From Mr. Stan Bass: On November 4, 1984, the Caribbean Regional Office moved from the old site in Reparto Metropolitano to a residential area in Punta Las Marias. It is a very nice office that reminds us of the buildings on the original campus in Pasadena.
On the 24th of February we held an "open house" for the members of the local congregation. It was well attended, and everyone went away with a better idea of what the work of God's Church is like in the English-speaking areas of the Caribbean. However, the move was not without its problems. Sunday night, after the open house, we were visited by several pillos or ladrones (the Spanish words for burglars). They visited us again last night.
In the first instance, Mr. Bryan Weeks, our Business Manager, saw a strange person observing all the brethren on the lawn. The stranger also saw us take several private television sets into the building to be used in a video presentation of the activities of the Church in the Caribbean. Fortunately for us, we took our personal televisions home after the meeting. They stole an old TV, a new video recorder and a tape duplicator. Last night, they stole a 16mm projector, a Kodak slide projector, a reel-to-reel tape recorder and an equipment carrying case. I think we have learned from our experience. We have recently hired the Neighborhood Rangers to watch over the Church's office.
We're happy to report noticeable gains in media response, particularly for Bahamas and Jamaica TV. Radio RJR in Jamaica registered a dramatic 600% increase over the previous month!
We are also happy to announce the upgrading of our meetings in St. Vincent from a Bible Study to a full-fledged church. Pastor Arnold Hampton was on hand with 51 brethren for the first church service on January 12.
From Mr. Peter Nathan: God's people in this part of the world were thrilled to once again be able to see and hear from Mr. Gerald Waterhouse. During February, Mr. Waterhouse spoke to all the congregations in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. His powerful and inspiring message will live long in the minds of the brethren, helping to give them the vision they need as they strive towards the mark of the high calling to be part of God's universe ruling Government.
Mr. Waterhouse completed his tour of New Zealand in Auckland, where he addressed a local ministerial conference that I had called. Mr. David Hulme, the Church's Director of Media Purchasing, who was in the country along with two senior executives of BBDO/West, was also able to speak at the conference.
Mail and income were both quiet this month, partly due to the combined February/March issue of The PLAIN TRUTH and the late mailing of the February co-worker letter. However, we're anticipating a busy March, with a gatefold ad in the March READER'S DIGEST and 10,000 direct mail letters being sent out early in the month.
Comments From Monthly Church Reports
From Australia
MELBOURNE (EAST), VIC — BILL BRADFORD: Mr. Waterhouse's visit to Melbourne was very exciting and inspiring. Mr. Waterhouse was able to inspire loyalty and confidence in God's Government here on earth and on up to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. There were many comments by members upon hearing Mr. Waterhouse explain the Church's role in God's plan for all eternity.
GOLD COAST, QLD — PETER McLEAN: Mr. Waterhouse's visit was very inspiring to the members. It helped many to reevaluate their values toward the things that are eternal.
BUNDABERG, QLD — MARK GULLY: We had excellent attendance for Mr. Waterhouse's Bible study. Mr. Waterhouse touched on something this congregation really needs to improve on — fellowship and full participation in local activities.
CANBERRA, ACT — ROD KING: Mr. Waterhouse's visit and his message on the 144,000 was greatly appreciated by the Church.
GYMPIE/MARYBOROUGH, QLD — MARK GULLY: Everyone enjoyed Mr. Waterhouse's visit and made a special effort to attend his special Bible study. I certainly hope the television programme will be able to stay on in this area. It is very helpful for the members.
MELBOURNE (NORTH), VIC — GAVIN CULLEN: New visit requests are still coming in. Over the last year we have developed a fairly strong core of PMs. They are in various stages of development, preparing to come to services.
MORWELL, VIC — PETER WHITTING: The enthusiastic return of the YOU members attending SEP this year has been most enjoyable to experience. We miss them all when they go to camp, but rejoice in the positive effect it is having in their lives.
CAIRNS/MALANDA, QLD — OREST SOLYMA: With four YOU members back from SEP, the effects are positively good all around. There's more enthusiasm in the Church, and the brethren as a whole are drawing closer together. Efforts to further upgrade YES evaluations are bearing fruit.
PERTH, WA — BOB REGAZZOLI: The SEP campers returned in very high spirits, and thoroughly enjoyed this year's camp. Many more outlets are opening up for PT newsstands. An approach by one of the deacons has resulted in a selection of the Church's publications going to the libraries in all the state's prisons and correctional institutions.
BUNBURY, WA — BOB REGAZZOLI: Several of the PMs are progressing well towards baptism. As a result of more local member involvement, PT newsstand circulation has increased by 500% in recent months — from an average of 100 per month to around 500 per month. Enthusiasm is high.
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