Over the past few weeks, we have been reporting a great deal of statistical information to you. We hope we're not overburdening you with facts and figures. However, Mr. Armstrong wants you to be informed about what is happening, and the outstanding growth we're experiencing.
TV Calls Pass the Half-million Mark
"The WORLD TOMORROW" program has now brought in 502,188 calls year to date. This is a 50% increase over the same period last year! In 1984, we did not reach 500,000 TV calls until December. If the present trend continues, the final figure for 1985 should exceed 800,000.
Graph of TV Calls Highlights Record Summer
The graph on page 5 clearly shows the phenomenal growth in the number of TV calls we have received in response to the telecast each month since January 1981. Note that substantial dips occurred during previous summers. However, after a slight drop during the spring of this year, calls increased sharply.
July set another new record — 72,793 TV calls received in one month. By contrast, we received 48,073 in July 1984.
Early Showing of Toll-free Number Proving Very Effective
Since the toll-free number is now being shown on the screen several minutes before it is announced, thousands of additional callers have been able to reach us. We now receive two waves of calls instead of one. This change has added approximately 15,000 calls during the past two months, and was an important factor in our recent record-breaking counts.
Multiple Thousands Turn to Mr. Armstrong for Answers and Advice
More and more PLAIN TRUTH subscribers are writing to Mr. Armstrong for advice about spiritual matters and problems in their personal lives. These letters are directed to the Personal Correspondence Department for help and encouragement. An average of 300 letters are received each working day. The following are some of the major categories we are asked to respond to:
• Religion
Many people are confused about religion because of the great variety of sects and denominations with conflicting beliefs. Mr. Armstrong's dynamic, straightforward and clear message impresses them. They look to him to help clear up their confusion.
A recent letter contained this comment: "I feel lost and need spiritual help. Mr. Armstrong speaks as if the Lord is speaking to him. I never heard the truth spoken with such accuracy and power.... Please don't disregard this begging for help."
Many others ask for a statement of Worldwide Church of God beliefs or for an evaluation of or comparison to other religions.
• Personal Problems
Since our publications frequently emphasize the family, we receive many requests for advice about solving personal problems and improving family relations. For example, parents often ask how to teach their children about God and His purpose for mankind. Many feel helpless and ask for God's intervention. One man was so depressed because of financial and family problems that he said, "It would have been a blessing if I had 'got it' in Vietnam." Homosexuals and drug addicts have earnestly requested help on how to overcome their sinful life styles.
• Unhappy Marriages
Numerous letters show that a great many marriages are floundering and failing. Unfaithfulness, abuse and other sins are rampant in countless marriages and much suffering results. We frequently read of marriages in which a mate is unloving, unsupportive, disinterested and unfaithful.
One man recently wrote: "Presently my life is in shambles. My wife left me and is divorcing me. She is involved in a relationship with another man, who has been married and divorced three times and was treated for a nervous breakdown. We have two small sons, ages 7 and 3. Please advise me. I do not know what to do. I am sickened by these recent events in my life."
Many women write in seeking help for their alcoholic husbands. One recently wrote: "Pray for my husband. He is not a Christian. He is an alcoholic and he needs God."
• Poor Health and Illness
Sickness and chronic health problems plague many people who write in. A man who contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion asked for our prayers. His wife left him and everyone in his family turned their backs on him because of his disease and the social stigma attached to it.
• Senior Citizens
The elderly are often beset by multiple troubles such as health problems, diminishing savings and abandonment by their children. Many are living out their last days in convalescent homes. They relate their fears of being alone and that no one really cares for them.
As the above problems show, the need for God's Kingdom has never been greater. With Christ ruling on earth, we will be able to teach people everywhere the solutions to their problems and the way that leads to happiness and abundant well-being.
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God