Herbert W Armstrong

In most other categories the same upward trend is seen. White mail year-to­-date is up 21%. Donation mail year-to-date is up 25%. However, regular mail is down 19%.

For the past year and a half, the office here in San Juan has been taking calls in response to the telecast. The operation has been enhanced by making use of the new phone system, which controls three lines. Though the number of calls has not been overwhelming, 174 responses from "The WORLD TOMORROW" program on WSVI (St. Croix) and WSJU (Puerto Rico) have been processed so far this year. Across the region, we have received more than 2,100 responses year-to-date from nine television stations.

Mr. Armstrong has given us approval to make certain cutbacks in our newsstand program, which had grown quite large in relation to our PLAIN TRUTH subscriber list. This will represent notable savings in our publishing bill. We will still continue the newsstand program in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

There has been a marked increase in the number of letters requiring a personal response. The year-to-date total is 206, for an average monthly response of almost 70 letters. This compares to an average of about 20 letters per month for 1984. This threefold increase is handled by using a micro-computer for word-processing functions. Many of those who write us indicate a desire to donate to God's work or be involved in some way. For example, one man wanted to join us here in Puerto Rico to help us preach the Gospel. As many as half write again sometime later for various reasons. This is very encouraging to all concerned. The PC department anticipates further growth as we continue our efforts in the Caribbean region.

Of the Churches and Bible studies pastored from the Regional Office, Passover services will be held in Antigua and Dominica. [This report was dated March 31.] The members in St. Croix, St. Thomas, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and St. Kitts will all observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread in their own homes. As time goes on, and as we have more ministers in the region, we hope to be able to hold festival services in many of these islands.

We are looking forward to the services of a new ministerial trainee, Michael Mitchell, who will be returning to Jamaica, his native home, where he will assist in the local church for the summer. Afterwards, Mr. Mitchell will return to Ambassador College for his senior year.

Comments From Monthly Church Reports

From the Philippines

LEGASPI CITY — OIONISIO CATCHILLAR: The brethren are very excited about the continuing Ministerial Education Program (conducted by Mr. Blackwell) for God's ministry here in the Philippines. I also appreciate very much this opportunity and privilege of being able to have Ambassador College classes right here in the Philippines under one of the top evangelists. I'd like to thank Mr. Herbert Armstrong through Mr. Guy Ames for approving this kind of training for God's ministers in the Philippines. I am grateful to be working as a member of the team in backing up God's chosen apostle in doing His work.

TACLOBAN CITY — FELIPE CASING: We are learning a great deal from Mr. Dean Blackwell in the Ministerial Education Program that is underway in Baguio City — not just in our doctrines but in other things. I'm taking the studies seriously and soberly for the advancement of my knowledge of God's Word and how to impart it to God's people as well.

QUEZON CITY — PEDRO MELENDEZ: Death of one member's child, sicknesses and marital problems were encountered this month, but members' attitudes have been very fine and yielded to God. Already the lectures which we ministers are receiving from Mr. Dean Blackwell's M.E.P. (Ministerial Education Program) have helped in upgrading the quality of our pastoral counselings with members and prospectives.

DAVAO CITY — VICTOR LIM: Attendance seems to be on the upswing, with figures exceeding 100. This is due to an increase in the number of new people being brought in as a result of PLAIN TRUTH circulation in this area, as well as Mr. Armstrong's powerful telecasts.

CAGAYAN DE ORO — JESSUP BAHINTING: The taped message of Dr. Clint Zimmerman was very timely. Family problems usually arise because both the husband and the wife do not know, and do not fulfill, the things they have promised to each other. I look forward to the long-term effect of the message on the brethren. Thanks to Dr. Zimmerman.

LILOAN — FELIPE CASING: A long-time Church member was bed-ridden for more than a month due to a complicated illness. Twice he has had relapses; once he reached the point of dying due to a high fever. He was anointed twice and waited patiently for God to heal him. This past Sabbath, he attended services with his wife — all smiles, looking back with wonder on the miracle. Really, God does heal today!

ZAMBOANGA — BERNARDO ROSARIO: The youth of the Church (ages 10 to 20) are becoming more interested in Church doctrine. They are submitting many questions during Bible study in the areas of Church doctrine, dating and their relationship with their friends outside the Church.

BUTUAN CITY — JESSUP BAHINTING: During the previous three days there was a strong rain that caused some of the members to stay home during the Sabbath because of damaged bridges and roads. The following day, we visited a prospective member in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, but we had to leave the Suzuki about 12 kilometers from San Miguel because the road was flooded. We took a banca (canoe) and transferred to a jeepney twice to reach the place. God is no respecter of persons. He calls people in every walk of life, including this woman living in this remote place.

— Joseph Tkach, Ministerial Services