The telecast "When Does Life Begin?" (concerning abortion and being "born again") brought in 12,270 calls May 25 and 26. This response is 77% higher than last year's Memorial holiday weekend, when 6,946 calls were received.
The program was shown on several new stations and time slots and the response to those airings was encouraging. For example, the 12:30 p.m. (PT) airing on Los Angeles station KHJ brought in about 300 calls, which is among the highest responses ever from that station. The morning airing on New York station WOR (11:30 a.m. ET) also produced about 300 calls.
Hundreds of callers commented about this program. The overwhelming majority showed enthusiastic support for the biblical proofs given on these controversial topics. Only four people disagreed with what Mr. Armstrong said. Following are a few comments from those who called in:
I would say that Mr. Armstrong showed the greatest understanding and exactness of thought I have ever heard. He has incredible knowledge and continuity. If a person with any sense at all heard the program, he would have to admit Mr. Armstrong is right. He thoroughly thrashed out this controversial subject and showed the right answer. Dr. C. (Staten Island, NY)
I was very impressed with the program. I know a girl who is 14 and planning to get an abortion. I want a copy of your publication to give to her. I hope the article will impress upon her the fact that she is carrying a child! P.D. (Mt. Holly, NJ)
It was a great awakening! I was always taught the opposite in my church. I thought you could sin again and again and you would be forgiven continually. I didn't realize I had to stop sinning. I like the way Mr. Armstrong explained the tree of life. I was really interested in the subject of being "born again." F.G. (Columbus, OH)
This program really got to me! This is so important! Here I thought I was born again, but I am certainly not! I'm going to have to read that booklet over and over again! W.A. (Sunnyvale, CA)
I watched Mr. Armstrong this morning. I phoned in because I want to find out whether or not I am "born again." I think I am, but I'm not sure. I've watched Mr. Armstrong before, but not as intently as I did this morning — usually I am preoccupied. Today I concentrated on what he said. He simplified things I couldn't understand before. What he said about abortion is very true. B.B. (Hollywood, FL)
I like everything Mr. Armstrong has brought forth but I didn't quite agree with today's program. The population increase is staggering — he seems to overlook the fact of the population explosion. K.M. (Walnut Creek, CA)
Gospel Reaches People in Unique Ways
Sometimes God works in mysterious ways to bring the Gospel to people's attention. Some of the circumstances are quite unusual. For example, people have found PLAIN TRUTHs on their desks or doorsteps, without knowing how they got there. Some have found our literature in trash cans, or lying in the street. One woman was even struck by a windblown PLAIN TRUTH, which she carried home.
The telecast is often discovered by chance or accident. Some were merely switching channels and came across the telecast. One person fell asleep one night with the TV on and awoke the next morning to "The WORLD TOMORROW" program.
In a few interesting cases, people seemed to have no other choice than to hear or see the Gospel. One man was monitoring the telecast as it was being taped for satellite transmission. Another found that during an electrical storm, he was able to receive only one radio station, and it happened to be airing "The WORLD TOMORROW" at that time. Following are several additional experiences people have related to us:
The first time I read your magazine was when a lady was about to discard it. Well, I'll tell you it was a lucky day for me. I immediately subscribed and am happy that I did. Many myths and misconceptions have been cleared up. May God continue to bless you and your staff. Ms. M.W. (Chicago, IL)
I am a Nigerian. I first saw a PLAIN TRUTH magazine in my little village of Oduoha-Ogbakiri in 1966 during the Nigerian crisis. I was only 14 years old then. When I asked the boy who was holding the magazine how he got such an American magazine, he told me it was free. I didn't bother any further. Then in 1981 I was in Paris taking a course when I saw another issue of The PLAIN TRUTH. I was surprised it was not extinct like other magazines, and on my return to Nigeria I placed an order for the magazine. E.O. (Muncie, IN)
Before reading your magazine, I had read the Bible four times and studied the doctrines of several different denominations. The Bible never did make any sense to me. I found fault in the be liefs of every church I attended and I was left with a lot of un answered questions.
I was about ready to give up when I came across a copy of The PLAIN TRUTH while cleaning up a shopping center parking lot. I was amazed at what I read. Although I had many questions, I kept them all to myself while I ordered booklets and magazines and enrolled in your Bible correspondence course. During the course of my studies I’ve read the Bible again. My answers were always there, right in my own Bible! D.W. (Middletown, OH)
I have always believed in God and I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified to save us from damnation, but I have never understood this. I was taught that I didn’t need to understand: I just needed to believe. I tried to understand by reading the Bible. But reading the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi proved to be more confusing.
Unable to get any clearer picture from clergymen, I turned to God. I prayed for a better understanding. The very next day I woke up and turned on the television and "The WORLD TOMORROW" was on. Now with the help of your Bible correspondence course, I am learning more of God every day. I thank God for answering my prayers and I thank you for enlightening not only me but also my wife. P.M. (Pearsall, TX)
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God