Herbert W Armstrong

Overall, we found the British brethren in a fine attitude and in good spirits in spite of many physical handicaps. Many of the brethren are unemployed or under employed, yet their zeal for the Church and their generous participation in the offerings were evident.

In Dunoon, many of the brethren and ministers were able to stay in small "chalets," or cabins, with self-contained cooking facilities. This was ideal for families, and the chalets were situated in a beautiful area along the coast with fine views.

In Tenby, many of the brethren stayed at a "Holiday Camp" where they could live inexpensively in "caravans," or small mobile homes. The meeting hall was right there, so that made it convenient for the majority to make it to services and participate in other activities.

On Jersey, the hall where services were held was literally inside an old fort built hundreds of years ago by the British to protect against any invaders from the Continent. Our brethren drove up the hill and through the gate in the high stone walls surrounding the fort. Interestingly, Jersey was the only part of Britain occupied by German troops during World War II. Some cannons and gun emplacements from this era are still intact. Talk about atmosphere and historical surroundings! Yet, inside the hall, as in all the British Feast sites, the true servants of the living God were having encouraging and inspiring sermons about the soon-coming intervention of the great GOD—and the wonderful age of PEACE to follow.

From Mr. John Halford: The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated in the People's Republic of China in the city of Nanjing for the second time.

Some two hundred sixty four people, mainly from the United States, Canada and Australia, attended. Most of them agreed that the Feast was outstanding in every way, and truly the experience of a lifetime.

China is notorious for changing the plans of tourist groups at the last minute, and we had several close calls. For example, at one stage, with only 12 hours notice, we were politely informed that the main party of 140 Americans could not arrive in Nanjing until the morning of the First Holy Day. Although we have always tried to be patient and understanding in China, we dug our heels in and explained that it was essential that we all be in Nanjing together for the opening of our convention on Sunday evening. The Chinese were a bit surprised at our sudden firmness because we were known in China to be a friendly and cooperative group.

We explained that we were, but on some things we would not compromise. When they saw that we were not going to back down, the Chinese did everything they could to help us, even moving a convention of 500 Japanese businessmen to whom they had assigned our meeting room (presuming that we would not be there till the following day).

The fact that we had a large contingent (87) from Australia this year added a special dimension to the Feast. Most of the American members who went to China had never met Australians. Likewise, many of the Australians had not traveled widely before. By the end of the Feast the two groups were indistingishable (until they opened their mouths), and many lasting friendships were made. This aspect of unity was a special feature of the Feast in China.

I reminded the members that they had a special responsibility to conduct themselves with proper decorum in the People's Republic of China, since each delegate to the Feast was a special representative of the Work. It is impossible to preach the Gospel verbally in China at the moment. However, the Feast of Tabernacles has shone a light and it seems that the Chinese have noticed it.

We were told many times that our people were indeed different. I should point out that the average size group to tour China is about 28. Guides and interpreters dread larger groups since they associate them with confusion, disorder and complaining, something the Chinese dread. When they see how quickly God's people take care of each other, organize themselves, have discipline and follow instructions, the Chinese are astonished. Most other tour groups seem to be utterly tired of China after about five days, and their only concern is "getting their money' s worth."

Those of us who had the privilege of serving God's people at the Feast in China (myself, Hal Baird, Colin Kelly, Gene Hogberg, Fred Stevens and Frank Fish) considered the Feast to be in every way a success, and are thankful for this unusual opportunity.