Herbert W Armstrong

As the work of God's Church continues to grow in size and scope, more and more people are calling our WATS lines for a variety of reasons in addition to requesting literature offered on "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast. Thus far in 1985 we have received 54,000 "non-TV" calls. This is 25 percent of the total of 211,000 calls. Non-TV calls include the following:

• Address changes for The PLAIN TRUTH and other literature.

• PLAIN TRUTH renewals and orders for gift subscriptions.

• Requests for literature advertised in booklets, magazines, Correspondence Course, etc.

• Requests for ministerial visits (250-300 per week).

• Information about local church services.

• Bible questions (25-30 per week).

• Inquiries about donations, literature complaints (i.e. not received, damaged, etc.).

• Some calls may involve emergency situations where a person needs or desires immediate counseling. (These calls are referred to ministers employed in MPC).

The growing use of our WATS lines reflects the increasing popularity of the telephone as a means of communication in the United States. Calling is faster and more convenient for most people. Many who call might never sit down and write a letter. The phone also provides personal contact. This is especially helpful when people have questions or immediate problems to solve.

GOOD NEWS Readers Edified by March "Personal"

A higher than usual number of GOOD NEWS readers made a special point of writing to Mr. Armstrong after reading the March "Personal" entitled "Let God Fight Your Battles!" Several mentioned that the article opened their minds to a new and deeper understanding of God's care and concern for them. They were encouraged to put their trials into God's hands and to look to Him for answers. Following are a few excerpts from these letters:

I have just finished reading your "Personal" article in the March 1985 issue of The GOOD NEWS entitled "Let God Fight Your Battles!" I'm presently facing some very frightening trials in my life. After reading your article, I felt so inspired. I have decided to put things in God's hands and let Him fight the battles, and trust Him to give me the strength and wisdom to do my part. I just wanted to write and thank you for that article, which has helped my life so much.
B.L. (Kansas City, MO)

I recently finished reading your "Personal" in the March GOOD NEWS and wanted to thank you. It showed me how much God desires for us to live abundant, happy lives — even now! Through Him you've presented to us a way to have that joy and happiness. Thanks! The article came right when I needed it!
P.W. (New Bern, NC)

Please extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Armstrong for his encouraging article "Let God Fight Your Battles! " I, too, had what I thought were insurmountable problems, but after applying the principles Mr. Armstrong gave, I found them greatly diminished. This article was tremendously helpful to me, and I'm sure to many other brethren as well.
Mrs. B.C. (Martinsburg, WV)

Thank you, Mr. Armstrong, for being the answer to my prayers. Now, let me explain as best I can what I mean. Monday started out no different from any other Monday — but since my day later seemed endless and uneventful, I began to think about God. The usual questions came to my mind — was God really real? If He was, did He hear my prayers? How could I know God better? I also thought of many other unanswered things about the God I hardly knew.

But today I just had to have some answers about my future.... I pleaded all day with God for some direction, guidance, and peace of mind and spirit. Well, when I got home from work I found a copy of your GOOD NEWS magazine had arrived. On the cover I noticed the caption "Let God Fight Your Battles," and decided to read it immediately.

It wasn't until I got to the section entitled "Two Examples," that I knew this article was indeed meant for me. You see, the lady in the first example was in the exact same situation that I myself had faced. I felt as though I was at the end of my rope. Then I read the last example and tears welled up inside as I realized that God had cared after all. He had, indeed, answered my prayers.
Ms. P.J. (Carthage, MS)

I know I don't write often enough to let you know how much your articles are appreciated. But I just had to write this time to let you know what your "Personal," "Let God Fight Your Battles!" did for me. For years I've fought my own battles — not winning any! Now I realize, thanks to your article, that we don't have to cheat ourselves out of happiness anymore — all we need is faith and the knowledge that we can call on our living Savior, Jesus Christ, for help in times of need no matter how great or small that need may be.
Mrs. D.V. (Pueblo, CO)

Recently, while reading the March issue of The GOOD NEWS, I was greatly inspired by your article "Let God Fight Your Battles!" I want to thank you so much for writing it. It made me realize that I had been trusting in God only in a halfhearted way, and our trust in God must be 100 percent.
T.G. (Flat Rock, MI)

— Richard Rice, Mail Processing Center