As recently reported, 1985 is projected to be an all-time record year for responses to "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast. Television remains the number one source of new names added to our files.
Why is the telecast so effective in stirring the interest of our viewing audience? Following are some of the most important reasons according to mail and phone comments:
• Telecast Is Unique Viewers often tell us that they have never before heard the truths Mr. Armstrong proclaims. Many say he is the only minister on TV whom they watch. Some with no previous interest in religion, and even a few who claimed to be atheists, have made similar remarks. One woman wrote, "My husband has never shown any interest in the Bible that I know of until we saw your TV program. He has since told our friends, and they watch too."
• Program Makes Sense Many people are impressed by Mr. Armstrong' s dynamic approach to the Bible. What he says rings true and makes sense. His messages make them stop and think. "The WORLD TOMORROW" is practical and down-toearth and helps people apply God's Word in their lives. "He speaks on relevant subjects intelligently, unlike others," said one. Another colorful comment was, "He doesn't hoot and holler and hallelujah around."
• Backed Up With Scripture Many people comment that they appreciate the fact Mr. Armstrong backs up what he says with Scripture. Others add, "You come across to me as the only one who really knows the Bible as it was written. " Dozens have also mentioned how helpful it is to have the scriptures shown on the screen.
• Clear and Easy to Understand Many have said the telecasts are clear, logical and easy to understand. A typical comment is "This is the first time in my life that I have understood the Bible."
• Answers Vital Questions People say Mr. Armstrong addresses topics and issues that really matter. He gives answers to questions that have puzzled them for years. Their doubts and misunderstandings about what the Bible teaches on key subjects are resolved. One woman wrote, "I sat on my sofa and cried because you gave me so much hope. You made me understand that the future is not full of gloom." Another said, "I was so excited and happy to at last hear the truth that I have searched for all my life!"
• Mr. Armstrong Never Begs for Money Every week scores of viewers say they are amazed that Mr. Armstrong never hounds them for donations. They're also impressed that all literature is offered free without follow-up or obligation. A man who said he watched many religious programs commented, "I note that Mr. Armstrong is the only one who is not dinging the viewing public to death for money and funds."
Presorting Mail Saves Postage, Speeds Delivery
Over the past few years postal rates have increased dramatically. In order to take advantage of the lowest rates offered to us by the Postal Service, we "presort" as much mail as possible. This involves sorting, bundling and sacking mail in zip code order before taking it to the post office.
By doing this work ourselves, we not only save the Church thousands of dollars, but the mail is also speeded through the postal system. For example, if we send a sack of mail labeled for Big Sandy, Texas, it would be sent there directly without further handling by the post office. This mail bypasses sorting operations at several transfer points, saving up to three or four days delivery time.
Our computer enables us to presort mail with very little additional labor, yet the postage savings is significant. As an illustration of these savings, by presorting Mr. Armstrong's co-worker letters, we save four cents per letter, or more than $40,000 a year.
Miscellaneous Letters of Interest
This week we are featuring a variety of comments from letters that illustrate the many different ways God's truth is affecting people's lives.
Teen Impressed by Literature, Wants a Visit
I have just finished reading THE MISSING DIMENSION IN SEX and now I don't feel bad about losing boyfriends because I wouldn't have sex with them. I always knew for some reason I was saving myself for marriage. Some people think I'm crazy or missing out on something, but they are the ones who are missing out. I am thankful I said "no" all those times. I used to wonder if I would ever get a husband, or boyfriend, for that matter, but now I'm sure I will.
I thank God and you for opening my eyes so I can learn and see what's right and wrong. I was so lost. One night I came to our Father in heaven and asked Him to send a way or something to me because I was confused, and I was in question about a lot of subjects, the Bible, and life. When I went to my pastor and he couldn't provide a correct answer, I knew something was wrong. He said a lot of things in church one Sunday that were just downright wrong. I couldn't believe my ears. And people would "Amen" it anyway. So now I am looking for a new church, because I never went back to that one, and as far as I am concerned, I never will.
So when I saw in the back of one of your books that you send representatives to houses, I was excited and very happy. Would you please send a representative to my home? I would love to talk with him. A.Y. (Mobile, AL)
Reader Resentful at First, Then Softened By the Truth
I must admit to a love-hate relationship with you. I deeply resented your flying in the face of all I had been taught in my 46 years. It burned me up to have another California kook trying to tell me that I didn't know what I knew I knew, if that makes sense.
Then came the big blow: you insulted my intelligence by telling me I had allowed myself to be duped by the most respected religions in the world — how dare you! Now, with head hung in shame, and lifted in knowledge, I confess you were right and praise God you were there. I must admit that my attempt at change is being met with obstacle after obstacle, but I was forewarned that would happen. The good is outweighing the bad by great measure. Once again thank you for being there. A.S. (Caryville, FL)
Deliberate Study of Religion Leads Youth to God's Church
I have just about all of your literature, and every time I get something new, I study it carefully so I understand most of all the Church teachings.
Ever since I was a little child, I have wanted to be a minister. When I became old enough to realize that there were many different religions, I began to look to see why I believed in the Church [I was attending].... Then I began (slowly) to see that there was no basis for much of what I believed. And now I have spent three or four years doing nothing but studying religion. And I am happy to say that yours is the only church I have found no flaw in. I really believe that this is the true Church of God! J.R. — Age 14 (Mount Juliet, TN)
Newlywed Discovers Husband's Interest in The PLAIN TRUTH
After watching your television programs several different times I decided to write for some of your literature. I should have had pencil and paper ready but I was listening so intently I had to grab the first thing at hand to write on. I could not believe my eyes when, after writing down the information, I saw that I had written on an envelope that my husband received in the mail yesterday. On the envelope were the words: "LAST CHANCE TO RENEW THE PLAIN TRUTH." We have been married four months, but I did not know that he had a subscription to your magazine.
After studying several different religions, I find there truly is a lot of deception on this earth. I am very interested in the Bible and the truth. I believe you speak the truth. I can't tell you how informative your program is. W.D. (Los Angeles, CA)
Man Sends Himself Gift Subscription to Test Offer
I've decided to contact you to give you a formal apology. I subscribed to The PLAIN TRUTH under the guise of "a friend," that is to say, I filled a subscription blank and checked off the box indicating that someone other than myself wanted The PLAIN TRUTH to be sent to my home.
Why the subterfuge? I've been misled before. Also, I've had little to no Bible study or understanding in my life. I wanted to see what you were up to before I made a commitment to continue reading what you say is truth.
Not only do I read your magazine, I double-check what is said with the Scriptures. This is and will remain my form of measurement. I've read your book THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY and the booklets WHY WERE YOU BORN? and DOES GOD EXIST? I am requesting additional literature and have asked to receive the start of my Bible training through the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course. J.A. (Mishawaka, IN)
Unusual Literature Request From Young Boy
I'm ten years old and don't have any money and wanted to get my parents a Christian thing for their anniversary. Your literature is the perfect thing. Please send it as inconspicuously as possible. I love the program! My mom doesn't know I'm watching. I watch all the time. I think it's great! A.B. (Fresno, CA)
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God