For this week's report, we would like to present something a little different. Each month, we send an update to Mr. Armstrong and key department heads, which gives them an overview of comments and trends from the mail and phone calls. Although this report is longer than most of our updates for the PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, we thought the information would be of interest to you. The following is the report for March.
The ten most commented on subjects were as follows: (Note: The figures given refer only to mail comments, not total responses.)
Order - Subject - Total - % of Total
1. The PLAIN TRUTH - 346 - 28.7% 2. Television - 165 - 13.7% 3. Mr. Armstrong, General Comments - 133 - 11.0% 4. The GOOD NEWS - 123 - 10.2% 5. Literature - 116 - 9.6% 6. Correspondence Course - 64 - 5.3% 7. Church/Work - 33 - 2.7% 8. Tithing - 32 - 2.7% 9. Co-worker Letter (February 25) - 28 - 2.3% 10. Sermon Tapes - 20 - 1.7%
Significant Trends and Comments of Interest
Mr. Armstrong
We continue to receive many letters encouraging Mr. Armstrong and assuring him of constant prayers for his health, eyesight and continued strength. Others state that they firmly believe and are convinced that he is being inspired and used directly by God. One reader admitted, "I have more faith in Mr. Armstrong than in my own church!"
Several described personal changes in their lives, brought about by their contact with God's apostle. For example, a former alcoholic wrote, "I owe it all to you for starting me on the right path again. Keep up the good work and maybe help another like me."
A mother wrote that both her 19-month-old baby and her friend's 15-month-old seem to recognize Mr. Armstrong and are excited when they see his picture.
February Co-worker Letter
The February letter brought in the highest response in several months and many exceptional comments. One co-worker said it was "the most encouraging letter I've received." Others said they were reminded of the approaching fulfillment of major prophecies, and stirred to seek a closer relationship with God.
Many also mentioned they were eagerly looking forward to Mr. Armstrong's new book MYSTERY OF THE AGES, and would pray for its successful completion.
Members and co-workers often comment that these letters are a critical link between themselves and headquarters. They thank Mr. Armstrong for taking time out of his busy schedule to write them.
Telecast
Viewers continue to recognize the truth Mr. Armstrong speaks. One said, "I know deep down in my heart that he is telling the truth." Another added, "It's like seeing life for the first time — finally everything makes sense."
We heard from several prisoners who enjoy the program. One said that a group of inmates were discussing religious shows when the telecast came on. But after a while, their attention was drawn to what Mr. Armstrong was saying, and they watched the rest of the program in silence.
The Young Ambassadors entertainment brought an enthusiastic response. Many described it as delightful and uplifting. Some said it was the best youth program they had ever seen. Several requested videotapes of the telecast. Comments included: "The smiling boys and girls indicated to us that they have found a way of life that is just about ideal." "My little boy will soon be three and he sat beside me and watched the entire program without a sound." An elderly lady was so impressed with the telecast, she called several neighbors to tell them it was on.
Literature
Our booklets and other publications are leading people toward positive changes and a new way of life. Several remarked how they have received needed guidance with problems such as alcoholism and marital difficulties. One individual said our material had "fundamentally changed the course of my life." Another who received some booklets while seriously ill said, "I will be a different person when I return to my work place."
A woman who recently lost her mother wrote that our booklet LIFE AFTER DEATH? had pulled her through it. Another said, "I'm still with my pain and grief, but now I have a hope to see my beloved husband at the resurrection."
The PLAIN TRUTH
Letters praising The PLAIN TRUTH came from people of all ages and backgrounds. A retired public school administrator said he is being "reeducated again." A teenager concluded that "it is the ideal magazine for people of all ages, especially teenagers." An elderly lady wrote, "I am alone. Your magazine is company to me …like having a person in the house."
Several people came across The PLAIN TRUTH in unusual ways: "I found [your magazine] in the trash. It's like a miracle! It's what I've been looking for all my life!" Another reader was attending a family reunion at a California restaurant when someone in the party noticed a PLAIN TRUTH had been left on a nearby chair. The family all shared and enjoyed the magazine and several now want subscriptions.
Many appreciate the childrearing series and consider the information vital to their efforts as parents. One woman passed along a few of the articles to her co-workers, many of whom have small children or are expecting.
The GOOD NEWS
Mr. Armstrong's "Personals" drew the majority of comments this month. Many people thanked him for helping them to solve their personal problems.
Of the March "Personal — Let God Fight Your Battles," readers wrote: "For years I've fought my own battles — not winning any. It's good to know my battles are God's and He will win them for me." "When I read the article, I realized God cared after all, and was really answering my prayers." "I applied the principles of the article and my problems diminished."
The Personal for April — "How Your Financial Future Is Determined" inspired one man, among others, to pay his tithes immediately and trust God to see him through. A week later, he wrote again and confirmed that God had fulfilled His promise and that all his needs had been met. Another man who was recently unemployed for the second time in three years, said the article "struck home like a lightning bolt" and that he was now determined to get his life "on the right track."
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God