From Mr. Bram de Bree: 519 brethren from 12 different nations enjoyed the best Feast ever in Hoogeveen, the Netherlands, an increase of 28.5 % over last year's Feast. 350 people came from the Dutch-language area and 169 came from abroad. Mr. and Mrs. Piet Michielsen from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, were our ministerial guests at the Feast.
This year we had for the first time the opportunity to make use of the Barco large-screen video equipment for all the messages from Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong and the "Behind the Work" and "Young Ambassadors of Shanghai" films.
Since all services are conducted in the Dutch language, except the messages of Mr. Armstrong, extensive translations equipment is required for the Dutch-speaking brethren who don't understand English and for our English-speaking guests. All translation are done simultaneously.
At this Feast we were able to use for the first time a new "Infrared" system. The Infrared system operates on the basis of wireless headÂphones. It allows a person to sit wherever he or she wants to in the audience. Thanks to the combined effort of the four Dutch language churches over the past six months, the required sum of money for the system was brought together in fund-raising projects, garage sales etc.
One of the highlights at this Feast was the availability of the English edition of Mr. Armstrong's book "Mystery of the Ages." About 50% of the Dutch brethren have command of the English language to a certain extent and were able to receive their copies.
The weather was, in addition to the inspiring messages, a tremendous blessing. Eight days of sunshine at this time of the year is rather unusual in the Netherlands. Even the management of the convention center "De Tamboer" started to connect the nice weather with our presence in Hoogeveen. At the end of the Feast we were advised by the management that we are booked again for 1986.
Also this year parents, children, young and old, enjoyed the family afternoon with typical Dutch games and a splendid B.B.Q.
A tremendous Feast to look back upon thanks to the great God who made this all possible.
Looking at our finances we were also blessed at this Feast and in the whole month of September. The two Holy Day offerings resulted in a 19.4% increase over last year. September gave us a financial increase in income of 13.8% year to date. Church attendance increased in September 6.6% and membership 7%.
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