Just one week after TV calls reached a new all-time record, we received the second highest response ever to "The WORLD TOMORROW" program. The telecast "Ascent to Greatness" brought in 18,540 calls.
In previous years, responses usually taper off in the summer. However, call volume this summer is higher than ever before. We undoubtedly can expect even greater numbers this fall and winter.
So far this year, we have received 404,000 TV calls — 41% above 1984's record total.
"Spot Ads" Bring in Hundreds of Additional TV Responses
Several stations that broadcast "The WORLD TOMORROW" program also air 30-second "spot ads." These ads highlight the literature that was offered on the program and display our toll-free number. They are usually shown 30 to 90 minutes after the telecast.
Station WOR in New York was the first to run spot ads beginning in 1982. Since then, several other stations have also aired them. A single ad can bring in from 25 to 100 calls. We estimate that approximately 4,000 calls have come in from these ads since they were first introduced.
Interestingly, a number of people who called in response to these ads did not see the program. Apparently the literature alone prompted their interest.
Response From New Stations
"The WORLD TOMORROW" program recently began airing on several new stations. A few others that already carried the telecast added a second time slot. These new airings have done quite well, and were an important factor in the record number of calls we received the past two weekends. Responses from some of the new stations and second airings are listed below:
Second Airings KTVU (Oakland) - 75 - 147 WCPX (Orlando) - 81 - 118 WCIU (Chicago) - 112 - 144 WOR (New York) - 719 - 1,312
Mail Up 31%!
Incoming mail also continues at record-breaking levels. We have received 3.4 million pieces year to date (U.S. only) as compared to 2.6 million pieces for the same period last year. This is a 31.3% increase!
As with phone calls, we normally expect a slight drop in mail during the summer months. This summer, however, mail counts have picked up rather than slowed down. For the first three weeks of July, we received twice the amount of mail than we did last year in the same period.
WORLDWIDE NEWS Special Edition Is Eye-opening
We have received many letters in response to the special insert in THE WORLDWIDE NEWS titled "Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the Worldwide Church of God," written by Mr. Herbert Armstrong. Several members said that the article gave them a real spiritual boost. They were startled to learn the true facts about this present era of God's Church. Following are some of the comments:
First of all, I want to say thanks for everything, but mostly for your recent special edition of THE WORLDWIDE NEWS titled "Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the Worldwide Church of God." It was fabulously written, as your articles always are, but this had special importance for us all. Thank you for making us realize that we are to be teachers in the World Tomorrow and what all that entails. I had never really thought about it in the way you brought it out in this special article. I guess I needed an extra boost to get me going and really stir me up. You have been doing a great job, Mr. Armstrong. Please keep it up. B.M. (Monona, IA)
Thank you for the special edition of THE WORLDWIDE NEWS on the history of the Philadelphia era of the Church. It gives me renewed strength to read why we have so many trials. Thanks again, and keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to receiving your book, MYSTERY OF THE AGES. O.M. (Texarkana, AR)
I must say that I am very much shook up over THE WORLDWIDE NEWS article on the recent history of the Philadelphia era of the Church, which covers most of the time my wife, daughter, son and I have been in the Church. Then yesterday, we had a taped sermon from Mr. Hulme on liberalism. What eye-openers the tape and special edition are! They have me shaking in my boots! I am shocked at myself to know how liberal I was — I must repent and change. I do thank you very much and keep up the great work! Mr. & Mrs. T.W. (Address Unavailable)
Thank you for the special edition of THE WORLDWIDE NEWS about the history of the Church. It was very helpful. Thank you for always reminding us that the Church is a school teaching us so that we can become teachers and rulers in God's Kingdom. Mr. & Mrs. C.H. (Lewis, IN)
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God