers. Thus, to date, one-half million copies have been distributed, or soon will be. This book is quickly becoming one of the most highly acclaimed and sought-after pieces of literature Mr. Armstrong has written.

Hundreds Request Prayer: Many people who write or phone headquarters are facing devastating trials and problems. Increasing numbers are turning to the Work for comfort and encouragement and to request our prayers for God's intervention. For example, people with terminal illnesses; elderly people who have been deserted by their children; parents seeking help for their alcoholic or divorced children; unemployed persons who are facing severe financial problems; prisoners who feel lonely, frustrated and depressed; marriages where partners are unloving, selfish and cruel; homosexuals who are trying to repent.

These requests are sent to our Personal Correspondence Department. Each person receives a letter of encouragement based on his circumstances, which points him toward God and gives assurances from the Bible. We also offer the services of the local minister to those who are interested. So far this year nearly 3,000 prayer requests have been handled by this department.

Christmas Booklet: More than 100,000 copies of Mr. Armstrong's booklet "The Plain Truth About Christmas" have been requested this year. The origin of this holiday is often startling and eye-opening to our readers. A number have written that they are no longer going to keep Christmas and are thankful to know the truth. Here are a few letters:

"I am a 17-year-old who has been learning so much about the world we live in by reading 'The Plain Truth.' A few months ago I received 'The Plain Truth About Christmas' booklet. I was shocked to learn that all these years we thought Christmas was about Jesus Christ and that Christ was not even born in winter!

"This will be the first year my family and I don't celebrate Christmas. I am so glad that I now know the truth about Christmas."
California

"Last week my teacher asked me why I keep Thanksgiving and don't keep Christmas. I am in the fifth grade. While I was thinking of a good answer, she said for me to go home and have my mom and dad help me with the answer. So that is what I did. We got 'The Plain Truth About Christmas' booklet out and went over it.

"While my morn was writing a letter to my teacher, I tore the flier out of the latest 'Plain Truth' that had Santa Claus on it, and we put it with the letter. The next day at school my teacher read my letter while I was at music. She said to me when I came back that my parents were right and that she was going to send in for that booklet."
Kansas

“I have received and read you little booklet ‘The Plain Truth About Christmas’ and frankly, I am appalled at what I read. My husband and I are Christians, and of late we are trying to find out God’s truth for our lives. And we are also learning that if we love God then we must obey His commandments.

"For many years Christmas has been a time of hardship and sacrificing. This holiday has been the source of financial problems and also brings the spirit of gloom, depression and sometimes loneliness and despair. My husband and I will not be deceived anymore."
Washington

"I have been a reader of your publications for a number of years, and have enjoyed the information contained in them very much. I moved September 1983, and lost some of my reading materials which I had received from you, in particular 'The Plain Truth About Christmas.' This has been a tremendous loss.

"Last December, during the 'holidays,' the loss of this booklet was particularly acute. I had no reference from which to intelligently discuss this subject with others. I would be exceedingly grateful if you would send one or two copies of this booklet to me if it is still in print."
Georgia

— Richard Rice, Mail Processing Center