From Frank Brown: In the United Kingdom and Eire “Plain Truth" circulation is on target at just under 150,000, bringing us back to the circulation level before the file was reduced by a major renewal program earlier this year. The "Good News” list is continuing to grow: The four “Good News”-offer mailing has brought in almost 44 percent response. As a result of these activities the total mail for the year is up 23.1 percent; mail income was also particularly good in September with a 35.8 percent increase, bringing the year-to-date total to 16.1 percent.
A number of ministerial relocations are taking place in the United Kingdom. Mr. David Bedford is moving from the Southwest of England to serve in the East Midland churches. The Southwest will now be served by Mr. David House, who moves from Southampton. Mr. Robin Jones, who has pastored London for almost 10 years, is handing over to Mr. Barry Boure, who moves down from the Midlands area. Mr. Jones moves southward to pastor the Southampton area. The Cambridge church is saying goodbye to Mr. David Stirk, as he takes over the Basildon church. He will continue to serve in Luton. Mr. Melvin Rhodes, who has been assisting in the Southwest area, will now pastor West Midlands and South Wales. Finally, Mr. Edward Smith is moving back to the Headquarters area from Birmingham to assist in pastoring the St. Albans, Borehamwood and Luton churches.
The english-language “Plain Truth" lists in the continent of Europe and the Middle East are growing steadily. In Europe the list is up 3.5 percent this month to 35,537. In the Middle East phenomenal growth has been experienced with many thousands of letters arriving over the last few months from Iran. Mail from this area has obviously been delayed due to difficult conditions in that country, but now things seem freer. Naturally this unexpected growth is causing severe budgetary pressures and serious adjustments are having to be made to stay within budget.
In Africa, demands for "The Plain Truth" are always high, and we have to put potential subscribers on a waiting list until the budget allows us to commence their subscriptions. Mail from the area is up 63.3 percent over last year. Unlike last year, however, literature is being mailed out from the local offices in Africa, whereas before it was mailed out from the U.K. The file size is almost 55,000.
As reported earlier, with Uganda in political turmoil, plans to hold the Festival in Jinya had to be canceled and members met in the home of Mr. William Othieno. It was in a rural setting and the young people enjoyed helping to draw water and collect firewood. Activities included a barbeque, football and volleyball, a hike and a talent show. Sermons were given by Mr. Ben Kaswaga, who traveled from Nairobi, and sermon tapes were also played. Thank you for your prayers for our brethren there.
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