Encouraging growth in the work of God's Church continues during the first two months of 1985. Following are the latest trends and statistics for the United States:
• A record 160,000 WATS calls were received at Pasadena and Big Sandy — 12% more than last year. Most of these were in response to "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast.
• 304,000 new people were added to the subscription files for The PLAIN TRUTH, GOOD NEWS, YOUTH 85, etc. This is equivalent to the total number of people added in the first 25 years of this era of God's Church.
• 777,000 pieces of mail were received, also a record. This count was unexpected, considering the combining of the February/March PLAIN TRUTH.
• A record 14.4 million publications were sent out, including 10 million PLAIN TRUTHS, 1.8 million letters, 820,000 GOOD NEWS magazines, 650,000 booklets and over a million other items.
At this current rate of growth, 1985 will rewrite much of the record book!
Latest Innovation Enables WATS to Route Calls
Modern technology has once again provided an important innovation for our Telephone Response (WATS) area. We have acquired a special terminal which controls our phone number in the central phone company located in St. Louis, Missouri. This device allows us to instantly direct incoming calls either to Pasadena or Big Sandy. Heretofore all such technical changes in routing had to be done by the phone company employees, and required a three week notice. This new equipment now allows us to do the routing ourselves within seconds here in Pasadena. It also allows us the flexibility to distribute incoming responses in whatever quantities we choose.
For example, we can take advantage of the two hour time difference between California and Texas, and reduce the size of crews needed during very early or very late hours. Also, in an emergency, such as a power failure, all calls could be temporarily routed to the facility not affected. In addition, calls could easily be directed to a third WATS operation should one ever be needed.
We're grateful for this new equipment that God has provided for our WATS area. It will save a substantial amount of time and money and enable us to serve more callers.
Calls From Hawaii Now Toll-free
Early this month, Hawaii was added to the 800 toll-free system. Callers from Hawaii can now dial directly (1-800-423-4444) rather than calling collect. This will make it more convenient to call and should increase our TV response from that state.
Alaska is now the only state where collect calls are necessary when calling in to our Pasadena or Big Sandy WATS areas.
"More Than a Monarch" Well Received by Church Members
A number of members have written to Mr. Armstrong about the film "More Than a Monarch" that was shown to the brethren. They were particularly impressed by the royal family of Thailand's care and concern for their people. The King and Queen's example of loving leadership gave our brethren a clearer picture of what their roles might be as educators in the World Tomorrow. Following are some of the letters we received:
The film "More Than a Monarch" was one of the most inspiring I've ever seen. It's striking how King Bhumibol is such an example of what we should be like as kings and teachers in the Millennium. It's almost as if God raised up the entire Rama dynasty to be models for us as we prepare to be kings, teachers, and priests in the "World Tomorrow." C.B. (Portland, OR)
I'm writing to tell you how impressive the documentary on the King and Queen of Thailand was to us in Greenville, South Carolina. It helped to bring home the point on what we as kings and priests (yet future) will need to begin teaching our subjects.
Such things as quality and excellence in workmanship, education of the right values that lead to a happy and productive life, and worship of the true God will go a long way in bringing people to realize that utopia is possible and no longer an imaginary concept. I wish to express my appreciation to the television crew and all others who worked to make this a production of real quality. T.T. (Simpsonville, SC)
We saw the tape about the King of Thailand and how sincerely involved he and his family are with their people. It is very refreshing to see a leader who is truly concerned about the welfare of his people, and it also gave us something to think about.
As you said after the film, it is going to be harder to reeducate the educated of this world. We know we are going to have a great job to do during the Millennium. Mr. Armstrong, we just wanted to thank you for including us in what you are doing. Wherever you are traveling, we know we are there with you. Mr. & Mrs. B.T. (Kennard, TX)
I would like to express my appreciation for the inspiring video of the King and Queen of Thailand taking an active part in their country's development. The video made me really stop and take a look at what we will be doing with what is left of the human race, and how our teaching and guiding them will affect their daily lives.
It seems God has blessed Thailand with such a monarchy for our development — as an example as to how we, when future spirit beings, must express outward love, caring service and the "give" way. I would like to also say at this time that the concept of using VCRs and TVs along with taped messages is really effective. K.K. (Duluth, MN)
We had a film of your trip to Thailand. It was very educational in showing us how a ruler should rule. Not from an office, just giving orders, but to be out learning the needs and doing all he can to better people's way of life through love, concern, and helping. Thank you very much. I hope we can have more of such films. Mrs. R.W. (Wrenshall, MN)
The film on Thailand that we saw at Bible study was so very moving to me. It makes so much sense that what the king and queen are doing there is what we will be doing during the Millennium. The way that they work with their people is truly inspiring. The film also helped me realize how great my responsibility is to our four children, to teach them God's way. Mrs. F.B. (Piqua, OH)
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